Writing and Publishing News from

February 9, 2008

Approach Publishing With An Open Mind

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 5:55 am

Have you ever noticed that when someone asks you a question and they don’t like the answer, they will ask you the question again—sometimes rephrasing it?

“How much are you selling your car for?”
“$10,000.”
“What will you take for it?”
“$10,000.”
“What if I give you $5,000 down?”
“$10,000.”
“Is that a firm price?”
“Yes.”
“I’d sure like to have that car, but I can’t go the ten grand. Will you work with me?”
“Not likely.”
“Will you be lowering the price anytime soon?”

I relive this sort of scenario every week. People contact me and say, “I read in your book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book, that publishers don’t allow simultaneous manuscript submissions. How many copies of my manuscript can I send out at one time?”

“One.”

Or they’ll say, “My editor says that I have some spacing errors in my manuscript. I see in your book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book that you agree with her—it is now one-space after the period, question mark, etc. Does this mean I have to go back through my entire manuscript and delete the extra space after every sentence?”

“Yes.”

We want to hear what we want to hear. But, in publishing, we need to hear what we need to hear in order to experience the success we desire. This is why I say, listen to experts with an open mind, embrace those things that resonate with you, but also be willing to consider the truths that don’t feel real comfortable at first. Examine them from all angles, check them out with other publishing professionals and be flexible enough to change where and when appropriate.

If you don’t have a copy of The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book and the companion Author’s Workbook, order yours now at http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

February 7, 2008

The Power of Writing

Filed under: Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 7:37 am

Have you ever thought about the power in writing? Of course, we’ve all heard the famous quote penned by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 for his play, Richelieu, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” This quote indicates the power in words, but I’m talking about the power of writing.

For some, writing is therapeutic. For others, it’s empowering—“I’m somebody.” Others view a published book as a status symbol or a statement of their worth. Just watch the demeanor of your friends, fellow writers’ club members or that neighbor who has been a closet writer for the last 3 years. When an author gets his book published, he suddenly changes. He starts carrying a briefcase. She totes a larger purse. You know there are copies of their new books inside. Newly published authors are friendlier than they were when they were writing. They become masters at bringing the conversation around to the subject of their books. New authors walk taller. They seem more confident—as if they could slay the fiercest dragon and ride the wildest bull.

It is exhilarating to hold a book of your words in your hands after spending months or even years in writing posture. For anyone over 35, a published author is still a step above the rest. So, to join that perceived private club of authors is considered prestigious, indeed.

Many of you reading this blog either are authors or plan to become authors. I’d love to hear how you felt and reacted the first time you held your newly published book in your hands. I recall being ecstatic. It was back in 1978 when A.S. Barnes published my book, Hints For the Backyard Rider. When copies arrived in the mail, I started jumping around (well, I was younger then) and squealing. I relished the feel of the books in my hands. I loved breathing in the scent of the ink as it burst forth when we opened the box. I swelled with pride as I called everyone I knew to tell them that I was officially a published author. And then I broke out the Champaign.

And yes, I’m sure I walked a little taller. I felt as though I had arrived. Little did I know that my life would be dedicated to writing and publishing and that one day I would be the author of 27 published books. What would I advise hopeful and struggling authors who want to create a career as a writer and/or author?
• Don’t quit your day job just yet.
• Never stop studying and learning.
• Be willing to do what it takes.
• Practice Persistence and Patience.
• Properly prepare yourself for the journey.
• Learn to be flexible.
• Hang in there through the ups and downs because there will be plenty of both.

Yes, writing has power which can be experienced by the reader as well as the author. Just make sure that you handle that power responsibly. Contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com

February 5, 2008

Most New Authors Struggle

Filed under: Book Promotion,Publishing — Patricia @ 5:43 am

Just when you think you have the whole publishing thing all figured out, someone comes along and bursts your bubble. It’s not a pretty picture.

This morning, a struggling author came to me using the same words I’ve heard over and over again: “I have a book, but I can’t sell it. What is a poor, out-of-work author to do?”

This author’s first mistake was to think he could support himself through the sale of his wonderful book. Where do these ideas come from? Are “self-publishing” companies giving authors false hope? Unfortunately, it is all too common for new authors to blast their way through the publishing process, spending money to fulfill their publishing dream instead of spending time learning the ropes.

And this is why I am out there trying to head them off at the pass—trying to catch them through this blog, through the SPAWN Market Update (for members of Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org and at writers’ conferences, for example. I want to catch hopeful authors before they become struggling authors and explain to them how to navigate the hugely competitive publishing industry before they start making all of the most common mistakes.

I want to tell them to study the publishing industry enough so that they understand what’s going on and so that they know their options, the ramifications of their choices and their responsibilities as a published author. I want to show them how to write a business plan for their book so it will have a greater chance at success. But I can’t stop them all from making publishing blunders, so I invented the Post-Publication Book Proposal for those I miss.

If you are struggling to sell your book, order my FREE report on the Post-Publication Book Proposal NOW. PLFry620@yahoo.com. Follow the instructions in this report and you WILL experience a greater measure of success with your book project.

February 4, 2008

Authors Must Get Noticed

Filed under: Book Promotion,Publishing — Patricia @ 7:49 am

A blog-a-day taxes the mind, but it’s fun, at least so far. I checked my blog status report and folks certainly are visiting my blog. Let’s make it a habit. I’ll promise to keep bringing you news you can use and valuable writing/publishing information, if you’ll promise to keep visiting my blog site.

Are you getting Google Alerts, yet? If you want to check on your level of exposure, keep your finger on the pulse of the publishing industry or the industry represented by your book, sign up for Google Alerts. It’s FREE. Sign up and every morning you’ll find a message from Google Alerts in your email box telling you about the most recent posts using your choice of keywords. http://www.google.com/alerts

I’m pleased to report that my blog comes up in one of my Google Alerts practically every day because of my keywords, “Publishing” “Writing” “Book Promotion.” These are the words I use in my blog titles and in the text, so Google easily finds my blog and reports it in all of the Alerts using similar keywords.

Not only do I use Google Alerts to check on the exposure I’m getting, but I often visit other sites and blogs that come up on my Google Alerts and get acquainted with the hosts/bloggers. Last week, this practice resulted in two possible reviews for my book The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Every little mention helps. Not only does it help my sales, but, when people buy and study this book, it helps them to keep from making costly and heart-breaking mistakes.

I’m going to miss a day of blogging this week. I’m taking my mother on a short trip WITHOUT my computer. I’ll write a blog entry early tomorrow before leaving, but I’m going to allow myself a day off on Wednesday. I only hope that someone out there will notice when I don’t post a fresh blog on Wednesday. Otherwise, what’s the point of my diligence?

Good question. We all sometimes feel as though we’re performing in an empty auditorium—that we’re writing books that no one is reading and promoting to the deaf and blind. We do a lot of writing and promotion without much feedback, acknowledgement or even sales. It’s the nature of the game, I’d say. And it’s the nature of people.

When is the last time you said to a fellow author, “Good job. I enjoyed reading your book?” or “Thank you for sharing your knowledge?” Or “I loved your recent blog entry?” Why not take the time to acknowledge someone today? That’s my intention this week.

I just finished reading a novel written by a local author—her first. I plan to contact her and let her know how much I enjoyed it. Over the weekend, I contacted a few clients I haven’t heard from in a while and offered a sincere “atta-boy” and expressed a genuine interest in the path of their current projects. I also visited a couple of blogs and left comments of appreciation for the information and resources they were posting.

If you want your book to be noticed, put yourself out there more. If you want to keep current with your industry (topic/genre) sign up for Google Alerts. If you want to receive accolades, do more, give more, offer more—but don’t expect everyone to say those sweet words of thanks. Most of all, when you feel appreciation for someone, you admire something that someone has accomplished, you’re grateful for something you’ve learned, don’t keep it a secret. Thank the individual personally and tell others about it, too.

Patricia Fry is the author of 27 books, including The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book and the companion Author’s Workbook. Purchase this combination of books, use them, refer to them often and you will be MUCH more likely to experience the publishing success you desire.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

February 3, 2008

Are You Writing a Bulldozer Book?

Filed under: Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 7:26 am

There are many reasons why a book doesn’t sell:
• The author doesn’t promote it.
• The cover isn’t appealing.
• The author isn’t well-known in this topic or genre.
• There’s no audience for a book on this topic.
• It’s a bulldozer book.

What is a bulldozer book? It’s one designed to change minds. The author’s intent is to push his or her opinions or beliefs onto the reader. He hopes to influence people to change a habit, make new choices, adjust an aspect of their lives.

Doesn’t this describe the self-help book? Well, not exactly. A self-help book generally offers information and instructions in a gentle, but authoritative way. The author of a successful self-help book researches his topic, his audience and the competition and writes a book that is needed.

The authors of bulldozer books see people getting fat on fast foods, they observe more sin than they can tolerate, they have a real adversity to smoking or they’re sick of hearing about cruelty to children, for example. This author has a beef with a segment of the population—a bone to pick. He’s on a mission. And so he writes a book designed to transform fast food junkies into vegetarians. He pens a book on how sinners can find God. He produces a stop-smoking book for the hardcore smoker. Or he writes a book on parenting for druggies.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make the world a better place or for trying to help someone take better care of him or herself or their families. Where these authors fail is in their approach and in identifying their target audiences.

Over the years, I’ve certainly gone on writing missions of my own. I wanted to help save children from abusive parents and animals from cruel situations. I wrote articles designed to teach parenting skills and proper, humane pet care. And I attempted to get them published in magazines that I thought would be read by my proposed audience—those people who needed to hear my message. The gatekeepers to those audiences, however—the editors—kept my articles from them. The truth is, the readers weren’t interested in learning better ways and they wouldn’t have read my words of wisdom, anyway.

Now herein lies the reason why bulldozer books fail. Members of the targeted audience aren’t interested in changing their ways. If they were, they would go in search of a general how-to or self-help book on the topic. They are not typically going to buy a book that is trying to force feed them your perspective—your truth.

Your book designed to shame the lazy, unfriendly homeowner into cleaning up his yard and be more helpful to his neighbors, is not going to be welcomed by this audience. Your book intended to change the hearts of animal abusers, will go unnoticed, at least by this segment of readers. However, this is not to say that you shouldn’t write that book.

• Write it for children—gently and appropriately showing them the way to be responsible or how to care for animals.
• Change the focus so that it will actually attract the audience you want to reach—you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
• Go ahead and write it and then promote it to an audience who cares.

This is another excellent reason why you should always write a book proposal before you write the book—to avoid inadvertently (or purposely) writing a bulldozer book.

February 2, 2008

How to Build on Your Book/Article Ideas

Filed under: Book Promotion,Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 5:51 am

Yesterday, I talked about ideas—where they come from—how to come up with fresh ideas for books, articles and stories. Today, I’d like to offer you some tips for parlaying those ideas—for expanding and expounding on them.

I speak often about “spin offs.” A spin off is a by-product or a follow-up to the original. Within the context of a book, it might be a sequel or any number of other writings related to the theme of your book.

The point of a spin off is to generate more sales. Not only will you have additional items to sell, but each book, pamphlet, guide, article or list that you produce is a marketing tool for the original book. Here are some ideas:
• Follow up your novel with a book or articles featuring bed and breakfast inns in the area where your story takes place.
• Create a mystery for readers to solve based on some of the characters in your original book.
• Enhance a book of poetry by producing a pocket calendar or greeting cards highlighting some of the lines from your poems.
• Write a companion book for you historical novel profiling real people from the period.
• Design a quaint book of quotes from the time period of your historical novel.
• Produce a sequel to your original story.
• Compile a pamphlet of additional resources related to the subject of your nonfiction book. For a medical, fitness, diet, health, finance or real estate book, for example, produce a booklet with updates in this field.

Use a good article idea by writing additional articles on aspects of that topic or theme. The following article topics developed from my piece featuring family togetherness:
• Camping activities for families.
• Family spiritual activities.
• Exercise activities for families.
• How the computer can bring the family together
• Collecting family history around the Thanksgiving table.
• Play together/Stay together.

I wrote an article once on how to teach your child responsibility and that one developed into articles on:
• Teaching your child the work ethic.
• Teaching children money awareness.
• Teaching children responsibility through pet ownership.
• Encouraging a child’s independence.
• How corporations are linking with schools to prepare kids for their future in the workplace.

You’ve seen authors take their original theme (a cat that solves murders, for example) and use it over and again in subsequent books. You can do the same thing. Maybe the main character of your story has a lisp that gets him in all sorts of verbal trouble. Let him shine in new stories. You might feature this character as a librarian, a newspaper hawker, a pizza delivery guy, a tour guide, etc. You can create many new book manuscripts and short stories using the same idea for a character.

In freelance writing, first there is the idea and then those ideas should be dissected to create new ideas.

Patricia Fry is offering a 6-week online article-writing course. Sign up at http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm

Additional courses include: Book Promotion Workshop at http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookpromotion.htm Write a Successful Book Proposal at http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm and Self-Publishing Workshop at http://www.matilijapress.com/course_selfpub.htm

I still do not have a way that we can communicate through comments, but I welcome your comments sent to my email address: plfry620@yahoo.com

January 31, 2008

Get Published by Spring

Filed under: Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 5:39 am

This is a good time to write, with freezing temperatures and inclement weather conditions keeping us inside. If you dream of seeing your short story or article printed in your favorite magazine or online site, perhaps now is the time to make it happen.

Turn off the TV, stop surfing the net looking for—whatever you’re looking for—and start polishing that old piece or write a new one.

“New writers can’t get published,” you say? I beg to differ. In fact, I know this is a fallacy. But you’ve heard that it is impossible to break in as a new writer.

Sure there’s a hint of truth in this, but only a hint. Let’s change the word, “impossible” to “difficult.” Unfortunately, some hopeful authors and writers think “impossible” when they hear “difficult.” They say, “Heck, I’d better not even try. If others find it difficult to get published, how am I going to break in?”

You hear and read about writers who just can’t get their work published. They say, “No one will give a new writer a chance.” You believe them. What you don’t know is their level of commitment. Is the writer actually submitting anything or is he just making a lot of noise about how he might be rejected? Is the writer paying attention to details? Is he giving editors what they want? Is he following Submission Guidelines?

Don’t believe everything you hear or read about your chances of being published—especially if the information or perspective is biased to the negative. Do your homework, adhere to editorial protocol, polish your story/article so that it shines and step outside of your comfort zone in search of fresh markets.

If you want to publish your fiction or nonfiction by spring, do I have a gift for you. Here are some free online directories containing hundreds and hundreds of magazines and ezines seeking your excellent stories and/or articles:

http://www.duotrope.com/index.aspx
http://www.newpages.com/litmags/index.htm
http://magazine-directory.com
http://dir.yahoo.com/News_and_Media/magazines
http://www.newsdirectory.com

If you need additional help navigating the magazine and ezine market with your great article or story, order my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles TODAY. http://www.matilijapress.com

January 30, 2008

Synchronicity in Book Publishing

Filed under: Book Promotion,Publishing — Patricia @ 6:08 am

I got the question again at the SDSU Writers’ Conference over the weekend: “What’s the best publishing option?” Authors are never happy to hear what they must be told, “It depends on the book and it depends on you.”

There’s nothing about the task of producing or marketing a book that is easy or straightforward. There are many decisions to make during the writing phase of your book—how to handle dialogue, which research material to include, whether or not to kill off the heroine and when to end the book, for example. These are mechanical, technical and creative decisions. Once you decide to publish your book, your decisions become pure business. You must decide:

• Who are you writing the book for? Is this audience large enough to support another book on this topic/genre?
• How can you make your book more valuable to a segment of readers?
• What can you add to make your book more marketable?

When the book is completed, you will be required to make new decisions. One of your first questions should be, “What is the best publishing option for me and my book?” Use the guide below to help you find your best publishing option.

Perhaps you should seek out a traditional royalty publisher if:
• Your book is well defined and of interest to a large segment of people in the mainstream.
• Your book would do well in bookstores and is appropriate for libraries.
• You thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a traditional royalty publisher.
• You completely understand your responsibilities as a published author.
• You’ve written a complete book proposal (for fiction or nonfiction).
• You’re willing to turn over control of your project to a publisher. (They will most likely change your title, edit out your favorite parts of the book and create a cover way outside your expectations.)
• You don’t mind waiting months for your book to be produced.
• You have established a platform—your way of attracting readers.
• You are ready and willing to spend most of your time promoting your book for months and maybe years after it is published.

You may be a candidate for self-publishing (establishing your own publishing company) if:
• Your book is designed to fill a niche—your audience is clearly defined.
• You are in a hurry to bring your book out.
• It would do better if hand-sold through personal appearances, your website and/or through specialty stores.
• You want to run the show rather than sell out to a publisher.
• You write a complete book proposal—your business plan for your book.
• You understand your responsibilities as a publisher and author.
• You are willing to take on the full responsibility of book promotion.
• You have a platform—a way of attracting readers.

Consider a fee-based POD publisher if:
• You do not have a business head or any desire to run your own company.
• You want only a few copies of your book printed so you can give them to friends and sell them to a few colleagues and acquaintences.
• You want to bring out a book within weeks instead of months.
• You have studied the concept of fee-based POD publishing services: you’ve read and understand the contract. You have no concerns or questions.
• You have a platform—a way of attracting readers.
• You are willing to do whatever promotion is necessary to meet your sales goals.

When it comes to publishing a book, there are no maps to follow. There are no one-size-fits-all charted courses for authors. But there are books to help you make the best decisions you can on behalf of your project. I recommend that you check out books by the experts: Dan Poynter and Marilyn Ross (Self-Publishing), Brian Jud and John Kremer (Book Marketing), Mark Levine and Dehanna Bailee (fee-based POD Publishing), Jeff Herman and Patricia Fry (Book Proposals).

If you only purchase one book this year, make it The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book by Patricia Fry. This book covers all of the above and then some. Use the companion Author’s Workbook to further increase your chances of achieving publishing success. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Contact me at plfry620@yahoo.com

January 29, 2008

Make the Most of Your Meeting With an Agent or Editor

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 5:26 am

The SDSU Writers’ Conference ended yesterday. Attendees are home now, pouring over their notes, trying to remember key points, hoping to shake that sense of overwhelm. They had the opportunity to attend as many as 11 one-hour workshops during the two-day event. There were over 80 workshops to choose from with subjects ranging from “The Perfect Pitch—How to Get to the Top of the Slush Pile” to “Marketing Yourself and Your Book,” From “Craft the Perfect Scene” to “Book Pages to Screen.” I taught various aspects of article-writing. And in between workshops, hundreds of hopeful authors were pitching their book ideas to agents and editors.

For some authors, the San Diego State University Writers’ Conference was all about meeting agents and editors. There were dozens of them in attendance this past weekend—all eager to find the next best seller and the next great author. In fact, I heard a few of the publishers say during their workshops, “All publishers are seeking good books to produce.” One publisher of science fiction even went so far as to say, “Sometimes the first-time author has a better chance at landing a publishing contract than the third book author.”

What’s the best way to approach an agent, editor or publisher—those gatekeepers to the world of publishing? Here are my guidelines:

• Find out which agents and editors will be at the event you plan to attend.
• Do a little research to learn what type of books the agents represent and what books the representative publishing companies have produced, lately.
• Choose appropriate agents/editors/publishers for your project.
• Prepare and practice reciting a brief description of your project. I suggest preparing a really good, succinct thirty-second commercial.
• Create a promo package including a brief synopsis or overview of your proposed book and information about yourself. What is your writing background, why are you the person to write this book and what is your platform, for example?
• Make a good first impression. Come across as a potential business partner with an excellent product, not an emotional writer who believes he has just completed the book of the century.
• Keep to your allotted time with the editor/agent. Generally, the appointments are only 10 to 15 minutes and the time is strictly monitored.
• Always thank the agent or editor for their time and expertise.
• Follow up with whatever they suggested you do (contact them at their home office, add more dialogue in your story, flesh out the main character, write for a wider audience) and resubmit your query, proposal or book (if they requested it) once it is ready.

You never know when you will have the opportunity to pitch your marvelous book to an agent, editor or publisher at a writers’ conference, book festival or another event, so always be at the ready with your 30-second commercial and your materials. And remember to make a good impression the first time and every time.

Learn more about Patricia Fry at http://www.matilijapress.com/consulting.html

January 28, 2008

End of a Great Writer’s Conference

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 6:53 am

The San Diego State University Writers’ Conference is over. The attendees and faculty have headed home to Arizona, Michigan, Seattle, Florida and many other destinations. Most of us are richer for having participated. Those who pitched manuscripts to agents and editors, carried home hope and, in most cases, assignments for creating a more commercial product. Those who came to learn and to network with other writers and authors, returned home suffering from information overload.

Many came to me yesterday saying they were more confused about what to do than ever. I assured them that when they unpack all of their handouts and take time to pour over the material and their notes, they will begin to see a common thread. They will get the message. They will see their pathway to publishing more clearly. And in some cases this will mean changing a long-held belief or perception.

I had a great conference and everyone I spoke with said that they did, too. I don’t think that every workshop leader presented what he/she promised and I hope that I did. It’s sometimes difficult to hit the mark when you don’t know exactly who your students are, how far along they are, what they want and what they need to hear. I try to always ask so that I’m more likely to respond to everyone’s questions and needs. Every teacher has a unique method of teaching. Some ramble in an effort to demonstrate their knowledge of books already published in their genre. Some provide quizzes to kill the time. There were some great powerpoint presentations with statistics and points to ponder. There were demonstrations (one workshop leader wore armor and presented medieval weaponry for those who need this information for their novels.)

It seems to me that the attendees at this conference were more sophisticated and knowledgeable than those I’ve encountered in recent years. It could be because there are more writers’/authors’ conferences held throughout the states. There are also more books available on every aspect of writing and publishing. Despite the huge number of related titles available at the college bookstore set up there at the Double Tree, I almost sold out of my books. This is additional proof bearing out the importance of establishing and continuing to build on your platform. People recognize my name and know of my reputation as a publishing professional.

The organizers sat me next to Dan Poynter at the faculty dinner Saturday night. That was a treat. I used Dan’s Self-Publishing Manual when I produced two books in 1996. I first met him at the Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference where I attended his workshop probably about that time. Dan was also a frequent speaker for us when SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) was a face-to-face networking organization. And he’s been a loyal member. It had been a while since Dan’s and my paths had crossed, so it was fun having this opportunity to catch up. We talked about mutual acquaintances in the industry, our travels to various writers’/publishers’ conferences, our respective trips to Dubai and our impressions of the Middle East and the people. We also discussed the industry and did a little note-comparing. It was enlightening and a good networking opportunity.

I was reminded, this weekend, of the importance of networking with our peers, with other authors/writers and with those in complimentary as well as competing professions. And that’s the message I’m going to leave you with this Monday. Reach out, stay in touch, ask questions, listen intently and never stop studying.

Publishing is the dream of many and it is an attainable dream for those who will listen with an open mind and work diligently on their own behalf. And, as I told one conference attendee who has anxious to get published and wanted to know what to do next, “Exercise a lot of patience.”

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