Wednesday, October 26, 2005

A nation of sidewalk publishers | csmonitor.com

"For less than $500, anyone can become a published author. But how many self-published books make it to the mainstream?"

For the answer to this question and others, click on the above link header. If you absolutely cannot wait to find out the answer to the above question . . .

Drum roll!

"Fewer than 50 titles are picked up by traditional publishers each year - that's about 0.5 percent."

By the way, that really sucks. Might be better to write a really good book then look for an agent. Postage is a hell of a lot cheaper than publishing and promoting your book.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

STEAL THIS BOOK -- OR AT LEAST DOWNLOAD IT FREE.

Interesting advice from author Warren Adler, brainchild of "War of the Roses."

For someone who has been in the publishing industry for years, Mr. Adler provides contemporary solutions, i.e., e-book publishing, etc. for getting ones book in print, if the conventional route doesn't pan out.

Mr. Adler also offers book marketing solutions, as well as practical approaches in the art of writing.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

"Elements of Style." The Opera?

Well, actually, before it was scored for opera, it was first illustrated. Some people just can't enjoy their commas and hyphens without an attractive backsplash. I, for one, can't fathom viewing an exclamation point without a smattering of red. Though the excitement of viewing this much beloved volume in color will likely keep me awake at night, I think I'll wait for the release of the opera. I can't think of a better way to enjoy my drive to work than to listen to an aria on the apostrophe.

What's next in the publishing world? Shakespeare does Sicily?

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Time Magazine Picks 100 Best Books from 1923 to Present

Times Critics Lev Grossman and Richard Lacayo picked what they saw to be the 100 Best books since 1923, the year that TIME Magazine began.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Punching Up Your Prose

Great article on sentence structure.

For those who have a desire to work on grammar, this article is really a good way to learn the basics.

Grammar has been an elusive creature for me. Though, I have taken several grammar and punctuation courses over the years. I found that the best way to learn is to have your work edited.

At this point in my life, I'm beginning to understand the comma (no coma) dilemma. In the past, I've sprinkled commas thoughtout my writing as if I were adding salt to an already tasteful stew. What I've neglected to realize. Commas, and therefore, any form of punctuation should be regarded as traffic signs, to help the reader master the flow of a sentence. We all know that placing a misplaced comma can change the flow, as well as the meaning of a sentence.

I would love to have a better grasp of the mechanics of writing. I hope that it happens sooner rather than later. I hope I don't have to wait years to comprehend sentence structure. I can forsee this scenario: At the ripe old age of 95, I awaken in the middle of a chair nap, and remark to the nurse. "So that's what a a direct object is."

The nurse nods and says, "That's why I went into nursing."

Monday, October 10, 2005

New Fantasy Magazine Launches

Please note this excerpt from Writers Market Market Watch.

Fantasy Magazine, a new quarterly magazine brimming with stories, book reviews, and interviews, launching Nov. 2005. Each issue is at least 80 pages in length, full-size, with gorgeous cover art.


Source: publishersnewswire.com

Also, for anyone located near Madison, Wisconsin, the World Fantasy Convention, takes place Nov. 4 - 6 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Fantasy Magazine will appear quarterly, with a cover price of $5.95.

Literary Agent's Journal

Another great site I've stumbled across--Literary Agent's Live Journal. The Agent's entries touch upon client book signings, running behind in his reading of manuscripts, his days on the road, etc. It offers an interesting behind-the-scenes perspective.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

Writing Fiction

I recently found an excellent site that discusses "How to" get published and find an agent. The site also has useful links.