This week in Publishing News,
I thought this was very last century but here it is again… Let’s put clothes on any illustration for children that might even hint that they are naked, including fantasy creatures. Yes, there are teams out there drawing clothes in books. Because In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak is worse than gun violence in American schools.
While we shake our heads at the above story – The Arts Council of England is laying down the law. No political statements. But isn’t it an artistic right to speak truth to power? And what kind of political statements do you mean? The Guardian has the artists reaction.
Publishing Perspectives reports on the dates for the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair. They are working with Bologna Children's Book Fair and their creative team so it will be interesting to see how this develops.
Publisher’s Weekly reports that the Lawsuits authors have brought against Open AI for using their work have hit a snag with the judge.
Mark Williams of The New Publishing Standard looks at the news the Spotify is paying out millions to authors. I haven’t heard of anybody getting a payment yet, but Spotify say they are paying rights holders… so you might want to check with your publisher and see if they are passing on this money.
Joel Pitney writes about publishing red flags on Jane Friedmans blog. He goes into the type of language used and how to spot the bad actors. This should be shared around your writing groups. There are publishers out there who are out to fleece your wallets while feeding on your dreams.
Writer Unboxed has their monthly Book PR blog slot and what you should focus on this year. Being authentic without being sleezy.
Orna Ross of The Alliance of Independent Authors talks to Joe Solari about the Author Nation conference- which replaces the 20booksto50k conference. Joe talks about what is changing and what is still going to be the same for the biggest writer conference in the world.
Katie Weiland has a great post on how to rediscover the joy of writing if you are suffering from Writer Business Burnout.
Quill Magazine for journalists has an interesting article on Ghost Writing.
Book Riot shares the latest romance writing trends and Sarah McIntyre has a great article on Curtis Brown's website about what it takes to be a Picture Book Illustrator.
In The Craft Section,
How to develop your unique writing style- C S Lakin
Four must haves in your first two paragraphs- Suzy Vadori- Bookmark
Dumb little writing tricks that work- Scott Meyers
Crafting the sidekick character- Victoria Grossack- Bookmark
Deepening our story theme- Jami Gold- Bookmark
In The Marketing Section,
Stop quoting yourself in social media – Sandra Beckwith
Your unique writing proposition- James Scott Bell – Bookmark
Have you found your best book marketing niche- Colleen Story
How to create tag lines and slogans - Judith Briles.- Bookmark
8 tips to entice readers- Penny Sansevieri- Bookmark
To Finish,
Have you got a brand? How big is your newsletter? Do you have loads of Social Media followers – Do Publishers really care about these questions?
If you are feeling tired and annoyed reading these questions- there is a small rainbow. Jane Friedman has a great post addressing the fact that author platform is not a requirement to sell your novel or children’s book. That said, an understanding of how to present yourself and your book in public is a good thing. Don’t be like the author who recently asked Social Media influencers (mostly Young Women) to feature his book in nude photos. (See Writer Unboxed link.)
Instant Career Burn.
Maureen
@craicer
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