Today my Twitter feed exploded with agents who were appalled
at a blog post written by a disgruntled author. Agents don’t talk about the
abusive letters they get from rejected authors. But to write an abusive blog post naming the agent and pouring scorn on her was not a good idea for this writer’s
career.
You should play nicely online. The internet is long on remembering and
unforgiving. Agents do search you online and on Social Media. If you get a
rejection, wail in your own home over a wine. DON’T wail all over the internet!
Joanna Penn has worked hard at her self publishing business.
She has fans all over the world for her podcasts and her books and her
willingness to answer questions and experiment. Today she posted a tech survey of the tools she uses. A very interesting post.
James Scott
Bell asked the big question. Why do you want to be a writer?
This is a great blog post to sit with and maybe ask yourself. Then take note of the answer.
Publishing Perspectives takes a look at the publishing franchise of Bourne. How did they select writers to carry on the Ludlum legacy?
It has to do with love...
Kris Rusch has another brilliant post on contract snags in
her deal breakers series. This week it is on definitions. If you thought you
knew what the terms meant, think again. This is a comprehensive post looking at
Net royalties, time limits and other dastardly goodies.
Staying on Contracts, Susan Spann (lawyer and writer) has a must read post on short contracts. That’s when the publisher does you a
‘favour’ and sends a 3 page contract instead of a 30 page contract because you
don’t really need much more than that. Just don’t worry your little writer head
about those rights clauses....
In the Craft Section,
8 must read writing craft books (I have most of these and agree)
10 tips for writing in different styles - Now Novel
How to condense your writing without losing anything- Ava
Jae -Bookmark
Creating layered characters- Jami Gold – Bookmark
How to write your villain scenes- Bookmark
In the Marketing Section,
A hobbits guide to launching your book- Writer Unboxed
What do your analytics reveal about your readers- Frances
Caballo - Bookmark
The definition of an author platform- Jane Friedman-
Bookmark
Industry insights from RWA 16- Jami Gold
How to make the most of Goodreads- Rachel Thompson
Explode your following by doing these 7 things- Jen
Blanchard- Bookmark
Website of The Week
Bookriot always has interesting posts and a ton of
information all over their site. Recently they collected together a list of great writer podcasts.
If you like to listen to podcasts while exercising or doing
chores check these out. (You can hear the latest Writer’s Island podcast if you
click on the tropical island pic in the side bar.)
To Finish,
If you are a writer you get used to rejection. Writing is
subjective so not everybody will love what you bled onto the page. J K Rowling mega
writing superstar that she is (with another Potter book out this week) decided to show some of her recent rejection letters. It does give hope to the rest of
us bleeding in the trenches.
Maureen
@craicer
