I’ve written a post about why I believe authors and artists shouldn’t skimp on professional services related to their website. Hop over to my web company’s blog if you’d like the details. (It’s more web related than writing related.)
Is “That Begs the Question” the Exception That Proves the Rule?
Language purists like to correct others’ minor mistakes. Their motive is to make themselves feel smarter by making you feel dumb. I know this because I used to be one of them. When I changed my metric from “smart” to “generous” this approach lost its appeal. … more … “Is “That Begs the Question” the Exception That Proves the Rule?”
But I Don’t WANT to Blog!
Most writers dislike marketing. They dislike anything that takes them away from their writing, but marketing is toward the bottom of the list.
I don’t want to turn into a plaid polyester-wearing used car salesman! I just want to write! Besides, I have a blog, and it just lays there, doing nothing. How will anyone find it? What difference will it make, anyway?”
I’m a writer who came at this from the world of marketing (the subject of most of my books) so I have a different perspective.
Traditional Publishing as Religion
While there are a few folks tied to traditional publishing who are willing to have a conversation, more and more, I see forum conversations turn into debates laced with ad hominem attacks and vague platitudes.
It’s good to be passionate about what you believe. If something is right, it’s right, even if only under these specific circumstances.
I’ve often said that my favorite response to my writing or speaking is disagreement. When someone thinks I’m wrong and says so, respectfully and clearly, one of two things will happen:
… more … “Traditional Publishing as Religion”
Traditional Publishing Doesn’t Hate Self-Publishing So Why Should You?
“We’re very interested in self-publishing, this is a way we can spot talent,” says Victoria Barnsley, chief executive at HarperCollins.
“It helps take some of the risk away from us if we can actually see something is already working.”
That quote from an article at BBC News is one of the most sensible things I’ve seen written about the relationship of traditional publishers and self-publishing. A balanced and realistic article.
The Future of (Your) Publishing – Guest Post by John Work
John Work is an author. He posted this on a Linked In group and graciously gave permission for me to reprint it here. Emphasis throughout is mine.
I’m a self-published author, both in ebook and paperback print formats. I’ve been a member of this [Linked In] group for about a year. I’ve noticed that authors who are already traditionally published frequently tell writers who are considering self-publishing their works that traditional publishing is the only way to go – and that if the aspiring writer just sticks with it, sends enough quality manuscripts to agents or publishers, and keeps at it for five, ten or twenty years, that elusive contract offer will eventually come along. You just have to persist, or so I’ve read.
Balderdash.
… more … “The Future of (Your) Publishing – Guest Post by John Work”
Kerry Dwyer’s Ramblings in Ireland
I had a lovely chat with Kerry Dwyer, author of Ramblings in Ireland. Editing Kerry’s book was rare fun. Getting to know her has been even more fun. Like her book, our chat rambles a bit. We still manage to fit it into 20 minutes.
How about you? Do family and accents and childhood play a role in who and what you are today? Will they make their way into your book, as they have into Kerry’s?
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Once you fall in love with Kerry, or if you’re already in love with Ireland, go pick up a copy of this gentle witty memoir.
Do you have an accent? (Don’t we all?) What’s yours?
Money Has Nothing To Do With Writing
If you have a way to pay the bills while you launch yourself into writing, that’s great. If it leaves you real time for writing, even better.
Here’s a reality check for you. It’s long and of dubious interest to anyone but me. But I’m a writer; that’s what I do.
… more … “Money Has Nothing To Do With Writing”
Another Little Purple Book: “You Don’t Want a Job” Launches Friday
This Friday, July 27th, I kick off the virtual book tour for my 10th book, You Don’t Want a Job: Why Self-Employment Reduces Your Risks & Increases Your Rewards. It’s the latest Little Purple Book even though it’s orange.
I’ll be posting links to all the tour stops as they go live and I hope you’ll join my hosts and me.
… more … “Another Little Purple Book: “You Don’t Want a Job” Launches Friday”
Book Quality Sanity Checklist
Authors need reassurance, just like everyone. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a handy dandy checklist to tell you if your book was any good?
Okay, I don’t have one. But what about a list of the quality checkpoints of a superior book?
I don’t have that either, but Sandy Nathan does: Winning Book Contests. Yes, it says “book contests” but the details are applicable to your book whether you enter a contest or not.