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.
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…
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…
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
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…
Do you know of a good outlet for photos and artwork that are in the public domain? Once I find something, how can I be sure it’s really okay to use?
Personal essays should resonate with readers and offer some take-away value. I’ve found that writing about my experiences provides me take-away value, when it leads to self discoveries and personal growth. When I sell one of my personal growth essays, I get paid for my own self therapy…
On Friday night, I told Ali (age 21) to drive herself to the Urgent Care Center because she had such a bad toothache. She lives 90 minutes from us so I couldn’t just race over there and drive her myself – though I sure wanted to!
Hi Angela,
Your response to the writer who submitted an article via certified mail was good, but missed the second part of the problem: submitting via e-mail. The editor asked the writer to submit the article via e-mail. Instead of jumping for joy and hitting send, the writer e-mailed back to point out the guidelines say not to submit via e-mail!
Writers need to know that the guidelines refer to initial contact, what we used to call “over the transom.” Once you have established that contact, if the editor asked you to send it via e-mail, for goodness’ sake, don’t argue about it!
This writer missed a possible sale by being too concerned with the letter of the law, rather than the spirit.
Olive Sullivan
Pittsburg, KS
The details and pitch of the “copywriter wanted” ad sounded too slick but I applied anyway. I sent a cover letter, CV, resume and links to purchased, published works. I spent a good 15 minutes crafting the right approach and selecting the ideal links.
A few weeks later, I received a bulk e-mailed form letter inviting me to send them a 500-word blog entry. Doing so would enter me into the next round of the selection process.
Excuse me, second round? Is this a reality TV show or an employment opportunity?