Archive for the ‘4Ps to Publishing Success’ Category

Yesterday I made a big “Oops!” I got up early, wrote an reminder email about yesterday’s deadlines, put it in the queue to send and promptly hit “delete” instead of “send.” Oops.There is no retrieving emails deleted from the queue, and I didn’t have a back-up copy. Sigh.

Actually I did quite a bit more than sigh, but I’m not proud of my initial reaction, so let’s move on to where I am proud of my next steps. After I calmed down, I looked at the clock. I had about a half hour before I had to leave for a full day of much-needed fun and recreation.

I had two choices: skip the first activity and catch up with the others later, or skip sending out the reminder email. I chose the latter. I AM proud of that choice because too often I choose work over play, and I’ve made a conscious decision to balance all areas of my life.

Now, here’s the deal: We can all benefit from my mistake.

I had a fabulous day out enjoying friends and a visit to LAAFF (Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival) in downtown Asheville, I bought crystals, enjoyed the sites and discovered Kava (more on that in a future post).

And…

You get two extra days on the deadlines! I realize that notifying you today will eliminate those of you who won’t even open your computer until tomorrow, because YOU are out having fun! So, here’s the scoop:

Tuesday, September 7 is  the NEW deadline to:

Register for 4Ps University and save $100 >>

Sign up for a “Get Acquainted” consult at half price >>

Now we can all LAAFF at my oops!

Yikes! Have you looked at a calendar lately? Summer is drawing to a close and Labor Day is just 2 weeks away! It’s officially “Back to School” season!

But, going back to school is very different today than in years past. Not only is the learning equipment much different (computers and calculators vs. composition books and multiplication tables), students must study many more subjects to become successful in today’s world.

As writers we have new tools and new subjects to study, too. But that doesn’t mean we abandon all knowledge up to this point. The basics of publishing are still meaningful, but in a new context. Just like students have found the 3Rs—Reading ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic—have gone the way of language arts, phonics and mathematics, we have to learn the updated versions of what is needed in the publishing world.

4Ps to Publishing Success has always been about educating new and aspiring authors about the process. And every year since its inception (2005), an updated version of the workshop or book has been created. Well, we’ve taken up one notch and now we’re introducing the most powerful and complete course of study for writers to date: 4Ps University, and we are  are now enrolling for fall!

See everything this comprehensive home study course (with weekly live Q&A) offers here>>

And, to make it easy on the pocketbook for those who are facing other Back to School expenses (Have you seen the ‘supplies needed’ lists being sent home by teachers today?), 4Ps University is offering a steep Early Registration Discount on the already ridiculously-low tuition.

So, start shining those apples and sharpening those pencils. It’s time to go Back to School and brush up on those 4Ps to Publishing Success! Don’t just take my word for it, read what 4Ps  “graduates” have to say>>

Are you experiencing a heatwave where you live? We certainly are here in Asheville.   Although I do have to snicker just a bit. You see, after living in South Florida for 27 years and putting up with “heatwave conditions” daily from May through September, a few weeks of temps in the 90s and some moderate humidity seem like a minor inconvenience.

But, hot is hot. And here’s something else to heat you up…but in a good way! You can download the digital edition of 4Ps to Publishing Success, your step-by-step guide through the publishing process for F.R.E.E. right now.

I really mean “right now” because this fabulous opportunity comes with a deadline: August 15. So, not much more time. Do it now, before you forget and it’s too late.

See the big Sign Up arrow to your right? That’s the place to enter your name and email and get immediate access to the tips, tools and resources that thousands of writers have used on their way to publishing success. (See who needs this book here.)

Learn how to heat up the pages of your manuscript or the path of readers to your book. It’s all in 4Ps to Publishing Success ebook. You can’t beat this F.R.E.E. offer, even at twice the price ;-D

Yesterday’s tele-class “2001: A Publishing Odyssey” was a huge success!

Listen to the tele-class replay at (641) 715-3412, Access Code: 171279#, or download the audio recording here>> (Scroll to bottom of page.)

Whoohoo! I made the list and what good company I’m in! Check out the whole list.

If you’re not using press releases to spread the news about your book and related activities, you’re missing out on reaching a big potential audience. Press releases are not just for the press anymore, either. I see authors and publishers posting press releases on websites and media services where anyone can access the release on the Internet.

To be effective as a publicity tool, a press release should follow these guidelines:

1. The purpose of a press release is to notify the media and your target audience about an event or important story. The goal is provide enough enticing information to have someone call you to find out more, so keep the release to one or two pages.

2.Follow the accepted standard format (samples are in provided in 4Ps to Publishing Success, or available by googling “press release format”). You can and should use your letterhead for the release, but don’t deviate from the format.

3. Write your press release like an article (which is what you want a journalist to turn it into!). Develop an interesting headline. The first paragraph is your hook. What is new or special about your book? What problem does it solve? Who is your audience? The second paragraph can explain what inspired the story or book, why you are an expert and a personal quote related to the information. The third paragraph gives a directive, or call to action. Why should they call you? Are you available for interviews? Will you be holding a book signing in the area? Give your contact information here.

What can you send as part of a media kit?
Include an image of your book cover (postcard, bookmark, etc.) In your cover letter, offer to send a copy of your book. Tell them if you are available for telephone or radio interviews and why you would be an interesting guest. You can even include suggested interview questions on a separate sheet of paper.

When should you follow up with the media?
You can call to follow up with a magazine editor or news reporter about the information you’ve sent. Rule number one: ask if they are available to talk for a few minutes when they answer the phone. Busy editors/reporters on deadline don’t like to be interrupted and will tell you so if you just start talking. Rule number two: Never ask, “Did you receive my press release?” Always offer some new information–preferably something that will be interesting or beneficial to their readers. Ask what you can do to help them and then pitch yourself as a guest or someone they can call upon for information.

It may seem a little uncomfortable if you’ve never done this before, but after one or two times, you’ll feel more at ease with the process. And once you get a response, you’ll be juiced to write them all the time.

I spent Saturday morning with the Asheville Writer Enthusiasts (AWE), and we had a great time. This very talented group had lots of questions and were totally interested in learning how to get their manuscripts off their desks and into print with the 4Ps to Publishing Success.

Here’s what some of the members had to say:
“First of all I hope you are aware just how good you are at what you do. Thank you for that. Of the speakers we have had in the last few months, you were the most informative in the time allotted, and the most inspiring.” –Phil Sherlock

“I enjoyed your presentation to Asheville Writing Enthusiasts on Saturday. Thanks so much for sharing your time and talents.” –Susan Blexrud

You’ve done it! You’ve finally gotten that story or nonfiction book idea down on paper (or computer file). Now what? How do you know when your manuscript is ready to submit?

Many first-time authors write to me, asking me to review their work. Here’s a portion of a letter that is representative of what I receive. (I’ve eliminated the portions that contain the confidential descriptions of plot, etc.)

“I have completed my first manuscript. Briefly it is a fictional story of approximately 43,500 words, single space, which describes the lives of various characters who become intertwined with each other.

[The author described the characters, summarized the plot and suggested potenial genres where the story might fit.]

I would like to send you a complete copy of the manuscript for your honest opinion and critique. Can I mail it to you as my file on the computer was lost due to computer crashing.”

I applaud writers who seek a professional opinion before taking the next step. This writer was on the right track by including the word count, genre, character and plot description. However, I did notice some things that would cause an agent or editor to reject the manuscript.

Here are some tips that can serve as checklist for manuscript readiness before you submit:

The copy should be double spaced. Additionally, use one-inch margins all around, and paragraphs should be indented with no extra space between paragraphs. Bonus tip: Use only one space after a period.

Adult novels are generally 75,000-100,000 words. However, some small publishers will accept short novels, called novellas. Nonfiction should be in the 65,000-85,000 word range.

To identify your genre, ask yourself–where would this book fit in the bookstore (what shelf/section)? What other books (that sell well) are like it? To identify your potential market, ask: Who will read my book?
As far as plot and character development, ask yourself:
Does the plot follow an arc pattern? Are your characters (especially the main character) different at the end than the beginning? Does every scene move the story forward? Does each chapter end with a page-turner? Is the dialogue natural?

Do not lose your work! Always backup on CD or an external drive. You will need both digital and hard copies of your manuscript.

In my seminars, I always offer this advice: Writing is a passion. Publishing is a business. Educate yourself about the publishing process the same as you would when entering any new business.

Where can you get the information you need? You can attend writers’ conferences, seminars and workshops. Subscribe to writers’ magazines. Read books on the topic. I recommend my book for both fiction and nonfiction writers, and so do a number of my readers. Here’s a review from someone who took my teleseminar last April, which used 4Ps to Publishing Success as the text for the course:

“As an aspiring author I have looked at various books on publishing, many of which left me feeling overwhelmed. 4Ps to Publishing Success is a great find because it inspires you to take action. The information is clearly presented and the exercises get you moving in the direction of completing your book. Thanks for helping me move forward towards accomplishing my goal!”
–Laura Baylor, Physical Education Teacher

The addendum to that endorsement is that Laura has just let me know to expect her completed manuscript at the end of this week. From manuscript notes to completed manuscript in four months! Much can be accomplished when you have a guideline to help you complete the task.

In the Boston Globe article, “Liar, liar, bestseller on fire,” author Steve Almond examines the possible reasoning behind the recent “I made it up” memoir confessions of Margaret Seltzer (Love and Consequences) and Misha Defonseca (Misa: A Memoire of the Haulocaust Years). Almond examines the validity behind Seltzer’s statement to The New York Times that she was driven to deceit. She said, “I just felt that there was good that I could do and there was no other way that someone would listen to it.”

Almond suggests there’s truth to Seltzer’s seemingly ridiculous statement because today’s declining book readership demands “ripped from the headlines” memoirs and editors are pressured to respond by supplying readers with what they want. According to Almond, editors don’t believe fiction can supply the sensationalism of a “true” story, hence they jump to print author survival stories because “such books are 100 times more likely to get reviewed and featured on National Public Radio and anoited by Oprah.”

Was nothing learned when thousands of readers returned their copies of “A Million Little Pieces,” after author James Frey admitted that he made up portions of his bestselling memoir. Some readers went as far as to initiate legal action. Doesn’t that tell the publishing community and memoir fakers that people want to support a tragic hero, not a liar?

I don’t buy into the rationale that it’s necessary to turn fiction into fact in order to get noticed or as Ms. Seltzer said, “do good.” (The irony of that statement could launch a novel itself.) I also don’t buy into the popular notion that sensationalism for profit is an excuse to tolerate subterfuge and downright dishonesty. The publishers get little sympathy from me for not checking facts before racing to get the next bestselling survival story on shelves.

My previous post discussed the power we hold as writers. With that power comes responsibility. In 4Ps to Publishing Success, I devote an entire chapter to developing an authentic voice and establishing a bond of trust with the audience. Authentic writing stems from the desire to share the insights we’ve gleaned with others and leave the world a slightly better place for our efforts.

Let’s wield the power of the pen, but do it responsibly. Our purpose is connect and make a difference, not just a profit at any cost.

Lots of new writers contact me with questions about how to get their articles or books published. Some hire me to coach them. A few get past the first critique and assignment. The ones who stick it out get published. Why are the numbers so small? The fault lies not within the publishing industry (or my tutelage); the fault lies within the writer. Most people simply do not want to put in the time and hard work. Many have unreal expectations about what an agent or editor will do for them. Others think once the book comes out, the publisher will spend a small fortune to promote and sell it.

I never discourage anyone from writing. Writing for pleasure and expression is a pleasurable past-time. It’s fun and rewarding.

But, if you’re serious and want to publish your work, get educated about the publishing process. You’ve got to love the process or you’ll never have the stamina it takes to see your name in print.

My suggestions to all writers who want to become published is to go to a writers’ conference, subscribe to writers’ magazines and ezines (find suggestions at my website) and join a writers’ group. Oh yeah, and buy my workbook “4 Ps to Publishing Success: Get your manuscript off your desk and into print” when it comes out in a few weeks. You’ll get a complete overview of everything you need to know about the publishing process and practical information on how to navigate the system. Available as an old-fashioned print book or new-fangled eBook.

Once you know what you don’t (now) know you don’t know, it’s going to seem a lot easier. And your future agent and editor will thank you for it.