Writing and Publishing News

Most first-time authors dream of—no, they expect to—sell their marvelous new books through bookstores. However, few of us take time to learn how the system works before getting involved.
In 1996, when I decided to produce not one, but TWO books that would be of national interest, as opposed to just local interest, my [...]

After months or years of writing, you’ve finally finished your book. You’re ready to sign up with a publisher. But which one? What’s the best publishing option?
Answer: It depends on you and it depends on your project.
Ideally, before you start writing your book, you will consider your audience and your promotional plan. But most [...]

It happened again at a writers’ conference this weekend. A hopeful author sat on the edge of his seat, notebook open and pen poised in eager anticipation of my wise counsel. Upon receiving it, however, he slammed the book closed, tossed the pen on the table in front of him and slumped back in his [...]

Writers are not necessarily hotshot promoters—and this goes for authors of nonfiction as well as fiction and children’s books. But we know that promotion is required if we want to sell books, so most of us make the effort. We reach out to our audiences in all of the most creative ways and attempt to [...]

Patricia Fry here:
It’s that time of year again when I’m wishing for fairies to come in overnight and take care of some of my office tasks. Actually this happens several times a year—most predominantly Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall.
I’ve actually hired a friend to do various projects for me over the years. In 1998, [...]