Published on February 29, 2012
For the past six weeks, we’ve spent every spare moment judging the hundreds of entries submitted for the Winter, 2012 24-Hour Short Story Contest. In case you’re not familiar with our quarterly contest, this is how it works. On the date of the contest, at start-time, we send out the topic for that specific contest to all registered entrants, while also posting it online. Entrants then have 24 hours to write and submit their stories. The stories “must deal with the topic in some way to qualify” and they must not exceed the pre-assigned word count.
After reading the entries for each contest, we can see how difficult it is to come up with a unique plot when working with an assigned topic. But, inevitably, a few writers do manage to successfully break away from the pack.
So, today, hear distant cracking as you step out onto the ice…
Published on February 29, 2012
Dear Angela:
As a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience, I am still surprised when companies are not willing to provide clear contracts for writers.
This is something that companies should view as a win-win situation to avoid any confusion or miscommunication, but instead many companies are unwilling to do it.
I was recently offered an online writing project, but the company refused to insert payment dates (it was a 3-month project) as per my request – which is standard for all writing contracts.
Unfortunately (for me) I was unwilling to accept the contract this way, and was surprised when their reply didn’t even consider my request.
I joined the writer’s union years ago because I had a bad contract, and ended up doing a lot of work for free.
Please make writers aware that, especially now with the Internet, a good contract will not only ensure that you get paid, but will protect your copyright.
Nobody should be working for free.
Thanks for all your great work!
Best,
Nina Flanagan
Published on February 29, 2012
In November, 2010, I self published The 2766th Provisional Headquarters Flight WW II with BookLocker.com. The book generated sufficient PR in the first year to bring in an increased income of $60,000.00 for my clinic during a year when most physicians I know fought to stay even…
Published on February 29, 2012
Another company published a book with the same title as mine. Is that kosher? Should I do something? Can you give some advice on this?
Published on February 29, 2012
For about ten years I had juggled motherhood, a job-share teaching position, and a freelance hobby. When my husband broached the possibility of having another baby, I blanched. There wasn’t enough money to quit my job, and there wasn’t enough time for anything (or anyone) new in my life. I knew there had to be a way to convert my teaching experience into paid writing, but how?
Published on February 25, 2012
At Booklocker.com, we often receive books from authors who have quoted song lyrics in their text, usually without permission. Sadly, some authors have quoted song lyrics extensively throughout their books and must do major rewrites if they can’t obtain permission to use the lyrics. Obtaining permission can be a frustrating and expensive pursuit. And, you must obtain permission to use them.
Published on February 22, 2012
We took the newlywed in-laws (Richard’s mom and step-dad) to Key West for four days last week. We took the RV but got the in-laws a hotel room. When we arrived, the campground was PACKED and Richard didn’t think we’d ever be able to back the RV into our spot. I am the backer-upper in the family, having years of experience backing boat trailers onto boat ramps, so I always get the fun part of pulling into campgrounds.
The first thing I did was get out of the RV and ask a guy to move his truck. It was right where I needed to be when pulling forward before going back. He did. Then, a bunch of guys came out of their RVs and stood watching. I thought maybe they were impressed by watching a woman drive that big rig. Ah, but that was not the case. They were all standing in front of their own RVs, in protective postures, ready to scream at me…
Published on February 22, 2012
self-publishing
It seems it’s not enough that some POD publishers charge new authors thousands of dollars to publish a book. Some have taken the low road by attempting to trick their competitors’ authors into thinking they need more than one publisher…
Published on February 22, 2012
Dear Angela,
I want to drop you a quick note to sing the praises of BookLocker, and perhaps more importantly the people who make up your team. I first learned about your company by reading Dan Poynter’s Self Publishing Manual. A few months later, I was ready to publish Barnstorming – Live as a Pilot, Not a Passenger. With your help and support, the book is now being shared with the world, and the comments I get most often are about how great the book looks and feels. It makes a great impression and presents the content with credibility and professionalism.
In my research about self publishing, it became clear there are two kinds of “self publishing companies.” One kind makes their money off of authors and would print a stack of debit card receipts if they were being paid to do so. The other kind has a business plan based on selling books, and that means working with authors to create the best possible product. BookLocker is definitely the latter, and you have exceeded my expectations. Considering my lack of experience when I started this project, you have helped me to become comfortable and confident quickly.
I am currently working with a bookstore to schedule my first signing. I’ll let you know how it goes, and you can be sure that anyone who wants to talk about the process will be hearing about my great experience with you. Thank you.
Scott Westover, Author
Barnstorming – Live as a Pilot, Not a Passenger
Published on February 22, 2012
As freelance writers, most of us have to advertise our services. Spending $100 to make $125 isn’t worth the effort – but spending $100 to get a few long-term clients (and their referrals) is a really big deal. The key to effective marketing is to reach the right audience. If you don’t, you’re watching your hard-earned money circle the drain…
