Sometimes I feel like a walking encyclopedia\u2014not because I am so smart, but because I am constantly being tapped for whatever information I have gathered over my 35 years as a working writer\/author. And do you know what? I enjoy it. From the first time a budding writer asked me, \u201cHow do you get an article published?\u201d I was hooked. I began to realize that I had what it takes to teach\u2014at least in my area of interest and professional expertise.<\/p>\n
Oh, I don\u2019t know the answer to every question that comes my way. But I know how to find it. So, not only do I feel like an encyclopedia, I also get to feel like a research scientist. <\/p>\n
I find it interesting what hopeful authors want to know. At first, they may ask, \u201cHow do you find a publisher?\u201d \u201cDo I need an agent?\u201d \u201cWhat do I send to the publisher?\u201d \u201cIs it worthwhile to attend a writers\u2019 conference?\u201d And the classic, \u201cI just finished writing a book, now how do I get it published?\u201d<\/p>\n
Later in their process, they ask me, \u201cCan I buy just one ISBN?\u201d \u201cWhen should I copyright my book?\u201d \u201cHow much should I charge for my book?\u201d \u201cWhat is the best way to promote a book?\u201d <\/p>\n
And once the book is produced, the questions change again: \u201cHow do I get a book review?\u201d \u201cWhich press release service should I use?\u201d \u201cMy self-publishing company isn\u2019t promoting my book, what should I do?\u201d \u201cCan I get out of my contract?\u201d \u201cHow can I boost my book sales?\u201d<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve written articles, blog posts and books in response to all of these questions and I am also happy to respond to them personally. My challenge and my passion is to catch hopeful authors and freelance writers early in their quest for publishing fame and fortune and encourage them to learn the publishing ropes before getting too involved. <\/p>\n
Entering publishing without the proper education (and by this I mean information and knowledge about the publishing industry) is like going horseback riding without a set of reins or taking your canoe out on the ocean without a paddle. <\/p>\n
My hope is that, if you are new to publishing\u2014if you have a book in your heart or even in your computer\u2014that you are actively educating yourself about the fiercely competitive publishing industry before getting involved. If you are promoting a book and it isn\u2019t going well, I hope that you will stop the forward motion and start gathering the information and resources you need in order to create the success you desire. What specifically do I suggest?<\/p>\n
No matter where you are in the writing, publishing or book marketing process, read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book:<\/em><\/strong> If you have a book that is stagnating in the marketplace, read my ebook, The Author\u2019s Toolkit<\/em><\/strong>. It will show you how to revive a faltering or failing book: Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a><\/p>\n Probably the most valuable resource we offer members is the SPAWN Market Update<\/em>. I produce this 9 to 14-page newsletter each month and we publish it in the member area of the SPAWN website. This newsletter is overflowing with opportunities, resources, tips, tidbits, newsbites for authors, freelance writers, poets, novelists, screenplay writers, artists, photographers\u2014anyone interested in publishing. The fact is that the information, resources and opportunities in just one issue of the Market Update, if pursued, will more than pay for your annual membership of only $45\/year.<\/p>\n Are you looking for a publisher, an agent, book promotion opportunities, magazines that pay for material, jobs for photographers, opportunities for artists or screenwriters? You\u2019ll find it in almost every issue of the SPAWN Market Update<\/em>. Not only that, as a member of SPAWN, you will have access to our Market Update archives. And it comes complete with a search function, for ease in finding exactly what you are seeking.<\/p>\n Join SPAWN Now and turn your publishing luck around: http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a> <\/p>\n For those of you who have been cheering on my latest book, Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats<\/em><\/strong>, things are going well. People love to read about cats. Here are links to the two latest sites that have posted about Catscapades. The Cat Lady of Seattle. January 21, 2009 And at All Cute Cats: Posted also on January 21, 2009, go to:
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a><\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/author_repairkit.html<\/a> <\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com\/catlady<\/a> <\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/allcutecats.blogspot.com<\/a> <\/p>\n