Sunday, January 20, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Traditional publisher versus POD publisher...
Lets talk about Traditional Publishing and Paid on Demand Publisher.
The pros to Traditional Publishing
You don't have to pay
Marketing is taken care of for you
Editing/covers taken care
Distribution is taken care
Now, that sounds great. (and, it is) How much of a say do you have in your book? Are you guaranteed results? Are you guaranteed, anything? Who holds the rights to you work and for how long?
Now, there are a lot of plus sides to Traditional. Remember this though, even publishers don't know what they're looking for. You could have the next big ticket and they'll overlook you. So, what? You wrote for the love, not for the monies.
I tried traditional publishing. Or, so they said they were. I paid for everything, I went broke and I handed them a finished project to where they had to market. They didn't market.
Hint/Tip - You're not the only author they're working with.
The problems I had with my traditional publisher. They didn't market. Marketing is not that hard. (Well, it is if you don't know where to start) I hate marketing. I know what works and what doesn't. Why aren't my sales better? Simple. I don't care. I wrote for fun, not for the monies. If my books will do well, they'll do well. Look at the other books that became well known. (Plus, I'm new.) We all have to start out somewhere.
If you're working with an already established publisher, many problems I'll be addressing may not be there. Lets face it, everyone wants to get rich quick. The quicker it comes, the quicker it leaves. There are a lot of fly by night publishing houses popping up. Some are legit. Some not so much.
I'll leave a name out at the moment. Do your research. Inquire authors and see if they like them. Look at their sales. If they're not selling, do you honestly think the publishing house is going to work on selling your work? I write different forms of genre. I thought I lucked out and got a house that accepted all. I was wrong. What I got was a pain in the ass.
If a publishing house refuses to let you talk to other authors, stay clear.
If a publishing house refuses to let you talk to the editor, stay clear.
If a publishing house refuses to pay for anything (covers/editing), yeah, stay clear. And don't buy the excuse that you can always put out a second edition. Why should you pay more monies and work twice as hard to put out a second edition when you can be working on more work?
If a publishing house makes you work to find your own connections - question now, why do you need them?
The average pay for royalties is 30%-50%. 30% or less is one I would stay clear of. They're just looking for easy money. That's only my opinion.
Your work is yours. Most likely, you're only giving them first exclusive rights to print your work. They are investing the time and money. (Or, should be) Give them some leeway. They know what sells and what doesn't. (They should if they're reputable.) Yes, I worked with a "traditional publisher" but, I don't think they were that traditional since I had to pay for everything myself.
POD Paid on Demand.
We all know who they are. They're the ones that want money upfront to do something you can do for a fraction of the cost. They want money to market and make stupid promises. Think about it, the ones that immediately come to mind, why are there more bad reviews than positive?
They sell your book for 2x more than the average book. Oh yeah, more royalties. Woohoo! NOT! The sales aren't there because no one is willing to pay $20 for a 250 page book. That was back in the day. That $250 page book costs $4 to make. Yeah, I know right? And they're only getting $5 royalty. So where's the other $11 going? Umm, the POD's pocket. It doesn't cost/take that much time to do what they do. They're the middle man. They sit there and "list/monitor/distribute monies" to you. Oh, wow.
My freelancer is one price and that's it. (We'll talk about freelancers later on)
POD's also claim to "create a cover". Yeah, they create one for FREE off createspace. The same thing you can do. Blah! Move on and stay clear. They want thousands to help you market. First, yes it does take thousands, but not for what they offer.
Oh, FYI - even traditional publishers use POD services to print your book. You think they have a warehouse full of your books? Nope. Why do you think you see it on Amazon and the other sites? Now, if you see it in stores, that's something different.
I'm not all too familiar since I really haven't done research. But, you have to pay for your books upfront. Pay to ship them to the distributing warehouse, pay for shelf space, and if they don't sell, pay to have them shipped back. (I'll be doing more research later on and see if this is accurate)
If you're like me, you want the physical book and not ebook. (No offense towards that who do ebooks) I can see why, but I like to see a library and walk by the books. Gives me more motivation to read one. Also, if someone is over at their house, they browse what books interest them. If it's in your Nook or Kindle, they don't even know how many books you have. Another free marketing technique. (We'll talk marketing later on)
So why do they charge so much if it's that easy?
It is easy, but it's also time consuming as shit, and they're "professionals" so they can get in and out. I spent six months researching on how to properly format an ebook. (Formatting a paperback was easy) Ebooks, ugh! W.L. Sevol came to me and asked me to help. I said okay. We're in the process of a quick easy way to format your book, yourself.
Even though createspace isn't a "POD" it is. If you read the royalty differences you are paying, just not up front. Everyone's gotta make their money somehow.
So, which one do you go with?
It all depends on what you're trying to achieve.
Well, if you can find write a nice query letter and have a publisher listen to you, I would go that route.
If you want to throw your book out there and hope for the best and have the final control, createspace through amazon will do the trick.
If you're hoping for fame and fortune, then traditional publisher has more connections.
Again, after the last publisher I worked with, I do everything myself. I may consider a reputable one down the line to submit a query, but right now, in my life, I'm content on where I'm at.
The pros to Traditional Publishing
You don't have to pay
Marketing is taken care of for you
Editing/covers taken care
Distribution is taken care
Now, that sounds great. (and, it is) How much of a say do you have in your book? Are you guaranteed results? Are you guaranteed, anything? Who holds the rights to you work and for how long?
Now, there are a lot of plus sides to Traditional. Remember this though, even publishers don't know what they're looking for. You could have the next big ticket and they'll overlook you. So, what? You wrote for the love, not for the monies.
I tried traditional publishing. Or, so they said they were. I paid for everything, I went broke and I handed them a finished project to where they had to market. They didn't market.
Hint/Tip - You're not the only author they're working with.
The problems I had with my traditional publisher. They didn't market. Marketing is not that hard. (Well, it is if you don't know where to start) I hate marketing. I know what works and what doesn't. Why aren't my sales better? Simple. I don't care. I wrote for fun, not for the monies. If my books will do well, they'll do well. Look at the other books that became well known. (Plus, I'm new.) We all have to start out somewhere.
If you're working with an already established publisher, many problems I'll be addressing may not be there. Lets face it, everyone wants to get rich quick. The quicker it comes, the quicker it leaves. There are a lot of fly by night publishing houses popping up. Some are legit. Some not so much.
I'll leave a name out at the moment. Do your research. Inquire authors and see if they like them. Look at their sales. If they're not selling, do you honestly think the publishing house is going to work on selling your work? I write different forms of genre. I thought I lucked out and got a house that accepted all. I was wrong. What I got was a pain in the ass.
If a publishing house refuses to let you talk to other authors, stay clear.
If a publishing house refuses to let you talk to the editor, stay clear.
If a publishing house refuses to pay for anything (covers/editing), yeah, stay clear. And don't buy the excuse that you can always put out a second edition. Why should you pay more monies and work twice as hard to put out a second edition when you can be working on more work?
If a publishing house makes you work to find your own connections - question now, why do you need them?
The average pay for royalties is 30%-50%. 30% or less is one I would stay clear of. They're just looking for easy money. That's only my opinion.
Your work is yours. Most likely, you're only giving them first exclusive rights to print your work. They are investing the time and money. (Or, should be) Give them some leeway. They know what sells and what doesn't. (They should if they're reputable.) Yes, I worked with a "traditional publisher" but, I don't think they were that traditional since I had to pay for everything myself.
POD Paid on Demand.
We all know who they are. They're the ones that want money upfront to do something you can do for a fraction of the cost. They want money to market and make stupid promises. Think about it, the ones that immediately come to mind, why are there more bad reviews than positive?
They sell your book for 2x more than the average book. Oh yeah, more royalties. Woohoo! NOT! The sales aren't there because no one is willing to pay $20 for a 250 page book. That was back in the day. That $250 page book costs $4 to make. Yeah, I know right? And they're only getting $5 royalty. So where's the other $11 going? Umm, the POD's pocket. It doesn't cost/take that much time to do what they do. They're the middle man. They sit there and "list/monitor/distribute monies" to you. Oh, wow.
My freelancer is one price and that's it. (We'll talk about freelancers later on)
POD's also claim to "create a cover". Yeah, they create one for FREE off createspace. The same thing you can do. Blah! Move on and stay clear. They want thousands to help you market. First, yes it does take thousands, but not for what they offer.
Oh, FYI - even traditional publishers use POD services to print your book. You think they have a warehouse full of your books? Nope. Why do you think you see it on Amazon and the other sites? Now, if you see it in stores, that's something different.
I'm not all too familiar since I really haven't done research. But, you have to pay for your books upfront. Pay to ship them to the distributing warehouse, pay for shelf space, and if they don't sell, pay to have them shipped back. (I'll be doing more research later on and see if this is accurate)
If you're like me, you want the physical book and not ebook. (No offense towards that who do ebooks) I can see why, but I like to see a library and walk by the books. Gives me more motivation to read one. Also, if someone is over at their house, they browse what books interest them. If it's in your Nook or Kindle, they don't even know how many books you have. Another free marketing technique. (We'll talk marketing later on)
So why do they charge so much if it's that easy?
It is easy, but it's also time consuming as shit, and they're "professionals" so they can get in and out. I spent six months researching on how to properly format an ebook. (Formatting a paperback was easy) Ebooks, ugh! W.L. Sevol came to me and asked me to help. I said okay. We're in the process of a quick easy way to format your book, yourself.
Even though createspace isn't a "POD" it is. If you read the royalty differences you are paying, just not up front. Everyone's gotta make their money somehow.
So, which one do you go with?
It all depends on what you're trying to achieve.
Well, if you can find write a nice query letter and have a publisher listen to you, I would go that route.
If you want to throw your book out there and hope for the best and have the final control, createspace through amazon will do the trick.
If you're hoping for fame and fortune, then traditional publisher has more connections.
Again, after the last publisher I worked with, I do everything myself. I may consider a reputable one down the line to submit a query, but right now, in my life, I'm content on where I'm at.
Formatting
What troubles do you have with formatting your own book?
Do you format only as an ebook or both? (ebook and physical?)
Do you format only as an ebook or both? (ebook and physical?)
Thursday, January 17, 2013
January's Featured Authors
Please Welcome
Tony G. Marshall
W.L. Sevol
and of course, me, Lilibeth Muscato
Each month I'll be featuring two to four authors. (It may go to once a week per author, but for right now, I'm doing them all in one blog. Go ahead and visit/like their pages. (I know they'll appreciate it)
Our FIRST author of the year 2013... please welcome...
Name - Tony G. Marshall - writer for eBooks Open and its developing ebook serial, "Harmony's Voice."
Genres - Crime, Thriller, Music with a little Romance (Also like to read a little Sci-Fi)
Background -
Writer, Blogger, and Book Collaborator. Over 25 years in the entertainment industry - a former Host and Compere and professional Voice Actor/scriptwriter within independent radio drama.
What gets you in the mood to write? Music and its people inspires me to write.
What inspired you to write? I was originally more of an illustrator to begin with, and then one day I wrote a poem about a certain time in my life set to music, and discovered I liked the images that my words and the music evoked.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical books? I like to experience the reading of both worlds. (Digital and physical)
Harmony's Voice Blog Network
Harmony's Voice on Facebook
Twitter
eBooks Open's 'The Blog'
eBooks Open on Facebook
Our SECOND author of the year 2013... please welcome...
Name - W. L. Sevol
Genres - True fiction
Background -
I haven't been writing for as long as other writers. I'll get a story stuck in my head of something that's happened and have to write it.
What gets you in the mood to write? Life in general
What inspired you to write? I don't know. Started a short story and it went from there.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical books? I'm old school So, physical books.
Sorry I'm not up to date with all the social media network sites.
Facebook Like Page
Our THIRD author of the year 2013... please welcome...
Name - Lilibeth Muscato
Genres - Young adult, paranormal romance, fiction
Background -
I wrote when I was young. I was told not to quit my day job. So, I didn't. It wasn't until my second marriage I decided to try something 'new'. I decided to write about my experiences through life. Granted there is fiction thrown into each one of my stories. However, each story there is a told truth behind the words. It's up to you to decide what part is real and which part is pure fiction.
What gets you in the mood to write? I have to be pissed off to write. When I am writing, I enjoy listening to music in the background.
What inspired you to write? Someone told me I couldn't. And life sucked at the time.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical books? I enjoy the feel of the actual book.
My Facebook Like
My Freelancers Facebook Like
For readers and authors
Hidden Destiny Saga
Website Pardon the HTML it's still a work in progress.
Twitter - though, all my FB goes to twitter.
Tony G. Marshall
W.L. Sevol
and of course, me, Lilibeth Muscato
Each month I'll be featuring two to four authors. (It may go to once a week per author, but for right now, I'm doing them all in one blog. Go ahead and visit/like their pages. (I know they'll appreciate it)
Our FIRST author of the year 2013... please welcome...
Name - Tony G. Marshall - writer for eBooks Open and its developing ebook serial, "Harmony's Voice."
Genres - Crime, Thriller, Music with a little Romance (Also like to read a little Sci-Fi)
Background -
Writer, Blogger, and Book Collaborator. Over 25 years in the entertainment industry - a former Host and Compere and professional Voice Actor/scriptwriter within independent radio drama.
What gets you in the mood to write? Music and its people inspires me to write.
What inspired you to write? I was originally more of an illustrator to begin with, and then one day I wrote a poem about a certain time in my life set to music, and discovered I liked the images that my words and the music evoked.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical books? I like to experience the reading of both worlds. (Digital and physical)
Harmony's Voice Blog Network
Harmony's Voice on Facebook
eBooks Open's 'The Blog'
eBooks Open on Facebook
Our SECOND author of the year 2013... please welcome...
Name - W. L. Sevol
Genres - True fiction
Background -
I haven't been writing for as long as other writers. I'll get a story stuck in my head of something that's happened and have to write it.
What gets you in the mood to write? Life in general
What inspired you to write? I don't know. Started a short story and it went from there.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical books? I'm old school So, physical books.
Sorry I'm not up to date with all the social media network sites.
Facebook Like Page
Our THIRD author of the year 2013... please welcome...
Name - Lilibeth Muscato
Genres - Young adult, paranormal romance, fiction
Background -
I wrote when I was young. I was told not to quit my day job. So, I didn't. It wasn't until my second marriage I decided to try something 'new'. I decided to write about my experiences through life. Granted there is fiction thrown into each one of my stories. However, each story there is a told truth behind the words. It's up to you to decide what part is real and which part is pure fiction.
What gets you in the mood to write? I have to be pissed off to write. When I am writing, I enjoy listening to music in the background.
What inspired you to write? Someone told me I couldn't. And life sucked at the time.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical books? I enjoy the feel of the actual book.
My Facebook Like
My Freelancers Facebook Like
For readers and authors
Hidden Destiny Saga
Website Pardon the HTML it's still a work in progress.
Twitter - though, all my FB goes to twitter.
Get off your high horse...
I've had several authors email me asking me to write this. I didn't want to write one, but I feel one must need to be written.
Yes, we want to see our books out there not last week, but of like last year. (Considering when writing this post, wasn't that long ago)
We all value our friends. If we are any excuse for a human being. Most of us are. However, there are some that are not.
You enter a grocery store and do your shopping. You finish gathering what you need to gather and look at which line is the shortest. Well, the real world is and isn't like that. You may find a line that has a couple of people in front of you with large shopping carts filled with food. You may have only thirty or so items. The person may be nice and let you go in front of them. Or, they may not. If they don't, yeah, we're all guilty, because you would let them go ahead. Though, remember, not everyone is nice. You don't know the reason for why they don't let you go first. They may have to get home and pick up their kid, or whatever the excuse may be.
Lets move on. So, the person isn't letting you pass them. Do NOT throw a fit. It's immature, childish, and makes the rest of us human beings look bad. You are an example on how your parents raised you. If I saw that, my first thought would be, "Damn, I feel sorry for the parents." Then I would think, "Did these parents teach this kid any manners?" And, I don't care how old you are.
The author world is about the same way. Unless you are paying someone more money than the next for "rush delivery" wait in line and they will get to you when they can. If they are taking too long for your "taste" find a new line. It's that simple! The more you aggravate the person you want to help, the less likely they'll do anything for you in the future. (See the Burning Bridges blog)
Same with editing. Unless you are friend/friend with your editor, your/the editor will get to it when they've finished the work in front of them.
Lets look at another example. You're standing in line at McDonald's. Do you push your way through to get to the front of the line. Trust me I know, it's annoying when people can't make up their mind. They have screaming kids that won't shut up. I know! How would it make you feel if you were next in line and the cashier took the lady with the screaming kids BEFORE you just to have them shut up? You'd be pretty pissed.
Bad mouthing others only makes yourself look bad. No one is gonna want to do business with you because they don't want to be bad mouthed over something so stupid.
This goes for not only authors, but every day people. If you constantly harass or bug someone, they're not gonna want to deal with you. When you continuously bad mouth someone, again, it's a reflection on you. No one is going to take you serious if and when there is a jerk out there. They'll see you as a trouble maker with no life.
Be honest, here, it's the internet. If you're reading this, you have no life at the moment. Just like I have no life when I wrote it.
Also, lets be honest again, people will come to another to vent. It's human nature. Whatever. The fact is they're keeping it on the down low. Unlike me, to where if I get enough, I'll blog about it. I know there is more than one person out there feeling the same way. I know this because they come to me to vent.
Get off your high horse and travel down to reality. It's actually quite lovely when you shut your effin mouth and play by the rules. The higher you are on your horse, the less likely you are to see reality. As much fun as that sounds, trust me, you make your life more drama than it should be.
The more patient you are, the more likely someone is going to take time on what you want done. Please don't ask me to recall times, dates, or people. In the U.S.'s Civil War, there was a slave who was a sharp shooter. The trainer, (I don't know what they were called back in the day - we're not here for a history lesson) Well, we are, but not that version. Anyways, the trainer ragged him every time he was about to shoot, causing him to miss. You may think that's mean? There's a point to the trainer nagging him. So the slave could tune out his surroundings and be able to shoot, no matter what was going on.
There's your history lesson.
The opposite applies to this subject. The more you nag, the less likely you will have anything accomplished that you want. I don't nag my editor. I don't nag my illustrator. I don't nag my freelancer. People do have lives and aren't available to you any time you want. Especially if they're doing it for free or low cost. Be grateful! Damn, because you know what? My freelancer always asks about a person that's wanting her services. If your name is on my list of not to deal with, I let her know. That's why she has a very selective client base. She doesn't deal with idiotic people.
Yes, we want to see our books out there not last week, but of like last year. (Considering when writing this post, wasn't that long ago)
We all value our friends. If we are any excuse for a human being. Most of us are. However, there are some that are not.
You enter a grocery store and do your shopping. You finish gathering what you need to gather and look at which line is the shortest. Well, the real world is and isn't like that. You may find a line that has a couple of people in front of you with large shopping carts filled with food. You may have only thirty or so items. The person may be nice and let you go in front of them. Or, they may not. If they don't, yeah, we're all guilty, because you would let them go ahead. Though, remember, not everyone is nice. You don't know the reason for why they don't let you go first. They may have to get home and pick up their kid, or whatever the excuse may be.
Lets move on. So, the person isn't letting you pass them. Do NOT throw a fit. It's immature, childish, and makes the rest of us human beings look bad. You are an example on how your parents raised you. If I saw that, my first thought would be, "Damn, I feel sorry for the parents." Then I would think, "Did these parents teach this kid any manners?" And, I don't care how old you are.
The author world is about the same way. Unless you are paying someone more money than the next for "rush delivery" wait in line and they will get to you when they can. If they are taking too long for your "taste" find a new line. It's that simple! The more you aggravate the person you want to help, the less likely they'll do anything for you in the future. (See the Burning Bridges blog)
Same with editing. Unless you are friend/friend with your editor, your/the editor will get to it when they've finished the work in front of them.
Lets look at another example. You're standing in line at McDonald's. Do you push your way through to get to the front of the line. Trust me I know, it's annoying when people can't make up their mind. They have screaming kids that won't shut up. I know! How would it make you feel if you were next in line and the cashier took the lady with the screaming kids BEFORE you just to have them shut up? You'd be pretty pissed.
Bad mouthing others only makes yourself look bad. No one is gonna want to do business with you because they don't want to be bad mouthed over something so stupid.
This goes for not only authors, but every day people. If you constantly harass or bug someone, they're not gonna want to deal with you. When you continuously bad mouth someone, again, it's a reflection on you. No one is going to take you serious if and when there is a jerk out there. They'll see you as a trouble maker with no life.
Be honest, here, it's the internet. If you're reading this, you have no life at the moment. Just like I have no life when I wrote it.
Also, lets be honest again, people will come to another to vent. It's human nature. Whatever. The fact is they're keeping it on the down low. Unlike me, to where if I get enough, I'll blog about it. I know there is more than one person out there feeling the same way. I know this because they come to me to vent.
Get off your high horse and travel down to reality. It's actually quite lovely when you shut your effin mouth and play by the rules. The higher you are on your horse, the less likely you are to see reality. As much fun as that sounds, trust me, you make your life more drama than it should be.
The more patient you are, the more likely someone is going to take time on what you want done. Please don't ask me to recall times, dates, or people. In the U.S.'s Civil War, there was a slave who was a sharp shooter. The trainer, (I don't know what they were called back in the day - we're not here for a history lesson) Well, we are, but not that version. Anyways, the trainer ragged him every time he was about to shoot, causing him to miss. You may think that's mean? There's a point to the trainer nagging him. So the slave could tune out his surroundings and be able to shoot, no matter what was going on.
There's your history lesson.
The opposite applies to this subject. The more you nag, the less likely you will have anything accomplished that you want. I don't nag my editor. I don't nag my illustrator. I don't nag my freelancer. People do have lives and aren't available to you any time you want. Especially if they're doing it for free or low cost. Be grateful! Damn, because you know what? My freelancer always asks about a person that's wanting her services. If your name is on my list of not to deal with, I let her know. That's why she has a very selective client base. She doesn't deal with idiotic people.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
99 cent Ebooks...
Okay...Everyone has this huge debate.
Lets be honest with not only ourselves but other readers.
Let me ask you this though…
Lets be honest with not only ourselves but other readers.
Let me ask you this though…
You work for $10 an hour. $4 is taken out for federal taxes. $2 for social security. $1.50 for medicare. Total of $7.50. Then $10 – $7.50 = $2.50 x 8 hr workday = $20 -$5 in gas = $15 – $5 for lunch = $10. So you’re working for $10 a day. (Sort of feels like what we’re doing now anyways doesn’t it?) But now you take that $10 and have to pay the temp company that found the job for you – say they charge 30% so now you’re down to $7.00. Oh don’t forget clothes that you had to purchase, or shoes, or whatever, say that’s $4.50. So now you’re $7.00 – $4.50 so now you’re down to $2.50 for the day.
The following week, oh oops gas went up again. So now instead of $2.50 a day you’re now negative $6.50 a day just to work.
Now granted writers don’t write for fame or fortune. (Though, that's why most write is because they want the fame and fortune) But, I sure as the hell don’t.
An average line by line / content editor charges you let’s be conservative at .05 cents a word. My first book, which has the least amount of words as 99K. So 99K times .05 is $4950. Then if the writer is like me, the best doodle we can do is a deformed stick figure – you have to pay someone to do your cover. Website hosting and domain. And that’s only if you manage it yourself.
You’re looking at probably at least $10 grand start up. Now unless you’re lucky and get a publisher who will up front these costs, but for that to happen is slim. Oh but wait, you want an agent, that’s the same as the temp agency who found you work, they take a percentage. And have you read that Writers Market ordeal? I have! Must submit edited copy of the first three chapters. Oh okay, not bad. Now they want your manuscript, so you submit it, they reject it because it’s not fully edited. There’s the catch! They’ll do all the work EXCEPT editing. That’s all on you! They may set you up with an editor, but you’ll be paying for it.
If any writers/authors out there who were in the same position I was…good luck finding a decent editor. I went through 20+ editors before I found one willing to work with me. They would do the first line and want their name in the book saying that they edited the whole manuscript. I’ll admit my books are not your average books. When you first start reading it, yes it will sound as though you are reading something from a high schooler. Well duh, the entries that were used were from a high schooler. You’ll see her tone and grammar increase as she goes through life. That is what I wanted. (That's for the Hidden Destiny saga)
Oh, but wait, you want an actual manuscript to submit for auction to producers. Well there’s more money. Everyone thinks writing is cheap. It is. Sure. So is building an in-ground pool. Oh, wait, you wanted shovels to dig that dirt? Well that’s going to be an extra fee. Oh wait, you wanted to swim this year? Not next decade, well the CAT will cost more.
Yes you’ll see lots of sarcasm in my writing, but it’s reality. You want those pair of Nike shoes over the Walmart brand? Well you’re gonna have to pay the price.
Now that we got that out of the way.
Please, readers, understand there took a lot of time, work, and money to be put into what you're reading. (Well, most of the time. - Well, if that person is serious about their work - There will be)
Readers scream that they want the books for 99 cents. Okay. But remember, you get what you pay for. (So, I've heard the reviewers) Lets break it down for our readers. (I'll be rounding)
.99 x 35% is .35 cents.
Woohoo 35 cents for every ebook sold. Not a bad deal.
Say it cost (we'll go low, okay?) $500 to edit and $150 for the cover. Total $650
$650 / .35 = 1857 (rounding up, because you can't sell part of a book) You have to sell 1857 books to break even. And I went on the low end.
They make more! They make 70%! Uh, no, sorry readers. Authors only make .35 commission if it's under $2.99. So, we got that clarified. (Plus, we're also charged for them sending you the file. It's around 10 cents or so)
Yes, ereaders are great! (I'll go into another blog about books vs ereaders) I don't personally own one. I probably never will. That is my choice. Oh, well.
99 cents is great. You're only paying a dollar for a book that you would otherwise have to pay $10 or more for. Yes, you don't have a book taking up space on a shelf somewhere. However, do you really think 99 cents is enough to keep everything going? Considering when you bitch, whine, moan and complain about the lack of editing.
Sorry, but I'm complaining about the lack of customer service. I'm complaining about the lack of respect when I walk into a store. And you're getting paid. I'm not saying our work is worth it. I am trying to say, the monies involved in getting that work out there, is. I'm not talking about the time you put into writing it. I'm talking about the editing, covers and whatever else.
Editing and covers are the two most costly things associated with books. Now, granted books don't really have or need covers. Even if we take that out, editing is still high in cost.
I'm also not saying that a book that costs more than $2.99 is worth it. Amazon gives you the great feature of reading the first few pages to chapters to see if you like it.
Dear writers, one complaint I hear a lot is you go all out and edit the first few chapters but leave the rest of the book alone. Stop that! Edit all or none! Nothing pisses a reader off more than having high hopes for the first couple chapters and then not being to follow because of the errors. Blah!
I'll write more later. Have some things to take care of.
Author book groups Ugh! and Spamming
Okay, you're almost done with your manuscript, you finished your manuscript, you have one published. Way to go you! Please, I'm sure I can speak for every other author.
If you have that urge to create your own room, don't add everyone and their twin. It's annoying. I'm not saying I don't/won't/didn't enjoy your work. I'm just saying, I could care less. That's what ummm newsfeeds are for. That's what like pages are for.
If you have that piss your pant burning urge to create a room, make it either private or public. That way for actual readers who like your work can find it. Or, make them feel all warm and fuzzy inside to where if they're in there, they know no one else can see them.
But, please stop adding me to a room you created. Especially for EACH book you have. I don't care. Really, I don't. Even in the groups that I do care, I have the notifications turned off and I hardly visit them.
I want to say thank you to those who actually ASK me BEFORE adding me.
Please, "Writing is my life..." what author/writer ain't gonna say that?
The one thing you need to be aware of when you do start a mass add - some 'authors'
***Sorry internet issues***
Where was I? Oh yeah, the thing you need to be aware of, one author burning bridges. They will intentionally be doing stuff. I.E. You'll think they're acting all nice to you. When in reality, it's to get back at another author. Do you really want that type of drama?
Join one of those mass groups (or like pages) to where you can spam your material. Draw in other readers besides authors who more likely than not, won't read your work. I am sort of against reading other author's work. I will do it on a very rare occasion. I mean so rare, only two authors I've read their work. No disrespect to anyone else, but, it ain't happening.
Now, lets touch on spamming and etiquette. My biggest pet peeve, and I have unfriended people because of this. I'll help you promote. NOT a problem!!! However, if you give me the, "Oh, I'm busy I'll do it later." When I ask you for help. Sorry, but fuck you. And then you have the nerve to come back a week later (or a day in some cases) and ask me for help? Then YOU get mad at me when I tell you that I'm busy?!?!
Lets get over ourselves people. Yes, other writers/authors will be there to help. Yes, we all do talk to one another. Don't think you're being sneaky. Because chances are when you ask someone for help for the first time and you get the, 'I'm too busy excuse', it's probably to stand up for another author you pissed off.
I have a handful of authors I can count on. I'd like it to be more, of course. But, I don't need the drama.
You'll know the ones who start the drama. And you if you don't, I'm sorry. You have to be very careful on who you think are your friends and helping. There is an "author" out there. I use the term lightly because he's so full of crap, the cows can't keep up. If he doesn't get what he wants from you, he'll go bad mouthing you to the rest of his author friends. Do you really want to be friends with someone like that?
Spamming. Spamming is good. Especially when it's a once a time promotion. But, yes, I have unliked pages because their personal wall/author wall/author page/book page are all spreading the love. And that's all I see. Be careful. I've seen and heard a lot of you being locked out because of the facebook police. Well, duh!? If you're spamming, (no, I don't do it) how many people (are one of the same) that see the same post X amount of times? They're going to click on hide. I simply "unlike" the page and the refresh my wall. Ah, so much better! I can see what my actual friends are doing.
I'm simply referring to the one day here one day there that's happening every other day. Ugh!
Going back to Author book groups. You'll have your "close friends" "family" or "suck ups". Hell, don't believe me, sit back and watch it. They'll be the only ones responding to anything you put in your group.
But, you've only been writing for a couple of years.
Ah, yes. I have. But, a hell of a lot longer 'monitoring' the groups and like pages to see what works and what doesn't. You want to "market" your book and reach out to more people, until you're more well known, don't make a "special" group for your book and do a mass add. It's an easy way to become unfriended.
Then they weren't worth my time.
That may be true. But the saying be careful of the toes you step on because it may be attached to the ass you need to kiss tomorrow. What makes me so unique, (besides my great support team) is when I'm told no or I can't do something, I do the research and do it myself. Many can, but also many can't. Do you want to eat a little hay and save a month's worth of work and research on doing it on your own? Or, do you want to play nice and have it done in five minutes or less? That choice is yours.
In this market, authors rarely and I mean rarely bad mouth another. They only time you hear one bad mouthing another, is when that one has done something to piss more than one off. More often than not, we won't even say, "well, we heard this..." We will say, "I've heard of them." But, that's it.
If you have that urge to create your own room, don't add everyone and their twin. It's annoying. I'm not saying I don't/won't/didn't enjoy your work. I'm just saying, I could care less. That's what ummm newsfeeds are for. That's what like pages are for.
If you have that piss your pant burning urge to create a room, make it either private or public. That way for actual readers who like your work can find it. Or, make them feel all warm and fuzzy inside to where if they're in there, they know no one else can see them.
But, please stop adding me to a room you created. Especially for EACH book you have. I don't care. Really, I don't. Even in the groups that I do care, I have the notifications turned off and I hardly visit them.
I want to say thank you to those who actually ASK me BEFORE adding me.
Please, "Writing is my life..." what author/writer ain't gonna say that?
The one thing you need to be aware of when you do start a mass add - some 'authors'
***Sorry internet issues***
Where was I? Oh yeah, the thing you need to be aware of, one author burning bridges. They will intentionally be doing stuff. I.E. You'll think they're acting all nice to you. When in reality, it's to get back at another author. Do you really want that type of drama?
Join one of those mass groups (or like pages) to where you can spam your material. Draw in other readers besides authors who more likely than not, won't read your work. I am sort of against reading other author's work. I will do it on a very rare occasion. I mean so rare, only two authors I've read their work. No disrespect to anyone else, but, it ain't happening.
Now, lets touch on spamming and etiquette. My biggest pet peeve, and I have unfriended people because of this. I'll help you promote. NOT a problem!!! However, if you give me the, "Oh, I'm busy I'll do it later." When I ask you for help. Sorry, but fuck you. And then you have the nerve to come back a week later (or a day in some cases) and ask me for help? Then YOU get mad at me when I tell you that I'm busy?!?!
Lets get over ourselves people. Yes, other writers/authors will be there to help. Yes, we all do talk to one another. Don't think you're being sneaky. Because chances are when you ask someone for help for the first time and you get the, 'I'm too busy excuse', it's probably to stand up for another author you pissed off.
I have a handful of authors I can count on. I'd like it to be more, of course. But, I don't need the drama.
You'll know the ones who start the drama. And you if you don't, I'm sorry. You have to be very careful on who you think are your friends and helping. There is an "author" out there. I use the term lightly because he's so full of crap, the cows can't keep up. If he doesn't get what he wants from you, he'll go bad mouthing you to the rest of his author friends. Do you really want to be friends with someone like that?
Spamming. Spamming is good. Especially when it's a once a time promotion. But, yes, I have unliked pages because their personal wall/author wall/author page/book page are all spreading the love. And that's all I see. Be careful. I've seen and heard a lot of you being locked out because of the facebook police. Well, duh!? If you're spamming, (no, I don't do it) how many people (are one of the same) that see the same post X amount of times? They're going to click on hide. I simply "unlike" the page and the refresh my wall. Ah, so much better! I can see what my actual friends are doing.
I'm simply referring to the one day here one day there that's happening every other day. Ugh!
Going back to Author book groups. You'll have your "close friends" "family" or "suck ups". Hell, don't believe me, sit back and watch it. They'll be the only ones responding to anything you put in your group.
But, you've only been writing for a couple of years.
Ah, yes. I have. But, a hell of a lot longer 'monitoring' the groups and like pages to see what works and what doesn't. You want to "market" your book and reach out to more people, until you're more well known, don't make a "special" group for your book and do a mass add. It's an easy way to become unfriended.
Then they weren't worth my time.
That may be true. But the saying be careful of the toes you step on because it may be attached to the ass you need to kiss tomorrow. What makes me so unique, (besides my great support team) is when I'm told no or I can't do something, I do the research and do it myself. Many can, but also many can't. Do you want to eat a little hay and save a month's worth of work and research on doing it on your own? Or, do you want to play nice and have it done in five minutes or less? That choice is yours.
In this market, authors rarely and I mean rarely bad mouth another. They only time you hear one bad mouthing another, is when that one has done something to piss more than one off. More often than not, we won't even say, "well, we heard this..." We will say, "I've heard of them." But, that's it.
Publishers The Bad
The long awaited post. You wrote a novel. You went through the process of having it edited, cover and everything done. Now, all you have to do is submit it to any publisher and they'll accept it. After all, you did all the work. Right? Eh, not even close. Look at it this way, seeking a publisher is like apply to college.
First things first. You have to scout out a publishers that accepts your genre. I know, *sigh* more research. A lot of traditional publishers don't accept query letters if you're not represented by an agent. (We'll talk more about agents later)
Important side note - if you do find a publisher that accepts outside material *cough* *cough* yours, make sure you follow their rules. Dot the i's and cross the t's. If you can't follow the submission, they don't think you'll listen to them after you're on board.
Yes, you'll get rejection letters. You'll get a lot of them. Add them to the pile. Whatever. Sure, there was one publisher you really wanted to get in with, they rejected you. Some will give you reasons, others won't.
In all those dos and donts of writing queries; they'll say a traditional publisher will never as you to pay. That's not 100% true. No, you don't have to pay any upfront costs like with POD publishers. The only 'upfront' fee they may ask (or require) is a fee to read your manuscript. It's a small fee. It helps them eliminate the serious versus non serious. But, wait! I'm serious and I feel that they shouldn't ask for a fee! Oh, shut up. It's their publishing house, their rules. If you don't like their rules, then go somewhere else. Or, better yet, start your own publishing house. May we move on? Good.
Traditional publishers sometimes has promotions on bringing on new authors. Submitting your query letter is a lot like applying to college. How many do you think they're receiving? You have to stand above the rest to be noticed and taken seriously.
Also note - Many publishers don't even know what they're looking for. Many turned down Dr. Suess. Many turned down Harry Potter. Many turned down Twilight. And, look at where they're at.
There is a major don't. I'm tired of hearing it.
"If they want my work, they're going to have to pay me an advancement in royalties or a sign on bonus."
One, who the fuck do you think you are? Stephen King, yes can demand that. Though, he doesn't need it, but he can demand it and get it. You? Who are you, again? Oh, that's right, you're a nobody. I'm a nobody. Get over it. You have to start somewhere. And, trust me darling, there's X amount of work out there that they don't need yours. Do you think a college is going to pay you to attend? Ha! If they do, yes, jump on board and fast. If not, shut up.
There are pros and cons of traditional publishing. Lets talk about the cons. Well, more so warnings.
If they're not an already well known (and liked), do your research. I'm the first one that will give a chance on a small publishing house. Just like us, you gotta start somewhere. Remember, microsoft, google and how many others started out in their garage?
I thought I had done well with my old publishing company. I was Freedom of Speech Publishing. In the beginning, I research them high and low. Everything checked out. They spoke what any good salesman would speak. Since, I was already set up to publish on my own with the great team behind me, all I had to do was hand the books over and they would market. (Or, so I thought.)
I revised the contract that was submitted. I made sure they couldn't walk away and I made sure my work was protected.
We'll go through the basics of any author/publisher contract.
1. Always make sure it specifies the work your letting them help you with. If it just states: manuscript, novel, work, series, saga, books - (well, no real publisher would put that) but, that protects you because you're not agreeing on a certain work.
2. There are many rights when it comes to the author world. Lets talk about the most common. Exclusive rights. That's really the only one you want to concentrate on. (Anything else, be wary). Exclusive rights is giving them "first" rights to print your book. That means, you're not allowed to produce your book yourself to make a profit. (Or have anyone else or another publishing house print for you) Say they print the first book you agreed with them on, and they don't or you don't want to have them print your next book, then you're free to go elsewhere.
But, they didn't even print my first book. or They botched it up so badly. or They're refusing to work with me.
If your contract states what #1 says, then go elsewhere or print it yourself. Or make a second edition and start the process all over again.
3. When giving exclusive rights to movie/film/tv ect... This one's up to you. If and a very strong if, if they are a REAL publisher they'll have the insides better than you. They'll know where to go and get it done.
4. Term of period. Make sure it doesn't state that if you don't cancel it rolls over. I have mine extra protected. I have my work set up in a trust account. To where, if it's stated in a contract, that portion is immediately null and void. I don't "own" my work, but I have the executor of my work to where I can do what I want with it. Yes, it's a highly complicated legal procedure. In theory to the world, a minor owns the property.
5. The author claims they are the sole (only) person to the work. Again, how I have my complex legal set up, I am. But, I'm not. Again, I literally could write a book on how to do that, but not in this blog.
6. It claims that you the author will not copyright/trademark/ blah blah against anyone else. Duh? Right? If they were a real publishing house, neither would they. I know a lot of new publishers out there that don't understand this concept. (They also don't double check their authors' work)
7. The average is 35-50% pay. Anything less, stay away from. Unless they already have their name made, don't work with them. They're shotty and trying to bring in unsuspecting authors. Don't fall for it! I did. *Sigh* Huge lesson learned. (Remind you, I paid for editing, covers, copyrights, legal and everything else)
Warnings...
If there is a name attached to the Publishing house (i.e. personal name) Safe bet, they aren't a real company and to stay away from them.
If you talk to them over the phone and they laugh at you. Yeah, do you really want to do business with them?
If there is only one or two points of contact for the entire company. Yeah, stay away from.
If they don't have a real book keeper. (Yes, under federal law you may ask that question.) Though, I wouldn't demand it from a reputable company. The smaller no name ones, yes. Also ask them who their legal counsel is. Their business number. Number I mean registration number and where they're registered out of. (If they're registered out of one state and work in another, beware!)
It is PERFECTLY LEGAL to ask other authors who have dealt with a former publishing house. Now, unless that author got a settlement for the publishing house for doing wrong and signed a clause, they can tell you anything they want about their experiences.
If a publishing house says you can't talk to other authors. That's morally wrong!!! If you're already in a contract with them, seek legal help and get out and run!
If a publishing house says you can't talk to your editor. RUN! And I mean run for the hills with your work as fast as you can.
If a publishing house refuses to pay for anything, they're not a real publishing house and seek legal because that contract just became null and void. The first exclusive right is to say they'll pay for everything. If you have to pay for everything, why have them?
If a publisher says they'll put out your work and they'll do a 2nd edition with the corrections later, oh, fucking run! Remember, you have no second chances in applying to a college (unless you wait a year and they forget about you) So, run!
Check the BBB. If they're not listed as a company, run! I reported Freedom of Speech Publishing and so did many of their past authors. Call the village/town/city to which they say they do business.
Again, I know it sounds time consuming, but it'll save you a lot of hassle down the road. The reason I know all this, my team and myself dug a lot of research.
What's the main reason you're seeking a traditional publisher? Answer - marketing.
The small traditional publishing houses, should, (keyword: should) be highly qualified as if they were a major publishing house. Ask them what have they done for past authors, what are their achievements. Do NOT I repeat do NOT buy the excuse that they are new.
Well, I have unfinished projects I have to finish. I'll write more later. Feel free to ask questions. Again, when I respond with an answer, it's solely my opinion and not to be intended as legal advice or talking on behalf of someone else.
First things first. You have to scout out a publishers that accepts your genre. I know, *sigh* more research. A lot of traditional publishers don't accept query letters if you're not represented by an agent. (We'll talk more about agents later)
Important side note - if you do find a publisher that accepts outside material *cough* *cough* yours, make sure you follow their rules. Dot the i's and cross the t's. If you can't follow the submission, they don't think you'll listen to them after you're on board.
Yes, you'll get rejection letters. You'll get a lot of them. Add them to the pile. Whatever. Sure, there was one publisher you really wanted to get in with, they rejected you. Some will give you reasons, others won't.
In all those dos and donts of writing queries; they'll say a traditional publisher will never as you to pay. That's not 100% true. No, you don't have to pay any upfront costs like with POD publishers. The only 'upfront' fee they may ask (or require) is a fee to read your manuscript. It's a small fee. It helps them eliminate the serious versus non serious. But, wait! I'm serious and I feel that they shouldn't ask for a fee! Oh, shut up. It's their publishing house, their rules. If you don't like their rules, then go somewhere else. Or, better yet, start your own publishing house. May we move on? Good.
Traditional publishers sometimes has promotions on bringing on new authors. Submitting your query letter is a lot like applying to college. How many do you think they're receiving? You have to stand above the rest to be noticed and taken seriously.
Also note - Many publishers don't even know what they're looking for. Many turned down Dr. Suess. Many turned down Harry Potter. Many turned down Twilight. And, look at where they're at.
There is a major don't. I'm tired of hearing it.
"If they want my work, they're going to have to pay me an advancement in royalties or a sign on bonus."
One, who the fuck do you think you are? Stephen King, yes can demand that. Though, he doesn't need it, but he can demand it and get it. You? Who are you, again? Oh, that's right, you're a nobody. I'm a nobody. Get over it. You have to start somewhere. And, trust me darling, there's X amount of work out there that they don't need yours. Do you think a college is going to pay you to attend? Ha! If they do, yes, jump on board and fast. If not, shut up.
There are pros and cons of traditional publishing. Lets talk about the cons. Well, more so warnings.
If they're not an already well known (and liked), do your research. I'm the first one that will give a chance on a small publishing house. Just like us, you gotta start somewhere. Remember, microsoft, google and how many others started out in their garage?
I thought I had done well with my old publishing company. I was Freedom of Speech Publishing. In the beginning, I research them high and low. Everything checked out. They spoke what any good salesman would speak. Since, I was already set up to publish on my own with the great team behind me, all I had to do was hand the books over and they would market. (Or, so I thought.)
I revised the contract that was submitted. I made sure they couldn't walk away and I made sure my work was protected.
We'll go through the basics of any author/publisher contract.
1. Always make sure it specifies the work your letting them help you with. If it just states: manuscript, novel, work, series, saga, books - (well, no real publisher would put that) but, that protects you because you're not agreeing on a certain work.
2. There are many rights when it comes to the author world. Lets talk about the most common. Exclusive rights. That's really the only one you want to concentrate on. (Anything else, be wary). Exclusive rights is giving them "first" rights to print your book. That means, you're not allowed to produce your book yourself to make a profit. (Or have anyone else or another publishing house print for you) Say they print the first book you agreed with them on, and they don't or you don't want to have them print your next book, then you're free to go elsewhere.
But, they didn't even print my first book. or They botched it up so badly. or They're refusing to work with me.
If your contract states what #1 says, then go elsewhere or print it yourself. Or make a second edition and start the process all over again.
3. When giving exclusive rights to movie/film/tv ect... This one's up to you. If and a very strong if, if they are a REAL publisher they'll have the insides better than you. They'll know where to go and get it done.
4. Term of period. Make sure it doesn't state that if you don't cancel it rolls over. I have mine extra protected. I have my work set up in a trust account. To where, if it's stated in a contract, that portion is immediately null and void. I don't "own" my work, but I have the executor of my work to where I can do what I want with it. Yes, it's a highly complicated legal procedure. In theory to the world, a minor owns the property.
5. The author claims they are the sole (only) person to the work. Again, how I have my complex legal set up, I am. But, I'm not. Again, I literally could write a book on how to do that, but not in this blog.
6. It claims that you the author will not copyright/trademark/ blah blah against anyone else. Duh? Right? If they were a real publishing house, neither would they. I know a lot of new publishers out there that don't understand this concept. (They also don't double check their authors' work)
7. The average is 35-50% pay. Anything less, stay away from. Unless they already have their name made, don't work with them. They're shotty and trying to bring in unsuspecting authors. Don't fall for it! I did. *Sigh* Huge lesson learned. (Remind you, I paid for editing, covers, copyrights, legal and everything else)
Warnings...
If there is a name attached to the Publishing house (i.e. personal name) Safe bet, they aren't a real company and to stay away from them.
If you talk to them over the phone and they laugh at you. Yeah, do you really want to do business with them?
If there is only one or two points of contact for the entire company. Yeah, stay away from.
If they don't have a real book keeper. (Yes, under federal law you may ask that question.) Though, I wouldn't demand it from a reputable company. The smaller no name ones, yes. Also ask them who their legal counsel is. Their business number. Number I mean registration number and where they're registered out of. (If they're registered out of one state and work in another, beware!)
It is PERFECTLY LEGAL to ask other authors who have dealt with a former publishing house. Now, unless that author got a settlement for the publishing house for doing wrong and signed a clause, they can tell you anything they want about their experiences.
If a publishing house says you can't talk to other authors. That's morally wrong!!! If you're already in a contract with them, seek legal help and get out and run!
If a publishing house says you can't talk to your editor. RUN! And I mean run for the hills with your work as fast as you can.
If a publishing house refuses to pay for anything, they're not a real publishing house and seek legal because that contract just became null and void. The first exclusive right is to say they'll pay for everything. If you have to pay for everything, why have them?
If a publisher says they'll put out your work and they'll do a 2nd edition with the corrections later, oh, fucking run! Remember, you have no second chances in applying to a college (unless you wait a year and they forget about you) So, run!
Check the BBB. If they're not listed as a company, run! I reported Freedom of Speech Publishing and so did many of their past authors. Call the village/town/city to which they say they do business.
Again, I know it sounds time consuming, but it'll save you a lot of hassle down the road. The reason I know all this, my team and myself dug a lot of research.
What's the main reason you're seeking a traditional publisher? Answer - marketing.
The small traditional publishing houses, should, (keyword: should) be highly qualified as if they were a major publishing house. Ask them what have they done for past authors, what are their achievements. Do NOT I repeat do NOT buy the excuse that they are new.
Well, I have unfinished projects I have to finish. I'll write more later. Feel free to ask questions. Again, when I respond with an answer, it's solely my opinion and not to be intended as legal advice or talking on behalf of someone else.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Author Platform
First and foremost, I am NOT a lawyer and the information provided within is not constituted as ANY type of legal advice. If you have a legal matter or question, please seek a bar certified lawyer. I am NOT a bar certified lawyer and do NOT claim to be one. No information that is read within this article may be submitted as evidence as to pertain to any legal matters. This is solely for your reading enjoyment.
As with any successful dream, you need a foundation.
But nothing is said when it comes to hobbies. How did you know what your hobby is, is well, what your hobby is? Did you see someone else doing it? Were you born and raised in your hobby? Or was it just by luck?
Many of you will say, regardless of a dream or a hobby, where you are today, is nothing but luck.
I’ve seen a lot of the do’s and don’ts on writing. I didn’t pay attention to them. They are great bathroom reading material, but that’s about all. No two people are going to have the same advice.
Example: One says to write what you know. (Well come back to that later)
Another one says to write in blocks. Meaning don’t write one start to finish.
Another one says to start with a basic story line.
Another one says read your genre to see what will sell.
Any many more, say many more things.
What I say? Do what you want. Because may work for one person may not work for another. I write true fiction. It’s what I know. I tried to write pure fiction, HA! Didn’t work. I tried to write non-fiction. That didn't work either.
I didn’t force my characters. When you start that first line, the story will flow or it won’t. A reader will know when you force a story to become a story. If you have to force something, think about it like this. If someone forced you to do something that you didn’t like, would you enjoy it? Well that’s how your readers feel about your work.
My characters just don’t want to shut up. That’s how you know you’re writing what you want to write. Not what someone else wants you to write. Sure, people will hate my work. So? I didn’t write for them. I wrote for me.
Do you think famous athletes play because they’re forced. (Sure the money’s great – but let’s remember back in the day) They played because they enjoyed and you got more into it because they enjoyed it.
Real life is the same way of writing. Writing is also a full time job. Writing may be a career for most, but for me it’s a full time hobby. I don’t live off the money I make off of it. Because I haven’t seen a dime of it. Is that going to prevent me from stopping? No.
At the end I’ll give you my do’s and don’ts. Now they may or may not work. But this is what I have done and will continue doing.
Now, let’s talk about the author’s platform. It’s a foundation you need to become successful. A foundation, I’d argue, can be as big as something you can only put your foot on. Others argue and say it needs to be huge.
Look at the ‘real’ successful business men and women. Do you think they started, expecting to grow over night? No. They started with their dreams and slowly worked their way to where they are now.
One of the platforms that hound, is target your audience. – I think that’s BS. Go stand in a comedy club. The audience there enjoys comedians. Do you think every single audience member is going to agree with comedian’s humor?
No. They are going to agree with what relates to them or what they find funny. Not everyone single audience member is going to relate on the same page. Not every single person is going to find funny what the next person is going to find funny.
Get your name out there. Okay, yeah that’s nice. If you had the money. So you have your first book completed. Has it been edited? Has it been through the first round of audiences? Your friends and peers you now personally.
Now if they are anything like mine, they’ll give you honest opinions. They’ll say, hey that just doesn’t work. That character is stupid. Don’t quit your day job.
Now, this may be discouraging, and if they are real friends. They’ll say at the end of their comments. Your book wasn’t their cup of tea. If you don’t like history and your friend asked you to read their history novel. Could you get involved?
Why should I go on interviews about my book, when one, that’s why I never disclosed a picture of myself. I write for fun, for others to connect, on levels they may have never thought, not for fame and fortune. If the fortune comes around. Great, but I ain’t counting on it.
Networking – I find this the biggest joke of all. Twitter we all know you can gain 4837326495 followers in a matter of moments. But who is actually listening to your tweets that you send? Facebook – can’t keep their own platform solid. Myspace is a thing of the past. The new ones popping up, eh, too many passwords to remember and the same thing said, just on a different network.
Get your name out there by volunteering. Shouldn’t you be doing that anyways, for the good of humanity? Not just for personal gain?
Volunteer at a school. Ummmm, great advice, but I’m no English major. That’s why I have an editor.
Attend workshops and conferences. I’ve never attended one before. I’m not saying what they say there is boring or noneducational. I’m just saying, this is not going to be my full time job. It’s a hobby. As with any hobby it takes money. That’s why I pay other’s to do what I have no inclination of doing myself.
Build a website. Ummm yeah.
Okay, now my dos and don’ts. Will be continued. I have an appointment. :)
Okays I’m back…
The do’s and don’ts -
Do write yourself. Do NOT write what someone else wants you to write.
Do listen to your characters. Do NOT do what you think they should be doing.
Do listen to what the negative reviews have to say. Do NOT retaliate and criticize them.
Listen to what the bad reviews have to say. Many may not get or understand the message you were trying to say through your characters. Some won’t. No matter how you write your book, they may never get it. It doesn’t mean that they are right or wrong.
Do not get mad at what they have to say. If you need to vent and curse – call your parents – call your best friend and cry your eyes out. Do NOT sit there and retaliate against what they say. A review is an opinion and no two people are going to share the same opinion for the exact same reasons. BUT what will distract current and potential readers, is how you handle yourself. I personally, don’t want to read what an author writes, who’s going to attack someone for their own opinion. I don’t care if it’s 38484673635 positive and 1 negative. But that’s just me.
Do have your friends read your books. Do NOT have them read the unrevised copy. Unless you're like me and can handle it.
Your friends love you. Your family loves you. Your true friends will say what needs help with the book. Your family will say your book rocks. Okay. So your book goes through five rounds of editing. Do you want to pick up your textbook and read it five times in different ways? No, I didn’t think so. So if you can’t do it, (okay wrong words) If you don’t want to do it, don’t expect others to do what you don’t want to do.
Do set up a couple networks. Do NOT set up every single network. Let them find you. If you're work is that interesting, people will find you.
Do set up a couple networking sites. I have facebook and google+. I also have twitter. But whatever is posted to my facebook goes to twitter automatically. If you will do that well, let them find you. More often than not, your fans will already have the social networks that you are already part of.
Also, I’ve lost count of how many are out there, but if I’m a fan of someone, I don’t need to see the same thing posted 100 times. I’m a fan of google+ but since not many are on google+ I stay on facebook.
Do build a website. Do NOT brag saying your book is the best on your website.
Do build a website. That way people can go to one spot to see what’s going on with your books without waiting for your updates. But do not rave about how great your book is. I know your book is great because I’m here wanting to know more about it.
Keep your website clean and simple. But also be unique. Don’t sit there and have bland colors and stuff that hasn’t been updated in a year. That will make me, okay want to check back, but also forget about it. I have better things to do with my time than sit and look at the same things on the computer screen.
Do take what your publishers say seriously. If you're working with one. They have been in the business a lot longer than you. But if you don’t like an idea. Tell them! But don’t be so out there that they either want to cancel their contract with you, or not renew.
Remember it is your work. It is who you are. And if you don’t like it, how can you be excited to promote it? But DON’T shoot down every idea they have.
Do your own research. Do NOT rely solely on your publisher.
Sure, that’s what you are paying them for. Or should I say getting a cut of your proceeds. Wouldn’t you like to know more about the business?
That brings me onto my next probably most important dos and don’ts.
Do get permission to use an existing trademark. Do NOT use a trademark without permission.
You are protected under certain laws to use a trademark, as long as you are not claiming ownership. But do you really want, an established trademark coming after you? Do you really want to yank already published books for correction? No, I didn’t think so.
If the trademark wants compensation. And you can’t afford it, move on. I do and have. More often than not, a trademark WILL allow you to use them under certain conditions. The conditions are NOT hard. So DO follow them.
Do copyright your material. Do not submit your work all over the place. Some books will say a 'real' publisher will take care of that. And, they will. However, with new ones popping up all over the place, you want to make sure you and your work is protected.
Another prime example: You listen to how many people said that things you see in stores, a close friend/family whatever thought of that idea and submitted to one of those invention TV commercials. But because they wanted X amount up front, your close friend/family opted not to. Now, can you prove that trademark? Trademarks are just as hard as copyright.
Read the copyright laws. I wrote about Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. Well, we all know that Shakespeare wrote under a pen name. And it was waaaaaaaay before our time. So we can’t use it right? Wrong. Give proper accreditation to who the author is.
Do admit your mistakes. Do not pass blame.
I’m sure I’ll mess up. Be apologetic and correct the issue. Don’t say, “You should have told me before hand.” or the best one, “Can I change it next time?”
Oh yeah, that won’t get you far. Do copyright searches and trademark searches. Will you spend more than a full time job in over time doing it? Oh yeah. I can guarantee that. But you will save yourself a lot of troubles. This holds true for indie authors.
Do be creative. Do not be so uncreative it looks like your harboring on the line of infringement.
This is where the copyright and trademark laws come into place. Read the laws, because I’m bad at explaining them and I'm not a lawyer. For how I explain them will make sense, but yeah, you’ll go but you said this and you’re getting blamed. But yet, you did what I said not to do. So do your own research and plus you’ll know it much better. Example: If I study for your test and take it, you’ll pass. But what about when your final rolls around. I have the knowledge, and you don’t know any of the answers.
Why did I list my own do’s and don’ts? Easy because I can and could. Does that mean you have to follow them to be successful? No.
The one thing I did read, that made a whole lot of sense. Is treat your contract as a marriage contract. If either side is unhappy, the publisher has more right’s to destroy the contract than you do. I won’t tell you what it’s called. Giggles – but believe you me, they do.
If you are an indie author. (I just found out what indie author meant) Giggles. Learn from those that have worked with publishers. Learn from your bad reviews. Your bad reviewers would be potential publishers. If you sit there and trash your reviewers, do you think an actual publisher will want to come along and bring you on board?
I had every intention of becoming an ‘indie author’. In some way I am. That is fine by me. I had a traditional publisher. They were horrible and taught me a very valuable lesson.
Let me ask you this, when you follow instructions on how to do something? Are you or are you not left with some extra parts? Or are you missing some parts?
Well that’s what all these how to “author platforms” are. What may work for someone may not work for the next.
Burning Bridges
This is probably going to be the most important blog. No, this will be the most important blog.
Let's put everything aside and discuss interacting.
Now Class, Shhhh, sit down, please sit down, we're about to begin soon...
Sound familiar? Yup. That's dealing with at least 25% of the author world.
This is me - "Shut the fuck up! I don't care what someone told you. I don't care what they do. That's nice. This is what it is. Here's the proof. Here's the law."
I have a lot of haters. I mean A LOT. We all write differently. We all write at our own speeds. I'll give a current example. In December of 2012. I started a trilogy. December 20th 2012, I was already working on book 3. I would have had it finished by the end of the week. Eh, life got in the way. First two books, each one took me a week or less to write. Book 3 took me a month. Each book is different for me. Temporary Home, I had that finished in 12 or 13 days. Don't despair, I do have several books that I'm still writing that's taken me more than a year and still not complete. You sit down and create your own goals. If you meet your goals, you should be very proud. You know what you are capable of and if you achieve that, awesome!!!!
A little off topic, but it will make a case in point. Me and sewing machine, we're arch enemies. I hate it and it hates me. If I have to sew, it's by hand. For me to sew an outfit, yeah, ha! It'll take me a decade to finish. But, there are people (you may be one of them) that can whip through that outfit. Sure, I'm jealous. I wish I had that talent. I don't. And I'm okay with that.
Yes, I did find what my talent is, late in life. Oh, well. The most important thing, I found it.
Okay, let's get back to burning bridges. The don'ts.
DON'T get in the mind set that your book is the next big thing and brag to everyone about it.
We're all authors here. Yes, we all want our book to be the next big thing. However, what who do you think most of our friends are? Other authors, duh? We don't want to listen you brag. There are other things to talk about.
DON'T use people.
Most important FINISH YOUR FUCKING MANUSCRIPT!!!!!!
This is the most important one. Receiving help - great. Receiving advice - great. Taking advantage of people, not so great. Actually, that's a major no-no. You've just now started to light gasoline on that bridge.
The most common question (yes, I've been guilty of it) But, I learned through people offering advice and researching it on the internet.
Do you know of any publishers? Do you know a no cost publisher I can send my manuscript to?
Yes, it's called get off your ass and do the research. Each publisher is different. A real publisher won't charge you money. Some may charge you a reading fee, and that's perfectly legal. It helps them weed the ones turning in complete trash.
But this book needs to be on the shelves!!!!
Doesn't all of ours? Get over yourself. I learned that this guy refused to pay for editing and swindled someone else to edit his book for free. He didn't even have the first 50 pages written. Ugh!
I recommended that this person use Createspace and for $25 be in the stores. Their response, "I don't want to have to pay anything."
I'm not smacking my head, I'd smack theirs.
I told them about my awesome freelancer and all she does. They didn't even know the first process. Okay, that's fine. We were all there at once. The funny thing I found, they said they have one book published (self). They don't. They also said they're working on six more. Okay, I'm in the same boat.
HOWEVER! Before you seek publishers, have a fucking manuscript finished! No one is even going to touch you if you don't have it complete.
They went on to explain they had theirs done for 8 months and just sitting on them. So, I told them through my freelancer they would be on the market in the next month. (That's how quick and great they are)
"...but curious how this conversation went from asking about a publisher' to the amount written'...my opinion on an Author' isnt how many and how fast you write it' or production of how fast you can write something' its about who has it on there shelves and the fact of becoming the story while writing it' i can write the same way' but i want mine to be memorable' and want it to somehow affect someone...im not an EBook author' i have been writing 30 years and in the early 90,s wrote a Num1 Country Hit song' doesnt matter to me' matters that my entire sould is in it when writing'
Can we see what's wrong with this picture? I'm not the world's greatest writer. That's why we have editors. However, if you're having a 'business' social, need I say any more?
First, the 'amount written' I was boasting about my freelancer being able to get the covers to him quickly and help him with formatting. Yes, every idiot is entitled to their opinion. But, my question is this, if you're in a rush to push this out, then why are you not published? (Like they stated earlier)
I'm sorry, but it's crack cases like this, that give indie authors a bad name. After our conversation, he went and blamed every author he knows for and get this, "Thank you very much. I hope you're happy. I'm not able to finish my manuscript. I'm not going to be a threat to you. I quit." I paraphrased. But, all authors came and told me he said something similar to that.
I have to say, no one was working on work that was in his genre, so how is he a threat? He got called out on lies that he was spreading, is what triggered him. He was also boasting to everyone how all he had to do was write his book and there was a movie deal in the making. (This conversation took place Saturday night) Sunday, (yes the next day) he's crying how the movie deal fell through.
I will be the first one to admit it takes a very unique person to write. However, unique isn't another word for crackhead. What makes us great in what we write is what we've been through. If you have severe mental problems, or came out of something like a coma, you need to be concentrating on other things besides writing.
Stop blaming everyone for your failure. Did my first set of books fail because of you? Sure they did. You didn't buy them. Giggles. No, they failed because I lacked something on my part. I went back and fixed it. I've also learned that those who speak the above, only wish they could do what I can do. Through the grapevine, he accused me of all sorts of things. I don't care. His credibility was shot the moment he accused everyone else for his failure.
I may sound mean and harsh when I say this. But, I don't care. I have more important things to worry about. I live no where near him to be able to help. If he's going to go around accusing everyone, do you think I want that in my life? Authors may write about drama, but we rarely cause it. For those that are snorting, thinking about this, where are we? Do you think the stories write themselves? We're in a room, alone, with our laptop, typing away.
Don't spread lies about other authors. If you're not willing to pay for your investment, that's your problem. If you're not willing to invest the time and dedication that's needed, that's your problem. Stop blaming everyone! No one is buying it and everyone has problems of their own.
If you're going to say you've done something, prove it. He never did mention what song he wrote. Which is very easy to find out if he's telling the truth. My freelancer knows people in the business and all she has to do is make one call. Well, email. If you have accomplishments that's the time you brag about them. Saying you've done something, when you haven't, maybe you woke up from your coma too soon. Or, you need to be put back on your meds. I don't know. But, it's time you seek professional help.
Yes, this blog may sound mean. It's really not. I'm just getting down to the nitty gritty. Don't accuse others for your failure. Do you honestly think a publishing house will want to deal with you? Do you honestly think someone is going to buy your work, knowing that you're doing other things with the money?
Let's put everything aside and discuss interacting.
Now Class, Shhhh, sit down, please sit down, we're about to begin soon...
Sound familiar? Yup. That's dealing with at least 25% of the author world.
This is me - "Shut the fuck up! I don't care what someone told you. I don't care what they do. That's nice. This is what it is. Here's the proof. Here's the law."
I have a lot of haters. I mean A LOT. We all write differently. We all write at our own speeds. I'll give a current example. In December of 2012. I started a trilogy. December 20th 2012, I was already working on book 3. I would have had it finished by the end of the week. Eh, life got in the way. First two books, each one took me a week or less to write. Book 3 took me a month. Each book is different for me. Temporary Home, I had that finished in 12 or 13 days. Don't despair, I do have several books that I'm still writing that's taken me more than a year and still not complete. You sit down and create your own goals. If you meet your goals, you should be very proud. You know what you are capable of and if you achieve that, awesome!!!!
A little off topic, but it will make a case in point. Me and sewing machine, we're arch enemies. I hate it and it hates me. If I have to sew, it's by hand. For me to sew an outfit, yeah, ha! It'll take me a decade to finish. But, there are people (you may be one of them) that can whip through that outfit. Sure, I'm jealous. I wish I had that talent. I don't. And I'm okay with that.
Yes, I did find what my talent is, late in life. Oh, well. The most important thing, I found it.
Okay, let's get back to burning bridges. The don'ts.
DON'T get in the mind set that your book is the next big thing and brag to everyone about it.
We're all authors here. Yes, we all want our book to be the next big thing. However, what who do you think most of our friends are? Other authors, duh? We don't want to listen you brag. There are other things to talk about.
DON'T use people.
Most important FINISH YOUR FUCKING MANUSCRIPT!!!!!!
This is the most important one. Receiving help - great. Receiving advice - great. Taking advantage of people, not so great. Actually, that's a major no-no. You've just now started to light gasoline on that bridge.
The most common question (yes, I've been guilty of it) But, I learned through people offering advice and researching it on the internet.
Do you know of any publishers? Do you know a no cost publisher I can send my manuscript to?
Yes, it's called get off your ass and do the research. Each publisher is different. A real publisher won't charge you money. Some may charge you a reading fee, and that's perfectly legal. It helps them weed the ones turning in complete trash.
But this book needs to be on the shelves!!!!
Doesn't all of ours? Get over yourself. I learned that this guy refused to pay for editing and swindled someone else to edit his book for free. He didn't even have the first 50 pages written. Ugh!
I recommended that this person use Createspace and for $25 be in the stores. Their response, "I don't want to have to pay anything."
I'm not smacking my head, I'd smack theirs.
I told them about my awesome freelancer and all she does. They didn't even know the first process. Okay, that's fine. We were all there at once. The funny thing I found, they said they have one book published (self). They don't. They also said they're working on six more. Okay, I'm in the same boat.
HOWEVER! Before you seek publishers, have a fucking manuscript finished! No one is even going to touch you if you don't have it complete.
They went on to explain they had theirs done for 8 months and just sitting on them. So, I told them through my freelancer they would be on the market in the next month. (That's how quick and great they are)
"...but curious how this conversation went from asking about a publisher' to the amount written'...my opinion on an Author' isnt how many and how fast you write it' or production of how fast you can write something' its about who has it on there shelves and the fact of becoming the story while writing it' i can write the same way' but i want mine to be memorable' and want it to somehow affect someone...im not an EBook author' i have been writing 30 years and in the early 90,s wrote a Num1 Country Hit song' doesnt matter to me' matters that my entire sould is in it when writing'
Can we see what's wrong with this picture? I'm not the world's greatest writer. That's why we have editors. However, if you're having a 'business' social, need I say any more?
First, the 'amount written' I was boasting about my freelancer being able to get the covers to him quickly and help him with formatting. Yes, every idiot is entitled to their opinion. But, my question is this, if you're in a rush to push this out, then why are you not published? (Like they stated earlier)
I'm sorry, but it's crack cases like this, that give indie authors a bad name. After our conversation, he went and blamed every author he knows for and get this, "Thank you very much. I hope you're happy. I'm not able to finish my manuscript. I'm not going to be a threat to you. I quit." I paraphrased. But, all authors came and told me he said something similar to that.
I have to say, no one was working on work that was in his genre, so how is he a threat? He got called out on lies that he was spreading, is what triggered him. He was also boasting to everyone how all he had to do was write his book and there was a movie deal in the making. (This conversation took place Saturday night) Sunday, (yes the next day) he's crying how the movie deal fell through.
I will be the first one to admit it takes a very unique person to write. However, unique isn't another word for crackhead. What makes us great in what we write is what we've been through. If you have severe mental problems, or came out of something like a coma, you need to be concentrating on other things besides writing.
Stop blaming everyone for your failure. Did my first set of books fail because of you? Sure they did. You didn't buy them. Giggles. No, they failed because I lacked something on my part. I went back and fixed it. I've also learned that those who speak the above, only wish they could do what I can do. Through the grapevine, he accused me of all sorts of things. I don't care. His credibility was shot the moment he accused everyone else for his failure.
I may sound mean and harsh when I say this. But, I don't care. I have more important things to worry about. I live no where near him to be able to help. If he's going to go around accusing everyone, do you think I want that in my life? Authors may write about drama, but we rarely cause it. For those that are snorting, thinking about this, where are we? Do you think the stories write themselves? We're in a room, alone, with our laptop, typing away.
Don't spread lies about other authors. If you're not willing to pay for your investment, that's your problem. If you're not willing to invest the time and dedication that's needed, that's your problem. Stop blaming everyone! No one is buying it and everyone has problems of their own.
If you're going to say you've done something, prove it. He never did mention what song he wrote. Which is very easy to find out if he's telling the truth. My freelancer knows people in the business and all she has to do is make one call. Well, email. If you have accomplishments that's the time you brag about them. Saying you've done something, when you haven't, maybe you woke up from your coma too soon. Or, you need to be put back on your meds. I don't know. But, it's time you seek professional help.
Yes, this blog may sound mean. It's really not. I'm just getting down to the nitty gritty. Don't accuse others for your failure. Do you honestly think a publishing house will want to deal with you? Do you honestly think someone is going to buy your work, knowing that you're doing other things with the money?
Publishing
Everything to do with Publishing.
Dos and Don’ts throughout…
Step 1 – Writing
So you want to become a published author. More power to you. Many will disagree with me. But forget your audience. Write what you know or whatever voices are talking in your head. (And to think they said listening to voices when we were younger was a bad thing) Unless you have the funds to drop whatever you’re doing, don’t quit your day job. Believe it or not, sometimes what you do, may influence your characters. (Plus you still need to pay your bills)
Step 2 – Copyrighting
So you've finished your book. Now what? Let’s face it, the poor man’s copyright is the cheapest and you’re automatically protected. Right? Right – BUT and yes there’s a huge BUT!!!! The poor man’s copyright – your work is automatically protected as soon as you write it. True. But if you read all the lingo within the copyright services – and yes trust me they do somewhat contradict itself.
Example: I wrote my novel at the age of 17. You wrote it at the age of 20. (We're 35 years old now.) You become published and it’s a best seller. Awesome – right? Well duh yeah! But what about me? I’m stomping my feet screaming I have written it before you. Okay? How do I prove it? Here’s my pad of paper with ink dating back three years before you were started. Great! Right? Well yeah, but you know the costs that are associated with that? Even with technology, hate to say it, can be warped.
Do – Pay the $35 to register it yourself. (Prices may change)
Don’t – If you go with a self publishing company, pay them to do it. Sure it’s a nice feature in their packages. But if you really compare packages you’re paying almost $500 more for them to do what you can do for $35.
Step 3 – Publisher versus Agent versus true Indie
Okay, so you got your book written and copyrighted. Now what? Well like me, publishers rejected, agents laughed and my book sat on the back burner. Unless you know what you are doing, always have a lawyer on retainer. The contracts are tricky. (We’ll cover that later) What are you looking to get out of your book?
Traditional publishing – is HARD! They are very picky and a lot won’t even look at you if you’re not already published or represented by an agent.
Agent – Let’s be honest. Middle man. But they have more inside connections to who will want your book. (Usually) They know how to ‘sell’ it to make it more desirable.
True Indie – You keep more profit. Exposure very limited. If you don’t want to have someone eat your profits and you just want to call yourself a published author. This is the way to go.
Do NOT think of going self published without going through all the steps. Do NOT think, oh people will love it and a big publisher will pay me big for it. It's nice to dream, but dreams come true when you're realistic and put the time and effort into it.
Step 4 – Editing (Read my last post)
Yes, I’m back tracking a bit. But this is the most important. I went through countless editors. The first several dozen couldn't get past the third page. Threw it back at me and said that it was crap. Did I cry? Oh hell yeah. But I didn't give up. I found one that was just extremely awesome. She loved it. If there’s one that likes it, there’s more. Remember not everyone is going to like your work. In all honesty I don’t like Picasso’s art. Does that mean he’s a horrible artist? No.
You may have to find two editors. One to go over details and the other one to concentrate on commas and periods. I’ve heard a lot of people who have spent thousands on editing and got nothing in return.
Tip: When interviewing editors – give them ONLY the first few pages to first chapter. NOT the full book. That way you can get a feel if they are the right to handle your book.
Find an editor that enjoys reading your genre. Not just for the money. It does show in their work.
Step 5 – Title
This may sound easy to you. It’s actually the toughest. It took me almost a year to find a title. Do your research! Make sure that your title isn't going to conflict with something else out there. Example: Harry Potter – Yeah even though names aren't copyright-able doesn't mean that they aren't trademarked. You also don't want to write a book that will conflict with another possible title out there.
We'll use the famous Twilight. Eeek! I know!? Say Twilight fits your work. Twilight is not copyright-able. (Trademarked, yes) Yes, you are free to use Twilight as your title. (As long as it doesn't look like the original twilight usage.) However, great, your title is appearing in search engines and everyone wants to know more. No matter if you have the next hottest book on the market, you killed yourself. Why? Well, we all know what Twilight is about. When someone sees Twilight, they're going to think about the hot selling Twilight. When they start reading yours, they'll become pissed off and say it's not the same. You may get a few trying to challenge the others. Their voices won't be heard. So, pick another title. It'll save you a lot of hassle.
I'll give you a great prime example. My last book set was called The Mystic Diaries. It fit the book. It was perfect. However, because The Vampire Diaries had a 'subtitle' in one show because it was featured at Mystic Falls, they had called it The Mystic Diaries. (On note - I've never seen the show or read the books) So, I have no clue what it's about except for vampires. Whatever.
I knew one of two things was going to happen. The first one, people were going to compare and the book would die before it even got started. Which is what happened.
The second thing, it would take off but with a mixture of both good and bad reviews. They would be comparing it to Vampire Diaries compared to my book that has NO vampires. I thought I would be on the safe side and make disclaimers. Yeah, that didn't work.
I revamped the books into a saga and renamed them in the second edition.
Step 6 – Trademarks
They ARE different from copyrights. Copyrights only protect your words. Trademarks protect your logos. I.E. Coca Cola ®- The way they have their wording – IS trademarked.
‘But I want to use them to describe what I’m writing.’ In theory – that’s perfectly legal. Again in theory. Contact the trademark directly. It doesn’t hurt for you to ask their permission to use their trademark in your book. Nine times out of ten, they’ll come back and say, ‘Yes, it’s fine BUT you have to adhere to our guidelines’. Okay? So adhere to their guidelines. It ain’t that hard people. They don’t ask the world and it’s to protect them as well. The one out of ten – may want money, not get back to you or their demands are just outrageous. So move on.
Tip/Hint: For arguments sake you want to use ABC Brand - You get their permission. But every time that you use the words ABC Brand it must be followed by a ®. So every time you see ABC Brand in your book you’ll see ABC Brand ®. ABC Brand must be in English format – no matter which format your book is going to be published in.
Tip/Hint: Do NOT use a photograph of a trademark item until you have their permission. Best case scenario - you’ll receive a cease and decease letter from their lawyer, telling you to pull your books. Now one of two things may happen. You’ll have to purchase your books back from the people who bought them. Yeah that can get yucky and end up costing you thousands. The second thing that WILL happen is that your book will be off the market while you search for a new design.
Public park settings – sounds like common sense right? Wrong. Read the rules and regulation of the park you are shooting in. You may need to acquire a permit. Which 99% is free or at the most, a small fee. So it’s just a pain of acquiring one. Then you’re protected. Better safe than sorry.
Tip/Hint: Do NOT steal – ‘borrow’ pictures from the internet. Plain and simple. Just like copyrighting – the person who took that picture is automatically covered. Any lawyer will jump on that one for their client. (Which is not you)
Step 7 – Covers
Okay – so your top cover of the book is white with black letting for your title. How do you determine a cover for your book? Where do you go? A photographer once told me that the average design will cost a couple thousand. Yeah! – Sorry but unless I’m hiring a famous photographer who takes a celebs photo, two grand is a bit steep. I don’t care what degree you have to take a picture of a rock.
Do you want a photograph? Do you want it drawn?
Tip/Hint – Someone’s gotta start somewhere – right? Right. Find a high school student or a college student that is majoring in designs. They’ll work with you on a small budget. They want their name out there. If your book does well – then you just returned the favor because now they are known.
There are a lot of ‘professionals’ out there. After all it’s the day and age for everyone to make a quick dollar. You just wrote a book so you know what type of design you are looking for.
Tip/Hint – I never and I mean NEVER work with anyone who will bad mouth another. As soon as they bad mouth (even in general) I will NOT work with them. Because if they are bad mouthing others behind their back – what are they saying about you? They may be great. They may be the best. But say you don’t like one little dot on the picture. They may call you too picky and ruin your name even before you have a chance to begin.
Do not have a busy cover. When you have a busy cover – people are distracted of why they had picked up the book. Sure it may look pretty/fancy/elegant but let’s face it – today, people’s attention spans are not what they used to be. Plus it could be that one little detail to where you think makes the cover – that deters the person from buying the book. People are weird! Plus, you want people drawn in to your words not your art. Writing and drawing are two different arts.
Step 8 – Websites
Wow – who would have thought there was so much into writing. You thought you’d just write and become a hit. Ummm- *scratches head* No comment. Let’s move on. :) Is this your only book you’re going to write? Or are you like me to where you have stories a state wide that want to be written? Do you want your webpage to be a one stop all? Do you want it simple? Do you want it complex?
Depending on how many books you’ve written – you might want a website for each book. My first saga has 12 books in it. Each additional book I’m writing may be only one book. So I may have ONE webpage for those other books.
Again do your research. Also again like the cover – find a high school student/college minor/major to help you. Right now I use wix. It’s decent. You can customize to how complex you want it. It’s easy to navigate through. And they have a lot of templates for you to choose from. But, the editor can mess up to where your page looks like puke.
Hint/Tip – Put a counter on each page so you know what pages are getting the most hits and which ones aren’t. That way you may be able to delete the ones that aren’t getting hits and it’s one less thing for you to monitor.
Hint/Tip – Yes to purchase the name is around $10ish a year. Example: You buy a CD for $10. That’s great. But how do you listen to it? You say – my computer has a CD player, duh! Okay, well how did you get your computer that has the CD player for you to play your new CD? You need a place to store that CD you just bought. Hence – web hosting. There are many carriers out there with different prices and what they have to offer. Find the one that works the best for you and then see their customer service. What backups they have to offer. The last thing you want is to spend hours developing your website and oh crap their server went down and you lost everything.
Step 9 – Social Media
Yeah – this one has me laughing too. I’m NOT part of every single social media out there. If and when your book does well – people will come find you. Most people are already on every social media already. I’m part of facebook/twitter/google+. That’s it.
Hint/Tip – create an email account that’s directly related to JUST your book. I.E. – yourbook@email.com or yourname@email.com That way your personal account doesn’t become flooded and it’s easier to separate the two.
Okay – we all love when we know authors have a life outside of writing. But don’t advertise every little thing you do. (Sometimes’s I’m just a bit guilty of this but not to the extend that I’ve seen others) That’s what you’re personal account is for. I keep the two separate.
Yes, we like to know that you’re human and do screwups just like the rest of us. But that’s why you have a separate account just for your author name or your book and then you have your personal account.
Social media is great advertising – don’t get me wrong. But I don’t need my inbox spammed on every single book that an author has written. If I’m interested in your little synopsis on your book I’ll buy it. I’m sorry but I’m not going to read the first 2-3 chapters. I know the theory behind that – it’s to get you hooked. I don’t have time to be reading 2-3 chapters of every single author that is giving them to me. Sorry. :(
It’s okay to spam your own wall. It’s NOT okay to spam forums or other group walls. Your wall is your own wall and who cares if you list your book for sale every day. I don’t need to see it in a forum to where I’m there to chat about other author relations. I don’t need or want to should I say scroll through advertisements. (Now yes, there are some forums just for that)
There are pages out there that allow you to spam and advertise.
https://www.facebook.com/booksinreview
Step 10 – Feedback
Do NOT trash others for hating your book. That’s so tacky and makes me not want to read your work.
Hint/Tip – NOT everyone is going to love your work.
Read what the bad reviews have to say. Take it with a grain of salt. Simply thank them for taking the time to read your book. Now if they just say, ‘I didn’t like it.’ Well you can’t give that too much credit. But see why those who didn’t like it and exactly what they had to say. For example: “The story line was dry” Well okay, maybe it was to them. So maybe it’s something to work on for your next book.
Not everyone is going to like your sad ending. Not everyone is going to like your happy ending. Don’t know what to tell you besides not everyone likes the same thing.
Hint/Tip: Bestsellers like Twilight – Harry Potter – and others like such, read their bad ratings.
Even the multi-million dollar books that were into movies – have bad reviews. It doesn’t mean a thing. The complaints may be that they didn’t like the way the book ended. Again reread just above. You’re not going to please everyone.
Did I personally enjoy reading Twilight? *Blushes with embarrassment* Yes. BUT! Bella – I’m sorry – for all you hardcore Twilight fans – she was a whiny shallow character. I personally did not like her character.
Do I read the positive reviews? No. I don’t need 48446374959373523 people to tell me that it’s a must read. In fact that’s why I did NOT read Twilight until AFTER the third movie was released. Did I take in consideration what the bad had to say? Nope. I based my OWN opinion off the book itself. (That and the five minutes of watching it on TV sort of peaked my interest) Don’t ask me which part.
Step 11 – Contracts
Do you know what you’re looking for? Do you know the average specs in a contract? Do you know what to do and what recourse you have when one side breaches it? Unless you know what you are doing, how to write/word them, have a lawyer look it over. It could cost you to a free consultation to $300 or more – but it’s well worth it.
Know the terms. When someone mentions rights. There are so many rights when it comes to contracts.
Hint/Tip – Yes it is perfectly normal for you to give up a slight part of your rights to have someone else publish your book.
Now does that mean they hold the rights to sell it to someone else? Nope. Not at all! There are many types of rights out there. The main one when working with a publisher is exclusive rights. You are providing them the ‘rights’ for a fee to market/sell your book.
But what’s in those exclusive rights? That varies contract to contract. I have a confidentiality clause in mine so I’m not aloud to discuss. But each contract will and is tailored to the author.
One right to be aware of is sole rights. As of right now – you hold SOLE rights to your book. If the publisher wants sole rights and you sign that contract. You have NO say in what takes part in that book. It’s like signing over a title to a car. Once you sign over that title you have no say in how the new people treat it. Unless there’s a time frame specified – you can kiss any claims to that book goodbye. No matter if it’s recorded with the copyright office. They now have a contract to state that the book will be transferred over to their name.
But wait! It says that they own the rights and I’m only the author on the copyright.gov website. - Duh! They are protecting their investment. You both hold entitlement to the rights. Neither one of you are allowed to do anything with it until your contract states otherwise. (The terms in the contract vary again. Some could be two years some could be ten years or longer)
Think about it like this – do you think the bank is going to hand you over the deed to your house before it’s paid off? When you look up your property in the county records, does it just state your name? No. It states you name primary – saying you own that property BUT their name is lien holder. Meaning if you do anything that’s going to breach contract – I.E. failure to pay your mortgage – they have the right to take the deed back and give it to someone else who is willing to pay.
You mean I have to pay monthly to keep my rights?
No! I was using that as an example. Let’s use the car example again. You have it financed. I.E. You are loaning the book to the publishers to publish and market. Once the car is paid off – the fiance company hands you the title and you are free to do what you want with it. (Once the contract is done all rights revert back to you)
A contract is very similar to buying a house or car. Can you live with the payments? I.E. Can you live with the terms that are addressed?
Step 12 – So now your published – now what?
Sit back and collect the cool hard cash. – NOT! You’re not done yet!
You have to maintain your website – keep your readers posted – answer questions – and if you’re an Indie author – keep marketing yourself.
Even though I’m working with a publisher I work about 6-8 hours a day on everything myself. Sometimes I think that they hate it – but it keeps the work load off of them. (I’d like to think anyways)
Even if you have an agent/publisher – market yourself. Get within the community. Help others. This isn’t a free for all. This is a help for all. What you may not know – someone else may. That same person may not know something but you do. So trade ideas. Trade secrets.
What if someone steals my secret?
Look at where you’re reading this. There are over a thousand articles out there. They’ll find it on their own. They may find it faster than you’ll find yours. Other authors do not mind helping others. I’ve made great friends near and far by just being there. If I have a question – they’ll give up 30 seconds of their time to help. Which in return saves me hours from researching and reading article after article of the same thing to find what I need. In return do the same.
Hint/Tip – Even though the communities are large and spread out – authors do talk. If you are taking advice but not helping – other authors do make notes and won’t take that 30 seconds to save you 5 hours of research.
Step 13 – Publishers
How much involvement do you want? Do you want – Here’s my book make it happen? Do you want to be hands on?
I’m a hands on person. I do most of everything myself and like to think that I leave the marketing up to my publishers while I take care of everything else. Is it a hassle. Oh yeah, no doubt.
But remember it’s your art. Do you think Picasso sat there and did half and let someone else do the other half?
Some publishers I’ve read hate when you contact them once a month. I’m sorry but I like to know where my book is in the process. Unless you just paid me 1 million dollars for it, I treat it like my baby. Even though if you paid me that much, it’s still my baby.
Because of my last publisher, right now I'm sticking to self published.
Remember publishers and agents SHOULD have more experience – even with a contract to find a way that you breach it to get rid of you as a client. So what you don’t like the picture they picked. Unless it turns your stomach, or has nothing to do with the book, then yes voice your opinion. But remember they’ve been in the business a lot longer than you and knows what will sell and what won’t.
Step 14 – Don’t become discouraged.
I see a lot of people writing the same deviations from another book that was previously published. What that means is that they have somewhat of the same story line but in their words. It’s not bad. Every person tells the story differently.
So what, you didn’t make the top sellers. If you really look at those who are successful they didn’t start out that way. In fact it took them years. Does a good review outweigh a bad review? Nope. I’ve read lots of books and loved them – I don’t leave reviews. I’ve read lots of books and asked myself how it got published in the first place. - I still don’t leave reviews. I hate reviews. If you’ve followed me, you know I hate reviews. Your opinion is your own. Plain and simple. Opinions are like pennies – everyone’s got a few laying around but doesn’t mean that the next person has a need for them.
I'll go into each topic more into detail with each new blog.
So those are my do’s and don’ts. Remember they are like diet plans. Some/all/none of them may work for you. This profession is all about trial and error.
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