I frequently get question from clients, SPAWN members, authors and freelance writers that I’ve met at various events and those who find me through my site or writings. These questions range from simple to complex. Some of them I can answer off the top of my head and others take some research—research that the writer or author could have done. And a good writer\/author should know how to conduct research. I think that, sometimes, the individual just wants a second opinion or reassurance from a presumed expert.<\/p>\n
Here are some questions I’ve received recently and my somewhat condensed responses:<\/p>\n
“How should I handle quotes in my manuscript?” <\/p>\n
Note: This client is using a mix of dialogue (in quotation marks), thoughts (in Italics), song lyrics, comments from others and expert quotes throughout her book manuscript.<\/p>\n
I told her that she can indent and single-space quotes to set them off, use a different font, separate them using borders\/boxes, for example. I suggested that she consider all of the aspects she is including in her manuscript (dialogue, thoughts, comments, etc.) and choose a logical way of setting them apart. Then be consistent. What is important here, more than anything else, is consistency and clarity.<\/p>\n
“Do I need permission to quote from a certain Bible?”<\/p>\n
I took a look at the copyright page for this Bible (one of the many newer derivations of the original) and it clearly states, “No permission needed for fewer than 500 passages.” I pointed this out to the author. Then I reminded her that I am not an attorney and I recommended that she talk to an intellectual properties attorney to be absolutely sure. I gave her the email address for the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and suggested she see what information she could get there. http:\/\/www.vlaa.org<\/a> <\/p>\n “I’m going to write someone else’s story, where can I find a form I can use in creating an agreement between us?”<\/p>\n This was easy. I just did a Google search using keywords, “ghostwriting agreement forms” and several sites popped up. “Collaboration Agreement” also worked. I pointed this writer in the direction of the book, Business and Legal Forms for Authors and Self-Publishers <\/em>by Tad Crawford. There are also a couple of sites to try: http:\/\/www.copylaw.com\/forms\/forms.html<\/a> or http:\/\/www.textbookpublishers.com\/contracts.html<\/a> <\/p>\n “How can I make sure I am choosing the right ‘self-publishing’ company?”<\/p>\n Another easy one. Read The Fine Print of Self-Publishing <\/em>by Mark Levine. He rates, analyzes, ranks and exposes the contracts and services of 45 “self-publishing” companies. If you plan to go with a POD self-publishing company (including PublishAmerica), you must read this book, first. It WILL save you money and heart ache. <\/p>\n Side note: You can get this 320-page, $17.95 book FREE by joining SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a> <\/p>\n “I’m going to self-publish, do I still need a book proposal?”<\/p>\n YES!! A book proposal is actually more for you, the author, because it will help you to determine whether or not you have a viable product. Is there a market for this book? Can you identify the competition? Who is the audience and where are they? Do you have a platform related to the topic\/genre of this book? What is your marketing plan? These important questions will be answered throughout the process of developing a well-researched book proposal. In fact, if you can’t answer these important questions, you are not ready to write this book. The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book <\/em>includes several chapters on how to write a book proposal. Or take my online course (see below).<\/p>\n “Should I send a query letter, a book proposal or the completed manuscript to the publisher?” <\/p>\n Always, always study the publisher’s submission guidelines before submitting anything. Different publishers have different submission policies and you want to start your relationship by adhering to his\/her wishes. You’ll find submission guidelines at the publisher’s website. Read page 24 of the 2007 edition of The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book <\/em>for help in locating submission guidelines. Some publishers tend to play hide and seek with their guidelines.<\/p>\n Contact me if you have questions. Contact me if you need an editor. And remember, this week only, you can sign up for my 8-week Book Proposal Course and get $20 off the price. (Course begins September 15, 2008.) This offer is good through August 29, 2008. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/course_bookproposal.htm<\/a>. Check out my other online, on-demand courses at http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/courses.htm<\/a> <\/p>\n Come on, the kids are back to school, summer is nearly over, now is a good time to work toward your writing\/publishing dreams. Sign up for the course of your choice. And be sure to order your copy of my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em>. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n Contact me with comments\/questions: PLFry620@yahoo.com <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I frequently get question from clients, SPAWN members, authors and freelance writers that I’ve met at various events and those who find me through my site or writings. These questions range from simple to complex. Some of them I can answer off the top of my head and others take some research—research that the writer […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t