Everyone has a blog these days. There are blog sites related to every subject imaginable and some whose hosts just ramble on about nothing. Do you visit other blogs? Are you addicted to reading blogs? Some people are, you know. Do you have favorite blog sites that you frequent—those related to writing and publishing, for example? Whatever your blog habits, I appreciate that you are reading this entry on my blog site. If you\u2019re new here, I hope that you will check out our archives and that you will visit here often.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m Patricia Fry, 35-year veteran within the realm of writing and publishing. I strive to educate and inform readers who are interested in writing and publishing. This blog is just one mode through which I teach and provide resources for freelance writers and authors as well as those hoping to enter into the realm of publishing through their poetry, article\/story-writing or a book manuscript. <\/p>\n
I attempt to keep you abreast of what\u2019s going on in the publishing industry. I post warnings. I alert you to new resources and opportunities. I share with you and I ask you to share with me. This blog site has a purpose. It is an extension of my knowledge base related to publishing as well as my constant research, work and experiences within this arena. My goal, through this blog, is to help you to understand your options and opportunities (whether you are seeking a publisher, marketing a book or attempting to earn some money as a freelance writer). But I also want you to know your responsibilities as a published author or freelance writer. Yes, along with the title—the role—comes responsibility. This is true no matter what field or area you are involved in. I think that most Americans are getting that picture loud and clear when they watch what\u2019s currently happening with our economy, for example. <\/p>\n
We, as individuals, have responsibilities when it comes to making the right choices be it a loan we\u2019re pursuing, using credit, spending or investing. But so do those heading up big business and our government have responsibilities and obligations they must consider and fulfill.<\/p>\n
On a smaller scale and pertaining to publishing, let me tell you about something that has recently come to my attention. A while back, I may have mentioned this in a blog, a SPAWN member felt he was \u201ctaken\u201d by a fulfillment and distribution company to the tune of $3,000. This company sold all of 5 (five) books for him over a period of a few months. The thing is, the company did what the contract said they would do. But our member was counting on cashing in on what they said verbally, as well. And nothing they told him in their meeting, was pursued. <\/p>\n
This week, someone in one of my online discussion groups complained about being bamboozled by a fulfillment and distribution company (I think it was the same company). Others chimed in with similar tales of woe. They claimed that this company did not sell anywhere near the number of books they expected, yet they were still being charged a huge amount of money. But what everyone seems to have forgotten is that these companies typically (and I\u2019m sure their contracts reflect this) do not sell your books. They warehouse them for a fee. They take orders on an 800 number for a fee. They ship books out when orders come in. (Yes, for an additional fee.) But, it is my understanding that they do not solicit orders. They do not promote your book. It is up to the author to promote the book and make the sale. Without the author\u2019s (or the author\u2019s publicist\u2019s) hard work, those books stored in boxes on pallets in the fulfillment company\u2019s warehouse are just going to continue sitting there. The fulfillment company needs you—the author—to promote, promote, promote; to get necessary exposure; to locate his audience, approach them and show them the book. In order for the fulfillment company to do their job, the author must do his.<\/p>\n
Have you worked with a fulfillment company? I\u2019d like to interview some of you who have stories to tell (good and bad) about your experiences with fulfillment and\/or distribution companies.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, be sure to read my book, \u201cThe Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.\u201d The information, resources and guidance in this book will keep you from making costly, embarrassing and self-defeating mistakes. ( http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n For a major information and resource center and support system for hopeful and published authors, join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Everyone has a blog these days. There are blog sites related to every subject imaginable and some whose hosts just ramble on about nothing. Do you visit other blogs? Are you addicted to reading blogs? Some people are, you know. Do you have favorite blog sites that you frequent—those related to writing and publishing, for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5,3],"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