One of the ways many writers can successfully add credentials to their portfolio if to participate in a variety of literary contests. This type of contest encourages writers to put their best foot forward in both creativity and attention to detail.
It is true that there are some contests that provide a cash award for their top finishers, but there are also publishing scams that will accept your work regardless of quality. When you receive notice that your work has been accepted for publication it can be a real boost, however, a quick look at many writer’s websites can help you define the contests that are essentially vanity publishers willing to print just about anything if they believe you will purchase copies of the book for friends and family.
Many cash award writing contests cover the cost of prize awards by charging an entry fee. This factor often discourages many writers who may not feel confident enough in their writing to pay a fee to submit. This allows those who do enter a better chance at placing.
There are also writing contests that present the opportunity to have their work published online, in a magazine or in an anthology. As a rule this type of contest does not require a purchase of the publication the work will appear in nor will they assume full rights of your work. The best writing contests only require a one time non-exclusive print right. This is important because it allows you the opportunity to sell or place the work in other venues.
Beware of forfeiting full (exclusive) rights in any writing contest. When this right is given the ownership of the work is no longer yours. You will have no right to use the material in any form without permission from the publisher. It is possible to pay to enter a contest, forfeit the rights to your work and allow a publisher to gain long-term financial benefit from your work.
Quality writing contests have the bonus feature of allowing you to fine tune your skills by reading the work of others. Reading can make a good writer even better. If you pay attention you can learn what works and what doesn’t while using writing contests as a means of gaining valuable insight into unique styles and structure.
On a positive note, there have been numerous incidents in which individuals who entered a submission for a writing contest were able to use that same work for publishing in other book anthologies and magazines. The key is making sure to participate in writing contests that preserve your right to control the reuse of the piece.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online destinations for Christian writers. Please visit the website at: http://www.faithwriters.com
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Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Writing Contests: Building Writing Credentials
Submitting Your Manuscript: Getting Started
I am often asked "Do you know of a publisher who would be interested in my book?" There's no easy way to answer this question. You see, according to the PMA Newsletter, there are over 86,000 publishers in existence (http://parapub.com/statistics). It would be impossible to know what each one is looking for at any given time. However you do know that you're not going to submit your manuscript or book proposal to 86,000 publishers. It would be a waste of your time and money. To improve your chances in the submission process, you have to do your homework. Here are a few tips so your research will be most effective:
Publishing Houses: Get the Facts
Can you submit your manuscript to more than one place at a time? Depends on where you're sending it. Unfortunately, each publishing house has its own set of rules for reviewing a manuscript that will have multiple submissions. You have to find out what those rules are. You can check out the 2006 Writer's Market, published by Writer's Digest. It's an excellent source for publisher's guidelines. So is the website, Literary Marketplace.
While reviewing these resources you should also note what kind of material the company publishes and what kinds of manuscripts and proposals they would like to see. Another way to get more specific information on this topic is to go to your local bookstore and look at books similar to yours. Note the publisher as well as the agent and editor who handled the book (they're usually mentioned in the acknowledgments). Granted, a publisher might turn your manuscript down if they feel they've "been there, done that", but on the other hand if the company has had success with the subject matter they may be scouring the landscape to find more of the same!
Looking for an Agent
Your research may tell you that the publishers who seem right for you don't accept unsolicited manuscripts. That means you'll need an agent so you'll have to start your submission process with literary agencies. If that's the case, the 2006 Guide to Literary Agents is a great place to begin your search. Writer's Digest publishes this hefty tome listing more than 600 non-fee charging agents.
All of the agents listed in the guide adhere to the ethical guides established by the Association of Author's Representatives (AAR). Members of AAR are forbidden from charging fees. So in one book you get the security of knowing the agent you're dealing with is on the level, plus you get a full understanding of what material the agent represents. That means you won't be sending your manuscript out on a fruitless--and costly mission.
Manuscript Mechanics
Don't get too caught up in the specifics of what your manuscript should look like. Your research will tell you if the agent or publisher wants your manuscript a certain way, but for the most part as long as it's double-spaced and printed with a clear, easy-to-read 12-point font such as Courier or Arial you should be fine. Put your name, book title and page numbers on each page and--this is key--don't staple anything. Leaving the pages loose make it easy for the recipient to make copies. This is necessary because usually more than one person will be reading your work.
One note: These days more and more agencies and publishing houses are accepting electronic submissions. Find out if this is the case for your targets. You can save yourself some money and a trip to the post office!
The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Banish all fear. I know that's easier said than done, but look at it this way. If writing is something you really want to do, then manuscript submissions will become a regular part of your life. You don't want to go through your days and nights in a constant state of submission angst! It makes me feel tired just to think of what that would be like!
Instead put yourself in the mindset of being a writer and a businessperson. Your writing is your product. You will put out the best product possible. Know that the bulk of your rejections will have nothing to do with the quality of your product so don't take it personally. You move on to the next prospect with the same positive attitude that the next one may be the right one. Know that writing is part of your work. Being afraid isn't.
© 2006 Sophfronia
See Sophfronia's The Book Sistah Blog, category "Articles". Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is "The Book Sistah" TM. Get her FREE REPORT, "The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published" and her FREE online writing and publishing tips at http://www.thebooksistah.com/
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The Reality Of Publishing Your Book
According to a recent survey, more than eighty percent of Americans want to write a book. This shocking statistic is somewhat puzzling because the National Endowment for the Arts estimates that only fifty-seven percent of Americans have read one book in the last twelve months!
What is it that makes people -- even non-readers -- want to put pen to paper?
Perhaps it's the desire for fame and fortune. Maybe it's the need to earn respect from others. Or maybe it's the hopeful wish to leave some mark on the future, a permanent record of a life lived.
Whatever the reason, for those who actually complete a manuscript, the odds of seeing it published by a reputable book publisher are slim to none.
For the estimated two million manuscripts that authors complete, there are only 64,000 publishers of record, and only a fraction of those publishers actively seek new manuscripts.
So what are the millions of hopeful authors to do?
The first step would be to ensure their manuscripts are the best they can be. This is usually accomplished by re-writing, editing, and proofreading by an outside firm or by a well-read and literate colleague.
Even then, most of those two million books stand no chance of being accepted by a traditional publisher. Authors who do make the cut are not necessarily the best writers, but rather they are writers who can sell themselves and their stories most convincingly.
Some authors, after rejections from the trade, will find themselves victims of vanity publishers, who take advantage of the hopes and aspirations of writers to extract an exorbitant fee to publish their book. Writers are better off publishing through firms like iUniverse and Lulu. Although their books will likely never see wide distribution, at least their losses will be minimal.
Finally, there are the select few who decide to become publishers themselves, even if it is only to self-publish their own book. These self-publishers will find great obstacles, and a great deal of work in this route. The challenge and reward of having one's success or failure entirely in one's own hands is a powerful feeling.
Whether they choose to publish electronically, or use short run printing service like Lightning Source, or even to go full boar with a print run of 1,000 or more, their success depends on how well they sell themselves and their story to others.
There's an age-old debate about which method is better; using a publishing company or self publishing your own book. You know your situation and you know what will work best for you. You'll want to consider how much time or money you have to invest in the project. That should give you an idea as to which route to take. Using a publisher takes less time on your part, but you'll forfeit some of the royalties by using this method. If you self publish, you'll have to pay "up front" and do the initial work to get the ball rolling on sales of your book.
If you are about to embark on a new manuscript, educate yourself thoroughly about the industry, its scams, and potential pitfalls. More importantly, learn to market yourself well, for this, more than any other skill, is the determining factor in your success or failure.
About the Author:Learn how to become a published book author! Download Brian's free e-book, Book Writing for Fun and Profit, at www.BookCatcher.com. Visit Brian's blog, Book Publishing News
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I Think I Need An Agent
Your initial manuscript is complete. Maybe it's even been shelved for a period of time. You may have sent the manuscript to a publisher, but it never really went anywhere. You really believe in the book, but are tired of hitting the roadblock that reads, "No unsolicited manuscripts".
Maybe what you need is a literary agent; one who believes in you and your work and will represent that belief to appropriate publishers. You conduct an online search and find several agents and agencies available, but you have no idea what to do next.
It is true that many authors who utilize the services of a literary agent may still have little publishing success, but by utilizing an agent you may be able to find a few more doors open.
There is a cautionary tale in all of this. You see, there are many 'agents' who will ask for a fee (sometimes called a readers fee) to review your manuscript. If an agent asks for any fees up front they are not likely to be members of the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR). This organization provides rules of conduct and ethics for literary agents.
One of the prime motivators for a literary agent is that they do not receive payment until/unless they actually sell your manuscript to a publisher. In this way they are as interested in seeing you succeed as you are. If they are paid up front they may be less inclined to market your work effectively.
If you are looking for an agent, check to see if they are a member of AAR. There are plenty of individuals who are making a significant living by receiving fees from clients they do not represent well.
There are several locations on the web that provide information on agents to avoid. One of the most comprehensive can be found at http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/peala.htm Another source for agent information is a writer's market guidebook (there are multiple directories available).
You should know that it is entirely possible to get your manuscript published without the use of an agent, but it will take more research from you.
You will also most likely need to sell yourself as well as your work to a qualified agent. Many agents are already working with established authors so they often find it difficult to bring new authors on board. It can be done - remain persistent.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online destinations for Christian writers. Please visit the website at: http://www.faithwriters.com
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28 Reasons Why Publishers Will Buy Your Book
1. The author's previous books have sold well.
2. They love the book and think it will sell.
3. They think the book will sell.
4. They love it enough to publish, regardless of itscommercial potential.
5. It's a book that deserves to be published because of itsvalue to a cause or the country.
6. An editor is passionate enough about it to overcome anydoubts the house may have about the book.
7. A new editor has arrived from another house and isbuilding a list.
8. The publisher has the opportunity to reflag a successfulauthor from another house.
9. The book will be the first in a series with stronggrowth potential.
10. The idea for the book is brilliant.
11. The idea for the book is timely.
12. The writing is superb.
13. The title alone will sell books.
14. An author's promotion plan guarantees a book's success.
15. The author is a media magnet who can guarantee enoughpublicity to make the book successful.
16. The author has a national platform such as a column ora radio or television show that will guarantee continuingexposure for the book.
17. The publisher thinks that the book will back list andbecome an evergreen (like evergreen tree -- sells for a longlong time).
18. The book has subsidiary rights potential including bookclubs, audio cassettes or foreign, electronic or movierights.
19. The book has adoption potential in schools oruniversities.
20. The house has published similar books with success.
21. The book is on a subject that the house has or wants tobuild a list on.
22. Overcome by auction fever, publishers convincethemselves that, despite the profit-and-loss statement ratedto determine the book's value, they pay whatever it takes tooutbid their rivals.
23. The author wants to switch houses.
24. The editor discovers the book on a trip to a book fairand thinks it will sell, or is caught up in the excitementsurrounding the book, or wants to justify the trip.
25. The publisher is sending the industry the message thatbecause of new management or despite changes in the house,the house is a player.
26. The book being sold may not be a big one, but futurebooks will have bestseller potential.
27. The author has a personal connection with someone inthe house with the power to buy the book.
28. Publishing the book will enhance the house's prestige.
This is not a definitive list. John Saul, a novelist,observed if publishers don't want to buy a book, they say"It's been done to death." If they do want to buy thatbook, they'll say, "Always works."
Catherine Franz, a Certified Professional Marketing & Writing Coach, specializes in product development, Internet writing and marketing, nonfiction, training. Newsletters and articles available at: http://www.abundancecenter.com
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Get Ya’ Money Right: The Truth About Publishing
What up Playa? By now you should be getting the big picture. There ain’t no business like show business. But here's the problem, you keep putting on the show, but you ain’t handling the business. If you are like many of the young artist coming-up in the game, you probably don’t have a strong grasp on the Music Industries many rules and regulations. You might have read an article here or there, or even picked up a book or two about the music business, but chances are that unless you’re a lawyer you probably didn't understand it.
Relax, I got your back. Look at me as sort of your music business guardian angel, here to help you add a little business to your show. Let’s face it, the music business is a well-oiled machine designed to do one thing, and that is make money. Throughout your career you will notice that at every corner you turn there is someone who is waiting to benefit from your talent and success. Regardless to how large you may become, you will never be able to completely eliminate the middleman. Go ahead and screw up your face if you want, but if you think you can cross out the middleman then you need to close your eyes and go back to La-La-Land, 'cause homie your still dreaming. Even when you become a Hip Hop mogul like Russell Simmons or P-Diddy, you still have answer to someone else, and they are usually making more money then you are. Alright, here is where I will stop myself because I am known for going off on a tangent about the many, many economic inequalities of the music business. So with no further delay, let's talk about getting paid…
Get Your Money Right
Now that we have established other people are going to be making money off of your talents, lets focus on how you can begin to get your beak wet too. During the week I get a million and one emails with questions about the music business. The one question that comes up the most is, "what is Publishing and what does it have to do with me?" Publishing is quite a difficult topic; so I will explain it as simple as humanly possible. Sit down class and pay attention.
Publishing is money earned from the songs that you have written. This money comes from two separates sources.
Source #1: Mechanical Royalties-This is the money that record companies pay to the publisher for songs that have been mechanically recorded(pressed-up) on record or CD.
Source #2: Public Performance Income-Better known as performing rights, this allow others to use your music in different mediums such as; radio, t.v., movies, etc.
Pump the brakes, Playa! Your not entitled to all of the money, just a portion of it. Let me explain. All money made from music publishing is simple known as Publishing Royalties. Publishing royalties are broken down into two separate shares; publishers share and writers share. Think of the shares as a pie with two halves; the publishers side represents 50% of the pie and the writers share represents 50% of the pie, and together they represent 100% of Music Publishing Income.
The publisher is the party that collects both shares and then pays the writer's share to the writer or writers of the song. The Publisher is the one who owns or controls the copyright of the song. This means that they have the rights to do with it as they please, such as licensing(renting) it out for movies, or sheet music. Also, granting permission to other singers to re-record it. At some point, you as a songwriter are going to have to deal with a Publisher on some level, whether you decide to self-publish or not. The main advantage to self-publishing is that your are the sole controller of your copyrights, but unless you have the time, energy, and resources to do what a publisher does, you better learn to play "Let's Make A Deal."
What a Publisher can do for you the Songwriter
• Copyright your songs so your butt is covered around the world.
• Make sure your songs are used in every imaginable medium, such as: radio, video games, downloadable ring-tones, movies, etc.
• Hook up manufacturing and distribution deals for music books and sheet music of your songs.
• Register your songs with collections agencies like BMI, ASCAP, SEASAC, and the Harry Fox Agency.
• Protect you from copyright infringers trying to steal your material by sampling, file-sharing, and bootlegging.
• Develop and Promote you as a writer.
• Negotiating licensing deals on your behalf
Your best bet is to set-up a co-publishing agreement with a large publisher; this way you will ensure that things will be done correctly, without you losing your mind in the process. There are far too many types of publishing agreements to get into detail, but you have to always agree to the deal you can live with. Think long-term and your money will grow, think short-term and the next song you write may be one for Food Stamps.
Sahpreem A. King is a Multi-Platinum record producer, and book author of Gotta Get Signed: How to Become a Hip Hop Producer", available on Schirmer Trade Books. For more info visit: http://www.becomeahiphopproducer.com
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How To Get People To Know That Your Book Is Out There
Ok so you have been through the writing process, where you have wrote that perfect novel, and rewrote it again and again until it's perfect. Then you found either a Publisher or Agent to represent you. Your book has been through the editing stage, cover art finalized, and a Published Date assigned, now what? Is the job done? Have you did all you needed to do to make this book a success? Nope, you have only begun. Now you have to market that book, get it into book stores, let people know it is available.
First off you need to find out from your Publisher or Agent where you book will be available at, who is doing reviews and any promoting they plan on doing. Once you have the answers to these questions you now know where to start.
A review is the first step to getting your book known. You can begin requesting reviews as soon as the Publisher has a final proof copy available. Most review sites can be found in the Search Engines by simply typing the Genre of your book, Examples are Romance and Sci-Fi, and the key words book reviews. You will then see either reviews done on books in your genre, which you can trace back to the source of the review or the actual review sites. Reviews are a great way to get the word out about your book and shows someone else’s opinion of it.
Your local book stores is a good place. I know what if they don't want to carry it? Well that is something you have to find out. More than likely though you can go and speak to a manager who will either point you to someone else or they can handle your questions. So how do you approach them?
Begin by preparing a summary of your book, maybe a short excerpt or possibly a copy of a review. Your business card, and if you don't already have don't fret there are many places that make them, and if you access to the internet and a printer you can make one online and print afterwards. There are keys things to consider when you design your business cards, one being your name, contact information, title of the book, and ISBN#. These things have to be on the cards, and they have to be in legible writing. Another thing to take with you is a copy of your book, now you don't have to give them a copy though many do. However you do need one to show them the quality of the books and that they are ready for sale. Besides isn't seeing something better than just hearing about it. Take cookies as an example, hearing about one is fine, but smelling them, touching them and tasting them is better.
Now that you have a basic press kit, dress nice or in character such as if its a pirate book, wearing a flowing skirt or men wear a ruffled shirt. Just remember first impressions do count and more than likely mean the most when you ask for that all important interview. Also don't be afraid to ask for a book signing these are great incentives, plus gives you a chance to talk to the reader about your newest creation.
I guess the one other thing to remember is have fun, you have fulfilled a life long dream.
Dee Owens writes articles for articles 3000
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Getting Published: When To Pay And When You Don't
How much should you pay to get your book published? I know this question is confusing because I once led a teleclass where a student asked me four times how much I paid to get my novel published. I said, "Nothing!", but the answer didn't make sense to her. She didn't understand why I didn't have to pay anything when she was being "pursued" by publishers offering packages that would cost her thousands of dollars. Welcome to today's publishing world where the old model is often confused with the digital/self-publishing models and writers don't know how or even if they have to spend their own money. Let me clarify. I hope this will help you make the right decisions for your book.
Traditional Publishers
Whether a traditional publishing house is one of the big ones, like Random House or St. Martin's (which published my novel), or moderate to small like a Hay House, one thing remains the same: you pay nothing. When one of these houses is interested in your book, they pay you an advance to write the book and, if the book sells well, they will continue to pay you royalties. Depending on how large your publisher is and how excited they are about your book you may also get a nice marketing push and your own public relations person working to get your book noticed. There's also a level of prestige and acceptance that comes from selling your book to a publishing house--reviewers take notice and it's easier to get the major booksellers to stock your book. Of course, it's also really difficult to get a traditional publisher interested in your book (you'll probably need a literary agent), but if this is what you want for your project, you'll do the things you need to do to get noticed.
Print On Demand Publishers
Many new writers think they are getting the attention of a traditional publisher when they are pursued by a POD publisher. Then they're shocked when they find out how much they have to pay. You have to know that most POD publishers are totally reputable, but on a certain level, you're still self-publishing. POD publishers offer a wide range of fee-based options including cover design, editing and marketing. They operate like a traditional publishing house in that the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is owned by the POD, not the author, and the company pays royalties to the author. Going POD can be pricey, but if you have zero experience in putting a book together they can be your best buy. Some of the popular ones include Lulu, Trafford Publishing, Author House, Outskirts Press and iUniverse.
Digital Printers
The most important thing to know about digital printers is that they just manufacture the book. You maintain control. You keep the copyright, you own the ISBN (which you'll have to purchase yourself) and you figure out how to sell the book. You'll also probably have to hire a designer and an editor to help you put the book in tip-top shape before handing it over to the printers. In this process you can ask the printers to send you a price quote or even get several to bid on your project. This could be your best pricing option. Just remember to ask for references and interview the authors to see how satisfied they were with their final product.
As always, do your homework. You can spend as much or as little as you want. Only you will know how close you come to producing the book that's been in your mind forever.
2007 Sophfronia Scott Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is "The Book Sistah" TM. Get her FREE REPORT, "The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published" and her FREE online writing and book publishing tips at http://www.TheBookSistah.com
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Video Game Culture
We grew up in the first video game culture. We learned to releive stress playing video games instead of playing sports. Other generations look at us and see this as a waste of time, but in reality, or version of stress relief is far more 'emotionally healty' than what some of the previous genenrations called sport or fun.
Today's generation of gammers is turning to online games such as blackjack and other games. I am not talking about the gambling promotion sites. There are a lot of free sites, where you can go have fun.
Of course the older generation is very vocal about online game sites - but don't mention that those sites are no more expensive or more 'gambling' than bingo. Remember the bingo craze that lasted for two decades? The important thing to do is visit a comparison site, and then make sure you don't get caught in one of the unreputable sites.
Scams, Schemes, And Shams: Who Can An Author Trust?
Authors in their quest to get published can fall victim to scams. Here's a few tips to help you avoid the traps.
Online Matching Services and Email Blast Programs
These services, for a fee, put your query letter, synopsis and first chapter online. Acquisition editors and literary agents then have the opportunity to peruse the offerings. You have to ask yourself if you truly believe that the average literary agent, who receives 1100 unsolicited queries a year, has the time to look at these websites.
The reverse, or maybe it’s the inverse, are services that have databases of agents and publishers. You specify the genre of your book and up pops agents/publishers who have said they are interested in your genre. Sometimes the agents/publishers have provided their acquisition specs and sometimes the owner of the database has just input the information from other sources.
Finally there are services who will email blast your query letter to agents/publishers. If the participants have agreed to receive the query letters there is a higher probability you will be successful. But, again you have to wonder, with all the unpublished manuscripts out there looking for a publishing home, why would an agent/publisher feel it necessary to sign up for these types of services.
Book Doctors…but are they quacks?
The beginning author wonders: 1) Do I really have talent? 2) Is my book ready to be marketed, or does it need additional work?
One option is to hire an editing service, sometimes called a book doctor. This is not simply a copy editor who checks for grammar, sentence structure, and spelling. A book doctor looks at the plot, characters, dialogue, continuity and flow.
It almost seems like more people making a living selling editing services—book doctors, script doctors—than writers earning a living. In screenwriting, it has become an epidemic. Producers who run out of money have even taken up the script doctoring profession to pay the rent while they are “between films.”
Asking another person to re-write your work is problematic. Who knows your story better than you do? It is extremely difficult to evaluate how talented these editors are, to determine if they are really going to improve your work.
Fees for these services can range from several hundred dollars to five or ten thousand dollars.
Remember that all manuscripts need editing. And that one of the publisher’s jobs is to work with the writer on getting the manuscript ready to publish.
Another option is a critique service; this is usually less expensive. They provide a report of their view of what is good and bad about the work, and perhaps its market potential. They are, at best, just one person’s opinion. If the critique service isn’t a publisher, how do they know what will sell and what won’t.
Marketing Services
There are many companies who provide legitimate services to authors in marketing and promoting their titles. Just because a company requires a fee doesn’t mean it’s a scam.
Having said that, if your book is not offered with industry standard terms, bookstores are highly unlikely to stock it, no matter what the marketing efforts are. Your book must be returnable to the publisher through the major wholesalers. It must be offered with 90 days for payment. It must be offered with at least a 40% discount from the retail price. These terms must be offered from the publisher not the author – unless of course the author is the publisher. Keep in mind that the author must own the ISBN, International Standard Book Number to be considered the publisher.
When a marketing company is unconcerned that the terms are not industry standard you should be concerned
About the Author:Brian Hill and Dee Power have written several nonfiction books including http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com/ebook.html Your Ebook: From Cyberspace to the Bookstore Shelves, and The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents and Booksellers Behind Them
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5 Tips For Catching Errors In Your Writing
Imagine receiving boxes of books from the printer or publisher only to discover a glaring typo. After countless hours of editing, revising, and proofing, how did it get by?
No matter what editing procedures you undertake, mistakes can happen. So how do you prevent errors before they wind up in your book? Read on...
1 - Employ an editing service.
The most common mistakes are minor, for example incorrect word use (their, they're, there) and simple misspellings.
2 - Get a second (and third) set of eyes.
Even if you don't wish to pay a professional, anyone who reviews your document will find mistakes you invariably miss. It is a function of the brain called "cerbrainiumitis." Okay, okay, that term is made-up -- but the truth is, you're much more familiar with your manuscript than anyone else, and as a result, apt to miss obvious mistakes simply because your eyes glaze over them.
3 - Read your manuscript backwards.
Reading material backwards is the antidote to "cerbrainiumitis" because a critical view of the English language cannot be corrupted by the flowing exposition you have massaged into sparkling prose. When you read your manuscript backwards, your book becomes just a collection of words, and those mistakes literally jump off the page.
4 - Read your manuscript out loud.
When you are forced to say the words out loud, your brain is forced to slow down and concentrate on the material. Bonus - you may discover stumbling blocks like awkward sentence structures and choppy dialogue.
5 - Use the right kind of publisher.
What do you do when that 5,000 print run costs $10,000 and features a grave error that cannot be dismissed? Your best recourse upon discovering an error is typically a sticker and a sense of humor. But an on-demand publisher that allows you to revise your book after publication (for a reasonable fee) means you are never stuck with your blunders.
Brent Sampson is the President & CEO of Outskirts Press at http://www.outskirtspress.com/ where the future of publishing is here, today. He is the award-winning author of "Publishing Gems: Insider Information for the Self-Publishing Writer" and "Self-Publishing Simplified" which is available on Amazon for an unbelievably low $5.95 or for free in e-book form at http://outskirtspress.com/publishing
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How To Get A Book Deal - Without Being Scammed
How to get a book deal without being scammed is a hurdle for any writers. Publishers Are Not Exempt From Questionable Practices.
Keep These Warning Signs in Mind
Charges a fee to read your manuscript.
You are providing the product for them to sell. Why should you have to pay to see if they are interested in your work?
Offers subsidy contracts
(you pay them to have your book published) when they promote themselves as commercial publishers. Are POD (publish-on-demand) publishers, such as authorshouse, IUniverse, and Xlibris, legitimate publishers? Yes as long as the author realizes the costs and the limitations of POD publishing. Publish On Demand books are rarely stocked in bookstores.
Bait and Switch
There are some publishers who hide behind the mask of respectability and call themselves ‘traditional’ when in fact they are a vanity press. How can you tell? Look at their websites, if the focus is on recruiting writers rather than promoting the books they publish, it’s a huge red flag.
Other publishers ‘will accept’ your manuscript and then come back a few weeks later and say that their list for the next season is full but they would dearly love to publish your book. You just need to share the risk with them by giving them some money.
A new twist is to tell the author that their project has merit but the author will have to find an investor to sponsor their title. The publisher isn’t asking the author directly for any funds but many authors shell out the necessary dollars rather than try and find an ‘investor.’
Rebates
The publisher says that any fees you pay them will be completely refunded once your book reaches a certain sales level, usually in the thousands. Or that they will provide a comparable number of ‘free’ copies when the magic sales level has been reached.
A twist on rebates is that the publisher will match your monetary contribution in marketing efforts for your title. Publishers are supposed to market their own titles. The match most likely will not be in advertising dollars, review copies sent, or book tour expenses but the efforts of the in house staff. Efforts that probably won’t be focused specifically on your title.
How to get a book deal without getting scammed is possible for any author. Just keep these warning signs in mind.
Want to find out how you can avoid scams and still get your book published? You can receive a free report Perils and Pitfalls of Publishing for Writers just visit Free Report
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How Do You Relax?
My husband loves sports. He is always on one sports website or another. He watches games online, participates in forums. He has even gotten me into watching the games. It is amazing how a rugby podcast can make me relax when working late.
Hearing the voices relaxes me, it gives me a connection. I don't always listen, but rugby are happy sounding - they always lift my spirits. Of course, if you are into sports and the other team wins then you are kind of down when they lose. But, after seven years of working at home, I've found few things that are as relaxing as listening to sports.
Next time you have a stressful deadline - try putting a rugby podcast on your computer.
Submission Allowance
When you understand what an editor allows in the way of submissions you can begin to see there may be more options available to you than you may have realized. By understanding the ‘big three’ submission types you will find a greater ability to maximize your publishing potential.
What is a Parallel Submission?
When you conduct research for a non-fiction article it is possible to take the research and create several articles on the same topic. This goal can be accomplished through the adaptation of specific word count requirements and a variety of perspectives and emphases. These articles are then submitted to publishers – one unique article per submission.
The premise behind this technique is to take the research you performed on the subject and allow it the greatest possibility of publication by allowing a variety of publishers the opportunity to review uniquely written material on a singular, yet well researched topic.
The added benefit is that by writing in a variety of styles on the same subject you are continuing the process of fine tuning your ability to wordsmith.
This method is effective because editors often only look at material that is not being sent to another publisher. By providing a unique article to each publication your overall research is maximized for potential publication.
What are Multiple Submissions?
This term refers to a publisher’s willingness to allow you to send them more than one submission at a time. Multiple Submissions are typically allowed for low word count articles or filler material. These submissions will not take long for the editor to look through so having several to choose from is advantageous for the editor and provides great prospects for you.
What are Simultaneous Submissions?
Many editors will allow an author to provide simultaneous submissions. This concept allows you to send your work to more than one editor/publisher at the same time. This allows the author another unique opportunity to market their work for potential publication. It should be noted that not all publishers accept a submission that has been sent to another publication while other publishers allow the practice on the condition that the author note the fact in their cover letter.
There’s Just One More Thing
Be sure to read through all guidelines whenever submitting material to a potential publisher. Even the kindest editor lacks patience for a blatant disregard for stated submission guidelines.
You expect the editor to be professional so return the favor. Make sure your correspondence is error free, polite and professional in tone. This can go a long way in establishing your ability to interact in a peer to peer fashion. It also exudes a tone of confidence that can be assistive in allowing the editor to have a similar confidence in your abilities.
About the Author:Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online destinations for Christian writers. Members include writers from all around the world. Please visit the website at: http://www.faithwriters.com
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Scams, Schemes, And Shams: Who Can An Author Trust?
Authors in their quest to get published can fall victim to scams. Here's a few tips to help you avoid the traps.
Online Matching Services and Email Blast Programs
These services, for a fee, put your query letter, synopsis and first chapter online. Acquisition editors and literary agents then have the opportunity to peruse the offerings. You have to ask yourself if you truly believe that the average literary agent, who receives 1100 unsolicited queries a year, has the time to look at these websites.
The reverse, or maybe it’s the inverse, are services that have databases of agents and publishers. You specify the genre of your book and up pops agents/publishers who have said they are interested in your genre. Sometimes the agents/publishers have provided their acquisition specs and sometimes the owner of the database has just input the information from other sources.
Finally there are services who will email blast your query letter to agents/publishers. If the participants have agreed to receive the query letters there is a higher probability you will be successful. But, again you have to wonder, with all the unpublished manuscripts out there looking for a publishing home, why would an agent/publisher feel it necessary to sign up for these types of services.
Book Doctors…but are they quacks?
The beginning author wonders: 1) Do I really have talent? 2) Is my book ready to be marketed, or does it need additional work?
One option is to hire an editing service, sometimes called a book doctor. This is not simply a copy editor who checks for grammar, sentence structure, and spelling. A book doctor looks at the plot, characters, dialogue, continuity and flow.
It almost seems like more people making a living selling editing services—book doctors, script doctors—than writers earning a living. In screenwriting, it has become an epidemic. Producers who run out of money have even taken up the script doctoring profession to pay the rent while they are “between films.”
Asking another person to re-write your work is problematic. Who knows your story better than you do? It is extremely difficult to evaluate how talented these editors are, to determine if they are really going to improve your work.
Fees for these services can range from several hundred dollars to five or ten thousand dollars.
Remember that all manuscripts need editing. And that one of the publisher’s jobs is to work with the writer on getting the manuscript ready to publish.
Another option is a critique service; this is usually less expensive. They provide a report of their view of what is good and bad about the work, and perhaps its market potential. They are, at best, just one person’s opinion. If the critique service isn’t a publisher, how do they know what will sell and what won’t.
Marketing Services
There are many companies who provide legitimate services to authors in marketing and promoting their titles. Just because a company requires a fee doesn’t mean it’s a scam.
Having said that, if your book is not offered with industry standard terms, bookstores are highly unlikely to stock it, no matter what the marketing efforts are. Your book must be returnable to the publisher through the major wholesalers. It must be offered with 90 days for payment. It must be offered with at least a 40% discount from the retail price. These terms must be offered from the publisher not the author – unless of course the author is the publisher. Keep in mind that the author must own the ISBN, International Standard Book Number to be considered the publisher.
When a marketing company is unconcerned that the terms are not industry standard you should be concerned
About the Author:Brian Hill and Dee Power have written several nonfiction books including http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com/ebook.html Your Ebook: From Cyberspace to the Bookstore Shelves, and The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents and Booksellers Behind Them
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How To Get A New York Publisher
When you look at the numbers, it’s clear that the New York publishing scene is a tough nut to crack. The reality is that with 83% of Americans wanting to write a book, the competition for a publisher’s attention is steep. So what’s an author to do? Well, if your attempts for finding a traditional publisher aren’t bringing any results, maybe it’s time to think like a publisher, instead of an author.
Writing a book is the easy part, and while publishers look at writing style and voice, there’s a whole lot more that goes into a successful book than just how well it’s written. When it comes to success, a publisher looks at this much differently than an author does. Truth be told, a publisher gauges a book’s potential success largely by the author.
Now don’t misunderstand me, there’s market consideration as well, but the author’s “salability” is looked at very closely. What we refer to as a “platform” is something all authors need to have, regardless of their target market. A platform is not who you know, but who knows you. It’s your area of influence. A platform can be any of the following:
• Your business
• Your fan base
• Speaking gigs you have coming up
• Your email list of potential buyers (i.e. fans)
• Your website (if your site is drawing traffic and capturing email addresses)
• How well you’re known in your market
If you’re new to the book world (meaning this is your first book) you may not have a single item on the above list in your vault of marketing tools. That’s okay. Now’s the time to build them.
The next piece of this is to write for a market. Over the years I’ve seen countless authors write a book on something for which there is no market. They believe their book will create the market. This won’t happen. Ever. First, if you’re self-publishing a book you probably don’t have the funds available to you to “create” a market even if you wanted to. You may respond to this by saying, “Yeah, but new markets are created every day.” And yes, this is true; what’s also true is that while it may seem that these are “new” markets, they were in fact already existing but, perhaps, untapped. Finding these markets can cost you a fortune in consumer research, advertising, product/book placement, etc.
When a company like Coca-Cola decides to put out a brand new product, you can bet that millions of dollars has gone into this prior to the launch. When authors come to me and say, “I have a great idea and it’s never been done before,” I suspect there’s a reason why, a publisher will too. Now, let’s say that you’ve done the research, you’ve spent years working in this arena and you know there are readers out there. Millions of them. If this is the case then I’d suggest you show up armed with your (current) research and data.
The ability to self-publish your book has (thankfully) brought a number of books to the attention of a traditional publisher that might have otherwise gone overlooked. Why? Because publishers like what other people like. If you have a book that you’ve self-published and it’s done well, a publisher might consider this for commercial access as well. By “commercial” I mean consumer, trade paperback, mass market. The key is to keep a close eye on the track record of the book and document your success. This form of documentation will later become the resume you use to entice a publisher into considering your book.
I was talking to an author the other day who had a great idea. He had a hard time getting a traditional publisher interested in his book, so he self-published with the intent of getting a major house to publish him. With that he mind he solicited referral letters from bookstores. Why bookstores? Because if you can get a bookstore excited about your book and tell publishers it “flew off the shelves,” you’ll be a step closer to piquing a publisher’s interest. Why? Well many (if not all) publishers will solicit advice from booksellers on the sales potential of a book they’re considering. They do this because they know that the bookseller is front and center with the consumer every day. They see what sells and what doesn’t. Having a bookstore (preferably several) in your corner could be a tremendous thing for your future and the future of your book.
And finally, let’s be realistic. With 500 books published each day in the U.S., the competition is fierce for gaining the buyer’s attention. Your book is your resume and because of this, it needs to be letter perfect. You should never wait for a traditional publisher to come along and “polish” your book, it should be gleaming with perfection. Yes, there are always things you’ll want to change after it’s published, but having a book that’s edited with a cover that sparkles will not only get you noticed by a publisher, but by your reader as well. And in the end, it’s the reader we must reach. Once you do, the world will beat a path to your door.
Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a book marketing and media relations expert whose company has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. Visit AME
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Selling Your Books
Eventually, most authors look for a way to sell their own books. Sometimes they do this through eBay or Amazon. Other times they find their own shopping carts. They shouldn't need a big shopping cart at first, but they should understand what works and what doesn't.
A good shopping cart can make or break a business. It can result in 100 sales a month, or 10 sales and 90 abandoned shopping carts.
By reviewing the major shopping carts, and look at what they offer their clients, you can find a small one, open source, or free one that will offer the same value and features, without the price.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Book Publishing From A Book Publisher's Point Of View
You can improve your chances of a publisher accepting your book manuscript if you understand more about what happens at the publisher's desk. Book publishers are busy people with several projects bombarding their desks every day. They must decide quickly about what will sell. They must also delegate their time efficiently to keep the business running. Only occasionally do publishers actually seek out work. Let's look at a typical work day of a publisher to help you understand book acceptance and book publishing.
PERSIST AND PERSEVERE
Writers must be persistent. Regardless of how many times a publisher rejects your book manuscript and throws your ideas in the trash, you have to keep going back for more discouragement. Eventually you'll make it in the door. If you can get all the way through, you will finally get to a place where publishers accept more of your work. When working with a book publisher, the rule is the same. If you have a book that you know will sell, you must persevere to get the publisher's attention. Most likely, you will be sending excerpts of your book, not the entire book, to a publisher. As you continually send your manuscript or book excerpts to publisher after publisher, you should try to market it in different ways. Publishers seek a particular kind of writing; they will dismiss anything that doesn't meet their criteria and high standards. Variation in your marketing techniques may turn a rejected book into an accepted book.
WHAT DO BOOK PUBLISHERS WANT?
Book publishing is a strange business. People's tastes are somewhat fickle. A book publisher has to keep up with what kinds of books will sell. It seems mysteries will always have a place on the bookshelves. Crichton and Grisham may tie up the book market until they are finished. That is just one example from one genre of books. Publishers have to keep track of what is selling in all areas of literature. The best way for you to get your work noticed is to make it look similar to what is already selling in the marketplace. Be careful not to imitate style or voice of another author. Write with your own unique words while imitating the use of popular public opinion. Another way to improve your chances of getting published is to find out who's publishing what.
ARE YOU MARKETING TO THE RIGHT PUBLISHER?
Some publishers specialize in a certain kind of writing. If you are writing a novel, you'll look stupid (and get rejected) if you send it to publishers who publish technical manuals. How do you find out who is the most likely candidate to publish your work? There are reference manuals, such as Writer's Market, at your library that will tell you who's publishing what and what publishers are seeking. It will contain valuable information leading you to children's book publishers, novel publishers, and textbook publishers. If the handbook at your library is not up to date, your next option is to check out the new releases and best sellers rack at the bookstore. Buy a few books and read them. You'll have a much better feel for the book market as a consumer first, and book writer second.
Book publishing is difficult to break into. It can be helpful to approach the issue from the direction of the publisher. Before you submit your manuscript again, improve your chances of acceptance by following these tips:
1) Change your marketing style so that you grab attention;
2) Make sure you are a book consumer yourself. You'll get a better feel for what's selling and what a publisher will buy. You'll also find out who is publishing which types of books.
3) Finally, by buying the product you are trying to sell, you will improve the book economy all together. Publishers need to see people buying books before they can commit to publishing more.
Many authors begin their careers with the single goal of getting their book published by a reputable publisher. Book publishing is difficult to accomplish. It takes many months of work and extensive preparation. Writing a book involves intricately woven ideas. A book is a project, and it may contain many other projects that involve research, development, and marketing. Most authors are disillusioned about the intensive process of creating a full, coherent book. Writing a book and finding a publisher is like nothing you have ever done before. It will take extensive and intensive work and development. It will also probably include much of everything you know, and more.
Learn how to become a published book author! Download Brian's free e-book, Book Writing for Fun and Profit, at www.BookCatcher.com. Visit Brian's blog, Book Publishing News
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Top 5 Shenanigans Of 5 Top Print-On-Demand Publishers
Publisher B has a new corporate overlord in Amazon, but offers no carriage with Ingram, which means no order availability through many bookstores nor major website listings with competitors Barnes & Noble.com, Powells.com, Bamm.com, etc.
Hint: Find a publisher that offers wholesale distribution through Ingram (which includes listings on Amazon, too). Publishing is already competitive enough; your distribution channels shouldn't be.
4) Disavowing any knowledge
Publisher P calls itself a traditional publisher, even though it uses the same on-demand technology as other PODs. They require an exclusive 7 year contract (twice as long as most traditional agreements) and absorb all your rights before you discover the truth.
Publisher L doesn't call itself a publisher at all, but rather a conduit toward publication. It even features a picture of a machine "publishing" your book for you. Do you want a hot-water heater handling your pride and joy?
Hint: Sign a non-exclusive contract that you can cancel in 30 days written notice and pick a publisher that uses real live human beings to format your book.
3) “Free” on-demand publication
Free things require no commitment, which is a harsh finale for a book you labored to write. We have heard of authors who "published for free" and then the author forgot who published their book! As Vince Lombardi says, “The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Getting what you pay for was never more appropriate, as authors of free services can attest.
Hint: You get out of something what you put into it; choose your publisher accordingly.
2.5) "Free" publishing that isn't actually free
I have to slip in this bonus shenanigan. Publisher T claims they will publish your book for free, yet require a $3,985 investment from the author. Last time I checked, that wasn't free. Their justification? They reimburse the payment to you once your book sells its 5000th copy.
Hint: Ask them the percentage of times they actually reimburse their authors. Ask for the titles of the books and author's names. Then get the contact informaton for every one of those authors and confirm it.
2) Traditional publisher affiliations
Traditional publishers make the lions share of profits because they take a gamble on every author. Publisher U has executives from the traditional publishing industry; which means they know how to take an author's money up-front AND in the long run on the back-end.
Hint: If you pay to be published, make sure you make a higher royalty than a traditional publisher pays. And make sure you don't confuse "20% net profit" with a "20% retail royalty".
1) Charging to be profitable
In this competitive publishing environment, publishing is hard enough without having your publisher charging you for things that should be free. Publisher X recently introduced an option for $249 that lets you set your own retail price. And when you see this bar graph comparison, you will understand why: http://outskirtspress.com/marketing/case-owp.gif
Hint: Having pricing flexibility is certainly better than not having it, but you shouldn't have to pay for it.
Brent Sampson is the President & CEO of Outskirts Press and the award-winning author of "Self-Publishing Simplified". A free ebook edition is available at http://outskirtspress.com/publishing.
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Cash Advances
One of the most convenient services created in the last decade is the payday loan. Some of these services are even letting people have an advance on any check, including child support, and social services. This can take the stress off when things are tight.
Many people need payday loansin the winter to help them avoid the Christmas Credit Crunch, when the credit card bills start to come in.
Online companies make it even more convenient by letting people apply online, and have the money deposited in their banks.
Appealing To The Reader
The line is long at the post office, yet you gladly wait to personally send the manuscript on its way. You watch as the heartless postal worker twists your package like a Frisbee into the ‘out’ bin. Quietly you walk back to the car and hope for the best.
A week later the package you prepared is added to a rather significant pile of other manuscripts that have been sent to the same publisher with the same belief that the work enclosed will make a solid addition to their line of book offerings.
You wonder from time to time how things are going, but you don’t want to disturb the publisher.
In the cold, callous world of publishing your manuscript winds up in the ‘slush pile’ – a somewhat irritating pile of material publishers see every day just waiting to be read, but the publisher has little hope of actually finding something worth publishing from within that pile.
The truth is the publisher or editor may never actually look at your work. That’s not to say that your work is not reviewed. You see, most publishers higher freelance ‘readers’ who will review the manuscript and weed out the ones that fail to meet the criteria of the publisher.
Most publishers are seeking a long-term relationship with a writer and they typically have very little need for new talent.
Instead of discouraging you, my hope is to instill the highest sense of professionalism in your work. Breaking into publishing is hard work so resist the urge to simply throw something together and send it on with the belief you’ve done what you could.
The ‘reader’ will have to see something different from the others that will allow them to pass your manuscript on to an editor. What is that something? A one/two punch of professionalism and passion.
Your story has to be solid and meet their guidelines, but the ‘reader’ needs to detect that beyond a good manuscript you have a passion for your work and that you are professional enough to make the impression the editor is looking for.
If done right, you not only impress the ‘reader’, but your manuscript may just get an audience with an editor while leaving the ‘slush pile’ behind.
Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters (http://www.faithwriters.com) and many other web projects. FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online destinations for Christian writers. Please visit the website at: http://www.faithwriters.com
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Publish Your Book With An Independent Publisher
On the other end of the spectrum, you could self-publish your own book. The nice thing about this approach is that the only person who has to approve your book is you! If you want to publish your own book, go right ahead. In fact, given the advancements in technology, you can do exactly that and order as little as one book at a time. The downside is that the credibility is far lower than with a major publisher.
These two options seem to be on opposite ends of the continuum and indeed have plenty of differences between them. Luckily, there’s a third category that sits comfortably in the middle. It’s the category of smaller independent publishers and there are thousands of them. They range from very small mom and pop operations to well-established significant publishers. They tend to specialize in one genre or another and often become leaders in their area of expertise.
Soliciting the independent publishers is a great way for a new author to break into the market. Find one that specializes in your particular area and visit their website. They will tell you exactly how they want to be solicited and you’re well advised to follow their guidance. Find out exactly what they’re looking for and then cater your proposal to their specific requirements.
It’s not necessary to have a Literary Agent when soliciting independent publishers. Don’t get me wrong. Having an agent is always a good idea. But you do have some additional options when dealing with the niche players and many will accept proposals directly. Most want you to send it to their Acquisitions Editor but I recommend checking with their website before addressing the envelope.
Getting a book advance is less common when dealing with independent publishers. It’s not impossible but I wouldn’t bank on it. The upside is you’ll have more access to the people reviewing your proposal and that’s half the battle. Don’t pester them. They probably get a few hundred proposals each month. But a polite and well placed phone call rarely hurts and it gives the editor a chance to hear your speaking voice at the same time.
Becoming an author is something you only do once. Once you’ve published your first book, you will forever more be an author. And it can change your life, not to mention your career. Don’t waste your time approaching one of the industry giants when your odds of being accepted are significantly less than 1%. Instead, find an independent publisher that specializes in the subject you’re considering and target your efforts accordingly.
Tactical Execution has made a business of helping others achieve their goals. We provide implementation solutions for a wide variety of marketing objectives and all our programs are designed to maximize immediate results. Please visit the website to take advantage of all the free resources available there.
Become a recognized expert. Optimize your website. Explode your business. Tactical Execution provides implementation strategies for immediate results. Claim your free website traffic hotsheet today!
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Publishing Websites
I use two services that let me put tools on my blogs and websites that increase interactivity between visitors and the website. This interaction will increase repeat traffic, build a community feel, and boost the web site's page rank. All of these are necessary to building a viable blog.
That is the one way that blogs are hobbled over websites. It is very difficult to create more than a newsletter. We can add surveys through various companies, which is a start. As long as they are easy to use.
I have added surveys to blogs but they didn't work properly, making it difficult for customers to use. The important thing is 'don't have an expiry date. Keep the polls open so visitors can participate.
Getting A Publisher & Getting What You Want
In the basic scenario of book publishing, a writer finishes a book and then finds an agent who helps sell the book to a publisher. When someone asks, "How do I find a publisher?" they're often looking for the details of this scenario. But let's backtrack a little. The answer to this question has to do with what you as a writer want out of the publishing process as well as what the publisher wants. It's best to be as clear as possible on both counts. Here are a few things to consider.
What You Want
What exactly do you want for your book? It's possible that your answer can save you a lot of time and heartache. Here's an example. A writer recently emailed me about wanting to find a publisher for his book on dealing with sickle cell anemia. He said he felt it was a really important book and that people would be interested in the information. That's great, but if his main goal is getting his book into the hands of those coping with the disease, he doesn't have to go with a big traditional publishing house in order to do that. He can self publish and take the book directly to doctor's offices, support groups and sickle cell organizations.
Do you want a book that tells a family story that will be a legacy for your children? Do you want a book that will establish your expertise and help you get started on the speaking circuit? You can accomplish these things by self publishing. A prominent ghostwriter recently published a book about his trade and landed a television interview where he discussed how politicians get their books written. The author was introduced as a "ghostwriting guru" and his book was prominently displayed at the end of the story. There was nothing that would have told you the book was self published. It didn't make a difference that it was. He still got the notice, was still seen as an expert.
Do you want to go for the whole enchilada--traditional publishing house, book tour, the status of having the validation of a publisher? That's fine too. Which brings us to...
What Publishers Want
Publishers are reviewing tons of manuscripts daily. How do you get your submission package to stand out from the others? By giving what they're looking for.
They want good writing. That's a given, but how do you deliver? First of all, be in a mode of constantly learning about your craft. Take classes, workshops, join a writer's group. Next, hire someone to help you. There are many editors who assist writers in getting a manuscript ready for submission. Some agencies even provide editing as part of their services.
The next part is harder. It has to do with that magical term "platform". Everyone these days talks about how publishers buy on the basis of your platform. In fact your submission package, fiction or non-fiction, will be all about showcasing your platform. Here's what they're looking for and how to demonstrate it.
Who you know and who knows you: Have testimonials and blurbs from known and noted people featured in your package. If you have a few big names behind you, that's more power for your marketing machine.
Do you have a following? If you put out a newsletter or other regular media you'll want to show how many subscribers you have. If you have a killer website, tell the number of hits you draw each month. If you sell a product, give sales figures to show you know how to produce what your customers want.
Are you in front of people all the time? Tell what media you already have under your belt. When and where were your last speaking engagements? Describe any radio, television, newspaper or magazine interviews you've done recently.
If you're lacking in any of these areas, it's never too late to change your situation. Polishing your prose and your persona are the best steps you can take to attract a publisher. They'll also help ensure your success if you decide to go it on your own. Remember, any improvement on your writing or marketing fronts will never go to waste!
© 2005 Sophfronia Scott
About the Author:Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is "The Book Sistah" TM. Get her FREE REPORT, "The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published" and her FREE online writing and publishing tips at http://www.TheBookSistah.com
The Correlation Between Writers And Depression
Is there a correlation between writers and depression? Well it may seem so, since so many writers have admitted to having some form of depression or going through bouts of depression. What’s interesting is how so many writers seem to welcome their depressive state because they believe that it causes them to write better. Why do writers feel that creativity is born solely from a cathartic event which usually entails some form of suffering either mentally or physically?
True many writers are depressed, but I feel that this is because of the conditions that writers face. Irregular hours, Isolation, a lack of exposure to sunlight, and the greatest factor, financial and professional uncertainty—all may cause a depression or worsen one.
These factors would cause anyone to become depressed; writers are just unfortunate enough to face all them.
Scientists have been debating why writers are more prone to depression, what they should be asking is why some writers enjoy their depression or feel that they create better pieces when they are depressed.
Because of the financial and professional uncertainty there is a correlation between writers and depression. Many writers feel that when there are no major assignments coming in (free lance writer) or no works being published/bought there are depressed. Well this shouldn’t surprise anyone. I don’t think anybody is ecstatic when they have bills to pay and no way to pay for them.
It’s no secret that some writers go through bouts of depression. But what makes them so different from any other creative master? I’m sure that there are many “work at home” gurus who are depressed or painters or even designers. Anyone who has an uncertain future in their career and spends a lot of time alone is prone to depression. Yet, their depression isn’t as glamorized as it is with writers.
Writers may be depressed, everyone is sometimes but to say that they are more creative when they are is myth. And I feel that writers should ease up on the affection that they have for their depression. Why would anyone want to welcome an unhealthy state? Why would you want to be depressed in order to create?
Writing is therapeutic, and can be used as an escape and a release. In many ways writing can be seen as an antidepressant. But for anyone to relish in their depression is to deny themselves the real art of creating. If you can only produce a document when you are experiencing one particular state, then you will never know what it is like to create from a different one. It makes me sad to think that any writer would use depression as a crutch for their creativity.
I want to be able to write when I’m happy or sad, when I see something that aggravates me or amuses me, when I’m at my highest point or my lowest. I want to always be able to tap into my writing skills anytime, anyplace. Are some days better than others? Of course, I’m sure that all writers will agree they feel inspired during some moments more than others. But how can anyone have a flourishing writing career when they are dependent on their depression to inspire new ideas. Clinical depression is very real and very serious yet there are writers who refuse to take their medication because they don’t feel that they can write unless they are depressed.
You may be a writer, but it is no excuse to neglect your health. Get out as much as you can, eat well, sleep well and exercise. Finding company among other writers is also helpful. There may seem to be an unhealthy bond between some writers and their depression but you must try to find writing in the act itself. Creativity stems from both negative and positive experiences.
About the Author:Adelaide Kwaning is an author and business professional who owns and operates http://writeprofits.blogspot.com. To learn ways to harness your writing skills with ease visit http://writeprofits.blogspot.com.
Small Publishers
There are a myriad of small publishers popping up. They are not really small presses, but almost Kitchen Table publishers. They work from home, creating books and distributing them through the channels that normal publishers use.
Some are good - most are not. It is fairly easy to start one. First, you need to be able to create covers and book blocks. This requires Word and Adobe, plus a graphics art software program. A better idea may be to hire someone to create covers for the first while.
Next, you need a website and shopping cart software. The shopping cart software is vital. A cheap or poor system will result in abandoned shopping carts and frustrated customers. 
This is the cheapest way to get into the publishing business. Is it the best? That depends on the publisher and how savvy they are. Elora's cave started this way and turned into a $1m a year publisher.
Why We Should All Choose an Eco-friendly Printing Company!
Let’s face it; eco-friendly printing is the way to go today. In spite of all the technological advancements and the promise of digital, paperless offices, printing services are still among the most sought after services. Even in this age of electronic communication and ubiquitous digital glory, mankind has not been able to fully shrug off the need for paper. Printing jobs are still in need and printing presses everywhere are keeping busy with a steady influx of orders everyday.
This is also an age where mankind has become more aware and responsible for his actions towards the environment. There is a conscious effort everywhere to go green, stop environmental pollution and save the planet we live in. This new heightened awareness has necessitated the need to take a fresh look into industries and commercial organizations, which have long been blamed, to varying extents, for polluting the environment and depleting the earth’s natural resources. We have also started to think how such harmful effects can be diminished and keep the planet green.
Like most production operations, printing houses also produce harmful wastes. Printing houses produce what are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), caused by the use of petroleum-based inks, laminates, varnishes and adhesives. Studies have shown that these compounds, when inhaled, greatly increase the risk of asthma attacks. As a result, measures are being adopted by many printers worldwide to comply with existing regulations and adopt environment-friendly practices.
However, this is only half of what “eco-friendly printing services” are really all about. The issue of conservation is no less important than the need to stop polluting the environment. Eco-friendly printing is all about a successful merging of the two.
It is surprising to learn that the paper and printing industry ranks fourth among manufacturers in the amount of energy used. Producing paper and the electricity used for factory operations, as well as the actual printing process, demand lots of fossil fuels. Printers, thus, put a major strain on the planet, draining her natural resources in alarming magnitude.
A certified eco-friendly printing company keeps track of the total energy usage and implements strategies for offsetting the environmental impact of their businesses. Its goal is to be a “sustainable printer”, meaning the company will be carefully planning operations to minimize electricity use, put a lighter drain on natural resources and source paper from companies certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which is virtually synonymous with well-managed forests that adhere to strict environmental standards. It also means recycling and reusing paper and other supplies whenever possible. That’s what “green printing” is all about, and this constitutes the real essence of an eco-friendly printing company.
By choosing eco-friendly printing company for all our printing needs, we can show that we really care about our environment and act as responsible citizens of the planet. It’s always comforting to know that we’re doing our part to protect and conserve the environment. It’s also reassuring to know that our printing requirements will not endanger the earth by adding toxins and harmful pollutants, or by depleting natural resources. Everybody should insist on printing green. After all, we all owe it to the planet that we can call home in this vast universe. Sending all our printing jobs to a certified eco-friendly printing company can go a long way in helping conserve the environment and ensure a greener tomorrow for our children.
Why Is It SO Hard To Get Published
Every writer at one time or another has asked this question. They know their work is good, they have paid their dues when it comes to market needs, research, and career preparation, they've read some of the inferior work that has made it into print and they eventually founder in the injustice and statistical difficulty of breaking in to print. One thing is certain. Not all markets are equal. And once a writer breaks in to one genre or area of expertise it is easier to triumph in the next. The first thing I learned when I started studying for this career was, "Write what you know." That surprised me. I thought I could just put on any old hat, assume a dialect or persona and let my imagination fly.
That is simply not how it is done. If I put on a virtual football helmet and swagger into a literary locker room, I am not going to get it right. And every reader who has ever been there in real life will spot me as a fraud by the second paragraph. I have to concentrate on those areas of life where I do have expertise. And there are several. I'm a mother. A grandmother. A decent (sometimes inventive,) chef. I've built a telescope, run several ministry teams and I once wrote letters to every city in my Atlas offering to pray for people's needs. I ran for public office and won. Twice. I've organized and run a huge writer's conference for six years. I once survived a pulmonary embolism. There's lots more but these are sufficient to make my point.
Write what you know. Make a list of all the subjects and areas of interest where you have true knowledge and something of value to impart. Next, look for publications that cater to that topic. I can knit and crochet. Not only that I am compulsive about adapting and changing patterns. So I could write articles for magazines written for crafters. I can interview people who have made it to the top of those fields. Articles like that sell well.
Once I break in to small trade publications and special interest markets, I can use those sales in my publishing resume.
Those people who think the only places to break in are with novels or with articles in Reader's Digest, Redbook or the New Yorker will soon be experts in how not to break into print.
Study markets, ferret out those small publishers looking for great writing and stay close to your areas of expertise. Before long you will find your work in high demand.
Supporting Blog Publications
I make money is through get paid to blog and sponsored blog programs. I do not do the reviews and ads. Instead, I write posts and find sponsors for them. OR, a sponsor such as SMORTY, a Paid Blog, sponsors an ad.
I have been working for SMORTY for more than three months and find them to be honest, they pay on time, and they give you right of refusal. This is very important when working with a blog ad agency. There are a few out there that do not let bloggers pick and choose their blog posts. This makes it impossible to protect the integrity of your blog.
This helps me support the blog, much in the same way a magazine company would fill their mag' with advertising.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
How Long Is Too Long To Market A Book?
So how long is too long to market a book? According to some studies (both formal and informal) marketing (and seeing the results in the form of book sales) can take anywhere from six months to two years, it all depends on what you want to get out of it.
Ideally though, you should plan to market your book ongoing -- if, that is, being an author is a career choice and not a hobby. If it's a hobby then don't put any more time into it than you have to, or you might not choose to market it at all. For some, having the finished book is sufficient. But generally authors don't write and publish a book just to see it "done;" they publish it to further dreams of seeing their careers flourish. If that's the case then your marketing plan should last as long as your career does and hopefully, that's a really long time.
But how long should you stick to marketing one book before moving onto the next? The answer depends on a lot of things. Topic, for one, will often drive the wheels of a campaign and it's often said that the best way to market your first book is with your second and third and forth and well, you get the idea. But now comes the most challenging question: if you're extending a marketing campaign beyond what you originally had on your marketing outline, what on earth will you do to promote it?
If your book is new and your promotional wheels are just hitting full steam the answer to how you might promote your book should be easy. But if it's a year down the road and you feel you've done everything you can do to market your book you might be asking yourself: what's next? This is a great time to assess what you've done, what's worked and what hasn't. It's often in our nature to stare at a closed door begging for it to open, but if the doors you're knocking on still aren't opening, then perhaps it's time to move on to marketing items better suited to your book.
By this I mean that when you go through and evaluate all you've done, it might be easy to say, "You know, I spent a lot of time on this and it's still not doing anything for me, I'll think I'll invest more time on it and see what happens." This might seem like a good idea. Certainly the folks at Oprah might not want to hear from you the first 20 times you pitched but on 21, you could strike gold. The likelihood is, however, that you're just barking up the wrong tree and need to move onto greener pastures.
For example, let's say you've done some speaking engagements in the past year and every time you do them you get tons of new sign-ups for your newsletter, you sell lots of books and best of all, you get asked back! So why don't you do more of them? Well, probably because the rest of your book marketing is taking up so much time that you're unable to devote as much time to this as you can. Now you're in a perfect position. Why? Because you can dump the stuff that's not working so well and focus on the things that are working well, like your speaking engagements. The same is true for media, if you get a lot of it when you're pitching it, then why not pitch more?
For many of us, deciding what to do and when to do it can be confusing, but after you've spent months doing everything you've ever read or heard about, the obvious successes start to clarify themselves and then, what you need to do becomes crystal clear.
If you've only got one book to promote, here are a few tips that might help extend the life of a campaign and give you more ways to market:
* Creating spin-off products: special reports, eBooks and audio product are a all a great way to get some additional mileage out of your book. Creating products that lead to a product line can help leverage more sales. Often when consumers buy one product in a line, they'll buy all of them.
* Speaking events: speaking on your book's topic can really lengthen a campaign. By setting up speaking engagements you're getting the message out there on your book, selling books to the audience and keeping the wheels on your campaign turning.
* Gather your evergreens: an "evergreen" is a topic that's consistently viable from year to year. This means that if you have a news peg on the topic of Labor Day, you can trot this pitch out year after year and the media will love it. Understanding and building these evergreens into your campaign will greatly help extend your marketing campaign.
* Updating your book: with the exception of fiction, most books could stand a refresher every so often. For some books it's yearly, while others can wait a bit longer. The updated version is a great way to capture additional promotion. I update my books yearly and provided that I've added new content (and not just changed a few URL's) I will re-promote each of these as they come out -- just like I would a new title.
Author: Penny Sansevieri
