There are lots of publishers (and other firms) that will gladly and greedily ask you to plunk down a lot of money to create and distribute a press release (that they know will likely cost you more than any resulting book sales) ...…
My friend (who is a marketing major) and I are trying to organize a book signing. We are considering various things to make more sales. However, to do that, she said Barnes and Noble told us that the book has to be sold in that store in order for them to host my signing ...…
As I move towards higher paying (read: corporate) markets, I am wondering what impact of my social media posts might be on editors at these markets. For example, could an editor take a look at my Twitter page and decide my tweets are too controversial for their magazine to feature my byline?…
Can you send me the list of freelance book editors you recommend? My publisher's contract says if I pay them to edit my book, they'll then own the rights to that version of my manuscript. No way!!!…
Someone gave an author my photographs, and claimed that they belonged to them. The author then used my photos in their book. Who do I contact regarding copyright infringement?…
Online, I found two polls and a graph I want to use in my book. I believe that since it is for educational purposes, the fair use doctrine would apply. Is that right?…
I want to write a book and it would feature an old story from a 1956 periodical. I have been trying to get a copyright permission to include this short story. However, the publisher was bought out a couple times. The new company put me on hold while they searched their records further, and told me that the "rightful owners" are a completely different firm in New York. I cannot find them on the Internet to contact them to get the needed copyright permission so that I can proceed with my book.…
I am very interested in using a particular POD publisher for my book. But, I can't find a link to their contract anywhere on their site. When I ask them for a copy, they just send more advertising mumbo jumbo. What should I do?…
I'm using MSWord on a PC. Why are some of the spaces between words in my fully-justified manuscript uneven? There are normal spaces between most words, and weird, long spaces between others...on the same line of text! It doesn't make any sense. Can you help? …
You can't assume work for hire unless you have a contract that specifically states it.…
My query is to ask if the restrictions you quoted in your article would also apply to mentioning or quoting characters from older fiction, which is now in the public domain, e.g. from writers such as Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and other similarly antiquated sources? …
I just received a call from a company called (name removed) and they say they want to promote my book. What do you know about this company? …
Is it sensible for me to promote my latest book by giving away some free ebooks on the Kindle? How can I avoid pitfalls about poorly-formatted MOBI formatted ebooks (I've heard horror stories), and what costs should I expect for publishing my ebook, and for promoting it? …
I have wanted to become an author for more than 20 years. This dream has always taken a backseat to everything in my life. I would like to know if you can offer me any advice on getting started. …
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. …
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. …
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? …
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? …
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? …
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. …
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 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. …
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? …
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? …
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? …
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? …
I attempted to get an agent for (my novel) but they were only accepting things not previously published. Is that normal? …
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? …
I have one question that I hope you can answer. What is your feeling about spending personal funds on book reviews? …
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. …
