Sometimes I feel like a walking encyclopedia—not because I am so smart, but because I am constantly being tapped for whatever information I have gathered over my 35 years as a working writer/author. And do you know what? I enjoy it. From the first time a budding writer asked me, “How do you get an article published?” I was hooked. I began to realize that I had what it takes to teach—at least in my area of interest and professional expertise.
Oh, I don’t know the answer to every question that comes my way. But I know how to find it. So, not only do I feel like an encyclopedia, I also get to feel like a research scientist.
I find it interesting what hopeful authors want to know. At first, they may ask, “How do you find a publisher?” “Do I need an agent?” “What do I send to the publisher?” “Is it worthwhile to attend a writers’ conference?” And the classic, “I just finished writing a book, now how do I get it published?”
Later in their process, they ask me, “Can I buy just one ISBN?” “When should I copyright my book?” “How much should I charge for my book?” “What is the best way to promote a book?”
And once the book is produced, the questions change again: “How do I get a book review?” “Which press release service should I use?” “My self-publishing company isn’t promoting my book, what should I do?” “Can I get out of my contract?” “How can I boost my book sales?”
I’ve written articles, blog posts and books in response to all of these questions and I am also happy to respond to them personally. My challenge and my passion is to catch hopeful authors and freelance writers early in their quest for publishing fame and fortune and encourage them to learn the publishing ropes before getting too involved.
Entering publishing without the proper education (and by this I mean information and knowledge about the publishing industry) is like going horseback riding without a set of reins or taking your canoe out on the ocean without a paddle.
My hope is that, if you are new to publishing—if you have a book in your heart or even in your computer—that you are actively educating yourself about the fiercely competitive publishing industry before getting involved. If you are promoting a book and it isn’t going well, I hope that you will stop the forward motion and start gathering the information and resources you need in order to create the success you desire. What specifically do I suggest?
No matter where you are in the writing, publishing or book marketing process, read my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book:
http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
If you have a book that is stagnating in the marketplace, read my ebook, The Author’s Toolkit. It will show you how to revive a faltering or failing book:
http://www.matilijapress.com/author_repairkit.html
Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org
Probably the most valuable resource we offer members is the SPAWN Market Update. I produce this 9 to 14-page newsletter each month and we publish it in the member area of the SPAWN website. This newsletter is overflowing with opportunities, resources, tips, tidbits, newsbites for authors, freelance writers, poets, novelists, screenplay writers, artists, photographers—anyone interested in publishing. The fact is that the information, resources and opportunities in just one issue of the Market Update, if pursued, will more than pay for your annual membership of only $45/year.
Are you looking for a publisher, an agent, book promotion opportunities, magazines that pay for material, jobs for photographers, opportunities for artists or screenwriters? You’ll find it in almost every issue of the SPAWN Market Update. Not only that, as a member of SPAWN, you will have access to our Market Update archives. And it comes complete with a search function, for ease in finding exactly what you are seeking.
Join SPAWN Now and turn your publishing luck around: http://www.spawn.org
For those of you who have been cheering on my latest book, Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats, things are going well. People love to read about cats. Here are links to the two latest sites that have posted about Catscapades. The Cat Lady of Seattle. January 21, 2009
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/catlady
And at All Cute Cats: Posted also on January 21, 2009, go to:
http://allcutecats.blogspot.com
Isn’t this fun? If you want to order your copy of the ebook or comb-bound copy, go to http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html Remember, I’m refunding a dollar for each book purchased through February 14, 2009.