Writing and Publishing News from

May 28, 2011

What Kind of Writer Are You?

Filed under: Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 5:26 am

“I have an idea and I’m going to write a book. I’ve never written anything before. But I think my idea is valid and I want to share it with the world. The best way to get my idea out there is to put it in book form.”

“I would like to build my credibility and my business by writing a book related to my profession.”

“I have this urge to tell my story and I want to tell it to as many people as I can reach. How better to reach them than through a book. I’ll write my story and present it as a book for the whole world to read.”

“I want to teach what I’ve learned about life. There are a lot of people suffering as I did for years and maybe my story will make a difference in the lives of many others.”

“People should stop eating so much junk food. If they knew the truth about the dangers of a steady diet of junk food, they would change their ways and maybe even lose weight. I’m going to write what I know about healthy eating and try to change the habits of millions of junk food junkies.”

“If he and she can produce a novel and sell a few copies, I should be able to write and sell my novel. My story is better than many I see on TV or in the movies and a lot better than those I’ve read, lately. I want to get people’s reaction to the amazing story that’s rolling around in my head, so I’m going to write a novel.”

“I’d like to earn a little money for my retirement years. I have the time now and I might as well spend it writing. I know I have a good idea for a book. All I need to do is write it. A publisher will do the rest. I should be able to collect thousands of dollars each year from royalties. Writing could be a lucrative pastime.”

“I’m told I have writing talent. I do love to write. Maybe I should put some of my stories in book form and see if I can get a publisher interested.”

Do you see yourself in any of these scenarios? I’ve known people in each of them. Is your story missing from this list? We’d like to have you share it with us.

No matter which of these stories resembles your own, there are two things you really should do before writing that book (or at least before seeking publication).

1: Study the publishing industry
2: Write a book proposal.

And there is one thing you need to do upon completion of your book: Hire a good book editor.

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

May 27, 2011

Storytellers Are Not Necessarily Writers—and it Shows

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 5:13 am

I’ve decided that there are writers and then there are storytellers. Storytellers can spin a good yarn, as they say. But when it comes to writing, some of them have trouble penning a piece that their audience can follow. Many of them seem to have trouble grasping the concepts related to good, clear and concise writing.

I find that I can demonstrate and attempt to teach storytelling authors the difference between a muddy and a clear sentence, for example, while editing for them, and they continue to write muddy (complicated, awkward, run-on) sentences. I can point out the rules of good writing to my clients, and they still stick to their old writing habits. I can explain why something doesn’t work in their story or the dangers of inconsistencies in a story and they persist in using their same old approach.

Writers, on the other hand, tend to apply the techniques and rules I (as their editor) share with them. Someone with writing skills and a love for the process of writing is eager to learn more about it. They want to know how to improve their story or their nonfiction manuscript. A storyteller, who is more comfortable with how the words appear in their heads than on paper (or on the computer screen), aren’t as open to grasping the concept of readability. Some storyteller types expect the reader to imagine the story as they do. They don’t understand that, once the story is reduced to words on a page—without benefit of gestures and facial expressions—it must be presented in a form that makes sense to the reader. And the written word is a very different animal than the spoken (or imagined) word.

I’m sure that most of you (in particular, other book editors) have seen manuscripts/completed books that didn’t quite sell the story. As a reader, you sometimes got lost, were turned off by inconsistencies, couldn’t decipher some of the points or follow some of the scenarios. It’s a shame when an author, without excellent writing skill, ruins a perfectly good story.

Folks, whether you are a writer at heart or you simply have a story to tell. Please turn your manuscript over to a qualified book editor before you present it to your readers.

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

May 26, 2011

7 Tips for Writing a More Publishable Book

Filed under: Article-Writing,Book Promotion — Patricia @ 4:35 am

Today’s blog has two purposes. First, it offers you–my readers–valid tips for writing a more publishable book. Second, it is a good example of a “tip sheet.” You could be getting similar tip sheets related to the topic of your nonfiction book published in magazines and newsletters as well as ezines that publish articles related to the theme of your book. You see tip sheets on many topics–gardening, child-rearing, caring for animals or the elderly, choosing a college, fixing quick meals, taking care of your skin, burglar-proofing your home, taking photos, buying a camera, finding good fishing spots, birdwatching and so forth.

Here’s my example of a tip sheet.

1: Study the publishing industry so you understand your options, the possible ramifications of your choices and your responsibilities as a published author.

2: Define your purpose for writing this book. Make sure it is valid, not frivolous.

3: Determine your target audience. Who is most likely to read this book and how many people does this comprise?

4: Ascertain whether this book is needed/desired. Is there a market for it?

5: Consider your platform—your following, your connections, your way of attracting readers. Why are you the person to write this book and who is going to care about reading it?

6: Create a marketing plan. How will you get word out about your book?

7: Find ways to build promotion into your book while you’re writing it.

A well-researched, complete book proposal will assist you in answering each of these questions accurately. A book proposal is a business plan for your book. Don’t neglect this very important step to becoming a successful author.

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

May 25, 2011

The Emotions of Writing

Filed under: Authorship — Patricia @ 5:09 am

I don’t spend a lot of time talking about the process of writing or even thinking about it. I just write. But occasionally I notice a feeling of giddiness as I sit in front of the computer and begin stringing words together. And it reminds me how much a love what I do. Do you ever feel that way?

Does the act of writing give you a thrill? Are you in love with the very activity?

I’ve told people for years that I can’t not write. Some of my darkest days came about when life circumstances had changed for me and I had to leave my writing room and get a regular job. It appeared that working full-time would be my future. While the job I had was a nice one—actually rather pleasant—and it did involve writing, I became despondent. I missed my days of sitting at my typewriter creating articles for magazines.

Then, one day while I was doing my early morning meditation walk, it occurred to me that I had to find a way to write no matter what else was going on in my life. So I started getting up at 4 every morning and writing for two hours before taking my walk and getting ready for work. I also wrote some on weekends. I completed an entire book (a situational memoir) on that time schedule. What a gift to know that I could write under practically any circumstances.

I decided to start using those few hours every morning to resume my article-writing business. During those wee hours, I began researching article ideas, sending out query letters to appropriate magazines and writing articles that had been requested. Even though, the world was still in slow motion then—personal computers and the Internet were still on the horizon—during the next eight months, I managed to build my article writing business to the point where I could quit my job. And I have been happily writing ever since.

Do you have a “can do” writing story? Have you overcome obstacles in order to pursue your love for writing? Or would you like to share how the process of writing makes you feel? We would enjoy hearing/reading it. Leave your comment here.

One thing I never thought I would enjoy doing is involving myself in the writing of others. I had my own agenda—wanted to do my own writing—had plenty of my own projects going. I often turned away writers and authors who wanted me to work with them. Sure I would answer their questions and give them resources. But I didn’t want to go beyond that barrier.

During the last twenty or so years, however, I’ve been working with other authors on their book projects—editing and consulting. And I am enjoying helping others to shape their projects as much as I’ve enjoyed creating my own.

For more about me and my work, visit http://www.patriciafry.com

To view some of my 34 books, go to http://www.matilijapress.com

I’m happy to announce that book sales are up, lately. Our shipping department has been a-bustle. And just about 8 weeks from today, I will be announcing a new book for authors. This will be an important addition to your collection of books on book promotion and marketing. Allworth Press will bring out my completely revised and much expanded book, Promote Your Book: Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author in July. You can see the book posted at Amazon.com already. Check it out!

May 24, 2011

How to Attract Readers for Your Book

Filed under: Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 5:16 am

Are you alienating your readers? Does your message or your way of presenting it turn off the very people you hope to attract? How do you know and what can you do about it?
Maybe it’s time to review your presentation.

• Are you writing with clarity?
• Is your topic popular with one or more groups of people?
• Are you promoting to the right audience?
• Are you coming on too strong with your opinions?
• Does your material come across as weak/unconvincing?

If you are not getting the response you desire or expect, maybe it is time to reevaluate your writing, your style, even your mindset.

More and more authors today produce books primarily to help others—to teach, to share, to make a difference. And for some, it becomes a crusade to change minds. How else are they going to help the uninspired, overeater, alcoholic, grieving, hate-filled, abused, abusing or ill reader?

How else can a writer change people and change the world?

What we sometimes forget or don’t comprehend is that many of these people do not want to change, won’t go in search of help, don’t trust unknown authors, aren’t ready to accept assistance, don’t want to do what it takes to change or can’t or won’t read. Sometimes it isn’t the message itself, but the way it is presented that turns off readers. Everyone has his comfort zone and most people are content to stay within it rather than venture out into unknown territory on an off chance that their life will actually change.

Sure books that promise wealth, health and a great figure/physique, are popular. Can you guess which ones are read? Not the book by an unknown author designed to transform the hardcore junk food junkie into a lean vegetarian. Probably not the one that teaches good eating habits for the anorexic. Probably not the one about money-saving techniques by the author who collects state aid/welfare.

If you are writing on behalf of a cause—you’ve launched a personal crusade through your writing—stop to think about your audience.

• Who are they?
• Where are they?
• What do they want—not what do they need—what do they want?
• How do they want to see it presented?

How can you best accommodate this audience? This is the attitude that will sell your articles and your books.

But you might say, “I have a meaningful message—something of value to teach and to share. If I give them what they want, they won’t learn anything new—they won’t improve and or grow.”

My entire career has been devoted to nonfiction writing. This includes informational articles and books, self-help, how-tos, reference books, etc. I, too, have what I believe are important messages to share and valid perspectives to teach—the value in writing a book proposal, for example. How do I make this point with an audience who may not be ready to hear it? I embed it in the stuff they can accept and that they want to know about. Sneaky, huh? And you might be surprised at the number of readers who come back to me months or years after reading one of my books and say, “I just re-read your book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book, and notice that you recommend writing a book proposal as a first step to writing a book. I never thought of doing that. What a good idea. I wish I’d done that with my first book. I would have saved a lot of time and steps in getting it published.”

Sometimes a long-time client will come to me with a question, “How can I get my book reviewed?” I will refer them to the section in my book on getting book reviews—something they paid no attention to the first time they read it.

These people may have purchased the book primarily for the information about book promotion or to use the section on how to self-publish your book (establish your own publishing company) and they completely disregarded or overlooked the parts of the book that rested outside their self-imposed, current comfort zone.

If you are working on a book, make sure that you are writing the right book for the right audience. If you have a published book that isn’t doing well, maybe it’s time to rethink your marketing campaign. If your audience isn’t listening to your sage advice, try giving them more of what they want—what they can handle—and then sprinkle it with the things they really need to know.

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

May 23, 2011

Be Consistent in Your Writing

Filed under: Editing — Patricia @ 2:57 am

Have you noticed how professionals always hound authors to have their books edited? Anything you read about writing and publishing includes this advice. Some of you decide that you don’t need or want an editor because you know your way around punctuation and spelling. You have a handle on the fine points of grammar.

But there is another service editors can provide that you may not realize you need. She can make sure that you have been consistent throughout your story or your nonfiction book.

For example, did you inadvertently use the wrong name in an important quote—you meant to attribute it to Joe and you accidentally typed Marsha’s name. Or maybe you changed a character’s name from Harry to Hank in midstream. But you neglected to change all instances of Harry. Oops. Did you maintain the same spelling for a character or place name? This can get real touchy when you are writing a fantasy or otherwise making up place names, for example. Is it Crimia or Crimea? Did you mean for it to be Plaggerly or Plegarly?

Some authors change the way their character’s look—she starts out with curly brown hair and, without explanation, she suddenly she’s a blond. Or he is tall and lanky in one scene and burley in another. I’ve seen this happen. If she changes her hair color or he becomes buff, tell your readers. Otherwise, make sure that you stay true to your characters.

It’s easy to use different arrangements of some words. If you use heartwarming, stick with this throughout. Don’t use heart-warming in some places and heart warming in others. Is the word hyphenated or not? Two words or not? Find out and be consistent.

During research, you might discover that there are conflicting facts or stats with regard to something you want to use in your book. Sometimes you have to choose one. Once you do, make sure that you don’t waver. You’ll lose credibility with your readers if you report one statistic in one place and a different one in another.

As an editor, I can tell you that inconsistency is a common problem among authors. There is something about an author’s eye that seems to prevent them from seeing the discrepancies in their work. That’s one more excellent reason why you really should hire an editor.

Another habit many authors have in common is the fact that they repeat words. Rather than coming up with a different word to make their sentences more interesting, they will use the same word twice or three times. Here’s an example, “He sat next to the babbling brook, enjoying the splashing water as a dog swam nearby, splashing in the water.” Or “Dora came in from outside still feeling the cool outside air chill in her bones.”

Today, why don’t you spend time going through your book in progress and determine whether or not you are committing some of these author’s sins. Get a head start on preparing your manuscript for the editor. The cleaner your manuscript, the less time it will take a good editor to get through it and the less you will have to pay.

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

May 22, 2011

5 Secrets to Getting Your Book Reviewed

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 5:17 am

Every author has heard the term Book Review. Many of them consider a book review to be an honor bestowed only on famous and lucky authors.

Some authors believe that you can get your book reviewed, but you’ll have to pay for it. No, no, no! Well, let me say that there are certainly a lot of review sites cropping up that require payment for reviews. But I have to tell you, they are not the only reviewers in town!

There are hundreds of FREE book review opportunities for books in all genres and topics. Here are my suggestions for getting your book reviewed many times over:

1: Write a book that reviewers will want to review. Now this sounds like a big fat no-brainer, doesn’t it? But think about it. What more could you do to make your book in progress more appealing to reviewers—more appropriate for a larger number of reviewers?

I advise authors to build promotion into their books—in other words, to add wider dimensions to attract a larger audience. This practice will also attract a greater array of reviewers.

2: Make the most of what you have. Okay, your book is a done deal. How can you maximize your book review options? Get personal with your book. Dissect it and jot down what you find. For example, what city is the story set in? Pursue reviews in regional magazines in that area. Do you have a section in your budgeting book for teaching children money-awareness? Parenting magazines might be a good secondary review option for this book. Is your book clean and honorable? Consider reviews in religious magazines. Maybe your novel has a séance scene. This may provide an opportunity for a review in a metaphysical or New Age publication.

3: Seek out magazine book reviewers. Not every magazine runs book reviews, but many of them do. Editors of some literary magazines and others that publish fiction, review books. Some genre fiction magazine editors publish book reviews—this might include science fiction, romance, horror, young adult and children’s.

Likewise there are hundreds of consumer and association/trade magazines that run book reviews on appropriate books. My book on presenting a Hawaiian luau on the mainland was reviewed in dozens and dozens of cooking and foods magazines. My writing/publishing-related books have been reviewed in numerous writing and publishing magazines and newsletters. There are magazines in every category imaginable—business, child-rearing, pets and animals, public speaking, finance, fitness and health, education, sports, hobby and craft and on and on and on.

Again, the more aspects you have skillfully worked into your novel or nonfiction book, the more potential you have for getting your book reviewed.

4: Locate appropriate publications. You probably have magazines in your genre or topic on your own book shelves. Start there. Scan magazines at your local library and bookstores. Study Writer’s Market to find additional magazines related to your book’s theme. Do a Google search to locate even more magazines and newsletters. Here are a few newsletter directories.
http://www.newsletteraccess.com
http://www.ezinehub.com

You can pay for lists of newsletters: http://www.mediafinder.com

5: Contact general online book review sites. While these sites are plentiful and it seems that a book could get lost among the multitude of others, most experts recommend that you try to get your book added to their list of reviewed books. The more exposure you get, after all, the better. I often list some of the book review sites in the SPAWN Market Update for members of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org

Book review site directory: http://www.acqweb.org/bookrev.html

You can do an Internet search to locate those in your genre/topic.

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

May 21, 2011

Writing With Pets

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 4:51 am

I wrote this while traveling a few years ago. My cats back home were on my mind. Today, however, I have one on my lap and another waiting in the wings for his turn. Here’s why I think pets are good for writers. Maybe you can add to this list. Leave a comment here.

• Having a pet is supposed to be good for us at such a deep level that their presence can have a positive effect on our heart health. It is proven, for example, that our blood pressure drops when we’re around plants or animals.

• Pets can make us feel good about ourselves. They may be the only beings on earth that can give unconditional love, after all.

• A pet prompts us to move. Dogs need walking. Cats require feeding, grooming, playtime, being let in/out, etc.

• Animals can be inspiring. I know many writers who write books, stories, articles, poems about their pets. And they can evoke thoughts and emotions that lead to new stories, poems, etc. (Since I wrote this bit, I have produced a charming book of cat stories: Catscapades, True Cat Tales, by Patricia Fry.)

• Pets teach us new things about ourselves. A cat, dog, horse, for example, can bring adventure, laughter, joy and, unfortunately, sorrow, into our lives—all emotions and experiences we can learn from.

Even the wild birds you feed outside our office windows, the interesting spider that has taken up residence on your ceiling or the quick lizard that scurries across your path each time you step outside can cause you to chuckle or marvel for brief moments throughout the work day. And any distraction or shift in mindset has the potential to affect your writing.

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

May 20, 2011

The Business of Writing

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 4:40 am

Those of you who live in or near Ventura County, CA, be sure to sign up for the one-day writers’ conference in Ojai on Saturday, June 4, 2011. http://www.ojaiwritersconference.com

I’ll be part of a panel on self-publishing in the afternoon. Throughout the day, you’ll be treated to writing workshops. Sign up. We’ll try to arrange for a nice day.

Tips and Quips About The Business of Writing
Here’s a revelation: You can’t be a successful book editor or published writer/author without having a business head. Many, who don’t believe this, ultimately fail. The only exception to this truth is if you hire someone you trust to handle the business end of your writing/publishing business. And then put your faith in them. If your business manager says, “Do not sign that contract unless they put their verbal promises into it,” pay attention!!! If he or she tells you that this publisher has a bad reputation or the contract is not good, listen! If you find numerous, numerous complaints about a pay-to-publish company, RUN the other way. And never sign with one until you have checked out their reputation.

Publishing is not an extension of your writing. If you’ve read this before, it is because you were reading something I wrote.

To explain the phrase above—let me say that writing is a craft and publishing is a business. You cannot successfully enter into the world of publishing using the same mindset, skills and tools as you used while writing your novel, for example.

Way too many authors emerge from their writing room one day in search of a publisher. They find one rather quickly on their first Internet search. And, many of them buy into the hype, and promptly sign on the dotted line. What’s wrong with this? It’s the totally wrong approach to the business of publishing.

Rather, I would have you first study the publishing industry. I recommend that the study begin as soon as you decide to write for publication and it should be ongoing. Secondly, write a book proposal—a business plan for your book. Publishing is a business, after all, and your book is a product.

If you would like some one-on-one help writing that book proposal, please sign up for my online book proposal course this week! http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm

Need your book edited? If you have completed a book for publication, the answer is YES! Contact me for a free quote. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

http://www.patriciafry.com

May 19, 2011

5 Ways to Promote Your Book Without Changing Your Lifestyle

Filed under: Uncategorized — Patricia @ 6:55 am

Some authors that I meet are reluctant to go out of their way to promote their books. They say, in essence, “It’s a good book, isn’t that enough?” Sure, they want to sell a gazillion copies, but they resist the marketing process. They just want to write.

The truth is that, whether you self-publish, you have a traditional royalty publisher or you go with a fee-based, POD publisher, you must participate in promoting your book.

While I strongly urge authors to stretch beyond their comfort zone, there’s nothing wrong with starting the process in familiar territory.

Here are five ideas for promoting your book while involved in the process of living your life.

1. Talk about your book everywhere you go. Show your book to your coworkers, clients, vendors, members at your gym, the waitress who takes your lunch order and your dry cleaner, for example.

I suggest that authors create a 30-second commercial—a spiel that describes their book in 100 words or less. Repeat this anytime someone at a business meeting, class reunion, the supermarket, the auto parts store or your child’s school asks what you’re working on now.

Your 30-second commercial should be concise, clear and clever. If you’re not sure how effective your mini-speech is, rehearse it in front of friends. Your goal should be for people to walk away with a clear understanding of your book without feeling overwhelmed by too much information.

As an example, instead of saying, “I wrote a book about making wreaths,” try this: “I just finished publishing a book featuring living wreaths. I explain how to make wreaths using succulents, small garden flowers and ivy, for example.” If the listener seems interested, explain a little about how the wreaths are constructed. If your topic isn’t this person’s cup of tea, mention that it makes a great gift for someone who loves gardening.

2. Promote your book on the Internet. If you use the Internet to chat or conduct research anyway, why not do some promotion while you’re there. Go to the sites that reflect the subject of your book and get involved in chats, leave notes on bulletin boards, offer the site host excerpts from your book. Visit other blogs on the topic/genre of your book—comment and ask to be guest blogger. A literary site may feature your poetry book on their author’s page. A gardening site would probably be thrilled to post information about your book on living wreaths.

And when conversing with anyone via the Internet, don’t forget to add a “signature.” A signature is a little plug you can insert automatically at the end of your email.

3. Join clubs and organizations related to your book topic. Attend meetings and show your book around. Offer to give presentations reflecting your expertise. Donate books for special events. Get even more exposure by volunteering for community service projects that these organizations promote.

4. Write letters to the editor. Watch your local newspaper for an article or letter that relates to the topic of your book. Respond with information or opinions that reflect the content of your book. Be sure to include the title of your book in your letter.

5. Sell books on the road. Anytime you travel, take a box of books with you to sell along the way. Arrange in advance with a bookstore or specialty shop to have a book signing while there. Send press releases to local newspapers announcing your event. Make sure the store has plenty of copies of your books to sell.

If you don’t have time for a book signing, make cold calls to independent bookstores and appropriate specialty shops in the area. Leave them with a copy of your book or a promotional package.

As you can see, you don’t have to go too far out of your way to get exposure for your book. In order to increase sales, however, it’s wise to challenge yourself to stretch outside your comfort zone.

Here’s an idea: try at least one new marketing technique every month. Become a public speaker, for example, offer your book as a premium item, tap into the library market, create a promotional display to offer bookstores and specialty shops that sell your book or get added recognition for your book by entering it in contests.

My book, “The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book” is on sale. Save money while getting a major education about the publishing industry. You will want to read this book all the way through and then keep it closeby as a treasured reference book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Need a good book editor? Could you use a publishing consultant? Check out my services at: http://www.patriciafry.com

Sign up this week for my online Book Proposal Course. http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookpromotion.htm

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