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
May 6th, 2010 | Add a Comment
Prismatic Publishing recently had the privilege of publishing author A. K. Buckroth’s first book My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography. Here is the teaser from the back of the book:
So, you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. Now what? Sure, life changes will happen – they have to. But it is not a death sentence.
In 1959 at the tender age of two years old, author Andrea Kae Buckroth was diagnosed with diabetes. Now she takes you through … Read entire article »
Filed under: Author Spotlight, Featured
April 20th, 2010 | Add a Comment
I think a lot of writers that write books, begin the writing process without really thinking about what their publishing objectives are. They don’t think about questions such as: Why am I writing in the first place? Why do I want a traditional publishing contract? For whom am I writing this book? Who is my target market.
These are questions that should be answered prior to writing your book. Here … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Publishing, Writing
April 16th, 2010 | Add a Comment
I wrote about this topic once before on a different blog and thought it was time to address this topic again. I believe the publishing world is changing and as a result, the way people receive information is no longer controlled by the major publishing houses. With the tools that are available today it can literally cost nothing to create content and make it available for others to enjoy.
With that being said the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bill Walker, 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
Let’s talk about marketing the books we’ve written, but first:
Most people, I believe, who desire to read a book do one of the following:
Find one off their own bookshelf which they have enjoyed in the past.
Head for the nearest Brick & Mortar bookstore…browse, and select.
Head for the local library and, again…browse and select.
Pull out their cell phone or book reader…download through the internet, or
Select a book from the many on-line bookstores.
It is a little known … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bill Walker, Featured, Marketing, Publishing
April 16th, 2010 | Add a Comment
While visiting family this past week, I noticed these 15 commandments posted on the wall. I asked my uncle to email them to me so I can share them with you. He couldn’t find the book/magazine from which they originated. If you know who the original author is please let me know so appropriate credit can be given.
Thou shalt think like a professional, starting now.
Thou shalt begin and keep going till you’re … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bill Walker, Featured