What Even Great Writers Do Badly: How to Up Your Game as an Author
huffingtonpost.com – Friday February 26, 2016
Literary agents often get a reputation for being cruel and heartless. It is true that not a one of us has escaped sending out many, many rejection letters. I am sure that there are a few slightly sadistic agents out there, but for the most part, authors, please know that we take no pleasure in saying no to you and your project!
The Self-Publishers Guide to Marketing Author Blogs
publishersweekly.com – Saturday February 20, 2016
It’s great to see authors start blogs to help them build robust author platforms. Authors can write articles, create attractive sites, and post all their book and publicity information in one place. But too often this strategy just doesn’t work, because if you want people to visit your blog, you’re going to have to market your blog.
4 Ways Good Editors Improve the Freelance Writing Experience
skyword.com – Thursday February 18, 2016
Hey, you. Yeah, you right there. How many editors do you work with? If you’re freelance writing for a couple of Skyword programs plus creating content for other brands, the answer is probably at least a couple. You don’t have to name names, but you likely enjoy working with some (or even just one) more than others. That’s just human nature.
Yes, You Can Get a Book Deal
huffingtonpost.com – Saturday February 13, 2016
Back in October, I wrote a post about my efforts to write a book, my take on the publishing industry, and my desire to get a book deal. The reaction was fascinating and in some cases, very emotional. First, I learned that there's a tremendous amount of underlying bitterness about the publishing business from unpublished authors. Second, many folks believe self-publishing is the way to go because traditional publishing is broken, and self-published authors can get a better share of the profits. And third, many folks believe it's impossible for an unknown writer to get a deal.
Publishers should pay authors as much as their other employees
theguardian.com – Thursday February 11, 2016
There’s nothing to publish without writers, so why are they being pushed to extinction by their appalling pay?
The perils of writing about sex: 'Your partner will think it's about them. Or – even worse – someone else'
theguardian.com – Thursday February 11, 2016
Should you use exotic euphemisms or anatomical detail? Should it be comical, tender or shocking? And what if your mum reads it? Three generations of writers reveal the pitfalls – and pleasures – of writing about erotic encounters.
13 Painful Realities of a Writer's Life
huffingtonpost.co.uk – Tuesday February 9, 2016
I don't think this post needs an introduction. People wouldn't read it anyway. They always skip down to the numbers. Don't think I don't know this. If you've read this far, I'm impressed.
Is self-publishing coming of age in the digital world?
bbc.co.uk – Tuesday February 9, 2016
Erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey began life as a humble, self-published e-book, unable to satisfy the tastes of traditional publishers.
Within a few years it had achieved domination on a global scale, spawning a series that has sold more than 125 million copies.
E. L. James's personal story has become a tantalising fantasy for aspiring authors. But one that technology and social media are making increasingly realisable.
9 Reasons Joining A Writing Group Is One Of The Best Ways A Writer Can Grow
bustle.com – Monday February 8, 2016
If you are a writer who has never been part of a writer's group, I am here to change that. Seriously. Writing groups are the best things to happen to a writer since the invention of spell check. (I rely heavily on both so I would know.) For those who don't know a lot about it, writing groups are part social gathering, part creative free-for-all, and most importantly the safest place to have your writing be seen. As someone who is terrified of strangers reading my material, being part of a group has helped me learn so much about myself and my style of writing. I have improved tremendously because of it.
Trying To Find a Literary Agent Is the Worst Thing Ever
publishersweekly.com – Saturday February 6, 2016
Anyone who’s ever dated regularly, tried to score against LeBron James, or been a transplanted organ knows what it’s like to face rejection. But no one understands the pain of rejection better than a first-time novelist looking for an agent.
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