Do I Need Permission To Quote Others In My Book?
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? …
Ask The Expert
Why Is BookLocker So Inexpensive Compared To Other POD Publishers?! The Answer Is Simple…
I am interested in speaking to someone about publishing my children's book. I ran across the page advertising BookLocker's (color-interior program) and would like to know a little more about this company, especially why is the pricing so inexpensive compared to some of the other publishing companies? …
Did That TV Show Steal My Idea? Probably Not…
I started writing a book on my computer about ten years ago, but never finished it because life has been very busy for me. Recently, I watched this new show that started last year that is exactly the same as far as storyline and characters. Could it be coincidence? …
Why Does Amazon Have My Book Listed At A Fraction Of The List Price?!
I was just wondering if you have any insight into why Amazon is selling new copies of my book for $3.13 when the list price is $19.95. …
Sample Anthology Contributor Contract
I am publishing an anthology book for my project, and read your article, HOW TO COMPILE AND PUBLISH AN ANTHOLOGY. I found it very insightful. I was wondering if you might be willing to share the contract that you use. I would be willing to pay for it. …
What’s Your Opinion About Those Marketing Services with “Bestseller” in Their Name?
What is your opinion of the (name removed) organization and their bestseller program. The fee is $20 and they will purchase (a few) copies for reviewers to evaluate my book and potentially increase my sales dramatically. I would like your opinion. I would have to provide a copy of my book for them to utilize and have an opportunity for someone to win a free copy. …
My Novel is Based on a True Story. Can I Be Sued?
I want to publish my novel with BookLocker (it's my nature) about liability, as the novel is based on a true story. I've read your articles, as well as many others, about this issue, but am hesitant to proceed even after doing the obvious--changing characters' names, appearances, and facts, so they don't resemble the real people or exact events. Some of the principles of the true story are deceased, but at least one that I know of is still living. I think you mentioned that a lawyer should vet a novel, but I can't afford that. My question: Am I worrying needlessly? …
Website Publishing Article Without My Permission
I came across a website that has published one of my articles on their website without my permission or my knowledge. What should I do? …
How Can You Help Me Find Writing Work?
My name is (removed). I have an interest in writing, especially the commentary/opinions/short stories variety. I have been told by a friend that your organization could be helpful in getting some of my installments published. Could you advise me how to proceed? …
How Do I Get Magazine Editors To Respond To Me?!
Over the last two months I've sent out close to fifty emails to different magazines, pitching ideas for articles and features and, to date, only three have responded. One declined my idea. Another said they would consider it late. A third said they already had something similar planned for their own in-house staff to write. I'm a good writer. I know my ideas have merit and are entertaining, topical and newsworthy. Yet, I feel like a complete non-entity when magazines can't even be bothered to reply to me. As heart breaking as it can be to be met with a 'no,' at least saying 'no' means that someone at least took the time to read your email and reply. Complete silence time after time after time is just soul destroying. Is there a way to address such problems? …
Can I Submit My Previously Published Book To Agents?
I attempted to get an agent for (my novel) but they were only accepting things not previously published. Is that normal? …
Can I Estimate Book Sales Based On A Website’s “Wish List?”
Lots of people have clicked to add my book to a wish list on a website. I haven't received any sales reports for my book yet. How can I estimate sales using the wish list information from that site? …
Should I Pay To Have My Book Reviewed?
I have one question that I hope you can answer. What is your feeling about spending personal funds on book reviews? …
A Magazine Editor Rewrote My Article, Inserted Mistakes, And Put My Name On It!
I recently received a copy of a magazine that contained one of my articles. It was unrecognizable. Parts of it were mine but it was overworked by the editor to such an extent that my voice was lost. Worse, she inserted errors! My name is on the article and it's awful. What can I do? They did pay me. …
Do Ebooks Make Good Children’s Gifts? Not Really…
Will my children's chapter book make a good EPUB and/or MOBI (ebook) candidate? It has lots of pictures. I'd like to try to get some Christmas sales. …
When Using A POD Publisher, Can I Use My Own Publishing Company Name In My Book?
Can I use my publishing company name if I go through BookLocker or another print on demand firm? …
Can I Publish My Late Father’s Stories? Maybe, Maybe Not…
I have a short story written by my late father. He was a talented writer and had many short stories he had written. I would like to submit one of his stories for publishing under my father's name. I didn't know if there would be any legal reason I would not be able to. …
IS THIS MAGAZINE HOLDING MY ARTICLES HOSTAGE? Probably!
I submitted my articles to (a well-known magazine) and, after repeatedly requesting payment, this is what they said: "I had a number of issues with your articles. They need a lot of editing and rewrites before they will be ready. And until I have time to do the editing work needed, I have to put a hold on these articles. I'm writing six articles at any given time for several magazines who are happy to pay me at 40 to 70 cents per word so I'm guessing this is just a sleaze move to not pay. What do you think? …
How Much Should I Charge For This Writing Project?
I hope you understand what I'm asking, basically what would be a fair price to charge a friend to write her book, when I know I will be writing it from her verbal accounts. …
How Do I Obtain Review Quotes Before My Book Is Published?
I'm still not 100% clear on just how do I get reviewers to review my book - before its even been published or seen?…
Need Advice On Selling My Books On Consignment
Do you send authors a message about dos and don'ts when stores ask to sell books on consignment?…
Can You Pay Writers Via Paypal?
I have reviewed your writer's guidelines and I want to write for you. I am not in the United States. Can you pay for articles using PayPal?…
Are There Countries Where U.S. Citizens Can’t Do Business, Even Online? Yes!
Someone in Iran recently asked me to ghostwrite a book for her. Aside from the possible…
Are There Countries Where U.S. Citizens Can’t Do Business, Even Online? Yes!
Someone in Iran recently asked me to ghostwrite a book for her. Aside from the possible payment problems, is there anything else I should be concerned about?…
Should I Pay My POD Publisher To Edit And Illustrate My Book? NO!!!
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? …
Can My 24-Hour Short Story Contest Door Prize Be An Entry Fee For The Next Contest?
I won a door prize in the last contest where I get to choose my prize. Can my "prize" be an entry fee for the next contest? …
Is This a Real Advertiser or Something That Might Hurt My Blog?
I have another question for you regarding ads on blogs. I've been asked by an insurance company to place a monthly ad on my blog. I researched the product and I am okay with that. They want to put their hyperlink somewhere near my title, not on a side bar. I'm okay with that, too. My question is, what is a good monthly rate to ask for? …
Can I Use A Picture I Found Online?
I found some old photos on some websites. I want to use them in my book. From their aged appearance, it looks like they're in the public domain. Can I use them without permission? …
Can I Give My Pseudonym A Fake College Degree?
If I'm writing under a pseudonym, can I call myself a doctor or a lawyer in my book (i.e. John Doe, PhD) even if it's meant to be humorous? …
Am I About to Get Ripped Off? Yes!!
I can see giving up ownership to my work if I was getting paid, but giving up both ownership and pay? Is that wise? …