It had always been my dream to become a published author. The day I got a contract for a print book, from a major publisher, I was on top of the world. The day I saw my name on the cover of a real book, The Power of Less – I was in heaven. However, aside from the joys of the ego, getting a print book deal is a great idea for any blogger — both in terms of an income stream … [Read more...]
Getting started as an Author: Advice for After You Start Writing
When people start to write many of them don’t think about what it takes. It’s very important to know what the writing world is all about if you want to publish. Many in the writing community hear how easy it is or how “It can be that hard or entail that much right?” by well-meaning friends and family. The truth is it’s more than just putting pen to paper or fingers to … [Read more...]
Librarian Love: Helping You Get Published
Most people won’t believe you when you tell them that librarians can play a role that could prove vital to getting you published. The image of a cranky woman at a desk persists—but most don’t realize that behind that woman is a world of resources that could pave the way to success. It’s never too early to start working in the library, especially if you’re serious about becoming … [Read more...]
How to Choose a Publisher Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts
Have you ever tried to find a publisher who accepts unsolicited manuscripts that is really good? If so, you'll know that it's difficult because most major publishers don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts and the smaller publishers who do are always suspect. So what do you do? Many people have found success by making sure they dot their i’s and cross their t’s before they go … [Read more...]
7 Publishing Options for Nonfiction Authors
Publishing is exciting because it means your book is finally going to become “real” and tangible. Yet, this is the part that so often derails even the most passionate and determined author. One reason is that many authors struggle through the writing and then suddenly have a finished book and nowhere to send it. If you are one of them, it may be that you started in the middle — … [Read more...]
Co-writing, Eight Questions to Ask Yourself Before Jumping In
I am the author or co-author of seven published fiction titles. Along the way I’ve had the experience of working with four different writers. I’ve spoken many times to libraries and book conventions about how it is to work with another author. Many questions have been asked about the process. I’ve narrowed the list down to the eight most voiced and will share them with you … [Read more...]
Your Child, Published Author
With the affordability of print-on-demand (POD) publishing, there is something you can do to encourage creativity and communication with your child, while teaching your child about the publishing process and giving their self-esteem a boast as well! As a parent, we are always thrilled when our children take an active interest in their own education. Heck, we are even … [Read more...]
101 Excuses Not to Write That Book
As a published author who has attended numerous writers groups and writers conferences over the last decade, I've heard lots of excuses about why people don't write. Some of them I've even heard coming from myself! For fun, I came up with a list of 101 excuses why people don't write that book they say they are always going to write. See what you think. 1. No one will want to … [Read more...]
Self-Publishing Made Easy – Self-Publishing or Print-on-Demand?
With the advent of technology, writers have numerous options when it comes to publishing. If you’re blessed to get a book deal with a traditional publisher (i.e. Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins), you’ll get an advance, royalties and a marketing allowance. Given the volatility of the book industry and emergence of e-books, landing a deal with a traditional … [Read more...]
Book Submissions – Follow the Guidelines
Failure to follow simple instructions can result in authors and their books being dismissed. If authors want others to read and appreciate their books, first they need to follow submission guidelines set by publishers, agents, and reviewers. At some point, almost everyone has had to apply for a job. Being able to do a job requires being able to follow directions, and the … [Read more...]