Tag: publishing
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Imposter syndrome never goes away
“It’s getting scary and real!” I’ve been working with an author since last summer. I helped them shape their book proposal, and edited their manuscript. The result? They landed a book deal with their top publisher. Success! But despite that success, the imposter syndrome never really goes away. Now that the author is lining up…
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How should you approach your editor, and what can you expect to pay?
Hello, writers! As you’re embarking on your great resolution to FINALLY write that book (well done, you!), here are some pointers to keep in mind as you approach editors. (Post 3/3) How should you approach your editor, and what can you expect to pay? If I approached any service provider—dentist, mechanic, plumber—I’d give a sense…
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How can you find your editor?
Hello, writers! As you’re embarking on your great resolution to FINALLY write that book (well done, you!), here are some pointers to keep in mind as you approach editors. (Post 2/3) How can you find your editor? You have some say over which editor buys your book, especially if you’re a repeat author and you’ve…
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What type of editor do you need?
Hello, writers! As you’re embarking on your great resolution to FINALLY write that book (well done, you!), here are some pointers to keep in mind as you approach editors. (Post 1/3) What type of editor do you need? At this time of year, my inbox is flooded with people looking to hire an editor. I…
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How do you know when it’s time to start writing your book?
At this time of year, our farmers’ market is held inside an old Nissen hut, rather than outside. I visited the market on Saturday and made a beeline for my farmer at his table full of leafy greens and root vegetables. “You’ll be happy to know,” I told Graham, speaking through my mask, “that I’m…
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How to ace your book page
Here’s how to create a book page that will dazzle your readers. It’s key to own your piece of the internet when it comes to promoting your book. Even if you have publicity and marketing support from your publisher, you still need to drive your own marketing. A book page is a place to collect…
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How to finish strong this year and ace your writing goals
In sailing, there’s an action called “anchor watch.” Once you reach your destination and drop anchor, you need to keep an eye on potential drift. If you notice your vessel has moved a lot in say twenty minutes, your anchor isn’t secure in the seabed. You need to haul up and try again. At this…
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How to pick beta readers
Sure, you can close your eyes, cross your fingers, release your book into the marketplace, and hope it works. You can wait for positive reviews and media hits. But there’s an easier way. Securing beta readers is an essential part of any publishing strategy. Beta readers are those who read an early version of the…
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The missing ingredient in your book proposal
I often see a main element missing from book proposals. A book proposal is a business plan for your book. It helps you convince the publisher to take a chance on you. In a traditional publishing arrangement, the publisher is essentially offering you a loan (called an advance) so you can finish your book, and…
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Should you submit your essays now, or build your collection?
I’m working with a client who has about ten personal essays in various stages of completion. She’d like to publish some of them in journals, but her bigger dream is to compile a collection of essays as a book. On the surface, a book seems like a great goal. The essays are linked thematically, so…