Whenever I'm editing a book for an author, I provide them with specific suggestions to avoid common writing mistakes. Now I'm beginning to see the same patterns among a wide variety of authors. I find myself repeatedly advising them to avoid using trite expressions and colloquialisms, to limit the word "very," to remove overuse of the word "that," and to avoid repetitive words and phrases.
Most authors use way too many linking verbs, and I let them them know their writing could be more powerful if they avoided using "that is," "it was," or "there is." Better options exist for beginning sentences. Notice I didn't say "there are better options for beginning sentences."
The majority of authors have a good understanding of the active vs. passive voice, have learned to make use of spellcheck (although they know they cannot solely rely on it),and use proper punctuation most of the time. An exception would be the use of both the semicolon and colon. For some reason, many authors mistakenly interchange them and use the semicolon to introduce an element illustrating what has preceded the semicolon--when it should be a colon.
When it comes to editing, no one can know it all. For that reason, we have style guides. And you can often find me with my nose in "The Chicago Manual of Style!"
Showing posts with label authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label authors. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunday, June 27, 2010
I'm Co-Sponsoring a HUGE Event!
NEWS ALERT Just For Authors
Over 1 Million New Books Published Last Year
How Are You Expected To Compete With Those Numbers?
Here Is What We Know:
Over 1,000,000 books were published in 2009 -- up from about 300,000 books published in 2006.
Yes, that's 1 MILLION books published last year.
But, listen to this:
Non-traditional, print on demand books EXPLODED to 764,448 -- up from just 21,936 in 2006.
How are you supposed to compete with the fact that you have 1 MILLION COMPETITORS?
Annie knows and Annie tells.
Don’t miss this free SPECTACULAR LIVE PRESENTATION offered via Teleseminar on
Wednesday, July 28th.
FREE Teleseminar:
The 18 Spokes Of The Book Marketing Wheel
Wednesday, July 28th
3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
12 N PT, 1 PM MT, 2 PM CT
FREE "Strike It Rich" CD: All who sign up get the free CD "Strike It Rich" that showcases a real author and expert, just like you, who tells in his own voice how his publicity outreach not only sold books but also caused him to get so many new clients he had to turn over 40 away.
Teleseminar Sign Up: http://www.anniejenningspr.com/18spokes.htm - There is no charge for the Teleseminar.
GRAB YOUR SPOT: Hurry and sign up to secure your spot on this Teleseminar. According to the bridge line company only 1,000 participants will have access to the bridge line due to the technology limits.
“If I could, I would share this strategy with all ONE MILLION book authors,” says Annie, whose mission is to see authors everywhere living the life of their dreams. “Only 1,000 authors will be able to get seats on the call.”
SHOW UP, LISTEN, LIVE THE DREAM: Annie Jennings PR is not offering a recording or replay of this Teleseminar. “My dream is for authors to show up and demonstrate their commitment to their success," says Annie. “Intentions are good, action is better.”
Annie Jennings PR is the creator of the FAMOUS 18 Spoke Platform Strategy that has swept the publicity industry and has helped thousands of authors and experts to build a strong and powerful reputation.
Annie Jennings reveals the blockbuster, all encompassing book marketing strategy, the 18 Spokes of the Book Marketing Wheel, in an upcoming LIVE & Free Teleseminar.
HER IDEAS SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE: Previously, Annie’s insight on how to create an influential presence for yourself and your ideas spread like wild fire throughout the publicity, branding and marketing industries. Suddenly everyone was “platform building” and yes it made a big difference in their success.
Authors and experts got the chance to experience their mission in motion, the unfolding of their creative energy and the chance to live the life of their dreams.
DON’T MISS THIS: Annie’s presenting the newest most powerful book marketing strategy you can lay your hands on. Don’t waste a single dime on old-fashioned and out-dated book marketing ideas that just don’t work.
TELL EVERY BOOK AUTHOR YOU KNOW: Please copy and paste the promo and invite your community and ask them to invite theirs as well.
More About The Book Stats:
How Do We Know? The world’s leading provider of book industry information, Bowker, reports that in 2006 only 21,936 non-traditional books (includes print on demand, self publishing and reprints however this figure does NOT include e-books) were published compared to the staggering runaway numbers of 2009, for the same non-traditional books, to 764,448.
Traditional Publishers Are Steady: By the way, it is interesting to note that traditional publishers, those familiar names we all know in the publishing industry, showed publishing numbers that ranged from about 274,000 to 288,000 from 2006-2009.
Book Publishing Stats For 2009:
288,355 Books published via traditional publishing
764,448 Books published via non-traditional publishing. Non-traditional means print on demand, reprints and public domain.
Total Books Published In 2009: 1,052,803
***************
Wouldn’t You Rather Do Business
With Annie Jennings PR?
TODAY!
All heart, Annie
*******
TODAY! Annie
Annie Jennings PR 908.281.6201
Thousands Of Experts Booked With The Media
#1 Most Powerful Radio Campaign Your Money Can Buy
Real Stories Of Client Success:
www.anniejenningspr.com/publicitypro.htm
Get Your Free CD & Let Us Know About Your Area Of Expertise:
www.anniejenningspr.com/experts.htm
Over 1 Million New Books Published Last Year
How Are You Expected To Compete With Those Numbers?
Here Is What We Know:
Over 1,000,000 books were published in 2009 -- up from about 300,000 books published in 2006.
Yes, that's 1 MILLION books published last year.
But, listen to this:
Non-traditional, print on demand books EXPLODED to 764,448 -- up from just 21,936 in 2006.
How are you supposed to compete with the fact that you have 1 MILLION COMPETITORS?
Annie knows and Annie tells.
Don’t miss this free SPECTACULAR LIVE PRESENTATION offered via Teleseminar on
Wednesday, July 28th.
FREE Teleseminar:
The 18 Spokes Of The Book Marketing Wheel
Wednesday, July 28th
3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
12 N PT, 1 PM MT, 2 PM CT
FREE "Strike It Rich" CD: All who sign up get the free CD "Strike It Rich" that showcases a real author and expert, just like you, who tells in his own voice how his publicity outreach not only sold books but also caused him to get so many new clients he had to turn over 40 away.
Teleseminar Sign Up: http://www.anniejenningspr.com/18spokes.htm - There is no charge for the Teleseminar.
GRAB YOUR SPOT: Hurry and sign up to secure your spot on this Teleseminar. According to the bridge line company only 1,000 participants will have access to the bridge line due to the technology limits.
“If I could, I would share this strategy with all ONE MILLION book authors,” says Annie, whose mission is to see authors everywhere living the life of their dreams. “Only 1,000 authors will be able to get seats on the call.”
SHOW UP, LISTEN, LIVE THE DREAM: Annie Jennings PR is not offering a recording or replay of this Teleseminar. “My dream is for authors to show up and demonstrate their commitment to their success," says Annie. “Intentions are good, action is better.”
Annie Jennings PR is the creator of the FAMOUS 18 Spoke Platform Strategy that has swept the publicity industry and has helped thousands of authors and experts to build a strong and powerful reputation.
Annie Jennings reveals the blockbuster, all encompassing book marketing strategy, the 18 Spokes of the Book Marketing Wheel, in an upcoming LIVE & Free Teleseminar.
HER IDEAS SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE: Previously, Annie’s insight on how to create an influential presence for yourself and your ideas spread like wild fire throughout the publicity, branding and marketing industries. Suddenly everyone was “platform building” and yes it made a big difference in their success.
Authors and experts got the chance to experience their mission in motion, the unfolding of their creative energy and the chance to live the life of their dreams.
DON’T MISS THIS: Annie’s presenting the newest most powerful book marketing strategy you can lay your hands on. Don’t waste a single dime on old-fashioned and out-dated book marketing ideas that just don’t work.
TELL EVERY BOOK AUTHOR YOU KNOW: Please copy and paste the promo and invite your community and ask them to invite theirs as well.
More About The Book Stats:
How Do We Know? The world’s leading provider of book industry information, Bowker, reports that in 2006 only 21,936 non-traditional books (includes print on demand, self publishing and reprints however this figure does NOT include e-books) were published compared to the staggering runaway numbers of 2009, for the same non-traditional books, to 764,448.
Traditional Publishers Are Steady: By the way, it is interesting to note that traditional publishers, those familiar names we all know in the publishing industry, showed publishing numbers that ranged from about 274,000 to 288,000 from 2006-2009.
Book Publishing Stats For 2009:
288,355 Books published via traditional publishing
764,448 Books published via non-traditional publishing. Non-traditional means print on demand, reprints and public domain.
Total Books Published In 2009: 1,052,803
***************
Wouldn’t You Rather Do Business
With Annie Jennings PR?
TODAY!
All heart, Annie
*******
TODAY! Annie
Annie Jennings PR 908.281.6201
Thousands Of Experts Booked With The Media
#1 Most Powerful Radio Campaign Your Money Can Buy
Real Stories Of Client Success:
www.anniejenningspr.com/publicitypro.htm
Get Your Free CD & Let Us Know About Your Area Of Expertise:
www.anniejenningspr.com/experts.htm
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Self-Publishing Going Through The Roof!
Annie Jennings, national PR guru for 35,000 authors and experts (including Maya Angelou, F. Lee Bailey, Sylvia Browne, Deepak Chopra,and Louise Hay) asked me to do some research for her on the latest self-publishing statistics. Turns out RR Bowker (the only agency to issue ISBNs to worldwide authorized agents) reports that in 2009 there were one million books published and 700,000+ were self-published and micro-niche publications. Annie wants to write a book containing her PR tips for self-published authors and have me edit it. I'll keep you posted!
My Writers Group
Did you know that I'm the Founder/Manager of the LinkedIn Group for authors called Publishing Today? We're up to 93 members and we'd love to have you join us!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Getting Major Promotion
Yipee! I am Special Feature ("No-Hassle Publishing: An Author's Guide to Today's Changing Industry")for the high-traffic premium promotional services site, http://www.premiumpromotions.biz with many 5-Star Amazon Reviews. If Amazon is out of stock, you may order from my website, www.aflairforwriting.com.
No-Hassle Publishing: An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing Industry. A must-have guide for the novice writer, which contains a wealth of information not found elsewhere. Authors will learn everything about publishing--from choosing a publisher, signing contracts, and purchasing an ISBN, to insider advice on what to avoid. Price: $9.95 plus tax & shipping
For the small price of this booklet, you will save money in the long run by eliminating hours and hours of research and preventing costly mistakes. To order, e-mail donna@aflairforwriting.com or visit www.aflairforwriting.com.
Here's what one reader had to say:
I was totally thrilled to read Donna's book, No Hassle Publishing. Finally, someone has written a clear and concise document on the state of the publishing industry and the options authors can now choose from. Donna outlines the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing and lists all types of self-publishing companies that exist and how they are different. She talks about many specifics that authors need to know, such as how to use ISBN bar codes and what items to look for in a good contract. The book is an excellent overview for perspective authors, which will help them quickly decide the best publishing path to take. As an author and book coach, I will be sending all my clients to her website to read this book for up-to-date and valuable information about the publishing field. I am also delighted to see that Donna's company is now offering self-publishing services as well, as she is certainly an expert on how to do it right. Thank you for this fabulous resource.
Gail McMeekin, LICSW
Executive/career/creativity/life choices coach and expert; Author of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women; The Power of Positive Choices; Boost Your Creativity, Productivity, and Profits in 21 Steps; The Path to Creative Success, and our newest project: Creativity Courage Cards. All are available at http://www.creativesuccess.com, as well as my Creative Success newsletters.
http://wwwaflairforwriting.blogspot.com/2010/05/getting-major-promotion.html
No-Hassle Publishing: An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing Industry. A must-have guide for the novice writer, which contains a wealth of information not found elsewhere. Authors will learn everything about publishing--from choosing a publisher, signing contracts, and purchasing an ISBN, to insider advice on what to avoid. Price: $9.95 plus tax & shipping
For the small price of this booklet, you will save money in the long run by eliminating hours and hours of research and preventing costly mistakes. To order, e-mail donna@aflairforwriting.com or visit www.aflairforwriting.com.
Here's what one reader had to say:
I was totally thrilled to read Donna's book, No Hassle Publishing. Finally, someone has written a clear and concise document on the state of the publishing industry and the options authors can now choose from. Donna outlines the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing and lists all types of self-publishing companies that exist and how they are different. She talks about many specifics that authors need to know, such as how to use ISBN bar codes and what items to look for in a good contract. The book is an excellent overview for perspective authors, which will help them quickly decide the best publishing path to take. As an author and book coach, I will be sending all my clients to her website to read this book for up-to-date and valuable information about the publishing field. I am also delighted to see that Donna's company is now offering self-publishing services as well, as she is certainly an expert on how to do it right. Thank you for this fabulous resource.
Gail McMeekin, LICSW
Executive/career/creativity/life choices coach and expert; Author of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women; The Power of Positive Choices; Boost Your Creativity, Productivity, and Profits in 21 Steps; The Path to Creative Success, and our newest project: Creativity Courage Cards. All are available at http://www.creativesuccess.com, as well as my Creative Success newsletters.
http://wwwaflairforwriting.blogspot.com/2010/05/getting-major-promotion.html
Thursday, April 1, 2010
I'm A Published Author
When I published my ebook, I never really felt like a published author. I'm glad I did because it was a good way to work out the kinks and get started. But there was no tangible product for buyers, other than letter size pages to staple together. Since going to print and having an actual book to mail out, I've made my first sale and it feels wonderful. Now I feel like a real published author. Knowing I can help people by offering them "No-Hassle Publishing: An Author's Guide to Today's Changing Industry" is a great feeling.
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