Writing and Publishing News

I missed chatting with you yesterday. I woke up to a problem that took me two hours to resolve. Someone ordered a book through my website and inadvertently placed the order 11 times. This meant that I had to issue 10 credits and this turned out to be a rather complicated, time-consuming process.

Let this be a reminder for all of us to exercise patience when ordering something, lest we get quadruple the number of items we wanted for quadruple the amount. It seems that some ordering systems are slow and it can take a few moments for the order to go through. Besides, according to my customer, not everyone would make the problem right and especially so quickly and completely.

So why couldn’t I post a blog entry after I fixed the problem for my customer yesterday? Heck, the day was much too gorgeous to stay inside stuck at the computer, so I drove the 15 miles to the beach and walked on the sand for an hour. Doesn’t that sound like a lovely way to finish off a grand year? I have a 5 mile walk/hike planned for New Years day.

The distraction and the great walk helped to dispel my anger—well, at least a little. Who am I angry at? Fake authors! Those people who dupe the public with their lies—passing off a book of fiction as truth—presenting a made up story as a memoir. What kind of warped mind would concoct such a plan designed to fool publishers, the public and even Oprah? Why not present the story as fiction? I’m sure you have all read about the Rosenblat’s confession under the pressure of Holocaust scholars.

What the Rosenblats did is shameful. But it’s interesting how, with the many scams and frauds perpetuated within the publishing industry, it is the dishonest author who gets publicly scorned. What about the agents, editors and even publishers who cheat, swindle and otherwise rip-off unsuspecting authors? What about the suspicious and even dishonest activities going on in some of the publishing services offered to unaware authors? These incidents don’t make evening news headlines.

The fact is that many companies that empty the pockets of authors, do so with the author’s permission. As authors, we sign up to be abused, hoodwinked and deceived. We have every opportunity to study the fine print before signing on the dotted line, but we don’t. Or we do, but we don’t fully understand it. We avoid paying the $100 or so to hire an attorney who can explain a confusing contract to us. We don’t take the time to study the industry and to get references. We want what we want (fame, fortune or just recognition) and we want it now without the complication of delays.

Folks, in 2009, I hope you will slow down and take your time with your book project. Hire an editor with a proven record and excellent references. Write a book proposal. Understand your publishing options and pick those that are truly in your best interest. Use patience in placing your manuscript. Be prepared to promote your book. I still meet authors who have no interest in or desire to get involved in marketing their books. Take note: these authors will fail. Many of them did in 2008.

Don’t let this happen to you in 2009. Make this the year that you do everything right. Start by educating yourself through books, such as Patricia Fry’s, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html .

Sign up for one of Patricia Fry’s online, on-demand courses.
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

I’ve been published twice (that I know of) this week. By the way, did any of you see my article on publishing in January issue of The Toastmaster Magazine? Actually, I haven’t seen it, yet. But I’ve had feedback from hopeful authors throughout the world. A few of them have even joined SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network)
http://www.spawn.org

My piece on “6 Simple Ways to Build Promotion Into Your Book” appears in the December 31 edition of Book Promotion Newsletter:
http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com

Working Writer has published my article, “Novel Ways to Promote Your Novel,” in their January February 2009 edition.
http://www.workingwriter1.com

Sarah took my on-line article-writing course during November and December. Here’s what she wrote this week:

“Thank you so much for all of the feedback and such a useful course. I have taken dozens of classes over the years and this was definitely one of the most useful and practical courses. I got the green light from the editor of a magazine because of your excellent coaching with my writing and my approach to the magazine.”

Here are comments from a few former students who took my book proposal course:
“I received an email from Houghton Mifflin today. They are interested in my book. I am ecstatic. This is a HUGE step for me. And you have prepared me for it so well. They have received only my synopsis and sample chapters and now they want the rest. Thanks to your class, the rest is ready to go.” LBG (Author’s note: Yes, HM did issue this student a contact.)

“This course was wonderful for me. It was exactly what I needed—a hands-on book proposal course. I made a major breakthrough on my proposal during the course and the proposal I developed has already received positive feedback from an editor. I would recommend this course to anyone, especially those who are in the process of writing a nonfiction book.” RC

“The first agent I contacted looked at my proposal and accepted it. Your assistance on the proposal, no doubt, proved to be invaluable and I am completely grateful. I cannot thank you enough. Your support and feedback made a huge difference.” DB

A comment from a student who took the Self-Publishing course:
“Patricia is an expert when it comes to self-publishing. Her teaching style is easy to follow whether it is in person or through her writing. I worked with her when self-publishing my second book and was amazed at how much I didn’t know. I recommend all of her books and classes.”

Read more testimonials on the course pages—go to:
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
Choose the course you are interested in and scroll down to see the testimonials.

Which online course should you take? This depends on your current interests and needs.

Take the Article-Writing Course if:• You are just starting out as a freelance writer.
• You want to learn how to use articles to promote your published book.
• You have something to share and want to get the word out through articles.
• You have been submitting articles without much success.

Sign up for the Book Promotion Course if:
• You have a book to promote or will within the next few months.
• Your book sales are sluggish.
• Your book has been selling okay, but you want new book promotion ideas.

Enroll in the Self-Publishing Course if:
• You are contemplating establishing your own publishing company.
• You definitely want to self-publish your book.

Take the Book Proposal Course if:
• You are thinking about writing a book.
• You’re in the process of writing a book.
• You’ve written a book and are looking for an agent/publisher.
• You have a book manuscript, but don’t know what to do now.

When is the best time to sign up for an online course? As soon as you can. For only around $25 per class and a commitment of a few to several hours each week, you can improve book sales, establish a publishing company and produce a book, start a freelance article-writing business or write a complete book proposal.

Sign up today. Go to this link and click on the course of your choice:
http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
If you have questions, contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com.

Announcement
Fellowscript is a Canadian Christian writers’ magazine published four times a year. Maybe you saw my article in their November edition. I’m on page 22-23 with my article, “How to Find Writing Work.” Learn more about this publication and the organization behind it by contacting new interim president Marcia Laycock at vinemarc@telus.net or outgoing president Eunice Matchett at scrappi@telusplanet.net.

Are you still unpublished? Or are you only getting a piece published here and there, now and then, without any sense of regularity? Maybe this is the year that you will finally publish that book, create a presence in the world of article-writing or establish yourself with a variety of clients who will pay for your writing experience and expertise.

If I’ve touched a nerve with my comments—if you feel a bit giddy at the thought of writing for a living—read on. At last count by the IRS, over 180,000 Americans claim writing as their primary source of income. Over 180,000 men and women currently write articles for publication, ghostwrite books for others, contract as a writer for corporations, collect royalties and/or profits from book sales or earn a living by providing editorial services for authors. Perhaps you can, too. But I would advise that you are well-prepared before you go launching into any aspect of this profession.

I’ve seen the results and have heard the sob stories told by authors who hired unskilled book editors. Do NOT add to the confusion and the heartbreak by attempting to enter into this field without the appropriate education, experience and skills. You’ll only hurt your fellow authors if you do. If editing is your dream, spend several years writing in earnest, studying, practicing, learning and absorbing the knowledge and senses you need in order to successfully turn an awful or even mediocre manuscript into a wonderful manuscript and a good one into an even better, more publishable one. While you’re at it, be sure to study the publishing industry. An editor with knowledge of the publishing industry—who can counsel clients on many levels related to publishing—is a much more valued and valuable team member on a publishing project.

If you want to become a published author, there are many ways to accomplish this dream in 2009. But the key is education. You’ve heard me say it before and I’ll probably harp on it throughout 2009, you must understand something about the publishing industry, your options, the possible consequences of your choices and your responsibility as a published author. I recommend that you read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book by Patricia Fry. (Yup, that’s me.) http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

If you are contemplating signing with a fee-based POD “self-publishing” company of any kind, be sure to read Mark Levine’s book, The Fine Print of Self-Publishing. He rates and ranks 48 of these companies for you—so you know exactly what you need to know before signing on the dotted line. Get this book FREE when you join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). http://www.spawn.org

If you want to self-publish your book—you establish your own publishing company—sign up for my on-demand, online self-publishing course. http://www.matilijapress.com/course_selfpub.html

Who am I? I established my publishing company, Matilija Press, in 1983 and I’ve self-published several of my 28 published books over the last 25 years.

If you want to get a start as a freelance article writer, order my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles at http://www.matilijapress.com/writingpage.html

And sign up for my on-demand online course in writing magazine articles. Learn more about this course at: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_magarticles.htm

For questions or concerns about any aspect of publishing, contact me at PLFry620@yahoo.com.

FREE things you can do TODAY to begin educating yourself:
• Read former posts from this blog.
• Sign up for SPAWN’s FREE enewsletter. http://www.spawn.org
• Visit my website and peruse the books, courses, articles and other resources: http://www.matilijapress.com
• Email me with your questions: PLFry620@yahoo.com.
• If you own one of more of my useful books, spend time reading them this week.
• My books are in the library system. If you can’t afford to purchase the one you want, ask at your local library for books by Patricia Fry.
• Write, write, write.
• Study, study, study.

R.L. (Becky) Coffield contributed to the Suite 101 blog site this week with a piece on how joining a small publishers’ networking organization can increase book sales potential.

Sarah Bolme, Director of Christian Small Publishers Association, in her blog last year gave four benefits of joining publishers associations. And she named 5 main organizations, including SPAWN. Her reasons include:

• You gain respect in the publishing industry.
• You receive cutting edge information.
• You save money.
• Doors of opportunity open to you.

Virginia Lawrence and I, here at SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) would add this: If you join and participate in an organization such as SPAWN:

• You are less likely to make emotionally devastating and costly mistakes.
• You have the opportunity to become completely aware of your options.
• You are provided the tools and resources to make better decisions.
• Your success potential increases dramatically.

But, as I said, this is only the case for those who actually participate in and partake of the offerings within the framework of the organization.

In the May 2008 edition of the SPAWN Market Update (in the member area of the SPAWN website), I profiled 24 regional publishing organizations in several states, including Arizona, California, Texas, Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, New Mexico, Florida, Missouri, New York and even Ontario, Canada. Most of these organizations have face-to-face meetings where you can mingle with and learn from other authors and publishers.

The New Year is upon us. Once the Christmas gifts are opened, the holiday tree has lost most of its needles, the carolers have moved on and you’ve eaten your last piece of fudge, it’s time to get back to what really matters&#8212your book.

Whether you are writing it, seeking a publisher for it, trying to figure out your publishing options, have decided to self-publish or are in promotion mode, membership AND PARTICIPATION in one or more publishers associations will benefit you and your project.

As soon as you put the holidays behind you, take that check your grandmother gave you, sell your Starbucks’ gift card to your brother, rob your piggybank or dip into your retirement fund and join an appropriate publishers’ organization. In fact, I recommend joining more than one.

Join SPAWN, for example, for the opportunity to network online with others throughout the nation&#8212in fact, the world and for the solid knowledge base and experience of the principals. The four most valuable features are the forum, the discussion group (for networking purposes), the huge online resource bank and the monthly SPAWN Market Update which is jam-packed with information and opportunities for authors, small publishers, freelance writers, screenwriters and artists. SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network)
http://www.spawn.org

Also look into joining the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) or Small Publishers of North America (SPAN). You can join SPAWN and then get a discounted membership in either IBPA or SPAN. If you already belong to IBPA or SPAN, you can join SPAWN at a discounted rate.

If you are also interested in exploring a regional publishers association, let me know where you live and I’ll attempt to locate one near you. PLFry620@yahoo.com.

In the meantime, if you are thinking about writing a book, you are writing a book, you are seeking publication or you are promoting a book, you need my 15 star book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Order yours today at:
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

Do I have a Christmas gift for you! It’s straight from Oprah&#8212well, via my friend, Angela Hoy at http://www.writersweekly.com. In her current newsletter, Writer’s Weekly, she offers this link to a whole list of topics coming up on Oprah’s show. If you have a book, check out these topics and see if you would be an appropriate guest at any point in 2009. http://www.oprah.com/pluglist.jsp?teamTypeName=TOWS

And let us know if you get on. I’d love to share your successes with other readers.

My clients are getting ready for Christmas. They’re finishing up their manuscripts and proposals and sending them to me for editing. They’re ready to move forward with their holiday plans now that they have taken their projects off of their plates. But now their projects are on my plate. And I am grateful. You’ll all just have to understand that I can’t get to anything that takes any amount of time or concentration until after the big day&#8212that’s Christmas. I’ll probably add to the blog, dabble with my cat stories book and respond to emails&#8212so it’s okay to send your questions. But otherwise, I’ll be really busy cleaning, baking, wrapping, cooking and preparing for a crowd of 20 here on Sunday. Next week, it’s more baking and Christmas parties here and there and then Christmas day, which we split between two large families. I’ll be back to work on Friday, December 26.

In the meantime, what are you doing to promote your book or your freelance writing business? Have you talked about your book to at least ten people this week? Have you mentioned, during your company, church or club Christmas party that you will write for money? Are you spreading the word? There’s a realtor in town who, once a month or so, she walks around various neighborhoods leaving a rose or a small package of seasonal tea along with her promo piece on every doorstep. I will remember her if I ever decide to sell my house or if a friend asks about a realtor because she keeps reminding me.

Are you reminding your potential customers and clients about your products and services? Or do you expect them to remember you when they are struggling with a writing project or want a good novel as a gift? They will certainly remember you for about 2 minutes after hearing about your book or your services the first time. You want to remain in their minds. And you can do that by reminding them from time to time that you and your book exists. How? Here are just a few ideas:

• Create and maintain a blog related to your book or services and promote it.
• Establish a newsletter and promote it.
• Send periodic emails to your list announcing new books, awards, reduced price, add-on products, etc.
• Mail gifts, such as bookmarks, origami art, greeting card or discount coupon to customers/clients occasionally.
• Make news locally and nationally and report it in all appropriate publications.
• Write articles/stories on your topic or in your genre and get them published all over the place.
• Participate in related blogs and forums.
• Join organizations that will help you learn more about publishing and marketing.

Is your Christmas wish for greater success? Do you hope to attain success in 2009? Then you MUST take steps to make it happen. Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) in order to keep your finger on the pulse of the publishing industry and for the resources and information to help you sell books. You’ll also receive valuable tips and opportunities designed to help you build your freelance writing business. http://www.spawn.org.

The other thing you must do if you are thinking about writing a book, working on a book, seeking a publisher, contemplating self-publishing or promoting a book is to purchase The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html.

I just had an order from a gentleman who had found this book in his library. He liked it so much that he knew he had to own a copy. In fact, he sent me a letter saying that he couldn’t find, on my website, how much we charge for shipping. I can understand his concern. I have been bilked out of money for shipping when I’ve purchased multiple items, for example. I mean $6.49 per $8.95 items for shipping is quite a bit over the top. I didn’t learn until after I ordered 6 of the items (each weighing less than 2 pounds) that this company literally meant $6.49 shipping charge per item&#8212all items coming to the same address!!! Sinful. I complained loudly and was made whole. But I don’t think they changed their practices.

So I could understand this gentleman’s concern. I assured him that we charge quite reasonable fees depending on the weight of the book. And I, in fact, sent him a copy of the book immediately priority mail and asked that he send a check by return mail&#8212which he did.
I have since put a statement on each book ordering page letting customers know that the shipping cost will be $2.00 to $5.00 for orders totally $6.50 to $25.00.

Happy baking, shopping and wrapping. And safe partying.

My article, “This is No Time to Cut Back on Promotion” was published in Francine Silverman’s Book Promotion Newsletter this week. This is certainly a topic that should be of great interest to anyone with a book to promote during this difficult economic period. Check it out at:
http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com

Speaking of this “downturn,” has it occurred to any of you that the downfall of enormous companies is sort of like a wildfire? It’s necessary once in a while in order to create a more natural balance in our economy. It is painful while it’s happening, but it creates a better environment down the road for those who survive. Does this make sense or is it just plain insensitive?

Hey, interesting news: Harper Studio, a new imprint of Harper Collins has cut a deal with Borders to eliminate the returns policy. Read all about it all over the web and, probably, in all of the newspapers. In return, Borders gets a deeper discount on the books they buy. Experts knew this was coming, and this seems to be the starting point.

I’ve been working on my cat stories book. Wow, I forgot how much work it can be to pull it all together so it makes for an interesting book, organize it (I’ve reorganized it 5 times already),fact-check, research, edit, edit, edit, etc. It’s taking more time than I expected. And I’m enjoying it more than I expected. Are any of you in writing mode? Are you working on a book as we speak? I’d love to hear your thoughts, emotions and experiences as you compile or create the pages of your current book project.

Are any of you trying to accomplish this with a large, shedding cat on your lap? The colder the weather gets, the more time Max spends on my lap. Have you seen those colorful ceramic good luck cats sitting in Asian places of business? You can’t miss them&#8212it looks like they are waving while holding some sort of money symbol. I actually have one in my office. I think this is what he thinks he is&#8212a good luck cat. Sometimes he just sits on my lap looking me in the eye as I type. Hey, I did have a better year in 2008 economically. Maybe he is bringing me luck.

I’m rather distracted lately. I’m focusing on my cat stories book more than I’m thinking about book promotion and article-writing, but I do want to provide you with something of value whenever I can. So here are a few tips: Another reason for looking at Fran Silverman’s current Book Promotion Newsletter is that she provides several resources for book review sites and other book review opportunities.

While I prefer that you seek out publications, sites and newspaper columns directly related to the topic or genre of your book when soliciting book reviews, it doesn’t hurt to have your book reviewed at some of the book review sites and in book review publications, as well. For those of you who are paying quite a bit for copies of your book through your fee-based POD “self-publishing” company, it can get kind of costly to send books out for review. But if you score even 3 sales per review, it might be worth your while, right? Plus, you are getting that much needed exposure. You have to get your name out. You must get your book known. Without exposure, you can forget about sales.

I’d like to hear about your most successful or unusual book review experience. Would you like to recommend a book review site or publication? I encourage you to share what you know&#8212network. This was the premise that launched SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). SPAWN was formed 13 years ago in order to provide anyone interested in publishing the opportunity to collaborate, share, teach, learn&#8212in other words, network with others who can help to move your project forward. Check out SPAWN and consider joining in 2009. If you get involved, participate and partake of our offerings, you WILL experience greater success in 2009. Membership is $45/year AND you receive a FREE book of your choice (6 books/ebooks to choose from).
http://www.spawn.org.

To contact me, Patricia Fry, PLFry620@yahoo.com. Visit my website at
http://www.matilijapress.com
Or type in Patricia Fry. You’ll find me!!!

Well, I’ve done it. I started working on my cat stories book again. If all goes well and I don’t get swamped with client work (which would be a good thing), I will complete it within the next month or so and publish it as an ebook. I’m excited! How many of you would be interested in reading my book of cat stories? It includes stories about many of the cats I’ve known over the years and those from other cat people I’ve met. I have stories of feral cats, cats living in cat colonies, cats suffering from ailments, cats with unusual habits or traits, cats who live in libraries, working cats, cats with handicaps, traveling cats, cats as teachers and much more.

Are any of you familiar with Dewey, the library cat who was found near death in a book drop in Iowa one frigid morning several years ago? There’s a book out about him now? I was one of about 250 people who wrote about Dewey over the years. I haven’t seen librarian, Vickie Myron’s book, yet, but I have it on my Christmas list, so I should own it soon.

I also want the book, The Necklace. How many of you know about this book? It’s the story of a group of women from my county, here in California, who pooled their money to buy an exquisite, expensive diamond necklace. The book tells the story of how this necklace affected their lives and the lives of those they have shared the necklace with. For example, one woman I know was given the honor of wearing the necklace because she stepped up and gave a friend a kidney.

Both of these books were picked up by major publishing houses and all of the authors are touring around promoting their books. Isn’t it interesting to see what the big publishers will buy and what books will sell?

It seems to pay to get involved, doesn’t it? If Vickie Myron hadn’t taken the injured, abused kitten in, she wouldn’t have earned a million dollar + advance this year. This is a reminder of how important it is to reach out when someone needs our help and to say “yes,” even when we may feel a little uncomfortable or the request is a bit unorthodox or overwhelming. It sometimes pays to risk and take chances. Of course, we all know that publishing is a gamble and it becomes more so all the time.

So what did you do this year that might ultimately result in something positive for yourself or others? Have you taken risks? Have you stood up for or helped someone else? Have you stepped up to the plate on behalf of your publishing dream? I’d love to hear some of your stories.

In the meantime, if you plan to enter into the competitive world of publishing in 2009, be sure to do so with all of the right information and resources. Before taking your next (possibly wrong) step, read my book, “The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.”
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html.

It seems that more hopeful authors are heeding this recommendation as my book sales are up!! Yeah!! And Thank you.