It is worthwhile to spend time and money promoting your book. Brenda and I believe promotional advertising is more cost-effective. Tie this with FREE publicity and you will have a combination that can create a "buzz" and demand. You pay for advertising, publicity is free.
"Publicity is to books what oxygen is to lungs. Without it, sales suffocate and die." Kent Carroll.
The more publicity you receive, the better. We cover publicity in depth in, $uccess, Your Guide to a Successful Book.
Maralyn D. Hill
www.BooksByHills.com
MDHill@NoraLyn.com
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Thursday, September 04, 2008
So, the club really does have some writers
I want to comment on the contributions to the blog that keep rolling in. I took on this task as semi-official blog poster with some trepidation; you know, more busywork. But the material you all are sending in is interesting, making me want to check my e-mail more often to see what’s there.
This activity even triggered a visit to one of your websites. If you want to see a beautiful and effective way to market books on the web, check out www.booksbyhills.com. This is Brenda Hill and family’s site featuring books on food and travel and business. One of their books, which I need to read, is actually on the topic of book marketing. Brenda Hill was at our last meeting as a new and hopefully returning participant.
Administrative detail: if you want your e-mail address displayed, say so with each contribution. Because a lot of people don’t want to broadcast their e-mail addresses, I’ve only been posting websites, and then only when you include them. Also, if you have a book or published article to promote, mention that with your contribution.
Mike Durr, author of My Brain, My Future
miked@thebusinessofthinking.biz
This activity even triggered a visit to one of your websites. If you want to see a beautiful and effective way to market books on the web, check out www.booksbyhills.com. This is Brenda Hill and family’s site featuring books on food and travel and business. One of their books, which I need to read, is actually on the topic of book marketing. Brenda Hill was at our last meeting as a new and hopefully returning participant.
Administrative detail: if you want your e-mail address displayed, say so with each contribution. Because a lot of people don’t want to broadcast their e-mail addresses, I’ve only been posting websites, and then only when you include them. Also, if you have a book or published article to promote, mention that with your contribution.
Mike Durr, author of My Brain, My Future
miked@thebusinessofthinking.biz
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Survival
Some sleeves now have patches. Knees of favorite jeans, white with time, are whole again. When my being is worn thin as a turnstile token used once too often, when ego and reality undo my sense of purpose and peace, I apply a little patch. Stopping the clock and the idiocy it represents, I patch. Real laughter; a fat kitty lying next to me; great food; earned garden grime; silence; music. Patches. Good, useful things.
Kathy Powers
Kathy Powers
Progress
As 1940s white kids we fought with blacks because of color. Their hero was heavyweight champ Joe Louis. But even he couldn’t get them the same movie location that we had. Or, water fountain, pool ticket or bus seat. Even in the Army, blacks were second-class citizens. President Truman helped change that. Then came Martin Luther King and others. Now, Obama may become President. We're a mess now but have done some things right.
John McCafferty
John McCafferty
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
The Informed American
I watch the news most weeknights. It keeps me informed.
From this past week, I can tell you for sure that Republicans and Democrats don’t like each other. I know the Russians don’t like anyone messing with Russia’s neighbors; that’s Russia’s job.
All the politicians agreed that gas prices are rising and house prices are sinking. They also agreed that Hurricane Gustav has their full attention.
I tell you, I sleep better because I’m informed.
Mike Durr, author of My Brain, My Future
http://www.thebusinessofthinking.biz/newbook.htm
From this past week, I can tell you for sure that Republicans and Democrats don’t like each other. I know the Russians don’t like anyone messing with Russia’s neighbors; that’s Russia’s job.
All the politicians agreed that gas prices are rising and house prices are sinking. They also agreed that Hurricane Gustav has their full attention.
I tell you, I sleep better because I’m informed.
Mike Durr, author of My Brain, My Future
http://www.thebusinessofthinking.biz/newbook.htm
The Road to Success
For beginning and seasoned writers, participating in writers groups, (FWA), workshops, conferences and classes is invaluable to your success.
We owe our productivity to consistent ongoing study and improvement in two ways:
. Seeking advice from those who know. Stop thinking and talking about writing an article or book. DO IT!
. Know that marketing begins at your book's conception.
"The road to success is always under construction" Anonymous
Brenda Hill
International Food, Wine & Travel Writer
www.booksbyhills.com
We owe our productivity to consistent ongoing study and improvement in two ways:
. Seeking advice from those who know. Stop thinking and talking about writing an article or book. DO IT!
. Know that marketing begins at your book's conception.
"The road to success is always under construction" Anonymous
Brenda Hill
International Food, Wine & Travel Writer
www.booksbyhills.com
The Truth
They came with magazines saying they had ‘The Truth’. I was young, a new parent, scientifically educated, arrogant and atheist, but missing something. I challenged them, intent on altering their beliefs. It went the other way. They showed consistency in their beliefs that worship of evolution didn’t. They gave a three-word Bible quote, “God Is Love!” not ‘gives’ or ‘has’ but ‘Is’. It lived, growing in my heart and mind, becoming ‘The Truth’ I sought.
Gret Pays
Gret Pays
Citizens Still Decide the Future
I wonder how far our nation must fall before we, as citizens, begin to shape up and value our Constitution and what our forefathers set forth. It's no secret that our once Superpower Nation is no more. Sound bytes and out of context clips fill the air waves, but I question who actually reads the books, papers, editorials, and then THINKS for themselves? Itʼs easier to parrot what one's heard. Thatʼs not what responsibile citizenship is about. Nor, is it the path to re-creating a strong democracy, more the path to doom.
Susan Haley, author of Rainy Day People
Susan Haley, author of Rainy Day People
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Literature
Literature is regardless of its size.
The format of the work could be in a poem or novel.
It is written from blood and/or tears of the author.
It allows the blind to see.
It becomes the pigment of the imagination.
They can be whimsical to serious.
Some become hindsight's present to the reader's future.
......
So many hear the rain claim its rain, but only a few look and see the rain fall to claim its raining.
James A. Geimer©28-Aug-08
The format of the work could be in a poem or novel.
It is written from blood and/or tears of the author.
It allows the blind to see.
It becomes the pigment of the imagination.
They can be whimsical to serious.
Some become hindsight's present to the reader's future.
......
So many hear the rain claim its rain, but only a few look and see the rain fall to claim its raining.
James A. Geimer©28-Aug-08
Great Week For Our Group!
Our Sarasota FWA Group had a roaring end of summer boost into fall and a new season. The week launched with a full-page feature story, replete with photos, crafted by John McCafferty in the Venice Gondolier Sun. This, along with some interest in the FWA website resulted in six new people attending our meeting last night.
Mike Durr who's been working on a program to encourage active participation here on our FWA blog, presented his plan last night. It was met with interest and enthusiasm, especially by the new attendees who were immediately shown a way to become active participants. Simply put, everyone is invited to write seventy-five word thoughts, ideas, stories, news items or anything they just want to say. The object being exercising the skill of using words powerfully but succinctly. We can note whether our message is to share a concept with hope of feedback or make a powerful statement. Those requesting comment will provide the fodder for discussion at the next meeting. It's a great way to offer critique, get to know one another, and also the opportunity to learn writing skills.
Your post entries should be emailed to
miked@thebusinessofthinking.biz.
Mike Durr who's been working on a program to encourage active participation here on our FWA blog, presented his plan last night. It was met with interest and enthusiasm, especially by the new attendees who were immediately shown a way to become active participants. Simply put, everyone is invited to write seventy-five word thoughts, ideas, stories, news items or anything they just want to say. The object being exercising the skill of using words powerfully but succinctly. We can note whether our message is to share a concept with hope of feedback or make a powerful statement. Those requesting comment will provide the fodder for discussion at the next meeting. It's a great way to offer critique, get to know one another, and also the opportunity to learn writing skills.
Your post entries should be emailed to
miked@thebusinessofthinking.biz.
Friday, August 01, 2008
You Can’t Change Course on Autopilot
Su Haley recently sent me an article on thinking. The writer commented that he’s “less concerned with what [people] think than that they think.” He’s right on.
We’re all aware that we don’t have to think. Our brains run on autopilot just fine using intuition. That’s okay unless we want to improve; that requires thinking.
Mike Durr
Link to Mike's website
We’re all aware that we don’t have to think. Our brains run on autopilot just fine using intuition. That’s okay unless we want to improve; that requires thinking.
Mike Durr
Link to Mike's website
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Madeline's New Jewel
Madeline Mora-Summonte just had a story published on Everyday Fiction. It's called A Quarter For Your Thoughts. This story is amazingly concise and yet filled with feel-able details, excellent dialogue, and poignant insights plus a couple full-bodied characters. How does she do it with such a small number of words?!
Congrats, Madeline, for another highly polished gem!
To read this story go to Madeline's website, www.madelinemora-summonte.com and follow the link to Everyday Fiction.
Submitted by
Russ Heitz
Congrats, Madeline, for another highly polished gem!
To read this story go to Madeline's website, www.madelinemora-summonte.com and follow the link to Everyday Fiction.
Submitted by
Russ Heitz
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Elder Statesman Celebrates 96th Birthday!
Ed Lyman, our Honored Elder Statesman of the FWA-Sarasota Literati celebrated his 96th birthday (yes, 96, that is NOT a typo) on Tuesday, June 24th. At our FWA-Sarasota meeting last night, Ed gave US a gift by sharing another one of his sly, dry, witty and humorous stories, this one titled "VIAGRA FALLS". For the members who weren't there, Ed's story was about
... uh ... well ... it's kinda hard to explain. I guess you just had to be there, know what I mean?
Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ED!!! And best wishes for at least another 50 years of writing!
For anyone who wants to send a birthday wish to Ed, his email address is elyman24@comcast.net.
Submitted by
Russ Heitz
... uh ... well ... it's kinda hard to explain. I guess you just had to be there, know what I mean?
Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ED!!! And best wishes for at least another 50 years of writing!
For anyone who wants to send a birthday wish to Ed, his email address is elyman24@comcast.net.
Submitted by
Russ Heitz
Saturday, June 14, 2008
All You Ever Wanted to Know About Copyrights
At our recent FWA meetings there have been a number of questions about Copyrights: when do you need them? Why do you need them? How do you get them? And so forth. The following website of the Copyright Office should answer all your questions, plus a lot of questions you haven't thought of yet. Check it out:
http://www.copyright.gov
Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
http://www.copyright.gov
Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Mind-boggling Publishing Statistics
The Dan Poynter newsletter recently had a blurb about publishing statistics and referred the reader to the website: http://bookstatistics.com. Here are just a few of the stats. There are literally dozens of amazing statistics that can generate both enthusiasm and depression, depending upon the stat and also upon your current writing/publishing situation. Here are just a few examples.
A new book is published every 30 seconds.
78% of the titles come from small/self-publishers.
80% of the book sales are controlled by five conglomerates: Bertelsmann (Random House), Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., Time-Warner, Disney, and Viacom/CBS.
Lightning Source grew from 3 employees in 1997 to more than 500 today; the company digitally scans about 2,000 books a week and prints 1.2 million books a month. "It took us 7 years to print 10 million books," says Lightning Source VIP Kirby Best. "This year we published 10 million books in the first 11 months."
Contributed by Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
A new book is published every 30 seconds.
78% of the titles come from small/self-publishers.
80% of the book sales are controlled by five conglomerates: Bertelsmann (Random House), Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., Time-Warner, Disney, and Viacom/CBS.
Lightning Source grew from 3 employees in 1997 to more than 500 today; the company digitally scans about 2,000 books a week and prints 1.2 million books a month. "It took us 7 years to print 10 million books," says Lightning Source VIP Kirby Best. "This year we published 10 million books in the first 11 months."
Contributed by Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Florida Writer Magazine
To All the Sarasota Group
All of the paid up members of FWA should be receiving their copy of the The Florida Writer in the mail. The group leader no longer receives a separate copy by mail in addition to the alloted copies sent UPS so I'm not sure when they'll be arriving. If you are paid up and do not receive your magazine, you'll have to let me know so we can get the problem fixed. You are entitled to it as one of your member benefits. For those that do receive it, if you'd like to comment about the magazine or any specific article you found helpful, please email me your comment for my column by the 20th of the month. Nuther way to get your name in print! Too, it is YOUR magazine, please feel free to make submissions and showcase your work or your latest news.
Speaking of latest news, Michael Durr, "My Brain My Future" and myself are scheduled to be interviewed on Http://radioearnetwork.com next Tuesday, June 10th at 7am and again at 11am. Susan Klaus of Authors Connection has included the FWA members in this opportunity. To hear the broadcast, go to Radio Ear and click on Author Connection. If you have a book and would like to be interviewed on the air, contact Susan at furryklaus@aol.com I'd also like to congratulate Susan on her election to president of the Sarasota Fiction Writers. She, too, is one busy gal.
All of the paid up members of FWA should be receiving their copy of the The Florida Writer in the mail. The group leader no longer receives a separate copy by mail in addition to the alloted copies sent UPS so I'm not sure when they'll be arriving. If you are paid up and do not receive your magazine, you'll have to let me know so we can get the problem fixed. You are entitled to it as one of your member benefits. For those that do receive it, if you'd like to comment about the magazine or any specific article you found helpful, please email me your comment for my column by the 20th of the month. Nuther way to get your name in print! Too, it is YOUR magazine, please feel free to make submissions and showcase your work or your latest news.
Speaking of latest news, Michael Durr, "My Brain My Future" and myself are scheduled to be interviewed on Http://radioearnetwork.com next Tuesday, June 10th at 7am and again at 11am. Susan Klaus of Authors Connection has included the FWA members in this opportunity. To hear the broadcast, go to Radio Ear and click on Author Connection. If you have a book and would like to be interviewed on the air, contact Susan at furryklaus@aol.com I'd also like to congratulate Susan on her election to president of the Sarasota Fiction Writers. She, too, is one busy gal.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Inside News From The World of Publishing
For those of us who are still in the "outside world" of small presses and independent publishing, it is often difficult to find out what's going on inside the world of traditional publishing. One professional writing group -- Sisters In Crime -- recently published an article that at least provides a glimpse of what's in the present and also what may be in the future of publishing in general. Sisters In Crime is a group of professional writers who specialize in mystery or crime-related novels and non-fiction books, but their interviews with traditional publishing insiders can benefit all of us, regardless of what genre we specialize in. Check out the following site. You may find it interesting, helpful, and certainly informative.
http://sisters-in-crime-sinc.blogspot.com/2008_05_01_archive.html.
Submitted by Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
http://sisters-in-crime-sinc.blogspot.com/2008_05_01_archive.html.
Submitted by Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Friday, May 23, 2008
Melanie's New Video
Melanie Bowles, who spoke at our April meeting, has a new video posted on YouTube. It'll give you some idea of what her Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary family is all about. The video is also an example of why some people (including me) think a herd of horses running free is just about the most beautiful sight anyone could ask for. At least it is for those of us who love animals in general and horses in particular. Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crBUioqs3j8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crBUioqs3j8
Friday, May 09, 2008
Haley's Work Honored Nationally
The National Indie Excellence Book Awards are dedicated to celebrating and promoting the outstanding work of independent publishers and authors. It has just been announced that one of our own FWA Group Leaders, Susan Haley of the Sarasota Chapter, was honored as runner-up Finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence competition for the Audio Book version of her novel Rainy Day People. The audio was produced by Spoken Books Publishing.
In addition to now being able to affix the 2008 Gold Award Sticker on her books, Susan will be included in a National Publicity Campaign that reaches over 700 publishers, buyers, editors and producers culminating in recognition at the 2008 Book Expo America in Los Angeles, California in July.
Congratulations, Susan!
For further information about Susan's work, experience her beautiful website at http://www.sucarha.com.
Russ Heitz
FWA-Sarasota
In addition to now being able to affix the 2008 Gold Award Sticker on her books, Susan will be included in a National Publicity Campaign that reaches over 700 publishers, buyers, editors and producers culminating in recognition at the 2008 Book Expo America in Los Angeles, California in July.
Congratulations, Susan!
For further information about Susan's work, experience her beautiful website at http://www.sucarha.com.
Russ Heitz
FWA-Sarasota
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Amazon's "New Deal"
You've probably heard that Amazon.com is now jumping into the Print On Demand world with all four feet! As a result, the news and rumors are flying from one end of the publishing world to the other. And that includes traditional publishing, do-it-yourself publishing, vanity publishing, POD publishing, cooperative publishing, and just about every other kind of publishing. It could have an effect on anyone who now has a book listed for sale on Amazon.
One of the most comprehensive collections of explanations about this new development can be found at http://www.writersweekly.com/amazon.php/. Check it out. And if you have any questions about how your OWN Amazon-listed book will be affected, check with your own publisher.
Russ Heitz
http://www.russheitz.com/
One of the most comprehensive collections of explanations about this new development can be found at http://www.writersweekly.com/amazon.php/. Check it out. And if you have any questions about how your OWN Amazon-listed book will be affected, check with your own publisher.
Russ Heitz
http://www.russheitz.com/
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Adult Tutors Needed
Dear Sarasota FWA Members -
I received the following email from Kristin Szafraniec, Executive Director of the Sarasota Literacy Council in response to a query I made concerning volunteering after seeing an ad in "Betty Says". Since the FWA takes an active role in Literacy, I thought this may sound interesting to our members or as a group project. I'll bring handouts of the information I receive from Kristin to the next meeting on March 26th. Look forward to seeing you then.
Dear Susan
Adult and family literacy is an extremely important need in our community and I’m hoping to join forces with area organizations like FWA to work on literacy initiatives.
We are celebrating our 30th year anniversary this year, and the need for our programs is growing. We have three programs with over 150 tutor/student pairs and need additional help. Although we do have students from other counties/areas, our organization services learners in the City of Sarasota and the northern half of Sarasota County. LCS is a not for profit 501c3 and we are supported by volunteers, members and donors/small foundations.
I will send you a sheet via email that will provide you with more information about who we are and what we do. In the meantime, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you and collaborating together.
Warm Regards,
Kristin Szafraniec
Executive Director
The Literacy Council of Sarasota, Inc.
Tel: 941.955.0421
www.sarasotaliteracy.org
I received the following email from Kristin Szafraniec, Executive Director of the Sarasota Literacy Council in response to a query I made concerning volunteering after seeing an ad in "Betty Says". Since the FWA takes an active role in Literacy, I thought this may sound interesting to our members or as a group project. I'll bring handouts of the information I receive from Kristin to the next meeting on March 26th. Look forward to seeing you then.
Dear Susan
Adult and family literacy is an extremely important need in our community and I’m hoping to join forces with area organizations like FWA to work on literacy initiatives.
We are celebrating our 30th year anniversary this year, and the need for our programs is growing. We have three programs with over 150 tutor/student pairs and need additional help. Although we do have students from other counties/areas, our organization services learners in the City of Sarasota and the northern half of Sarasota County. LCS is a not for profit 501c3 and we are supported by volunteers, members and donors/small foundations.
I will send you a sheet via email that will provide you with more information about who we are and what we do. In the meantime, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you and collaborating together.
Warm Regards,
Kristin Szafraniec
Executive Director
The Literacy Council of Sarasota, Inc.
Tel: 941.955.0421
www.sarasotaliteracy.org
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Borders Enters POD Market
Borders announced on Valentine's Day that it is now entering the "publish it yourself" independent publishing market with their new BORDERS PERSONAL PUBLISHING imprint. They will be working with Lulu and will also offer editorial support, book design, printing, e-commerce, and other features, for a fee, either bundled or ala carte.
One of the most attractive features of this program is this. Borders Personal Publishing books can also become eligible to be carried by Borders both online and ON THE SHELVES of hundreds of Borders stores. A recent press release stated, "By using the strength of its worldwide chain of bookstores, Borders is offering writers the potential of getting their work featured on the shelves of real bookstores -- a very attractive feature, compared to services that only make books available to order online. Basic prices start at $299 to $499."
For details, go to http://publish.bordersstores.com/?u-pub.
One of the most attractive features of this program is this. Borders Personal Publishing books can also become eligible to be carried by Borders both online and ON THE SHELVES of hundreds of Borders stores. A recent press release stated, "By using the strength of its worldwide chain of bookstores, Borders is offering writers the potential of getting their work featured on the shelves of real bookstores -- a very attractive feature, compared to services that only make books available to order online. Basic prices start at $299 to $499."
For details, go to http://publish.bordersstores.com/?u-pub.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
ARTICLE RE PROS AND CONS-AMAZON SHORTS
Author J.A. Konrath (http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/) has an article over at http://writersdigest.com/articles/konrath_amazonshorts.asp
those of you with books for sale on Amazon might be interested in. Check it out!
Madeline Mora-Summonte
www.MadelineMora-Summonte.com
those of you with books for sale on Amazon might be interested in. Check it out!
Madeline Mora-Summonte
www.MadelineMora-Summonte.com
Friday, February 08, 2008
Excellent Crime Writer's Book
With the publication of POLICE PROCEDURE & INVESTIGATIONS by Lee Lofland, Writer's Digest Books has a sure-fire winner on their hands. The subtitle for this book indicates that it was written primarily for the writers of crime books and crime-related short stories. But that is a much-too-narrow focus. This book is for anyone who is interested in police work, criminal investigations, and all of the aspects that fit under those two general categories. And it delves into these areas to a much greater depth than the ever-popular and every-growing list of television programs that claim to be "reality-based" crime shows.
Nearly everyone is now familiar with terms such as crime scene investigation, autopsy, the exclusionary rule, blood spatter analysis, flash-bangs, DNA evidence, and the Miranda warning. But if you want to know what kind of equipment crime scene investigators need, what kind of training goes on in police academies, how long rigor mortis effects a corpse, what a "sally port" is, what kind of chemicals are used to make meth, or the difference between ASPs and shock sticks, this is the book for you.
Author Lee Lofland is well known to writers of crime-related books mainly because of his expertise in the field, but also because of his clear, concise, and jargon-free writing style. He is a writer's writer, but he is also a reader's writer. His prose is clean and direct, his organization logical, and his coverage comprehensive.
I highly recommend this book for anyone--writer or non-writer--who wants to know what REALLY goes on during a criminal investigation, inside a courtroom, or behind prison walls.
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Nearly everyone is now familiar with terms such as crime scene investigation, autopsy, the exclusionary rule, blood spatter analysis, flash-bangs, DNA evidence, and the Miranda warning. But if you want to know what kind of equipment crime scene investigators need, what kind of training goes on in police academies, how long rigor mortis effects a corpse, what a "sally port" is, what kind of chemicals are used to make meth, or the difference between ASPs and shock sticks, this is the book for you.
Author Lee Lofland is well known to writers of crime-related books mainly because of his expertise in the field, but also because of his clear, concise, and jargon-free writing style. He is a writer's writer, but he is also a reader's writer. His prose is clean and direct, his organization logical, and his coverage comprehensive.
I highly recommend this book for anyone--writer or non-writer--who wants to know what REALLY goes on during a criminal investigation, inside a courtroom, or behind prison walls.
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
FWA FORUMS
Writing is often a solitary endeavor, but as a member of the FWA, you are not alone. Go on over to www.floridawriters.net and check out the FWA Forums. Some of the forums include topics such as Self Publishing, Traditional Publishing, Query Questions, and Goals & Process. Reach out to a fellow Floridian writer! Offer some encouragement, advice or expertise, and get some in return. We're all in this together, after all!
Madeline Mora-Summonte
www.MadelineMora-Summonte.com
Madeline Mora-Summonte
www.MadelineMora-Summonte.com
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Breaking News!!
Pretend this is MSNBC! Breaking News! Breaking News!
Our own Russ Heitz is the winner of The Infinite Writer Book Of The Year Award for his novel "Crosshairs" published in June. Congratulations Russ!!
I've been priviledged to read some of Russ' early work in short stories and this award is an example of his destiny. That being the recognition he deserves for his talented writing ability.
"Crosshairs" is the first of his crime/mystery saga and I understand he's hard at work on the second installment. Time now to read the first one if you haven't already. Check it out at his website linked to the left in the link column. Keep on keepin' on, Russ!
Our own Russ Heitz is the winner of The Infinite Writer Book Of The Year Award for his novel "Crosshairs" published in June. Congratulations Russ!!
I've been priviledged to read some of Russ' early work in short stories and this award is an example of his destiny. That being the recognition he deserves for his talented writing ability.
"Crosshairs" is the first of his crime/mystery saga and I understand he's hard at work on the second installment. Time now to read the first one if you haven't already. Check it out at his website linked to the left in the link column. Keep on keepin' on, Russ!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Simon & Schuster Seeks Rights Forever -- Is This A Sign of Things To Come?
(The following article excerpt was taken from the SCBWI BULLETIN. The statement was originally released by the Author's Guild. The SCBWI is the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.)
"Simon & Schuster has changed its standard contract language in an attempt to retain exclusive control of books even after they have gone out of print. Until now, Simon & Schuster, like all other major trade publishers, has followed the traditional practice in which rights to a work revert to the author if the book falls out of print or if its sales are low.
"The publisher is signaling that it will no longer include minimum sales requirements for a work to be considered in print. Simon & Schuster is apparently seeking nothing less than an exclusive grant of rights in perpetuity. Effectively, the publisher would co-own your copyright.
"The new contract would allow Simon & Schuster to consider a book in print, and under its exclusive control, so long as it's available in any form, including through its own in-house database -- even if no copies are available to be ordered by traditional bookstores.
"Other major trade publishers are not seeking a similar perpetual grant of rights."
(To which I might add, "Yet." -- Ed.)
"The Author's Guild puts it bluntly: 'Your book will live and die with this particular conglomerate.' Until an agreement can be reached, the Author's Guild advises authors to proceed with caution."
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
www.crimespace.ning.com/profile/1essej
"Simon & Schuster has changed its standard contract language in an attempt to retain exclusive control of books even after they have gone out of print. Until now, Simon & Schuster, like all other major trade publishers, has followed the traditional practice in which rights to a work revert to the author if the book falls out of print or if its sales are low.
"The publisher is signaling that it will no longer include minimum sales requirements for a work to be considered in print. Simon & Schuster is apparently seeking nothing less than an exclusive grant of rights in perpetuity. Effectively, the publisher would co-own your copyright.
"The new contract would allow Simon & Schuster to consider a book in print, and under its exclusive control, so long as it's available in any form, including through its own in-house database -- even if no copies are available to be ordered by traditional bookstores.
"Other major trade publishers are not seeking a similar perpetual grant of rights."
(To which I might add, "Yet." -- Ed.)
"The Author's Guild puts it bluntly: 'Your book will live and die with this particular conglomerate.' Until an agreement can be reached, the Author's Guild advises authors to proceed with caution."
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com
www.crimespace.ning.com/profile/1essej
Saturday, December 08, 2007
New Story Published by Madeline
Madeline Mora-Summonte's humorous new story, THE WEDDING CRASHERS, has recently been published by http://www.everydayfiction.com/ and is now available to the whole country. Nay, to the WHOLE WORLD! (Thanks to the wonderful Internet.) When you go to the everydayfiction site, just check out the December Table of Contents. The publication of this cute little story is another step upward in Madeline's writing career and a step we are all pleased to see. She has also updated her website, http://www.madelinemora-summonte.com/ so check that out, too. And keep your fingers crossed. Madeline has been shopping around for an agent and one of these days one of them is going to wake up and see the potential. Keep the faith, Madeline! As the barber said when he shaved Britney's head, it won't be long now.
Russ Heitz,
http://www.russheitz.com/
Russ Heitz,
http://www.russheitz.com/
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Madeline's Conference Experience
Hi, everyone! Just wanted to take a minute to tell you all about my great experience at this year’s FWA Conference in Orlando.
It was my first writing conference, and although I was looking forward to it, I was also anxious. Like most writers, I am an introvert, preferring my cozy home office and quiet time reading to rooms full of people and having to making small talk. But, like my husband reminded me, I already had one thing in common with everyone there - we were all writers! And, as it turned out, among the crowd two familiar faces rose to greet me - Russ and Tuck. We sat together during the FWA lunch meeting, chatted as we waited for different sessions to begin, and even sat together in a few of the workshops. I’m sure they were sick of seeing me by the time it was over!
Speaking of workshops, I had trouble deciding which ones to attend. So many choices! Some focused on craft, such as “Write a Thriller Right Now” and “Make Bright Ideas Sparkle: Tools of the Poet’s Trade” while others, like “The Story About Contracts” and “Publicity and You: Sixteen Mistakes to Avoid” focused on the business side. Three of my favorites were “The Five Things You Must Know Before Submitting to a Publisher”, “Agents, Acquisition Editors, and Publishers Panel” and “You’ve Got an Agent: Now What?” By the end of the conference, my brain hurt - in a good way, of course.
Besides the presentations, the opportunity to talk one-on-one with agents and publishers was also offered. I took advantage of this and met with an agent to pitch my latest manuscript. Talk about being anxious! But she was so nice and encouraging, it ended up feeling more like a chat about a book (granted, one that I had written, but still) than a pitch session. At the end, she asked me to send along my query and sample chapters. Keep your fingers crossed!
By the end of the weekend, I was exhausted but quite pleased with my new social self (okay, let’s not get crazy here - handing out three business cards does not a social butterfly make!) and the experience as a whole. I encourage my fellow writers and members of the FWA to attend next year’s conference. The conference offers so much - a bookstore for you to sell your books, door prizes, an open mike night, a banquet, an awards ceremony - but even if all you do is attend the workshops, like I did, even if you only attend one out of the three days, you’ll still come away with knowledge and encouragement and inspiration. And maybe a couple of business cards. And maybe a door prize or two.
****
Thank you, Madeline! I'm glad it was a rewarding experience for you. Everyone should experience a major Conference at least once. Some like it, some don't, but you owe it to yourself to experience at least one. I love them. My problem is, I've got to curtail just how many I can attend. I missed this year's Orlando Conference having just returned from the 'big one' in Philadelphia which my publisher puts on every year. I'm glad I was well represented by our great Sarasota group. Madeline, Tuck, Russ, and Tucker Mayer, thank you!
It was my first writing conference, and although I was looking forward to it, I was also anxious. Like most writers, I am an introvert, preferring my cozy home office and quiet time reading to rooms full of people and having to making small talk. But, like my husband reminded me, I already had one thing in common with everyone there - we were all writers! And, as it turned out, among the crowd two familiar faces rose to greet me - Russ and Tuck. We sat together during the FWA lunch meeting, chatted as we waited for different sessions to begin, and even sat together in a few of the workshops. I’m sure they were sick of seeing me by the time it was over!
Speaking of workshops, I had trouble deciding which ones to attend. So many choices! Some focused on craft, such as “Write a Thriller Right Now” and “Make Bright Ideas Sparkle: Tools of the Poet’s Trade” while others, like “The Story About Contracts” and “Publicity and You: Sixteen Mistakes to Avoid” focused on the business side. Three of my favorites were “The Five Things You Must Know Before Submitting to a Publisher”, “Agents, Acquisition Editors, and Publishers Panel” and “You’ve Got an Agent: Now What?” By the end of the conference, my brain hurt - in a good way, of course.
Besides the presentations, the opportunity to talk one-on-one with agents and publishers was also offered. I took advantage of this and met with an agent to pitch my latest manuscript. Talk about being anxious! But she was so nice and encouraging, it ended up feeling more like a chat about a book (granted, one that I had written, but still) than a pitch session. At the end, she asked me to send along my query and sample chapters. Keep your fingers crossed!
By the end of the weekend, I was exhausted but quite pleased with my new social self (okay, let’s not get crazy here - handing out three business cards does not a social butterfly make!) and the experience as a whole. I encourage my fellow writers and members of the FWA to attend next year’s conference. The conference offers so much - a bookstore for you to sell your books, door prizes, an open mike night, a banquet, an awards ceremony - but even if all you do is attend the workshops, like I did, even if you only attend one out of the three days, you’ll still come away with knowledge and encouragement and inspiration. And maybe a couple of business cards. And maybe a door prize or two.
****
Thank you, Madeline! I'm glad it was a rewarding experience for you. Everyone should experience a major Conference at least once. Some like it, some don't, but you owe it to yourself to experience at least one. I love them. My problem is, I've got to curtail just how many I can attend. I missed this year's Orlando Conference having just returned from the 'big one' in Philadelphia which my publisher puts on every year. I'm glad I was well represented by our great Sarasota group. Madeline, Tuck, Russ, and Tucker Mayer, thank you!
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Big Business World of Publishing
Donald Maass is one of New York City's most active and well-known literary agents. He has represented the authors of many best sellers and has published a number of his own novels as well as several non-fiction books having to do with the profession of writing. THE CAREER NOVELIST is one of his most well-known, how-to books. And even though it was published about ten years ago, much of what he says in this book is still relevant today.
This is a book directed primarily toward the writer who has attained and demonstrated a certain amount of skill but wants to know more about the Big Business World of Publishing. And, whether we like it or not, the publishing industry today operates like any other global, market-driven industry. The bottom line and primary question of its corporate leaders is the same question asked by any other business: how much money will we make from this product? The follow-up analysis is also the same: if it isn't selling, dump it.
Working hand-in-hand with the publishers are the bookstore chains who are trying to cope with the thousands of new books being published every week. There simply isn't enough shelf space to accommodate them all. This means the chains have also developed their own set of bottom lines. Even a mid-list book by a fairly well-known writer is often given about thirty days worth of shelf space. If the allotted three or four copies of the book don't sell in thirty days, they are all shipped back to the publisher for a refund. Or else they are disposed of in some other ignominious way. The newly opened shelf space is then immediately filled by another author's product, which has the same thirty-day deadline.
For a writer to enter this book-publisher/book-seller world, he/she needs to be aware of a few indisputable facts. The competition is extremely fierce. The struggle is extremely difficult. The progress is painfully slow. And the financial rewards--for most non-blockbuster writers like us--are depressingly small. Nevertheless, it is a world that the potential career writer must be aware of, accept, and learn how to cope with.
In THE CAREER NOVELIST, Maass explains and defines terms like publisher's profit, returns, sell-through, voodoo numbers, ship-in, 100,000-copy first printing, the $25,000 advance, and rate-of-sale, among others. These are terms that serious writers need to know about and understand, whether they write book-length fiction or book-length non-fiction.
Maass also tells us that most publishers, even the traditional large houses, have also adopted a policy that says the writer--not the publisher--is responsible for his or her own promotion. So the days of the publisher handling all of a writer's publicity, advertising, book tours, reviews, etc. has passed. These chores are now the responsibility of the writer. Exceptions are made, of course, for a handful of writers who consistently produce a best-selling product. For the rest of us, promotion is now a large part of our job, and sometimes takes more of our time than the actual creation of the product, which is the writing part. To adapt to this shift, Maass discusses the effectiveness of such techniques as press kits, publicists, media connections, advertising, free publicity, etc.
In some respects, THE CAREER NOVELIST may be a bitter pill to swallow. But for the realist who is contemplating a career in writing, this book provides a frank, objective, and insider's view of the real world of Big Business Publishing.
Russ Heitz
Sarasota Chapter, Florida Writers Association
Mystery Writers of America
American Crime Writers League
www.russheitz.com
www.crimespace.com/russheitz
This is a book directed primarily toward the writer who has attained and demonstrated a certain amount of skill but wants to know more about the Big Business World of Publishing. And, whether we like it or not, the publishing industry today operates like any other global, market-driven industry. The bottom line and primary question of its corporate leaders is the same question asked by any other business: how much money will we make from this product? The follow-up analysis is also the same: if it isn't selling, dump it.
Working hand-in-hand with the publishers are the bookstore chains who are trying to cope with the thousands of new books being published every week. There simply isn't enough shelf space to accommodate them all. This means the chains have also developed their own set of bottom lines. Even a mid-list book by a fairly well-known writer is often given about thirty days worth of shelf space. If the allotted three or four copies of the book don't sell in thirty days, they are all shipped back to the publisher for a refund. Or else they are disposed of in some other ignominious way. The newly opened shelf space is then immediately filled by another author's product, which has the same thirty-day deadline.
For a writer to enter this book-publisher/book-seller world, he/she needs to be aware of a few indisputable facts. The competition is extremely fierce. The struggle is extremely difficult. The progress is painfully slow. And the financial rewards--for most non-blockbuster writers like us--are depressingly small. Nevertheless, it is a world that the potential career writer must be aware of, accept, and learn how to cope with.
In THE CAREER NOVELIST, Maass explains and defines terms like publisher's profit, returns, sell-through, voodoo numbers, ship-in, 100,000-copy first printing, the $25,000 advance, and rate-of-sale, among others. These are terms that serious writers need to know about and understand, whether they write book-length fiction or book-length non-fiction.
Maass also tells us that most publishers, even the traditional large houses, have also adopted a policy that says the writer--not the publisher--is responsible for his or her own promotion. So the days of the publisher handling all of a writer's publicity, advertising, book tours, reviews, etc. has passed. These chores are now the responsibility of the writer. Exceptions are made, of course, for a handful of writers who consistently produce a best-selling product. For the rest of us, promotion is now a large part of our job, and sometimes takes more of our time than the actual creation of the product, which is the writing part. To adapt to this shift, Maass discusses the effectiveness of such techniques as press kits, publicists, media connections, advertising, free publicity, etc.
In some respects, THE CAREER NOVELIST may be a bitter pill to swallow. But for the realist who is contemplating a career in writing, this book provides a frank, objective, and insider's view of the real world of Big Business Publishing.
Russ Heitz
Sarasota Chapter, Florida Writers Association
Mystery Writers of America
American Crime Writers League
www.russheitz.com
www.crimespace.com/russheitz
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