Writing and Publishing News from

Sometimes I wonder how much money I would have in the bank if I’d been paid for every minute of the time I’ve spent over the years giving of my expertise.

The gratitude expressed by some of the people I’ve responded to, counseled or advised indicates that they believe what I’ve given them is of value. And I know there are authors out there who gleefully and successfully heeded my verbal or written suggestions, but who did not bother to say, “Thanks.”

I guesstimate that I’ve communicated personally with over 2,500 of authors and writers related to their editorial/publishing concerns or questions. I’ve received at least a thousand emails/calls during the last 30+ years from people who gleaned something from my articles or books. Some of them have additional questions—which I happily answer. (Whenever I hand-sell a book, I always invite the customer to contact me if, after they read it, they have specific questions.) I also get follow-up questions from individuals who attend some of my presentations.

Of course, I am always here for my clients and students, as well. Most of them get bits and pieces of time that I do not charge for. But if I had—if I was on the clock every time I provided sage advice, valuable resources, worthwhile information, etc.—I would be in a higher tax bracket.

Do you feel that way sometimes? Does it seem that you are giving more away than is reasonable, through your articles, your presentations, your blog, etc?

I wonder if the concept of giving something in order to get something is a bit askew. Look at the whole publishing dynamic, for example. There are so many people edging into this profession because they see the changes and growth and they want a piece of the pie. And, how do we gain the trust of our potential customers/clients? We offer something for nothing in hopes that the consumer will see the value and sign up for our services/products. Right?

It seems to me that so many professionals, in order to compete with the newbies coming into the publishing arena, are providing for free what they used to charge for. While it is a difficult situation for those of us with the knowledge and expertise, it is a win-win situation for those authors and hopeful authors who are savvy enough to sort through the rubble and recognize the jewels.

I heard someone say this week that the publishing industry will get back to normal one day. I don’t believe it. Things will never be quite the same—we’ve come (gone?) too far. But one thing I am quite sure of, when the dust settles, you will find that the wannabes and Johnny-come-latelys will have left the room. Still eager to serve you as your teacher, editor, publishing consultant, etc. will be those professionals who never left you—who have always been here with the knowledge and counsel you need in order to fulfill your publishing goals.

I count myself among those professionals. Check out my credentials at http://www.patriciafry.com

I’d like to hear from those of you who have followed a false editorial/publishing guru in this crazy publishing climate. I’ve heard story after story of editorial exploitation by less than experienced/qualified/scrupulous editors. There are many tales of woe coming from authors who chose the wrong publishing option for their projects and who may never recover from the experience.

Heck, there may even be support groups for such authors. Is that what your writers’ group has become? A support group for authors who have taken the wrong path and who can’t afford (financially or emotionally) to take another chance with their projects?

Maybe your story will help others. Let me hear yours: PLFry620@yahoo.com.

http://www.patriciafry.com.

I attended a presentation for authors last night here in my hometown. Someone I don’t know from out of town was able to attract around 50 authors who obviously wanted to learn more about publishing. I didn’t stay for the whole presentation. But what I heard was pretty basic stuff that authors need to know.

Before I left, I handed the presenter a copy of my book, “The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book,” in hopes that she would recommend it to members of her audiences. It appears that she has no books of her own on the topic or any other topic.

I know others who travel around promoting their own books. They get so many questions related to publishing that they buy my books at a discount to sell to members of their audiences who are interested in knowing more about the world of publishing. I’ll let you know if this presenter is interested or not.

You might ask why I wasn’t the one giving the presentation last night, instead of a freelance writer from out of town. It’s because I was sleeping on the job. I actually sent my resume to the librarian a year or so ago with my suggestion that I give such a presentation. I certainly have the credentials. I guess that the timing was off and my proposal was lost in the shuffle. And then I dropped the ball. I should have pursued the idea and I got busy and didn’t.

Let this be a lesson to you all.

• Look for speaking opportunities where you can promote your book in all of the logical and obscure places locally and outside your area.

• Contact the appropriate individual with your presentation idea.

• When invited to do so, send your program proposal.

• Follow up and follow through.

And, for those of you who are not yet published, but who hope to be, attend presentations such as I attended last night. Trust me, you will not learn everything you want/need to know in one presentation, from one expert/professional, from one book or from one website. But you will learn something of value to your project every single time you reach out.

Assignment
I love giving assignments. Here’s one for you. This summer, I want those of you with books to promote to create a program, approach the program chair for a local civic club organization, group or organization and set up a presentation.

Those who have yet to publish, read a new book on publishing or attend a writers’ group meeting, writers’ conference or other presentation for authors.

Report back to me with the results of your efforts.

Visit both of my websites this weekend and see what value you can find there:
http://www.matiljiapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com

What do statistics mean to you? If I told you that more people are buying books and that fewer people are producing them, would you quickly publish a book?

What if I tell you that the opposite is true—that fewer people are buying books and that way more books are being published? Would this dissuade you from producing yours?

Well, check this out:

• In 2007, traditional publisher produced 284,370 books and there were 127,052 self-published books produced. (411,422 total)

• In 2008, traditional publisher produced 275,232 books and there were 285,394 self-published books produced. (560,626 total)

• In 2009, the number of traditionally published books reached 288,355 and we published a whopping 764,448 self-published books. (1,052,803)

Do you still doubt it when we tell you that publishing is a highly competitive business? And reports are that people are reading fewer books—they are, reportedly, spending their time at social media sites instead.

I wonder how many authors will be swayed not to write that book upon seeing these daunting figures. I’m guessing, not many. Those who were iffy to start with—who had little confidence in their ideas in the first place—may make the right decision and stop production on their books. But most of us will find ways to justify publishing our amazing books despite the odds against us. And we each have our reasons.

My concern is that way too many authors go into publishing ill-prepared and naïve. Anyone can arrange to get a book produced. There are numbers of individuals and companies eager to take your money in exchange for editorial, design and publishing services and goods. But your focus should not be on finding someone who will participate in producing your book in the physical. Instead, you should concentrate on educating yourself about the industry and establishing your platform. That’s precisely why I wrote The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Once you understand more about the publishing industry and you start writing your book’s business plan (book proposal), you will begin to see beyond your desire to be a published author. You’ll become aware of the serious contributions you will need to make in order to realize your publishing goals. Successful authorship takes more than what you perceive as a great book idea. You must test the idea and examine it from all angles—in particular from your target audience’s point of view. Is this truly something they want or do you view it as something they need? Will they likely trust you enough to read your book? Have you taken the time and initiative to position yourself as an expert in your field? If you are writing fiction, have you created a following by submitting stories to the publications your audience reads, for example? What is going to cause anyone to purchase a book written by you? And how do you plan to get word out about your book? Remember, yours isn’t the only book to choose from. It will be one of many that is vying for your readers’ attention. What’s going to make them buy your book? And how will they even know about your book?

As you can see, there is a whole lot more to think about when considering a book project than “How am I going to look with a book in my hands?” or “Wait until my former classmates see me on Facebook with my book.”

You learned it in grammar school and it still applies to many things you wish to attempt today—especially book publishing in this fiercely competitive publishing climate: Stop, Look and Listen! Stop what you are doing now. Look at what you are facing. Listen to the experts. And proceed with caution.

For more insight into publishing, for a rundown on all of your options and to learn exactly what your responsibility is as a published author, read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html.

Sign up for one or more of my on-line, on-demand courses for authors. http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

If you’re wondering who in the heck is Patricia Fry and what does she know about publishing, be sure to visit my new website, http://www.patriciafry.com