Published on December 10, 2003
Last weekend, while buying Frank a pair of shoes, I overheard an elderly couple shopping for a gift for their grandson. They were going to buy him snow boots for Christmas. I immediately thought, “How will they know the right size?” Geez, I can’t even get shoe sizes right when my children are right there with me and I have to seek professional help (the store clerk). How was this couple going to get the size right on a child who, obviously, lived in another town?
Each year, relatives write asking us what the children want for Christmas. I’m happy to give them hints on what the children would like, but also ask them to avoid certain popular toys and other items we’ve had personal experience with. I’m sure many of you parents know exactly what I’m talking about. So, today I’m sharing my list of the worst presents to buy for children, along with alternatives that will make them very happy…
Published on December 10, 2003
One Present Peeker Who Got Caught
I was a peeker, too, and a good one, or so I thought. Mom always hid gifts under the bed, and she was a late wrapper, so I could open the end of the bag and put it back exactly as it had been, content to know that “Santa” was bringing most of what was on my list. I’d go so far as to erase my tracks across the green wall-to-wall carpeting…
Just Doin
Published on December 10, 2003
bookstores
As the author of a POD book, you have three hurdles to overcome in selling to bookstores: discounts on POD books are generally less than 40% (sometimes as low as half that), POD books are usually non-returnable (which discourages experimentation), and the publisher isn’t promoting your book to the bookstores. Here are some ways that you can overcome these hurdles and get your book into the stores…
Published on December 10, 2003
Readers Respond to Jean Sorensen
Published on December 10, 2003
I want to thank WritersWeekly.com for the fine e-book, How to Be a Syndicated
Newspaper Columnist. I bought it about a year ago and have been taking your advice to heart ever since, submitting two different columns to various arts weeklies and traditional newspapers across the country…
Published on December 9, 2003
Like any decent Clark, Rowling, Morrison wannabe, I started my illustrious writing career creating books. I would go to sleep nightly with visions of sugarplums and book signings dancing in my head. However, when I woke up, only rejections came true. Discouraged, I abandoned my two best friends- pen and paper. I had every intention of never seeing them again, but they kept calling, beckoning me back.
Published on December 3, 2003
I got really depressed over the weekend when I opened up my Christmas gift list from last year, and realized that most of the gifts we bought for the children and our relatives are no longer in use. Frank’s gigantic lego plane? Gone (Percy chewed up most of the small pieces). Ali’s “I HAVE to have it!” sweater with the fake-fur collar? Gone. (The washing machine ate all the fur within 24 hours). Zach’s video game system? Obsolete. (They only make games for the higher edition now.)
Published on December 3, 2003
Pricing Your Book/Service Too Low
Your article on pricing made me think about a project I have just finished. Although it’s not a piece of writing, per se, many of my friends and colleagues call it a book…
Tricking Children Who Peek at Presents!
I had the same problem with my girls when they were small. I OUTsmarted them and booby-trapped their gifts…
Published on December 3, 2003
specialty markets for writing
You’ve no doubt seen your community’s alternative newspaper stacked by the hundreds in a rack at grocery stores, bookstores, and gas stations. Helpful for planning weekend entertainment, the pages are packed with features on museum exhibits, concerts and restaurant openings. (In my city, anyone with an iota of the local 411 scene is seen reading one on Thursdays.). And, news about local politics – racier, sexier and bolder than the area dailies – is also covered…
Published on December 3, 2003
Well, I’ve never done this before. But, hey, we ran out of success stories and I’ve been very happy with the success of my new book, Query Letters That Worked! So, today, I thought I’d tell you how I made more than $1900 in 48 hours.
Several months ago, determined to keep up with my new goal to write and publish three new books each year, I wrote down a list of several possible book ideas…
