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News You Can Use – June 4, 2013

By Steve Laubeon June 4, 2013

Special Days in June to Market You Book – Edie Melson does it again! Did you know this week is “Fishing Week”?

Publishers Should Invest In Authors, Not Just In Books – from Forbes magazine online. What do you think of what she is saying?

The Seven Deadly Myths of Digital Publishing – I found myself nodding in agreement while reading this article by Bill McCoy the executive director of the International Digital Publishing Forum.

Are You Ready to Contact an Agent? Take This Short Quiz and Find Out – A clever way to ask yourself some key questions in your pursuit.

Free is not the magic number: New trends in ebook pricing – This is an ongoing debate within the publishing community. What is the value of a book? $2.99? $5.99? $0.00? $9.99? The implication have enormous economic consequences.
Note how one self-published author uses Pulsing and Pacing in her ebook pricing strategy.

21 Platform Building Insights from Authors and Experts Who Excel at It – Wow.Far too much good advice to absorb in one sitting!

When Do I Write Book Two?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 30, 2013

Recently someone posted a question I get asked all the time:

After finishing my current book should I write the sequel or start something new?

This question is usually posed by a new author whose agent is marketing a series. The editors have not had a chance to weigh in with their interest in the series or lack thereof. Meanwhile, the writer is bored and wants something else to …

Category: Career, Craft, Creativity, Get Published, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Craft, Sequel, Series, Writing Craft

Misused Words and Phrases

By Karen Ballon May 29, 2013

The English language is full of persnickety quirks, the most despicable of which are buzz words. Words and phrases we’ve decided work better than plain speech. Why say what you mean when you can just toss out a phrase that says what you want, but in such a vague and convoluted manner than people spend so much energy figuring it out that they can’t challenge you? Genius! Or how about those words …

Category: Craft, Creativity, Humor, Karen, Language, Writing CraftTag: Grammar, Humor, Language

News You Can Use – May 28, 2013

By Steve Laubeon May 28, 2013

10 Brands That Will Disappear Within a Year – stunning to find the Nook in this list Create a Great Title for Your Book – A well done article that could help your Muse Five Things Indie Authors Do Very Well – Dr. Alison Baverstock makes some solid observations. Cover Letters and Book Proposals – Looking for some help with these? This article provides the basics. Proofread Like a Pro – Never …

Category: News You Can Use, Steve

Fun Fridays – May 24, 2013

By Steve Laubeon May 24, 2013

I love Henri the Cat. (aka "the existential cat.")

Enjoy his most recent adventure "Cat Littérature."

and one of our favorites:

Category: Fun Fridays, Steve

Do Some Plots Break Their Contracts?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 23, 2013

In 1995 I watched the movie Cold Comfort Farm. A British comedy, the story was not without charm, though I wouldn't recommend this parody of literature for everyone. Early on, Aunt Ada, who seemed to be a bit crazy, said, "I saw something nasty in the wood shed."

Throughout the movie, I waited to find out what Aunt Ada saw. I waited. And waited. But the question was never answered, at least not …

Category: Art, Contracts, Craft, Creativity, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Craft, Plot, Writing Craft

Get the Job Done with Focus!

By Karen Ballon May 22, 2013

I was just talking with a client the other day about the writing life. She’d struggled with getting started on her novel. Then, once she started, she said it was as though she couldn’t keep her backside in the chair. Everything else caught her attention: laundry, dishes, kids, dogs, yard work, and on and on. And when she finally managed to write most of the book, there was that darned ending! …

Category: Book Business, Career, Craft, Karen, Writing CraftTag: Book Business, Career, Focus, Writing Craft

News You Can Use – May 21, 2013

By Steve Laubeon May 21, 2013

Happy 8th Birthday to YouTube - Yesterday was the day. Who could have ever imagined? (It also happened to be my daughter's birthday. Happy Birthday Fiona.)

Stephen King Delays E-Book! - In an effort to support physical bookstores he has delayed the ebook edition of his newest release.

The Anatomy of a One-Sheet - Barbara NcNichol provides a simple explanation that you can use to help promote …

Category: News You Can Use, Steve

Fun Fridays – May 17, 2013

By Steve Laubeon May 17, 2013

This simply made me laugh. Ever had a roommate like this in school?
Watch is a second time and look at the others in the room!

Category: Fun Fridays, Steve

Leave ‘Em Wanting More?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 16, 2013

Do you like stories with unsure endings? Where you don't know if the main characters will live happily ever after?

I am a reader who doesn't like open endings, probably because I enjoy novels that are heavy on romance and I like to know the couple can expect a happily-ever-after. My personal preference is for a novel that doesn't beg for a sequel for the protagonist.

A Satisfying …

Category: Craft, Creativity, Tamela, Writing CraftTag: Endings, Writing Craft