Blogging about books, writing, and publishing…in black
Got It All Backwards
Mar 9th
The other day I was on the phone with another author who was telling me about her book release in a few weeks. I was so happy for her and of course can’t wait to get the book. Anywhoo, I was telling her I plan to self publish a book in the near future, and of course she wanted to know why.
I know, I know. The dream is to land that fat contract with a major publisher—well that’s not my dream. This will sound crazy to many, but I’ve always wanted to self publish. The longer I’ve worked in the industry, the stronger my feelings for self publishing have become. It’s hard to explain the why.
I feel a sense of freedom and accomplishment I don’t feel with my contracted novels. And there is just something about this particular novel that said “Noooooooo, don’t pimp me out!” This will sound crazy, but it would literally break my heart if the only way I could publish this novel was to contact it to a publishing house.
I’m really excited to see where this self publishing adventure takes me. This is going to be fun. I mean having the cover created alone was enough to switch me over to self publishing. Soooo, will I only self publish from now on? Nah, there are aspects of contracting my books out that I like. I’m just being me. The rebel with more than enough causes.
Seriously though, I think publishing houses are cutting off their noses to spite their faces. Editing, printing, and marketing are the three most expensive portions of publishing.
In general, publishing houses get your books on the bookshelves, but it is up to the author to get the customer there to purchase it. In other words, the author must do the overwhelming majority of the marketing.
Have you noticed the quality of editing and proofing is declining in books produced through traditional publishing houses? Editing staff is being cut 
so drastically, many published authors have turned to having their books edited before they turn them in for “editing” through the publishing house.
There’s this new fang-dangle craze called eBooks! Say bye-bye to cost prohibitive printing cost.
Sooo, you have to market your book. To ensure you put a quality product out there, you need to pay editing cost the publisher used to pick up, and the printing cost has been removed. Hmmm….the more I think about this, the more I’m sure publishers haven’t thought the cutting editing staff all the way through.
I’d like to know how many books are sold online and how many are sold in physical stores. I prefer buying books at the bookstore. I love perusing the aisles for hidden treasures. It just doesn’t feel the same at an online bookstore. But I know people who only shop online. I know people who only read eBooks (I can’t see myself ever being to that point).
I wonder what the future is for the publishing industry?
I’ll bet you didn’t see where this article was headed. LOL.
Deatri King-Bey
ARE YOU READY FOR CYBER TAKEOVER ON THE LITERARY INDUSTRY?
Mar 8th
Let’s face it people, with the current age in which we are living, if one were to say, “Computers are taking over;” that may be one of the biggest understatements next to Roy Scheider’s comments in the movie Jaws when he said, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Computers have completely taken over and are continually extending their domination as the days go by and technology incurs limitless advancements. As a result, the landscape of many industries is being reshaped on a constant basis. The literary business is no exception. With the increasing popularity of ebooks and social networking, it almost seems the literary world has been and will continue to receive rounds of “plastic surgery.” Then when you add the enhancements of Amazon’s Kindle and development of Apple’s high-powered IPAD to the mix, you almost have a completely different method by which the industry is regulated. Bottom line, consumption of daily essentials via electrons is becoming a very common thing.
Speaking of electrons, technology has made it even easier for one to establish an audience online. Whether one is legitimate or not (of course it is unfortunate if one is not legit), a following can be established as easy as it is for someone to post intriguing blogs or irresistible commentary within a social network. Thus one’s brand can become manifest and broadcast twice as quickly as it has taken in the past. Independent authors/artists alike have realized a trend that seems to be heading in the direction of bringing more balance to the publishing game from an exposure standpoint. It is no secret that people are not only attracted to a high quality and best-selling final product, but they are also drawn into information pertaining to the author’s habits, lifestyle, ideas, and daily goings on. The cyber world is of course, is the perfect environment in which the aforementioned can take place.
With that said, this article should not be taking anyone by surprise because you have been reading about the cyber-takeover for a while now. People have probably heard also how the publishing industry is being impacted by changes in the IT world constantly. So while everyone is governing themselves according to trends in the industry…do not forget what created the need for the “industry” in the first place. What created the need one may ask? There is a seven letter word that begins with “w”…and it is called “writing.” There is absolutely no substitute for writing – good writing at that.
So as the excitement escalates while one prepares to become that household name in the literary world, understand that if all of the “cyberhype” was suddenly taken away, would you have an honest leg to stand on? In essence, are you a writer for real? Or are you a writer whose writing ability is exacerbated by the new cyber takeover? Think about it like how a college athlete headed to the pros should view it. People always tell them to make sure they have something to fall back on just in case the pro thing does not work. In essence, regardless of the cyber advantage, one still needs to perfect their craft. When an author appears in front of a bookclub or literary organization, the cyber wall cannot help them then. Of course, in publishing books, and performing workshops, writing ability and knowledge of the industry are certainly put on “blast.”
Even though I sound like a broken record…I beseech you to write and write well. Never get complacent with your ability. Writing is the foundation period. The way you market it is the house that sits upon the foundation. Finally, the mere availability of the cyber world gives all authors a fair opportunity to promote and market. However, it does not mean one is a good writer just because they have a username and password to a very popular and powerful social network.
Poet/Author Marc Lacy
Benefit of the Doubt
Mar 6th
Many beginning writers are often under the misguided notion that editors and agents will give them “the benefit of the doubt.” They are assuming that an editor who does not know their name will so like the idea of their novel that the editor will overlook obvious flaws in their manuscript until the author shows his trump card. This is such a dangerous thing to do. Not only because the idea may not be as unique as all that – after all, editors have seen a whole lot of story ideas in their lifetime– but because editors are just not patient.
Of course, most beginning writers don’t think they’re beginning writers. But beginning or not, a writer should not flirt with this dangerous thinking. Plainly and simply: if a writer is not famous enough for an unknown editor to trust him, the editor will NOT trust him. I’ve got this on my mind this month for several reasons. But the main reasons are
A. I have met some self-published authors whose books have sold well – because the author is a good marketer or the readers like a good story– but these same books would not do well if sent to a traditional editor or publishing house. Quite simply: a regular person may love your book but that doesn’t mean you’re a good writer.
B. I’ve met writers with clever ideas who might be biting off a bit more than they could chew because they don’t have the skill to carry off their clever idea. Besides, they’re new writers and an editor may not “give them the benefit of the doubt.”
The basic facts are these:
1. There are rules for plotting, characterization, point-of-view, flashbacks, exposition, language, dialect, dialog, conflict, genre, and description.
2. These rules of modern fiction loom large in the mind of a fiction editor or agent. Even if your readers love the story, that doesn’t matter. For your writing peers to accept it, it must follow the rules. Or else, your writing peers will consider you an amateur – and they’ll become mighty afraid of telling you so.
3. The Editor doesn’t know you like that. The editor has not seen any of your novels or your short stories published by a traditional publishing company. If the editor finds an infraction of any of the rules of plotting, characterization, POV, etc within the first three pages – or if you confuse the heck out of the editor—he or she will not give you the benefit of the doubt.
Now, all this only matters
I. if you want to be accepted and respected by your fellow writers (Again, your readers don’t count)
II. if you want to be thought of as a real writer
III. if you want to grow as a writer.
Remember, it doesn’t matter if your favorite writer never follows “that” rule because
A. Your favorite writer is famous and can do anything he or she wants.
B. Maybe your favorite writer wrote when that rule wasn’t so hard and fast. My favorite writers are all Victorian English men. They ramble quite a bit. I doubt they’d ramble on if they were writing now. Even great novels from the early 1980’s might have trouble getting published if they were written using the rules from the eighties.
A writer may argue that she knows the rules but simply will not use them. But, again, there is that benefit of the doubt thing. Even if you follow all the other rules well, there is still the chance that the editor will be put off by the dismissing of a specific writing rule…and once again she will conclude that the book is written by someone who simply does not know the rules.
But let’s get to the root of this issue:
The rules of modern fiction exist for good reason. When those rules aren’t used, the story is flawed. Or it will seem flawed to the trained eye. Period.
For instance, let’s say a writer doesn’t tell us her main character’s names or refuses to show her main character’s goals and conflicts. The nameless characters wanders about goalless and without conflict for pages upon pages. (Some writers do this in a misguided notion that confusing the reader is “creating suspense,” or they believe they are creating an “everyman” kind of character.) But it is not unique. It is as ubiquitous as those stories that begin with an “it was all a dream” chapter. It is done by so many amateurs that editors and agents consider it a red flag being waved by a beginning writer.) Likewise, there’s nothing wrong with “creating suspense” by not telling the location of a character. But only a good storyteller can do without a plot, only an expert can put aside the rules. Unless you’ve been doing this kind of thing for a long time, I wouldn’t try it.
One of the basic rules of creative writing is this: “A story must have a plot, preferably one with an understandable goal about a character whom the reader likes.” Most beginning writers don’t know enough about plots to play around with it. Heck, most emerging and published writers still freak out about plotting. If a writer doesn’t know how to create conflict, or if a writer keeps writing episodically instead of writing a well-plotted book, he (or she) should not be even attempting to hide important information from readers.
The same can be said about playing around with characterization, description, dialog, and other elements of fiction.
The rules of fiction have developed for a good reason.
1.They steer the reader
2.They uphold the story’s theme
3.They make a story enjoyable.
To assume that one can cast away the rules of fiction is to hope that the gatekeepers of the publishing industry will trust you. But editors and agents are much too busy to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.
Another simple fact is: editors do NOT want to teach anyone how to write. They are too busy dealing with the editorial department, the marketing department, and other aspects of publishing to waste time with a writer who doesn’t seem to know the rules. They are not going to wade through three or four pages of writing that disregards the rules in the hope that the writer will prove herself. They will not assume that you know the rules and that you’re only “disregarding the rules.” More likely, they’ll assume you’re an amateur because amateurs like saying they’re disregarding the rules.
Of course I could be wrong about all this, but give me the benefit of the doubt.
Then said I, “Here am I; send me.”
Carole McDonnell
Wind Follower, Juno Books
RAWSISTAZ – Fifteen on the Fifth (Black Book Reviews)
Mar 5th
Greetings all! We have more great books lined up for this month and are doing a 1st qtr recap, showcasing fifteen books we’ve deemed as TRR Favorites so far this year:
January – March 2010 Favorites
A Second Helping: A Blessings Novel by Beverly Jenkins
A SECOND HELPING: A Blessings Novel is the continuation about the residents, foster parents and their foster children of Henry Adams, KS. When we first met the residents in Bring on the Blessings, the town had financial hardships and was for sale on eBay. Mrs. Bernadine Brown, who was looking for a new beginning, purchased the town. When she arrived in town, she arrived with a vision to offer a home to children in need. With the town’s support her vision was in action; the foster parents and foster children had new families and homes in Henry Adams, KS and the adventures began. 
If You Were My Man by Francis Ray
Rafael Dunlap is a successful hostage negotiator with the Myrtle Beach police department. He has the reputation of being a lady’s man; however, he’s yet to meet one he’s willing to give his heart to. While on an outing at a local seafood restaurant with coworkers, he has the pleasure of meeting the owner, Natalyia Fontaine. He insists on asking her out on a date; when she turns him down he’s determined to get her to change her mind. In his determination, he learns lessons in love he never knew existed.
Be Careful What You Pray For by Kimberla Lawson Roby
After her recent divorce, Alicia Black is determined to focus on her future and not her past. She’s actively writing her first novel with the hopes of it being published, while spending time with her family. When she visits a local church with her world renowned father, Reverend Curtis Black, she meets Pastor J.T. Valentine, a pastor of his own church with a large congregation. When the handsome Pastor Valentine inquires about her upcoming book, romance between the two blossoms. While Alicia is thankful that her prayers have been answered and she marries for love, her new husband has another agenda. She learns the truth about her new husband’s intentions and has to make some decisions and in doing so learn valuable life lessons.
Reverend Feelgood by Lutishia Lovely
Lutishia Lovely has written an interesting account of a pulpit pimp with an interesting twist to why he is sexing the women of his congregation. Rev. Nate Thicke, senior pastor of the Gospel Truth Church of Palestine, Texas has to honor his family tradition of covering women of his church. A young man, only 28-years-old, his star is quickly on the rise in the Christian community as well as across the country. Rev. Thicke is trying to honor tradition in his family by feasting his sexual appetite on three family members, as well as other willing sisters in church. As he spends his time making women feel good, he notices Destiny, a young sister in the church that made his heart sing to a different tune than what he was accustomed to feeling. Although she is the granddaughter of Katherine Noble, a woman he has been covering for years, he sees no problem with covering her. Trouble is, good ole’ Reverend Thicke is about to find out that following traditions can cause another set of problems that will set the church on fire.
Wildflowers by Lyah Beth Leflore
WILDFLOWERS invites the reader to take a journey with Chloe Davis Michaels as she experiences a rollercoaster ride of love, hate, fear and family. After only a short time of anticipated marital bliss, Chloe realizes in Gregory Robinson III, she has found the devil reincarnated. His mood swings and temper are frightening at best, and Chloe questions her poor judgment. Will she allow this demonic man to control her life?
Staggering Heights by D. Allen Miller
In STAGGERING HEIGHTS, Reva Hawthorne struggles with being poor and trying to be anything except like her mother, Victoria. Realizing her reality, she ends up becoming an exotic dancer while caring for her three children. Even though her future seems bleak, she can’t let go of the American dream: a career, a husband and a beautiful home with a white picket fence. All she wants is to have the perfect life!
Cotton Pickin’ Paycheck: A 21st Century Journal of Escape From Slavery by Joan E. Gosier
COTTON PICKIN’ PAYCHECK: A 21st Century Journal of Escape From Slavery by Joan E. Gosier wins the award for outstanding compilation of a life-journaling experience of her escape from corporate slavery to become a successful entrepreneur! This brings you into the life of a young African-American girl who moved from the swift-boiling melting pot of New York to the simmering racist-ridden Virginia. Gosier is witty and charming as she describes how she adapted to the tough realities that awaited her in Middlesex County, Virginia. Her lessons are hard and difficult, yet soft and evolving. Corporate America becomes no place for this author, no more than her ancestors found a permanent place in the cotton fields. Gosier finds freedom as an entrepreneur…or does she?
Lace & Honor by Sammie Ward
LACE & HONOR is the story of Sergeant Kayla Perry and her two friends, Specialist Marissa Poe and Liz Shupe, an administrative assistant. All of them are assigned to the 32nd Combat Support Hospital at Fort Bradley, Maryland.
Heartbreaker by De’Nesha Diamond, Erick S. Gray and Nichelle Walker
HEARTBREAKER is a compilation of three stories about strong black women who are out to rule the game and they don’t care what they have to do to get to the top.
Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It by JD Mason
Renetta Jones runs a very lucrative online lingerie business from her home. Her models are like daughters to her and they share a close working relationship. She is very wealthy and polished, which has not always been the case. Still married to her abusive husband who is left bed stricken due to a stroke, she still holds onto the belief they are both being punished for past wrongs.
Where There’s Smoke 2: When The Smoke Clears by Terra Little
Alec “Smoke” Avery and Breanne “Anne” Phillips’s flame still burns for each other after twenty years. They begin to build a life together with their college-bound son, Isaiah and their newest bundle of joy, Iris. However, where there’s smoke…there’s flaming drama.
Joy Comes In The Morning by Korika L. Johnson
JOY COMES IN THE MOURNING has made its debut as an excellent, excellent story of true deliverance. As a first-time author, Korika L. Johnson will fool you if you expect anything less than a strong cast of Saints and Aints with the main characters, Tonya and Carolyn, and the lives they impact! “Aint” Tonya is the real single sistah with an hourglass shape, perfect lazy job, buppy-style house, classy Mercedez, and swanky bank account to boot. That creates the perfect setting for her mega-size ego and whip-lashing tongue to meet up with the humbling spirit in Godspeed. But what Tonya gives only encourages Saint Carolyn to stay in charge of the battlefield with love, faithful prayers, and righteousness. Both of these ladies develop through the story to deliver not only ministering scriptures, but the message that will find readers in all stages of their walk with Christ.
Can’t Let Go by Michele L. Waters
In CAN’T LET GO, Lisa Chambers has been married to her husband and best friend, Collin, for 20 years. He suddenly wants a divorce because he has been having an affair for the last few months and his mistress is pregnant. Then, in comes famous R&B singer, Michael Fontaine, who is smitten with Lisa from the moment they meet at a casino when her divorce became final. Michael and Lisa hit it off immediately, but she is hesitant to get into a relationship with Michael for fear of getting hurt again. Just when things start looking up for Lisa and Michael, Collin comes back in the picture and threatens to destroy the relationship they have built.
Show Me The Sun by Miriam Shumba
Raven Davies, daughter of a minister and a social worker with low self-esteem, may have found the man of her dreams in Amari Thomas, gorgeous NBA point guard for the Pistons, but she just doesn’t know it yet. When Amari meets Raven to discuss getting involved and helping to fund the children’s center, he thinks she is the coldest woman on the planet. Little does he know, Raven has been burned so badly in the past by men that Hell will freeze over before she becomes involved with another man. Raven is already convinced she will never have the picture perfect marriage and family she has always dreamed of. The feelings Amari evoke in her are nothing but love, and when he finally pops the question, Raven is thrilled, and she accepts. Their marriage is picture perfect for the next two years.but then comes the husband stealer, Lexie Hart, Hollywood movie diva. Lexie is intent on stealing Amari away from Raven and she will do anything, including slander and providing false information to the media, insinuating she and Amari are involved. When the news gets back to Raven, she is outraged and now Amari must convince Raven he loves her unconditionally. Will Lexie ever leave the picture or will she become a permanent third wheel to their lives forever? Or will Raven give up on love again?
The Bum Magnet by K.L. Brady
Charisse Tyson, for all outside appearances, has it going on. She’s a successful real estate agent with the BMW 760 and mansion on the hill to show for it. The laws of attraction have her size 14 curves beckoning to most men that she encounters. But, Charisse will be the first to tell you that seductive curves, a hot car, and successful career aren’t everything they’re cracked up to be when you don’t have anyone to share it with; well anyone other than lying, cheating dawgs. All of the men in Charisse’s past and present are fine, charming, and cheating. It may take a little self-evaluation to find out just why Charisse Tyson is a bum magnet.
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The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (TRR) are the team of reviewers for RAWSISTAZ Literary Group (www.rawsistaz.com) and are committed to supporting and spreading the word about African-American titles. Since inception in January 2001, they have reviewed approximately 6000+ titles, been published in numerous print and online magazines, and provided online newsletters for book lovers worldwide. For more information visit www.blackbookreviews.net or www.therawreviewers.com.
The 4-1-1 on Self Publishing Part 2: Major and Minor Details
Mar 2nd
Today’s post will go over some of the major and minor details you will need to take in consideration when publishing your book.
I. COVER DESIGN
Your book cover is the first thing people see. The goal for your eye-catching cover is to spark an interest in your book. You only have a few seconds to grab the reader’s attention.
Your book cover should look just as good as the book covers done by traditional publishing houses.
If you see a book cover you really like, try looking on the inside flap or back of the book and get the name and contact information for the graphic artist. This will come in handy when you’re ready to publish your book.
However before deciding on which graphic artist to use, please ask for quotes and examples of their work. Don’t be afraid to ask for references.
Listed below are a few things you’ll need to know before submitting to the designer once you’ve decided who you’re going to use:
Will your book be paperback or hardback?Who is your likely audience? This is very important.Do you want it illustrated or “real photo”?Do you want to include a short biography or picture of yourself on the back along with your short book synopsis?
Any endorsements from other writers, reviewers, book clubs?
II. BAR CODES
What is a Bar Code? If you pick up a book you bought from the store and turn it over, down in the lower right hand or left hand corner, you will find the bar code. The bar code is used by bookstores and distributors to determine the ISBN, title, publisher, and price of a book.
The bar code is very important to have if you plan on selling your books in the stores. Bookstores will not accept your book without one.
Some people get the bar code on stickers and then place them on the back of the books after they’ve gotten them back from the printers; however, I would highly suggest that you order your bar code and have the graphic artist put it on the back cover. It looks more professional and you don’t want to give the bookstores nor distributors any reason not to carry your book.
Visit the ISBN web site for more information. The link is provided:
http://www.isbn.org/standards/home/isbn/us/barcode.asp
I would recommend the bar code service SixB (http://www.sixb.com/). There are three bar code formats: Film, Files, and Labels. Below is a description and price for each. FYI-The prices may not be accurate so please contact SixB for an updated quote.
Film:
We can supply film masters in positive or negative format. Who ever is going to print your book covers or other printed material will strip in the film in the final negatives or positives. We can also compensate for their gain in printing by reducing the bar widths. This is more accurate than supplying you with files since we output our files at 4064 DPI and films are measured for accuracy after they are produced. Films are guaranteed to meet film master tolerances. Cost is $35.00 per negative or positive. Orders received by 10:00 a.m. Central time will ship the same day. No P. O. Box addresses price includes standard shipping charges.
Files:
We can supply a variety of file formats for bar codes. However currently only EPS file format combined with a film image-setter outputting at over 2000 DPI will meet the tolerance requirements of the bar code. Please make sure that the software that you are using for the cover of your books can support EPS(Encapsulatest Postscript) file format and you know how to import this format into your files. Cost is $35.00 per file. Orders received by 10:00 a.m. Central time will be E-Mailed the same day.
Labels:
We can supply self adhesive labels in a variety of sizes and shapes.
The size that is most recommended for “U.P.C.” bar code is 1 5/8″ x 1 1/8″. Minimum quantity for this size is 100 labels for $21.70 and each additional 100 for $4.17. For each item we need the U.P.C. number. Upon request we will print an additional line of up to 19 characters for reference above the bar code at no additional cost.
The size that is most recommended for “Bookland EAN” bar code is 2 1/4″ x 1 1/4″. Minimum quantity for this size is 100 labels for $25.58 and each additional 100 for $5.58. For each title we will need the ISBN and the price of the book.
Larger quantities are available at lower prices. Labels are guaranteed to meet all bar code tolerances if you accept our recommendations. Labels will ship in three working days. No P. O. Box addresses. There is a $35.00 Minimum per order.
III. MANUSCRIPT PAGES TO INCLUDE IN FRONT/BACK OF YOUR BOOK
Your manuscript is complete, but don’t forget these important items that need to go in the front/back of the book:
Title Page: The title page is normally the first or second page you see when you open a book. It usually lists the Title, Author and sometimes the Publisher’s Name.
Please pick up a few books and review the title page.
The next page is usually the PUBLISHING AND COPYRIGHT INFORMATION. Do not and I repeat DO NOT publish your book without this page. Don’t forget to add a DISCLAIMER to protect you the author and publisher. Also add the cover designer’s information on this page.
Pasted below is an example of the page with the pertinent information for our company, SUCCESS INC. If you remove the highlighted parts where I inserted comments, you can use this exact format for your book.
Published by
Success, Inc. (INCLUDE PUBLISHERS CONTACT INFO)
P. O. BOX 12345
Dallas, TX 12345-2606successinc@aol.com
Love and Happiness. Copyright © 2003 by Shelia M. Goss. (THIS IS THE COPYRIGHT INFORMATION…IF YOU NOTICE, THE COPYRIGHT IS NOT COPYRIGHT BY SUCCESS INC, BUT BY THE AUTHOR) All rights reserved. (MAKE SURE YOU ADD THIS. THE STATEMENT MAY NOT SEEM NECESSARY, BUT IT PROTECTS THE PUBLISHER’S RIGHTS) No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages to be included in a review.
All characters, names, descriptions and traits are products of the author’s imagination. Similarities to actual people – living or dead – are purely coincidental. (THIS PROTECTS THE AUTHOR…THERE MAY BE SOMEBODY OUT THERE WHO WILL SWEAR UP AND DOWN THAT YOUR FICTIONAL CHARACTER NAMED BOBO THE CLOWN IS REALLY ABOUT THEM.)
First Edition
Cover design by SG Creations
Email: sgcreations@numberone.com
Library of Congress Control Number: 212131415161
ISBN: 0-9111111-2-2 Other Pages:
If your book is non-fiction, you may want to include a Table of Contents page at the beginning of your book or an Index page at the back of your book. If you are quoting other sources, don’t forget to acknowledge them in the Bibliography, which is normally located in the back of the book.
Fiction or non-fiction: The Acknowledgements Page can be placed in the front or back of your book. I’ve seen them in both places. An example of an acknowledgements page might read something like this:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book is the result of encouragement received from so many people over the years. If I forgot to mention you here, please don’t hold it against me; it’s not intentional. I would like to thank my family for their patience. A special thanks goes out to all the authors who have held my hand through the publishing process.
IV. GALLEYS
Don’t forget to request Endorsements for the back of your book.
Hopefully you’ve joined some writer’s groups, done some networking, or attended a couple of workshops. Some of these contacts you’ve made could be useful when you need endorsements for your book. Don’t worry, if you haven’t done any of those things, it is possible to still request endorsements.
Request endorsements from people that are popular with the audience you’re trying to reach. Some people will ask to see the entire manuscript while others would only ask to see a synopsis of your story. Either way, make sure you accommodate and give them ample time to read and respond. Side note: Don’t be mad however if the person you contacted can’t endorse your book. They may be under a deadline and don’t have time to read your information.
This leads us up to the discussion on Galleys. A galley is an unedited bound version of your manuscript. Some newspaper and magazine publications require you to send in a galley two to three months prior to the publication of your book.
You can get these printed and bound at your local printers, such as a Kinko’s or KwikKopy.
If you know who you want to target beforehand, check their submission guidelines as soon as possible.
There are plenty of book clubs, online review sites, magazines and newspapers that are willing to review your book. Just make sure you follow their guidelines.
For a list of newspapers and magazine publications, I would suggest this link:
http://www.metagrid.com/
To keep track on who you’ve requested endorsements/reviews from, create an excel sheet. (This spreadsheet will come in handy when or if you need to follow up and for future correspondences.)
For more information on self-publishing, refer to last month’s entry – The 4-1-1 on Self Publishing http://blogginginblack.com/?p=1169 or Making the move from S to T: http://blogginginblack.com/?p=15
If you have any questions about the process in today’s post, please leave them in the comment field. Next month, I’ll be back with more tips on self-publishing.
Shelia M Goss is the national best-selling author of six multi-cultural romance books: Hollywood Deception (2010), His Invisible Wife, My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum and and three young adult books: The Lip Gloss Chronicles series: The Ultimate Test, Splitsville, and Paper Thin. For more information, visit her website: www.sheliagoss.com or www.thelipglosschronicles.com.
The 40 Year Old Virgin (Writer)
Feb 27th
I have a so-called writer friend who shall remain nameless (<a href=”http://www.briankeene.com/“>Brian Keene</a> says what?) who loves to remind me of the fact that this year I turn forty. Forty. Four Zero. That milestone of angst and turmoil, even for the most secure of us … and we all know how stable writer/creative types are. Thing is, this year marks my debut turn as a novelist. Yes, yes, yes. I’ve had short stories, an anthology, and novellas published,* but I hadn’t had a novel see the light of day. Now while I find myself ready to choke the next person forwarding me a headline about the latest pre-/teen offered a six figure book deal, there are some very practical reasons why it has taken me so long to find my way to novel print.
1) Writing is long and hard.** I decided in 1993 to write a novel. I was all of 23. The world was full of hope and I could dare to dream. I finally typed “the end” in 2000. For the record, this is the first lesson of being a writer: <a href=”http://www.mauricebroaddus.com/2006/12/writers-finish-things“>writers finish things</a>. When I set out to write a novel, I had NO IDEA how to write one. Sure, I’d read quite a few (and read the Cliffs Notes of many more during high school). Sure, I had thought to myself “this is easy. Anyone can do this. I can certainly do this better than (fill in the blank).” Seven years and 140K words later, I learned that 23 year olds aren’t always that bright.
2) Just because you’ve written a novel doesn’t mean you have written a sellable novel. My first novel is a horror novel called “Strange Fruit.” My second novel is an urban fantasy called “Pantheon of Dreams”. I would tell you the name of my third novel, an African American romance, but my so-called writer friend would join with another so-called writer friend (<a href=”http://wordsofwrath.blogspot.com/“>Wrath James White</a> says what?) to beat me to death with their taunts because I made the mistake of telling them the pen name I planned on using. My fourth novel was a sword and sorcery collab with <a href=”http://www.stevenshrewsbury.com/“>Steven L. Shrewsbury</a> entitled “Black Son Rising”. My fifth novel is an urban fantasy/crime novel called Knights of Breton Court: King maker (with the sixth being Knights of Breton Court: King’s Justice). There are a few lessons I can take home from my lack of sales.
-One, there are no wasted words. My romance novel will never, no never, see the light of day. However, one of the story lines in it was incorporated into Kingmaker. Just like there were scenes from Pantheon of Dreams that made it into King’s Justice.
-Two, some books have their time. “Strange Fruit” and “Black Son Rising” are simply waiting on the whims of market demands. For example, should a Conan movie go into production, the market for old school sword and sorcery novels will heat up. Also, I still stand by “Strange Fruit”. First time novels typically suck. That’s why God created second drafts. Or, in its case fifth drafts (as it is now down to 90K words).
-Three, while it took seven years to write “Strange Fruit”, it took six months to write “Pantheon of Dreams”, one to write the first draft of “Kingmaker” (yay NaNoWriMo), and three months to write “King’s Justice”.
3) Just because you’ve written a novel doesn’t mean you can sell a novel. It’s one reason why so many first time novelists turn to self-publishing. But, for me, FOR ME (as in the decisions I’VE made for how I want MY career to go), I believe that <a href=”http://www.mauricebroaddus.com/2008/06/there-are-worse-fates-than-being“>there are worse fates than being non-published</a>. Plus, if I’d gone the self-publishing route, well, then my so-called friends would be beating me to death with physical copies of a book.
The selling of a book can age a person. Spending time <a href=”http://www.mauricebroaddus.com/2008/10/bib-networking“>developing contacts</a>, learning the business, finding an agent … all of these things take time. You query a batch of agents, you wait on their replies. You/your agent sends your brilliant, I say, brilliant manuscript to a publisher and you wait on their replies. And that’s IF you can bypass the developmental hell known as the slushpile.
It’s hard to factor in luck or being in the right time at the right place (depending on how your quantum universe works), but I do believe in being prepared for when your opportunities do arise. In short, fifth time’s the charm.
4) Publishing a novel takes time. I won’t lie, Angry Robot has spoiled me on publishing. They’ve been a delight to work with. But here’s another bit of time consumption: they accepted my manuscript in August of 2009 for a book that will be released in March 2010 (U.K. release date). That is a breakneck pace. The contract stuff had been worked out by then (a couple months), but that gives us months to go through the editing process, work up a cover (and <a href=”http://www.mauricebroaddus.com/2009/12/look-upon-my-cover-ye-mighty“>allow me to show you this cover</a> again), get my input for marketing ideas, and slotting it in their release schedule. Only then does the novel see the market. And like I said, Angry Robot is moving very quickly. I could very easily be a 43 year old virgin writer.
I say all this to encourage my fellow aspiring scribes of all ages. Writing takes time. Publishing takes time. All you can do is keep writing. You’re never too old to write.
<span style=”font-style: italic;”>*I also have a so-called publisher/editor friend who shall remain nameless (</span><a style=”font-style: italic;” href=”http://www.jason-sizemore.com/“>Jason Sizemore</a><span style=”font-style: italic;”> says what?) who loves to remind me that I “ain’t no virgin.”</span>
<span style=”font-style: italic;”>**THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID! Ok, I’m turning 40, but I’m afraid my sense of humor is perfectly 8 year old boy.</span>
Hating a Character
Feb 26th
Have you ever read a book and hated the main character? I had the pleasure of meeting a character I did not like. This character was snobby, whiney, a royal B. This was my first time experiencing this with the heroine of the book. I’ve hated villains and sub characters but never the heroine. How was I going to get through the story, when I couldn’t stand the girl telling the story?
Instead of throwing the book against the wall, I decided to continue reading. My mother’s group had raved about this writer’s books, so I wanted to give her a chance. I also have to tell you that I was listening to it on CD, so the voice of the reader did not help this character at all. She spoke in a voice that made me want to smack her smug face.
The writer took me from hating this character, to sympathizing with her to learning to like the person she’d grown into. She did what I’m learning is called character growth. It was a perfect example of learning what your characters goals and motivation are and showing how they grow as the try to reach these goals.
I’m glad I finished the book and didn’t throw it up against the wall. Some characters can change and mature to be better people.
Have you ever hated a main character?
LaShaunda C. Hoffman – http://sormag.blogspot.com
SORMAG Publisher
Need help with your book promotion?
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THE WRITE PEOPLE
Feb 23rd
I am perplexed, or at least I was when someone seemed amazed at the happenings of some of my characters…
The fact that Malcolm Black and William Brown,
‘Allowed’ Cinnamon the woman they loved,
So much leverage,
Or the fact that Alexandra Wilson was a lesbian woman,
Who stayed married to a man for thirty years…
Before she ever stepped out and became who she really was,
Or that there are women who are so hung up on things like skin color,
And hair texture that they sabotage the relationships in their lives,
Or uh oh,
That people are Christians and have so many struggles with being ‘good’…
Or that there are people who do all kinds of things to make their lives work,
The reason I am so puzzled is that even though I grew up in an environment of protectiveness,
My mom, grandmother, some of my aunts and my grandmother,
Were very protective of me,
Those protections didn’t stop me from seeing life or people as they were,
There was a man we all called, ‘Mother’,
He was a gay man,
No big deal to me, he worked hard and was a vital part of our community,
There was a woman I will call JB,
Who at first glance looked like a man,
And lived with a woman,
And was one of the hardest working loggers in the city,
Who I knew well,
She was part and parcel of my community,
And to this day,
I see her,
She was a large presence at my mother’s funeral,
And as I got older,
No one had to tell me that there were people who stepped outside of their,
Marriages and still remained married,
I had eyes and I could see,
Nothing about these people was strange,
Or titillating,
Or sexy,
Shoot, they were just the people I grew up around,
This morning I got a message from my sister telling me a friend had died,
He was a gay man who was probably ten years older than me,
But what I remember him for more than anything was how smart he was,
How he was always pursuing a degree in something,
I remember the last time I saw him,
I was selling my books at the African American Arts festival,
And he bought my book, saying he was proud of me,
And saying how good I looked and remembering my mother,
I hugged him fervently and we joked a bit,
Such has been my life,
So when I sit down to write,
That is what I recall,
As I craft characters,
All of those vibrant,
Different,
Flawed,
Loving people, that I was blessed to know,
And that thanks be to God,
People are now interested in reading about,
In a fictionalized form….
BE BLESSED!
HTTP://ACVERMEN.BLOGSPOT.COM
Survivor Island
Feb 20th
Do you writers out there sometimes feel like you’re trapped on an island with challenges to survive the publishing biz? Maybe I’m alone, but I swear sometimes I think there was an unknown producer somewhere writing a script and laughing her a&$ off as I tried to navigate the crazy world of being a published author. I could tell stories that would curl your hair.
And now I’m trying to sell another book in this tough as nails market. These days I fully expect some editor or agent to challenge me to eat bugs, or cross a leech infested lagoon to prove they should spend precious time even reading my submission. Only to send me a form rejection with a P.S. at the bottom that says, “Geez, don’t you have any dignity left?” Okay, let me make this clear- I will not eat bugs or endure leeches to sell a book. No. Way.
(Pssst If you’re an editor with an offer write to me at LynnEmery@WillingToTryAnythingForABookDeal.com)
Ahem, as I was saying loudly and to all who would listen- I have my pride. But it is really discouraging out here on Author Survivor Island. Sometimes I can compare swallowing some of the lumps we have to take to gulping down a few bugs. But writers, my sisters and brothers, you can breathe a collective sigh of relief. I shall share some of my hard won wisdom on how to make it through the rough spots. Here we go!
1. The bored editor/agent who sits glassy-eyed as you deliver your well-practiced pitch- Survival tip- cold water in the face is a sure way to get their attention. You will have rescued them from the same old, same old. They’ll thank you for it. (Btw, those ankle monitors aren’t as uncomfortable as they look, and two years probation will fly by).
2. Bad reviews- Survival tip- spend an inordinate amount of time whining to anyone who will listen about the injustice of the reviewer. For extra benefit point out how he/she just “didn’t get it”. Others will be endlessly sympathetic. No, really. Whining is so attractive. (Please lose my e-mail address before you take this tip. Thanks!)
3. A reader who sends a detailed lists of mistakes in your published book that is now distributed all over creation- Survival tip- Tell her to get a life. Who needs readers anyway? Then send a stink bomb to your publisher, anonymously of course, along with said reader’s letter outlining the mistakes. Pop two birds with one stinky package: you exact revenge on the publisher for destroying your rep, and frame Miss Know-It-All. Perfection.
4. Your agent (you finally get one, yippee!), dumps you. (Crap!). The reasons don’t matter- Survival tip- remember that stink bomb thingy? I hear you can purchase Eau de Skunk from sporting goods stores for a reasonable price. Stock up, cause being an author means you will have plenty of use for it. Just sayin’.
5. Another writer makes a big splash, sells lots of books and makes a bestseller list. Survival tip- Wear a fake grin and congratulate her/him. Then you go online and tell all your writer loop friends how this author is overrated, you think they totally paid off a bunch of people at the publisher you share to get all that success. And anyway, none of that stuff is probably true. Everyone who quotes you will appreciate being informed of “the real deal”. No, seriously. The fact that no one will admit they know you in public, or sit with you at the next writers conference will be purely a coincidence. No, seriously.
So there you have it. All freely given to use as you see fit. The Author’s Survival Kit. Just remember: I don’t know you, forget my name, and, no, I will not be a character witness at your trial.
Happy writing!
Lynn Emery
A Darker Shade of Midnight- A Cool Murder Mystery in Hot Louisiana
Free Books!
Feb 18th
I was at Barns & Noble’s Web site, minding my own self’s business, as I always do, when I decided to download their free eBook software onto my computer. I enjoy eBooks and would like to purchase an eReader. I figured this program may give me insight into how the Nook works. I plan on doing the same thing with Amazon’s eReader program.
Anywhooo, I was browsing the different categories of eBooks and bought a book or two, then I noticed the Free eBook section. I’m like, yeah right. Nothing is free. I saw three I liked and decided to order them to see what would happen. And guess what happened? The software I’d loaded onto my computer literally placed those books in my library. They were actually free!
Free? Now this doesn’t happen. There must be a catch. I went back the next day to try again. Saw two books I wanted and purchased them for the grand total of $0. Hmmm, how odd. Actually free? And yes I’ll be reading these books.
I chose author’s I’ve never read their work before. Hopefully I’ll find some new authors to follow. So you know this got me to thinking. How do Amazon, Barns & Noble and such decide what books to give away free. It’s probably the publishing houses, but I have no idea. If an author has several titles, giving away a book on such a site is a great way to be exposed to potential new readers.
Now don’t get me wrong. It takes a lot of blood sweat and tears to write book and giving it away may sound foreign to many, but in the long run, it may expose you to a wider audience. One that wouldn’t have tried or known about you otherwise. We all love FREE.
Hmmm, maybe I need to give away a book or two SMILE.
Deatri King-Bey
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