~~~ Notes from Minnesota ~~~
Hey Freelancer,
Oy, what a week. As I’ve been focusing on rebuilding my post cancer writing career, a couple interesting events have unfolded this past week.
First, I’ve received a few quality queries, titles I hope we can add to our slowly expanding romantic suspense line. I’m pretty excited about this.
Second, I’m amazed at how implementing just a few (easy) marketing strategies can plump a newsletter list faster than I could imagine. The number of new subscribers to my VIP reader list on my personal site has blown my mind. I’m in awe.
Third, I’m continually astounded at how kind the author community is. I seriously believe writers are the nicest people anywhere.
Fourth, I’ll expand on each of these topics as time progresses. So watch this space for updates on how to rebuild and/or enhance your writing career after… er… interesting challenges.
’Til next time!
Onward and upward,
Beth 🙂
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Should You Pay to Publish?
When I penned last time’s feature article detailing the reasons why I felt authors shouldn’t have to pay for publishing, I didn’t realize I was opening a can of worms.
Here’s the book that sparked the discussion: Publish Smart.
Perhaps I’m incorrect. But from what I’ve experienced, if an author wants a book published, they should receive just that… a published book. Not a large credit card bill. They’re providing a publisher with a product, the publisher sells the book and pays the author.
But it appears as though I could be in the minority.
Case in point. I received this message shortly after releasing Writing Etc. (it’s been edited to protect the identity of the author. Also, this is one of the kinder responses I received.):
Hi Beth,
I’m not sure I understand your critique of publishers… I know a very legit publisher that charges for all of the following in different packages…are you saying that the only fees a publisher should receive are royalties from the sales of your book? Or where do they get their money from then? I just don’t understand. Thanks.
Paying for publishing:
Any time a publisher, agent, or editor asks you for money, politely decline. These people are (in all likelihood) scam artists who prey on writer’s dreams. Legit publishers will not ask you to pony up dough for any reason.
Paying for edits:
If a publishing house or agent “just happens” to be affiliated with an editing company that will take care of your manuscript for a fee,
