Letters and Comments

Comments From Recent 24-Hour Short Story Contest Participants!

Published on September 17, 2014

Comments From Recent 24-Hour Short Story Contest Participants!

Thanks for the contest!! I will totally enjoy the book I won, BOOK PROPOSALS THAT WORKED! Real Book Proposals That Landed $10K - $100K Publishing Contracts. Alvena ~~~ I'd like to enter my daughter in the 24-hour contest. Can I do that? EDITOR'S RESPONSE: If you want to enter your minor child in the contest, you will need to do so under your name. We can only work with the parents or guardians of children. ~~~ Hi, Thanks for putting on the contest. They are always fun to write. I would like the Query Letters That Worked book. Thanks, Shelby ~~~ Hi Angela! Thanks so much! I'm thrilled and honored my story, "Stash," received an Honorable Mention in the Summer 2014 24-Hour Short Story Contest. I used the link in the previous email to request my ebook prize, but just wanted to send you another "thank you" email as well. Hope you're having a wonderful week! Thanks again! All my best, Cristine ~~~ Angela, Had a great time in the 24-hour short story contest. Looking forward to the next one. For my honorable mention prize, I would like to claim - "New Writer's Guide to Just About Everything" by Sherry Ramsey. Thanks again, Richard ~~~ I saw my name on the grab bag list for the summer contest. I'd like to get the ebook "A to Z on How to Write Science Fiction: a Study and Reference Guide" by Phil Lewis. Enjoyed the contest and looking forward to the next. Jess ~~~ Angela, Thanks again for an awesome contest! Even though I didn't win (one of the top 3 prizes), that doesn't mean I'm not going to try just as hard in the fall! For my price, I'd like to request The Easy Way to Write and Sell Ebooks by Kristina Seleshanko. Best, Devon ~~~ YEAH! I WON something! I won a grab bag prize and I would like mine to be The Complete Guide to Writing and Selling Magazine Articles. I was shocked to see my name. Thank you very much. Gwen ~~~ ABOUT THE QUARTERLY ONTEST 1st prize: $300 2nd prize: $250 3rd prize: $200 + 85 other prizes! Read more HERE. …

A Creative Idea For A Contest Involving Your Book’s Readers!

Published on September 10, 2014

Hi Ang, Here is an idea to pass along to my fellow BookLocker and Abuzz Press authors: I held a drawing at my most recent book signing and the winner will get a minor character and a cameo appearance in the next Reporter novel in the series. The winner told me, "Make me young, thin, and pretty...and give me big boobs." Heh. Furthermore, as a special bonus I also had the teaser to Book 2 on hand for attendees to read as a thank you for their attendance and loyalty. Cheers and hugs! Peter J. Gallanis Reporter: Part I - Rise and Fall https://www.amazon.com/Peter-J.-Gallanis/e/B00LB9NCPE/ …

Bigots Need Not Apply! 9 Offensive Ways To Lose A Publishing Contract

Published on August 20, 2014

Regarding the article, Bigots Need Not Apply! 9 Offensive Ways To Lose A Publishing Contract, I can't believe anyone would be so basically stupid, show such sheer ignorance, and act that unprofessional when contacting a publisher. The statements featured in that article sounded utterly surreal to me. How do these people function when they have to shop at a grocery store? Do they treat every business with this mentality? W. Jones …

Bigots Need Not Apply! 9 Offensive Ways To Lose A Publishing Contract

Published on August 13, 2014

Angela, I hope this doesn't put me in the "thank goodness I'm not like these" category, but I found myself laughing out loud at the bizarre requests you've received (quoted in WritersWeekly). My favorite was wanting your personal cell-phone number in order to call you 24/7. Now why didn't *I* think of that? Sure you won't reconsider? Just for me? ;-D Blessings as always -- and THANKS for all your hard work! Margaret …

Thank You!

Published on August 6, 2014

You have a refreshing writing style. Thank you for what you do! Arlene A. …

Sent By Mail, On A Real Card! This Made Our Day!

Published on July 30, 2014

Sent By Mail, On A Real Card! This Made Our Day!

Angela Hoy, I thought I'd write a quick note to tell you how much I appreciate WritersWeekly.com, especially the 24-hour contests. As a freelance writer, I look forward to those contest days when I can just focus on a fresh fiction idea. All the best to you! Meredith M. …

Authors – Avoid Being Victimized by Bookstores

Published on July 23, 2014

Authors – Avoid Being Victimized by Bookstores

Hi Angela- Re: The item concerning marketing to bookstores in which you state: "I recommend selling a few copies to a bookstore on consignment instead. I must warn you to not sell them more than a handful at a time because chances are most will be returned. One author reported a bookstore telling her all copies of her books were stolen. (They never paid her and I, of course, didn't believe the bookstore was telling the truth.)" I urge that authors selling to book stores: 1. Get paid up-front. 2. Give them written notice, with a copy duly endorsed by the store for the author's files, that the Author will refund the price of any unsold copies returned in salable condition as determined by the author via prepaid shipment. Some 10 years ago, my co-author and I provided some copies of one of his books on consignment to one small bookstore and one distributor. He has yet to receive payment or returned copies from the bookstore. As to the distributor, another bookstore had recommended it to Eric and, when he mentioned he had difficulty collected the amount due despite repeated assurances to the contrary, the bookstore owner paid the invoice amount and told Eric no problem, she would deducted the amount from the next invoice she received from the distributor. It would not complain because she was a good customer. After that, it was prepay only. Harvey Randall, Author A Reasonable Disciplinary Penalty Under the Circumstances Layoff, Preferred Lists and Reinstatement (2014 Edition) The Discipline Book (2014 Edition) The General Municipal Law Section 207-a and 207-c Case Book …

Can’t Afford An Editor? Try These Four Fun Steps For a Much Cleaner Manuscript!

Published on July 16, 2014

Angela, Thank you so much for your article on editing our manuscripts. It always amazes me how information shows up when I need it. I have been working with content editors, and cleaning things up. But, I wanted a copy editor to do a final edit and I am waiting for one final estimate. But, I really don't think I will have the funds. I appreciate the information on Natural Reader, which I can afford! Have a nice day, Robin …

Another Writer Says No To Reading Fees!

Published on July 9, 2014

I totally support your blacklisting of journals that charge reading fees. I have never sent any of my work to such journals. Neither do I charge writers any money to send their work to Verse-Virtual. It's really outrageous that publishers of LITERARY journals can be so petty. One would think they'd be above that kind of behavior. And, I don't believe all that nonsense about how they can't handle so many submissions and that's why they charge fees. They should be grateful for submissions! Instead, they resent them. What? Thank you for standing up to these greedy magazines. Thank you for supporting writers. --Firestone Feinberg https://www.verse-virtual.com …

Great Timing! Getting And Giving A Second Chance

Published on June 18, 2014

Your article on selling coursework absolutely fit in with conversation I had one weekend when my English teacher grandson visited me with his wife and my second great grandchild... …

Top 10 Mistakes New Authors Make When Contacting Libraries

Published on June 11, 2014

Top 10 Mistakes New Authors Make When Contacting Libraries

I just finished reading your article on the mistakes authors make trying to get their books into libraries. I thought all of the points were spot on. I would like to add that many libraries are always interested in hearing from local authors. In fact, my hometown library has a special collection devoted to this very thing. They try to make an effort to purchase titles by local authors or, in some cases, the authors themselves donate copies. Either way, authors should try to reach out to their local library (if they haven't already), or even libraries in their region or home state. Another idea is to perhaps offer to do a book talk at the library. In this case, you may be able to sell your book on site (depending on the library policy) or the library may wish to purchase copies in order to support your presentation. I think the opportunities are there for authors, especially since more and more authors are going the self-publishing route. The relationship does not necessarily have to be antagonistic on either end. -a librarian RELATED: Top 10 Mistakes New Authors Make When Contacting Libraries How to Market Your Book to Libraries What Has Your Library Done for You Lately? Library "Gifts" And Copyright Harvesting - AUTHOR BEWARE Whoo-Whee! Now, That's One Snotty Librarian! …

WritersWeekly has Blacklisted Another Publication That Charges Reading Fees

Published on May 7, 2014

Hi, Angela, In light of your article about literary magazines charging reading fees, I'd like to mention that the "New Ohio Review," which is featured in this week's Paying Markets, charges a $3 reading fee: https://www.ohio.edu/nor/submit.htm "As of January 24, 2014, New Ohio Review will require a $3 reading fee for online submissions. This regrettable charge has become necessary due partly to rising printing costs and, more significantly, to the recent inundation of online submissions overwhelming our small staff, whose editors continue to consider every submission with care and respect. We are happy to waive online submission charges for our subscribers; and paper submissions are not subject to any fee. Thank you for your loyalty and understanding in these cyber-trying times." Robin FROM THE PUBLISHER Thanks so much, Robin! We have blacklisted them as well. Angela …

WritersWeekly Has Blacklisted Gulf Coast: A Journal Of Literature And Fine Arts

Published on April 30, 2014

Angela, Let me first say, I am not an editor. I know a lot of people are against the idea of Lit. Journals charging reading fees. I get it. However the reason so many print journals and magazines need to charge a small fee is because so few people actually buy journals or subscribe to them. (I have been guilty of this myself.) Everyone wants to see their work in print, but many people don't financially support those very same journals. I know Gulf Coast comes out of a big university, but we still need to actually buy the journals and support our fellow artists. Blacklisting is a bit harsh. $2.00 is a modest fee and Gulf Coast is a top journal that most of us would love to be in. Marguerite THE PUBLISHER RESPONDS: If a publication can only exist charging money to those who are working for the publication (writers are, on a contract level), they are not self-sufficient, and should not be in business. In my opinion, what they're doing is really nothing more than hosting a contest. Writers pay money for an opportunity to be published and a few lucky souls win, get published, and get some money back. The rest are out of luck. This is a horrible way to do business. In addition, when they completed our form to be featured on WritersWeekly, they didn't mention a reading fee at all. Again, in my opinion, that was just plain wrong. The blacklisting was well-deserved. …

BookLocker Has Been the Best!!

Published on April 23, 2014

They are professional, attentive and simply superb to deal with. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful the staff are at BookLocker. A special shout out to Angela whose patience and guidance have been exemplary!! Publishing a book is no easy feat but the professionals at BookLocker made the journey so easy and stress free that we endorse them without hesitation. Thank you BookLocker and please know that your attention to detail is very much appreciated by me and the four Doctors of the Caribbean! Chuck Furey, Editor In the Jungle of Medicine: Journeys Through Caribbean Medical School https://booklocker.com/books/7383.html …

WritersWeekly Has Blacklisted Gulf Coast: A Journal of Literature and Fine Arts

Published on April 16, 2014

I'm sure others might've mentioned it but it's ironic ">that you advise not to pay a 'reading fee' - and lo and behold, the first market in your recent newsletter (Gulf Coast) - no mention in the (long) guidelines but click to the webpage - and they charge a $2 reading fee. Christine FROM THE PUBLISHER: Thank you, Christine! Below is a copy of the email we just sent to Gulf Coast:

This email is to inform you that you have been blacklisted by WritersWeekly.com for charging writers a reading fee.

If you can't support your publication with dollars other than those coming from writers' pockets, you should not be in business. Don't expect writers to contribute to your hobby.

 …

More Warm Fuzzies!

Published on April 9, 2014

I sure appreciate all your excellent help with publishing my book! You are so kind, considerate, quick and thorough! Gratefully, Elizabeth Smith Twin Strokes …

Should You Pay To Have Someone Give Feedback On Your Manuscript?

Published on April 2, 2014

I used four BETA readers for my new novel, choosing two writers and two book club members. All are voracious readers and know me, and they don't pull punches. From all of them I got different, but equally insightful comments. I paid them with thanks in person and sent Thank You notes after the revise expressing my gratitude for the individual's unique contribution. Each also will be mentioned in the Acknowledgements. I am wary of paying BETA readers, and would not use one unless recommended by a trusted writer friend. Sarah Bates https://www.sarahbatesauthor.com TWITTER: @Bateswriter …

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