May 7th, 2010 | Add a Comment
In my last blog I listed some of the benefits of seeking out a contract with a traditional publisher. These benefits should be carefully weighed against the disadvantages. Most of the writers I know or have met are not interested in the marketing aspect of being an author. For them, the advantages of being traditionally published immensely out-weight the headaches and risks of self-publication.
Following is a list of some of the disadvantages the author should consider as he anticipates entering the process of finding the best means for putting his book in print.
The relative simplicity of the process of one’s book going into print, traditionally, means the publisher handles the complexities. These cost him money, for example, having the manuscript edited and formatted, the cover designed, book printed, advance paid … Read entire article »
Filed under: David R Christensen, Featured, Publishing
May 7th, 2010 | Add a Comment
When I finally undertook the writing of my first book, I was taking a course in writing for children. I had grandiose visions of sending the manuscript off to a dozen or so publishers and having at least one of them fall as much in love with the words that had flowed so freely and beautifully from my imagination. After all, my writing instructor praised the book I had labored so hard to produce. I was even offered help to get my book in print.
I sent it out several times, but only one publisher read the entire manuscript. And they very kindly sent me a personal letter which contained some valuable suggestions as to how I could make the book stronger.
The hard reality set in very quickly that finding the … Read entire article »
Filed under: David R Christensen, Featured, Publishing
April 16th, 2010 | Add a Comment
It has been said that within everyone is at least one book. Then why hasn’t everyone put their “all” into the written word? One reason is probably that on some level, people know that getting published is next to impossible. Perhaps they are not willing to put forth the effort to write. Maybe they are not willing to put forth the effort to learn to write well. But more than likely they simply “know” they could never write a book or story. Perhaps a personal experience will help change a few minds.
The other day I ran across page one of my first book. It was written about 35 years ago. It began as follows: It happened once, years ago, in the town of Bellshire, England. The excitement of Christmas and … Read entire article »
Filed under: David R Christensen, Featured, Writing
April 16th, 2010 | Add a Comment
Shakespeare: Hamlet, Act I, scene 3: Many people are familiar with the quote I used to entitle this blog. I chose it because, when it comes to our writing efforts, we must be true to and with ourselves. My point, this morning, is that from the first original words we ever wrote to the moment we put the finishing touches on our first poem, short story, article, book, etc. which we felt was ready for publication, we have passed many milestones at which points in our writing career we have assured ourselves we were producing marketable literary works. But, presently we are wondering why we see so many rejection notices. Traditional publishers have staffs trained to recognize publishable material. They are not perfect (consider Gone With the Wind, The … Read entire article »
Filed under: David R Christensen
April 16th, 2010 | Add a Comment
There are many steps one can to follow in order to be successful in marketing your book, for example:
Know that it is worth purchasing, reading, and enjoying.
Convey this message to everyone with whom you converse, through your body language as well as your enthusiasm.
Picture those you meet as already having an interest in purchasing your book(s).
Realize that you, for the moment, have removed your author’s hat and have put on the hat of a business person–entrepreneur.
Carry with you a few copies of each book you have written: in your purse, snap case, brief case, or just in your hand
Carry a box of your books in the trunk of your car. You never know when someone will want copies for friends or family members.
I have followed these simple guidelines and sold … Read entire article »
Filed under: David R Christensen
