Was it just a matter of time? The news came recently that Penguin Group, one of the largest book publishers in the world, has acquired Author Solutions Inc (ASI), a leading provider of services for self-publishing writers, for $116 million. Penguin's CEO, John Makinson, waxed rhapsodic in … [Read more...]
The blog for writers
The Book Deal
The bears and bulls of publishing: An insider steps up
EBook buyers read more books. And why wouldn't they be? They can look on this article about ebooks and find places to get them for free! They're the future! We're in the midst of a fantastic transition. Words from another outsider advocating the overthrow of legacy publishing? Nope. Not at … [Read more...]
What should you expect from a developmental editor?
As a longtime developmental editor, I often get questions from authors about the editor-writer relationship. How exactly do developmental editors work? How can I tell if I’ve found a good one? And will you correct my typos? I can tell you that virtually all successful writers – from Ernest … [Read more...]
What writers can learn from Barry Eisler
It's inspiring when a successful author goes out of his way to help others in the craft of writing. Barry Eisler is one of those good guys. Though he'd probably rather be known as one baaad dude. He's a one-time CIA operative, a judo black belt and an intellectual property attorney, who's … [Read more...]
Launching a successful blog tour
"When I was first starting out, I dreamed of being sent on a book tour. I'd travel around the world-at my publisher' expense, of course-and hit the major bookstores, where I'd do readings and signings for standing-room-only audiences," says Jackie Morse Kessler, the author of a four-book YA … [Read more...]
Book marketing & publicity: Advice from three experts
A smart marketing consultant and basic ideas like meet the users' intent, can be the secret weapon in an author's campaign to market and promote a book. That's according to Adrienne Biggs, one of three experts interviewed for this post. Since not all authors are experienced or even comfortable … [Read more...]
The Viagra Diaries: A self-publishing mega success story
"Barbara Rose Brooker is fearless. The Viagra Diaries does for single seniors what Helen Gurley Brown's Sex and the Single Girl and Erica Jong's Fear of Flying did for the women's sexual revolution in the sixties and seventies." -- Entertainment Tonight It's a blurb to die for, and well … [Read more...]
Growing a short story into a novel
Do you have a short story work-in-progress that just doesn’t want to fit into 10,000 words or 25 pages? Is it bursting at the seams? Does it feel incomplete and frustrating to read? Then you may have a recalcitrant short story that could be transformed into a successful novel. A case in … [Read more...]
Why writers need agents: 4 pros weigh in
Literary agents are still the gatekeepers for authors seeking traditional book deals. That's the bottom line, despite all the big changes in publishing, says Candice Fuhrman, an agent with many New York Times bestselling authors in her corner. "As long as publishers are buying books and paying … [Read more...]
The new author pitch: Show, don’t sell
Authors today need a whole new attitude toward the all-important pitch. Until now, the author pitch was defined as a hard-sell verbal punch to persuade agents and editors to take on their book. It was typically brief, high-concept, often hyperbolic and was designed to convince the agent standing … [Read more...]