Published on February 8, 2012
Dear Angela,
A friend is taking an online course on how to write ebooks. At one point the instructor told the students that they could write a book on a subject they know nothing about simply by reading several books on the topic written by others, and compiling the information. I was shocked when she told me that he then suggested creating a pseudonym that sounds like an expert in the field, and purchasing a portrait from a stock photography website to go with the name…
Published on February 8, 2012
Your book, 90 Days (of Promoting Your Book Online), is excellent, and is at the heart of my marketing plan. It is clear, easy to read and to follow. Thank you again!
– Harold Thomas
Published on February 8, 2012
As a frequent (and frequently paid) book reviewer, and a former teacher of courses in how to establish a book-reviewing practice, I was pleased to see a recent WritersWeekly.com article spotlighting this work. But I’d like to expand the discussion…
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 8, 2012
Herman Cain and Simon and Schuster – Sued over alleged paying for photo for campaign use but then using it on Cain’s book cover, too.
Harper’s Bazaar / Hearst Corporation – Sued by former intern for allegedly using interns to do labor the company should have paid employees to do, which, according to her lawyer, is a violation of labor laws.
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…
