Authors | Reading Resource

How to Gain Publicity as an Independently Published Author

With the invention of the Internet independent publishing has become extremely popular. Anyone that has a story idea, enough money and access to the Internet can publish their own story and book. The problem is that many independently published authors have a hard time gaining publicity and readership for their book. Many libraries will not accept independently published books as they tend to assume the quality is lesser than those published by major publishing house. If you are an independent author here’s a look at some ways you can gain readership for your book.

Book Bloggers. There are millions of book bloggers all over the Internet. Many of these book bloggers have loyal following and have developed themselves as experts in the field. These book bloggers will occasionally accept independently published authors material and offer to review or highlight the novel that they received. All reviews are not guaranteed this is a great way to potentially gain attention for not only yourself but your book.

Social Media Networks. There are tons of social media networks designed to bring readers and authors together. While there are the traditional Facebook and MySpace there are also social media outlets designed just for readers and authors. As independently published author you can join the in offer the first few chapters are your book for free and effort to gain publicity and buzz about your book.

Local Media Attention. Many local media outlets love to cover stories on local authors and books. Writing and submitting stories and press releases to local media outlets will allow you to hopefully gain attention and buzz about your novel.

While it might be difficult as independently published author to gain the publicity that you want or need for your book is not impossible. Just remember when one person says no the next person might just say yes.

Filed Under: Authors, Book Distribution Tagged With: Author, MySpace, Publish

Things to Remember When Sending in a Manuscript

When you have a story idea that you want to pitch to the major publishing houses you are required to submit a manuscript of the story. These manuscripts can range from the entire story to just a few chapters of the story. Manuscripts are a way for editors and publishers to get a feel for the writer’s writing style as well as the storyline for the particular novel but they are pitching. However, even if the manuscript has the world’s greatest storyline idea and it many editors and publishers will judge the manuscript on a number of different criteria. Here’s a look at what you need to make sure your manuscript contains in order to gain the attention of publishers and editors.

Editing. Many writers feel that just because they are not signed on with a major publishing firm they do not have to properly edit their manuscript. The problem is that publishers and editors will often go off of how well the manuscript is edited. It is important that as a writer you try to minimize the amount of errors that are present in the manuscript. Make sure there are no spelling, grammar and typographical errors as these are all held against you by major publishing firms.

Layout. Try to keep in mind how you have laid out your manuscript for the publishers and editors. It is important that you make sure the font is not too small and that it is easy to read. Editors and publishers do not have all day to sit and go through manuscript and if the manuscript is hard to read they will set it aside.

The Summary. Every manuscript contains an overview and summary of the story that is inside. Now many writers realize just how important the summary is to the manuscript. You want to make sure the summary is captivating and draws the people in without going overboard or line to the readers. Try to make your summary as thrilling captivating as possible.

Filed Under: Authors, Book Distribution Tagged With: Manuscript, Publish

Ways to Gain the Attention of Publishers and Editors

It is every writer’s dream to be noticed by one of the major publishing companies. The problem is the editors and people who make the decisions at these major publishing houses are often overworked and greeted by millions of unsolicited manuscripts. This makes it very difficult for average writer to gain the attention of the major publishing companies. If you’re considering trying to get on with a major publishing company here are some ways that you can gain the attention of the editors and publishers.

Writing Conferences. Writing conferences are great way to develop your writing and help you succeed as a writer. Many major publishing companies will often visit writing conferences as a way to scope out some of the newest and greatest talent on the market. By attending his writing conferences you’re not only bettering your art but you are also getting a possibility of being noticed by a publisher or editor.

Agents. Gaining a literary agent is a great way to become noticed by a publisher or editor. Many literary agents have contacts in the major publishing world so that they are able to get your manuscript seen by a number of major publishing firms. If you are considering using a literary agent is important to make sure that the literary agent has the qualifications that he is representing.

Starting out Small. Many writers gain the attention of editors and publishers by starting out small. Many writers will have the opportunity to write for magazines, online publications or even a short story for an anthology. These are all great ways that writers can gain the attention of editors and publishers as well as gain a public following.

Is important your member that even though you are working on getting the attention of editors and publishers you still need to develop your craft and make sure that you are presenting the best work possible. Editors and agents want good solid stories and writers that are willing to better their craft.

Filed Under: Authors, Book Distribution Tagged With: Literary agent, Publish

The Addiction of Reading

: Image by random letters via Flickr

Despite doom-saying studies that no one in the younger generation is reading anymore, millions of folks still fall “victim” to good books. It’s the best kind of addiction to have, and you know the symptoms. Watch for the telltale sign: “I just couldn’t put it down!”

Reading, in all seriousness, is a study and a statement all at the same time. Humans learn from the books they read, in some way or another. They can learn facts, they can gain understanding into other schools of thought, they can teach their minds to think and imagine in ways they wouldn’t have dreamed of a few pages before. But by picking up a book and reading, a person is also making the statement that they want more than what is in their life. That’s not a bad thing. Not everyone can be a CIA agent, but everyone CAN read Tom Clancy. A person might not be involved in a mystery regarding a huge fortune, but he CAN live that exciting life by proxy through Ellen Raskin’s book, The Westing Game.

Surrounding yourself with good books is one of the best choices you can make. Trolling old secondhand shops for new reads and exploring bookshops for something to curl up with are as much joyful journeys as actually finding that perfect book. The most dedicated bibliophiles always gasp in exasperation at themselves when they go into a used bookshop for one book and come out with 15. When you get to that point, you’ll be needing to look into debt consolidation services just to cover your booking buying. But again, it’s a great addiction to have.

Reading is one of the great ways in which people learn, and everyone will continue to record their knowledge in the written word for future generations to learn and grow from.

Filed Under: Authors, Book Distribution, General Tagged With: Central Intelligence Agency, Ellen Raskin, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Learning, Reading, Shopping, Tom Clancy, Westing Game

Is Online Education Right for You?

: Image via Wikipedia

When considering higher education, there are many choices to be made. How do you choose an online education and what type of program should you pursue? What kinds of degree options are there? If only there was a guide to online education for dummies. If you are a focused, career-driven kind of person who needs to keep working full-time while getting an education, then online courses may fit your life. Careers that don’t require a 4-year class regimen are available to be completed at home and online education can be tailored to uniquely fit your life and your needs.

Before choosing an institution, research several. You wouldn’t spend thousands of dollars at a university without looking into it first, right? The same theory should apply to online education. Academic content should be your primary concern, but financial costs and admission and time requirements are important things to consider as well. You will need to request these details from several schools for comparison. Choose an accredited school to ensure that your time and efforts will not be wasted on a degree that won’t always be worth what it seems. While you won’t have to “attend” classes per se, you should be prepared to spend about the same amount of money on online classes as you would on traditional classes. Financial aid is available for students taken online coursework. Online classes don’t consist of a few lectures and an assignment anymore either. You will have to attend lectures, take tests, do homework, and do presentations. Online classes are just as demanding and challenging as regular classes. While you’re learning in the comfort of your home, know that your efforts will be worth it. In a few months’ or years’ time you could have an Associate’s Degree in a specified field that can land you a great paying job or a great platform to move forward.

Filed Under: Authors, Book Distribution, Books Tagged With: Associate's degree, Distance education, Distance Learning, E-learning, Education, Further Education, Institutions, Online Courses

Go Global: Authors from Around the World

: Image via Wikipedia

Don’t have the time or the money to travel? Sure, television can show you places, but books can immerse you in the culture and exotic environments so much better! Try these foreign authors from around the globe!

Asia
Haruki Murakami is the author of some of the best postmodern literature. His book, Kafka on the Shore, has been touted as one of the best books to be released in 2005. Murakami’s books are filled with fantastical images and events, all grounded in very real environments. Murakami’s writing gives you a true feel of Japan, from its peoples’ mannerisms to the hot and muggy summers. Other books by Murakami include Norwegian Wood and The Wind-up Bird Chronicles.

Africa
In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe describes the tale of Okonkwo, a villager who is given a heavy burden. Achebe’s writing style is as beautiful as it is frank, and allows his reader to feel the incredible discomfort from not only the events but the harsh settings as well. Achebe continued to write with such works as A Man of the People, Anthills of the Savannah, and the sequel to Things Fall Apart, No Longer at Ease.

Europe
Perhaps no author is looked at as more of an authority than Italo Calvino. A journalist, critic and author, Calvino ran the gamut of published works, including fiction and non-fiction. Rightfully so, his work was profound and many leaned on his insight into writing. Even his notes for an undelivered speech were published posthumously in Six Memos for the Next Millennium. Calvino was prolific, but a few of his fiction work include Invisible Cities and Under the Jaguar Sun.

Reading foreign authors not only gives you as the reader a rich experience of things unknown, but it also will give you a richer palette and a better understanding of the world around you. These are just three authors who can show you a brand new world outside of your house!

Filed Under: Authors, Books Tagged With: Arts, Book, Literature