Are you a writer who worries about working with a developmental editor for fear of losing control over the project? You're not alone If so, you’re not the only one. One writer put it this way recently on an online forum: “I worry that an editor will erase my voice.” Another said, “I fear I’ll … [Read more...]
The blog for writers
The Book Deal
When do you need an editor?
Writers often ask me when they should consult a developmental editor. The concerns go something like this: I’ve heard that literary agents and commercial publishers don’t want to see a book until it’s already edited and ready for production. And if I decide to self-publish, I’m out on a limb by … [Read more...]
Great book jackets: Tips from 4 design pros
Every good book needs a great cover. It's a powerful billboard for conveying the spirit and content of your book. So, you'll need a good graphic design belfast company or somewhere more local to help you bring the cover of your book to life. An eye-catching cover can persuade readers to pick … [Read more...]
Getting published: The inside scoop from 3 top editors
Despite all the excitement about self-publishing these days – and I'm a big proponent --many writers still dream of being published by a big house like St. Martin's Press or a prestigious literary publisher like Algonquin or Bloomsbury. "I want the pride of making a major-league team with … [Read more...]
What authors can learn from the bestseller lists
The gold standard for success as an author is to make the New York Times Best Seller list. That’s the big brand banner that publishers, authors and readers want to see on the front cover. It shouts “Read Me! I’m certified!” How does an author accomplish this feat? What does it take for a book to … [Read more...]
New ways to sell short stories
There's lots of excitement bubbling about new publishing opportunities for writers of short stories, essays, journalism and other less-than-book-length works. Both established authors and self-publishing newcomers with short-form pieces that once appeared only in places like literary and news … [Read more...]
The “New Author Platform” – What you need to know
The author platform isn't what it used to be. A new definition is emerging, based on the reality that in the 21st century, readers don't depend on the Today Show or the feature pages of the New York Times to find a new book to read. Instead, they're looking online and expecting to find a more … [Read more...]
Good day sunshine for writers
This is the best time ever to be a writer. Especially for those in the vanguard: the self-publishing writers at the cutting edge of the brave new turbulent world of literary art and commerce. I say that with some authority. As a worker bee from deep within the trenches of the book publishing … [Read more...]
Is there gold in your backlist? Self-publish and find out!
If you're an author of books that have gone out of print, you could be sitting on a goldmine. Savvy writers – especially those with an online following -- are reveling in unexpected profits by self-publishing their defunct backlist titles as new e-books. If you think you don't have the money, … [Read more...]
Advice for Amanda Hocking from authors and agents
When Amanda Hocking, the 26-year-old poster girl for self-publishing, revealed her $2 million book contract with St. Martin's Press, she defended the deal on her own blog to legions of fans and militant, mystified indie authors. "I only want to be a writer," Hocking said. "I do not want to spend … [Read more...]