Friday, May 29, 2009

This week in writing and publishing . . .

Writing:

Check out JA Konrath's latest blog, with 7 pieces of advice for writers. Great ideas- thanks JA!

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2009/05/advice-for-professional-writers.html


Publishing:

Agents' blogs are all abuzz (and off-kilter) this week due to the BEA (Book Expo America) conferences. The blog that I have found the most pertinent in terms of real, applicable advice for writers comes from Agent Kristin of Pub Rants. Check out her blog for advice on how to get agents to keep reading your writing and what makes them stop reading.

http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2009/05/number-one-thing.html

Monday, May 18, 2009

Cafe Press- book-related products

I recently saw one new author turn to Cafe Press to create online t-shirts, mugs, and other paraphernalia advertising his book. I'm tucking this idea into the back of my head for possible future use. Cafe Press has free basic packages that allow you to create stuff with your logo or advertisement that can be sold online. For a yearly payment of around $70, you can do a premium package with them that has more design choices than the basic package. Cafe Press could be an option for those of you with your own website who could link it to your own "shop" on Cafe Press's site, especially if you have written something that has creative catch phrases, or you have fans, friends, or family who might enjoy items with tag phrases from your books. Little cost to you, some profit, and some "free" advertising.

Visit www.cafepress.com

Friday, May 15, 2009

Guys Lit Wire and Library Talks

In the infinite search to expand my own knowledge (and help others) about literature and/or the publishing industry, I came across a fantastic new blog that I will now be following. It is called Guys Lit Wire, and it focuses primarily on YA (young adult) literature geared towards boys, a niche that is often hard to fill. Check out this site for some great book reviews, links, and insight into literature for boys- great for those writing for that population or for high school/ junior high teachers.

On a personal note, John just completed a small New Hampshire tour. While he sold well at a signing at a Borders, this appearance proved a little uncomfortable for him. As an author who is not yet widely known, he couldn't draw people in merely on his name. Although some advertising was done, he found himself sitting in the Borders having to play the salesman to customers, which is not a position in which he is comfortable. Far more profitable and comfortable were the book talks at libraries, where he was able to both sell books and talk to interested parties about both his writing work and self-publishing. So, for my POD or self-publishing followers, or even those who have done traditional publishing through smaller publishing, try to tap out your local or regional libraries to host book talks and promote your work in the process. You can bring copies of your books with to sign and sell after the talk.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

New Writers, Great Blogs, and Conferences

I recently discovered a great blog from a writer who is getting her first novel published in August. The great thing about her blog is that she really is organizing it to be a useful resource for other up-and-coming writers. Check out her blog (and her fun video: Editing Letter) at:

http://larawrites.com/blog/

Also, go to this site for information on a great writers conference where you can meet with agents to pitch your ideas:

http://www.bksp.org/content/section/12/36/

Friday, May 1, 2009

New Podler Update

I wanted to publish this comment to my previous post entitled "The New Podler" to make sure Podler's policies are clear to all readers of my blog:

Podler said...
The Podler does not charge for reviews. The site will experiment with advertising as a way to bring in some money and hopefully be able to pay reviewers who decide to join in the future.

You may also go to their website: http://thenewpodlerreviews.blogspot.com for more information on the group, their reviews, the submission process, etc., and also look specifically at the post entitled "Policy Matters," which addressed the debate/ confusion over charging for reviews that occurred in the past week.