I often hear novelists say to a speaker, \u201cThat was a nice presentation, but it catered to the nonfiction author.\u201d Or they will say, \u201cI found your book (or article) helpful, but I wish there was more for the fiction author. Just the other day, someone commented at a blog saying something similar\u2014\u201cGood blog, but what about those of us who write fiction?\u201d<\/p>\n
The fact is that most of what I and other professionals write, teach and present in our programs DOES apply to novelists as well as nonfiction authors. The fiction writer just doesn\u2019t want to acknowledge it\u2014they don\u2019t want to hear it. They just don\u2019t know what to do with the information.<\/p>\n
Yes<\/strong>, those of you who write fiction should write a book proposal. Many publishers (and agents) require one now. And it will teach you volumes about the world you are about to enter, your project and how to represent it within the publishing industry.<\/p>\n Yes,<\/strong> you need to study the publishing industry before getting involved.<\/p>\n Yes<\/strong>, you can (and should) build promotion into your book and I spend more time talking\/writing about how to do it for fiction than nonfiction. You just aren\u2019t listening.<\/p>\n Yes<\/strong>, you need to study publishers\u2019 submission guidelines before submitting anything.<\/p>\n Yes<\/strong>, you should hire an editor before sending your manuscript to a publisher or before hiring a pay-to-publish company.<\/p>\n Yes<\/strong>, you are responsible for promoting your book.<\/p>\n Yes<\/strong>, most of those promotional ideas we give you DO relate to you and your project. When I suggest writing for magazines and newsletters as a way to promote your book, I expect you to pick up on the idea that you should be submitting stories in your genre. When we recommend giving presentations, we\u2019re speaking to novelists, too. When we tell authors to send news releases in an attempt to get interviewed or get your book reviewed, make news, donate books to get recognition, carry books in your purse, talk about your book everywhere you go, etc. we are speaking as loudly to fiction authors as we are to those who write nonfiction.<\/p>\n But you don\u2019t seem to want to listen. Instead, you say, \u201cEverything you say relates to nonfiction.\u201d Yes it does, but it also relates to fiction! <\/p>\n I wonder what part of our message to authors does not apply to those of you who write fiction. Does anyone have a reasonable answer to this question? I think it is simply the fact that fiction writers have a greater block against entering business mode. Your minds are more tightly closed to the hard realities of authorship and publishing than many nonfiction authors. <\/p>\n My suggestion? If you want to become a published author\u2014especially a successful published author\u2014wake up. Open up. Listen, read and learn. Acceptance of publishing truths (knowledge) is the answer to your chances for success.<\/p>\n Catscapades, True Cat Tales<\/strong> Take advantage of our prepublication discount offer before March 15 and also get a free gift with your order. I often hear novelists say to a speaker, \u201cThat was a nice presentation, but it catered to the nonfiction author.\u201d Or they will say, \u201cI found your book (or article) helpful, but I wish there was more for the fiction author. Just the other day, someone commented at a blog saying something similar\u2014\u201cGood blog, but […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5,4],"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
\nMy Catscapades<\/em><\/strong> web page is up. You can see the cover for the new book and read a little about the content. You\u2019ll also see a photo of me with our growing kitten, Lily. Lily was born in an abandoned Volkswagen one cool spring morning. She now lives a life of luxury with a doting family and many human and furred friends.<\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades.html<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"