Published on February 8, 2012
I sent a story (to a magazine) via the post office, certified mail, to make sure it got there, and no one claimed it. It was sent back. I sent an email asking for their mailing address and it was where I had mailed it to. I sent another email asking about it, and in the email I got back, I was told that certified mail is not accepted, and to send the story via email. The guidelines specifically state that emailed stories are not accepted. I sent another email stating that, and never heard back.
Published on February 8, 2012
My journey from non-published writer to regularly published journalist in a local paper began by responding to an advertisement posted by Lebanon Daily News looking for a freelance writer…
Published on February 1, 2012
Last Saturday night, we drove up to Anna Maria Island to see Ali and Justin. This time of year, the weather is perfect there, with temperatures in the 70’s and a brisk sea breeze blowing. We slept with all the windows opened, and woke up the next morning to the sound of their neighbor’s waterfall. Heaven!
Published on February 1, 2012
In December, I wrote about an author who thought it was okay to use a deceased person’s work simply because that person had claimed to want to write a book with him someday. In that article, I explained why he could not do that.
This week, I wanted to share the rest of the story with you…
Published on February 1, 2012
Dear Angela,
I have now had a few hours to think about your response to my inquiry. I want to thank you so much for having the integrity to turn down my novel.
This is my first book and I have been to several self book publishers in search of some help. Every one of them just asked what level I wanted to sign up for. Some of them became quite annoying and I was sorry I gave them my phone number.
Your company (BookLocker.com) is the only one who actually had any guidelines on content. I have been working on my manuscript for about three years. Because of your letter, I am now going to start over and re-write my work as a tribute to my hero. I will also do what I can to get in touch with whomever I mention. I will make my novel something that my hero’s loved ones will cherish. I would never want to hurt anyone. So when I’m done can I re-contact you?
Thank you,
Sherry
Publisher’s Note: The book was rejected because it mentioned actual deceased persons and we felt the content of the book may offend the family members of those persons. Since the author agreed, and was happy to revamp the book, we, of course, told her we’d take another look when she’s finished.
Published on February 1, 2012
Sometimes the check doesn’t arrive or the automatic deposit doesn’t hit the account. Then what? I’ve had a few editors not pay when they said they would. What a writer does next can affect not only when he gets paid, but also the editor/writer relationship…
Published on February 1, 2012
author scams
A bookstore emailed me to see if I wanted them to carry my POD book.
First, I had to send a copy to see if it was “appropriate.” Now they say it is, but they want me to send books to them. They do not want to order them from my publisher. Also, I have to sign a 50/50 contract, meaning I’ll lose money on each sale. I’ll even have to pay postage to ship the books. Wouldn’t I be stupid to do this?
Published on February 1, 2012
Freelancers who write for magazines know the importance of building and maintaining working relationships with editors. Besides archives of clips and reprints, our lists of editors’ names, needs and preferences may be our greatest business asset. In my experience, cultivating relationships with expert sources is equally fruitful…
