| SUNOASIS 2003 PUBLISHING and WRITING BLOG
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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
- [Editor Notes]
- [Resources]
- [The Digital Writer]
- [Career Advice]
- [At C/Oasis]
- [My Virtual Space]
- [Markets]
- [Community]
- [Acknowledgments]
E D I T O R N O T E S
Well, here we are again. I hope your Holidays were
fun and meaningful.
* * * * * * * *
What did I do during the Holidays besides ride
roller coasters? I thought about the distinctive
systems being created in the print and digital
publishing worlds. I think I was upside down on a
loop when I thought about this.
A writer has flexibility now. She can publish in the
print world and use the digital system to gain more
market. I imagined that while whirling away in a teacup.
Or, she can publish in the digital system and then
"repurpose" her material through the more mature print
system. That came to me while helping Indiana Jones.
It's an exciting period for writers when they understand,
a bit, what is going on and some of the technology that is
providing the opportunity.
* * * * * * * *
I love it when writers send me copies of their books.
For instance, Kathryn Blair's novel, "In the Shadow
of the Angel" which is a panoramic history of Mexico.
Or the novels of the saucy and talented, M.J. Rose.
Or, the Argentinean professor who sent me two children
books she wrote and received awards for. This publication
has taught me that there are erotic women writers
tucked into the most obscure, innocuous countryside's
imaginable. And mystics, believe me, are
flourishing in old Europe.
* * * * * * * *
I also spent time watching a discussion panel offered by
the National Arts Journalism Program (NAJP) at Columbia
University. It was a quality panel composed of editors and
publishers and they said some illuminating things. However,
only one mentioned the fact that in the coming years,
publishers are going to have to deal with the new generations
growing up expecting all their entertainment and information
on the computer. It's already happening.
We've said as much. If we were on that panel
we would have chimed in, "our ideal is to make the computer,
itself, the publisher..."
The good and intelligent people on the panel would have
laughed in nervous astonishment, I'm certain, and
chastised me about the complexity of selling books. I
would have laughed with them but explained that new forms
of finding out about written material will come into play
to make it much easier for people to find stuff on the Net,
read it, print it out, pay the author directly and, later,
order a hard copy the author has stored in a POD format.
If we can think it, it will happen. Who benefits and how
will be the unfolding story.
Now, we hope that the quality people on that panel
and other committed, good people in print publishing
begin migrating to the digital world and help usher in
the new system. There is no money, only devotion. But,
before long there will be money.
* * * * * * * *
Some tidbits from that panel: The average first novelist
sells 4,000 copies. There are over 150,000 books published
in the U.S. per year. The most difficult challenge is
taking the confusesd and dazed reader and exposing them
to the choices before them. Word of mouth and hand-selling
are still important.
A lot of the digital publishing is not working today,
precisely because it's not solving the reader's problem:
Too many titles, too little information about them, too
little time to figure it all out. It's not wonder the
book reviewing is getting a revival.
Writing is the honest person's tale of the time.
* * * * * * * *
Blogs are being credited with their first coup. The comments
by Sen. Trent Lott, ex-majority leader, went unnoticed in
the mainstream press. It was Blogs like talkingpointsmemo.com
and instapundit.com that hoisted those comments high in the
air and began to raise a stink about them.
* * * * * * * *
The excellent article in the November/December issue of
The Columbia Journalism Review on magazines is very
instructive for writers. Some points that are raised:
While it's true that people have less time to read, people
still rate reading over TV as a leisure-time activity,
28% to 20%. One of the chief problems for magazines is
that the glut of new magazines has produced a consumer
rather than a devoted and loyal reader. There is too much
of everything and still the same limits on time and energy
that have always existed.
R E S O U R C E S
"Of the estimated tens of thousands of independent
publishers in the US, only about 900 are represented by
three distribution companies who market their products to
booksellers." From the persistance of independent
self-publishing.
Sacking of editor angers authors
A writer is giving his e-text away so public will buy print.
Libraries are in the forefront of e-Book distribution.
Writers age-bias suit in Hollywood thrown out.
The compendium on reporter's privilege laws
Top 10 Online Journalism
Stories of 2002
Steve Outing offers his predictions for the
industry in 2003
The Best Reads This Month
Some Basic Writing Resource Sites
Rhymes, synonyms, etc.
Write 100 words/day
Pressi, Press Information World-wide
S U N O A S I S 2 0 0 3 Q and A
From Ed T
"First of all, let me say I look forward to the arrival
of each new issue. It is a great help to those of us are
full-time freelancers.
I am a freelance writer and journalist, and I have
self-published two children's books. Web sales are
picking up through Amazon.com, but I would like to get
my book into book stores. The problem is that I don't
have the slightest idea where to start."
* * * * * * * *
Well, Ed, there are a couple of things you can do. One
is to contact them directly. Or, you can go to a book
wholesaler and let them do it.
A few people I know have taken their POD books to local
bookstores and report a wide-range of attitudes. Some
will stock the book on consignment, some will allow people
to order it through them but won't keep any in stock.
Some big-chain store managers will tell you that "we
don't make those decisions," but others will listen to
your pitch.
The Ross book on self-publishing suggests you make up
a purchase order form and take it with you when you
present the case that your books should be put in
the bookstore. Treat it professionally. Bring any
publicity that you've received from the book. Make it
easy for the store manager or owner to accept the book.
Do some of the work for him. Keep records of any purchase
and view it all as a business relationship. That is, stay
in touch.
If they order any it will be 1 to 5 copies and they usually
reserve the right to return unsold copies. Plus, you need
to bring them a discount schedule that usually runs 40%
for a few books and 50% for larger orders. The problem is
bookstores, along with everyone else in the publishing
chain, don't seem anxious to pay the writer.
You should think of a book return policy as well for any
bookstore or wholesaler you talk with. Most return periods
are for less than one year. Permission must be granted
first, the returned books must be undamaged, and they must
be shipped postpaid.
I do recommend the Ross book, "The Complete Guide to
Self-Publishing," and treat it all as an adventure. Learn
from both the good and the bad.
* * * * * * * *
Sally T writes:
"I have an idea for an article but am not sure how I
approach editors. Can you help me?"
Traditionally, the writer will draft a query and send
it to one editor, discussing the idea. However, editors
are now used to these queries and you need to demonstrate
a bit more to them. Write a query with the totality of
the project in mind and take as much responsibility for
the article as you can. Editors like that! In other
words, provide information about the photos you'll run,
a title suggestion, sidebars that could be run. And
submit your queries to more than one editor.
Here are some useful links to writing the query.
T I P S
The freelancer troll told me, swearing me to utter secrecry,
that if you want to break into freelance writing offer an
idea to an editor she can't get from staff writers or
other freelancers. In other words, pay attention to your own
one-in-a-kind experiences and extract interesting tales from
them.
Do you have an eBook? Here are some tips to try and make
some money with it.
- Charge a cheap price for half the book. If they like
what they read, have them pay full-price.
- Offer reprint rights to the eBook. Publishers like to
bundle reprints to create new types of publications.
Try to find as many purposes to your eBook as you can.
Then find the niches who will buy the re-purposed material.
10 Do's and Don'ts of Self-Publishing
T H E D I G I T A L W R I T E R
What has The Digital Writer learned? The new publishing
system is a reality and will get better as the years go on.
That Muses are Real and need to be obeyed, almost to the
point of humiliation. That love is Real and connects us,
differ as we may about the particulars. That there is nothing
to be afraid of. That art can experience everything and
come away with a few laughs and insights. That life emerges
from a frozen experiment into the light of the sun and
rejoices at the fact.
Click for full column!
C A R E E R A D V I C E
How will 2003 stack up? From the reports I read and
trust, the economy will slowly recover through this year.
The advertising recession will recover in the 2nd half
of 2003; recover somewhat.
As writers we are faced with a dilemma. There are many
more writers than space that will pay for our words.
It's a buyer's market and that will keep salaries and
freelance rates down. Theortically, as that sort of
deflation occurs, the writing crowd gets shaken out and
some balance is achieved. In this environment, the writer
needs an edge or two. One of those is increased knowledge
and, even, expertise. Another is an increased devotion to
making the writing more interesting and viewing it as an
art, as well as a skill.
Don't forget the art of making yourself an indispensable
employee. Some ideas: Collect any feedback you get for
your writing and show it to your editor or boss. Pay
attention to what readers are interested in and
suggest stories that will bring more readers for the
publication you work for. Always be professional.
It is apparent that, in the coming years, journalism
schools are going to redesign their curriculum to get
a solid knowledge base in the students.
A T C/ O A S I S
2003 has seen some excellent submissions to
C/Oasis. We are happy for that fact.
The reminiscence of Mike McGrath is long and fruitful
A man tells his story. Memories move through him. He tries
to make sense of it. It makes us human, it makes us free.
Likewise, William Delman reminds us that walking is
sometimes more than a stroll in the woods.
There's a political satire by Joe Giambrone
And an excellent short story set in Mexico by Norma
Sadler, "The Shadows of Children."
The Poetry Editor has an essay on change, money,
filled with wise quotes and good photographs.
There's always an assortment of surprises so look around
and enjoy yourself.
M Y V I R T U A L S P A C E
For some odd reason the hypothetical citizen was reading
Out of My Life and Thought by Albert Schweitzer. He recognized,
immediately, that Schweitzer was in the kind of dilemma that
attacks many people. After a person has accumulated knowledge
what decision do you make? And that was especially true if
ones desires went beyond what was apparent and flourishing
around one.
Read on
M A R K E T S A N D L E A D S
Associate editor needed for new general-interest monthly
magazine covering Greater Hartford. At least three years
of editing/writing experience required. Send resume, cover
letter, three writing samples and salary requirements to:
MRC
44 Capitol Ave.
Suite 301
Hartford, CT 06106 or
E-mail: kvasquez@mrcworld.com
Posted 12/31/02 runs through 2/15/03
* * * * * * * *
Writers needed for new general-interest monthly magazine
covering Greater Hartford. Familiarity with region and at
least three years of writing experience preferred. Send
resume, cover letter and three writing samples to:MRC
44 Capitol Ave.
Suite 301
Hartford, CT 06106 or
E-mail: kvasquez@mrcworld.com
Posted 12/31/02 runs through 2/15/03
* * * * * * * *
* * * * *
Job Links for new leads!
New Magazine Launches:
ADDICTION PROFESSIONAL
TOTAL DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
COMPUTER CLICK
MAGAZINE
7 X 7 MAGAZINE
FIDO FRIENDLY
INTERMEZZO magazine
BAHIYAH
IEEE POWER & ENERGY MAGAZINE
PC EXTREME
VIRGINIA LIVING
CRUISE AND RESORT
MAGAZINE
HOUSTON MEDICINE
GOVERNMENT
SECURITY magazine
HistoricTraveler.com MAGAZINE
HOMES OF COLOR
ADVENTURE SPORTS MAGAZINE
If you have any suggestions about markets you want
guidelines for, just drop a line
C O M M U N I T Y
Shaw Guide for Writing Conferences in February.
A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S
Over the past several months subscribers have asked if
they can donate anything to keep the publication going.
I've resisted going this route, but now that Amazon has
set up its "Honor System," those interested can donate
to the maintenance of Sunoasis 2002.
F Y I
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Just $25 a month!
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* * * * * * * *
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* * * * * * * *
Master speech writer and trainer: Make your speeches inspire
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develop the perfect speech for any occasion. Coaching for
delivery is also available.
call 306-546-5717
or email jhillyer@devry.com
* * * * * * * *
Freelance Success Mini-Workshops
by Writer's Digest columnist Amanda Lynch
Dec. 7, 9a-12:30p in Pittsburgh (interviewing/article
writing focus)
Jan. 4, 9a-12:30p in Orlando (general freelance focus)
Register by Dec. 4 for either
www.amandawriter.com or
email freelancesuccess@yahoo.com
* * * * * * * *
Castle Walls Editing provides copy editing for novels,
screenplays, and other documents. Correct spelling,
grammar, punctuation, usage, and consistency are signs
of professionalism in the eyes of agents and publishers.
Visit our site for more information about protecting
your work from embarrassing errors.
http://www.castle-walls.com
* * * * * * * *
Senior Writer with 20 years of experience in all media is
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Susan Gaide has written feature and bylined articles,
white papers, news releases, sell sheets, executive
biographies, brochures, catalogs and radio advertising
copy for a wide array of companies, including Sony
Electronics Inc., SRS Labs Inc., AKG Acoustics, and Planet
Electronics. She has developed content for several websites,
(e.g. - www.bellringersupply.com)
and has contributed editorial content to Defensive Eating,
a new book on healthy weight loss (website soon
to be launched).
Susan has expertise in a wide range of genres and
industries and is currently interested in both short- and
long-term projects. Please visit her website at to view
samples of her work. No project is too big or too small!
Reasonable rates.
Contact:
E-mail:gaidecom@optonline.com
Voice mail: (917) 875-2043
http://www.gaidecom.com
* * * * * * * *
Searching for direction in your freelance writing business?
Get free help from a seasoned pro!
If you are a freelance writer searching for the write life,
tell me, in 500 words or less, why you need a freelance writing
coach to kick-start your business. I coach writers in all areas
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side of being a freelance writer from a seasoned pro with 15
years experience, 3,200 published articles and nine non-fiction
books to her credit. The author of the winning essay will win
Write On Time's coaching plan #1, a $149 value, comprised of
three coaching sessions with writer/coach Tara B. Mello.
Deadline for entries is Friday, January 17, 2003. To enter,
visit www.writeontime.net and click on the "Get Free
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* * * * * * * *
Team of experienced professionals, which includes a
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* * * * * * * *
Sunoasis--You're amazing! A mere five hours after I sent in
the text for my classified ad I got a call for a writing
project, and within two days, the project was mine. Thanks
so much for your invaluable services!
Debbie Lerman, freelance writer
http://www.sunoasis.com/classif.html
E T C/ E T C/ E T C
Editor/Publisher: David Eide
C/Oasis
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You can always reach me at eide491@earthlink.net
Please do if you have any advice; anything you'd want to
see put into Sunoasis 2003. If there is any problem with
the delivery in your mailbox, let me know. I try to
format it correctly but problems can arise.
Let's all meet again in February 2003!
David
Contribute to the Sunoasis Joblog! If you find a resourceful story
on writing, employment, careers, etc. just fill out the box below
and send away. The most resourceful will get posted.
Go to December Sunoasis Blog!
David
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