Writer's Digest has a useful piece outlining 7 myths we might have about publishing books: that the contracts are too complicated for any normal person to understand, that our publishing team is now like family, that once a book gets purchased it must be perfect. For the whole list, click here.
Why you need a proactive agent
Editorial Ass explains why it's a good idea to investigate your agent thoroughly before signing, to make sure you're working with someone who follows through. Here's the thing: editors have developed a habit of hiding their heads in the sand. I can speak on behalf of not all editors, but most. We have so much... Continue Reading →
Dear Google, don’t be evil
The Open Book Alliance, which includes tech companies Yahoo! and Microsoft, and author, publisher and library groups, has written a "manifesto" challenging the Google Book Search settlement.The settlement is bad for consumers and book-lovers: It deliberately thwarts competition in the emerging e-books market, creating a digital book monopoly that will inevitably lead to fewer choices... Continue Reading →
Be a Cybils ’09 judge
The Cybils are a literary award given by bloggers across all categories of children's literature. They're looking for judges: The Cybils '09 season is launching soon and we need judges in every genre of children's and YA literature. If you:blog about some aspect of children's or teen books on at least a somewhat consistent basis;or... Continue Reading →
Girl books vs. boy books
Kirby's blog today looks at what makes a "girl" book and what makes a "boy" book. Very interesting. Do check it out.
Cutting 10 to 20 percent
Darcy Pattison offers four ways to slim down your novel: study the beats, cut scenes, combine scenes and use brisk prose. For the whole scoop, visit her blog.
Objections to the Google Book Settlement
Writer Beware reports that the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America has issued a statement on the proposed Google Book Settlement, to which it plans to file a formal objection. Read the objections here.
Terry Pratchett interview on SLJ
Terry Pratchett fans, take heart. There's a swell interview of him on SLJ, and he even talks about his early-onset Alzheimer's and how he's working through it. Here's what he has to say about the success of NATION:Let me put it like this: I knew I had written a good book. I knew it was... Continue Reading →
Writing through interruptions
Here's a thought-provoking quote:”You can revise bad writing, but you cannot revise a blank page. Give yourself permission to write junk, then fix it.”For the rest of a helpful Kristi Holl piece on writing through interruptions, click here.
First picture book on phone
It was only a matter of time:Apple joins with publisher to put first picture book on iPhoneApple, the technology company, has linked up with a British publisher to launch the first children's picture book on a mobile telephone.By Richard SavillPublished: 2:36PM BST 23 Aug 2009Winged Chariot Press has published The Surprise by Sylvia van Ommen,... Continue Reading →