{"id":886,"date":"2010-07-24T05:05:51","date_gmt":"2010-07-24T13:05:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/publishingblog\/?p=886"},"modified":"2010-07-24T05:05:51","modified_gmt":"2010-07-24T13:05:51","slug":"authors-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/publishingblog\/?p=886","title":{"rendered":"Authors’ Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the years, I\u2019ve responded to a lot of questions from authors at all stages of their projects. Here are a few I\u2019ve had lately\u2014along with my answers:<\/p>\n

Q: What can SPAWN do for me?<\/p>\n

A: SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) is an online networking organization and resource center for anyone who is interested in or involved in publishing. We offer information and networking opportunities for authors, freelance writers, artists, publishers and others. So, along with this being a networking organization it also has collaborative possibilities for our members. (Authors connect with graphic artists or illustrators, freelance writers land jobs writing promo material for authors and others, authors hire editors\/proofreaders and so forth.) What you get out of this organization depends on what you are willing to put into it\u2014to what degree you decide to participate.<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t find a publisher for you, coach you through the publishing process, etc., although we have members who provide various services such as editing, proofreading, publishing, printing, legal counsel, etc. But we present information and resources at our website, through two monthly newsletters and monthly teleseminars with experts as well as a discussion group where you can network and learn from other members. We produce a catalog of members\u2019 books and services for an additional fee and we sometimes offer space at major book festivals for members in the SPWAN booth at a reduced rate. <\/p>\n

Sign up for SPAWNews<\/em> FREE and receive a free booklet on promoting your work whether you are a writer, author or artists: http:\/\/www.spawn.org<\/a>
\nJoin SPAWN at $65\/year using the same link.<\/p>\n

Q: I write in both English and Spanish. Which language should I write my book in?<\/p>\n

A: Write in the language that you are most comfortable with and\/or the language that the majority of your reading audience speaks. You can have the book translated to the other language later.<\/p>\n

Q: What if I\u2019m not outgoing enough to promote through public speaking.<\/p>\n

A: First, I would recommend doing whatever you can to build your confidence and your speaking skills. Join a local Toastmasters Club or a storytelling group and participate. Practice, practice, practice. Of course, there are people who can\u2019t get out and promote personally. I\u2019ve known authors who are bedridden and others who have physical limitations. I also know at least one woman who travels and promotes her book through speaking engagements despite the fact that she\u2019s in a wheelchair. <\/p>\n

If you are mobile, I would urge you to work through your fears of or distaste for public speaking and go for it. If you can\u2019t possibly get out of the house, use your energies toward promoting via the Internet.<\/p>\n

Q: Okay, I\u2019ve finished my book. Now, how do I get it published?<\/p>\n

A: Set the book aside. Spend some time studying the publishing industry\u2014learning what your options are, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibility as a published author. This study will also reveal how to go about locating, approaching and working with a publisher. Next, write a book proposal. Once you\u2019ve done these two things, then you are ready to move forward. <\/p>\n

But it still may not be the appropriate time to begin the search for a publisher. You may discover through your study and through the process of writing a book proposal that you have written the wrong book for the wrong audience or that there are techniques you can use with your manuscript that will make it more salable.<\/p>\n

Never rush a publishing project. As the author, it is your responsibility to prepare your manuscript and yourself appropriately before entering into the fiercely competitive field of publishing. <\/p>\n

Do you have a question you\u2019d like to see me answer here: Leave your comment here or contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Over the years, I\u2019ve responded to a lot of questions from authors at all stages of their projects. Here are a few I\u2019ve had lately\u2014along with my answers: Q: What can SPAWN do for me? A: SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) is an online networking organization and resource center for anyone who is […]<\/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