Writing and Publishing News

I’ve been working on a speech that I’m presenting at the Carolinas Writers’ Conference this weekend. My method of practicing a speech is to recite it while I’m walking. So I walk more when I have a speech in the works. And the weather here in California is certainly cooperating. We’ve had gorgeous, warm days […]

I’ve started a new Book Proposal Course today. It will be held every Wednesday for 8 weeks and you don’t even have to get out of your jammies to attend. This is an online course on how to write a more successful book proposal. There is still time to sign up. Go to http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm Why […]

There’s lots popping in the offices of Matilija Press and Patricia Fry. New Book on Public Speaking for Authors For those of you who don’t know, Matilija Press is my publishing company which I formed in 1983. I’m getting ready to add book number 34 to my list of published books. This one is going […]

Do you attend local author events? You really should, when you get the chance. I heard three authors who are on totally different paths speak at a luncheon yesterday. It is always inspiring and interesting to hear how others approach writing—how their journey to authorship began, where it has led them and where it is […]

Do you recall my blog posts related to the tip sheet? I posted one in June of last year and one in October. Maybe you recall that a tip sheet is a short list of tips that you create on practically any topic for editors of print or online publications. It’s similar to an article, […]

Today we’re continuing with the seven common mistakes authors make. Here are the last four. 4: Many authors don’t understand publishing terms. Authors will say to me, “I’m self-publishing with ABC Publishing Company.” What they are actually doing is going with a pay-to-publish company. What are your primary publishing options? Royalty Publisher A traditional royalty […]

Over the next two days, I’m going to list 7 mistakes that many new authors make—mistakes that can cost you large sums of money and dramatically diminish your opportunity for publishing success 1: Inexperienced authors write a book as the first step. Why is this considered a mistake? If you aspire to have your book […]

Most first-time authors, see the book proposal process as intimidating—an unpleasant task that you’d rather avoid. However, you’ll have a much greater chance of publishing success if you look at your book proposal as a learning experience. Whether you decide to develop a book proposal by yourself or you hire a professional to help you, […]

Mark Levine has come out with an updated version of his book, The Fine Print of Self-Publishing. If you are thinking about going with a pay-to-publish (self-publishing) company, you MUST read this book. He rates and ranks and exposes aspects of these companies and he explores and explains the contracts of around 50 of them. […]

Brian Jud ran the first of my 50 Reasons Why You Should Write That Book in his “Marketing Matters Newsletter” yesterday. You can see it here: http://www.bookmarketingworks.com/mktgmattersnews I’m the “Guest Columnist” this week. If you haven’t done so already, go to my newest website and sign up for the free ebooklet, 50 Reasons Why You […]