Letters and Comments

When Weary Authors Say Their Book is “Good Enough”

Published on June 30, 2010

Angela, All I can say is "AMEN!" Maybe it's because I've been around for a l-o-n-g time, but like you I grow increasingly weary of lazy mistakes made by lazy/uneducated writers and so-called editors. Is it too much to ask for sentences that actually make sense? That aren't riddled with typos? It's sad to think that the public doesn't care anymore, and continues to consume the increasing amounts of cr** being offered. Freelancers will go on pumping out trash if that's what the publishers want. (I recall coming across an ad once on one of the freelance job boards in which the buyer wanted a large number of 500-word articles that "don't have to be good or even grammatically correct. They just have to be unique." I began looking at giving up the keyboard and becoming a greeter at WalMart.) As always, keep up the great work! Cordially, Jeff Adams Jeff Adams Copywriting Handcrafted in small batches to ensure freshness https://www.jeffcopy.com --- When I sent my electronic manuscript to (a very large POD publisher) they added errors to it but they were common typing errors. That is what I find that is erroneous with some editors that re-type the manuscript when they do not have to and like (that large POD publisher), add errors and delete sentences that were not deleted before just to get me to pay to have the book edited. What happened is that I was blamed for those errors afterwards by some that read some if it, but not all of it. A suggestion that helped me out nine years ago, which I follow completely now, is no matter what you write, even email, edit it. Those things that do not seem important will plague the rest of your writing. George Arnold Hall https://www.georgearnoldhall.ca twitter: @georgeahall Business: George Arnold Hall's Pen and Pencil Writer / Developer Works done or in Progress: Series: Immortals of Scar (more info at georgearnoldhall.ca) …

Dump That Content Mill and Get Your OWN Google Adsense Account!

Published on June 23, 2010

The headline "Dump That Content Mill" jolted me into reality. I've been writing for (a content mill). Recently received my first (payment) for $32 and change. My posts had been spotty all of those months (38 in 7 months), yet it's still surprising that it took so long to earn money. (The content mill) makes their (contractors) jump through all kinds of hoops. I was in denial about how foolish it was to work so hard for so little pay. I'm a freelancer who writes a column for a community newspaper. The paper can't afford to publish more often than every other week. I write one column that typically runs 600 words and earn $30. To compound the damage, I added the (content mill's) info to my LinkedIn and Facebook profiles. Additionally, I placed it on my resume. Thankfully, many of my friends and colleagues don't know about content mills but prospective employers might. Sorry this got so wordy but felt I had to share my experience. When I can afford cable Internet service, I plan to start a blog and use Google ads. -M …

Letters To The Editor For June 9th

Published on June 9, 2010

This week:

  • Term Paper Mill Scum
  • Content Mills
  • Our Survey
  • Should I Try to Land a Traditional Publishing Contract?
…

Putting a Copyright Infringer Out of Business

Published on June 2, 2010

Angela, I truly enjoy your website and especially enjoy learning about the copyright infringement articles. Can't believe that writers try to rip off other writers and are then cheeky enough to say because they didn't see the copyright means it doesn't exist! If you took her attitude, if you didn't see the license plate on her car, that means you would own it. Enjoy reading and learning how to protect myself (now have Google alerts per your info). Although it is difficult to see what hell other writers experience through copyright infringement, it does make good reading. You could sell e-popcorn. Thank you, thank you, thank you for going to bat for all writers, Angela. Carolee …

Letters To The Editor For May 26th

Published on May 26, 2010

This week:

  • One-Shot Book Marketing Does NOT WORK - But THIS DOES!
  • Readers Take Issue with Writer Who Worked Without Knowing Payment Terms
…

Trying to Scare Us Into Silence With a Cease and Desist? Pshaw!!!

Published on May 19, 2010

Hi Angela, First, many, many thanks for the amazing resource you provide through WritersWeekly.com and related services. Second, my kudos and thanks to you for shining light on, and not backing down from, organizations such as Shakespeare Squared. Without your site, I would have likely contacted them in response to any of their many ads for writers and may have well ended up on the long list of writers who remain unpaid, or who waited out months and months of frustration before getting paid. Again, thanks on behalf of all of us! Best regards, JS ---- Dear Angela, It has been many, many, many moons since I've actually written. I've been a subscriber, except for a year or so when I was moving around, since you were in Texas and before moving to Maine. It appears to me that you have taken WritersWeekly to new heights and it should be the benchmark for other writing magazines. But alas, instead of using you as an example, others try to imitate. Not a good thing in my book. I just wanted to say thank you and keep up the good work. John in Colorado …

Richard Goes to E.R. on Saturday, Has Surgery on Sunday

Published on May 12, 2010

Angela, I'm glad Richard is on the road to recovery. He'll find that using a walker will use muscles he didn't know he had. Your mentioning of a gurney brought to my mind a time when I had to have some serious surgery. A large assistant nurse was pulling me down the hall and singing an old gospel song, "Jesus, I'm Coming Home." I asked her to sing something else, please. She apologized profusely and told me not to take it as an omen. Everything turned out fine. It's a story I've told to many others and it usually gets a good laugh. Keep a stiff upper lip, girl. Stan ~~~~~ Wow! Ang, I learn so much from your narratives. I felt like I was there. You should take your material and create ANOTHER book for how mom's deal with emergencies at home! So many of the things you did were so important (like mentioning about his first experience with anesthesia so the nurse knew to double-monitor him later). Like anything else where humans are concerned, lack of communication is a frequent side-effect of dealing with emergencies and having a million things happening at once. We all want to believe that these professionals KNOW they should transfer all relevant details on to the "next dept.", but it doesn't always happen - and sometimes a concerned spouse or parent can make him/ herself a pain to the nurses and doctors, but better that than not having all the information available to caregivers who need it so the patient gets proper supervision! Good for you!! I've got you and Richard on my prayer list! Hugs, Marie Warm Fuzzies Hi Angela, I just wanted to let you know I read a lot, but the articles on WritersWeekly are by far the best. I mean that sincerely. I have gotten good ideas and they also give websites that are helpful. I wanted to say thank you for all the hard work you put into the newsletter. I know what it's like I had a Christian newsletter for five years and it is a lot of time and hard work. That's why I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you put into your newsletter, I have gotten so much help from your articles and the warnings and the markets. Thanks for giving us the best! ang dee …

Content Mill Complaints

Published on May 5, 2010

Hi Angela, I just signed up to write for (a content mill). I increased my writing skills over the past year and felt confident about working for them. I wrote one article. It was accepted the same day. Then I wrote another and was asked to rewrite. The whole article took me about three hours with research the first time. I rewrote it and sent it back. It was rejected, saying that my writing was not clear. I then wrote another one about the same time and it was also sent back for a rewrite and rejected after that. The only reason was that the steps I had listed were not good enough to help someone do what the title suggests. I then tried to log on today and see if my bio was published. I can't. It brings me to a page saying that my account is disabled. No notice at all. I sent a letter to the help desk asking why I could not log on. I read the terms of use and they are supposed to send a letter regarding termination unless they felt I violated certain policies. Well I don't know of any policies I've violated so I don't see what the problem is. Anyway, I really felt bad for myself regarding my writing after receiving the rejections and then not being able to log in. I write for several other sites and clients with no problem. I certainly agree with many of the statements published in your article from the writers and readers. I am moving on to continue with my writing and learning. Your article helped me feel better and realize that I can find other clients instead of messing with (a content mill) for little pay. G. ======= Hi Angela, I just wanted to thank you for reporting on what really goes on behind the doors of (a content mill). I have been writing for them since last July out of need for money, and am fully aware that the company is a scam and a rip-off. Sure, I am a little disgruntled at the moment as I did get put on probation without warning for writing titles that were similar in nature, but with completely different content. That said I had about $200 worth of work done prior to this probation that has now been published and they are refusing to pay me for it because of my status. Again, rip-off. So, thank you for calling them out. I do wish more people would. Best, P. …

WritersWeekly Invoices Competitor $38,250 for Copyright Infringement

Published on April 14, 2010

Angela, Bummer about Anne Wayman- but you are right to go after her this time. The old adage, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me," applies here, I believe. Kevin ~~~~~ Angela, Thank you for the information about the copyright infringement. I subscribe to Anne Wayman's site and receive those writing opportunities. I will be unsubscribing from her site immediately. I understand that my one subscription will not make a difference, but for me it is the principle of the matter. I hope others will take whatever stand they can about this issue and support our individual hard work and writing as writers. ~~~~~ Dear Angela, I am so sorry you had to write that article on copyright infringement. Oh boy, I can't even imagine the hurt and fury you are feeling right now, and you are completely entitled. Talk about egregious! What, she didn't learn her lesson eight years ago?! Please hang in there, I appreciate all your efforts. Regards, Nancy ~~~~~ Have you read what Anne Wayman posted to her homepage, annewayman.com? "Honesty - Whether it's honesty about her own abilities, the state of a project or an assessment of other's work, Anne knows that a gentle telling of the truth often works unexpected miracles." Ha ha ha! Scott …

Think Twice Before Giving Away Your Entire Book Online For Free

Published on March 31, 2010

Regarding your article, sorry to hear about the damage to your sweater. As a family man myself, I well appreciate the loss of a valued item of clothing. I do hate cliches, but you know writers. If the sweater is still intact and the tread marks are clearly visible, you could make some lemonade out of this sad incident with some creative embroidery. Here are a few suggestions... 'I'M GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO TEACH MY SON HOW TO DRIVE' 'SOMEONE STOLE MY SWEATER - I CAUGHT UP WITH HER' 'THIS SWEATER BELONGED TO MY EX-BOYFRIEND'S NEW GIRL' 'I NO LONGER TRUST MY SISTER' 'YOU SHOULD SEE THE OTHER GUY'S SWEATER' Just trying to help. Regards & Respects, Doug Nelson ~~~~~ Angela, Have been following your travels and found this "goodbye" for Max very touching. What a sweet boy you have there. This is a great issue. I was very interested in your article on giving away your work. I sooo agree with you. So many writers tell me they have put a chapter of their book on the Internet and I shudder. Or writers who have never been published, are putting a first book there, thinking it might grab the attention of an agent or publisher. Fat chance. I will refer these friends/acquaintances to your site and tell them to read this article--if they don't believe me when I tell them giving away their work is a bad idea. Keep up the great work. Barb Pink Poodle Pie (Other Tales of How Women Get Even) The Quilt Maker Growing up Barefoot in the South https://barbswritetree.blogspot.com ~~~~~ I would never give the books away and already know that if something is free it only attracts those that put money into the newspaper box and take two when they should only take one. There are a lot of cheap people in the world. Giving someone an excerpt does not guarantee that someone will even buy the book let a lone read the excerpt. I buy over 100 physical books every year but do not get around to reading half of them. Last year I read 43 books, but still that is 50 more on the shelf unread for the following years. George Arnold Hall Writer / Developer Series: Immortals of Scar …

Letters to the Editor For March 17th

Published on March 17, 2010

WHO'S SCAMMING GRANNY? Snakes That Prey on Elderly Authors Dear Ms. Hoy: Your article about shifty agents conning the elderly was very sad and informative. It almost happened to my mother years ago when she used to write a local interest column for our city newspaper. She was working on a New England novel concerning the Isles of Shoals when an 'agent' contacted her. (He had read her column and gushed about how much potential she had.) He said for a reasonable fee she could get pubished, become famous, and not have to depend on my deceased father's pension. Fortunately, my older brother got wind of this, became suspicious, tracked down the 'agent' in Worcester and discovered he had a 'rap' sheet' of related scams beforehand. My mother was embarrassed and disappointed, but relieved. I'm 61 myself, and I have learned to be cautious, and not quit my day job. Regards, Doug THE AMAZON SETTLEMENT Bravo! Congratulations on the settlement, Angela. You continually amaze and impress me with your committment to ethics, quality and doing the right thing even when it is far easier not to. Please know how much you are appreciated and admired. My Best, Debra Sanders https://www.debrasanders.com …

Throwing Away Your Money on Review Copies?

Published on March 10, 2010

Your article on review copies is right on. I am an author, but have also run a review site (often with up to four reviewers working), and have done so for ten years. We have strict guidelines of what does and doesn't get reviewed at AUTHOR'S CHOICE REVIEWS. Always check out the web site. Make sure it is legit, and follow the guidelines for submission. Too many authors waste my time and theirs on books that do not "fit" our guidelines. I wrote my own article about this: https://www.associatedcontent.com/article/908841/how_to_get_a_book_reviewed.html?cat=35 Your article will save authors time, energy and $$, and save reviewers like me from frustration. I certainly do not like to see authors wasting their money. Thanks. Carolyn R. Scheidies History, Mystery, Romance...and Hope I DEAL IN HOPE https://IDealinHope.com AUTHOR'S CHOICE REVIEWS https://IDealinHope.com/bookreviews BLOG https://IDealinHope.com/blog 12 STEPS TO BECOMING AN AUTHOR https://BeAnAuthorToday.com ---- Angela - Thank you for (again!) your invaluable advice, this time on the best way to send out review copies to book reviewers. I gain so much vital information from your eNewsletter -- thank you for all you do! Very best, Caroline …

Laying The Groundwork With A Self-Published Book

Published on February 17, 2010

Dear Angela and Richard, I want let you know that last year I received a traditional publishing contract for my new release, Troubled Childhood, Triumphant Life, to be released on March 1st. As you may recall, I wrote a self-published work entitled, Stepping Out of the Bubble through Booklocker.com. Both you and Richard were excellent in helping me with the manuscript, completed book and marketing tips. This has been an interesting journey with a traditional publisher, but I am excited with the product and the way that New Horizon Press has dealt with me. By the way, I had many offers from companies that turned out to be scam artists. You had prepared me for this possiblility. Thanks for laying the groundwork for my writing career! Be well, James P. Krehbiel Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy …

What Publishers Want

Published on February 10, 2010

I agree with the author of that article. Many times I have had no idea what genre my writing falls under, and have been thinking that I write more along the lines of Soft Sci-fi as opposed to the earlier thought of fantasy / sci-fi. It won't fit in pure fantasy nor pure hard sci-fi. When I sent a submission to TOR fantasy eight or nine years ago, the return letter read, "We feel it is not right for us at this time". Even today I still do not really know what they meant. But I had sent it through their fantasy department and, considering what I think of my writing now, it was a genre clash that was the problem. George Hall …

Writer Does the Right Thing; Stops Work on Unpaid Project

Published on February 3, 2010

Angela, I'd like to thank you for being a good person and reasonable businesswoman. Even when I don't have time to read your newsletter, just seeing it in my mailbox makes me feel better by reminding me that there are nice people in the world. I'm writing the content of a website for a guy who has told me twice now that the check is in the mail. Can you believe he was surprised when I told him I was suspending work on his project until I received my check? In what Universe would a writer continue to send him material? Thank you for letting me share. M. …

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