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Top Five Ways to Impress a Publisher

April 1, 2021 by Karin Beery 1 Comment

Too many well-written manuscripts disappear in the slush pile every year. Make sure that doesn’t happen to your manuscript by implementing these top five ways to impress a publisher.*

  1. CC: Your Submission to Multiple People. Nothing proves how serious you are about publishing your manuscript quite like copying all your favorite publishers on the same email. Once they see how many people you’re contacting at the same time, they’ll want to contact you right away to make sure they get to you first.
  2. Use a Form Letter. Busy writers don’t have time to research publishers or editors. Instead, create a universal query letter you can submit to anyone you think might be interested in your story.
  3. Embellish. If you’ve been published before, make sure to mention that you’re a best-selling and/or award-winning author. Publishers are too busy to look you up online to make sure it’s true. They don’t know you. They’ll trust you.
  4. Follow your personal preferences. Industry standards stifle the creative process. If you prefer typing in 14-point Comic Sans script on a single-spaced document with half-inch margins, go for it. Publishers will recognize your creativity.
  5. Contact them frequently. Publishers are busy. Smaller house might only publish 4-10 books per year, but larger houses publish hundreds. It’s easy to understand how your manuscript might accidentally disappear beneath another email, so you’ll want to email them again. You might even need to call them to make sure they’ve received and are reading your masterpiece.

These five tricks will help you stand out among the other manuscript submissions and make a name for yourself in the publishing world.

Good luck!

*If these tips made you cringe, congratulations! You couldn’t be fooled. For the REAL top five ways to impress a publisher, sign up for my newsletter today, and you’ll have the list delivered to your inbox this weekend (April 3, 2021—if you discovered this post too late to get that newsletter, contact me and I’ll make sure you get a copy).

Filed Under: publishing Tagged With: April Fool's Day, books publishing, industry standards, publishing tips, submission guidelines, writing tips

Set Goals, Not Wishes

January 6, 2020 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Happy New Year!

It’s the first full week of 2020, and I want to encourage you to take a look at your writing, editing, and publishing goals for the year.  Then ask yourself:

Are these goals or wishes?

Every year I see writers mistakes wishes for goals:

* Get an agent
* Sign a publishing contract
* Make $XXX writing

The problem with these “goals” is that the writer has no control over them.

* You can’t make an agent represent you (without breaking a few laws)
* You can’t force a publisher to offer you a contract
* You can’t make anyone hire you

When you mistake wishes like these for goals, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, look for things you can control. For example, in 2019 you queried twelve agents, submitted to eight publishers, and made $5,000 selling short stories. For 2020, your goals might look something like this:

* Query twelve different agents
* Submit to eight different publishers
* Got to a conference to meet at least two agents and one publisher
* Submit 10% more short stories than last year
* Only accept writing gigs that pay $XXX/story

These are goals you can achieve because YOU are the one in control.

What goals have you set for 2020? What do you wish for in the new year?

Filed Under: best practices Tagged With: editing goals, editing tips, New Year's Resolutions, publishing goals, publishing tips, writing goals, writing tips

Self-Publisher Beware! by Susan K. Stewart

July 22, 2019 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Publishing scams have been around as long as publishing. Before the advent of print-on-demand (POD) publishing and electronic publishing, vanity publishers abounded. The term comes from the idea that these companies play on the vanity of the writer who is willing to do anything to “publish” a book. Most vanity presses don’t consider quality and rarely do more than print a large number of books to sell to the author.

Unlike hybrid publishers, which offer services such as design and editing, vanity publishers require a large investment up front but no quality control. In the end, the author has boxes of books in the garage and no place to sell them.

Vanity presses aren’t the only scam self-publishers need to be on the watch for.

The Editor Scam

Editors, and I use this term loosely here, advertise a new method to get your book on Amazon or bookstores quickly. No upfront fee is charged. A couple days after you send you manuscript, your book is published on Amazon under the scammers name. It’s up to you to prove it’s your manuscript.

Agents

Fake agents prey on the desire to have our books on the front shelves of a bookstore. If you’ve self-published and an agent contacts you, proceed with caution—if you proceed at all. Beware of upfront fees: reading fees, editing fees, paper clip fees. These agents are getting paid without providing representation for you. Reputable agents will rarely contact you. They work on commission and get paid when you get paid.

Fees for Services

In addition to editor and agent scams, novice self-publishers fall victim to a provider who claims to handle some of the pesky details for hefty fees. Sometimes these fees can be in the thousands of dollars. ISBN, copyright registration, Library of Congress catalog number, upload to specific platforms can all be easily handled by the author. One ISBN is $125, copyright registration is $35, Library of Congress catalog number is free, upload to most platforms is free. If you are asked to pay a large fee, shove your wallet in your pocket, and move on.

The Everyone Wins Writing Contest

All writers want to be recognized for our effort. Writing awards not only give us a boost we need to continue, but also lets the public know our book is worth buying. With this in mind, some organizations offer awards for a price.

The unscrupulous contests are often monthly awards in which all entries get a trophy, in some cases a literal trophy. These contests require large entry fees and, when the winners are announced, the chosen are asked to pay for the certificate, plaque, or trophy, in addition to the initial contest fee. In other words, the unsuspecting author is buying a writing award.

Many reputable award programs require a small fee, often less than $50 to cover expenses. Most recognized awards are given annually, not monthly. Many are connected with an award ceremony at a conference or other event. For more information about dubious contest http://bit.ly/2wrejnL

How to Avoid A Scam

Can it be said too often, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is”? A little research and thought will help you avoid losing money and possibly your book.

  • Internet Search. This may be the first line of defense. Look for the company or individual’s website. Is it well-maintained and up-to-date? Are the details of services and cost listed clearly?
  • Bookstore Search. Look for books published by the company in question. A vanity press will rarely have anything on the market, even Amazon.
  • Unsolicited Offer. You’re scanning your email and in bold letters it opens with “We love your writing and want to publish your book.” Delete, delete as fast as you can. If you haven’t queried a publishing company, agent, or editor, this is probably a scheme to sell you thousands of your own book.
  • Track Record. What is the track record of the company? If you’re working with a hybrid company, buy a couple of the books they have published. Look at the details as mentioned in in part two of this series.
  • Ask the Authors. Contact authors who have worked with the service provider you are considering. If none are listed on the company’s website, ask for referrals.
  • Check with Fellow Writers. Through Facebook and other forums ask about the company you are considering. Writers Beware, sponsored by Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SWFA), is one of the oldest websites with information about publishing scams. https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/.

Buyer Beware

It’s a trite but true saying. We all love to hear from someone in the publishing business tell us our manuscript is wonderful, what great writers we are. It’s all too easy, even for a more experienced writer to succumb to the praise. Most scams can be avoided by taking time to consider the offer (remember, “If it’s too good to be true …) and do even a little research. Don’t let someone take your dream or your money.


Susan K. Stewart is a teacher, writer, and speaker known for practical solutions to real-world situations. Her books include Harried Homeschooler’s Handbook: Finding Hope in the Havoc, Preschool: At What Cost?, Science in the Kitchen: Fearless Science at Home for All Ages, the award-winning Formatting e-Books for Writers. She brings her inspiring and encouraging messages to online and in-person conferences about families, writing, and editing. The Stewarts live in Central Texas with their three dogs, three cats, nine chickens, and a couple of donkeys. They have three children and six grandchildren. You can read more of Susan’s practical solutions at www.practicalinspirations.com.

Filed Under: publishing Tagged With: book publishing, publishing, publishing tips, self-publishing, Susan K. Stewart, Susan Stewart

From Tradition to Self-Publishing by Yvonne Anderson

February 11, 2019 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Ack! Another rejection!

Every writer knows the feeling. Beating our bruised heads against a closed door is part of the game we all play. We’re not only rejected by publishing houses, but also by the agents needed to even approach most publishers.

For an unknown writer, it can seem an insurmountable barrier. That’s why, when I had the opportunity to publish my debut novel through a small press in 2011, I took it. By that time I’d been honing my skills for years, and I thought I knew a thing or two.

Then I got back my edited manuscript. Every page was slathered in red. Every. Single. Page. It was dripping. But after the initial shock, the experience turned out to be beneficial. After working with a professional editor on that book, and later the next title in the series, I‘d gained a practical education.

But, alas… Book sales were not what we’d hoped, and the publisher and I parted ways. He returned my rights for the first two titles, and I published the whole four-book series myself—and then another series. I learned to format both print and e-books to create a product that does not scream, “Amateur!” Professionally designed covers have been my only out-of-pocket cost for the eight books I have now released through my own imprint, Gannah’s Gate.

Like everyone else, publishing houses have to make money. That requires making hard decisions about which titles to invest in. Acquisitions editors must keep a finger on the pulse of the market to recognize what’s likely to sell and what’s apt to be a losing proposition. I don’t blame them for this.

I am happy, though, that I no longer have to knock myself out trying to woo them. Now, I only have to convince readers and potential book buyers about the worthiness of my work, not agents or editors.

If you’re considering self-publishing, I hope you’ll find these five suggestions helpful:

1) Make sure your writing is ready for prime time. Study the craft. Interact with other writers—not only wannabes like yourself, but those who have succeeded in what you’re striving for. Never stop improving.

2) Before jumping into self-publishing, submit your manuscript to traditional publishers. During that process, be humble, teachable, and open to suggestion. Learn all you can from the professionals.

3) Be aware that however it’s done, getting your book published does not guarantee anyone will buy it. Publishing is not a Field of Dreams; you can build it, but they won’t come if they don’t know it’s there. Promotion is your responsibility.

4) Don’t skimp on quality. You may not have to impress an agent, but you do want to impress your readers—and you don’t want to impress them with your sloppiness. A manuscript cannot be edited too much.

The same goes for the formatting and the cover. If you don’t have the skill set to produce a professional-looking product, hire someone who can. A beautiful cover might not sell books on its own, but a tacky-looking one will turn readers away faster than you can say, “Ouch!”

5) I don’t recommend surrendering your rights to subsidy publishers (those that require a fee for publishing your book for you). Instead of paying for their services, hire your own editor, cover designer, etc., and keep the publishing rights for yourself. It’s your book, after all.

Yvonne Anderson made her publishing debut in 2011 with The Story in the Stars, Book #1 in the four-title “Gateway to Gannah” sci-fi series. Stars was a finalist in the 2012 ACFW Carol Awards.

In 2018, she released a three-book extraterrestrial autobiography, “The Four Lives of J. S. Freeman,” self-published under the Gannah’s Gate imprint. Her latest publication is a friend’s memoir, Dancing on Stones: A Quest for Joy, in which the author shares her journey out of depression.

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Dancing on Stones: A Quest for Joy by Edith Harrington (edited by Yvonne Anderson)

Are you suffering?
Are you depressed?
Does your heart cry, “Where are you, God? Why did You let this happen to me?”

When Edith Harrington’s world suddenly crumbled and her life lay in ruins, unanswerable questions shook the foundations of her faith.

Follow in her steps on this quest for answers—satisfying answers, not mere platitudes. As you learn practical tools to help overcome depression and anxiety, her fresh insights will touch your heart and lead you to the joy of deeper intimacy with Jesus.

Filed Under: publishing, Uncategorized Tagged With: book publishing, how to publish a book, publishing tips, self-publishing, traditional publishing, Yvonne Anderson

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ABOUT ME

Editor. Teacher. Novelist.
A passionate lover of fiction, Karin doesn't just write novels, she helps others write their best stories! A certified substantive editor with the Christian Editor Connection, her goal is to help authors to put her out of business by equipping them with the tools they need to become better writers.

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