Announcement
I’m now a dual blogger. Yup, my Catscapades blog is up. I hope to post my first entry later today and it will probably include an announcement featuring the revised edition of the book, Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats. You’ve “read” me talk about the fact that we are adding photos to the cat stories book. Yup, we have added over 80 photos involving over 40 cats. I’ve included cats with attitudes, dress-up cats, lazy cats, cats at play, cats of color, curious cats, clever cats, busy cats, helpful cats, formerly feral cats and cats that are simply hanging out waiting to be admired. Come on over and see what we’re doing at the new blog. Visit often and join in on the fun. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades
On the Writing and Publishing Front
Have you been living up to your expectations so far this year? Are you meeting your writing/publishing goals? You know, we’ve already burned two months of this year. What do you have to show for those 59 days in January and February? Are you making progress on your book manuscript? Have you discovered new outlets for selling or promoting your already published book? Have you submitted the number of articles you hoped to by this time? If you can say, “Yes,” to any of these questions, CONGRATULATIONS! We’d all love to hear how you did it. Details please. (Just leave your comment at the bottom of this blog post.)
If, on the other hand, you have to respond negatively to these questions, what is your Plan B? Will you recover and move forward so that you can meet your goals this month? You still have 30 days to accomplish something on your list in March.
For those of you who need guidance or motivation, consider this your kick in the pants. If you are at a loss as to how to achieve your lofty (or even miniscule) writing or publishing goals, maybe the following will help.
If your goal relates to writing:
• Set a strict schedule. Figure out when you have or can set aside an hour or more during your day—everyday—and make writing your priority during this time.
• “Ink” in this activity and honor it as important.
• Learn to say “no” to anything that threatens to interfere with your writing schedule.
• Set yourself up for success rather than failure.
If you are promoting a book:
• Study everything you can find on book promotion. Read books by Patricia Fry, Brian Jud and other industry experts.
• Subscribe to pertinent newsletters: “Book Promotion Newsletter,” “Book Marketing Matters,” “Publishing Basics…”
• Join appropriate organizations: SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org. And read the monthly SPAWN Market Update from cover to cover every month! This newsletter is for members only. (Membership $45/year.) Also consider joining IBPA and SPAN.
• Devise a promotional plan that is reasonable for your particular book.
• Begin implementing your plan little by little and continue in this vein—contacting book reviewers, sending press releases, setting up live presentations, blogging, etc. throughout the year and beyond.
If you are trying to create a freelance article-writing business:
• Study the process of submitting articles to magazines. Read my book, A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles. http://www.matilijapress.com. Subscribe to “Wooden Horse Publications Newsletter,” “Writer’s Weekly” and “Freelance Writer’s Report.”
• Join SPAWN in order to have access to the “SPAWN Market Update,” which includes markets and opportunities for freelance writers each month. http://www.spawn.org
• Set aside time every day or one or two days each week and focus on your freelance writing career. Don’t skimp on time. It takes time to research markets, research and write the article and involve yourself in the submission process.
You cannot succeed in this field if you remain on the sidelines looking in. The writing/publishing business requires high participation throughout the writing, publishing and marketing processes.
For more guidance and guidelines, read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
For a personal consultation contact me at: PLFry620@yahoo.com.