Published on April 29, 2015
complaints, Complaints about specific publishers, lulu, pod complaints

It’s been another three years since the last update so we thought we’d pop into their forums once again. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of complaints (new ones, of course)…
Published on April 29, 2015

I was looking over my absolutely awesome cover just now and I wanted to thank you both so much for making this process so simple for people like me.
Published on April 29, 2015
writing scams
I have written as a ghostwriter a few times and usually the contract that I enter into is held with respect by both parties. In this instance it was not. Watch out for scammers that will literally steal your work!
Published on April 29, 2015
What are your thoughts on sending a book to large institutions that I plan to pitch to? For example, I am going to pitch to colleges to include my book as recommended reading for psychology/sociology programs.
Published on April 29, 2015
Recently, my home Internet service was out for three days. When my teenage children awoke and discovered this travesty of justice, they joked that they may as well go back to bed. I wasn’t happy about it, either. After all, I’m a writer, and I need the Internet to work…
Published on April 22, 2015
I usually try to take Sundays off but this weekend we’ll be hosting the WritersWeekly Spring, 2015 24-Hour Short Story Contest. IT STARTS SATURDAY!
If you want to sign up, don’t delay! Only 500 entrants permitted per contest. You must sign up BEFORE start-time to participate.
TO ENTER, go here.
In other “home office” news…
Published on April 22, 2015
bookstores

It’s considered very bad form to send free copies to a bookstore or library.
Published on April 22, 2015
worst book proposals and query letters
Hi, Angie.
This one really got me:
“I seek publisher for the attached article expressing possible disadvantages of the theory or concept of feminism.”
On top of everything else, does he not realize that you, a female business person, are the publisher? The sheer lunacy of these things is jaw-dropping. Just when I think I’ve seen it all or heard it all, I find out the abyss goes even deeper.
Keep ’em coming.
Regards,
Marsha
Published on April 22, 2015
book marketing

These days writers must sell themselves, it’s a given. We’ve got to look for and latch onto any opportunity to self promote. Book talks are an excellent way to do it. Senior citizen groups, local service clubs, libraries, schools, and writers groups all have a frequent need for speakers and we must serve – if we want to sell, that is. Of course the first step is informing everyone by phone call, letter or email of your availability to speak. Then, as the dates pile up, you’ll need a plan…
Published on April 22, 2015
legal, writing tips

If I reference a book and/or the authors of that book, do I have to get written permission from them? Is it enough just to list them in my reference section?