Donna -- good for you. This is definitely "Greater Good" work. Writers today don't know where to turn, or who to turn to! Great karma is headed your way. Mary Anne
By Maryanne Donovan Professor, English at St. John Fisher College
posted 18 hours ago
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A testimonial from one of my discussion groups...
Donna Erickson
Senior Editor/Copartner at AG Press
Ryan has given you good advice. Double-check your proposal. You don't want any typo's. I happened to spot three in your posting. If you decide to have someone proof it, I can help. If you e-mail me privately, I can refer you to two small presses that won't charge--if you decide to go the traditional route and if they feel it is marketable. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Donna Erickson
donna@aflairforwriting.com
Posted 4 days ago | Delete comment
Ion Itescu
Experienced Book Seller, AdWords Marketer, Solid Background in Book Distribution, and Real Estate Investor
Both Ryan and Donna gave you good advice. You can also look into self publishing and POD. You left out the subject of your future book - the most important piece of info which almost always determines the route you need to take to being published.
Ion itescu
probizmanager@gmail.com
Posted 2 days ago | Reply Privately
Douglas Keeney
Founder at L. Douglas Keeney & Company, LLC
I don't know Donna E. but her point is so terribly important. Typos are deal killers. Typos are like finding a pebble in your pizza or bugs in a sandwich. Uch. Well, you have typos. You have typos in your question. You have typos in your LinkedIn Summary. Not good. But don't take any of this the wrong way. This comes from people who have been burned by their own mistakes. One of my books -- published by Wm.Morrow -- had a typo on the date of the attack on Pearl Harbor. We've been there. It kills your credibility as an author. Particularly on a pitch.
No typos. Get an agent. Or POD.
D
Posted 18 hours ago | Reply Privately
Donna Erickson
Senior Editor/Copartner at AG Press
Ryan has given you good advice. Double-check your proposal. You don't want any typo's. I happened to spot three in your posting. If you decide to have someone proof it, I can help. If you e-mail me privately, I can refer you to two small presses that won't charge--if you decide to go the traditional route and if they feel it is marketable. Good luck!
Best wishes,
Donna Erickson
donna@aflairforwriting.com
Posted 4 days ago | Delete comment
Ion Itescu
Experienced Book Seller, AdWords Marketer, Solid Background in Book Distribution, and Real Estate Investor
Both Ryan and Donna gave you good advice. You can also look into self publishing and POD. You left out the subject of your future book - the most important piece of info which almost always determines the route you need to take to being published.
Ion itescu
probizmanager@gmail.com
Posted 2 days ago | Reply Privately
Douglas Keeney
Founder at L. Douglas Keeney & Company, LLC
I don't know Donna E. but her point is so terribly important. Typos are deal killers. Typos are like finding a pebble in your pizza or bugs in a sandwich. Uch. Well, you have typos. You have typos in your question. You have typos in your LinkedIn Summary. Not good. But don't take any of this the wrong way. This comes from people who have been burned by their own mistakes. One of my books -- published by Wm.Morrow -- had a typo on the date of the attack on Pearl Harbor. We've been there. It kills your credibility as an author. Particularly on a pitch.
No typos. Get an agent. Or POD.
D
Posted 18 hours ago | Reply Privately
Friday, April 17, 2009
What You Need To Know About Publishing Today
A Guide To Today's Changing Face of Publishing
I don't know what's changing faster--technology or ways to get published. I've been the owner of a writing/editing service for 23 years. Within the past four years, I've gone from a local business, serving a regional clientele in my home office, to a virtual business servicing clients worldwide. Since 2007, I have been editing books, after being hired as an editor by a celebrity on-line. From there, I was contracted with a publishing company as Senior Editor/Copartner. I have edited five, published books available in online bookstores. This has been an exciting year for me. My previous Who's Who listings were Who's Who in America and Who's Who of American Women. This year I am included in Who's Who in the World, so I know my influence has become global. I have clients in the UK and Ireland, as well as throughout the United States. I also got involved with a reality television show this year. I am a Production Consultant/YouTube Judge for The Write Stuff--to be aired on the CW Network-- which will reward the next best-selling author with a book deal and other literary prizes. All of this exposure has given me a great deal of enjoyment, but it is also a lot of hard work.
I am hearing over and over again that new authors want to know how to go about getting published. I have the answers. I am putting together a booklet which will soon be available on my website www.aflairforwriting.com. My comprehensive guide for the aspiring or novice writer will help them avoid pitfalls in the industry. I have worked for a publisher for over a year now, and, in that short amount of time, I have gained enough knowledge-- about this ever-changing industry--to write volumes.
You'll be hearing a lot more from me. I want to help authors understand exactly what their options are, what is the best way to go about getting published, and what to expect. More and more individuals are making the decision to write a book, now that self-publishing makes it quick and easy. But there's a lot they don't know ,and I am here to educate them. I will explain what to do and not do. I have seen too many people learn the hard way, after they have invested time and money, to later question whether they have taken the right steps. My comprehensive guide will help direct "wannabes" in the right direction and untangle the messy confusion of possibilities available today.
I don't know what's changing faster--technology or ways to get published. I've been the owner of a writing/editing service for 23 years. Within the past four years, I've gone from a local business, serving a regional clientele in my home office, to a virtual business servicing clients worldwide. Since 2007, I have been editing books, after being hired as an editor by a celebrity on-line. From there, I was contracted with a publishing company as Senior Editor/Copartner. I have edited five, published books available in online bookstores. This has been an exciting year for me. My previous Who's Who listings were Who's Who in America and Who's Who of American Women. This year I am included in Who's Who in the World, so I know my influence has become global. I have clients in the UK and Ireland, as well as throughout the United States. I also got involved with a reality television show this year. I am a Production Consultant/YouTube Judge for The Write Stuff--to be aired on the CW Network-- which will reward the next best-selling author with a book deal and other literary prizes. All of this exposure has given me a great deal of enjoyment, but it is also a lot of hard work.
I am hearing over and over again that new authors want to know how to go about getting published. I have the answers. I am putting together a booklet which will soon be available on my website www.aflairforwriting.com. My comprehensive guide for the aspiring or novice writer will help them avoid pitfalls in the industry. I have worked for a publisher for over a year now, and, in that short amount of time, I have gained enough knowledge-- about this ever-changing industry--to write volumes.
You'll be hearing a lot more from me. I want to help authors understand exactly what their options are, what is the best way to go about getting published, and what to expect. More and more individuals are making the decision to write a book, now that self-publishing makes it quick and easy. But there's a lot they don't know ,and I am here to educate them. I will explain what to do and not do. I have seen too many people learn the hard way, after they have invested time and money, to later question whether they have taken the right steps. My comprehensive guide will help direct "wannabes" in the right direction and untangle the messy confusion of possibilities available today.
What You Need To Know About Publishing Today
A Guide To Today's Changing Face of Publishing
I don't know what's changing faster--technology or ways to get published. I've been the owner of a writing/editing service for 23 years. Within the past four years, I've gone from a local business, serving a regional clientele in my home office, to a virtual business servicing clients worldwide. Since 2007, I have been editing books, after being hired as an editor by a celebrity on-line. From there, I was contracted with a publishing company as Senior Editor/Copartner. I have edited five, published books available in online bookstores. This has been an exciting year for me. My previous Who's Who listings were Who's Who in America and Who's Who of American Women. This year I am included in Who's Who in the World, so I know my influence has become global. I have clients in the UK and Ireland, as well as throughout the United States. I also got involved with a reality television show this year. I am a Production Consultant/YouTube Judge for The Write Stuff--to be aired on the CW Network-- which will reward the next best-selling offer with a book deal and other literary prizes. All of this exposure has given me a great deal of enjoyment, but it is also a lot of hard work.
I am hearing over and over again that new authors want to know how to go about getting published. I have the answers. I am putting together a booklet which will soon be available on my website, www.aflairforwriting.com. My comprehensive guide for the aspiring or novice writer will help them avoid pitfalls in the industry. I have worked for a publisher for over a year now, and, in that short amount of time, I have gained enough knowledge-- about this ever-changing industry--to write volumes.
You'll be hearing a lot more from me. I want to help authors understand exactly what their options are, what is the best way to go about getting published, and what to expect. More and more individuals are making the decision to write a book, now that self-publishing makes it quick and easy. But there's a lot they don't know, and I am here to educate them. I will explain what to do and not do. I have seen too many people learn the hard way, after they have invested time and money, to later question whether they have taken the right steps. My comprehensive guide will help direct "wannabes" in the right direction and untangle the messy confusion of possibilities available today.
I don't know what's changing faster--technology or ways to get published. I've been the owner of a writing/editing service for 23 years. Within the past four years, I've gone from a local business, serving a regional clientele in my home office, to a virtual business servicing clients worldwide. Since 2007, I have been editing books, after being hired as an editor by a celebrity on-line. From there, I was contracted with a publishing company as Senior Editor/Copartner. I have edited five, published books available in online bookstores. This has been an exciting year for me. My previous Who's Who listings were Who's Who in America and Who's Who of American Women. This year I am included in Who's Who in the World, so I know my influence has become global. I have clients in the UK and Ireland, as well as throughout the United States. I also got involved with a reality television show this year. I am a Production Consultant/YouTube Judge for The Write Stuff--to be aired on the CW Network-- which will reward the next best-selling offer with a book deal and other literary prizes. All of this exposure has given me a great deal of enjoyment, but it is also a lot of hard work.
I am hearing over and over again that new authors want to know how to go about getting published. I have the answers. I am putting together a booklet which will soon be available on my website, www.aflairforwriting.com. My comprehensive guide for the aspiring or novice writer will help them avoid pitfalls in the industry. I have worked for a publisher for over a year now, and, in that short amount of time, I have gained enough knowledge-- about this ever-changing industry--to write volumes.
You'll be hearing a lot more from me. I want to help authors understand exactly what their options are, what is the best way to go about getting published, and what to expect. More and more individuals are making the decision to write a book, now that self-publishing makes it quick and easy. But there's a lot they don't know, and I am here to educate them. I will explain what to do and not do. I have seen too many people learn the hard way, after they have invested time and money, to later question whether they have taken the right steps. My comprehensive guide will help direct "wannabes" in the right direction and untangle the messy confusion of possibilities available today.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
My First Book
By Donna Erickson
I’ve been asked this question hundreds of times: Have you written any books? I’ve always had to reply “no” and then explain what I do write. Finally, all that is about to change. I’m writing my first book and learning a lot as I go along.
After completing a major investigative search into my genealogical background, I suddenly decided the lives of my maternal grandparents would be great material for a book. The drama, excitement, and countless struggles they endured coming from Lithuania to this country--as they set the stage for future generations--could serve as the foundation of a gripping tale. I was excited about the idea and eager to begin. Although my book is based on their actual lives, I am writing it as historical fiction. Neither my parents nor my grandparents are alive today. I stare at their photos and wonder what information they would have for me--the unknown details of their lives and the lives of their parents. I recently received a picture from my cousin of my great-grandparents before they came to America. A lot of my story is written around that picture. Somehow, I feel more connected to them and able to imagine their trials and tribulations and what their personalities were like. None of my living relatives knew them or know much about the lives they lived. My cousin was helpful in providing important incidents I have recounted in the early chapters of the book.
It’s very strange “getting into the minds” of your great-grandparents to create the dialogue for the story. It’s also quite sad to imagine what they lived through–the terror, the persecution--and the courage they needed to flee their homeland.
I have completed a rough draft of Chapters One, Two, and Three and have prepared an outline for the remainder of the book. I am estimating a total of twelve chapters and somewhere around 250 pages. I found it helpful to have completed character sketches and plot points before beginning to write. The website www.writethatnovel.com has been especially helpful. There are forms you can download and print out to help you through the stages of manuscript preparation.
Researching the historical time period has been the most challenging part so far. I’ve had to find out about architecture of nineteenth century homes in two separate European districts, as well as the influence of the Russian Czar’s rulings on my ancestors and their daily lives. (Russia governed Lithuania at the time.) I never stopped to think just how bad conditions were for my ancestors. I remember the first time I saw the movie, Fiddler On the Roof, and crying at the end—yet the movie didn’t show the scenes of horror, death, and destruction these people later encountered.
Each day, I am trying to write at least one page (in addition to a full-time writing career) and more on the weekends. It may take me a year to complete, but I’m determined and motivated to get it done.
I’ve been asked this question hundreds of times: Have you written any books? I’ve always had to reply “no” and then explain what I do write. Finally, all that is about to change. I’m writing my first book and learning a lot as I go along.
After completing a major investigative search into my genealogical background, I suddenly decided the lives of my maternal grandparents would be great material for a book. The drama, excitement, and countless struggles they endured coming from Lithuania to this country--as they set the stage for future generations--could serve as the foundation of a gripping tale. I was excited about the idea and eager to begin. Although my book is based on their actual lives, I am writing it as historical fiction. Neither my parents nor my grandparents are alive today. I stare at their photos and wonder what information they would have for me--the unknown details of their lives and the lives of their parents. I recently received a picture from my cousin of my great-grandparents before they came to America. A lot of my story is written around that picture. Somehow, I feel more connected to them and able to imagine their trials and tribulations and what their personalities were like. None of my living relatives knew them or know much about the lives they lived. My cousin was helpful in providing important incidents I have recounted in the early chapters of the book.
It’s very strange “getting into the minds” of your great-grandparents to create the dialogue for the story. It’s also quite sad to imagine what they lived through–the terror, the persecution--and the courage they needed to flee their homeland.
I have completed a rough draft of Chapters One, Two, and Three and have prepared an outline for the remainder of the book. I am estimating a total of twelve chapters and somewhere around 250 pages. I found it helpful to have completed character sketches and plot points before beginning to write. The website www.writethatnovel.com has been especially helpful. There are forms you can download and print out to help you through the stages of manuscript preparation.
Researching the historical time period has been the most challenging part so far. I’ve had to find out about architecture of nineteenth century homes in two separate European districts, as well as the influence of the Russian Czar’s rulings on my ancestors and their daily lives. (Russia governed Lithuania at the time.) I never stopped to think just how bad conditions were for my ancestors. I remember the first time I saw the movie, Fiddler On the Roof, and crying at the end—yet the movie didn’t show the scenes of horror, death, and destruction these people later encountered.
Each day, I am trying to write at least one page (in addition to a full-time writing career) and more on the weekends. It may take me a year to complete, but I’m determined and motivated to get it done.
Monday, April 6, 2009
A TYPICAL WORKDAY
Usually, my workday begins about 9 a.m. – sometimes earlier, sometimes later. That’s one of the things I like best about being my own boss. First, I check all of my e-mail and sort through what needs to be answered right away and what can be saved. I check the date for any deadlines that I have given to my clients or colleagues. If someone was supposed to get back to me (with revisions, payments, completed e-mail forms, etc.) and hasn’t, I follow up with a phone call and/or e-mail. Then I make any other phone calls that are necessary before beginning my work.
I’m usually writing or editing until about 1 p.m. From approximately 1:00 to 2:00, I’m busy with lunch, errands, exercise, or meditation. At about 2:00, I’ll answer saved e-mail, any new e-mail, and return phone calls. Then it’s back to writing/editing until about 4:30.
After making dinner and connecting with my family, I’ll be cleaning up, taking a walk (if I hadn’t gotten any fresh air that day), and talking on the phone to friends or family. I also try to read the newspaper. Between 7 and 8 p.m., I do a final e-mail check or some last minute editing.
As soon as a client requests a job, I create a file and open the account. All notes and information gets tossed into the folder and placed in my “Work In Progress” pile. From there, it moves to “Work Completed,” where I may be waiting for a reply, revisions, or payment. Once it is complete, it is stored and saved on a back-up disk.
I try to keep all of my work in progress prioritized. The folders are lined up, so I can see what needs my attention first. It’s also handy to have them nearby if a client calls, and I need to pull the file while we talk. Being organized definitely helps me get through each workday day with ease.
I’m usually writing or editing until about 1 p.m. From approximately 1:00 to 2:00, I’m busy with lunch, errands, exercise, or meditation. At about 2:00, I’ll answer saved e-mail, any new e-mail, and return phone calls. Then it’s back to writing/editing until about 4:30.
After making dinner and connecting with my family, I’ll be cleaning up, taking a walk (if I hadn’t gotten any fresh air that day), and talking on the phone to friends or family. I also try to read the newspaper. Between 7 and 8 p.m., I do a final e-mail check or some last minute editing.
As soon as a client requests a job, I create a file and open the account. All notes and information gets tossed into the folder and placed in my “Work In Progress” pile. From there, it moves to “Work Completed,” where I may be waiting for a reply, revisions, or payment. Once it is complete, it is stored and saved on a back-up disk.
I try to keep all of my work in progress prioritized. The folders are lined up, so I can see what needs my attention first. It’s also handy to have them nearby if a client calls, and I need to pull the file while we talk. Being organized definitely helps me get through each workday day with ease.
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