A lot has changed since I started writing for publication over 35 years ago. Let me count the ways:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThere are more people writing books and seeking publication than ever before\u2014so more competition.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThere are more options for authors who want to publish.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tYou\u2019ll also find more people offering a wider variety of services in all areas of publishing and not all of them are qualified.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAuthors are almost totally responsible for promoting and selling their own books.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThere is an increase in the number of people charging for book reviews.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThere\u2019s at least one pay-to-publish company that is providing ghostwriting services.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tSome magazines now charge freelancers to place articles in their publications.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tA larger percentage of published books never see the inside of a bookstore.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThe amount of shelf life for a book in a bookstore has decreased significantly.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tThere are many more options for book promotion than ever before.<\/p>\n
What changes have you noticed since you\u2019ve been involved in publishing? Which ones are most detrimental or most beneficial to the forward motion of your project?<\/p>\n
From my perspective, I\u2019m pleased that so many more people are able to live their dreams of publishing a book or seeing their articles\/stories published. And I like that the competition has encouraged\/forced writers to produce even better material and more professional products. The fact that we have more options is positive. HOWEVER, I believe that the overall effect of the influx of writers and authors has weakened the system some. <\/p>\n
While quality has improved in some arenas, it has, for the most part, declined. While there are some wonderfully professional services being offered, there are more authors and writers being ripped off by unqualified, unskilled Johnny and Jill come-latelys.<\/p>\n
And this is why publishing professionals are working harder than ever to educate newer authors as they enter into the publishing realm with their beloved projects. It is more important than ever that you heed the \u201cauthor beware\u201d signs that are flashing everywhere along your publishing path. It\u2019s up to you to sidestep the landmines. How? Education. And never sign a contract that you don\u2019t understand. Also, believe only what is in the contract. What someone says to you outside the contract may not be valid. If it is important, have them write it into the contract. <\/p>\n
Maybe you\u2019ve been scammed by someone within the publishing industry. Or maybe you dove into a contract without the proper amount of research. I\u2019d like to hear your story. Email me PLFry620@yahoo.com. Or leave a comment at this blog. Just click on the \u201ccomment\u201d link.<\/p>\n
Please, if you are new to publishing\u2014you are in the process of writing your first book, you are thinking about writing a book or your first book failed, arm yourself with knowledge. Order my book\u2014which received dozens of 5-star reviews from the reviewers and multitudes of positive testimonials from readers. The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em><\/strong>. Catscapades Update<\/strong> I took a copy by our best natural pet store and the owner started planning a catered wine and cheese event where I will sign the books. <\/p>\n Yesterday, also, a couple of friends and even one of my daughters emailed me to say, \u201cI loved it. You\u2019re right, it made me laugh and it made me cry.\u201d \u201cThe stories are so real and so touching.\u201d \u201cI was reminded of my treasured cats over the years and I just couldn\u2019t stop smiling.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n
\nYou all seem to enjoy hearing what\u2019s going on with my latest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales<\/em><\/strong>. So here is my update: I dropped a copy off at our local library yesterday. The librarian was thrilled and a patron went bonkers. I gave the patron a few promotional postcards to hand out to friends. <\/p>\n