Writers spend an enormous amount of time perfecting their craft so it stands to reason they will spend a good amount of time learning about the publishing business as well. There are pitfalls around every corner just waiting for the uninformed writer. Pitfalls could end a writer's career before it ever gets started. Don't let it happen to you.
Jerry Simmons is an author and former executive with the Time Warner Book Group. His web site is full of free articles and writing tips based on his 25 years in the publishing business.
I have read several of his articles and blog entries. One in particular stood out to me. All writers need editors. Jerry states “you cannot sell a good story that is poorly edited.” Another great article by Jerry is Who is making money in publishing?
Download the free article You Are Only a First Time Author Once.
More tips from a professional
I stumbled across Fiona Bayrock's site several months ago. She is a full time writer and writes a lot of “cool” science stuff for kids in addition to giving out writing advice, tips and links. You will enjoy surfing around at her site. I recommend the following article.
Getting from Theme to Article: Advice From a Theme Junkie.
Fiona also has a host of articles from children's non-fiction authors covering subjects like: Technique, Writing Science for Kids, Writing Biographies for Kids, writing query letters and selling Non-fiction. I could spend a whole day here.
Write it down,
Carma
Thanks Carma,
ReplyDeleteI just wrote in a block of time today to check out these articles and websites.
Theresa
Stress-FreeParent.blogspot.com
Hi Theresa,
ReplyDeleteI am impressed that you would put browsing websites and articles on your calendar. That is the right way and the organized way. This is something I aspire for.
Usually I set things to the side and hope to get back to them or I stop what I am doing right now and go off on who knows how long of a tangent.
You are motivating.
Hey Carma,
ReplyDeleteYou're really cranking this stuff out. Good for you! xoxo Lisa H.
Carma,
ReplyDeleteThese articles are great. I just passed "You are only a First Time Author Once" to my coauthor because it is so pivotal regarding the issues we are dealing with.
I love his writing style and his articler is so informative. I decided TONIGHT that even though our book proposal is only one month under discussion, I don't want put my book in the hands of just one editor. So, this post was quite validating for our needs.
Thanks SO much!
Dorit
http://newteacherresourcecenter.blogspot.com/
"Building a teacher community, one day at a time."
Hi Dorit,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found these articles helpful. I want to take some time and browse around the entire WritersReaders website. It's amazing.
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYeah, I am building a lot of muscle. :) I am hoping brain muscle.
Thanks
Hi, Carma,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the links. I like the idea of being a "first time author only once." It takes away a little bit of stress! :)
Have a wonderful evening,
Lisa Kirby
www.familyfunandfood.blogspot.com
Hey, Carma,
ReplyDeleteWow!Another great article filled with helpful tips!
Your blog has become such a wonderful resource for children's writers! Congratulations!
Suzanne Lieurance
The Working Writer's Coach
http://www.workingwriterscoach.com
"When Your Pen Won't Budge, Read The Morning Nudge"
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI came back today to check for a post and found my comment from yesterday never posted -bless technology.
I found this post really great - editors - all writers need a second set of eyes.
I loved the reference to you are only a first time author once - do we get to choose that time?
Love your posts,
Take care,
judy
http://www.localfoodconnections.com
Lisa Kirby and Judy and Suzanne, thank you for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteThe title You are only a first time Author once, really resonated with me too. It took stress away and made me feel like "I can do this."
Thanks for commenting.