Publishing Forum: Message Board Questions and Answers

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Writing Resolutions:

What are your writing resolutions? I have an 80-page outline for a fantasy story that I created years ago. I have a two-part goal: first, decide whether to write a novel or a screenplay, then second, finish one-fourth of the project. Does anyone else wish to share their goals for 2007? Expression often leads to support and motivation for others. -Admin

I'll be reading more this year. I think that great writers read a lot. I'm going to read more, not only for enjoyment, but also for the sake of learning about writing style. Cheers! -Gina

I am going to ask friends or family members to read my individual chapters before I complete an entire manuscript. I've burned myself in the past by being too secretive with my creations. I think my end results will be much better if I seek feedback along the way. -Dave G.

So True, Dave. I have often written things that I thought were great, then my perspective changed after I asked a couple of people to read my creations and offer comments. Sharing early and often is good, me thinks. Just be sure to share with those you trust, so that your ideas aren't stolen. -KT

I'm going to read a couple of books about the craft of writing. I need to learn more about conventions and time-tested formulas from folks who have already experienced success. Happy New Year to everyone! -Ohio Lauren

Best Seller Lists

Hi. I know the New York Times best seller list is probably the most imp. list for book sales, but do any of you know about any other significant lists? Thx! -me286

I know that Oprah is very influential when it comes to recommending books, but I don't know if she publishes a list. -Bailey 2003

Business Books

Hey- i've been into reading biz & self-help books lately. What are some of the all-time greatest books in those categories? With biz & self-help, are newer publications always better because times change, people change and society changes? -Dan N.

I've never read it, but I understand that an ancient Chinese book titled something like The Art of War is often used by business folks. -SayTheWord

Hello. We've begun creating a list here: http://www.icantgetpublished.com/business-books.html Cheers! -Admin

Having Work on the Internet

Say you have a story that's already in the Internet (such as FictionPress) will that be looked kindly with publishers? Is it a bad thing to have your stories online before getting them published, or at least trying to? Thank You! -JJ

I think most publishers are now aware that many authors are seeking multiple avenues/media for their creations. The Web gives us much more opportunity than we had just a short time ago. Of course, the tough part of that is the fact that thousands of authors are taking advantage of all of the new opportunities and it's tough to stand out in the crowd. Anyway, back to your ?: I think you may expect a bright/experienced publisher to ask you several questions: 1. Have you offered your entire manuscript online for free? 2. How long has your work been online? 3. Did anything extraordinary happen while your work was online (publishing offers, great amounts of fantastic feedback) I don't know much about fictionpress myself, and I don't remember ever seeing any headlines suggesting that an author was "discovered" because of work uploaded to that site (it's possible that it has happened). My personal advice is to get with an agent. Also, if you're anxious for feedback, I would seek out a review group that consists of authors who have already had some success and some current or retired publishing experts. If you're not as serious about publishing, there are book/reading groups in many communities. You might want to create 10 or so copies of your story and approach a reading group and ask for objective feedback. When placing your content online, remember that the Web has a long memory. You could remove your content, and a publisher that you approach may "Google" your title or a line from your manuscript. If they see that the whole thing is out there on the Web, that may discourage them from investing their resources in creating a commercial copy. It's their business to protect their investments. -ChrisZZZ

I am not really experienced in this area, but could you change your title and maybe some important parts of your story in your offline version?? That way, If publishers ask if it's been online, you can tell them that you've made important changes. If you story is worth their attention, I don't think it would be strange for them to ask you to delete all online references to your story--if that is possible. -Sunny Dawn

My personal approach: if you care about your story and if you think it has a chances of earning profit, then don't put it on the Web. I know a guy who builds web designs. People steal his ideas and pictures all the time. If I were great at making sculptures from logs, I wouldn't place a nearly completed piece on my front lawn unattended. I would expect that someone in a pickup truck would come along and take my creation. There are a lot of good people using the Internet, but there are also a lot of people who have no problem with stealing something that they can access for free. Just ask the music industry about that. -Gunther

My best work stays offline. ;D -Heather H.

Writing Mission Statements

Hey. I'm not really sure if this question fits the discussion, but is there such a career as a person who helps companies write mission statements? How do companies come up with their important writings=you know, the documents that they hang on their walls? -Donnyyo

I would say that consultants help businesses write mission statements, and that they also try to perform many other services for businesses. That's not to say that a person couldn't create a niche that focuses specifically on writing documents that businesses need. I found this link: http://www.12manage.com/methods_campbell_ashridge_mission_model.html It's a model that helps in the creation of a statement. (I think it's fine for me to post links on http://www.icantgetpublished.com). ### -RRR

Interview Releases

I am writing a book that will draw on a number of personal interviews, telling the stories from the interviews and using quotes. Is it necessary to have written releases for this use? Is it advisable to include other uses in the release? Is there a good website for information of this type? -Kathymflan

I would say the answers to your first two questions are "yes." Theoretically, you wouldn't need releases for interviews if you're creating a news/public interest book, or perhaps a biography. My opinion is this: we live in an age where it never hurts to protect yourself or your work. Most interview subjects or participants will have no problem with signing a release, as a matter of fact, the presence of a release form may help create a bridge of trust because they can see that your behavior is "professional." I can answer with a resounding YES to your second question. I have had personal experience with this issue. Lots of written works are evolving into blogs, podcasts and movies. I would say to make sure that your interview subjects sign a release that covers all media. In addition, think about the implications of this issue as it pertains to your relationship with your publisher. Your publisher's contract may only mention rights for *book* publishing. Are you going to write into the contract that you'll own the audio or film rights? Will one section of your book lend itself to the creation of a small gift book, or will a couple of thoughts lend themselves to sentiments for post cards? This is important stuff and it sounds like you've already given it some serious thought. Does that help? -DaveG

This page has an interesting message about interviews and consent: http://www.whoopsbusiness.com/Forms/InterviewRelease.rtf I can't say if their form is great, but it's probably a good model. -LicoriceLover

Thank you, Dave. That's a lot of help. I hadn't thought about all the other possible uses for the book or excerpts. Now I will. Thanks again. -Kathy F

You're most welcome :D -DaveG

Essays

What types of opportunities exist for folks who like to write essays (and that don't want to be newspaper columnists)? -Sammi

Sounds like you'd enjoy maintaining a blog. -JimD

Do you essays have a particular slant that would appeal to a specific target audience? Go to your local library and look at the magazine rack. Find the publication that best suits your style, then submit to them. -faf

Ebooks

Are Ebooks dead? Are people actually buying electronic readers that only serve the purpose of holding books? Has this concept gone away? -John F.

Best Book Ever Read?

What's the best book you've ever read? I would probably go with something that thingyens wrote. Perhaps A Tale of Two Cities. I love how thingyens created fun and interesting character names that seem to describe the characters' traits. I would be interested to learn what others count as the best book they've ever read. -Mary L.

Ha--it looks like the software edited your reference to Charles Di-ckens. That's cute. Your question is a good one--and a tough one. I really enjoyed the first half of the DaVinci Code, then it got too weird (and I grew tired of the conspiracy). I haven't seen the movie. I think I'll wait for the DVD.-RDR

You can't beat the Bible for a good read. -Brian

I favor encyclopedias. Is that weird? -Bob L.

My vote goes for Les Miserables. What a brilliant story! It has so many different points of conflict and so many wonderful resolutions. -WritingDude

I've read many college text books over the years. My recent favorite is Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman. It's an interesting study of the many roles that media play in our lives. Highly recommended! -Admin

This is a very difficult question indeed. How often do you close the cover of a book and ask yourself, "Did those written words change my life?" Reading often brings entertainment; not always enrichment. Those books that provide both are special. I don't think I can give a quick answer. -Liam

I enjoy keeping up with the NY Times list. THat's one of the best ways to see what's "Hot." -Sweet Denise