Writing and Publishing News from

January 26, 2008

Writers’ Conference Mania

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 4:38 pm

Excitement is in the air. Hundreds of writers and hopeful authors are buzzing around the Double Tree Hotel in Mission Valley, California eager to improve their writing and their chances for publication. We drove out of the rain south toward sunny San Diego County yesterday. I mingled with the writers who had arrived by evening to attend the SD State University Writers’ Conference. It wasn’t a full house in the grand ballroom and I heard this was because storms across the country had grounded many planes and made land travel difficult. I’m hoping for 20 to 30 in my workshops today so I can hand out all of the handouts I’ve prepared.

I’m thankful to learn that they have scheduled my 5 workshops with nice breaks in between. Except for the last two sessions, I have an hour or more between them.

This means I can take advantage of the wisdom of Dan Poynter (on self-publishing), Penny Sansevieri (on marketing), Jeniffer Thompson (on web design for authors) and maybe attend a panel of agents.

So far I’ve learned from attendees that they are doing multiple writing projects. One husband and wife team from Arizona have 9 manuscripts ready to go and no idea what to do next. They write in several genres—thriller, romance, historical fiction… They came here for direction, guidance and probably a large dose of encouragement.

Another woman told me about the nonfiction manuscript she’s working on and the many articles she writes for free. She hopes to discover how to earn a living through her writing.

One woman came by to show me her newly published book. She said, “I had an email conversation with you last year. We talked about my book. Well, here it is.” It is a POD publishing company produced book. At first glance, I was put off by the margin space. I tell people to get over their obsession with concerns over margin size, etc. But I also advise that they keep the reader (whether a publisher or consumer) in mind when they put their manuscript or book together. We like to see space around the text on a page, but not too much space. Please, especially when you’re preparing your book for publication, know what you are doing. Learn how to work in an appropriate page layout program or hire someone who can use Adobe Page Maker, Quarks Press, etc. Look at the layout of other books. Think about the reader.

And I met a man who told me about his fiction thriller story. I questioned the term “thriller” for the story he described. He said, “Oh yes, it’s a thriller. I’m not sure I would have been thrilled while reading it. One description of “thriller” is whether or not it “thrills.”

The definition between genres has muddied so much in recent years, that it seems one element included in the book can make the difference—one reference or scene. Choosing your book’s genre appropriately can be quite a challenge in today’s crazy publishing industry.

I’m looking forward to a busy and satisfying day with folks who want to know more about article writing. I hope to provide just what they want and need—guidance, a little hand-holding, a reality check, but also lots of encouragement.

If you’d like to talk to me about your writing project, contact me at plfry620@yahoo.com. Sign up for one of my courses at http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

January 25, 2008

The Power of Authors’ Accolades

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 6:55 am

Three nice things happened yesterday with regard to my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Maggie Ball at the Compulsive Reader over in Australia, wrote a lovely review. Read it here:

http://www.compulsivereader.com/html/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1847

Dana Lynn Smith of Texana Publishing runs The Publisher’s Bookstore online. She wrote to tell me that she read my article in the January edition of the SPAN Connection, “Build Promotion Into Your Book Before it’s a Book” and decided to include my book The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book in her bookstore. Yup, there I am right up there with such publishing greats as: John Kremer, Marilyn Ross, Brian Jud, Dan Poynter and Penny Sansevieri. Check it out at http://www.thepublishersbookstore.com

And I received a lovely note from a gentleman in Nashville who said that Peter Bowerman had suggested her read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. He also read, How to Write a Successful Book Proposal in 8 Days or Less. He said, “I must tell you that I learned more from these two books in a few weeks than the last year and a half studying the industry. Excellent work!” Thank you Greg.

This is a good way to head off to a presentation, isn’t it—all self-assured and feeling good about my work? As you may recall, this is the weekend I’m presenting 5 workshops on aspects of article-writing at the San Diego State University Writers’ Conference.

We should all make sure that we arrive at our speaking venues full of confidence. In fact, I like to take time before a conference or speaking engagement to read some of the testimonials at my website and the endorsements on the back of my book cover, for example.

You might carry a picture of your children or grandchildren in your pocket when you speak. If you begin to falter or feel overwhelmed, touch the photo and remember that you are loved and appreciated.

I keep pictures of my family and pets around me in my office. I post awards and acknowledgements. Even on a bad day, if I’ll just look around, I am treated to a much more positive perspective.

So I’m feeling really good about what I have to offer attendees at the conference tomorrow and I’m committed to providing them with information and resources they can use.

May your email box be filled with accolades for your book or articles. May good tidings come your way every day. And on days when things seem to be working against you, may you always find the silver lining. With this in mind, let’s not forget to go out of our way to thank, compliment and honor our fellow writers/authors, as well.

January 24, 2008

The Book Promotion Frenzy

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 10:39 am

First let me apologize to those of you who are accustomed to reading the daily blog first thing in the morning. I’m about 4 hours later posting it. Life does, sometimes, get in the way. Let me also report that I’ll be in San Diego for the next 4 days presenting 5 seminars on article-writing and platform-building at the San Diego State University Writers’ Conference. I hope some of you signed up. It’s one of the best around.

While, with any luck, I will have Internet access, I may not have the time to continue my commitment to writing a generous, informative blog each of the next 4 mornings. I will certainly try, however. Now to today’s theme: the sometimes overwhelming task of Book Promotion:

You might think you have all of your ducks in a row. Then one day, here comes a truckload of your books from the printer or the publisher. You jump around excitedly. You tear open the boxes and spend some time caressing your book. You show it to your co-workers, family, neighbors—whoever is close-by at the time. And then reality sets in.

You realize that you are no longer just a writer. You are also a published author with a book to sell. Now what? Where do you start? Do you get a distributor, head to the nearest bookstore, send out review copies, write articles, get on amazon.com, book speeches? The answer is, “Yes.” Do all of the above. But in what order? What comes first? What’s the most important task?

Here’s what I suggest—slooooowwww down. Take a deep breath. Do a few stretches and knee bends.

Now, go get your Author’s Workbook and review the “After Publication” section.
• Ship and deliver review copies, complimentary copies and prepublication orders.
• Send two copies to the Copyright Office.
• Send 3 copies to the Library of Congress.
• Fill out the paperwork for your State Board of Equalization application.
• Apply for a business license in your city/county.
• Start contacting wholesalers/distributors.
• Send announcements to your mailing list.

Next, take a look at the “Basic Book Promotion Plan” as well as “My Bold Book Promotion Plan” “My Book Promotion Plan Beyond the Bookstores” and “My Creative Book Promotion Plan” in The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your book and The Author’s Workbook and make a priority list of things you will do and when.

Try not to look at book marketing as a whole. It’s much too intimidating, confusing and overwhelming from that angle. Instead, write down all of the promotional activities you want to pursue. Then start prioritizing.

Maybe you’ll want to start by soliciting book reviews, visiting local bookstores, setting up a few book signings, arranging for a merchant account and submitting your book to Amazon.com. Set up a schedule including each of these tasks. For example, spend some time each day researching specific bookstores, review opportunities and merchant account services. Note those that you want to pursue. Set aside an hour or so one day to get your book on Amazon.com. It may go smoothly and take just a few minutes, or it may be a lengthy test of your patience.

Once you have these tasks underway, get bold. Begin the process of arranging speaking engagements, getting interviews and sending press releases to appropriate publications and newspapers.

Unless there is a book festival occurring nearby in the next few weeks, save this activity for a later time. You’ll also eventually want to submit articles/stories to appropriate sites and periodicals, establish a newsletter and/or blog and continue seeking other avenues through which you can promote your book.

Book promotion is ongoing and it can be intense. Don’t let the first few weeks/months as an author overwhelm you. Here’s my suggestion:
• Take it easy—relax and enjoy being an author.
• Keep things manageable
• Prioritize.
• Stay focused.
• Follow through.
• Watch for and jump on good book promotion opportunities that come along.

For additional help with your book promotion plan, sign up for my online, on-demand Book Promotion Workshop http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookpromotion.htm

Writing a book and promoting a book are two very different activities. When you are faced with the foreign task of promoting your book, don’t get frenzied. Get organized.

January 23, 2008

How to Use Your Publishing Reference Books

Filed under: Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 5:40 am

Most writers and authors know something about research—we all have to do it in the course of writing a nonfiction article, book, novel and even, sometimes a poem. But how many of you use—I mean really use—the great reference books you buy to help you write better or navigate the publishing industry?

You order the book and are excited when you receive it. You sit down and scan the book. You may study the parts of it that apply to your situation at the moment or you read the entire book. But then it goes on the shelf with your other reference books, never to be opened again.

I know that some of you do this, because many of you who have purchased my book will come to me with questions that are clearly answered in The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.

Someone will email me and ask, “What’s the difference between self-publishing and getting the book printed myself?” I’ll answer them, of course, but also refer to Chapters 2, 3 and 10.

I was asked recently, “How can I make sure to have a successful book signing” I referred this client to pages 223-238.

When a customer asks, “What’s a press release—how do I write one?” I refer them to the samples on pages 251-253 of the 2007 edition of The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.

Someone contacted me this week with questions about distributors and wholesalers (Chapter 11). She wanted to know which distributors to contact. I suggested that she search the directories listed in the Resource Section—page 308.

And you can’t even imagine how often I am asked, “How do I find an agent for my book?” I’ll tell them to go to the Association of Author’s Agents website and peruse the directory there: http://www.aar-online.org (Page 302—in the Resources Section in The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book, as well as 135 in the text of the book.)

Learn how to choose a title for your fiction (Pages 69-70), understand genres (27-28), build promotion into your fiction (57) and write a book proposal for fiction (61-62).

If you own The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book (or any other good reference book) and you have a question related to the book subject, open the book, scan the Index (the last pages in the book—they’re alphabetical), find a reference to the topic and the page number and then go to that page. If you still have questions, contact me.

One customer contacted me several months ago with a question. He wanted to send his completed manuscript to a publisher and asked me if it was okay. I asked if he had checked the publisher’s Submission Guidelines. He said, “Yes, they suggest sending a book proposal, but I don’t have a book proposal, can I just send the manuscript?” I explained the importance of complying with publisher guidelines. He wrote back and said, “But I don’t want to take the time to write the proposal now—if this publisher turns me down, then maybe I’ll write a proposal, but I want to know if you think it’s okay to send the complete manuscript?” I told him again that it is risky and I would not recommend it—that he might mess up his chances of a contract by neglecting to comply with the publisher’s guidelines. He wrote back again with the same question reframed. He didn’t want my honest answer. He wanted me to tell him what he wanted to hear. He wanted permission to send the complete manuscript.

I told him that it was ultimately up to him, but that I did not think he was making a good business decision. I recommended that he read Chapter Four in my book along with pages 138-140 to be reminded about the importance of complying with publisher guidelines.

Don’t let your reference books collect dust while you struggle to understand and navigate the publishing industry. If you own The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book and you have a writing, publishing or book marketing question, the answer is most likely right there at your fingertips.

If you don’t have a copy, yet, order yours at: http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html And be sure to order The Author’s Workbook, too.

January 22, 2008

Tuesday–A Good Day for Authors

Filed under: Book Promotion,Publishing,Writing — Patricia @ 6:44 am

Yesterday was deemed the worst, most depressing day of the year. Evidently, it happens every year—this worst day. I’ve never noticed it before. Sure, I have bad days—we all do, but I didn’t know that there was one particular day set aside as the worst of the worst.

This is good news, don’t you think? This means that the worst is over. Today, tomorrow and the rest of the year will be better than yesterday for authors, freelance writers, independent publishers—all of us.

So why was yesterday so bad? For some, problems arose due to horrendous weather. I guess some of us are depressed because of the weather and we’re suffering buyer’s remorse after the holidays. Yeah it’s depressing to be broke, especially when the kids have already lost the item you stood in line for hours to purchase.

So the economy is bad and the weather is awful. Is there anything we can do to create a little cheer and maybe a little cash in our dismal lives? Sure there is.

If you’re a hopeful author and your book project is stalled:
• Write a book proposal. Not only will a book proposal help to jumpstart you into writing mode again, it will give your book a new life, a clear direction and a greater chance for success.
• Set firm goals. You don’t have time to write, you say? I know authors who are writing every day even though they’re holding down full-time jobs and have active lives. Yes, every single day.

I think you know my story of writing a complete book manuscript in 8 months while working full-time. I simply got up a couple of hours earlier every workday morning.

If you have a book to promote and you’ve run out of energy and ideas:
• Read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book and Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/ Also look at Brian Jud’s Beyond the Bookstore and John Kremer’s 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. Read some of the articles on book promotion at my site: http://www.matilijapress.com/articles.htm
• Imagine your life a year from now. How do you want it to look like? If you see yourself a little richer and enjoying life more—maybe writing your next book—you’d better make a commitment that will facilitate that vision. Break through your fear of public speaking, for example, vow to try at least one new promotional activity per month and give it a really good go.

If you are a freelance writer who is in a temporary slump:
• Think outside the box. If you’ve been relying on Christian magazines to support your freelance writing business, try rewriting some of your articles and write new articles for publication in other types of magazines. Some freelancers limit themselves by finding a comfort zone and staying there. If you can write for the Christian market, you can write for other markets. Widen your horizons. Approach a new market each month. Your bank account will swell according to your level of effort. But you know that.
• Consider writing outside the magazine market. Some webmasters pay for copy. Companies need writers to revamp brochures and employee handbooks, write letters, ad copy or a monthly newsletter. Is a local company coming up on a significant anniversary? Contact them about writing their history.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel for authors and freelance writers, even when you’re looking through the tunnel on the most depressing day of the year. Use your imagination and the ideas above to jumpstart your book sales or your writing career.

January 21, 2008

Editing is a Process

Filed under: Writing — Patricia @ 7:30 am

All authors and freelance writers do it. Some people get paid to do it. And without it, you are risking the big R—Rejection. What is it? Editing.

I’ve found over the years that editing is a process. When I edit my own work, especially a book manuscript, I go over it many, many times with different things in mind. There’s the editing work that occurs throughout the course of read-throughs and after making additions or changes. You edit again when something jumps out at you during a random glance. You read your work over and over and over again. And then you get down to the nitty gritty editing work.

I read my manuscripts with content in mind—does it make sense, does it flow, do the transitions work well, are my explanations clear, is the material pertinent, have I left anything out, are there areas where I have over-explained, what about organization?

Edit out extra words—in other words, tighten your work and then tighten it some more. Reconsider using qualifier words such as, “very.” Watch for overused words and phrases. I had to eliminate “of course” numerous times in my final edit of The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Recently, I edited out numerous introductory phrases from a client’s book manuscript. He started nearly every paragraph with, “As a matter of fact,” “Actually,” “As far as I knew,” “That said,” “Now,” “Yet,” “Therefore,” “Interestingly,” etc.

I read a manuscript for accuracy. I check facts and statistics and make sure the attributions are in place and correct. Do the chapter titles and headings correspond with the table of contents? Do the fonts for chapter titles and headings, etc. conform in size and style throughout? Have I used the right words in the right places? Spellcheck will not alert you to wrong words when they are spelled correctly. For example, you might intend using “carp” and it is spelled, “crap,” “have” instead of “has,” “bed” instead of “bad.” It takes an alert mind and a good eye to discover mistakes like these.

I read the manuscript from a grammatical and punctuation point of view. Are my sentences varied, are they grammatically correct, have I used one space only after all punctuation, have I caught all of the redundancies and incorrect uses of words.

And finally, I read my manuscript to make sure it speaks to even someone from Mars. I try to assume that someone reading The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book or The Mainland Luau or Creative Grandparenting, has had no experience in these topics. I try to explain everything from the beginner point of view so that I’m assured that no one reading this book will be left behind.

Folks, this major editing work is your job. Your next step is to hire an editor to fine tune your manuscript. The more thorough your editing job, the more an editor can do for you. And it may take more than one go-through. While some of my clients have such clean manuscripts that it takes just one session of editing, most require my services twice.

Here’s how I work: I don’t make unauthorized changes to your manuscript. I offer suggestions in red type and I often explain why I recommend the change. I teach as I edit and this seems to serve my clients well. Once the client makes the changes he or she wants based on my recommendations, I like to go through the manuscript one last time and this is when we fine tune the work.

Editing is not a once-over job that you rush through in order to meet a deadline. It is a process that can take time and should. Turn out your best work, look at it several times with your clearest editorial eye and then hand it over to an editor, who is accustomed to editing book manuscripts, for a final polishing.

http://www.matilijapress.com/consulting.html to learn more about my editorial services.

January 20, 2008

How to Workout With a Workbook

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 7:39 am

As you know, if you’ve spent any time hanging around this blog or reading my articles, a few months ago, I produced a workbook for authors. I designed The Author’s Workbook, Your Guide to Developing a Publishing and Marketing Plan, to accompany The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book (2007 revised edition).

What is a workbook and what can it do for you?

A workbook generally presents questions and concepts that you should consider either before or while you are pursuing a new activity or project and it provides space for your thoughtful responses. A workbook lays out assignments to help you prepare for the project at hand and make good decisions. Some of you are familiar with Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, which offers a workbook element. Her book inspired and encouraged many, many would-be writers to actually start writing. One of my writing buddies became a published author after studying Cameron’s book and religiously following her lesson plan.

The Author’s Workbook may be your ticket to finally living your dream. Do you have a book idea? Have you started writing a book, but are stalled. Do you have a book completed and don’t know what to do next? Could you use some hand-holding?

The Author’s Workbook is specifically designed to:
• Help you honestly evaluate the potential for your publishing project.
• Provide the templates you need whether you choose to work with a publisher or want to establish your own publishing business.
• Prompt you to make good business decisions throughout the writing/publishing process.
• Guide you in creating your individual book promotion plan.

Based on your own thoughtful responses to the questions and worksheets in the workbook, you will be able to answer the following questions:
• Is this book truly a good idea?
• Who is the audience for this book?
• Why do I want to write this book?
• Am I a good candidate for authorship?
• How can I establish a writing schedule and make myself stick to it?
• What are my talents and skills for writing/publishing a book?
• What skills am I lacking?

You’ll use worksheets to determine:
• What do I need to do in order to build my platform?
• What is my criterion for choosing a publishing model?
• What is the best publishing choice for me and my project?

You’ll be guided in:
• Writing a synopsis, query letter and cover letter.
• Creating the About the Author section.
• Determining your target audience.
• Choosing a title for your book.
• Evaluating your competition.
• Establishing a marketing plan.
• Self-publishing your book.
• Approaching and working with traditional or POD publishers.

Order The Author’s Workbook along with The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book at http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html today and by Spring, you could conceivably have an outline for the next bestselling book.

Using The Author’s Workbook is like having someone take your hand and lead you step-by-step toward the publishing success you desire. Without this sort of guidance, your chances of writing the right book for the right audience and successfully entering and conquering the publishing arena are practically non-existent.

Questions? PLFry620@yahoo.com

January 19, 2008

The Learning Curve in Publishing

Filed under: Publishing — Patricia @ 7:22 am

As children, we were in constant learning mode. Our minds, they say, are like sponges when we’re young. But things sure change. As adults, we do not easily and willingly embrace the learning curve.

When faced with a new lesson, our stubborn minds tend to say, “I know enough already.” “I don’t need that information.” “I’ve already paid my dues as a student; I’m going to do this my way.”

Facing the learning curve can be intimidating and even humiliating. When we ask for help or guidance, it makes us feel as though we’ve gone backward in our evolutionary path. The process of learning really strains our brains. Trying to learn something new takes effort and it can be downright frustrating. Go back to school or take a course and you’ll discover just how stressful and exhausting learning can be.

But how sweet is the education—the fruits of your efforts… How powerful you feel once you have the information, skills, training, education. How clearly you can see your way toward your goals once you have the knowledge needed to accomplish them. And this is true whether you want to grow the best watermelon around, ride a horse or publish a book.

My many hats are off to hopeful and struggling authors who visit this blog often in search of information and resources. I appreciate that you are willing to face the difficult learning curve by studying the articles and books I recommend, by checking out appropriate resources and by following the advice of professionals. And I continually reach out to those of you who stubbornly stay on your narrow path hoping to succeed in the hugely competitive world of publishing.

Stop trying to dig with a toothpick, take a hundred-mile trip on a skateboard, boil water using one match and bring a book to fruition with no knowledge of the publishing industry. Grab a sturdy shovel, buy a decent car, use that match to light a stove burner and, of course, study something about the publishing industry.

Here’s your assignment for the week:
• Visit this blog often and review my blog archives.
• Read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
• Use the Author’s Workbook. (Tomorrow’s blog will explain the benefits of using a workbook.) http://www.matilijapress.com/workbook.html
• Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org
• Contact me if you have any questions: plfry620@yahoo.com

January 18, 2008

Get Out and Talk About Your Book

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 7:21 am

First, let me direct you to Helen Ginger’s blog this morning. There, you will find my interview with Helen posted. Check it out. You may learn things about me that you didn’t know—and about the publishing industry. http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com/2008/01/patricia-fry-guest-author.html

Today marks the one month anniversary of my daily blog commitment. Within the last 30 days, you’ve had 30 opportunities to learn something about publishing, freelance writing and the industry as well as to glean many resources. There are a total of about 150 posts at my blog site now, and all of them offer something of value to authors and/or freelance writers. I plan to continue blogging daily and I hope that you visit often and that my offerings contribute to your publishing success.

I’ve been invited to present a workshop at the Wizards of Words Writers’ Conference in Phoenix, October 10-12. Once I have all of the particulars of the event, I’ll post it at my website.

This year, I’ll also be in San Diego, CA January 25-27; Atlanta, GA, March 29; Los Angeles Times Book Festival April 26-27; near Baltimore Maryland May 2-3; Ventura, CA July 11-13 and Phoenix, AZ October 10-12. There may be other venues and I will announce and post them as they become realities.

I’ll be in Nashville the week of March 30 through April 6 and am looking for an opportunity to conduct a workshop or two at a local bookstore, library or for a writers’ group, for example. If any of you have suggestions, let me know. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

What are you doing to promote your book this month? It’s a good time to start planning speeches, lectures, workshops, seminars locally and outside of your region. Do a Google search to locate opportunities. Maybe your book is on inventing and inventions. Google to see if you can find an invention convention or invention clubs near you. Contact the organizers/leaders and offer to come and speak. If your book is a memoir and you write about your life spent in several communities, contact bookstores, libraries and even historical societies in those communities and offer to come and speak. For a book of fiction, connect with civic organization leaders. They are always seeking interesting speakers for club meetings. If your novel is set around a golfing theme, contact golf clubs and organizations about speaking at their various events. Focus on cities where major golf tournaments are being played—arrange to do book signings at local bookstores and be sure to get lots of press before the signing.

If you have a book to promote and you’re not getting out and talking about it, you’re missing some great opportunities to make sales. If you’re still looking for your book promotions niche, consider signing up for my newest on-demand online course, Book Promotion. http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookpromotion.htm

January 17, 2008

Your Book’s 30-Second Commercial

Filed under: Book Promotion — Patricia @ 6:30 am

Today’s theme is the one-sentence challenge and the 30-second commercial.

But first—this just in:
If you’re considering the fee-based POD “self-publishing” route, I suggest you read Angela Hoy’s recent response to a question on this topic. http://writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/004472_01162008.html

It has to do with AuthorHouse and their ability/willingness to help you market your book. This will be an eye opener for many of you—and one that could save you thousands of dollars.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program:
I promised you some tips for pitching your project to publishers, customers, booksellers, etc. I recommend two things—create a 30-second commercial and enter the one-sentence challenge.

It’s not easy to describe your book in one or two sentences, but I suggest that you figure out how to do so even before you start writing it. Why? Here are 4 good reasons:
• It will help you to focus on the scope of your book while writing it.
• It will become the theme for writing your synopsis.
• It may help you to decide upon a title and/or subtitle.
• It will be extremely useful in pitching and promoting your book.

If you can’t describe your project in one or two sentences, you probably don’t have a handle on the topic/theme of your book. Here are some examples:

Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book. A collection of low and no cost ideas for promoting your traditionally published or self-published book. (By Patricia Fry, Matilija Press.)

Fatherhood and Fathering, The Ultimate Guide for Today’s Dads. This book explores fatherlessness in America and its affect on our youth. It is also a guide for all fathers who want to be the best dads they can be. (Patricia Fry’s unpublished manuscript)

A Year of Sundays is the true story of my year-long travels through Europe with my blind wife and our cat. (By Edward D. Webster, VanderWyke and Burnham Publishers)

Ma Duncan, a true crime featuring an uncommonly evil woman whose incestuous relationship with her son impelled her to have her daughter-in-law and unborn grandchild killed. (By James Barrett, Pentland Press)

The 30 second commercial is little different animal than the brief, succinct descriptive sentence. This is a more detailed description of your book—a canned speech that you can use when meeting with a publisher, chatting with someone at a class reunion or business setting or when talking to potential customers at book festivals.

Here’s how I might word my 30 second pitch for my fatherhood book, “This book explores the history of fatherhood in America and chronicles how the different styles of fathering and fatherlessness are affecting our children today. This is a guide for loving, involved fathers and it’s a wake-up call for estranged dropout dads. This book is designed to create a lifeline to the millions of children who are suffering for the sins and the short comings of their dads.”

Your assignment this week is to write a one-sentence description of your book and a 30-second commercial whether your book is in the planning process or already published. Contact me for assistance, if you like PLFry620@yahoo.com

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