Blogger: Wendy Lawton
One question I get over and over from writers is, “What would you say is the average advance a writer can expect to receive for a book?” I’ve answered that question a number of times in blog …
Authors
Online Etiquette
Blogger: Mary Keeley
When it comes to author interaction on social media and within online groups, we need to be discerning. Positive interaction can attract followers faster and lead to a favorable reputation. As important as attracting our following is, …
The Good and Bad of So Much Sales Data
Blogger: Mary Keeley
You’ve probably heard me stress more than once how important it is to have a fresh, unique hook or fresh angle for your book. That is what editors are looking for in their search for the next …
Resilience of the Publishing Industry
Blogger: Mary Keeley
The Association of American Publishers (AAP) 2015 year-end report was an interesting mixture of up’s and down’s. Some stats were surprising, based on the previous year. Data from more than 1,200 publishers, including “religious publishers,” covering all …
10 Tips for a Clean Manuscript
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Writers have so much craft or technique to master. If you are a novelist, you’re consumed with things such as adding more tension or deepening the character development. If you write nonfiction, you’re concerned with organizing your …
Engagement
Blogger: Mary Keeley
When you read the title of today’s post, Engagement, did your thoughts turn immediately to your audience? No wonder if you did; we stress the importance of engaging your readers frequently on this blog. The topic of …
Necessary Adjustments with A Forward View
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Following a recent conversation with industry professionals, I’ve been reflecting on the shifting journey in publishing through the years. Nothing earthly stays the same for long in either life or business. We find ourselves continually tweaking goals, …
Coloring Inside the Lines
Blogger: Wendy Lawton
Yesterday Janet Grant blogged about how we need to be willing to take risk in publishing. I’ve always admired risk-takers— those people who put it all on the line and succeed beyond their wildest dreams. Of course …
Priorities
Blogger: Mary Keeley
I began to prepare what I hoped would be a helpful post for the writing life for today, but something didn’t seem right, a check in my spirit. You’ve probably experienced spiritual unease that stops you in …
Identifying Your Unique Author Brand
Blogger: Mary Keeley
The Books & Such offices are closed over the Christmas holidays, but we’re re-posting some popular blogs from the past. This one is from a year ago. Enjoy commenting among yourselves. A blessed Christmas to all of …