This week I went into the radio studio to record my monthly
podcast slot and felt depressed. The topic was writer incomes. The latest stats
were out and NZ writers weren’t earning very much at all. As we were talking
about the report we both were realising that we knew authors who didn’t fit the
criteria and so weren’t surveyed. Then I came across a mention of the report on Passive Voice and the comments were enlightening. So all I can say in this
brave new publishing world is Do Whatever Works For You and Good Luck.
Kris Rusch has got a great blog post on Taking Control back to the writer. This is important if you want to plan your career and take
advantage of opportunities.
March is London Book Fair and the Indie Author Fringe which
was a 24 hour blast of great content for authors. If you didn’t get a chance to
watch in real time you can always go and access their great sessions from their
website. I binge watch and scribble notes constantly. It’s like a private
conference just for you.
Publishers Weekly reported on the London Book Fair
describing it as a Keep Calm and Carry On affair. PW also asked agents heading
to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, which is traditionally two weeks after
LBF, what they would be looking for. Mid Grade is still the holy grail and
everybody wants to find the next breakout hit crossover teen....etc etc.
Meanwhile The Guardian wrote about the dubious rise in celebrity authors writing books for children because its sooo easy. (Bring me a barf
bucket-stat! -is how all children’s book authors feel.) Are publishers losing
out big time on these deals?
Derek Murphy of Creative Indie has set up a website where
you are encouraged to do writer sprints with your friends. It is set up in 15
minute increments and you can win free stuff. Derek is hoping to write 5000
words an hour.
Kiwi Katherine Hayton writes about giving InstaFreebie a trial. She added thousands to her email list and got hundreds of preorders.
Ali Luke talks about writers having multiple streams of income and the rise of novellas. Rachel Thompson talks about Branding for Authors. All of these
articles explain why and how you should be working with your author business.
Joanna Penn interviewed Mark Dawson about using Amazon ads.
This podcast is packed full of great information and is a must listen. If you
don’t have the time to listen, read the transcript.
If you are looking for story ideas Now Novel have got a great list of 15 easy ways to generate story ideas.
In The Craft Section,
15 tools for writers- R L Stedman- Bookmark
What should an author blog about- Anne R Allen – Bookmark
How to know your writing is improving- Peter Rey
6 bad habits you can write without- C S Lakin
4 ways not to F up your tenses- Sacha Black
3 craft elements –Elizabeth Craig- Bookmark
5 world building mistakes enthusiasts make- Mythcreants-
Bookmark
How to write a sequel- K M Weiland - Bookmark
In The Marketing Section,
How to publish an ebook- Jane Friedman
Sell more books with new cover design-Joanna Penn
Listing your books with Google Play- Elizabeth Craig –
Bookmark
Managing Social Media Followers- C K Syme- Bookmark
Back Matter in your book- Bookmark
To Finish,
Tara Sparling has a great recipe for making the modern bestseller. This is a fun read that will lift your spirits. Then you can read
Chuck’s latest post on being a professional writer.
Go out and Conquer.
Maureen
@craicer
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