The Author-preneur

For a long time, I've emphasized on this blog, this one and my Web site that writing is a business. Now, I can point to an example of someone who truly embraces the notion of author as entrepreneur.

I'm talking about none other than Seth Harwood. If you don't believe a self-published author can make it, I suggest you check out his Web site and his Author Boot Camp site. This guy is nothing less than amazing!

Seth Harwood is a true-life example of what Mark Jeffrey (the interviewer in this video) calls an "author-preneur."



Author-preneurship is like any other business. It requires time, creative approaches to marketing, persistence and belief in yourself. If you have those qualities and a good product to sell (i.e., a good book), you can do this, too.

Think about that as you're making your New Year's resolutions!

Quotation for the Week of December 27

"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think."
-- Horace Walpole

Digital Publishing Links Galore

There's so much news coming out every day about e-books and digital publishing, I'd almost have to post hourly to stay current. (Well, isn't that what Twitter's for? Oh, yeah . . . )

Nevertheless, here are some of the more interesting news items on the subject that I've run across.

The Christian Science Monitor wonders whether the e-reader and e-books will change how we read.

Soapdish speculates that Stephen Covey's decision to bypass his traditional publisher, Simon and Schuster, in order to e-publish through Rosetta Books, "may turn out to be one of those moments in the history of book publishing when everything changed and wild forces were released into the creative environment."

Digital books are also available as iPhone apps, which are becoming so big, they could be the foundation for a new wave of tech giants.

While some think digital e-readers won't help the newspaper or magazine industry, it's a different story when it comes to books. Now one university press has formed an alliance that will let it sell e-books directly from its Web site (cutting out the retailer, not to mention the distributor). However, the press hasn't abandoned print publishing, believing that "e-books and p-books will co-exist rather than replace each other."

Personally, I think there will always be a market for print books, even if it's small. But it's important to keep an eye on this e-publishing thing, because it's not going away.

Quotation for the Week of December 20

"I believe that professional wrestling is clean and everything else in the world is fixed."
-- Frank Deford

Covey Publishes E-Books Through Amazon (So Now What's Going to Happen to Publishers?)

For some time now, I've taken the position that self-publishing represents a threat to traditional publishers (not to mention agents and especially in the non-fiction market). Think about it. Why share the profits from a book, if you can publish it yourself, develop your own marketing (which traditionally published authors are expected to do now) and set up distribution channels on your own? Can't get into bookstores? Who cares, if you can sell your books to non-bookstore markets?

All these things have become more feasible. POD presses have helped make self-publishing printed books cheaper and easier. But now, the ever-growing demand for e-books is making the whole business much, much cheaper and easier than ever.

It was only a matter of time before a major author (Stephen Covey) decided to bypass the traditional big publishing houses and issue his books for Kindle (in Covey's case, through an e-book publisher) on Amazon. Figures it would be a business author--and one of the most successful ones in the last 20 years. As such, Covey can surely see the business sense in doing this.

So what does this mean for fiction authors? Well, duh. The bigger you are in the business, the more incentive you have to jump aboard and start publishing your out-of-print backlist as e-books. Even TV writer-producer and crime fiction author Lee Goldberg (one of self-publishing's biggest and most vocal detractors) has done this. And J.A. Konrath, another crime fiction author, says he can pay his mortgage with what he makes from his e-books.

Where does that leave the little guys? Well, right now, new authors and lesser-known names are probably wise to continue seeking an agent or traditional publisher (if only to open doors to the possibility of winning certain awards and establish greater credibility in the business). However, I think the possibilities for new authors who get their work out through e-publishing are awesome (especially in the not-to-distant future, as e-books become more and more popular, if not the norm). The main thing is to make sure it's your very best work. (Which means having someone more impartial than your mom or your SO review it before you send it out to the world.)

Anyhow, if you're looking for an agent, you should do your research, check guides like this one and the membership listings for the Association of Author's Representatives (an organization that requires its members to adhere to a code of ethics). Oh, and you could follow potential agents on Twitter. It could give you some insight into what they like (maybe). Remember that Twitter is a good place to gather information and make connections (it is form of networking, after all). However, if an agent is looking for your type of book, you should go to their Web site, see if they're taking submissions and follow the guidelines. And, unless they're really unusual agents and say otherwise in their Web site, don't tweet story pitches, okay?

Quotation for the Week of December 13

"Time is that quality of nature which keeps events from happening all at once. Lately it doesn't seem to be working."
-- Anonymous

A Whole Lot of Digital Publishing News

Okay, let's start off this list of links with Sony's plan to create an all-in-one network of entertainment content, such as music, films and games, and make it available for TV, Walkmans and PlayStations. (As the article points out, "If only this were 1999.")

So . . . moving on to e-readers, take a look at two bestselling authors' views on them. Both thriller writers who see the potential in these devices.

And speaking of devices, the NY Times reports, "Five major magazine and newspaper publishers announced plans on Tuesday [Dec. 8] to build an industry-standard platform to present their work on the Web, smartphones and electronic readers in a richer, more flexible and more lucrative form than is possible today." Basically, they're not only putting their content on existing e-readers, but getting ready for the devices to be developed. (Man, keeping up with technology is hard enough. Getting ready for future technology must be a real challenge. I wonder if they hire sci-fi writers as consultants.)

Hey, even The Atlantic is making its short stories available on e-readers.

Plus, don't look now, but more new devices are coming out, such as Joo Joo (which is rumored to have beaten Apple's tablet e-reader to the market, though Apple hasn't confirmed it's working on such a device).

However, there are reports of Apple providing a 30/70 split with publishers who use their fabled Apple Tablet e-reader to distribute content. (We're talking just rumors here.)

And is Amazon losing $2 per e-book?

Finally, David Pogue thinks maybe the Nook isn't quite ready for prime time.

Quotation for the Week of December 6

"No good deed goes unpunished."
--Clare Booth Luce

More News About E-Books (And an E-Book Sale!)

I never know how much store to put in predictions. However, FWIW, Forrester Research has made a list of 10 predictions for the e-reader/e-book market in 2010. As you can see, they're expecting great changes over the next year alone.

Although Amazon says its Kindle sales hit a record high in November, the question one pundit has raised is whether e-book readers are already obsolete. Technology is changing so fast, I think it's almost impossible to predict exactly what will happen (though Forrester has tried). Even if iPhone apps and other small e-reader devices become more popular, aren't there going to be people like me, who'd prefer to read from a larger screen? (My eyes just ain't so young, anymore. :))

I think a lot of the change will be in compatibility--as in coming up with a format that can be read from a variety of devices. Either that or settling on the best device of the bunch--much like VHS versus beta.

Oh, and while we're talking about e-books, I'd like to mention that I'm holding a holiday sale on my hardboiled mystery, IDENTITY CRISIS, as formatted for Kindle. You can buy it on Amazon for the low, low price of .99 per download during the month of December. So act now, because the price goes up next year.

The Demise of Copy Editing (Set to Music)

It is indeed a sad thing to witness the layoffs of and general disregard for the honorable profession of copy editing (is it one word or two? if I were a copy editor, I'd know).

But if you're going to go down in flames, you may as well do so with a song!



Great vid. I wonder if all those volunteer cast members are laid off copy editors. Hmm . . . possible alternative career option?

Quotation for the Week of November 29

"You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself."
-- Sam Levenson

What Am I Grateful For?

Anne Wayman has suggested several ways that writers might express their gratitude today on her blog, About Freelance Writing. Her first suggestion was to come up with 108 things they're grateful for. She put together her own list of 108 things and said it took her 45 minutes, mostly because she added links.

I wondered, could I do that? And how long would it take me?

So here's my list (completely off the cuff), started at 10:17 p.m.:

1. The ability to walk.
2. The ability to speak.
3. The ability to write.
4. My novel, IDENTITY CRISIS.
5. My two published short stories, one in CHESAPEAKE CRIMES and the other in The Back Alley.
6. The short story that will be published in CHESAPEAKE CRIMES: THEY HAD IT COMIN'.
7. My family.
8. My husband.
9. My friends.
10. Chocolate.
11. Sunny, warm days.
12. California.
13. Cars.
14. Trains.
15. Planes.
16. Bicycles.
17. Dancing.
18. Singing.
19. Movies.
20. Books.
21. Reading.
22. Theatre.
23. Cranberry sauce.
24. Computers.
25. Social media.
26. Twitter (that gets a special mention).
27. Scientists.
28. Medical advances.
29. Light bulbs.
30. Ovens
31. Microwave ovens
32. Television.
33. DVDs
34. iTunes.
35. YouTube.
36. Breathing.
37. Smelling.
38. Flowers.
39. Grass.
40. Mountains.
41. Beaches.
42. My neighbors.
43. Buddhism.
44. Sisters in Crime.
45. The Maryland Writers Association.
46. The Mystery Writers of America.
47. The Private Eye Writers of America.
48. The American Independent Writers.
49. Network Referral Group.
50. Anyone who's ever paid me to write.
51. Miss Solomon (my teacher in 2nd and 3rd grade).
52. New York City.
53. Baseball.
54. San Francisco.
55. San Diego.
56. Fresno. (Really!)
57. My cousin, Christine.
58. Chocolate-covered strawberries.
59. The Firesign Theatre.
60. The Internet.
61. My cats.
62. Wine.
63. Espresso.
64. Strawberries.
65. Warm blankets on a cold night.
66. The ability to sleep well.
67. My college education.
68. My post-graduate studies in law and library science.
69. My trip to Italy.
70. Mystery conferences.
71. Talking to my sister on the phone.
72. Visiting family in Portland, OR.
73. Visiting family in Boulder, CO.
74. Running.
75. Laughing.
76. Jokes.
77. My house.
78. Electric razors.
79. Air conditioning.
80. Central heating systems.
81. Pretzels.
82. My mother-in-law. (Yes, really!)
83. My husband's extended family.
84. Nancy Drew.
85. Catcher in the Rye.
86. The Big Sleep.
87. Film noir, in general.
88. Hardboiled detective fiction.
89. Honey West.
90. The Avengers.
91. Diana Rigg.
92. Erle Stanley Gardner (and Perry Mason).
93. Mary Tyler Moore.
94. Carol Burnett
95. The Marx Brothers.
96. Night at the Opera.
97. John LeCarre.
98. To Kill a Mockingbird.
99. Alfred Hitchcock.
100. John Ford.
101. The Coen Brothers.
102. The Big Lebowski.
103. Woody Allen.
104. Hannah and Her Sisters.
105. Annie Hall.
106. Stardust Memories.
107. Playtime.
108. The ability to make this list.

End: 10:48 p.m. (without links)
10:58 p.m. (after adding the links)

Quotation for the Week of November 22

"A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word to paper."
-- E.B. White

Tons of Online Promotion for Fiction Authors

Every time I turn around, I find online venues where fiction authors can promote their work. Here's a few you may find helpful:

The Author Exchange Blog: where I was recently interviewed.

Chris Redding's Blog: where she interviews authors and features guest bloggers.

Beyond Her Book: Barbara Vey's blog for Publisher's Weekly. She does book giveaways and three-line reviews, every week.

Book Masons: joined this and still haven't utilized it, but I should explore it (since I do write book reviews and all).

And, of course, you want to keep sending out those queries to agents. Writer's Digest recently named 24 literary agents looking for new clients.

So . . . like I said, every time I turn around, a new one appears. (I just HAVE to stop turning around so much.)

Harlequin Launches Digital-Only Publishing House

Things are really moving along in the digital publishing world when an established publisher like Harlequin decides to open its own digital-only press.

According to the Web site: "Carina Press will publish a broad range of fiction with an emphasis on romance and its subgenres. We will also acquire voices in mystery, suspense and thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, erotica, gay/lesbian, and more!"

That's more than just romance novels (Harlequin's claim to fame).

Carina expects to start issuing e-books by Spring 2010.

Quotation for the Week of November 15

"When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice."
-- Otto von Bismarck

Are Things Really THIS Desperate for Freelancers?

Jim Lehrer's News Hour recently ran a piece about how, in a time of unemployment, layoffs and high insecurity about job security in general, the freelance sector is growing. And becoming more competitive.

Since employers can't afford employees, but need people to get work done, they're using freelancers instead. Meanwhile, many former employees are becoming freelancers, often for the very same folks who once employed them. Sometimes this can lead to rather fast and loose usage of the term "freelancer," something the Freelancers Union is highly sensitive about.

But this segment from the News Hour is about increased competition among freelancers.

Check out the video. See what you think.

Man, they make the situation sound dire. Are things really that bad? Are freelancers really in such cut-throat competition for work?

The issue of undercutting fees is raised. How much of that is due to overseas competition? How much of it comes from people who do fast and sloppy work?

And the Freelancers Union is mentioned prominently. (They're probably the ones who pitched the story. Just speculating, mind you, but it isn't the first time I've seen them featured in stories on this subject.) The union would like to make sure freelancers aren't abused or treated as de facto employees who lack the proper employee benefits, simply because they've been labeled freelancers.

So . . . are things really so desperate for freelancers? I don't know. I suspect that, once a few of these freelancers get past the initial siren song of making their own hours, as well as ditching the dress code, office politics and commute, they may find that freelancing is hardly an easy row to hoe.

How many of these fresh freelance candidates can effectively market themselves? And, having marketed, how many are able to close a sale?

I submit these particular talents are as important as (if not more so than) the ability to write or do whatever it is you do for a living.



Bottom line: I think the increased competition among freelancers (to the extent it really exists) will be a war of attrition won by those who decided to be freelancers long before the recession started. And I'm feeling pretty good about the prospects for those of us who are into it for the long-haul. We'll be the ones left standing, after the wouldbes and wannabes flee from freelancing into the "safety" of another employment situation.

Quotation for the Week of November 8

"Sometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world."
-- Lily Tomlin

A Grammar Primer: Misplaced vs. Dangling Modifiers

A guest post by Rick Holton

Most of us understand the importance of writing clearly. Stylistic errors, however, can sometimes make our communications harder to read. One common error is misplaced or dangling modifiers.

So what’s the difference between the two? A misplaced modifier is one that is in the wrong position in the sentence and can thus lead to ambiguity. A dangling modifier often appears at the beginning of a sentence and bears an unclear relationship to the text that follows.

The general principle that people in your organization should remember is, always put a modifier as close as possible to the thing it modifies.

An example of a misplaced modifier from a document I recently read: “Mr. Smith stated that a return on equity of 22 percent was unreasonably high on page 6 of his report.”

The misplaced phrase, “on page 6 of his report,” modifies the verb “stated,” so the sentence can be corrected by placing these two elements next to each other: “Mr. Smith stated on page 6 of his report that a return on equity of 22 percent was unreasonably high.”

An example of a dangling modifier might be: “Tripping down the stairs, his drink spilled all over the hostess.” His drink, however, did not trip down the stairs.

In this example, “tripping down the stairs” modifies, not the drink, but the person. Consequently, one simple way to correct the error is to say, “Tripping down the stairs, he spilled his drink all over the hostess.”

Another way to correct this error is to change the participial phrase to a dependent clause by adding a subject and turning the participle into a verb – “As he tripped down the stairs, his drink spilled all over the hostess.” In this case the “he” goes with “tripped,” and there is no possibility for confusion.

A further example might be: “Tired from a hard day at work, the dog’s barking annoyed him.” Again, “tired from a hard day at work” modifies, not the dog’s barking, but the person. Hence, we can correct the error by saying: “Tired from a hard day at work, he was annoyed by the dog’s barking.” We could also say: “Because he was tired from a hard day at work, the dog’s barking annoyed him.”

Attention to common errors like misplaced modifiers enables the reader to understand our message more easily. The less time the reader has to spend figuring out what we’re saying, the more likely we are to achieve our purpose.

Rick Holton is owner of The Holton Group, which specializes in business writing and consulting.

Quotation for the Week of November 1

"Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people."
-- W. C. Fields

Where Will Publishers Be in 10 Years?

I raise the question not because 10 years is a magic number, but because the onset and increased popularity of e-books and digital publishing leads up to the question I've been asking a while: in a world in which authors can make money self-publishing (in print or e-book form), will there be book publishers in 10 years?

It's an interesting question, given that we're coming to accept e-publishing as just publishing (without the "digital" modifier) (link via About Freelance Writing) Needless to say, publishers are trying to figure out how they fit in the picture.

Also needless to say, since e-publishing can be easily accomplished by authors themselves (even a technically-challenged sort like yours truly), this leads to the whole self-publishing debate. Some people in the business dismiss self-published authors as people who lack the patience and diligence to properly learn their craft and break into the business the way they did. Well, yes, some of them are like that and, as a result, some self-published work is awful. However, not all self-published authors are bad writers. And just because certain established authors had to suffer the slings and arrows of rejection before achieving "published author" status (or walk to school ten miles in the snow), that doesn't mean authors can't try to self-publish in order to be noticed. It's not easy, but it is a viable option.

This has been proven by authors like Brunonia Barry (bestselling mystery author) and K.J.A. Wishnia (Edgar-nominated mystery author), among others.

Even Joe Konrath (an author who first broke into the business with his print novels) has achieved such a level of success by self-publishing his out-of-print titles, he's considering self-publishing an e-book from a manuscript that the mainstream publishers rejected. In other words, we're talking about cutting out the publisher entirely. Although the post is titled "In Defense of Print," it's really about how he's embraced e-books and raises the possibility that authors can successfully publish e-books themselves (read the whole post). Caveat: Konrath was an established print author before he did this, so his e-book success probably won't reflect that of new and unknown authors. See the disclaimer at the bottom of this post.

In other words, it's still a good idea to seek an agent and traditional publisher. I agree with Konrath on this. But I also think it's okay to self-publish work that's been carefully vetted in some way while you do that. Just make sure you're putting out your best work. Get a professional editor to review it and help polish it up. Failure to do so could come back and bite you down the road.

Finally, as if digital publishing weren't enough to grapple with, now we have this! Looks like publishers are finding interesting ways to insinuate themselves in the digital picture. First graphic novels, now video books. What's next?

Quotation for the Week of October 25

"The best defense against the atom bomb is not to be there when it goes off."
-- Anonymous

Retailers Are Ready to Rumble (Over E-Books and Print Books)

Man, the world of bookselling is getting more interesting every day. Now, Barnes & Noble has come out with its own e-reader, the Nook. It's been reported in enough places, including Publishers Weekly, the New York Times, and Time Magazine (which did an article about the proliferation of new e-readers, in general).

Add to that the fact that readers are really warming up to e-books and you can see why various booksellers and tech companies are jumping on the e-reader bandwagon.

You've heard about the Sony reader, right? Well, now Nokia is getting into the act, too, with its Booklet 3G (Netbook).

But e-books aren't the only thing booksellers are competing on. Now, retailers like Wal-Mart, Target and Sears (Sears?) are slashing their book prices to compete with companies like Amazon. (The article's headline makes it sound like the proverbial bloodbath. Steel cage?)

As authors, do we benefit? Absolutely. Especially on the e-book front. So while I'm at, I'll share a link with author Joe Konrath's blog. Konrath (a big proponent of e-books) has written an interesting post about an "edistributor" business model he's envisioned.

We do live in interesting times, don't we?

The Side Effects of E-Books

As an author, I'm a huge proponent of e-books. I've been able to make my novel, IDENTITY CRISIS, available at no monetary cost to me (other than the electricity I need to run my computer) as an e-book on Amazon, Scribd, Smashwords and even Lulu (which has published it in print, too, and for which you can get 10% off if you order from Lulu and enter the code FALLREAD at checkout--sorry for the commercial).

Anyway, I know people with Kindles and other e-readers who love them. I can see how they'd be great for travel, easy to handle, eco-friendly (maybe--there's still the issue of powering them and creating e-waste when you upgrade to a newer model or they break) and help de-clutter your house (though it's nice to peruse the titles of people's books).

Okay, I've already pointed out some cons, as well as pros. However, in addition, there's also the effect on independent bookstores. Not good. How can indie bookstores benefit from e-books? Can they get on board somehow? Can they do it collectively? Just throwing the questions out for consideration.

Along with indie booksellers, the act of browsing through bookstores is negatively affected by e-books and buying print books online.

And, of course, who needs a distributor when you can publish books online. So distributors will feel the effects.

That's the thing about progress. You know there had to be some pissed off candle and lantern makers when Edison invented the electric light bulb.

Quotation for the Week of October 4

"Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be."
-- Mark Twain

A Few Guides to the E-Book Revolution and Publishing in General

Somebody posted Aaron Shepard's Publishing Page to a list I'm on and, while I haven't read his book, it looks interesting. He offers help with e-publishing formatting issues. Thought I'd share the link to his Web site.

And, while I'm at it, I'd like to recommend fiction author Joe Konrath's blog for his posts on e-publishing through Amazon, Scribd and Smashwords. Konrath's blog is the reason I tried e-publishing at all, and I can't thank him enough for posting his advice. You can find my novel, IDENTITY CRISIS, online as an e-book at Amazon, Scribd, Smashwords or Lulu. (Lulu has it in print and in e-book form. And the print version's on sale for 10% off this month when you order it through Lulu.com, using the code FALLREAD at checkout.)

In addition, there's an interesting blog called Self Publishing Today. Definitely worth a look now and then.

As long as we're talking about publishing in general, it never hurts to keep up with insider information. You can get that from Alan Rinzler's blog, The Book Deal.

And last (but certainly not least), there's The Writer's Edge. A great blog with loads of information about the industry and self-publishing.

That should keep you busy. :)

Quotation for the Week of September 27

"What I look forward to is continued immaturity followed by death."
-- Dave Barry

How Hot are E-Books? Really Hot!

There is simply no question that, like 'em or not, e-books are enjoying an exponential growth in popularity. So says Hugh McGuire, CEO of Book Oven, an online company that builds Web tools for publishing e-books and print-on-demand titles. This is not really news, so much as a continued affirmation of a trend that has been in the making for a while now.

And although e-books still comprise a small fraction of the market, I fully anticipate that segment will grow significantly. And fast.

Based on my own (decidedly unscientific) inquiries, e-books are quite popular with a wide range of people. You can find everyone from young people with their iPods and electronic toys to older readers, who enjoy e-books not only because they provide an easy way to read on trips (no more lugging all those heavy books around), but are easier on arthritic or otherwise debilitated hands. I didn't appreciate this last aspect until I learned of it from several, older readers.

I'm beginning to think I should get one. Now, that's serious, as I've always loved print books.

So, due to their burgeoning popularity, Best Buy and Verizon have decided to jump into the e-book market, by developing their own e-reader devices. With all these different devices on or coming onto the market, it'll be interesting to see how the formatting issues get resolved. I'm afraid it creates yet another headache for us writers (I'm not a computer geek, okay? :)), but it's something we all have to buckle down and deal with.

I know I've got just such issues to resolve with my own e-book version of IDENTITY CRISIS on Smashwords. Must do it in order to get my book in the Barnes & Noble system. I will get to it . . . any day now . . . any day . . .

Quotation for the Week of September 20

"Nobody believes the official spokesman . . . but everybody trusts an unidentified source."
-- Ron Nessen

My 15 Seconds of Fame

Voice of America ran a short piece recently on e-books and digital publishing. And guess who was interviewed? None other than moi. Having been digitally published and all, I get a few fleeting moments to talk about the good aspects of e-publishing. The segment made its way to YouTube and you can see it here.



A nice feature. I feel privileged to have contributed to it.

Lulu is Toying With Me

Having just announced the end of the August 10% off promotion on my book, IDENTITY CRISIS, what does Lulu do, but turn around and offer another 10% discount for another month.

So I'm happy to say that the 10% discount on my novel will continue throughout the month of September.

The code has changed, but the procedure's the same. Just go to the order page, order a copy and enter the code LULUBOOK at checkout.

And I have absolutely no idea how long Lulu intends to keep this up.

My Latest Short Story is Out!

For those of you who don't read my book blog, my Fan Page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, just thought I'd let you know that my short story, "The Right to Remain Silent," has been published online in Back Alley Webzine. And the editor, Rick Helms, has compared it with L.A. REQUIEM. That's a pretty nice comparison. I think I'll take it. :)

Last Minute Push . . .

Okay, this is very last minute, but I wanted to let you all know that the big promo on my mystery novel IDENTITY CRISIS (click on the link for the description) will expire by the end of the month. That's two days, people. (Well, less than two, really. Unless you're across the International Dateline. Then . . . well, I don't know. I suppose the publisher determines this based on Eastern Daylight Time. Anyway . . .)

You can order a copy (or copies) of IDENTITY CRISIS for 10% off the retail price, if you click on the publisher's order page and simply enter the code README at checkout. It's that simple.

Or, if you're electronically inclined, you can also purchase it as an e-book through Amazon, the Scribd Store or Smashwords. Much cheaper than print, even with the discount.

Quotation for the Week of August 30

"Doing nothing is very hard to do . . . you never know when you're finished."
-- Leslie Nielsen

Guest Blogging About E-Publishing and Print Books

Just wanted to let you know that I've made a guest appearance on the mystery writers' blog, Poe's Deadly Daughters, giving my take on the value of print books in the age of e-publishing. See what you think and feel free to comment either there or here on this blog.

I love e-publishing and have personally benefited from it, but I think there will always be a place for print books. What do you think?

The Importance of Writing Clearly

A guest post by Rick Holton

If people in business don't understand your message, they will either ignore it or interpret it how they want. Hence, it is important to write clearly, so no one can fail to understand you.

Clear writing comes from clear thinking. If you don't know what message you're trying to communicate or don't know how your audience will react to your message, you will not succeed.

Here are six tips on writing clearly that people in your organization may find helpful.

Be direct. Tell the reader up front why you're writing and why your message is important to them. Being direct includes organizing your material logically. Start with your most important point and work down, and remember that you are building an argument, not just piling up random ideas. Draw a connection between your ideas by using transitions.

Make sentences brief and simple. Don't lose your reader in long, complicated sentences. You should not, however, make all your sentences the same length or identical in structure. In that case, your reader will have a harder time figuring out the relative importance of your ideas.

Use ordinary language. If you use jargon or other words that are unfamiliar to your audience, your audience will not understand you, so keep in mind their level of expertise in the subject you are writing about. If, for instance, you are writing to someone in finance or HR about an issue in engineering, you should recognize that they may not be familiar with engineering jargon. Remember: you're not writing to show off; you're writing to communicate.

Omit needless words. Perhaps the single most important idea in Strunk and White's Elements of Style, is to omit needless words. Look at what you've written and see what you could leave out without changing your meaning. Or see what's irrelevant to your purpose. Do not use expressions like "at this point in time," when you can say "now."

Put key ideas in key positions. Don't start sentences with "it is" or "there is." Instead of saying, for example, "There are five reasons why the project succeeded," say, "The project succeeded for five reasons." In the second version, the key idea is in the important subject position, and the second version uses fewer words.

Also put important ideas in independent clauses and secondary ideas in dependent clauses. If you wish, for example, to make a point while acknowledging other factors, you might write a sentence like: "Although I hate the hours, I find the work fascinating." You are saying your work is the most important thing; therefore, you'll be staying at your job. Note that you could express the opposite idea by saying: "Although I find the work fascinating, I hate the hours."

Use verbs. Another way to enliven your writing and omit needless words is to use verbs. Avoid, for instance, expressions like "we made the decision that..." This is only a clumsy way of saying, "we decided." When I run into former business writing students, using verbs is one of the principles they always seem to remember.

Rick Holton is owner of The Holton Group, which specializes in business writing and consulting.

Quotation for the Week of August 23

"My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me."
-- Benjamin Disraeli

Google Books Dispute Pretty Far From Settled

As anyone who's been following the Google Books lawsuit knows, there's been a settlement in the case. However, things are pretty far from really being settled here.

Today, the NY Times had an article about an author and lawyer who's objecting to the settlement. Scott E. Gant, an author and partner at Boies Schiller & Flexner, says he plans to make a "sweeping opposition" to it.

According to Gant, "This is a predominantly commercial transaction and one that should be undertaken through the normal commercial process, which is negotiation and informed consent." He also says Google is "trying to ram this through so that millions of copyright holders will have no idea that this is happening."

He may be onto something there, since so many authors are confused about this.

While the settlement resolves disputes with the Author's Guild and the Association of American Publishers, it has drawn fire from the National Writer's Union and the entertainment agency William Morris Endeavor.

Part of the problem here is that the settlement is so complex, no one really feels comfortable with it.

Author Stephen Elliott puts it like this, "The lawyers for the Authors Guild . . . understand it, Google understands it, but I don't know any writer who understands it. That's really enough for a 'no' right there."

Check out these articles from the San Francisco Chronicle, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Publisher's Weekly.

A lot going on here. Stay tuned.

ADDENDUM: Google nabs French archive, in continuing series of deals with libraries. The front page headline from La Tribune: "Google has won." The "collaboration" is also referred to in the article as a "surrender." You'd think the Nazis were marching into Paris again . . .

Quotation for the Week of August 16

"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. . . . I want to achieve it through not dying."
-- Woody Allen

Markets, Markets, Markets!

Thought I'd share some good news (for a change) about magazines. Apparently, the rumors of their death have been somewhat exaggerated.

Newsweek reports that, while this has hardly been a banner year for magazines, there are a few that continue to attract ad revenue. In fact, the article named a dozen that are doing particularly well. Take a look for yourself and see which of the fortunate dozen continue to thrive despite the ill-fortunes of the print magazine industry, in general.

And while we're on the subject of markets, let's talk about fiction and memoirs.

Did you know there was a periodical called Memoir (and)? If you write memoirs or essays, you may wish to check this out. It sounds very different. (I have to thank Leslie at Work-in-Progress for cluing me in on this one.)

Finally, for fiction writers there's an intriguing-sounding anthology that's looking for submissions for something called "hint fiction," which is defined as "a story of 25 words or less that suggests a larger, more complex story."

That's the only hint I'm giving you about that. If you want to know more, you'll simply have to read Joe Konrath's blog post about it.

And that's it for now. Keep writing and marketing!

Quotation for the Week of August 9

"Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others."
-- Jonathan Winters

Get 10% Off 'Identity Crisis' Until August 31

Remember how my mystery novel, IDENTITY CRISIS, was on sale for 10% off the retail price last month? Well, that sale is on again in August (as in, like, now).

All you have to do to get your own brand new copy (with the great new cover you see here) is click here, order your copy (or copies--as many as you like) and enter the code README at checkout. It’s simple–and you get all the same great mystery reading at less cost.

So act fast. Next thing you know, it'll be September, and I have no idea how long Lulu will be making these promos available.

Useful Tips for the Twitter Novice

As independent writers, you know building your business is all about marketing and networking. Both online and off. And Twitter has become an important component of many, if not most, writers' marketing and networking efforts.

One problem with Twitter--like everything else that involves a computer these days, it doesn't come with an instruction manual. Yes, there's a Twitter support page. But I'm talking about the unwritten rules of Twitter. What are the customs? How can one make the best use of it?

Which is why I like Chris Brogan's Brief and Informal Twitter Etiquette Guide. It answers all those questions you may have when you start out--and newbies tend to have many. (I know. I've been there. And I'm still hardly an expert.)

I'd also like to point out for those new to Twitter that there's a growing tradition called Follow Friday. During Follow Friday, various users post a series of tweets including the hashtag #FollowFriday or #FF. I stumbled across a #FollowFriday tweet and learned about it by accident.

The whole idea of Follow Friday is to recommend other people to follow. It's a good way to get followers by giving to others. Very win-win.

So I'm including this post by Derek Showerman about how he tweets on Follow Friday. Great tips here for those new to Twitter. Like the fact that Follow Friday exists and has a useful purpose?

Wish I had these tips when I started using Twitter.

Quotation for the Week of August 2

"Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of witnesses."
-- Margaret Millar

Need Motivation? Got Some Right Here

Sometimes it's hard for writers to stay motivated with their work. It's not that they don't love writing, it's more that sometimes . . . it's just tough to keep your spirits up in a profession where you don't always hear the word "yes" to every proposal you make or query you send out.

So I thought I'd offer a couple of motivational resources. First (and especially for you fiction writers), some words of wisdom from F. Scott Fitzgerald. (And thanks to Allison Boyer for providing this on her blog.)

Also, as writers (of whatever sort) we are all entrepreneurs. We run our own writing businesses and, as such, can benefit from this perspective on our work:



(via Chloregy)

As a writer, you have the power to communicate effectively. How can you use it to change the world?

And while we're talking about possibilities, what goals have you established lately? Are you pursuing the right ones? The ones intended to get you where you really want to be? If not, why not?

Don't get tunnel vision or limit your options. Think about what's possible and go for it. What have you got to lose? If you don't try, you'll never know where your "crazy idea" might have taken you.

Finally, on the subject of entrepreneurship, Generation-Y Startup recommends these seven blogs as daily reading. (I'm partial to Penelope Trunk's Brazen Careerist, so you don't have to be Gen-Y to appreciate these. :))

Quotation for the Week of July 26

"Speak when you are angry--and you will make the best speech you'll ever regret."
-- Laurence J. Peter

Mid-List Authors Should Be Targeting Target

This bit of news about Target's book club and the way it's helping some lesser-known authors to sell their books has definitely provoked my interest.

Target "can sell hundreds of thousands of copies of a book that is virtually unknown in the rest of the marketplace," according to Jacqueline Updike, director of adult sales at Random House. That's quite a statement.

The article goes on to say that by "assembling a collection of books by unheralded authors, Target behaves more like an independent bookstore than like a mere retailer of mainstream must-haves." And mid-list authors love indie bookstores for that reason.

And all the books are shelved face out. Sweet.

Now, admittedly, I see nothing in the article to suggest that it will be any easier for self-published authors (or authors like myself who simply have used POD to get their old work back in print) to get their books placed on Target's shelves. The only publisher with a book at Target to be specifically mentioned is St. Martin's--not a small press, not by a mile.

Nonetheless, my philosophy is that it never hurts to ask. So I'd advise any authors trying to promote their books, get in touch with someone about Target's book club.

You have nothing to lose, right?

Quotation for the Week of July 19

"Everybody lies, but it doesn't matter because nobody listens."
-- Nick Diamos

July Promotions--Free Downloads and 10% Off on Print Copies of IDENTITY CRISIS

Smashwords is offering a big promotion this month. My mystery novel, IDENTITY CRISIS, is available as a free download until July 31. Just click on this link and follow instructions to get the discount.

In IDENTITY CRISIS, a simple domestic abuse case turns deadly when the alleged abuser is killed and Stephanie Ann “Sam” McRae’s client disappears. When a friend asks Sam to find Melanie Hayes, the Maryland attorney is drawn into a complex case of murder and identity theft that has her running from the Mob, breaking into a strip club and forming a shaky alliance with a private investigator to discover the truth.

The book has received some great Amazon reader reviews.

So, check it out while you can–hey, it’s free, right?

Plus--

Turns out, if print books are your thing, Lulu is having a July promotion. If you buy my book, IDENTITY CRISIS, before the month’s end at http://www.lulu.com/content/3923913, just enter the code ‘JULYCONTEST10’ at checkout. You’ll get 10% off your purchase.

So, if you’re looking for a good summer read, consider buying IDENTITY CRISIS. It’s fast-paced, entertaining and reasonably priced at 10 percent off, no less.

But act fast--these specials only last until July 31.

My Novel is Back in Print!

I've been holding off on the announcement a bit. I was going to wait until the book became available through Amazon and other online retailers.

But I simply can't wait the almost two months that may take. So this is my official announcement on this blog: IDENTITY CRISIS is back in print again. (At last!)

You can order it from the publisher, Lulu.com. And eventually, it'll become available through other retailers. But possibly not until early September. That's why I had to post this now. (I couldn't possibly keep my mouth shut about this until September, could I?)

Quotation for the Week of July 12

"I phoned my dad to tell him I had stopped smoking. He called me a quitter."
-- Steven Pearl

Freelancing Myths

I thought this was an interesting article by Alyssa Gregory, owner of virtual assistance firm avertua, LLC, concerning myths about freelancing. There are some on here I've heard before and some I'd never thought about. And I thought I'd add a few more to the list.

Myth--Freelancers can do whatever work they like. Well, you can, but . . . there's a qualification that needs to made here. You need to make sure there's a market for the service you want to provide. You also need to do whatever's necessary to reach that market, whether it's networking, cold calling, social media, sending queries, etc. Plus you need some basis for claiming you, in particular, would be good at the work. What value do you provide? How does your background and experience lend itself to providing that value? These are all important considerations in choosing the work you do.

Myth--All freelancers work in pajamas. Casual clothes, yes. But pajamas--absolutely not. Some freelancers may work in PJs, but not this one (and I don't think I'm the only one). I feel like I'm not really ready to work, unless I've taken a shower and dressed in real clothes I could wear on the street. I think it helps, in a psychological sense, to get ready for your day and dress for it--even if your "dress code" doesn't require pantyhose, heels, a suit or a tie. Besides, you never know what might come up that could require you to leave the house.

Myth--Freelancers have to work all the time. Not true. If you plan ahead and set a schedule for yourself, then do your best to keep to it, you can get work done without working all the time. You shouldn't have to kill yourself to make a living. This is also a function of the rate you charge and the type of assignments you're willing to accept. Bottom line: don't sell yourself short and treat your work like any other business. And if extra hours are unavoidable (and sometimes they are--owning a business can require some OT now and then), be sure to pencil some time in for yourself, keeping in mind the old saying: Work expands to fill the time allotted. Set goals for getting your work done and hold yourself to them the best you can.

Myth--Freelancers can't afford to turn away any work. So not true. Sometimes it's in your best interest to turn down work. Why? The pay offered may be so low it isn't worth your while. You could use the time you spend on a crummy project seeking something much better. (That's a frustrating feeling. Take it from one who's been there.) Another reason: it might not be work suited to your skills. What better time than that to refer the work to a fellow freelancer. By doing so, you'll be doing yourself, your freelancing peer and the client a favor. And possibly get a referral in return. (Good freelancer karma is a thing to be desired.) Finally, you may already be overloaded with projects. Knowing how much new work you can take on without sacrificing the quality service you give to existing clients is essential. And, again, referring the client can work to everyone's advantage.

Myth--Freelancers never have to leave the house. Even in a time when we do so much online marketing, using social media and other online resources to reach our target markets, not to mention using email to communicate and the Internet to do research, there comes a time when even the most housebound freelancer will want to get out and about. Whether it's to attend a conference or a networking event, freelancers can get more marketing mileage from meeting people face-to-face. Joining organizations, giving talks to local groups, volunteering, meeting someone for coffee--these are all ways freelancers can make contacts and generate business by leaving the house.

Another for instance: you're writing an article. Say it's a profile of a local business person. You could handle it by phone, but if you're doing an in-depth piece, you'll probably want to go to their workplace and see them in their element. Get an up-close sense of what they're like. See how they treat others (and vice versa). Freelancers can do a lot of work from home--but even if we're working for clients that are far from us, sometimes the information we need is not online or even a phone call away. (I know--I worked on several projects for a client two time zones behind me and much of the research for them had to be done on-site at the Library of Congress.)

Myth--Freelancers get to watch TV all day. Okay, read the article I linked with, then read what I've added. Do you really think I spend all day watching television?

Quotation for the Week of July 5

"There's no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past."
-- George Carlin

The Trouble With Twitter

I'll start off with a post I found regarding Twitter's misuse as a marketing tool--the tendency of too many people to tweet, "Look at me! Look at me!" They're not showing the value of what they can do for others. They're using it to spam and hard sell people, when Twitter's all about soft sell, making connections, relationship building AND increasing exposure.

This is a good point, but I think Twitter has a few more problems than that.

Basically, you could say that Twitter is like the biggest party or networking event in the world. And, as such, it can be awesome. But it's also like the biggest water cooler session or the biggest rumor mill in the world. And, as such, it can be really horrible in various ways.

Although people look to Twitter for resources, news and information, it's clear that a lot of what's being tweeted is just plain wrong.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press ran an article with the following bombastic headline: "Is Twitter the news outlet for the 21st century?" (Oh, God, I hope not.)

Even this article acknowledges that while people can tweet news much faster and in a more interactive way than traditional media, it doesn't mean Twitter users are good reporters. They may be lousy observers. They may have an agenda. They may not know the whole story. They may be making stuff up. They may be passing along unsubstantiated hearsay. (Was it Mark Twain that said a lie goes halfway around the world before the truth can pull its boots on? Now lies circle the globe many times at the speed of Twitter before the truth even thinks about putting on footwear.)

Or they may just exercise bad judgment, like this novelist who really should have taken a deep breath and counted to 10 (or maybe 100) before she trashed a reviewer on Twitter. It's way too easy to rip people a new one online these days.

So, please, people--think before you tweet. And don't believe everything you read. On or offline.

Quotation for the Week of June 28

"Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river."
-- Nikita Khrushchev

Freelancer's Twitter Success Story!

I happened upon this item posted on a freelancers email list. It's exactly the sort of example I've been seeking of a Twitter success story for freelance writers--or, in this case, an editor.

A lot of people view Twitter as a big waste of time. Sure . . . it can be. But so can any other kind of networking or marketing, if you don't take the right approach to it.

I thought the post did a great job of explaining how this freelance editor found and landed a client through her Twitter efforts (and other online media--notice how Web sites, e-mail and online forums all played a part in this). So I asked Katharine O'Moore-Klopf if I could reprint her post as an example of a Twitter success story. She gave me the green light. So here it is, in Katharine's own words:

Three cheers for communication technology!

I just cemented a contract for a small book editing project for a small publishing house whose publisher (his job title) I have come to know through Twitter.

He found me on Twitter in March by searching for such terms as "editor," "copyeditor," "copy editor," and "freelancer," which I use frequently in my tweets. He followed the link on my Twitter page to my business web site and looked through my site's pages. I spent some time finding information on him and the publishing house on several web sites and in a couple forums. Then he e-mailed me using my site's contact form, asking about my fees. I was busy with projects then, so we've kept in touch through Twitter and e-mail. Finally, I had an opening in my work schedule. And now, I'll start work on the project on Monday. It's not medical editing [Blogger's Note: her niche, as you can see from the sig line] but is technology related, so it will be a good mental change of pace.

Cool!

Katharine O'Moore-Klopf, ELS (board-certified editor in the life sciences; see http://www.bels.org)
KOK Edit: Your favorite copyeditor since 1984(SM)
mailto:editor@kokedit.com
http://www.kokedit.com
http://editor-mom.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/K.OMooreKlopf
https://twitter.com/KOKEdit

Author of "Getting Started as a Freelance Copyeditor"
http://www.kokedit.com/library.shtml#gettingstarted

Yes, Katharine--that is indeed cool. :)

Did Someone Say Query-Free Freelancing?

I don't know about you, but I'd love to get all my writing assignments without sending queries. So how could I resist checking out this blog? The Query-Free Freelancer recently interviewed seven writers about its eponymous topic (is it the topic or the blog that's eponymous? not sure). As of this date, it's reached Part 6 (the last installment) in a series of posts on To Query or Not to Query.

This looks like a good blog to follow, see where it goes from here . . .

Thanks to Anne Wayman (one of the interviewees) for tipping me off to this.

Quotation for the Week of June 21

"I've done the calculation and your chances of winning the lottery are identical whether you play or not."
-- Fran Lebowitz

Set the Right Tone

A guest post by Rick Holton

For writers in your organization who have analyzed their purpose and audience, an important next step is achieving the right tone.

Tone expresses your attitude toward the subject and the audience. A local company recently sent a memo to employees that amounted to this: "Because morale is low, we will be instituting an employee awards program." What attitude does this express toward employees? It might have been more effective to start: "Because you have been working hard under pressure…"

Here are four tips on tone that might be useful to people in your organization.

Choose the right word. By now, most of us know that Mark Twain once said, "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter–it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." Much of tone-setting is word choice.

Choosing the right word may sound difficult, but it depends on the audience and your message. Often tone can be completely altered by changing only a few words, as in the incentives memo above. The company never would have written what they did had they thought a little more carefully about their audience and how they might react.

Establish the right level of formality. Achieving the right level of formality is, again, mostly a matter of word choice. Do you start your memo "Dear Bob," for instance, or "Dear Mr. Smith?"

Have you been appropriately friendly or stern? If you are writing to turn someone down, for example, and there is no chance that you will change your mind, your tone must make the message unmistakable, without, however, being abrupt or rude.

Level of formality is also affected by punctuation (parentheses, for example, tend to be informal), use of contractions, sentence length and complimentary close ("Very truly yours," for example, is much more formal than "Best wishes").

Sound Confident. You are a professional, and you should sound that way. Avoid expressions like "I believe..." and "I can assure you that..." They bespeak lack of confidence and, because they are unnecessary, distance the reader.

Be Positive. Avoid negative expressions, and avoid pointing out bad things you are not obligated to mention. Refer, for instance, to "challenges" rather than "problems." Don't talk about what you can't do—talk about what you can do.

Another feature of being positive is not accepting someone else's terms. If someone criticizes your company, for example, for emitting "dense clouds of noxious smoke" from one of your manufacturing facilities, don't use their terms in your response. Point out instead that you are in the final stages of installing "clean-air equipment."

Rick Holton is owner of The Holton Group, which specializes in business writing and consulting.

Quotation for the Week of July 14

"You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance."
-- Ray Bradbury

The 4-Hour Workweek: As If

It amazes me that this article from Brazen Careerist is dated January 8th, 2009, but continues to this day to get comments--both in the form of kudos and criticism (in some cases, that last term is putting it mildly--to call some of the criticism "flaming" is like calling the crash of the Hindenburg an unfortunate incident).

I happen to know this article keeps on generating divisive comments because at one point, I commented on it, too. Bottom line: I am equally unimpressed with Tim Ferriss as Penelope Trunk is. And I think I speak for both of us (and many commenters) when I say: Tim Ferriss appears to be a self-centered jerk and his book, THE 4-HOUR WORKWEEK is trash.

Now, I don't trash books as a general rule. I usually find something to recommend even in a mediocre book. But this isn't a mediocre book. It's simply a bad one and I have no clue why so many people seem to think it's brilliant.

And if you want to know why, just read the column I wrote earlier this year. And, yes, I reference and link to Penelope's article at the bottom. (Talk about recursive . . .)

So let the flaming begin.

Quotation for the Week of June 7

"The future is here. It's just not widely distributed yet."
-- William Gibson

'Identity Crisis' Available on Kindle

Just wanted to let everyone know that IDENTITY CRISIS, my mystery novel, is available on Kindle now.

And if you'd like to read the Amazon reviews of the print edition, you can find them here.

And, at some point, I'm hoping to reissue the book in print form as well.

When I do, it will have another cover, like the one below (both back and front are shown).

A darker, more menacing look, yes?

Bragging Rights

Wow! While I wasn't looking, back in January, Smartlife named me in the Top 50 of the 100 Freelance Writers You Can Outsource Your Blog Content To. I'm in there at #32, so I can now say I'm on someone's Top 40 List. :)

Quotation for the Week of May 31

"Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."
-- Woody Allen

Social Media and Email Marketing Apps for Writers

I've been running across all sorts of interesting information about social media resources for writers. Here are just a few you might like.

50 Useful Twitter Tools for Writers and Researchers

Various links to or about literary agents on Twitter (with thanks to Anne Wayman at About Freelance Writing)

Top 40 Twitter Tools

And, of course, there's still blogging. Here are some apps you may find useful for converting blog posts into emailed newsletters, either for free or low cost (and it seems only fitting that I have a new LinkedIn connection to thank for providing these):

MailChimp

My Newsletter Builder

LetterPop

Silverpop

InfusionSoft

Got enough to keep you busy a while? I should think so.

Freelancers' Haggling Lament

Okay, this is a light-hearted look at client-vendor negotiations. But be honest--how many of your negotiations with clients resemble these?



There's a lesson in here somewhere. Figure out your value and charge accordingly. If people refuse to pay for that value, they need to go elsewhere. Perhaps to someone not quite as good as you.

This video may have been made for laughs. But there's a serious truth underneath the laughter. Clients get what they pay for. And if you come cheap, that's how they'll perceive you.

It's one thing to work within people's budgets, but if you give them a concession, expect to get something in return. That's why they call it negotiation.

Any negotiation stories you'd like to share? Any that are a bit too much like this video?

Quotation for the Week of May 24

"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow."
-- Mark Twain

An Interview with The Freelance Survivor

Thought I'd take a moment to bask in the glow of a little recognition. I was recently interviewed on The Freelance Survivor. An aptly-named blog if there ever was one. (You freelancers know what I'm talking about here . . .)

Anyhow, reading through the interview, I couldn't quite believe how much I'd been doing in the past couple of years. (Not to brag or anything, but . . .) This has really been a time of great professional and personal growth. A time of overcoming a good deal of hardship--physical, mental and otherwise.

So when I say I'm a freelance survivor, I really mean it!

Freelancing is tough--no question. But it's also a highly satisfying endeavor. I shall say no more. Just read the interview. (I think it covers things pretty thoroughly.)

Ah, that glow really does feel good.

Quotation for the Week of May 17

"Usually, terrible things that are done with the excuse that progress requires them are not really progress at all, but just terrible things."
-- Russell Baker

Want to Work as a Ghost? Ask Anne

I wanted to draw everyone's attention to a series of posts by Anne Wayman on tips for working as a ghostwriter. I know I've been approached more than a few times about writing a book for someone else. While I've ghostwritten articles, the books I've written have all been my own. (Fiction, that is. My one published mystery novel plus a few that are yet to be published--at least, so far. :) )*

Anne's blog About Freelance Writing has featured at least two posts so far that I've bookmarked for future reference. First, how she approaches a new project and, second, what terms to include in the contract (or "letter of agreement" as she calls it--same thing, sounds less ominous and legalistic).

If you're interested in ghostwriting (as I am), keep an eye on Anne's blog. It's one of my freelance favorites, anyhow.

*Just as a footnote, I should mention that my short story "A Woman Who Thinks" will be published as part of the CHESAPEAKE CRIMES 4 anthology to be published by Wildside Press in March 2010. Needless to say, I'm thrilled. :)

Quotation for the Week of May 10

"Setting a good example for children takes all the fun out of middle age."
-- William Feather

Review: 'Story' by Robert McKee

There are a lot of books about writing out there and they're great for various reasons. Anne LaMott's BIRD BY BIRD, for example, is a great book about what it's like to be a writer, as well as how to write (but mostly what the writing life is like). I've heard Stephen King's book ON WRITING is good, though I still haven't read it. And I found Carolyn Wheat's book, HOW TO WRITE KILLER FICTION particularly useful as a crime fiction author. And there are other books on writing that I've liked.

However, I just finished a book that taught me more, in greater detail, about storytelling than I've ever gotten from any other source. STORY by Robert McKee may be intended for screenwriters, but it has a lot to offer novelists.

The book analyzes the classic three-act story structure, explaining how each act is made up of a series of shots (like I said, it's intended for screenwriters) that create scenes, knit together into sequences. But it also covers the techniques for propelling a story along (no matter what the format). It discusses character and dialogue--again, with emphasis on the cinematic. But there's still something in the discussion for everyone. It even explores theme--and how it's expressed in all the visual details in a scene (among other things).

Let's put it this way--any book that can get endorsements from film and TV screenwriters AND a novelist must be something special. Although the book focuses on screenwriting, it also compares that form to prose fiction and plays. Understanding the differences gives you insight, as well.

And the bottom line is that no matter what kind of story you want to tell or media you want to use to tell it, this book will help.

I got a copy from the library. I intend to buy one for future reference. (Not something I do every day with a book like this.)

Quotation for the Week of May 3

"To avoid situations in which you might make mistakes may be the biggest mistake of all."
-- Peter McWilliams

Google Book Search Settlement News

The settlement in the Google Book Search lawsuit has come under U.S. Justice Department scrutiny for its potential antitrust implications.

Meanwhile, a federal judge has okayed an extension in the deadlines imposed on authors to decide whether to be bound by the settlement.

Never a dull moment. (And, speaking of which, keep your eyes on this space for a big announcement. Coming soon . . .)

Quotation for the Week of April 26

"The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues."
-- Elizabeth Taylor

Digital Overload

Anyone who actually still doubts that the digital revolution is bringing profound changes to the book publishing, marketing and communications industries not only has their head buried deeply in the sand (or possibly elsewhere), but hasn't kept up with all the news that's flooding in about this.

For instance, take a look at the skyrocketing number of Apple book applications--280 percent increase in the past 12 weeks? That's almost triple in the past three months (yes, my math is bad, but I can figure out that much).

Further, Canadian company Indigo Books & Music Inc. has developed "a new digital destination" called Shortcovers. According to Indigo's press release, "Shortcovers allows users to find their next great read, sample and purchase for immediate download. The service will provide instant access to the newest books, hottest authors and most popular articles and blogs. Not just for avid readers, Shortcovers is for consumers who want the convenience of accessing and reading their favorite content, anytime, anywhere, on the mobile devices they already own." Hmm . . . sounds like it tries to put all those devices out there on a level playing field (I guess).

Meanwhile, Twitter continues to take the world by storm. Tech guru David Pogue is even writing a book about it. And, never mind ghostblogging--how about ghost-tweeting for a living? (Thanks Allison Boyer for this.)

And just when I thought I'd heard it all, I saw this item about tweeting one's thoughts (via Coolest Gadgets). God help us, I thought, I knew this was coming. Maybe tweeting our thoughts isn't such a hot idea. Some things are better left unsaid (and untweeted). This is a bit too much information sharing for me.

Then I saw that mental Twittering could actually serve a medical purpose. Now that's really cool.

Quotation for the Week of April 19

"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all."
-- Peter Drucker

Self-Publishing: My Response to Lee Goldberg

Okay, maybe I shouldn't pick on Lee Goldberg here. He's not the only one dumping all over self-publishing. Nonetheless, he's pretty hard on self-published authors and self-publishing in general. And he makes a habit of picking on them--a lot.

I understand his reasons--for one thing, he doesn't want to see people taken in by scams (neither do I) and he thinks most self-published authors are simply not ready to be published, but are too impatient to work on improving their craft (and maybe that's true often, but not always).

I want to make it clear that I respect Lee as a professional writer. He's a successful television writer-producer and novelist. Clearly, he's knowledgeable and has sound advice to offer people who would like to have writing careers. He seems like a nice guy, and I've even sought out his advice on screenwriting (which he was kind enough to give).

Even so . . . when I read this post on Lee's blog, I felt, "I've been staying out of it, but I just have to respond to this." I started to write a comment, but went on so long, it turned into a blog post. So I'm publishing it here instead.

First, read what he wrote. Then, read my response below. And let me know what you think. Please.

Here's what I wrote:

I've been staying out of this debate, but I really feel the need to speak up about a few points. So here goes.

First, you don't have to pay anything up front to publish through CreateSpace or Lulu, as I understand it. So not all self-publishing outfits are scams. (Those are just two examples. There may be others.)

Yes, these myriad articles about "self-publishing" (whatever that term may refer to) downplay all the hard work and promotion that go into making one's book anywhere near successful. But even if you're published by a traditional press, you have to promote like hell anyway. So promotion-wise . . . what's the difference?

And, yes, a lot of self-published books really suck (and I mean really suck). But many traditionally published books suck, too. Some of them by bestselling authors. (Lee, check your previous posts on Robert Parker's most recent books featuring Jesse Stone and Spenser. Ahem.)

If a writer is simply too impatient to work on his or her craft until it gets an agent's or editor's interest, chances are the book will suck. But that doesn't mean every self-published author's book sucks. And success isn't simply a function of being a good writer either. It's a hell of a lot more complicated than that.

What makes a best-selling book? I'd say it takes a combination of talent, hard work, connections and a LOT of luck. (Some might argue about the need for writing talent. Consider Dan Brown.)

Most traditionally published authors dwell in the mid-list and can't make a living off their books--no matter how well they write them (and many of them are extraordinary writers--you want to talk about ugly truth here?). So poor sales aren't exclusively a self-publishing problem. In fact, a lot of mid-list authors lose contracts due to poor sales. The publishers won't promote their mid-list, but they want their mid-list authors to make more sales, which they can't do because the publisher won't promote them, etc., etc.

And, as a result, mid-list authors often spend a bundle in money and time trying to boost their sales. Often they hire (gasp!) their own publicists--so that's not just a self-publishing thing, either (despite your implication to the contrary).

There are many drawbacks to self-publishing. Bookstores won't carry your work, reviewers ignore you. Why? Because of the perception that an author's work isn't worth considering if it's self-published. So self-published books must overcome the presumption that they are bad, even if they aren't.

However, with online booksellers and Kindle's growing popularity, lack of bookstore distribution may become less of a problem. And do most people choose books based on reviews? I'm not so sure they do. Or could an author sell more with a Facebook page, relentless self-promotion through any means possible and word of mouth? Good question.

Plus if you write a damn good story and you promote the hell out of it, self-publishing can work. You may not end up a bestseller, but that's true for traditionally published authors, too (as I've just explained).

And the only reason these successful self-published authors want a "real" publisher, is because of the perception (right or wrong) that I already mentioned.

Like in any business, appearances count. If the industry considers all self-published authors amateurs, they won't get the opportunities that traditionally published authors get (e.g., speaking on conference panels, winning certain awards--all things that lead to more notice and buzz in the publishing community). So, of course, self-published authors want "real" publishing contracts. Even though most mid-list authors don't get much better treatment than self-published ones.

The perception of being a "real" author is what you get in return for signing a contract that usually isn't written with the author's best interests in mind. Yes, I know authors keep copyright in their work. That's not the issue. The issue is what's the scope of the license authors are granting to these publishers? Are the publishers getting electronic rights? Audio rights? Movie adaptation rights? And when does that license expire? (Or, to put it another way, when will the author's rights revert?) Publishers try to get license to all the rights they can for as long as possible while giving authors as little as possible in return. This is not exactly breaking news.

The only other real benefit I can see from having a traditional publisher is maybe better editing. Maybe. I've read some really poorly edited books lately (all of which were written by authors with traditional publishers--including one bestseller).

Okay, I'm done.

Quotation for the Week of April 12

"The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory."
-- Paul Fix

An Offer No Book Writer Should Refuse

Here's a very generous offer from Alan Rinzler, a consulting editor with a blog called The Book Deal. Well, has he got a deal for you.

He's offering free critiques of book proposals (either fiction or non-fiction). Yes, you read that right. Free. Critiques. Of book proposals. From a professional editor. You don't get too many opportunities like this, believe me. Especially not from someone who's worked in the industry and knows it like Rinzler does. Don't know what the deadline is on this, but I'd assume sooner, rather than later, if you know what I mean.

So if you're working on a book or have finished one and you're looking to sell it, here's a chance to run your proposal by someone who can give you a "publisher's eye" view of it--for FREE! And that, my friends, is priceless.