With the exception of novelists who learn about their characters and the storyline as they unfold in draft stage, most writers have a well-developed concept for their book before you sit down to write. At this stage you’re at least …
Business of Writing
3 Tips for a Happy Author-Publisher Relationship
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Whatever route you take to publishing, traditional, Indy, or self-publishing, following a few tips can position you for a successful author-publisher relationship.
I’m going to use the author relationship with a traditional publisher as my case study …
Book Giveaways Reap Sales
Blogger: Mary Keeley
It seems counter-productive that giving your book away results in increased sales. I was unconvinced until I saw hard cold data. The trend continues for both traditionally and self-published books. The secret is to be strategic about …
Book Proposals Mean Business
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Last week I blogged on three criteria agents use to assess your readiness for representation (here). Today let’s focus on what goes into the first of these: your proposal. The following tips will be …
What Makes You and Your Proposal Impressive?
Blogger: Mary Keeley
The fact there is more competition for fewer publishing slots makes the goal of getting your book published by a traditional publisher more challenging. So let’s address that elephant in the room right off the bat. My …
2 FAQs about the Road to Publication
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Publishing is a complex business, and there is no end to the questions that arise along a writer’s career journey. Many of those I’m asked fall into two categories.
Why is involvement in social media so important? …
Permissions, Releases, and Copyright…Oh My!
Blogger: Mary Keeley
The editor of a manuscript I received last week alerted me that the author had quoted a portion or the whole of two articles the author found on the Internet. This author did give the sources of …
Negotiating: A Primer
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Negotiating is an everyday occurrence. It takes place at the dinner table when children don’t want to eat their vegetables or when your teen wants to borrow the family car. Little did you know these situations that …
2 Keys to Successful Agent and Editor Meetings
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Two initial impressions you’ll leave with agents and editors you meet at a writers conference are your level of professionalism and the degree of your publishing knowledge. Whether or not you plan to attend a conference yet …
A Case Against Shortcuts for Writers
Blogger: Mary Keeley
I’ve found that if I have a good view of the big picture for something, it is easier to understand how, and more importantly why, the individual pieces fit into place the way they do. For …