Published on November 19, 2014
Well, it happened again. An author accused us of not paying royalties on friends and family book sales…that never occurred. He was unable to provide copies of receipts from the loved ones he claimed had purchased his book. In addition, he refused to provide any information about the purchases, nor the buyers, nor the stores where the purchases had (not) occurred. Even though he had zero receipts, and even though he didn’t forward any correspondence to me from those individuals, and even though he could not or would not give information about even one “missing” sale, he insisted I get the money…
Published on November 12, 2014
There are three types of book cover design services in the self-publishing industry…
Published on October 2, 2014
diversify your writing income
The summer morning started with a frenzy of packing paper goods, dashing to the ATM for change, and unloading one suitcase and two plastic bins worth of wares. Now came the quiet. Fifteen minutes after arriving, we had only to await our customers, from the tattooed anarchists to the curious grandmothers. So we huddled behind […]
Published on October 2, 2014
According to TechRadar, the “dedicated e-reader may have a limited lifespan.” It seems folks are opting to read ebooks on tablets and even their phones rather than devices that are strictly for ebooks. More people are dumping those gadgets. Per the article, which surveyed adults in the UK, only 36% own dedicated e-readers, and half […]
Published on September 24, 2014
I finally gave in last weekend, and let the boys put up the Halloween decorations. The china cabinet is now full of my horror babies, faux fall leaf garlands are hung here and there, and skeletons, witches, and other ghouls grace every corner…
Published on September 24, 2014
worst book proposals and query letters
Today, I’m going to share another installment of our popular column, World’s Worst Book Proposals and Query Letters. Yes, we can learn from others’ mistakes! Featured below are real quotes from query letters (and two book proposals) submitted to us over the past few months…
Published on September 24, 2014
Your article about the purpose of a press release was right on the money…
Published on September 24, 2014
writing career advice
Starting a freelance writing career can be challenging. Creative careers often attract individuals fueled by passion, without the business acumen to sustain their efforts. Learning how to attract and retain clients, while remaining fulfilled by your work, is a delicate balance that can be achieved by avoiding these common beginner mistakes…
Published on September 24, 2014
I have friends that want to know how to make their story come to life. There are many that want to write children’s books. Can you recommend an editor as well as a company that has illustrators to work with as a package?
Published on September 24, 2014
At the end of 2013, I quit my publishing job after 12 to pursue the life of a freelancer. I announced my plans across social media and, although it wasn’t intended as a pitch, I quietly hoped the announcement would lead to some interesting (paid) work. Soon after, a local independent arts venue contacted me to say they were fans of my blog…
