Writing and Publishing News from

December 15, 2010

What Can Kirkus Reviews Do For You?

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 4:45 am

While I make it my business to keep up with publishing news and trends, sometimes something slips through the cracks. (How’s that for using clichés right off the bat?)

I subscribe to several publishing newsletters. I scour the Internet frequently for information. When I speak at a conference, unlike some of the presenters, I attend sessions and always pick up new tidbits. And, of course, I listen to other authors at all stages of their projects.

Well, yesterday I was working on a book revision and stumbled across information I was not aware of—about Kirkus Reviews. In December of 2009, I reported that this seventy-seven-year-old library review journal had closed. What I didn’t know was that, in February of this year, Herb Simon bought it and revived it. Kirkus Reviews, one of America’s oldest and most respected prepublication review journals lives on.

Kirkus Reviews is one of six prepublication review journals read religiously by librarians and booksellers who are seeking new books to stock. And, as far as I know, it is the only one that offers self-published and pay-to-publish authors review opportunities.

This is not to say that self-published and pay-to-publish authors are exempt from inclusion in any of the prepublication review journals. But it is a rare occasion when a book published outside of the traditional realm is accepted for review by any of them. Kirkus, however, started Kirkus Discoveries—a program whereby authors can pay to have their book reviewed by Kirkus staff. It will cost you, though—from $425 to $575, depending on how soon you want your review to appear. Here’s the link to the sign-up page: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/discoveries/add.

Do reviews in the Kirkus Discoveries program sell books? I would do some research on my own, if I were you. If you read the testimonials at the Kirkus website, you would be convinced that it is worth the money. But I’ve spoken with authors who say, “Don’t bother.” Kirkus lists some of the books they review through this program on their Kirkus Discoveries page. Contact some of these authors of books similar to yours and ask them if sales increased once their review appeared in the Discoveries newsletter. http://www.kirkusreviews.com/discoveries

By the way, the other prepublication book review journals are: Booklist, Library Journal, ForeWord Reviews, School Library Journal and Publisher’s Weekly.

Visit my websites to learn more about me, Patricia Fry, and my work and services.
http://www.patriciafry.com
http://www.matilijapress.com

Sign up for my FREE online Book Proposal course starting December 27, 2010. PLFry620@yahoo.com. Put “Free Course” in the subjectline. Learn more about the course here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm. Space is limited, so contact me now.

December 14, 2010

How to Find a Publisher for Your Self-Published Book

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 5:20 am

Yesterday, we talked about landing a publisher for a self-published book. I explained that it does happen, but only if the author has done his homework. To start with, it has to be a well-written book with a large audience. The author must offer up proof that the book is a viable product—that it has done well in the marketplace. But how do you approach a publisher?

First, you need to research publishers in your genre/topic. Locate publishers through publisher directories such as the Writer’s Market. Here’s an online directory you might check out, as well: http://www.publishersglobal.com. Also research publishers by locating books similar to yours online and/or in bookstores. Who published those books? Contact some of those publishers.

Check each publisher’s submission guidelines. Generally, however, you will send a query letter introducing your project. Tell the publisher when you first produced this book and let him know that you are interested in turning it over to a traditional publisher at this time. Give sales figures and offer to send a copy of the book. Publishers are always interested in sales figures.

If your book is accepted, be prepared to do a rewrite, to have your cover and title changed. A publisher might ask for minimal changes or he may require a major revision.

Do you have a book that you think might do better under the control of a publisher? Have you gone just about as far as you can promoting it alone? If it is a promising book with a wide audience base and if you have done relatively well selling it yourself, perhaps it’s time to start approaching publishers with it.

It’s sometimes a tough decision to make. Your profit per book will diminish considerably. However, in partnership with a publisher, you might sell more books, thus rake in more money. If your profit is $5.00 per self-published book and you’re selling 300 per year, that’s $1,500 per year. Your royalty percentage with a publisher might only compute to $1.50 per book. But if you’re selling 2,000 copies per year, your earnings will be $3,000.

I’d like to hear from those of you who have landed a publisher for a self-published or pay-to-published book. Of if you’ve attempted to find a publisher for a book that was doing well and it didn’t happen—contact me. Let’s see if we can figure out why.

Check out my books and services:
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

December 13, 2010

The Backdoor to a Publishing Contract

Filed under: Book Promotion,Publishing — Patricia @ 7:10 am

It seems to be happening more and more often. Authors are landing traditional publishers for their self-published (and even pay-to-publish) books.

It has happened to me several times. I produce a book, promote it hard and, when my promotional well of ideas and resources begin to wane, I contact a publisher. While we keep hearing that publishers count on the author to promote his/her own book, they still have outlets and connections that we don’t have and that can give an older book a new life.

Many books need more frequent updates today. This would include books featuring subjects relying heavily on technology and those with a lot of Internet resources. My books on publishing and book promotion, for example, should be updated every few years. I’m in the process of updating three of my bestselling books as we speak. And a publisher has expressed an interest in all of them.

Allworth Press is bringing out my book, Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book in a new format, new style and size and with many surprises in the spring. The new title is Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author.

I’ll share news about the other books when something is set in stone.

My book, The Mainland Luau, How to Capture the Flavor of Hawaii in Your Own Backyard sold really well. I did three printings of that book. And then Island Heritage took it over with a new title, Entertaining Hawaiian Style.

My self-published memoir, Quest for Truth was also of interest to a publisher, but I decided not to sign their contract.

One client, Diana Zimmerman, after selling 12,000 copies of her self-published young adult fantasy book within two years, landed a contract with Scholastic Books.

I know authors who ultimately want to work with a publisher, but have decided to go in through the backdoor of the publishing company. Their plan is to produce the book, promote like crazy and then approach publishers with proof that their book is worthy.

It has happened and it can happen to you. You simply need two things on your side—an excellent book capable of attracting a large audience and the energy, funds, motivation and creativity to prove it in the marketplace.

Zimmerman, for example, did not send her book out there alone to fend for itself. She made numerous appearances all over the US with it. She didn’t wait for things to happen. She made them happen. And this is the key to the success for any author today.

December 12, 2010

Write a Book for Charity

Filed under: Book Promotion,Writing — Patricia @ 5:54 am

Not everyone is interested in making money from their books. Some people produce a book in order to help a favorite charity. Why give away money that could be yours? There are a variety of reasons that people do this.

For some, it is a matter of priorities. They strongly believe in a cause and publish a book in order to support it. Some just don’t want to mess with the finances involved in selling books, so they turn it over to a charity. Some feel blessed in life and just want to give back. There are also authors who, perhaps, feel awkward about having written on a certain topic and choose to give away any monies coming from it as a way of distancing themselves from it. Still others donate a portion of their sales or profits just to look good and, in some cases, in order to generate more sales. A pitch that includes, “…and if you buy this book, you will be supporting such-and-such charity,” may convince a hesitant consumer to purchase your book. Others are after the tax deductions. If this is you, be sure to check with your tax advisor to find out how to best handle the details of your project.

Some authors embed their causes within their books—promote their favorite charity or cause within the pages of their books. There’s even a site being constructed as we speak designed to help authors give back through their books. I’ll keep you posted as it develops.

It might be that the best way to handle a charitable book is to donate the book to the charity and let them promote it. Another method, which most of my clients pursue, is to sell the books, collect the money and send the charity a check every quarter or so. However, in most of these instances, the amount going to charity is minimal and does not actually continue for long. The author tires of promoting the book—it can be time-consuming and costly—and the book is put to death.

Do good things come to good people who donate the proceeds from their books? Occasionally. Benevolent authors are sometimes rewarded. But I believe this is true only for those whose generosity is sincere—who are truly giving from the heart. And, certainly, not everyone who gives or claims to give a portion of their book’s proceeds is doing so with a pure heart.

Many authors donate books to some of their favorite causes and/or give a percentage of their earnings during fundraising drives, etc. I think most authors do this on occasion. I’ve certainly given my share of books for charity auctions, raffles, etc. And I’ve offered a percentage of sales at events to benefit various organizations. Proceeds from my book of cat stories, for example, have helped local cat rescue groups. And I have certainly had people purchase my book expressly to support that charity.

It appears through research, however, that these people are not in the majority. Most consumers polled said they would not buy a book simply because it is linked to a charity.

Did you write a book strictly for charity? Do you donate heavily through your book—giving copies of your book or a percentage of sales, for example? Or are you in the business of selling books and you donate only on occasion? Do you think it helps sales to link your book to a charity? Chime in right here by using the “comment” button.

In the meantime, visit my websites—order books and check out my array of services.

http://www.matilijapres.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

December 11, 2010

Choosing Your Publishing Option

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 5:09 am

Are you planning to self-publish—establish your own publishing company? I’m revising and updating my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. I’ll be offering it as an ebook once the work is completed (probably around March of 2011).

In the process of revising it, I came across my thirty-three point list of activities involved with self-publishing a book, which also includes a time-line for self-publishing. Have you ever wondered what to do in what order when it comes to setting up a company and producing a book? Does it all seem totally overwhelming? Stop the struggle. Order my book today. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.htmnl

And the timeline isn’t the only aspect of this 340-page book that you’ll find helpful. I also include a whole section on how to determine the best publishing option for your project.

Are you unsure about the pros and cons of the various publishing options? This book is designed to clarify this and make it much easier for you to select the option that is best for you and for your particular book.

After reading the first sixty pages, or so, you will have a greater understanding of the publishing industry. This is so important to anyone who is entering this highly competitive business.

This book will also guide you in writing a book proposal, self-editing your book, creating a marketing plan and so much more.

The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Take a look at the book. Read the description. Email me if you have questions: PLFry620@yahoo.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

I’d like to poll my blog followers. I know there are a lot of you based on the analytics. I’d like to know what your interests are. As you know, I earned my living writing articles for magazines for many years. I am also an author, workshop leader, speaker, consultant and editor. I can write on aspects of all of these topics. If I know where you are, what you need, what you are looking for by way of information, resources, etc., I can more readily accommodate you through this blog.

Leave your comments here or email me at PLFry620@yahoo.com.

December 10, 2010

Writers/Authors: How to Locate and Use Directories in Research

Filed under: Research — Patricia @ 7:01 am

When you are seeking writing work or writers’ conferences or, perhaps, newspapers, libraries, distributors, reviewers, etc. to help in promoting your book, do you key in on directories? You should. You’ll find, in an online directory, the leads you need in a fraction of the time it would take by doing single searches.

Sure, some of the listings are old and out-of-date. But I find that the results of directory research, in most cases, far exceed those from single searches.

An exception might be, if you are looking for a writers’ conference in your city or only libraries within a certain county/state or, perhaps, reviewers for specific magazines. Then, while you might find some listings in various directories, you would also do a single search.

I find that few writers and authors consider searching directories when they are seeking a list of publishers, agents or freelance work, for example. Consequently, their research tactics aren’t always successful.

I write the monthly SPAWN Market Update (for the member area of the SPAWN website). SPAWN is Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network, http://www.spawn.org. And I often include directories to help members who are searching for book reviewers, publishers of fiction, children’s book publisher, etc.

Here are links to a few directories that you might find useful. By the way, I would like to hear from you if you found this post helpful.

Freelance writing work:
http://www.writejobs.com
http://www.sunoasis.com
http://www.freelancewriting.com/freelance-writing-jobs.php

Book distributors
http://www.bookmarket.com/distributors.htm

Directory of publishers, printers, graphic designers, distributors, etc.
http://www.publishersglobal.com

Library directories
http://travelinlibrarian.info/libdir
http://www.publiclibraries.com

Newspaper directories
http://www.newspapers.com
http://www.newspaperlinks.com

Writers conferences
http://www.allconfereces.com
http://www.newpages.com/writing-conferences

To locate additional directories, use keywords: Writing job + directory, book reviewer +directory, etc.

Good luck and let me know of your successes using directories. Let me know if you are looking for something specific–maybe I can help.

PLFry620@yahoo.com

Visit my websites:
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

December 9, 2010

A Writer’s Attitude

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 6:43 am

We are often conflicted this time of year and this causes us to become stressed. We want to write or continue along on our book promotion path. Maybe a deadline is looming. But we also feel a tug toward our holiday traditions and a responsibility toward the tasks involved in keeping them alive.

What to do? How do we fit it all in?

Everyone has a different way of handling their lives this time of year. Some schedule days off to pursue their favorite holiday activities. Others break tradition and scratch a few activities off of their lists. So why do we still stress over the holidays? It’s mainly because of the way we approach them.

The key is to give whatever task you’ve chosen to tackle your total attention. If you are Christmas shopping, for example, or baking cut-out cookies for the neighbors, but you wish you were (or believe you “should” be) writing, you will not enjoy the task at hand. You will become stressed and conflicted. If you are working on an article or a chapter in your book, but you think you should be out buying a tree or putting lights on your house, you are doing your writing work a disservice. Your attention is divided. There is a battle going on inside you and your stress level is rising.

So how do you achieve a sense of peace with whatever you are doing? I suggest giving yourself permission. Give yourself permission to spend the morning writing, with the promise that you will string the lights this afternoon. Give yourself permission to leave your writing desk and enjoy an evening of shopping.

Allow yourself to be in whatever moment you have chosen without guilt or yearning to be someplace else.

This is not a writer’s creed. It is a universal truth. Try it and let me know how it works for you.

Visit my websites to learn more about me, my work and my services:
http://www.patriciafry.com
http://www.matilijapress.com

December 8, 2010

Writing With a Handicap

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 6:22 am

I cut one of my main typing/writing fingers this week—had to have three stitches. Don’t you get irritated with yourself when you do something stupid (like fish around in a sink of soapy water feeling for a broken piece of glass) and injure yourself in the process?

I’ve had to temporarily change my way of writing and typing. But, at least, I can still do those things.

Sometimes circumstances result in changes to the way we approach our writing work. We have to go out and get a job, we become ill or we experience a lifestyle change—get married/divorced, have children, move in with an elderly parent, etc.

If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you have experienced challenges that interfere with the flow of your writing work. I know people who have had their writing sidelined numerous times over the years. Some never bounce back. Others write despite what’s going on around them.

Which kind of writer are you? Do you need inspiration to help you stay on your writing track despite disrupting challenges? Or can you inspire us with your stories of writing even during difficult circumstances?

I’ve written in former blog posts about my own story of challenges and sacrifice which ultimately led to my establishing a career as a writer. If you haven’t read it and would like to, let me know and I’ll repeat it in a future post.

In the meantime, I’m offering my online Book Proposal course FREE to the first ten people to sign up. I’ll be starting the course December 27, 2010. Please do not sign up at my website. Contact me personally with questions or to sign up. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

To learn more about this course and what it involves, please visit http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm

Now I’d better do some filing or something to rest the tip of my poor finger.

December 7, 2010

Why Write a Book Proposal?

Filed under: Book Proposals — Patricia @ 6:07 am

As you know, I’m offering my online book proposal course FREE to the first 10 people who sign up with me: PLFry620@yahoo.com. Learn more about this course here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm

If you are thinking about writing a book, you are in the process of writing a book or you have completed a book manuscript, you really should write a book proposal. Why?
Probably the best thing about writing a book proposal is that during the process, you’ll find out if you truly have a book at all. There are at least six major things you can learn about your project as you go through the steps of developing a book proposal. You will learn:

• how to focus on your subject
• how to describe your book to others
• how to organize your material
• whether you have a salable idea or not
• how to sell your idea
• who your readers are
• about your competition

Today, we are focusing on the nonfiction book proposal. While publishers and agents sometimes request proposals for novels, they are not quite the same. The proposal for a novel might have only the title page, a synopsis and an author bio, including your platform.

Here’s what goes into a nonfiction book proposal:

Cover Letter. Write a formal letter on your letterhead that identifies your package as a book proposal

Title Page. Like a title page in a book.

Synopsis or Overview. The synopsis is the meat of your book proposal. This is where you describe your story or the theme and purpose of your book. If you can’t write a one or two-page synopsis, you’d better rethink your idea.

Promotional Ideas. Today, publishers need to know that the author is willing to help promote his or her book. If you’re affiliated with a large organization related to your book topic, say so. If you are a skilled public speaker, mention that. What are your connections? You should have plenty of ideas about who will buy this book and how it should be marketed. Share these ideas with potential publishers.

Market Analysis. For this section, you will research books similar to yours and explain how yours will differ. What makes your book stand out from the rest?

About the Author. Here, you will offer your bio. Include your writing experience, education and platform as well as your involvement and/or expertise related to your proposed book.

Give the publisher every reason to be interested in you and to trust you as the author of this book.

Chapter Outline. Here’s where you really find out if you have a book. List each chapter by title and briefly describe the proposed content. If you can’t outline 8 or 10 chapters, you probably don’t have a book.

Sample Chapters. Often, but not always, the proposal includes sample chapters.

A book proposal is a necessity in today’s publishing climate. So you might as well bite the bullet and decide to write one for your manuscript. Once you’ve broken through the mystery of your first book proposal, you’ll be surprised how easily the others will go together and how vital this proposal is to your project. And here is your opportunity to have personal guidance through your first book proposal. Read more about the free offer in the December 6, 2010 blog post.

To learn more about me visit:
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

December 6, 2010

FREE Book Proposal Course

Filed under: Announcements,Book Proposals — Patricia @ 5:26 am

Okay, you spoke up and told me that, of all my online courses, you need the Book Proposal Course most. So I’m offering it as a gift to my loyal blog followers.

We’ll start the 8-week course Monday, December 27 and it will run until February 15. Here’s how it works:

It’s as easy as emailing a friend, but much more rewarding and beneficial to the success of your book. 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 throughout the week. Your instructor will respond to your questions and provide limited individual feedback. Plan to participate fully and you could complete a successful book proposal for submission to a publisher by the end of the 8 week course.

In the process of taking one of my online courses, you will have the opportunity to work with me one-on-one toward the completion of your project. While my input and feedback during the free series of classes will be somewhat limited, here’s what each student can expect:

• One email with comments, feedback, critique and suggestions after each weekly assignment.

• Response to only one or two additional questions weekly.

• A written evaluation of your complete book proposal, if submitted within two weeks of the last class.

• If you require additional assistance, critique, editing, I’ll drop my fee to $40/hour for those who completed the course.

If you are interested in taking this complimentary course during this time-frame, please do not sign up at my website. Contact me personally with questions or to sign up. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

The course will be limited to ten students, so make your reservations today.

To learn more about this course and what it involves, please visit http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm

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