Lately, I’ve had a handful of published authors contact me for advice. All of them had one question, “What should I do?” But, in each case, the scope of their dilemma was more complicated than that. They wanted confirmation that they were contemplating the right thing. They needed resources, recommendations and introductions.
Oh, I guess I could just say to them, “I don’t know—do what you think is best.” But I took the time to respond as best I could—giving them references, pointing them toward information I was aware of, offering my opinion and then I gave them each a far-reaching gift.
I reminded them that they have the greatest source of information at their fingertips and, probably, at their elbows. Many of them own some of my books for authors and books by other experts and professionals. They certainly have the Internet at their disposal. With a few clicks, they can locate the information and resources they seek. And you can, too.
So often, we forget that we have such power—that we can find answers, statistics, possibilities, options and opportunities just by typing in the right keywords and following valid links.
Do you want to find a good illustrator for your book? Search for “children’s book illustrator,” or “directory of illustrators.”
Do you need a publisher for your humor book? Locate books like yours on the Internet and find out who published them. Check out these publishers’ catalogs and submission guidelines.
Are you unsure as to which pay-to-publish company to go with? Conduct a search of complaints against your various choices. Type in the name of the company plus, “warning,” or “complaint,” and see what you come up with. Also be sure to read Mark Levine’s book, The Fine Print of Self-Publishing. He rates and ranks several of these companies and explains the ins and outs of their contracts for you. Don’t make a choice without having read Mark’s book. You can get the ebook version of this book FREE when you join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). http://www.spawn.org
As a member of SPAWN, you will also have access to one of the best author’s/artist’s/freelance writer’s enewsletters around, the monthly SPAWN Market Update. I list directories of jobs for freelance writers and artists, new publishers seeking good works, important industry news and trends, book promotion ideas and opportunities galore.
Are you searching for a good book editor? You might look on the acknowledgements pages of books you like, retrieve the promo material you picked up at a recent book festival or writers’ club meeting for the speaker you admired, ask for recommendations and/or do an Internet search and then audition those editors you like best. Remember, I do book editing. And I can put you in touch with some satisfied clients. http://www.patriciafry.com
Learn to use the reference books you have purchased. Purchase excellent reference books that come to your attention. We put a great deal of effort and time into creating an index for you—use it. And use the huge information highway that’s in front of you at this moment when you have questions or issues that need resolution.
Two GREAT reference books:
Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author
Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author
Both available at Amazon.com and most other online and downtown bookstores.
On the horizon—watch for it this fall:
Talk Up Your Book, How to Sell Your Book Through Public Speaking, Interviews, Signings, Festivals, Conferences and More. It’s already listed as a pre-order item at Amazon.com. Check it out and see what you think.