Success Story- Small to Best Seller

Even though some people like to make it a one size fits all formula, the path to published often takes unexpected twists and turns. I love it when I can share examples to inspire. I found this one today:
http://motownwriters.blogspot.com/2008/09/publishing-phenom-shack-christian-novel.html



Good Writing & God Bless,
Cheryl Pickett

A New Word Game

I know most of us don't need any more distractions, but every now and then you need a break and a little fun.

http://grant.robinson.name/projects/guess-the-google/

Let me know if you hit the high score list :-)


Good Writing & God Bless,


Cheryl Pickett

Are You Really Ready?

I read this quote recently in Allison Nazarian's marketing newsletter:
"If I had 8 hours to cut down a tree, I'd spend the first 6 sharpening my ax-Abraham Lincoln.

She included it to within a discussion of target audiences and the need to do your research so you can prepare your content accordingly. You all know from previous posts that I agree with that wholeheartedly.

For authors, the point of the quote applies just as much to the publishing process. You have so many hours in a day or week to spend on getting your book out into the world. You can jump right to the end of the process and start cutting down the tree, or you can approach it like Lincoln making sure everything is ready first.

So where are you? In the middle, at the beginning, or did you skip straight to plunking money down to get going as quickly as possible? Is is time to do more sharpening?

Good Writing & God Bless,
Cheryl Pickett

P.S. Publishing Possibilities:8 Steps to Understanding Your Options & Choosing the Best Path for Your Book is coming soon!

Something to Look for in Publishing Contracts

A good and eye-opening discussion of publishing contracts and rights. Also, be sure to read the comments as they offer something else to watch out for.

Writer Beware Blogs!: Victoria Strauss -- A Publishing Contract Clause to Beware

Good Writing & God Bless,
Cheryl Pickett

Traditional or Nothing Extra Tidbit

I just read today's Writer Beware Blog post about a new site from Harper Collins UK which allows authors to post partial manuscripts. The work is then read by the community at large, rated and occasionally, HC UK will review the top ranked works for possible publishing.

The tidbit I'd like to point out is this paragraph: Indeed, it’s central to the authonomy concept that a writer with a proven readership is often more valuable to a publisher, not less. Book companies now regularly snap up volumes from high profile bloggers and promising self-publishers with existing readerships. It’s a good thing to prove that you’ve the enthusiasm and the skills to help make your project a success.

Here's the link to the FAQ section where it appears http://www.authonomy.com/FAQ.aspx#value

Good Writing & God Bless,
Cheryl Pickett

Traditional or Nothing?

I came across this question in a few places this week: Do you ruin your chances of being accepted by a traditional publisher if you publish another way first?

The simple answer is -not necessarily. It isn't that black and white that if you do one, you can never do the other, even though some people certainly make it seem that way within the industry.

Will some traditional publishers pass you by because you self-pubbed first? Yes. However, there are authors who've independently self-published, and those who've used fee-based/POD first who have gone on to work with a traditional publisher. Some are happy they did, some not so much.

There are also publishers to whom you'll be more attractive if you've self-published for example, and you've been selling books successfully. Going up against someone who has a book but they have no network, platform or other promotion ideas, you have a good probability of at least getting a second look.

Every author and every book is unique, educate yourself and then make the decision you feel is best for your situation. And as the saying goes, never say never.

Good Writing & God Bless,
Cheryl Pickett