Writing and Publishing News from

April 16, 2010

Let Other Authors Help You Promote Your Book

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 5:59 am

Do you let other authors in your genre/topic help you along the bumpy, difficult book publicity road? Or do you try to go it alone?

There’s no reason why you should chart a whole new course for your book on family budgeting if there are already books out there on this topic. Why would you create a whole new promotions plan for your memoir when others have paved the way for you and your book?

I’m not suggesting that you can skip the task of creating a marketing plan. As an author, you still have tons of work to do toward the promotion of your book. I’m just saying that there are authors of books in your genre/topic who can actually help you create your promotional plan. How?

Some—certainly not all—authors post their promotional activities, media coverage, retail outlets, online bookstores, etc. at their website. They want their potential customers/readers to know where they’ll be speaking, what the reviewers are saying about their books, where their articles or short stories have appeared, where their books can be purchased and so forth. And you want to know where they’re speaking and who is reviewing their books, where they are submitting articles/stories and where their books are being sold.

The first step is to acknowledge authors of books like yours. Locate their websites. If they don’t offer media information at their sites, check to see if they have a testimonials page. Read the testimonials—some of them may be from reviewers of publications you want to approach. Read what reviewers and others are posting on these authors’ amazon.com pages. And be sure to read these authors’ blogs. While they may not be good at keeping up a media page at their site, they may blog about their publicity strategies and their promotional activities.

Sign up for Google alerts in order to keep alert to new authors in your category, new book reviewers and, of course, other promotional opportunities for authors of books like yours.
http://www.google.com/alerts

Don’t avoid your competition, let them guide you toward the success you desire. Keep an eye on what they’re doing and the publicity they’re getting and get in on the action, where appropriate.

Tune in tomorrow, when I will offer some explicit examples of how to use what you learn from other authors’ sites, blogs, etc.

Catscapades Update—Promotion is HARD Work
With 31 published books, I am always in book promotion mode. But I am still always surprised to rediscover how intense, overwhelming, time-consuming and energy-draining hard hitting book promotion can be. I am in full book promotion mode with my latest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales While I love meeting some of the cat people out there who are reviewing cat books, operating cat sites, maintaining cat blogs, selling cat books, etc., I am feeling disorganized and, yes, overwhelmed.

Last evening, I took a break from the intensity. I sat down away from the computer and created a plan—like I tell my clients to do. I listed the type of research I want to do in order to locate book promotion opportunities. I want to visit cat-related websites and see about getting my book featured on them. I want to get in touch with reviewers of cat books. I will go in search of cat blogs—yesterday, I met a sweet cat named Sparkle, who reviews cat books at his blog site. I am searching out cat shows and will see about either attending or hooking up with vendors who will include my book among their merchandise. I want to be guest blogger at cat blog sites, find cats only bookstores/gift shops, locate cat-related newsletters and magazines where I can get my book reviewed and/or submit articles. I’ve already started the ball rolling locally as far as book signings and I have placed books in two specialty stores in town.

I’m open to ideas from you all. Brainstorming is good for authors who are in serious book promotion mode. Do you know of prime opportunities for promoting Catscapades, True Cat Tales? PLFry620@yahoo.com (or leave a comment here.)

If you want to purchase a copy of Catscapades, True Cat Tales, this is an excellent time. I’ll send you a free gift along with your book.
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

And be sure to stop in once in a while at my Catscapades blog. We’re having fun over there:
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

April 15, 2010

Are You an Author in Denial?

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 5:19 am

We all know authors who are in denial about the requirements of the publishing industry, about their responsibilitie as a published author or even about their writing abilities. I find it a sad situation.

Here you have a potential author who says he is seriously serious about becoming successfully published, yet who won’t accept critique from fellow writers at his group and refuses to follow publishing protocol.

These would-be authors put a lot of energy into veering off the path and seeking ways to climb out of the box. Even before they totally understand the publishing game, they are trying to find ways to fast-forward, take shortcuts and bypass tradition.

I maintain that it is dangerous to go outside the box until you are quite familiar with what’s going on inside the box.

Do you know someone who won’t listen to reason, who rejects helpful critique, who seems to want to build new pathways to publishing success? Maybe this describes you. If so, how is it working for you?

Maybe you know someone who has defied the gravity of the publishing industry—who has experienced success with a nontraditional book project using unorthodox methods. But I can pretty much guarantee that this person (sure there are a few) either accidentally or very purposefully wrote something coherent, interesting, easy-to-read and understand for a particular audience. By design (or by mistake) he made correct decisions throughout the publishing process and he either inadvertently or purposefully is in promotion mode.

Most first-time authors find the process of writing and publishing a book daunting—overwhelming. Those who are open to learning, who know how to research, who are eager to do things the right way, who can put criticism and rejection in a healthy perspective, who have patience along with tenacity, have a much better chance at success.

Those of you who are already on the road to publishing, sometimes reach out for validation. You contact a professional in hopes of being told, “Your manuscript is amazing and you are making all of the correct decisions.” I love saying this to hopeful authors. It is not easy having to tell an author who is on the threshold of publishing that they are missing some important steps in the process or that their manuscript isn’t quite ready to publish, yet. It’s difficult because you know it is an unpopular message and not all hopeful authors can accept truths like this. No one wants to hear that they need to go back to the drawing board with a project they thought was ready. But I sure do admire those who can accept the truth and are willing to do the necessary work.

If you decide to contact a professional for advice consider the following:

• Don’t just ask for advice, listen to the experts you contact.

• Don’t reject their expertise, at least check it out.

• Instead of vetoing anything that you think might cause you any discomfort, consider it. A little extra effort or a tad of backtracking just might be the key to your eventual success.

Better yet, be prepared long before you decide to write a book for publication. Read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. It will save you time, energy and heartache.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Catscapades Update
The new shipment of books with the correct cover (no bold pink bar across the bottom) arrived yesterday! Promotion is now in full swing here at Matilija Press. Review copies will start going out this week, I’ll begin the process of guest blogging, speaking, attending book festivals, doing signings, writing articles, more frequent posting at my own blog site and so forth. If any of you subscribe to cat-related newsletters/magazines (or write for them), know of cat sites, are aware of book festivals being held in California this spring/summer/fall, or have other ideas for promoting Catscapades, True Cat Tales, please let me know: PLFry620@yahoo.com.

Visit my Catscapades blog often:
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

April 14, 2010

Putting the Emotion in Your Memoir

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 6:21 am

When you wrote your memoir, did it make you cry? Did you sometimes feel sad as the words appeared on the screen (or paper)? Did you feel extreme joy at some points in the process? Perhaps you even stopped writing a time or two just so you could spend a moment remembering a lovely experience or composing yourself after thinking about a sad one.

If you did not feel the emotion of the experiences in your story while writing it, then neither will your readers. They will find your story flat—perhaps, only mildly interesting. Your story is probably more of a narrative—this is what happened—without any depth. You are probably telling your story—relating the surface details—without showing what happened—pulling the reader into the story through raw emotion. You might be sharing your story in a superficial way rather than with any real passion. You may be glossing over your story instead of giving it the depth that will actually involve the reader—make him or her care.

Readers don’t get all that interested in the fact that your dad beat your mom, especially if that’s all you say about it and then you talk about going to school the next day. But take the reader into your frightened mind and let them see through your eyes what exactly took place and how you felt about it and what you felt when you stepped down out of the school bus and faced your friends the next day, and you have accomplished your goal as an author/storyteller.

If you want to involve the reader in your story, you have to get involved yourself. You must feel the pain you are writing about and experience the joy. If you don’t, your readers certainly won’t.

Create an assignment from this concept this week. Take a look at your memoir in progress or your short story. Does it pull at your emotions? If not, go in search of words and phrases that will paint a picture—that will evoke emotion—that will make readers care about the characters or the situation.

In order to develop and foster this skill, I recommend getting involved with a writers’ critique group. Read your work often and listen to what others say. Let your peers help you to develop your writing.

For added help with this aspect of your manuscript, contact me—I am offering discounts to those who truly need the help and who truly cannot pay full price. I can also work with you on those other pesky editorial problems that so many writers adopt—misuse of words and punctuation, spacing problems, muddy writing/lack of clarity, using the passive voice, inconsistencies in the manuscript and so forth. PLFry620@yahoo.com. Email me for a manuscript evaluation.

Also order my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book and study the self-editing section. Order the book here:
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Further, if you want a hands-on lesson in self-editing, check into my NEW self-editing course—which is still not posted at my website. Contact me and I’ll send you the description and other particulars; PLFry620@yahoo.com.

Catscapades Update
A writer/friend/reviewer/cat person commented last night that she read Catscapades, True Cat Tales and absolutely loved it. And, she said, so did her cat. She sent a picture of Belle enjoying the book. I’ll post it at my Catscapades blog soon.
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

Order your copy and gift copies today—Mother’s Day is May 9.
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

April 13, 2010

Ghostwriting Today!

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 6:06 am

Have you ever thought about being a ghostwriter? Do you know what a ghostwriter is? Actually, they come in many styles and perform a variety of services for non-writers and others who are just too busy to write or not interested in writing.

What’s the difference between writing for hire and ghostwriting? Sometimes nothing at all. Ghostwriting generally means that you are writing for pay without a byline or without credit.

The writing I did for a couple of local water companies could be considered ghostwriting. When I wrote the history of the water district without credit, that could be considered ghosting. And the work I did for a finance company on a book about credit, was most certainly a ghostwriting project.

We generally think of ghostwriting in relationship to celebrity memoirs. Many of them hire writers to tell their stories. Some non-celebrities use ghostwriters to write their memoirs or a book that could further their careers. Even some of the newspaper and magazine columns you read are ghosted. Locally, a well-known business owner hires a writer to produce a weekly column related to her field of expertise.

By reading this, are you getting some ideas about writing work that you could pursue? We keep hearing that companies are firing their staff writers and hiring freelancers. Sure, they call it “freelancing” rather than “ghosting,” but the concept and the process is quite similar.

If you decide to seek out ghosting work, beware of ill-informed people who want you to write their books for a percentage of the royalties. No, no, no, no. You need to get paid for your work whether the book ever gets published or not. Otherwise, chances are that you will get a scant $500 or less. What do I base this on? The fact that over 75 percent of all books sell fewer than 100 copies. I also make this prediction based on my observations and experiences throughout these 35 + years that I’ve been in this business. And think about this: someone who hires a writer to write his first book probably knows nothing about the publishing industry, how to produce a book that will sell and how to promote that book once it is a book.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule—a client with a track record, for example. But if he or she can’t pay you to do the work they require, I would still consider this a shaky situation.

Now, how do you get work as a ghostwriter (or a freelance writer)? By spreading the word that you are skilled, knowledgeable and available. Here’s what I suggest:

• Network within the industry or group you wish to work with.

• Submit articles to publications that your target client base reads.

• Distribute your brochure to key businesses or organizations.

• Sign up for Google alerts to receive notification for ghostwriting work.

• Join a ghostwriters group, study ghostwriting books, etc., for additional ideas.

There is work to be had. It may not be coming as easily as it once did, thus it is necessary for those of us who want this kind of work to stretch and bend in order to locate and land assignments. Let me know if you need further guidance with regard to finding work or gaining the skills necessary for doing this kind of work. And also leave your comments about how you’re getting work in this economy. (Click on “Comments.”)

Catscapades Update
The books with the new cover will ship today! That means that in a week or so, I will be able to send out review copies, enter contests, do book signings and otherwise go into full swing with my promotional efforts. If you’ve been waiting to order your copies of Catscapades, True Cat Tales until the cover problem was resolved, get ready to make your purchase. I’d say it is safe to do so on Friday, April 16. If you are just as happy with the same book and the same cover with a striking pink bar across the bottom, place your order today!
http://www.matilijapress.com/castscapades.html

And be sure to visit the Catscapades blog every few days—I am updating it more often now. If you have a photo of a cat you’d like me to share at my blog, send it along with the story of that cat. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

Publishing Books
Sales for my book, Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book, are UP. And I am eager to produce the revised edition—Over 100 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book. This manuscript is with Allworth Press as we speak. Cross fingers!

For a look at my showcase of writing/publishing-related books, go to
http://www.matilijapress.com

April 12, 2010

What Can You Get Out of a Writers’ Conference?

Filed under: Writers' Conferences — Patricia @ 5:28 am

Is it worth the expense and your time to attend a writers’ conference? Those of you who have attended good conferences know the answer to this question. Those who have not, may wonder: What goes on at a writers’ conference?

• You will, most likely, have the opportunity to learn from experts and professionals. Depending on the conference and the committee’s choice of speakers, you might learn more about social networking, how to develop stronger characters, how to approach a publisher, how to write a book proposal, ideas for promoting your book, how to keep a freelance writing business going and so much more.

• You’ll have many opportunities to talk casually—one-on-one—with experts and professionals.

• You’ll be afforded numerous opportunities to connect and network with other writers/authors.

• You might be able to make appointments with the magazine editors and/or publishers of your choice to discuss your project. (This is offered at some conferences and not others.)

• Most likely, you’ll be invited to attend banquets and hear major authors or other professionals speak. These keynote speeches can be highly educational and inspirational.

What will you take away from a well-organized conference?

• Lots of new information and perspectives. As you know, I’m a freelance writing/publishing veteran and I always learn something of value when I am invited to speak at these conferences.

• Inspiration. You will be so inspired to write or you’ll be so filled with new promotional ideas that you won’t know where/how to start implementing them all when you get home.

• Courage. Yes—you may finally find the courage to start that novel or write that article or get out and really promote that book.

• New associations and friendships. A writers’ conference brings together like-minded people with whom you can relate. Unlike your non-writing friends and family, they will understand when you talk about your passion for writing or how it feels to be rejected. They will appreciate your sense of joy at landing a publisher, agent or writing job.

• Connections. Most of the writers/authors as well as the seminar leaders that you meet will welcome your questions, comments and continuing support beyond the conference. You can share your successes with a fellow author, ask one of the workshop leaders for a recommendation or reference with regard to a project, shoot an email to an editor you met with a question, for example.

But, as is the case in almost anything you do, any organization you belong to, your friendships, etc., you will get out of it what you put into it. If you research the conferences, attend the one that suits your needs best and participate to the fullest, you will benefit in ways that you cannot even imagine.

Sign up this year for a writers’ conference near you—or travel to the one that sounds like the best fit for you. As I suggested yesterday, do a Google search to find the right conference. Or search the Shaw Guides, here: http://www.writing.shawguides.com

I can tell you that you’ll find conferences in Tennessee, Florida, Oregon, Washington, New York, Minnesota, North Carolina, West Virginia, Wyoming, Indiana and many sites in California: San Diego, Mendocino, Orange, San Francisco and others. So you may not even have to travel far.

Just study the conference description before signing up to make sure that the conference offers what you need at this point in your writing/publishing experience.

Catscapades Update
I’m having so much fun promoting Catscapades, True Cat Tales and receiving comments from happy readers. Doesn’t every writer want happy readers? The comments I’m getting range from how interesting and heartwarming/wrenching some of the stories are to the quality of the photos. Many readers adopt favorite stories and favorite cats for various reasons. One of my daughters told me that she loved the book because she learned a lot about cats and a lot about her mother. Order your copy today for Mother’s Day giving:
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html Or you can purchase this book through Amazon.com.

Do you have a cat-obsessed friend who has a birthday this year? Don’t forget to order a copy of Catscapades, True Cat Tales for her or him.

April 11, 2010

What’s Good About a Writers’ Conference?

Filed under: Writers' Conferences — Patricia @ 5:42 am

Do you plan to attend any writers’ conferences this year? Have you ever signed up for one? This is something I recommend, especially for writers seeking writing help and authors seeking publication. Some conferences are also adding a book promotion element to their schedules.

What can you get out of a writers’ conference? Depending on the agenda of the particular conference,

• You can meet agents and editors and discuss your project with them.

• You’ll learn about various writing techniques that can enhance your writing work.

• You’ll learn more about the publishing industry and how to navigate it on behalf of your book project.

• You’ll have the opportunity to network with other writers.

• You can network with writing/publishing professionals.

• You’ll walk away feeling more knowledgeable and inspired.

I’ve met writers who just blossomed after a writers’ conference experience. They found the information, support, direction and inspiration they were seeking. Some discovered the help they required in the form of an editor, mentor or coach. And, in some cases, I became the editor/mentor/coach. I love when that happens!

I speak at anywhere from 3 to half dozen or more writers/authors’ conferences every year. This year, it looks as though I’ll be speaking in Los Angeles, New York, Santa Rosa, Ventura and, perhaps, a few other venues. I’ll share more details as they develop.

In the meantime, you might start checking out the spring, summer and fall conferences in your area. How? Do a Google search using keywords, “your city/state” and “writers’ conference.” Or go to http://www.writersconf.org or http://writing.shawguides.com

How can you get the most benefit from a writers’ conference? We’ll talk about that tomorrow. But I can tell you that no two people come away having had the same experience. While one author is totally fired up and inspired after a conference, another might feel she got nothing from the event—it was a big fat waste of time. Can you guess what made the difference between these two authors?

I Appreciate YOU
I appreciate your loyalty to this blog, my twitter messages, my many books on writing/publishing, my articles and so forth. And I’m always pleased to meet you when I’m presenting a workshop at a conference in St. Louis, Janesville, Jacksonville, Phoenix or wherever. And I especially appreciate your trust in me as an editor and consultant for your projects. I just completed an editing job over the weekend for a beautiful writer whom I met at a local conference. And that job was on the heels of one I worked on last week for a woman who placed an order for several of my books—talented writer with a great story. I love meeting you and I enjoy helping you produce the best book possible.

If you’re not sure whether you need help with your project, send it to me for an evaluation. If there are problems, I’ll point them out and let you decide whether my services could enhance your book or not. Contact me here: PLFry620@yahoo.com.

Catscapades Update
Catscapades, True Cat Tales is going to be entered in a couple of contests. This is all new to me. I’ve never entered competitions and I’m kind of excited about the prospect of it. More about that as things start rolling. In the meantime, there’s still time to order copies of Catscapades for Mother’s Day giving.
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html Or amazon.com.

Visit my Catscapades blog: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

April 10, 2010

Attain Greater Success: Write For Your Audience

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 5:38 am

I’ve emptied my first box of Catscapades books. Don’t you love experiencing the milestones in your writing career? I’ve been enjoying them for over 35 years and I still get a thrill when a new book comes out or I find a new outlet for my books, I’m invited to do a book signing, I get a positive review and so forth. I guess the thrill never wears off.

And that’s a good thing. I remember when A.S. Barnes (a publisher with offices in New York and London) published my first book in paperback and hardcover. I was really excited to be a published author. And it took a bookstore owner to bring me back to the reality of my profession. It was during a book signing at his open-air bookstore that he asked me, “What are you going to write next?”

I was taken aback for a few minutes. I was so busy basking in the glory of my accomplishment that I forgot to look to the future. Of course, there is life after a book. And I had to admit that I had no idea what I would do for an encore. The bookseller said, “We need a good book on the local history. People ask for one all the time.”

And that set me on a five-year path toward self-publishing (establishing my own publishing company). I did the research and wrote the 300-page The Ojai Valley, An Illustrated History. And then I established Matilija Press in order to produce it. I sold that book locally, as well as to individuals and libraries throughout the world, for over twenty-five years.

Today, I have 31 published books to my credit and I’ve had many hundreds of my articles published in a variety of publications. And still, there is a thrill with each achievement, triumph and highlight along the way.

But what pleases me the most is that I please my audiences. I love it when a reader says,

“I couldn’t put your memoir, Quest for Truth, down.”

“I learned so much from The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.”

“Catscapades is absolutely charming and heartwarming.”

“I hosted a most successful luau, thanks to your book, The Mainland Luau.”

“I wish I’d read your book before I made so many publishing mistakes.”

“Thank you for writing this book.”

Do you frequently receive comments like these? Have you been successful with your book or your article submissions? If not, maybe you are not writing for your audience.

One of the main mistakes I see writers make is that they write what they want to say without regard for their audiences’ needs and desires. I advise clients and students to keep their audiences in mind every step of the way while writing their novel, memoir or nonfiction book or article.

To learn more about me, my work, my book and course offerings, visit my website. You can order books here, too:
http://www.matilijapress.com or at amazon.com.

April 9, 2010

Your Editorial Errors and How to Avoid Them

Filed under: Editing — Patricia @ 6:32 am

Today I want to talk about three fairly common problems that I see when editing manuscripts for authors. And these are also three of the problems we will work on in my new online Self-Editing Course. Email me for the course description as my webmaster doesn’t have it posted at my site, yet. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

Here are some chronic errors that I find in otherwise pretty good manuscripts;

1: List sentences that contain incorrect elements. I consider a sentence where you list several items, ideas, places or individuals, a list sentence. In fact, the sentence you just read is an example of a list sentence. Some authors, however, present items in their lists that do not fit properly within that particular sentence. Here’s an example: “While in this area, you can fish in the lakes, swim in the water holes, wade in the streams, the sun will warm you, hike on the trails and go skiing. Can you identify the “item” that doesn’t belong? Yes, it is “The sun will warm you.” You can change it to read, “Bask in the sun.” Now it works.

Here’s another example, “Jane purchased a home last August and then, after watering the gardens, coloring her hair, the cat went to the boarder and she filled her car with gas, she drove to her daughter’s house for the rest of the summer.”

You would never knowingly write a sentence like either of these. But I can tell you that they can appear in your perfect manuscript without you noticing.

2: Passive sentences. A passive sentence is usually one that is written, in my opinion, backwards. Passive sentences weaken your message or story. Here are a couple of examples of passive sentences. “In 90 miles, Palm Springs is reached.” I would recommend, instead, “Drive 90 miles to Palm Springs.” Here’s another one: “The ice cream cone was eaten by Clementine.” And how about this: “A nice, relaxing garden is found outside in the back.”

Instead, I would recommend, “Clementine ate the ice cream cone.” And “Relax in the lovely garden just outside the French doors of the luxury hotel.”

Of course, there are instances where a passive sentence works. But authors sometimes try to get so creative in the way they present a concept that they turn a sentence everyway but right and it becomes everything but clear.

3: Using words that don’t work. Does a lake have an “end?” Can a hillside “decline?” Will a kitten “crotch under a bush?” Is a dog apt to “bear his teeth,” “walk rather then run” or “peruse it’s own trial?”

We all make mistakes as we write, weather (er, I mean, “whether”) we are writing a book or an email to a fiend (oops, that’s “friend.”) But we don’t always catch our arrows—I meant to say, “errors.” And that’s why we must hire an experienced editor before we publish.

Let me save you money on your editing bill by teaching you how to do a more thorough job of self-editing. Sign up today for my self-editing course. Not only do you get the course, but you get me! I’ll work alongside you while you apply the lessons presented and that could be worth way more than the $200 course fee.

Contact me for a course description: PLFry620@yahoo.com. Learn more about Patricia Fry at http://www.matilijapress.com

April 8, 2010

Writers/Authors: Improve Your Bottom Line

Filed under: Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 4:12 am

Are you writing more than ever and earning less? Does it seem as though you are endlessly meeting deadlines and jumping through hoops in order to make a buck or to gain additional exposure for your book? And what is the result? Is your attitude about the whole dang economy and your dwindling bank account interfering with the way you write—the material you produce? Is your writing losing its sparkle—that trademark quality you have achieved over the years? Are your promotional efforts being thwarted at every turn?

I heard from one former client last week who said that she has quit writing altogether because of the dismal return on her efforts. She said, “It just isn’t worth it to stay in the competition.” And boy don’t you feel the competition out there? Thousands more writer are vying for space in magazines and on book shelves. There are many more of us trying to get our books reviewed, striving to get our blog sites noticed, attempting to be read! It seems to me that, with every writer or author who drops out of the competition, there are five more hopping on the merry-go-round reaching for the brass ring.

So what can we, as freelance writers and authors, do to be noticed—to get the writing work and to sell more books? Isn’t it obvious? We need to do a better job of what we’re already doing and, perhaps, add a few new tricks to our repertoire. Here are some suggestions:

1: Practice new writing skills. Rather than throwing in the towel, work on your writing. Maybe you’ve been told at your writers’ group or by an editor that you have a tendency to over-write or that your writing lacks clarity. Find a writing buddy who will work with you on this problem. And practice, practice, practice.

2: Join a group or online organization and participate in order to keep abreast of the opportunities for writers and authors. A SPAWN member told me recently that she finally took the time to read an entire issue of the SPAWN Market Update (in the member area of the SPAWN website) and boy was she glad she did. She said that she followed up on two resources and adopted one of our book promotion ideas and now has renewed hope for her stagnating novel. SPAWN is Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network http://www.spawn.org. Sign up for the FREE newsletter and get a FREE ebook all about promoting your work.

3: Try 5, 3 or even 2 new leads every week. In other words, submit your work to 5 new magazines or newsletters, promote your book through 5 new channels. This schedule is for those of you who are also working at an outside job. If writing or book promotion is your primary work, increase that number to 5 per day!

4: Study! No matter where you are in the process of writing/publishing, you have more to learn. Improve your chances of publication and/or of selling more books by taking yourself back to school. If you have a book that is not doing well in the marketplace, read my ebook, The Author’s Repair Kit. It will help you to breathe new life into your book. If you are new to publishing, PLEASE read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Some authors consider this book their Bible. If you can’t afford the fee your editor wants to charge for editing your manuscript, take my NEW Self-Editing course. It’s so new that it’s not up at my website yet. Contact me for course description: PLFry620@yahoo.com.

5: Grow some courage. Writers are not always good at promotion. Yet, especially in this economy, we must be more proactive than ever before on behalf of our projects. If you are a bit timid—if you absolutely despise having to actually sell your book or your freelance work—perhaps it is time for a change. Join Toastmasters and learn how to handle yourself in formal speaking situations as well as casual conversation. http://www.toastmasters.org.

You can have what you want. Here are the steps to attaining it:

• Know what you want.
• Understand why you want it. Is it for valid or frivolous reasons?
• Find out what it is going to take to attain it.
• Change aspects of yourself and/or the situation in order to accomplish it.

There’s no magic. There’s no mystery. Everything you need in order to succeed is inside yourself. It’s just a matter of wanting it badly enough to change whatever is currently keeping you from having it.

For more about me and my work, visit my website: http://www.matilijapress.com To contact me directly with regard to how I can help you with your project, PLFry620@yahoo.com.

April 7, 2010

How is the Publishing Industry Treating You?

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 5:07 am

A lot has changed since I started writing for publication over 35 years ago. Let me count the ways:

• There are more people writing books and seeking publication than ever before—so more competition.

• There are more options for authors who want to publish.

• You’ll also find more people offering a wider variety of services in all areas of publishing and not all of them are qualified.

• Authors are almost totally responsible for promoting and selling their own books.

• There is an increase in the number of people charging for book reviews.

• There’s at least one pay-to-publish company that is providing ghostwriting services.

• Some magazines now charge freelancers to place articles in their publications.

• A larger percentage of published books never see the inside of a bookstore.

• The amount of shelf life for a book in a bookstore has decreased significantly.

• There are many more options for book promotion than ever before.

What changes have you noticed since you’ve been involved in publishing? Which ones are most detrimental or most beneficial to the forward motion of your project?

From my perspective, I’m pleased that so many more people are able to live their dreams of publishing a book or seeing their articles/stories published. And I like that the competition has encouraged/forced writers to produce even better material and more professional products. The fact that we have more options is positive. HOWEVER, I believe that the overall effect of the influx of writers and authors has weakened the system some.

While quality has improved in some arenas, it has, for the most part, declined. While there are some wonderfully professional services being offered, there are more authors and writers being ripped off by unqualified, unskilled Johnny and Jill come-latelys.

And this is why publishing professionals are working harder than ever to educate newer authors as they enter into the publishing realm with their beloved projects. It is more important than ever that you heed the “author beware” signs that are flashing everywhere along your publishing path. It’s up to you to sidestep the landmines. How? Education. And never sign a contract that you don’t understand. Also, believe only what is in the contract. What someone says to you outside the contract may not be valid. If it is important, have them write it into the contract.

Maybe you’ve been scammed by someone within the publishing industry. Or maybe you dove into a contract without the proper amount of research. I’d like to hear your story. Email me PLFry620@yahoo.com. Or leave a comment at this blog. Just click on the “comment” link.

Please, if you are new to publishing—you are in the process of writing your first book, you are thinking about writing a book or your first book failed, arm yourself with knowledge. Order my book—which received dozens of 5-star reviews from the reviewers and multitudes of positive testimonials from readers. The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Catscapades Update
You all seem to enjoy hearing what’s going on with my latest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. So here is my update: I dropped a copy off at our local library yesterday. The librarian was thrilled and a patron went bonkers. I gave the patron a few promotional postcards to hand out to friends.

I took a copy by our best natural pet store and the owner started planning a catered wine and cheese event where I will sign the books.

Yesterday, also, a couple of friends and even one of my daughters emailed me to say, “I loved it. You’re right, it made me laugh and it made me cry.” “The stories are so real and so touching.” “I was reminded of my treasured cats over the years and I just couldn’t stop smiling.”

Check out this book at http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

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