Writing and Publishing News from

Kathleen Ewing is a writer living in Arizona. I met her in person when I spoke in her town last year. When I received my Writing For Dollars Newsletter this morning, I was surprised to find a very entertaining essay by Kathleen all about the “Big O”—no, not the one you’re thinking of—this “O” stands for “Organizing.” Whether you are strictly organized or a little off kilter when it comes to keeping your space straight, you will get a chuckle out of and maybe some comfort in reading Kathleen’s article.

Here’s the link: http://www.writingfordollars.com/2009/vol13num8.cfm

While you’re there, check out my article, “Do You Want to Write a Book? Test the Market, First.” Yes, we’re featured in the same issue of Writing For Dollars. And, if you want to write for money, consider subscribing to this newsletter.

As you can imagine, I get a variety of emails and an occasional letter with questions, requests and such. Hopeful authors want to know, “How can I get my book published?” “Would you do a quick evaluation of my manuscript?” (I still don’t know what a quick evaluation is—I guess they mean, “read it as fast as you can and tell me how good it is without charging me a whole lot of money.”) I get letters from prisoners who want some guidance in publishing their books. I also hear from some of our elderly who have no computer access and no energy or desire to promote a book, but they want to publish their memoirs or a novel. Yesterday, a gentleman sent me a check for $5 if I would list some publishers suitable for his book. I wrote him a 3-page letter with encouragement and information and included around 8 potential publishers he can approach.

I work with people from all over the U.S. and outside. Currently, I’m working with a client who lives in South Africa and another one who lives in Africa on a part-time basis. When I started writing for publication, who would have thought of the possibilities available now through the Internet. It was unheard of. In fact, I wrote my first articles in longhand and then typed them over and over and over on a manual typewriter. That was in 1973.

Do you remember the 1970s? Could you have even imagined that home computers would become as common as the landline telephone was then?

Yet, there are still people living in the dark ages without computer know-how or access and they want to enter into publishing—a world where practically everything is digital. It’s a real stretch for me to work with them. And I doubt that many of them, if any, ever get to the place where they realize their dreams of holding their published books in their hands, unless they have a family member or friend with some computer access and savvy.

Many publishers accept queries and manuscripts via email, only. They steer you to their website for their submission guidelines. Some have online forms to use in contacting them. Some even say they will NOT open any manuscripts they receive in the mail.

It does my heart good to see older folks stretch enough to get involved in computerland. My 97-year-old mom got a computer and uses it to stay in touch with family and friends (we email one another every day) and shop. She orders her groceries via the computer and many of her Christmas and birthday gifts. I know another woman in her 80s who doesn’t have a computer, yet, but she has a strong connection to her cell phone and she knows how to work a VCR, something that I haven’t mastered, yet.

Are you keeping up with technology and using it to follow your dreams and to conform to the expectations of publishers and magazine editors or are you still balking at taking the next step? If you are reading this online, you are probably well connected. If someone printed it out for you to read because you don’t have computer access, and you dream of publishing your work, you might consider becoming acquainted with modern technology—at least to the point where it will serve you and your publishing needs.

For additional information, tips, techniques and resources, read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. It is available in the library system. But you’ll want to keep it close throughout the writing, publishing and marketing processes, so you really should order it here: http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

It’s nearly spring—a time of new beginnings. Now is a wonderful time to sign up for one of my on-demand, online courses. Prepare yourself for your career or to meet your publishing goals: http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

As you may know, I do book reviews for SPAWNews. I review only writing/publishing-related books and, of course, those of interest to screenwriters, artists, photographers, as well. (SPAWN is Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org. Subscribe to SPAWNews FREE.

Well, yesterday, I was preparing to write a review for a new book for authors and needed to know the price of the book. I could see figures imbedded in the barcode indicating that the book might be either $90.00 or $9.00. But neither sounded right to me. I wanted to be sure.

I visited the publisher’s website and the author’s personal website and could not find a price for this book. In fact, the author’s website, while it heavily advertised and promoted this book, did not even have a way to purchase it. It advised those interested to go to Amazon and a whole list of other online bookstores. The publisher’s website did not even list this book.

So I decided to contact the author. I have her email address in a letter she included with the review copy of the book. Guess what? My email would not go through to her unless I clicked and went to another site where I had to fill out something. No thanks. I’m doing her a favor, why would I want to jump through hoops to do so? I saw a note embedded in this message, however, that said I could fill out the form at her website and my email would go directly to the author. So I went back to the website. I began to fill out the form. It wanted my email address twice, name, company name, address, phone number (phone number???) and on and on. I balked at the idea of including my address and phone number. There was no need for that. So I omitted it. Of course, my message did not go through.

What was the end result of this author’s desire/need to protect herself against unwanted emails? She is not getting a book review for her book. I started to go ahead with the review and just leave off the price—I wasn’t willing to do further research to locate it. But I realized that I was so irritated with this person for her paranoia and the “conditions” she has set up to screen her emails that I knew my frustration would show through in the review. So I shelved it.

Now, I am wondering, how is this person getting orders, how does she personally interact with her readers? I notice that she is promoting other things for sale at her site, how in the world is she making any sales?

I guess this is what would be considered in the corporate world as a “closed door policy.”

Do you have an open door or closed door policy when it comes to your books and services? Do you invite questions and inquiries and then make it easy for folks to reach you? Do you respond to those questions in a timely manner? Maybe this is something you need to evaluate. Most of my clients come to me as strangers. My first introduction to them is via random emails with a question. If I made it difficult for them to get to me, I would miss out, not only on work, but on meeting some wonderful people and being a part of some wonderful book projects.

And then there are people who can’t figure out how to find you. At a writers’ group meeting or workshop, for example, I might hand out a business card, a brochure and handouts with all of my contact information on them and someone will invariably ask, “How can I reach you if I want to discuss my book project?” Well, aside from the fact that each piece of material I give the attendee has my email address, mailing address, website address and, in some cases, my phone number, they can find me in the phone book and by doing a google search using my name, my company name, the titles of my book.

If you have something to sell or a service to provide, make sure that your potential clients and customers can easily locate you. And then pay attention to your spam email, as well as your regular email. Often, email from addresses not recognized by your spam filter will go into your spam box. And sometimes, you receive one from a potential client or customers. They don’t always use an appropriate message in the subject line, either. So don’t count on this being a clue as to whether it is important mail or not.

I’ve come to the place where I, at least occasionally, rely on intuition when I decide whether to delete or open email in my SPAM box. And most of the time, when I choose to open it, it is a question from a writer or hopeful author. And often, this individual becomes a client, student or customer.

Screening your emails to the degree that the author I mentioned earlier does, is like having a business along Main Street and neglecting to keep regular business hours. Don’t do this to your customers and don’t do this to your business. Open your door and keep it open.

Time for a commercial: Have you been to my website, lately? Are you aware that I have a bookstore there, displaying many of my published books? I also post lots of articles on a variety of topics. I offer on-demand, online courses for authors and freelance writers. Check em out at: http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

I also work with clients in a variety of ways and on a variety of projects: http://www.matilijapress.com/consulting.html

Was yesterday’s blog post encouraging? Inspiring? You read about four people who are doing well with their books. Or maybe yesterday’s column was discouraging because you now feel that, in order to sell books—to succeed as a published author—you must be somebody, have a strong platform, be an expert, have money to spend. Certainly, all of the above helps immensely.

If you are writing a book and you don’t have a platform or any ideas for enticing readers, perhaps you should stop and think about that for a while. Can you achieve success without paying your dues? Probably not. Is it possible to succeed in some moderate or even major way without getting involved in all of the preliminary work related to marketing and developing a platform? Sure, it can happen. Statistics show, however, that it is mighty unlikely.

What if you want to change your crummy odds of achieving some level of success? Here’s how:

Your Platform
Begin taking steps designed to create or build upon your platform. Become known within your topic or genre. If you are writing a young adult fantasy, for example, start submitting articles related to writing fantasy, writing for young adults, reporting on various fairy events throughout the world, for example. Submit fantasy stories to numbers of appropriate magazines, newsletters and websites in order to become known in this genre. Start participating in forums and in other capacities at websites dedicated to writing for young adults, fantasy sites and so forth. Attend events, programs and places where your audience is. Establish your own website and make it interactive.

If you are writing a self-help, how-to or informational book, for example, you probably have some expertise in the topic. Flaunt it and build on it. Do whatever you can to become known as an expert and to discover more about your audience (what sites they visit, what they read, where they congregate, etc.) Again, write articles for appropriate magazines, newsletters and sites. There are websites soliciting experts to write columns and blogs on particular topics. Perhaps you could find your niche. There are magazines and newsletters on every topic imaginable. Go out and speak on your topic. I can’t stress enough the value in putting your name out there even before you have a book.

As you noticed when reading about my four clients yesterday, all of them entered into the publishing field with solid platforms. They worked for years to establish their platforms. Here’s an idea, if you have expertise in the area of finances, but you want to write a novel, create a story around a financial theme. OR write a book related to your expertise first—maybe just a little how-to. Once you’ve gotten your feet wet in this industry, then finish your novel.

I have a great article on why you should write a how-to first. Let me know if you’d like me to send it to you: PLFry620@yahoo.com.

The Cost of Publishing Success
Yes, sometimes you have to spend money in order to make money. While I have a book featuring over 75 no and low-cost ideas for book promotion ( http://www.matilijapress.com), there are times when it is appropriate and necessary to spend money on your book project. Here are the areas where I think your money is best spent:

• Have your book professionally edited before you publish it. (From $300 to $3,000, depending on the size of the book and the quality of your original work. Most of my clients pay between $500 and $1,500.)
• Hire a good cover designer. (Anywhere from around $500 to $1,500.)
• Hire a publicist. (?)

I wish I could give you a ballpark figure that you might pay a publicist. My gosh, there are a lot of them and I couldn’t find one who publish their fees. I can tell you that a few years ago, a good publicist would cost you around $3,000/month and you really need to hire a publicist for at least one and preferably three months for the best results. And then, if it is a good publicist, expect to be kept very busy.

I couldn’t believe it when I visited the website of one publicist this morning. The print on her site was so small and so light (a light gray tone) AND it was in script—very difficult to read. If I was looking for a publicist for my book, I would immediately discount this one. If she can’t even effectively promote herself to her potential clients, how in the world is she going to be able to promote you and your book?
I intended writing a simple, quick, brief post this morning as I have tons of other work to do. But here I am rambling, again…doing my best to provide you with information you can use in hopes of steering you in the best direction for you to achieve the success you desire as a published author.

And this is why I wrote my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. It is going to be a rainy weekend in Southern California and it is down-right cold in other parts of the US. It’s a long weekend for many. How about using this time to plan your publishing strategy? First on your agenda—sit down at your computer and read through my blog archives. You’ll learn a lot. Read some of the articles at my website. Then order my book: http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
You’ll have it by the end of the week. You’ll keep it close by for as long as you are writing, publishing and promoting your book.

And start NOW writing articles and stories in your book’s topic/genre and submit them to appropriate venues. This book, which you will be ordering this weekend, will help you to get started. (See pages 267-270.)

For those of you who write about animals—and I know that some of you do—I just read a press release printed in PRWEb (Press Release Newswire) reporting on the upcoming Business of Pet Writing Conference in New York. And guess what? Folks, this is a first. The professionals who will be present, indicate that they are optimistic about the field of pet writing both at the periodical level and in book publishing. Isn’t it refreshing to read something positive about the economy and our profession for a change?

Who are these “experts?” Representatives from the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Kennel Club, American Pet Products Association, etc. Also present will be, as the article states, “A myriad of talent in the publishing business—representatives from Publishers Weekly, Houghton Mifflin, St. Martin’s Press, the Authors Guild and various pet-related magazines. According to one professional, people will always be interested in their animal companions. And she predicts a “bright future” for those of us who write about pets.

Now that’s downright encouraging, isn’t it?

Did it ever occur to you that, in writing and in life, you must create your own encouragement and certainly your own success? You may be accustomed to promoting your book and pitching your article ideas. It’s a time-consuming, trying, sometimes debilitating task and it is ongoing. In difficult economic times, it can be even more challenging. You work longer and harder and there’s more rejection. But you see new books like the one you are pitching being produced. You read articles like those you want to write in key magazines. So you know that the opportunities are out there.

How do you think others get their similar book manuscripts and articles published? Do they all know someone in high places? Do they bribe the editors? Or do they persevere and keep their ear to the ground while always presenting the best writing they are capable of in the most professional manner? Do you want to succeed (or at least keep your head above water) in these tough economic times? In my opinion, here’s what it’s going to take:

• Study your industry and/or genre—historical fiction, young adult, pets, parenting, travel, health, for example. What are the trends? What’s new? Subscribe to related newsletters. Sign up with Google Alerts ( http://www.google.com/alerts and follow the prompts daily.

• Seek out new opportunities—new publishers and/or paying markets. Google Alerts will help you with this. Also purchase “Writer’s Market” and refer to it often. Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) for monthly updates and opportunities related to publishing and writing for periodicals. http://www.spawn.org . Read the magazines you want to write for. Research books like yours to discover appropriate publishers.

• Increase the number of targeted query letters and/or book proposals you send by 40-50% or more. This will increase your chances for success.

• Dedicate more time to your publishing efforts. This might mean sacrificing time in front of the TV, foregoing some social events, limiting the luxury of sleeping in on weekends, etc.

• Exercise a greater level of patience and persistence than you ever thought possible. If you thought editors/publishers were slow to respond before, it’s only going to get worse as they cut staff. Many do not even respond at all unless they are considering your article or book manuscript. Don’t let this discourage you. Keep on keeping on.

Lastly, let me suggest that you give them what they want. I can’t tell you how many writers and artists I know who try to “make it” with something they want to do. Maybe you have noticed, it is much harder to sell something that you happen to want to sell than it is something that others actually want. If you have been trying to break into publishing with your essay on why it is important to spay/neuter your pet and no one is interested, perhaps it’s time to try something else. If you love to decorate vases with beach glass, but no one is buying, maybe this isn’t a good business move. What to do?

Isn’t it obvious? What should you do? Something else. Find out what IS selling, what is hot, what is trendy, what people need/want, what they can use in these troubling times. For example, people are interested in saving money, so you might be able to sell articles to some of the many regional magazines throughout the U.S. featuring spay/neuter clinics in these areas. Folks might be cutting down on expenses by firing their pet sitters and need to know where the free dog parks are in their city and what the rules and hours are, right? Why can’t you do the research and write the articles?
You’ve heard it before, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. If you want to experience some measure of success within the publishing industry, you’d better adopt this as your motto.

And if you plan to move ahead with your book project despite the economy, be sure to read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. This is an investment toward your future. I can’t even begin to tell you of the money and heartache you can save by arming yourself with the knowledge and resources you need in the highly competitive field of publishing. If you want to break into article-writing, read my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles.
http://www.matilijapress.com

And while you’re there, just for fun, don’t forget to check out my newest book of cat stories, Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats. It will tickle you and warm your heart.

Sometimes I feel like a walking encyclopedia—not because I am so smart, but because I am constantly being tapped for whatever information I have gathered over my 35 years as a working writer/author. And do you know what? I enjoy it. From the first time a budding writer asked me, “How do you get an article published?” I was hooked. I began to realize that I had what it takes to teach—at least in my area of interest and professional expertise.

Oh, I don’t know the answer to every question that comes my way. But I know how to find it. So, not only do I feel like an encyclopedia, I also get to feel like a research scientist.

I find it interesting what hopeful authors want to know. At first, they may ask, “How do you find a publisher?” “Do I need an agent?” “What do I send to the publisher?” “Is it worthwhile to attend a writers’ conference?” And the classic, “I just finished writing a book, now how do I get it published?”

Later in their process, they ask me, “Can I buy just one ISBN?” “When should I copyright my book?” “How much should I charge for my book?” “What is the best way to promote a book?”

And once the book is produced, the questions change again: “How do I get a book review?” “Which press release service should I use?” “My self-publishing company isn’t promoting my book, what should I do?” “Can I get out of my contract?” “How can I boost my book sales?”

I’ve written articles, blog posts and books in response to all of these questions and I am also happy to respond to them personally. My challenge and my passion is to catch hopeful authors and freelance writers early in their quest for publishing fame and fortune and encourage them to learn the publishing ropes before getting too involved.

Entering publishing without the proper education (and by this I mean information and knowledge about the publishing industry) is like going horseback riding without a set of reins or taking your canoe out on the ocean without a paddle.

My hope is that, if you are new to publishing—if you have a book in your heart or even in your computer—that you are actively educating yourself about the fiercely competitive publishing industry before getting involved. If you are promoting a book and it isn’t going well, I hope that you will stop the forward motion and start gathering the information and resources you need in order to create the success you desire. What specifically do I suggest?

No matter where you are in the writing, publishing or book marketing process, read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book:
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

If you have a book that is stagnating in the marketplace, read my ebook, The Author’s Toolkit. It will show you how to revive a faltering or failing book:
http://www.matilijapress.com/author_repairkit.html

Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org

Probably the most valuable resource we offer members is the SPAWN Market Update. I produce this 9 to 14-page newsletter each month and we publish it in the member area of the SPAWN website. This newsletter is overflowing with opportunities, resources, tips, tidbits, newsbites for authors, freelance writers, poets, novelists, screenplay writers, artists, photographers—anyone interested in publishing. The fact is that the information, resources and opportunities in just one issue of the Market Update, if pursued, will more than pay for your annual membership of only $45/year.

Are you looking for a publisher, an agent, book promotion opportunities, magazines that pay for material, jobs for photographers, opportunities for artists or screenwriters? You’ll find it in almost every issue of the SPAWN Market Update. Not only that, as a member of SPAWN, you will have access to our Market Update archives. And it comes complete with a search function, for ease in finding exactly what you are seeking.

Join SPAWN Now and turn your publishing luck around: http://www.spawn.org

For those of you who have been cheering on my latest book, Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats, things are going well. People love to read about cats. Here are links to the two latest sites that have posted about Catscapades. The Cat Lady of Seattle. January 21, 2009
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/catlady

And at All Cute Cats: Posted also on January 21, 2009, go to:
http://allcutecats.blogspot.com

Isn’t this fun? If you want to order your copy of the ebook or comb-bound copy, go to http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html Remember, I’m refunding a dollar for each book purchased through February 14, 2009.