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Fall 2020 24 Hour Short Story Contest



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Ask The Expert

Husband Won’t Support My Writing

Published on July 14, 2004

Dear Angela, I've always wanted to be a writer, but I'm embarrassed. Each time my husband catches me writing on the computer, he tells me it's a waste of time. I really want to write but his comments make me doubt myself. What can I do to show him how important it is to me? Jan Your letter really hit home with me and I've written added this topic to my feature article this week. See: http://www.angelahoy.com/writing/archives/001799.html …

Looking For An Agent…

Published on May 12, 2004

I am looking for an agent for my mother (78 yrs). Please help me / direct me to a source that will look at my mothers writings. Since there are thousands of publishers out there, as well as agents, we can't recommend specific publishers and agents for specific writers. I'm sorry. You might try looking for a reputable agent here: http://www.aar-online.org/ …

Internet Connection Through Cell Phone?

Published on April 21, 2004

Wow, your article last week was really inspiring. I'd love to know more about how you got an Internet connection through your cell phone and how much it costs. My lack of knowledge on this has prevented me from traveling sometimes. I bought a laptop, but I'm forever chained to my desktop. Even if you don't have the time to tell me the details, maybe you can point in the right direction? Also, I'd love for you to keep us posted about your travels. I'm sure you'll do that. Thank you, Darla Bruno Richard answering here... We went with T-Mobile after reading this article, which reviewed all the cellular data services: http://www.jiwire.com/cellular-data-introduction.htm It is not the fastest, nor even the best coverage, but it was unlimited access for a flat monthly rate. Most of the other services charge you if you go over a certain quota. We're on so much that I was afraid we would hit the quotas and get stuck with extra charges (hefty ones, in some cases). Overall, it worked well. I wouldn't do any heavy surfing on it, but the connection was good enough to do email and to access the administration pages on our sites (which are fairly small in size). Though there was some signal drop in certain areas, generally it held steady as we tooled down the road. T-Mobile's coverage is pretty decent, especially along the major US highways. The big plus is it allowed us to work while in transit. Usually when we go on these road trips, everything piles up until we stop for the night. Cellular data service lets us keep on top of stuff during that normally "dead time" while on the road. It is currently the only reliable option for Internet access while in transit on the highway. It costs $29.99 per month for the service, and you have to buy a special card for $350 that fits into your laptop. (It is basically a cell phone without the "phone" part.) Details are on the T-Mobile site here: http://www.t-mobile.com/plans/default.asp?tab=internet …

Did I Plagiarize?

Published on March 31, 2004

I use the Internet as well as books and magazines for my research. However, a publisher recently accused me of plagiarism. He pointed me to websites that contained information very similar to mine. Either my notes were too similar to the original articles, or maybe I retained too much of the research material in my memory before sitting down to write. I'm not sure if I plagiarized the works or not. Can you tell me what is and is not plagiarism? …

How to Obtain Items in the Public Record

Published on March 24, 2004

I want to learn more about what is "public record" so that I will have the confidence to walk into city hall or the court house and ask for records. Often times, small town folks who work in these offices don't even know what the law is and I find myself not educated enough on this matter to push the issue or know where exactly to look for information. I don't really want to take a law class. Surely there is some place the information is available for writers. …

Can You Quote Speeches?

Published on March 3, 2004

Thanks for the info on the songs. How about quotes from speeches? Does the same rule apply if I use a famous quote from a person who is still alive? Thank you. Karen You can quote people briefly (note how the newspapers quote speeches liberally). However, you may encounter trouble if you use someone's quotes to make a point in your article that is NOT about the speech itself. If you make it appear the person is somehow endorsing your ideas in your article, that could get you into trouble if they have not given their permission for you to use their words in that context. …

He’s Threatening to Sue Me, But I Told The Truth!

Published on February 25, 2004

I posted a complaint about a publisher on a website and it was all true. But, the publisher is now threatening to sue me for libel. I'm not willing to remove the story and offer a "public apology" as he demands. I was all true, but I'm still afraid. I can't afford a lawyer. What should I do? …

I Need to Hire a Marketing/PR Person…

Published on February 18, 2004

Dear Angela, I am in the process of getting my second book published. Nine publishing houses now have it in their hot hands. I am patiently awaiting responses. In the meantime I am looking to hire someone who is "genius" with on-line marketing. Can you lend your expertise to lead me in the right direction? Many blessings and thank you in advance. Maureen Moss Author of The Nature of Bliss: Balance, Love, Integrity, Sexuality, Soul http://www.TheNatureofBliss.com Please contact http://www.patronsaintpr.com. We know the owner, Steve O'Keefe, for years, and he's a super guy. …

Four Years to Publish a Book?!

Published on January 21, 2004

I signed a book contract in November of 2001. My book is still not out. Supposedly it's in cover design and I haven't seen it or seen blue lines. So I know we still have quite a ways to go. Also, and more concerning, is now that I understand publishing contracts more, I see there is no publication date listed on the contract. There is no clause that says when it will be published or how long before I can pull out because she does not publish it. It only indicates what will occur if it NEVER gets published. But there is alot of time between November 2001 and NEVER. Another writer with them says she's on four years. Customary and reasonable amounts of time listed in the Writers Digest says one to two years. What in the world can I do? SL Brown, MA One year is average; two years is pushing it. Three to four years? Holy cow! I'd be furious! Authors should always add a "publication date no later than xx, or rights revert back to author..." clause to their contracts. Otherwise, they may wait forever. You can try threatening the publisher with exposure about their horrible contract and slow operations if they don't return your rights. If other authors and agents knew it takes that long to publish with that firm, nobody would submit to them and the quality of their inventory would suffer greatly. They may even go out of business. Unfortunately, with no dates promised in the contract, you will probably need to hire an attorney to try to get out of the deal. Or, the publisher may be in financial trouble and may welcome an offer to terminate that contract. It can't hurt to ask. I'd really like to know the name of that publisher. We may already have complaints about them on file. …

Home Office Tax Issues

Published on January 14, 2004

I'm trying to make freelance writing a larger part of my income this year but my head is already spinning thinking about the tax issues having a part-time, at-home business will cause. Can you suggest a good book or website that can answer my questions (as to what's deductable as a business expense if you have a part-time business, what legally you have to do to establish yourself as a business, etc.)? …

Two Different Rates For The Same Words

Published on January 7, 2004

Two Different Rates For The Same Words

I have written for a national publication and was told by the senior editor that the pay per article was $50. I received that amount for my first article for them. I have two more deadlines to write for this magazine --two articles that I pitched. This magazine had a listing on another website and I contacted that person, who is the deputy editor, to inquire on what they were looking for and what they paid. She emailed me back saying they pay a flat rate of $350 for the same amount of words I am supposed to write for the next two articles. …

“Can My Family Sue Me?”

Published on December 30, 2003

I have a million story ideas, many of them based upon my own wonderful (and dysfunctional) family or my wonderful (and dysfunctional) friends and relationships. I am scared to use this material, as I suspect the origin of my ideas will be obvious. How do you use this incredibly valuable and fascinating material without offending everyone you love? …

Where can I find a good editor?; Should I pay an agent?; Selling essays now hurt future book?

Published on December 17, 2003

Where can I find an editor? I am currently writing a book and need to find someone to edit it. Do you have any suggestions? Please click above for a list of freelance editors we recommend. Should I pay an agent? Hi Angela, I have a question. A literary agent is interested in representing my books, but charges a fee. Is this a normal practice? They have a listing on editors and predators as a bad agency... Will selling my essays as a column hurt future book possibility? I hate to bug you like this, but you really are the only person in the world who seems to have answers to some of the thornier questions we blossoming freelancers sometimes face... …

Why Writers Should Charge Interest!

Published on December 10, 2003

Readers Respond to Jean Sorensen…

How to protect children’s privacy in stories

Published on November 19, 2003

How to protect children’s privacy in stories

I've enjoyed your magazine for the past couple of years, both informative and entertaining. I've seen the columns where you "give advice" and I could use a little help myself. I write fiction and my wife has just caught the "writing bug" and has decided to write about her adventures with our two kids and six foster kids. In this day and age, legalities abound, so can you tell me if we can we use the children's real names in her stories? …

Fast Article, No Specs / Get Rich Writing Schemes

Published on November 12, 2003

This week: Editor asks for a rush job, but fails to provide specs; Get rich quick copywriting schemes …

Becoming a Correspondent / Book Proposal Help

Published on November 5, 2003

~Becoming a "Correspondent"~ I've been a subscriber to your newsletter for quite some time. I was in California writing primarily for local/regional pubs, but we are now in Las Vegas, NV. I'm trying to get some work with local pubs, but the going is slow. I also have a 17 month old at home, so finding time to make contacts, put together clips, etc., is rather difficult. ~Book Proposal Help~ I've completed a Biography/Memoir and need to know is where (online, bookstore, library) I can find market statistics on the book sales of similar books and/or competitors? …

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Trivia Question!

WritersWeekly Trivia Question for 06/24/2022

June 24, 2022 7:02 pm

Per last week’s issue of WritersWeekly, when Angela found the unique carrot, what did she suggest to the pastor? ***Please answer the trivia question using our contact form HERE. Do not post your answer in the comments section below.  You must be a WritersWeekly.com subscriber to participate in the weekly contests. Subscribe today. It’s free! NOTE: ONLY ONE WINNER PER HOUSEHOLD PER CALENDAR QUARTER, PLEASE. THIS WEEK’S PRIZE: A free print or ebook of your choice from Booklocker.com!           Read more →

 

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How Many Copies Of Your Book Would You Have To Sell In Order To Break Even?




POD Secrets Revealed!

SELF-PUBLISHING IN 2021? – How Many Book Sales Needed to Recoup Your Investment?

UPDATED: 03/04/2021 EDITOR’S NOTE: Please also see the Self-Publishing Price Comparison HERE. Considering self-publishing? Are you wondering how many books you will need to sell to recoup your investment? LISTED IN ORDER …
Read More

POD SECRETS REVEALED: Book Contests for a Publisher’s Authors? Pppfffttt!!! By Angela Hoy

Playing on an author’s vanity is one of the most common marketing ploys used in the publishing services industry. From promises of wealth and fame to ridiculous “your book can …
Read More

POD SECRETS REVEALED: “Free Publishing Guides” Are Used To Harvest Your Email Address, Phone Number, And More!

When I see the words “free publishing guide,” I think somebody is going to send me a free ebook that is an actual, factual, non-biased guide about the publishing industry, …
Read More

RIDICULOUS RED TAPE!! When POD Publishers Charge WAY Too Much to Make Changes, and Take WAY Too Long to Make Them! by Angela Hoy

We often hear from authors who are upset with their current POD Publisher. One in particular is currently moving his AuthorHouse book to BookLocker, which is never a surprise. We …
Read More

POD SECRETS REVEALED! – “100% Royalties?!” Don’t Be Fooled! By Angela Hoy

What are royalties? According to the I.R.S.: “Royalties from copyrights on literary, musical, or artistic works, and similar property, or from patents on inventions, are amounts paid to you for …
Read More

P.O.D. SECRETS REVEALED: “Free” P.O.D. Services Can Be Very Expensive!

PRICES WERE UPDATED IN THIS ARTICLE ON 7/13/17 NOTE: BookLocker.com offers a D.I.Y. option that costs $78. That includes the cost of the print proof (the first printed, bound copy …
Read More

P.O.D. SECRETS REVEALED: Ridiculous Contract Clauses!

This week, we’re going to show you why reading contracts is imperative when considering a P.O.D. publisher. Did you know… 1. AUTHORHOUSE OWNS YOUR PRODUCTION FILES…AND SO DOES ALMOST EVERYBODY …
Read More

Paying Markets For Writers, Photographers, and Artists

NEED WRITERS, BLOGGERS, EDITORS, AUTHORS, OR OTHER CREATIVE FOLKS?? We’ll post your ad on WritersWeekly FOR FREE. Please complete THIS FORM.

  • “My designer wants to charge me all over again for work she already did because…”

    June 23, 2022 5:54 pm

    By: By Angela Hoy - Publisher of WritersWeekly.com

    No responses

    "Now I'm wondering why she didn't tell me that before the work was started, and finished!" Read more →

    Q –

    I found a book designer online, and paid her to do my cover and my manuscript. All the design is done and I’m now looking for a publisher. I just heard from my designer that she might need to re-do the files if my publisher’s specifications are different, and she’ll charge me to do that. Now I’m wondering why she didn’t tell me that before the work was started, and finished! How can I find a publisher whose specifications match my files as they are right now?

    S.A.


    A –

    Authors should never let anyone format/design their files until they know who the publisher will be. (And, most publishers offers those services anyway as part of their publishing packages.) Each publisher will have specs that must be followed.

    If your files aren’t designed to those specs, you’ll need to pay your designer all over again to re-do the work. Some designers actually scam authors in this way. They know the author doesn’t have a publisher or specs yet…but they convince the author to let them go ahead and do the work, knowing they’ll get paid double in the end.

    I do not recommend trying to hunt and peck around the Internet to find a publisher whose specs match your files. That would be a huge waste of time, and may even be an impossible task. It’s a better idea to simply let your publisher design your files.

    If a designer designs files without a printer’s specs, and then wants more money to re-do the work later, it’s possible that person purposely formatted those files at a size (or in a way) that no publisher would be able to work with.

    I previously wrote about this topic RIGHT HERE.

    You can find reputable cover design services HERE, and interior formatting/design services HERE.

    RELATED

    • Why Hiring a Book Cover Designer on One of Those Cheap Freelance Sites Can Be VERY Expensive!
    • “My designer created un-printable files, and wants to charge me to fix them!”
    • BookLocker’s Cover Designer Knocks It Out Of The Park Again!
    • “My cover designer refuses to use a photo I provided. Something about liability. But, I bought it and I want it on my book’s cover!”
    • Help! My Web Designer Registered My Domain Under HIS OWN Name!

    Read More "Ask The Expert" Articles

    Fall 2020 24 Hour Short Story Contest








    90+ DAYS OF PROMOTING YOUR BOOK ONLINE: Your Book's Daily Marketing Plan by Angela Hoy and Richard Hoy

    Promoting your book online should be considered at least a part-time job. Highly successful authors spend more time promoting a book than they do writing it - a lot more.

    We know what you're thinking. You're an author, not a marketer. Not to worry! We have more than a decade of successful online book selling experience under our belts and we're going to teach you how to promote your book effectively online...and almost all of our techniques are FREE!

    Online book promotion is not only simple but, if you have a step-by-step, day-to-day marketing plan (this book!), it can also be a very artistic endeavor, which makes it fun for creative folks like you!

    Yes, online book promoting can be EASY and FUN! Let us show you how, from Day 1 through Day 90...and beyond!

    7.625 STRATEGIES IN EVERY BEST-SELLER - Revised and Expanded Edition


    At this moment, thousands of would-be authors are slaving away on their keyboards, dreaming of literary success. But their efforts won’t count for much. Of all those manuscripts, trade book editors will sign up only a slim fraction.

    And of those titles--ones that that editors paid thousands of dollars to contract, print and publicize--an unhealthy percentage never sell enough copies to earn back their advances. Two years later, most will be out of print!

    Acquisition Editor Tam Mossman shares seven essentials every book needs to stay in print, and sell!



    Read more here:


    https://writersweekly.com/books/5635.html





    Categories: Ask The Expert

    Tags: author scams, Print on demand, self-publishing, writing career advice, writing scams

How Many Copies Of Your Book Would You Have To Sell In Order To Break Even?




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