Writing and Publishing News from

Patricia Fry is discounting two of her most popular books:

The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book now $14.95.
This book has received numerous 5-star reviews by Patricia Fry’s peers. It is designed to help new and struggling authors to understand, thus more successfully navigate the publishing industry.

Publishing is more than just writing a good book. As I frequently tell authors, Publishing is not an extension of your writing. Publishing is a business and, in order to succeed as a published author in this fiercely competitive publishing climate, you must have an understanding of the business and the processes as well as all of your options, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibilities as a published author.

The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book is a definitive guide to successful authorship whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry a children’s book or a memoir. It details critical information about the publishing industry in frank terms and includes numerous anecdotes and examples to illustrate the processes involved in successful authorship.

Regularly $19.95, you can now get your copy of this 340-page book for $14.95—a 25 percent savings. Order your copy from the author today!
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book now $4.95.
This convenient guide to book promotion is designed to help you jumpstart your book promotions plan. At 68 pages, it has always been a bargain at $6.50. But now you get the same 68 pages and the more than 75 GOOD promotional ideas—some of them you have never thought of before—for only $4.95—a 20 percent savings. Order your copy directly from the author, http://www.matilijapress.com/over75page.html

Check out all books by Patricia Fry http://www.matilijapress.com

Questions? PLFry620@yahoo.com.

These discounts only apply to orders from Matilija Press. Use your credit card or mail a check. Details at http://www.matilijapress.com

I’ve been conducting a free online book proposal class this month. And I’m impressed by the caliber of my students’ work. Most of them are good writers. Some of them have well-thought out projects. All of them seem dedicated to doing what it takes to succeed in the world of publishing. The projects are as diverse as are the students—making it an interesting and enjoyable challenge for me.

Everyone learns in a situation like this.

Have you taken an online course? Many writers find this is a comfortable and effective way to gain information and new skills and perspectives with regard to producing and marketing a book or starting a freelance article-writing business, for example. I’m also teaching a memoir course and one on self-editing.

If you’re interested in knowing more about how an online course works, check out this page at my website: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_howwork.htm You’ll also see my array of courses listed there.

Are you interested in receiving a FREE ebook? Download your copy of “The Successful Author’s Handbook” here: http://www.patriciafry.com

When you’re ready to have your marvelous manuscript edited, contact me—Patricia Fry. Let me offer a free evaluation of your first twenty pages. I’ll let you know what it needs and I’ll give you an estimate for doing the work. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

I’ve had so many nice comments from well-wishers acknowledging my 1000th blog post. People have come forward to tell me how much this blog is helping them or has helped in the past. Nice to know.

And my free book proposal course, starting December 27, is almost full. We have some people signed up who are serious about writing their first book proposal. Among them, could be an author who lands that sought-after book contract from a major publisher. If you are interested in being guided through the book proposal process, learn more about the course here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm. To sign up, contact me: PLFry620@yahoo.com. The course starts with or without you on Monday December 27, 2010.

I am about to sign another publishing contract. The same publisher who is publishing my book promotion book, will reproduce my revised and updated book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book (under a new title). Yeah!!! More details as they emerge.

I have an editing job to finish off the month (thus the year) with. I am truly enjoying the story and the writing. I’ll tell you more about this book once it is published.

For those of you who missed my announcement yesterday, my webmaster has just posted over thirty new articles for authors and freelance writers on my Matilija Press website. This brings the total of articles I offer for authors and writers to over 130. http://www.matilijapress.com/articlespublishing.htm

Here, you’ll find articles on writing for a living, publishing, book promotion, writing a book proposal, public speaking as a way to promote your book, navigating the publishing industry, getting book reviews, dangers to avoid in publishing, designing your back cover copy, and gobs more.

My Patricia Fry website is new this year, too. I designed it myself, but I sure didn’t build it. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think. Perhaps you or someone you know needs extensive or minimal editing for a writing project. If you’ve been reading this blog and following other publishing experts, you know the dangers of going it alone with your book—of not hiring a book editor. If you’re still on the fence about hiring an editor, you don’t think you need one or you don’t believe you can afford one, read this article: “What Can You Expect From an Editor?”

I was once criticized by someone who visited my blog site one time—she said that I used my blog to promote myself and my books. (I guess I posted an announcement blog sort of like this one that day.) Well, that is my prerogative, isn’t it? But those of you who follow this blog, know that the information, resources, tips and techniques rule here. Occasionally, however, I like to remind you of the services and products I offer to complement the information in this blog. Anyway, do visit my Patricia Fry site: http://www.patriciafry.com

And enjoy your week before Christmas.

Well, there you have it—1000 (one thousand) blog posts brimming with information, resources and tips for freelance writers and authors at any stage of their publishing career/hobby. One thousand mornings since November of 2005, I have posted a blog designed to help you write a better book or article, make better choices on behalf of your writing projects and sell more books and articles.

I’ve shown you how to locate, approach and work with publishers, editors, distributors and booksellers. We’ve discussed the anatomy of an article, how to approach a magazine editor with your idea, query letters, cover letters, book proposals and more!

If it relates to publishing, we’ve covered it here over the last five years. Together, we’ve observed the changes taking place within the industry. And I’ve tried to help you better prepare for the results of those changes—those things that will affect (in fact are affecting) you.

Together with my books on publishing and book promotion, and the numerous articles I have scattered all over the Internet and in your favorite print publications and this blog, I’ve attempted to keep you from making some of the common mistakes that most new, unaware authors make. Those of you who have been following this blog know what it takes to succeed as a freelance writer or published author—knowledge. And I appreciate you coming here for a healthy dose of it every day.

People ask what motivates me to so diligently write a blog post each and every morning. My answer is “You.” It is painful to watch authors crash and burn after diving into the shark-infested publishing waters without a life vest. And I am one of many professionals who is passionate about helping where I can.

I appreciate those of you who value my work enough to follow this blog and to use my services and wares when you need an editor, a publishing consultant or an excellent book to read on the subject.

Tomorrow starts our journey together toward another 1,000 posts. As I see it, my job is to give you the information and resources you need in order to succeed. You can help by letting me know, periodically, what you need.

Patricia Fry is the Executive Director of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org. She began writing for publication in 1973 and supported herself for many years through article-writing for a wide variety of magazines. She is the author of 32 books (Allworth Press—recently purchased by SkyHorse—will release her 33rd book in May and they issued her a contract for her 34th book yesterday). Most of her books are on publishing and book promotion. Patricia also offers her services as an editor and publishing consultant. Check out her books and services here:

http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

First Chapter Plus
I received my first copy of the First Chapter Plus catalog produced by Irene Watson of Reader Views and I am impressed. She distributes the e-catalog of books monthly to librarians, media, bloggers and booksellers. The full-page ads include great color images of the books, a synopsis, information about each book, a testimonial and a link where you can click and read the first chapter. You can purchase a full-page ad on down to a thumbnail. Check this e-catalog out for yourself at http://firstchapterplus.com

The Book Mark—a Newsletter
I also received a new (to me) free e-newsletter known as The Book Mark. It covers industry news—in particular trade shows for the book industry. In the July issue, there is a list of upcoming trade shows being held in 7 different venues throughout the states through September and October. If you are interested in attending a trade show in Rhode Island, Minnesota, Oregon, New Jersey, Michigan, Florida or California, check out this issue at: http://www.bookmasterscom/bookmark

Foreword Book Awards
Get ready for the 2010 Book of the Year Awards sponsored by Foreword Magazine. This competition is for books from independent houses, only and they must be produced in 2010. For more, go to: http://www.forewordreviews.com Entries are being accepted now. Deadline is January 15, 2011.

Ventura Book Festival
Those of you living in the Ventura County area, please stop by the Ventura Book Festival at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the beach Saturday and visit the SPAWN booth. I’ll be there handing out copies of our brand new SPAWN Catalog of Member’s Books and Services. I’ll also have some of my own books available for sale.

I’ll be part of a panel discussion on book marketing with Irwin Zucker of Book Publicists of Southern CA, Kim Dower, Publicist. Organizer of the event Kathleen Kaiser, is the moderator. The book festival and conference is Saturday July 17, 2010 from 10 to 4. There is a $10 donation required per session. Entry to the book festival—where all the books are—is FREE.

It will be a nice respite for me and any of you others who live inland in this county as temps are supposed to rise from 100 to 105 or more by the weekend. It will be nice to spend the day along the shoreline.

Catscapades, True Cat Tales
Speaking of my books, my hard work in promoting Catscapades, True Cat Tales, is paying off. Orders are coming in regularly from Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. It is a charming little book. Order your copy from me: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

Do you know about an event, new or obscure newsletter or other news we should report here? Let me know: PLFry620@yahoo.com. Visit my websites: http://www.patriciafry.com and http://www.matilijapress.com

Wow! It’s a big day. This is my 800th blog post.

Now, what does an avid blogger who is serious about her mission write about in her 800th blog post? Hopefully, you realize that my primary mission is to help authors make better, more informed decisions throughout the process of writing, publishing and promoting their books. A secondary goal is to provide assistance to freelance article writers.

For today’s big blog, I decided to remind you of what you’ll find when you visit Patricia Fry’s Writing and Publishing Blog each day. Since November of 2005, I’ve been bringing authors and freelance article writers resources, information, news, announcement, tips, techniques and pertinent anecdotes. I’ve written on writing, preparing a book for publication, self-editing, locating and working with publishers/agents/editors, book promotion and other things related to producing and promoting a book and writing for publication.

I’ve covered interview techniques, self-editing, how to conduct research, public speaking techniques, how to make your book more saleable, how to be a successful writers’ conference attendee, tips for writing a book proposal, choosing a book cover, etc., as well as various book promotion activities—getting book reviews, using news releases, how to sell more books at book festivals, getting your book into bookstores, article-writing for book promotion, piggyback marketing and so much more.

If you missed any of the earlier posts, you are welcome to search them to locate information on specific topics. Much of what I share in my blog is also in my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book—only in a more organized, easy to use form. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

If you have a specific question about your writing project, email me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com.

Email me or leave a comment here if you have a request that I cover a certain topic in my blog.

I’d also like to hear from those of you who have learned, grown, improved and maybe even succeeded in your goals as a result of what you’ve read in this blog over the last five years.

Stick with me—keep visiting my blog. I generally post daily (except on rare occasions when I am under the weather or traveling—in which case, I will generally post every other day). On this schedule, we should be celebrating my 1,000th blog post sometime in January of 2011.

If you have a book in the works or in your hands or if you are interested in writing articles for magazines, hang with me for the next five years. I promise to continue offering the information and resources you require in order to experience success with your project.

As an 800th blog post gift, I’d like to offer those who are interested a FREE copy of my latest ebook, The Successful Author’s Handbook (2010). But I am offering it with a hitch. I want everyone who receives a copy of this ebook to report back to me if they gleaned anything useful from this book and specifically what it was. Email me here PLFry620@yahoo.com and request your FREE copy of The Successful Author’s Handbook.

Have you ever taken an online course? Do you know how they work? Let me give you some insight as to how I manage the online courses I teach.

It’s as easy as emailing a friend, but much more rewarding and beneficial to your writing/publishing career. It’s like going to school in the comfort of your home. You will receive weekly lectures and assignments that you can work on at your convenience. Your instructor will respond to your questions and provide individual feedback. Plan to participate fully and you could complete a successful book proposal for submission by the end of the 6 or 8 week course, have an article ready to submit to an appropriate periodical, start selling more books, self-publish your book, get a good start on your memoir or learn volumes about self-editing (of course, depending on which course you take).

Taking one of my online courses is like hiring me to work one-on-one with you, only it is much less expensive.

Check my array of courses here:
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm.

Read the overview. Study the class outline. Email me with any questions: PLFry620@yahoo.com. Click on the course(s) you want to take and pay by credit card. (Or pay by check or PayPal.)

I present these courses on demand—meaning that you can sign up whenever it is convenient for you. My only requirement is that you take the classes consecutively.

So what courses do I have available?

• Book Promotion Workshop
• Self-Editing Course
• Memoir Course
• Article-Writing Workshop
• Self-Publishing Course
• Write a Successful Book Proposal Workshop

http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

Catscapades Update
My first book signing for Catscapades, True Cat Tales will be at Noah’s Apothecary in Ojai May 22 between 1 and 3 p.m. I’m excited! In the meantime, I am looking forward to presenting this new book at 3 (so far) book festival in coming months. Check my “appearances” page at my website periodically for details of upcoming events. Visit the Catscapades blog at least once a week for new stories, information and photos of kitties.
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

Order your copies of Catscapades, True Cat Tales at http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html