The Networks Around us
This article, reprinted from the Bulletin, explores the various aspects of social networking and how a writer can use them to help promote herself.
Archive for the ‘The Business of Writing’ Category
Conventions and writing, or Schmoozing 101
A set of six basic ideas with which to approach conventions. Networking is all about being charming and that will vary somewhat depending on the situation. So, here are the basic ideas.
Hunting for a Literary Agent
Article by Chuck Rothman on (almost) everything you need to know about agents, including how to avoid scams.
Blurred Distinctions: Vanity Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
Of the many issues highlighted by the recent launch of pay-to-publish divisions by two major commercial publishers (Harlequin Enterprises’ DellArte Press–nee Harlequin Horizons–and Thomas Nelson’s West Bow Press), one of the most interesting, to me, is how blurred the distinction between self-publishing and vanity publishing has become.
Thoughts on Self-Promotion
As I close in on the end of my current writing project, the issue of self-promotion is much on my mind. I don’t mind admitting that it’s a prospect I contemplate with dread. I’m one of those I-just-want-to-sit-in-my-room-with-my-laptop writers who really is not constitutionally suited for a world in which the definition of “author” also includes “huckster” (or, if you want to be a bit more diplomatic about it, “entrepreneur”).
Victoria Strauss — The Perils of Searching For Publishers on the Internet
Imagine you’re a new writer. You’ve just completed your first manuscript, and are on fire to get it published. You don’t know a lot about the publishing world, or how to identify a good publisher for your book–but that’s okay. You have the Internet. So you open a search engine–Google, let’s say–and type “publishers” into […]
Thinking About Your Writer’s Platform? Consider Your Online Reputation First.
You’ve probably heard about the importance of developing a writer’s platform. Before you start thinking about your writer’s platform, consider what your overall online reputation is first.
The Pros and Cons of Having Your Own Website
Do you need to have you own website? It depends on what you want to use the website for. Having an online presence may or may not translate to your desired action, in part because your presence really is about “you” as a person rather than “you” the author. With today’s technology, the two are not mutually exclusive.
Resource: The Convention Finder
The Convention Finder searches a database of cons based on location, making it easy to find the convention nearest you.
Reading Aloud
There are few things that can destroy a good story faster than a bad reading. At the same time, a really good reading can make an audience excited and drive sales. Short of a background in theater, how can authors improve their reading skills?
