New online literary mag is open for submissions … and getting ready to launch on January 15th! Read on for more details …
Category: Writing Resources
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Although I’m far from ready to have a beta reader (much less than editor) read my WIP, I am very glad I came upon this post on editing and pricing from The Sarcastic Muse. [Note to self: Add to Evernote for future reference.]
I was chatting with my cousin a few weeks ago about freelance work. He used to work as a graphic designer—doing logos and such—and so he knows how difficult it can be to find work or, at the very least, to find people willing to pay for good work. Business owners would ask to have a professional logo made for next to nothing. And I thought: If that’s all the money they were willing to put into their business, then what does that tell me they think their company is worth?
The same issue occurs in the editing world, too. While many writers do understand that quality editing takes time and doesn’t come cheap, others seem to underestimate just what exactly editing entails—and what exactly they’re paying for.
I understand why writers may wish to find cheaper editing options—monetary issues or otherwise—but as with any business (and publishing novels is…
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The Paperbook Collective is back and Hallelujah to that 🙂
I don’t even know how to begin this post…
The last time I typed words into this blog was one day before my birthday, all the way back in April.
Two days later, I ended my four and a half year relationship, and all the words disappeared.
It has taken me close to seven months to actually open up WordPress again, but here I am. About a month ago I dug out my battered original copies of The Paperbook Collective, and started again. I hadn’t actually realised how much I missed it, and how happy it made me feel. My life is now filled with work and events and committees and obligations, but I am determined to make time for The Paperbook Collective once again.
So I have been working hard, and Issue Seven is now officially a zine!
If you had ordered a copy of Issue Seven before I…
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Lessons learned from working with iUniverse.
Before we get into the nitty gritty details of this topic, let’s begin with establishing what exactly iUniverse is, and what makes it different from traditional publishing and self-publishing. In a nutshell, there are three types of publishing:
So there’s the breakdown. iUniverse is an assisted/vanity publisher, meaning you pay them money and they publish your book for you. Assisted/vanity publishers have a God-awful reputation amongst self-published authors, due to their tendency to squeeze authors for every penny they have. There have also been all sorts of lawsuits filed over missed/inaccurate royalty payments, publishing books without the author’s permission, etc. On the other hand, many authors have gone with assisted/vanity publishers and been perfectly satisfied.
So … iUniverse — Yea or Nay?
The Good
- The friendliness. Every employee I have ever spoken to at iUniverse has been incredibly polite, friendly, and eager to assist me in any way they can…
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Great advice on how to effectively use Kickstarter to fund your self-published book!
When you first begin anything, there is cause to be frightened of the unknown. Searching out unfamiliar territory and trying to get everything you need lined out for a new book project is no exception. Usually, if a door closes a window will open. Harry Steinman is here to give you some ideas about how to bypass the window and the door and knock out a wall instead. Need funding to get that book going? Here are some ideas.
The Kindness of Strangers:
How To Fund a Self-Published Novel With Kickstarter
By Harry Steinman, a One-Hit Wonder
Like it or lump it: self-publishing costs money. Every element of your book must be excellent. You must spend your hard-earned shekels or your book will look amateurish.
Good things are rarely cheap, and cheap things are rarely good. Don’t skimp on buying the expertise you need, and don’t publish unless your writing…
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Book Advertising Sites. Check out this list of sites to advertise your books, with commentary from Charles E Yallowitz. Definitely bookmark-worthy!
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What is success? Number of sales, size of royalties, the mere act of writing?
So, I’ve gotten into a few ‘debates’ with people on this side of the computer. This ‘debate’ is about what constitutes success for a self-published author. Back in the day, you were successful when you got a contract and got your first royalty check. That doesn’t seem to be the case any more.
I remember reading that 500 eBooks being sold is the sign of a moderate success. I still don’t know if this is true. This is only the sales level. It doesn’t mention anything about royalties. Supposedly, there is a difference between 500 eBooks at .99 cents and 500 eBooks at $2.99. The later is a sign of more success than the former.
What am I getting at here? Every person is going to look at an indie author’s progress differently. Some will look at amount of sales, others at amount of reviews, others at royalties, and any…
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Lea is wondering whether any one out there can recommend editing software. Now I’m interested too. I wouldn’t expect any software to take the place of a professional (and warm-blooded) editor. However, software might help with making my copy as “clean” as possible before it goes to the editor. Y’all have any thoughts on this?
I have been researching Manuscript Editing Software for the last few hours. So far I have found some interesting things! I even tested one out a little bit. I honestly think this might be helpful for me at the moment. Even if all the program ends up helping me with is pointing out certain words and phrases I use way too often.
I have been looking closely at this one and think I may go with it: http://prowritingaid.com/
I do know that this is no replacement for a real, professional Editor. But until the day I can afford one, I might as well do everything I can to edit my work. For now it shall be beta readers and Editing Software and whatever else I can find.
Have you ever tried Editing Software? What do you think of it?