Letters and Comments

Letters To The Editor For February 23rd

February 23, 2011

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COMMIT RANDOM ACTS OF WRITING

Dear Angela,

I’m doing some catch up tonight on my emails from WritersWeekly, and read Susan Sundwall’s article from February 2nd – Commit Random Acts of Writing. I wanted to say I just loved it!

-Traci McGowan
Royal Oak, MI

PAPER TRIED TO SELL ME A BOOK REVIEW!

I contacted a small throw-away free paper in my local area about my newest book. The paper tried to sell me an ad. With the price of the ad, comes a review so in essence they are actually “selling a book review.” Here’s the paper’s official wording:

“The rates for a business card sized ad – 4 inches wide x 2 inches tall is $150.00. It includes a 250 word book review with a photo and photo caption.”

I didn’t say thank you but I said NO thank you.

Even if I had the money I wouldn’t do it because of the book review coming with the price of the ad so, in essence, when you buy the ad you are also buying a book review, which as you say is not good. So I passed on it.

It is really funny since she also sent testimonials (like I’ve never read it before–it’s brought to our building and you can pick it at various places in the city) the information about the ad, etc. One of the testimonials is from Linda Blair. Somehow that doesn’t exactly move me too much. When she responded to me she actually “oversold” how wonderful the paper is.

I just thought I’d give you a good laugh.

E.

USING THE IRS TO COLLECT FROM DEADBEAT PUBLISHERS

Dear Angela,

I contacted a tax professional/friend of mine regarding the letter from Anonymous (Letters To The Editor For February 23rd). The information he/she shared about the IRS form called 1099-C Cancellation Debt is in fact true. However, there is no guarantee filing the form will sway the other party to reach for their checkbook to make amends and the process can be just as lengthy as running down a deadbeat publisher for payment. For the patient writer, 1099-C could prove to be worthy move but it could be a bit tricky. It would be wise to check the IRS website for detailed information on filing the form. Instructions can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1099ac.pdf. A consultation with a tax professional is also highly recommended.

Enjoy your day,
-Traci