Notes from Minnesota

After checking out today’s podcast, you may want to rethink your notions on who should write books and why.

Just think… for just a little effort, you can turbo-charge your career.

Don’t believe me? Check out just five reasons you should get cracking on your book project… sooner rather than later:

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If you’re not as prolific as you’d like, it may be time to examine what’s going on.

Life on the other side of cancer isn’t necessarily all roses and tulips. In today’s episode I talk about:

* Creative Block Myths

* How the angel of death seemed to hover way too close lately

* You’ll meet my new writing partner! (She even comments)

* How life isn’t all that bad… usually. 😛

The roller coast continues. But somehow the ride is quite interesting…

Oh… and I wrote a book all about his. Check it out.

Here’s the episode. Hope you find it helpful!

Sigh. It was a roller coaster. One I thought wouldn’t end. Everything was going super until the surprise twist (actually two of them) at the end.

I’m back after a bit of a break. Sorry ‘bout that. Life got in the way… as I explain in today’s episode of Notes from Minnesota. Couple changes: First, Jackie... Read more »

~~~ 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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Got Questions?

* How do I land writing assignments?

* How do I get published?

* How do I gain a devoted readership?

* What makes an effective query?

* How do I sell my writing?

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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,

~~~ Notes from Minnesota ~~~

Hey Freelancer!

My head is spinning.

I recently ordered four books from Amazon. When they arrived, I realized every single one of them was printed using POD technology. To make things more exciting, one of the titles was a full color cookbook! Amazing.

Wow. Mind blown.

I remember the crazy days when POD was a novelty… one tier “lower” than self publishing. I also recall thinking that label was pretty unjust.

While my sample pool may be a bit skewed, I found my little discovery pretty astounding. Thrilling, really.

We live in exciting times. Never before has information been more democratized. So, get writing. Share your dream. Write your book and avoid the pitfalls I outline in today’s article. (Ha… awesome transition, eh?)

Onward and upward,

Beth 🙂

P.S. My latest novel, Reclaimed Wonderland debuted at .99. The price goes up on February1. Just click here.

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How will you harness the power of new technology to grow your creative empire?

Thanks to technology, getting your work published is easier than ever… or is it?

Writing and publishing a book is one of the most powerful marketing strategies any creative entrepreneur can undertake. Although the Internet has created new publishing opportunities galore, it’s also created a new breed of publisher that may (or may not) make it easier to make a living (or have a profitable hobby) as a creative entrepreneur.

This handbook explores various options to get your work published. You’ll also discover tips to give you the edge when you evaluate publishing opportunities, how to easily spot scams, little known (but profitable) markets that will augment your income, and much more.

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Avoid These “Publishers”

Beth Ann Erickson

You’ve worked hard on your manuscript. Give it the treatment it deserves by not settling for less than what your work merits. If you see any of these red flags in a publishing house you’re considering, run… don’t walk… away from them.

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.

Purchasing books as a part of your publishing agreement:

If you have to buy a set number of books and sell them yourself, this isn’t a legitimate publishing company.

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, decline to work with them. Legit publishers and agents will edit your manuscript free of charge.

Setup Fees:

Unless you specifically want to self-publish, there’s no reason to pay setup fees… ever. A legitimate publisher does not charge “setup fees.”

Reading Fees:

A literary agent I once contacted wrote this: “With the inundation of quality manuscripts, I feel I must charge you for my time to review yours.” Bull-doggie. Forget it. Any publisher or agent who charges a reading fee is a scam artist and isn’t worth your time.

And more importantly… why is it there?

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The passing of a creative entrepreneur is something to be mourned. Today Beth and Jackie discuss the artists they miss. They also discuss:

* How many world woes could be solved by sensible shoes

* The power of author journals

* Song writing versus long form prose

That about covers it! Who do you miss? This could be a great journal entry…

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So much stuff. Waaaayy too much. It was time to pare down the clutter in the office so Jackie and Beth discuss the pros, cons, and in betweens when it comes to clutter. Find out:

* A fun resource (and useful trick) to decide what to keep and what to toss

* Family reactions to drastic change

* Do this and instantly know what to do with any given object

* Why speed isn’t necessarily your friend

* Some mechanics of decluttering

Enjoy!

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Moonlighting can be one way to launch your creative endeavor. But it’s got some upsides as well as downers. Today Jackie and I discuss:

* Is moonlighting as easy as it sounds?

* A key to moonlighting success

* Tips to successful moonlighting

* What you “give up” vs what you gain

* When you do you know it’s time to quit your “real” job

It’s a fun discussion. Enjoy!

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