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Truth is trust in friends who are always there for you and friends who always tell the truth and with a good heart. And friends who always try to do the right things and friends who trust you.

The greatest friends in the world are friends who always tell the truth and with whom you can say anything you want.

This was published in our fairly prestigious county newspaper, The Ventura County Star this morning along with a picture of the author, a good friend of mine, Sasha Peet, playing the piano. Sasha is 20 years old and she has Downs syndrome. Her dream is to be published, “like Patty.” (That’s my non-professional name.) Today, Sasha lives her dream.

Sasha is not just a once-in-a-while writer. She’s serious about her craft. She spends more time writing than doing practically anything else. It takes reams and reams of paper to support her writing passion. And most of what she writes is uplifting. As much as she enjoys the writing process, she, like many writers has wanted to expand her horizons. She wants to share her messages of love, beauty and friendship. And today, she got that chance.

Okay, so what’s your excuse for not being published? Can’t think of one this morning, huh?

I have another mentally handicapped friend who is in her 50s. She just gets by on disability. She writes poetry—even teaches poetry in the mental health division in her community. And she has been publishing her poetry for years. She was a SPAWN member. (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network.) And she participated with SPAWN at book festivals selling 5 poems packaged in manila envelopes for a few bucks per grouping.

Linda asked me to meet with her a couple of times to discuss how to get a real book published. I attempted to give her the steps, but it just became too complicated for her to comprehend. Then I got an idea. Dennis and I had purchased a comb-binding machine. I asked Linda for 20 or 30 of her best poems along with any artwork she had. I typed up the poems. Dennis designed a cover using Linda’s art and we produced 30 books of her poetry for her to give away and/or sell as she wished. She is one who likes to pay her way, so I accepted a token amount from her and delivered her published books.

Linda was thrilled. Like I said, she is one who likes to pay her way and months later, after she had sold all copies of her poetry books, she invited Dennis and me along with a few other people who had supported her writing to lunch at her favorite restaurant.

Are you still dreaming about becoming a published author? Do you want the satisfaction of sharing your writing? Are you eager for the thrill of praise for your work? Thousands of people are published in book form, in print periodicals and on the Internet every year. Why not you?
But you’re going to have to take the necessary steps.

Read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book or, if it’s more appropriate, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles. You may even want to take one of my online courses to help you meet your writing/publishing goals. Explore the offerings for authors and writers at:
http://www.matilijapress.com

Now, what’s your excuse for not being published?

Happy New Year! Are you ready to start the first day of the rest of your life? And what dreams will you live beginning this month? Let’s forget about those resolutions that you half-heartedly list each year. When you think about your future, what do you see? A happy, satisfied, contented you? Or the you who is still struggling, still yearning?

Have you been putting off your dream to be healthier or more sociable, to give more back, to learn a new skill, to enter a new trade, to be more involved or to simply gain a deeper understanding of a topic or the world around you? Of course, you can start at anytime, but what time is more perfect for new beginnings, attitude, perspective or action than the first day, week or month of a new year?

Many of you reading this blog want to start or maybe complete a writing project. I’d love to have a show of hands—leave a comment and let us know who is ready to start a writing project or career. How many of you have been trying to finish a book for a few or several years? Is this the year that you will succeed? Will your actions and choices in 2009 lead to your particular dream?
Why? Why not?

The holiday season is typically my slowest of the year. I don’t hear from many potential clients, SPAWN members or customers. This season, however, I’ve already heard from 6 individuals who are either completing books, want to start one or who hope to launch a career as a freelance writer. These 6 seem determined and motivated. Two took my article-writing course and have had articles accepted already. One has shifted into high gear with his novel with his sights set on a 2009 publication and distribution. One has a nonfiction book almost finished and the others are just starting to feel their way through the process of producing a book. Hopefully, they are following my advice to read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book, in order to educate themselves about the industry before getting involved.

I’ve sold more copies of this book throughout December that usual. I believe this is due to my articles appearing in The Toastmaster Magazine and others recently. I mention this as another reminder to you that if you are promoting a book, articles in appropriate (related) magazines and ezines and websites are good tools for reaching and attracting your audience. If you aren’t sure how to prepare an article and how to proceed in the article-writing field, consider signing up for my online article-writing course. You can take it when you want to take it, as long as you will accept lectures and assignments during consecutive weeks.
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

In fact, at my website, you will find the tools you need no matter where you are in the publishing, freelance writing or book promotion process. If your book sales are down, order my ebook, The Author’s Toolkit. This book is designed to help you heal a failing or struggling book. If you want a sense of the whole writing scene—a bit of a smorgasbord, if you will, for the dabbling writer, read my book, The Successful Writer’s Handbook. (Or receive this book FREE when you join SPAWN, Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network.) http://www.spawn.org

If you need help promoting your book, read the last portion of my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book and/or sign up for my newest online course, Book Promotion Workshop. http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

If your book sales are lagging; if you aren’t writing as often as you would like; if your book project is stalled and has been for months; if you are not earning the amount of money you would like to be earning through writing/publishing by now, don’t continue doing what you’re doing. If you’re not satisfied with the results, change your approach.

I missed chatting with you yesterday. I woke up to a problem that took me two hours to resolve. Someone ordered a book through my website and inadvertently placed the order 11 times. This meant that I had to issue 10 credits and this turned out to be a rather complicated, time-consuming process.

Let this be a reminder for all of us to exercise patience when ordering something, lest we get quadruple the number of items we wanted for quadruple the amount. It seems that some ordering systems are slow and it can take a few moments for the order to go through. Besides, according to my customer, not everyone would make the problem right and especially so quickly and completely.

So why couldn’t I post a blog entry after I fixed the problem for my customer yesterday? Heck, the day was much too gorgeous to stay inside stuck at the computer, so I drove the 15 miles to the beach and walked on the sand for an hour. Doesn’t that sound like a lovely way to finish off a grand year? I have a 5 mile walk/hike planned for New Years day.

The distraction and the great walk helped to dispel my anger—well, at least a little. Who am I angry at? Fake authors! Those people who dupe the public with their lies—passing off a book of fiction as truth—presenting a made up story as a memoir. What kind of warped mind would concoct such a plan designed to fool publishers, the public and even Oprah? Why not present the story as fiction? I’m sure you have all read about the Rosenblat’s confession under the pressure of Holocaust scholars.

What the Rosenblats did is shameful. But it’s interesting how, with the many scams and frauds perpetuated within the publishing industry, it is the dishonest author who gets publicly scorned. What about the agents, editors and even publishers who cheat, swindle and otherwise rip-off unsuspecting authors? What about the suspicious and even dishonest activities going on in some of the publishing services offered to unaware authors? These incidents don’t make evening news headlines.

The fact is that many companies that empty the pockets of authors, do so with the author’s permission. As authors, we sign up to be abused, hoodwinked and deceived. We have every opportunity to study the fine print before signing on the dotted line, but we don’t. Or we do, but we don’t fully understand it. We avoid paying the $100 or so to hire an attorney who can explain a confusing contract to us. We don’t take the time to study the industry and to get references. We want what we want (fame, fortune or just recognition) and we want it now without the complication of delays.

Folks, in 2009, I hope you will slow down and take your time with your book project. Hire an editor with a proven record and excellent references. Write a book proposal. Understand your publishing options and pick those that are truly in your best interest. Use patience in placing your manuscript. Be prepared to promote your book. I still meet authors who have no interest in or desire to get involved in marketing their books. Take note: these authors will fail. Many of them did in 2008.

Don’t let this happen to you in 2009. Make this the year that you do everything right. Start by educating yourself through books, such as Patricia Fry’s, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html .

Sign up for one of Patricia Fry’s online, on-demand courses.
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

I’ve been published twice (that I know of) this week. By the way, did any of you see my article on publishing in January issue of The Toastmaster Magazine? Actually, I haven’t seen it, yet. But I’ve had feedback from hopeful authors throughout the world. A few of them have even joined SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network)
http://www.spawn.org

My piece on “6 Simple Ways to Build Promotion Into Your Book” appears in the December 31 edition of Book Promotion Newsletter:
http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com

Working Writer has published my article, “Novel Ways to Promote Your Novel,” in their January February 2009 edition.
http://www.workingwriter1.com

Sarah took my on-line article-writing course during November and December. Here’s what she wrote this week:

“Thank you so much for all of the feedback and such a useful course. I have taken dozens of classes over the years and this was definitely one of the most useful and practical courses. I got the green light from the editor of a magazine because of your excellent coaching with my writing and my approach to the magazine.”

Here are comments from a few former students who took my book proposal course:
“I received an email from Houghton Mifflin today. They are interested in my book. I am ecstatic. This is a HUGE step for me. And you have prepared me for it so well. They have received only my synopsis and sample chapters and now they want the rest. Thanks to your class, the rest is ready to go.” LBG (Author’s note: Yes, HM did issue this student a contact.)

“This course was wonderful for me. It was exactly what I needed—a hands-on book proposal course. I made a major breakthrough on my proposal during the course and the proposal I developed has already received positive feedback from an editor. I would recommend this course to anyone, especially those who are in the process of writing a nonfiction book.” RC

“The first agent I contacted looked at my proposal and accepted it. Your assistance on the proposal, no doubt, proved to be invaluable and I am completely grateful. I cannot thank you enough. Your support and feedback made a huge difference.” DB

A comment from a student who took the Self-Publishing course:
“Patricia is an expert when it comes to self-publishing. Her teaching style is easy to follow whether it is in person or through her writing. I worked with her when self-publishing my second book and was amazed at how much I didn’t know. I recommend all of her books and classes.”

Read more testimonials on the course pages—go to:
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
Choose the course you are interested in and scroll down to see the testimonials.

Which online course should you take? This depends on your current interests and needs.

Take the Article-Writing Course if:• You are just starting out as a freelance writer.
• You want to learn how to use articles to promote your published book.
• You have something to share and want to get the word out through articles.
• You have been submitting articles without much success.

Sign up for the Book Promotion Course if:
• You have a book to promote or will within the next few months.
• Your book sales are sluggish.
• Your book has been selling okay, but you want new book promotion ideas.

Enroll in the Self-Publishing Course if:
• You are contemplating establishing your own publishing company.
• You definitely want to self-publish your book.

Take the Book Proposal Course if:
• You are thinking about writing a book.
• You’re in the process of writing a book.
• You’ve written a book and are looking for an agent/publisher.
• You have a book manuscript, but don’t know what to do now.

When is the best time to sign up for an online course? As soon as you can. For only around $25 per class and a commitment of a few to several hours each week, you can improve book sales, establish a publishing company and produce a book, start a freelance article-writing business or write a complete book proposal.

Sign up today. Go to this link and click on the course of your choice:
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
If you have questions, contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com.

Announcement
Fellowscript is a Canadian Christian writers’ magazine published four times a year. Maybe you saw my article in their November edition. I’m on page 22-23 with my article, “How to Find Writing Work.” Learn more about this publication and the organization behind it by contacting new interim president Marcia Laycock at vinemarc@telus.net or outgoing president Eunice Matchett at scrappi@telusplanet.net.

Are you still unpublished? Or are you only getting a piece published here and there, now and then, without any sense of regularity? Maybe this is the year that you will finally publish that book, create a presence in the world of article-writing or establish yourself with a variety of clients who will pay for your writing experience and expertise.

If I’ve touched a nerve with my comments—if you feel a bit giddy at the thought of writing for a living—read on. At last count by the IRS, over 180,000 Americans claim writing as their primary source of income. Over 180,000 men and women currently write articles for publication, ghostwrite books for others, contract as a writer for corporations, collect royalties and/or profits from book sales or earn a living by providing editorial services for authors. Perhaps you can, too. But I would advise that you are well-prepared before you go launching into any aspect of this profession.

I’ve seen the results and have heard the sob stories told by authors who hired unskilled book editors. Do NOT add to the confusion and the heartbreak by attempting to enter into this field without the appropriate education, experience and skills. You’ll only hurt your fellow authors if you do. If editing is your dream, spend several years writing in earnest, studying, practicing, learning and absorbing the knowledge and senses you need in order to successfully turn an awful or even mediocre manuscript into a wonderful manuscript and a good one into an even better, more publishable one. While you’re at it, be sure to study the publishing industry. An editor with knowledge of the publishing industry—who can counsel clients on many levels related to publishing—is a much more valued and valuable team member on a publishing project.

If you want to become a published author, there are many ways to accomplish this dream in 2009. But the key is education. You’ve heard me say it before and I’ll probably harp on it throughout 2009, you must understand something about the publishing industry, your options, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibility as a published author. I recommend that you read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book by Patricia Fry. (Yup, that’s me.) http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

If you are contemplating signing with a fee-based POD “self-publishing” company of any kind, be sure to read Mark Levine’s book, The Fine Print of Self-Publishing. He rates and ranks 48 of these companies for you—so you know exactly what you need to know before signing on the dotted line. Get this book FREE when you join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). http://www.spawn.org

If you want to self-publish your book—you establish your own publishing company—sign up for my on-demand, online self-publishing course. http://www.matilijapress.com/course_selfpub.html

Who am I? I established my publishing company, Matilija Press, in 1983 and I’ve self-published several of my 28 published books over the last 25 years.

If you want to get a start as a freelance article writer, order my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles at http://www.matilijapress.com/writingpage.html

And sign up for my on-demand online course in writing magazine articles. Learn more about this course at: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm

For questions or concerns about any aspect of publishing, contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com.

FREE things you can do TODAY to begin educating yourself:
• Read former posts from this blog.
• Sign up for SPAWN’s FREE enewsletter. http://www.spawn.org
• Visit my website and peruse the books, courses, articles and other resources: http://www.matilijapress.com
• Email me with your questions: PLFry620@yahoo.com.
• If you own one of more of my useful books, spend time reading them this week.
• My books are in the library system. If you can’t afford to purchase the one you want, ask at your local library for books by Patricia Fry.
• Write, write, write.
• Study, study, study.

R.L. (Becky) Coffield contributed to the Suite 101 blog site this week with a piece on how joining a small publishers’ networking organization can increase book sales potential.

Sarah Bolme, Director of Christian Small Publishers Association, in her blog last year gave four benefits of joining publishers associations. And she named 5 main organizations, including SPAWN. Her reasons include:

• You gain respect in the publishing industry.
• You receive cutting edge information.
• You save money.
• Doors of opportunity open to you.

Virginia Lawrence and I, here at SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) would add this: If you join and participate in an organization such as SPAWN:

• You are less likely to make emotionally devastating and costly mistakes.
• You have the opportunity to become completely aware of your options.
• You are provided the tools and resources to make better decisions.
• Your success potential increases dramatically.

But, as I said, this is only the case for those who actually participate in and partake of the offerings within the framework of the organization.

In the May 2008 edition of the SPAWN Market Update (in the member area of the SPAWN website), I profiled 24 regional publishing organizations in several states, including Arizona, California, Texas, Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, New Mexico, Florida, Missouri, New York and even Ontario, Canada. Most of these organizations have face-to-face meetings where you can mingle with and learn from other authors and publishers.

The New Year is upon us. Once the Christmas gifts are opened, the holiday tree has lost most of its needles, the carolers have moved on and you’ve eaten your last piece of fudge, it’s time to get back to what really matters&#8212your book.

Whether you are writing it, seeking a publisher for it, trying to figure out your publishing options, have decided to self-publish or are in promotion mode, membership AND PARTICIPATION in one or more publishers associations will benefit you and your project.

As soon as you put the holidays behind you, take that check your grandmother gave you, sell your Starbucks’ gift card to your brother, rob your piggybank or dip into your retirement fund and join an appropriate publishers’ organization. In fact, I recommend joining more than one.

Join SPAWN, for example, for the opportunity to network online with others throughout the nation&#8212in fact, the world and for the solid knowledge base and experience of the principals. The four most valuable features are the forum, the discussion group (for networking purposes), the huge online resource bank and the monthly SPAWN Market Update which is jam-packed with information and opportunities for authors, small publishers, freelance writers, screenwriters and artists. SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network)
http://www.spawn.org

Also look into joining the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) or Small Publishers of North America (SPAN). You can join SPAWN and then get a discounted membership in either IBPA or SPAN. If you already belong to IBPA or SPAN, you can join SPAWN at a discounted rate.

If you are also interested in exploring a regional publishers association, let me know where you live and I’ll attempt to locate one near you. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

In the meantime, if you are thinking about writing a book, you are writing a book, you are seeking publication or you are promoting a book, you need my 15 star book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Order yours today at:
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Do I have a Christmas gift for you! It’s straight from Oprah&#8212well, via my friend, Angela Hoy at http://www.writersweekly.com. In her current newsletter, Writer’s Weekly, she offers this link to a whole list of topics coming up on Oprah’s show. If you have a book, check out these topics and see if you would be an appropriate guest at any point in 2009. http://www.oprah.com/pluglist.jsp?teamTypeName=TOWS

And let us know if you get on. I’d love to share your successes with other readers.

My clients are getting ready for Christmas. They’re finishing up their manuscripts and proposals and sending them to me for editing. They’re ready to move forward with their holiday plans now that they have taken their projects off of their plates. But now their projects are on my plate. And I am grateful. You’ll all just have to understand that I can’t get to anything that takes any amount of time or concentration until after the big day&#8212that’s Christmas. I’ll probably add to the blog, dabble with my cat stories book and respond to emails&#8212so it’s okay to send your questions. But otherwise, I’ll be really busy cleaning, baking, wrapping, cooking and preparing for a crowd of 20 here on Sunday. Next week, it’s more baking and Christmas parties here and there and then Christmas day, which we split between two large families. I’ll be back to work on Friday, December 26.

In the meantime, what are you doing to promote your book or your freelance writing business? Have you talked about your book to at least ten people this week? Have you mentioned, during your company, church or club Christmas party that you will write for money? Are you spreading the word? There’s a realtor in town who, once a month or so, she walks around various neighborhoods leaving a rose or a small package of seasonal tea along with her promo piece on every doorstep. I will remember her if I ever decide to sell my house or if a friend asks about a realtor because she keeps reminding me.

Are you reminding your potential customers and clients about your products and services? Or do you expect them to remember you when they are struggling with a writing project or want a good novel as a gift? They will certainly remember you for about 2 minutes after hearing about your book or your services the first time. You want to remain in their minds. And you can do that by reminding them from time to time that you and your book exists. How? Here are just a few ideas:

• Create and maintain a blog related to your book or services and promote it.
• Establish a newsletter and promote it.
• Send periodic emails to your list announcing new books, awards, reduced price, add-on products, etc.
• Mail gifts, such as bookmarks, origami art, greeting card or discount coupon to customers/clients occasionally.
• Make news locally and nationally and report it in all appropriate publications.
• Write articles/stories on your topic or in your genre and get them published all over the place.
• Participate in related blogs and forums.
• Join organizations that will help you learn more about publishing and marketing.

Is your Christmas wish for greater success? Do you hope to attain success in 2009? Then you MUST take steps to make it happen. Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) in order to keep your finger on the pulse of the publishing industry and for the resources and information to help you sell books. You’ll also receive valuable tips and opportunities designed to help you build your freelance writing business. http://www.spawn.org.

The other thing you must do if you are thinking about writing a book, working on a book, seeking a publisher, contemplating self-publishing or promoting a book is to purchase The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html.

I just had an order from a gentleman who had found this book in his library. He liked it so much that he knew he had to own a copy. In fact, he sent me a letter saying that he couldn’t find, on my website, how much we charge for shipping. I can understand his concern. I have been bilked out of money for shipping when I’ve purchased multiple items, for example. I mean $6.49 per $8.95 items for shipping is quite a bit over the top. I didn’t learn until after I ordered 6 of the items (each weighing less than 2 pounds) that this company literally meant $6.49 shipping charge per item&#8212all items coming to the same address!!! Sinful. I complained loudly and was made whole. But I don’t think they changed their practices.

So I could understand this gentleman’s concern. I assured him that we charge quite reasonable fees depending on the weight of the book. And I, in fact, sent him a copy of the book immediately priority mail and asked that he send a check by return mail&#8212which he did.
I have since put a statement on each book ordering page letting customers know that the shipping cost will be $2.00 to $5.00 for orders totally $6.50 to $25.00.

Happy baking, shopping and wrapping. And safe partying.