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Saturday, May 23, 2009

How much is too much to pay for publishing a book?

We talked about this topic on From A Writers POV Ning Network. A lot of the members had different opinions about the subject but it is a good question since we are in such a difficult economy. Yesterday, I spoke about working and writing. I don't think many of us can offered to stop working to take on a hobby. If you can, that's great! But some of us can not. Since we all love writing so much, we must ask ourselves how much is too much to pay for publishing a book.

Depending on what route of publication you go with will depend on how much money you will pay. Traditional publishing, most of the time, doesn't cost a thing. They will pay you an advance because of the faith they have in your book. Self-Publishing costs. Most of the time. Their prices range from $200-$15,000. But, some Self-Publishing company's have add on packages and will cost extra. Traditional publishing companies do not have add on packages but it will take a long process for you to be accepted as one of their writers. There's a possiblity that you could get rejection letter after rejection letter whereas Self-Publishing or Publish on Demand (POD) will accept you instantly as long as you can pay for the publishing and add on packages.

So which is better? Well it depends on what you want and what your pockets are saying. My advice is to not spend a lot of money on publishing if you are a new writer or still trying to get your feet wet in the business. I say this because when you invest thousands of dollars into a book, there's no guarantee you will make that money back. There's no guarantee you will become a best seller within the first 2-3 years of writing. The hardest part of publishing and being a successful author is not the amount of money you put into your book but how much advertising you do. You can spend thousands of dollars on a book but it will go no where if no one knows about it. You can find a traditional publishing company, they accept your book, you sign the contract, they pay you $5,000 in advancement, the book is published, they do all they can to market you but if YOU are not marketing yourself and advertising your work, your book will go no where.

I advise anyone in the writing business to put your hard work into advertising your name and your book and start using all that money on advertisement. Getting a book published is easy. Anyone can make a book. Getting it noticed is the hard part!

Looking for publishing companies? Are you a publishing company? Join our group today!: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/group/publishingcompanies

Come network with other Published Authors!: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/group/publishedauthors

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Friday, May 22, 2009

How to fit writing into your work schedule

Although many of us have the passion to write, not all of us have the time to actually write because we work full time jobs. So how do we find the time to do what we love when we have to work to pay the bills?

You do not have to give up writing to work and you do not have to stop working to write. You learn to manage your time. If you work a regualur 8-5, Monday-Friday, I'm sure your time is tight. In order to write and do it well, something is going to be neglected. But there are ways to fit it into your busy schedule.

First, as I've said in previous articles, always carry a notebook with you. It's easier for us ladies because we can easily buy a small notebook to fit in our purses. Guys, you can also buy a small notebook to fit into your pocket. It might not be the ideal notebook we like to carry around but it will get the job done when you need to jot down an idea.

Second, dedicate time throughout your day to write. Do you like to write in the morning before everyone gets up? Then wake yourself up thirty minutes early to get it done. (It's a scarifice you have to make for your passion of writing) What about at night once everyone has fallen asleep? Stay up an extra thirty-minutes to an hour to work on a book or write a few poems. You can use your lunch break and your weekends. To be a writer does not require someone to stop their life and just write because what happens when you get writers block?

Third, no matter what you have going on in your life, you LOVE to write, so you will make the time. Get your priorities out the way. Plan ahead and dedicate time for your work. Make sure everyone in the house knows how important this is to you. Take yourself away from all the noise and distractions and write. You may not be able to get as much done as someone who may not work and sits at home because you have a job and your time is cut in half but you can always find the time to do what you love.

Think about your daily schedule and think about when exactly you can spend some time writing.

All of us have something we love. Fishing, hiking, reading, cooking, crafting, shopping, vacationing. And many of us work while having all of these hobbies but we find the time to do it because we love it. Don't get frustrated about your schedule. Simply find when in your busy day you can do what you love.

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Get ready for From A Writers POV Twenty Issues Special for our June 2009 Edition!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Creating an Author/Writer Website

All authors should have an author website. It's not just authors but writers as well that must have their own personal website.

If you are a writer who is climbing the long ladder of getting your name out there and your work noticed, having a website is very important. For one, it shows professionalism and it shows that you are serious about what you're trying to do. I will admit, it's not easy getting a website. There are some web building, web hosting sites that will help you set up a website for free. But of course you must know your way around the internet before you can do that.

So to help boost your chances of getting noticed, let me give you my tips on what an author/writer website should consist of.

  1. You must have a bio page (About me, About Author) You must have a page that is dedicated to what you have done, what you are doing and links to where all of these things can be found. Beware! We don't want to know your life story. But we do want to know a brief summary of your writing career. Be sure to keep this updated at all times. We want to know the most recent thing you have done. You can always include future events such as a new book coming out, a new project but keep it simple and to the point.
  2. The homepage. This page is very important. The content on this page could either draw your visitors in our make them click the exit button and move on. Do not clutter your homepage. You want it to be clear and visible. A nice welcome banner is great! Put your picture up there, other banners you may have for a business. Your current book should be there and of course links for where to purchase it. Anything that is high priority for your readers to know, should be there. If you are not an author and simply a writer, a sample writing would be great. Some websites offer widgets. Add a widget (small) to your homepage. If you are on twitter, a little icon for that is great as well. Don't over clutter. Make your readers want to find out what else you are up to.
  3. A page dedicated to your writing and/or your book. If people are going to buy your book, they must first read about it. Have a page on your site that is dedicated to your book. Give a sample chapter, the bio, meet the characters. Give a little something that will make the readers want to buy your book. If you are simply a writer, have a page that is dedicated to all of your writing. You can separate it into sections if you like; have more than one page for writing, that's all up to you. But make sure there is a space dedicated to it.
  4. A Guestbook. We all want feedback "What do you think" is a line I hear or read a lot of other writers saying. Make sure your website includes a guestbook page so that visitors can leave you their feedback.
  5. Contact me. Of course people are going to want to contact you. Maybe about the book, the writings, to invite you to speak at their group. They may need to contact you for anything. A contact me page is a great way to allow people to get in contact with you without giving your email address out directly.
  6. Events. Another great page to have on your site is a list of things that are coming up such as book signing, speaking engagements, parties, book releases, interviews, reviewers anything that pertains to your writing career. Keep the list here to allow visitors to see what's coming up next for you.
  7. A Blog. Everybody does not blog. That's ok but if you are one of those that blogs, it's good to have a blog on your page. This you can update everyday which gives readers a reason to come to you website often. The content of this page is your choice.
  8. Pictures of the author/writer. A picture page is ok too especially if you recently had an event such a book release party. This may encourage others to be present at the next party.

There's always room for more but not too much more. Don't clutter your website. There are ways to have a lot on it but not have all of it seen.

If you are looking for a website. Free or not, goggle webhosting sites or web building sites or free websites and see what comes up. If you are not familiar with this, the easy way is to hire someone and let them do it for you. But if you are like me and you like to have control over everything and have the power to change and update whenever you feel like it, then you're best bet is to do it yourself. There are also web building programs you can buy from the store and download to your computer. Whichever way you decide to go, take yout time building what will represent you.

If you are looking to hire someone to design your website or you are a web designer, join our group here: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/group/graphicdesignerswebdesigneretc

Signing Off

Dominique Watson

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Advertising Resources!

The Ning Network has been getting a lot of buzz. Everybody that I know is on ning. From Writers to readers and business owners to creators, everybody is on ning. It's helped so many writers and business owners get their name and business names out there. Not only that but it's free and everybody loves something free. But ning is not the only way to advertise. You can do some other things to get your name out there in the public light. I came up with a list to help you get started or for those who have already been working hard to get noticed, here's a checklist.


  1. Use myspace, facebook or other social networks. Simply get accounts with them and advertise what you are doing. Post blogs, make friends with people in your same field.
  2. Use twitter. Everybody is using twitter. I don't know one person who is not using twitter. I recently became a fan of twitter and it has definitely helped get the magazine where it needs to be. You can post small updates on what's new with you or your book or business.
  3. Post ads wherever you can. Some companies will allow others to purchase ad space with their website. For instance, some ning network creators allow others to purchase ad space. Some ad spaces run from $5-$100. But where ever you can advertise, do it!
  4. Check out your local library. Sometimes the library will allow you to do book signings or advertise as a local writer. So see what they offer
  5. Use your signature line at the end of your emails as an ad resource. So everytime you send an email, people will read about your business or work.
  6. Build a website or author website. Not everyone is internet or computer smart. Some people simply can not wrap their minds around using the internet. You can always hire someone to build a professional website for you. Having a website is like having your book home or business home on the internet and you want people to be able to find you whenever!
  7. Check your local book stores. You can try borders or barnes and noble but try some of the smaller book stores around your area. See if they allow books signings or will allow you to sell your book in their store.
  8. Be sure to use all of ning's resources. You can never be apart of too many networks and not all your friends on one network are members of another network. So make friends as best as you can, join groups within that network and make your way around to everyone who is apart of the ning network. ( For those who are not apart of ning. Check it out www.ning.com )
  9. Become a part of competitions or be a sponser for a company. If there are local events in your town see what the qualifications are to join or be apart of it.
  10. Last but certainly not least, use your mouth. Tell anyone who will listen about your book and company. You may come across the right person to get you to the right place.

So there's my short list of tips and advice on advertising. If you didn't know, From A Writers POV offers advertisement. Check out our packages today: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/advertisementinfo.htm

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Hire to Edit or Self Edit

When in the process of having your book published, writers come to the question should they hire someone to edit or should they do it themselves. The bigger question is do I have money to afford this service.

Now a days having a manuscript editted will cost hundreds of dollars and this is before the book has been to print; before you have signed the contract.

For example. If you log on to
http://www.iuniverse.com/ right now you will see what I mean. Once you get to their homepage authors will click on Packages. This page has a graph of the packages and what each package offers. They only offer editing services for three of their packages. The other packages will need to pay for the editorial packages which is $599 not including the cost of publishing your book. This is what I meam when I say, look around. If you look at their packages and click on their cheapest package which is $599, it does not include the package but you can purchase it as an add on. Which puts your total over $1000 or more if you decide to add on other packages.

As I said in my blog yesterday, some publishing companies will add certain services into the contract to have your book published. Others will not. These add on services are hundreds of dollars as well and if you don't read the fine print in your contract or browse through the website of a publishing company, you probably won't find that out. Most self publishing companies, do not edit. There are a few but not many. If this is a feature that your publishing company must have, be sure you shop around.

Most Traditional Publishing Companies edit for you. But with most publishing companies, comes a long process before you are accepted as one of their writers.

The bottom line is

  • First decide if you have the extra money to hire someone to edit your book
  • Shop around, get quotes and see what other editors and proofreaders have to say.
  • If you plan to have your publishing company edit your book, make sure they offer this service before you sign the contract.

Don't be discouraged if the quotes you get are too high for your pockets. Some writers have written ten books and still go through this criticial stage. If you have to edit your own book, go through it with a fine tooth comb and do the best you can!

If you are an editor or proofreader join our group at: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/group/professionalreviewerseditiorsproofreadersetc Connect with others in this profession!.

Signing Off!

Dominique Watson

Monday, May 18, 2009

Formatting a Manuscript for Submission

Yesterday we finished up The Writing Season. It consisted of five stages I created called Concept, Formatting, Pen to Paper and Birth. I hope you all enjoyed these articles. If you missed them you can simply scroll down or view the Blog Archive to the left.

Today we have a few questions from a reader who is a member of our Ning network.

Here are her questions:

"I was wondering if you can give some manuscript formatting tips. For example, how do you format a manuscript for submission? What are the margins? Acceptable fonts? Is Courier the only acceptable font? What should go on the first page and how should it be formatted. How should the chapters be labeled? I would like to know what to do once the final project is finished.I was also wondering if you can post information on book covers. Money is a little tight so I was wondering if I have to pay a lot of money to get a nice cover."

Ok, first you need to find out what that publishing company is looking for. All publishing companies have different guidelines when it comes to submitting a manuscript to their company. So my first tip is to find out each companies qualifications and keep in mind that each company is different.

No, Courier is not the only acceptable font. Times New Roman is also available as well as Arial but Times New Roman is the most used font for submitting manuscripts. The size that is mostly used by companies is 12. The margins are the blank spaces on the left or right edge, or at the top or bottom, of the page. Margins need to be 1 1/2" on the left side and 1" top and bottom. All manuscripts should also be double spaced. Hitting enter twice after a sentence. Dialog should also be indented every time a new character speaks. Your new paragraphs should be indented as well. Each page needs to be numbered.

On the first page of your manuscript should be the title of the book and your name centered about 12 spaces from the top. Your name again, Mailing address, email address & phone number to the left starting from the top. The word count to the right starting from the top. Page number needs to be on the top or bottom on the right.

Chapters
Chapters can be labeled any kind of way. It's up the the author. Once your manuscript is finished, then it's time to shop around for publishing companies. Read their guidelines and follow them to a tee. You do not want your manuscript to be rejected because of a small error. Here is a link for the top publishing companies of 2009
Book Covers
Getting a good book cover depends on the type of publishing company you decide to go with. Some publishing companies will design the book cover for you with no extra charge. (Most likely it's added to the contract that the company will design your cover for no charge) If you have a specific way you want your book cover designed, you may want to hire someone. This will cost you money. Graphic designers are not cheap. If you decide to go with a traditional publishing company, mostly likely they will include the cover design. If you go with self publishing, be careful. Some publishing companies have add-on packages and will charge you for this. Some have editing packages, marketing packages and design packages so be careful. With all these packages, you still have to pay for cost of the book to get published. So depending on what your pockets are looking like these days, you need to shop around carefully and make sure the publishing company you choose has all that you need. Some companies can create a really good cover and not cost you a thing. Other's may not so shop around!
So I hope that helps! Don't be afraid to send a comment on this blog if it did or didn't help. If you have a writing question, contact us about it: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/yourrequests.htm
Signing off,
Dominique Watson

The Writing Season Part Five The Birth

The birth stage of the Writing Season is the completion of the book. The writer has gone through the long process of getting the book finished. It’s finally done. The writer may not have submitted it to an editor, agent or publisher but the book is now finished and the writing stage is over. So, what next?

Editing, re-reads, editing and more re-reads. At this point, the writer needs to get the book as good as possible. The writer may not have decided where to send the book but its perfection is needed at this time. So while the writer is in this stage, take a deep breathe and look at my checklist for the completed manuscript.

*Did you tell this story the exact way you felt it should have been told
*Is the story interesting enough to hold the attention of the reader
*Did you do your homework and research
*Did you check for small errors such as their, there, to, too
*Did you get a fresh pair of eyes to read your book for opinions and errors
*Did you decide if this book would have a prologue and/or epilogue
*Are you satisfied


Here is another list, I posted at www.fromawriterspov.ning.com

1. It's best to do an outline. I do an outline with all of my novels. So that way when I do stop for a while and then later come back to the book, I have not forgotten how my story will flow. It also helps knowing exactly what you want to happen in the book and help remind you of the ideas you have come up with. An outline is always best once you begin to get the storyline in your head.

2. Do a Character profile. I found a website years ago that helped me do a character profile. This profile will basically help you bring your character to life.

3. Figure the title and chapter names later. All of that is not necessary in the beginning. When you have the need to write and you now exactly how the story will begin, write. Just let it flow. Don't worry about mistakes because you can always go back and re-read and trust me as a writer, you will do at least five re-reads before it's completed.

4. Dialog helps the story flow. If you are writing a story that has the main character telling it as if it already happened, remember to include some dialog on some of the scenes we will enter as this character tells their story. We want details and dialog that places us right there with the character. Be sure that your dialog is clear and helps the story flow. What is the character doing as she talks to her friend? Give a specific action that shows us what's happening in the scene.

5. Let us see the characters. At some point in the book, we need to know what the character looks like. This is not a movie. We have no visual whatsoever so you have to paint the picture for us. Describe your characters to the readers so that we can imagine them as we read.

6. Be sure to get a fresh pair of eyes. I always make my friends read my books as I'm writing them. Getting someone else's opinion is very important with your stories. They may point some things out that you didn't see. So find someone you know who loves your work, someone you can trust and ask them to read the first few chapters.

7. Do your research. If you are writing a novel that has a storyline in it about someone getting sick or flying to another country, do your homework on these topics. Don't write a storyline that has something to do with someone who dies of aids if you have no knowledge of this illness. Readers want realistic things to happen so if you are going to put a storyline in your book that you aren't really sure about, do your research. You can get on the internet, ask a friend who has experienced it or go out and investigate it yourself. Whatever you do, make sure you know what you’re talking about.

8. Write what's comfortable to you. I wrote a book recently that has four different characters in it. All four characters speak in this book but at the beginning of each chapter, I list exactly who is speaking. Some people thought it was confusing. I should change this or that. I didn't change a thing because it was comfortable for me. If you have a book that you are writing, that's a little different from normal novels, its ok. Continue with your creative work. We don't always have to write about with the main character telling his or her story. Make it different and if you can handle it and make the story flow well, keep going. Or say you want to write a book with five stories in one. The choice is yours. This is your novel so do what makes you comfortable.

9. Edit, Edit, Edit. Be sure to go back and edit as much as possible. Leave it for a few days or weeks then come back to it with fresh eyes but remember to edit. Make sure things sound right. Do a re-read as much as possible.

10. Never force your work. When you get writers block, stop! Don't force it or the story will sound wrong and some lines will get unnecessary. Stop when you have nothing else to say or don't know where to go with the book. Just stop. It will come back to you later. If it does come back when you're not by your computer, always carry a notebook to jot down your ideas.


So this completes our five stages of The Writing Season. Of course, there’s much more to it than this. So stay tuned each day as I give my advice and tips on writing here at The POV Lounge.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Writing Season Part Four Pen to Paper

After the writer has come up with an idea, gathered and organized their thoughts, did their outline, it’s now time to write the book.

Some writers like to write on a notebook. Some like to type it up on the computer. Either way, the book will get done.

If a writer likes to use a notebook, it has its pros and cons.

1.You can’t fix your mistakes unless you use white out, erase it if you’re using a pencil or simply scratch it out.
2. If you don’t have a laptop, you can take your notebook with you anywhere.
3.You have to transfer all your work onto the computer.

Using a computer has its pros and cons also.

1.If you have a laptop, you can take it anywhere.
2.You can easily fix your mistakes.
3.You have to worry about your computer crashing and loosing all your work
4. You don’t have to transfer any work. Just save it as you write.

Once you’ve gotten your notebook or decided to start on the computer, the first thing to do when writing the book is to simply write it. Don’t worry too much about errors. Don’t worry about the title of the book or the chapters. Don’t worry about the introduction or who it’s dedicated to just write. The writer simply needs to get the words typed up or written out. There are a few things that need to be known in this stage of the Writing Season. Take note:

·Do not write if nothing flows. If you have nothing else to say, stop. Do not force your work. (This is writers block and it will eventually pass)

·Don’t be alarmed if your story goes in a different direction than expected. Sometimes when a writer actually writes out their story, some things begin to change and sound better as you write. Go with the flow and if it sounds good keep it and continue on.

·Do a re-read every time you stop writing for that day. If you write three chapters a day, go back and read what you wrote. Take a break and come back. You will see your mistakes then.

·Be sure to keep the Point-of-View throughout the book. Do not change up who’s telling the book unless more than one character is supposed talks.

·Do not be alarmed if the writing season ends before you finish a novel. This simply means that this book is no longer moving you or something else has gotten your attention. (This is where the outline comes in handy) When the writing season comes again, pick up where you left off.

· It is very natural and possible to completely change your story in the middle of writing it. You may see a different angle of the book that would be a better story. Do what you feel is best to get your story out there.

· Don’t get discouraged if it takes you months or years to finish a novel. Some writers take forever to write a book. Sometimes it takes that long to get the book just right.

·Be sure you are saving your work continuously if you are working on the computer. Try getting an external hard drive so that if something happens to your computer, you won’t lose all your work.

Stay tuned for Stage Five: “The Birth”

Tips on the Pen to Paper stage


*Decide how you are going to write the book
*Consider the pros and cons. You can always stop and continue on the computer if needed.
*Don’t worry about errors. Just write.
*Be mindful of changes throughout the book, the writing season ending before you finish the book and be sure to re-read as much as possible.