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May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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There Are No Rules
Getting Published
Learn How to Properly Format an E-Book (free class!)
Speaking of publishing yourself digitally for free, anyone who’s interested in the new instant publishing models—getting your work onto Kindle, Sony, Nook, etc—should NOT miss the next free webinar from Digital Book … Read more
Writers: Don't Heed Samuel Johnson's Advice
Today I read the latest post at Don’t Publish Me: “If You’re In It For the Money.” (Go follow Jenn on Twitter.) It made me realize that many people out there still … Read more
Your Writing Career May Depend on Someone You Never Meet
Yesterday I read and Tweeted about an article at Publishing Perspectives, “Career Reinvention for Publishing Professionals” by Andrew Malkin. To me it was both useful and sadly prescient; it made me recall … Read more
Rejection: It's What You Do Next That Counts
I have a dear friend, Dave, who has devoted his life to writing. He’s made every sacrifice imaginable, sacrifices that other people won’t or can’t make. This year, he has been submitting … Read more
My Exciting News at Writer's Digest
You’ve probably noticed I’ve been making liberal use of guest bloggers during the new year. That’s because I’m busy cooking up new content at Writer’s Digest, but I’ll soon return to more … Read more
What Does Future Hold for Writers? Predictions for 2010-2020
Predictions are common as a new year begins–especially a new decade. And the publishing industry invites more speculation than ever, given the tremendous transformation underway. Below are the most compelling predictions I … Read more
When You Share, You Win
Below I’ve posted two letters from writers who attended our September event in New York. You can find information on all Writer’s Digest events here. The lesson I find in it? You … Read more
How I Drive Writers to Drink (In a Good Way?)
This is a guest post from Kevin Derr, who shares his experience of a writing workshop I gave last weekend in Evansville, Ind. Find Kevin Derr on Facebook. Big thanks to the … Read more
10 Fun Things at Writer's Digest
November was a quiet month for me last year on this blog (because I was stuck in Thailand), and it was a quiet month again this year—but for different reasons (budgeting!). While … Read more
Self-Publishing: A Different Game in the UK Market
I received the following note from Jeremy Thompson from Troubador in response to my post about the 3 Self-Publishing Paths You Should Understand. For my UK readers, I felt it important to … Read more
Harlequin's Self-Publishing Venture: Is It the Future of Publishing?
As I observed the writing community’s reaction to Harlequin Horizons last week, I felt incredible sympathy for the people at Harlequin. It appears they’ve been blind-sided by vitriolic outrage from all sides—unpublished … Read more
Every Writer Needs a Little Salesperson Inside
It’s not a natural thing for most creative people to sell their work, but when it comes time to publish, you have to know something about how to sell. You have to … Read more
The Age-Old Battle Between Author & Publisher
To write what is worth publishing, to find honest people to publish it, and get sensible people to read it, are the three great difficulties in being an author. —Charles Caleb Colton … Read more
Writing & Publishing: More Than a Patience Game
My partner in crime, The Conductor, recently forwarded me the following, from an interview with Lost Producer Damon Lindelof: In today’s film and television industries it seems like there are far fewer … Read more
Your Simple Checklist for Getting Known & Getting Readers
There’s such a wonderful comment on yesterday’s post that I wanted to bring attention to it (slightly modified to apply to all genres). Thank you, Banana the Poet (aka Michele Breton)! Follow … Read more
Turn Your Book Into an iPhone App
This is a story about an energetic author who deserves an award for truly living by the adage, “There Are No Rules.” In fact, I shall start an honorable group, “There Are … Read more
How to Get Your Book Published
The No. 1 question we get asked at Writer’s Digest is “How do I get my book published?” As the Brazen Careerist has noted, sometimes people don’t ask the best or most … Read more
3 Sure-Fire Ways to Insult Someone in Publishing
1. Design your own book cover, or better yet, have a loved one do so for you. Bonus points if that loved one is a child (either young of full-grown), and creates … Read more
Remove These Phrases From Your Writing Life
I’m on an inspirational kick this week. I recently connected on LinkedIn with my very first boss at F+W. I always remember the advice he repeated to me that went something like: … Read more
It's Not Business As Usual–Stop Acting Like It
In my role at Writer’s Digest I balance two key objectives that’s an odd, meta-publishing endeavor: Help aspiring writers succeed in the publishing arena Keep the Writer’s Digest business—as a publishing and/or … Read more
15 Worthy Blogs I Just Discovered
I recently received the “One Lovely Blog Award” from Jillian Livingston (go check out isdisnormal—and you must if you are a mom). My thanks to her for introducing me to this concept. … Read more
The Secrets to Publishing Success (Jane's 2009 Tough Love Guide)
Above: Jane looks at you expectantly with the tough-love stare. Don’t disappoint her. – This past year, I’ve posted a ton of information on how you can (1) ensure your work is … Read more
The Distribution Barrier for Self-Publishers: Less of an Issue?
When I started at Writer’s Digest in 2001, my first assigned beat was the self-publishing scene. I was given Dan Poynter’s Self-Publishing Manual and The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Marilyn & … Read more
Excellent (and Free) Presentation on Self-Publishing
At our conference last week, April Hamilton gave an in-depth presentation on the basics of getting started in self-publishing—or as an indie author. Click here to download her presentation as a PDF … Read more
How to Succeed in Today's Publishing Industry (Takeaways from Conference)
By noon on Saturday, attendees were commenting that they’d already gotten their money’s worth. I consider that a big win! If you missed the event, you can still get some valuable takeaways: … Read more
