~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Writing Etc./Filbert Publishing News – November 15, 2010
ISSN: 1545-5580
Make Your Writing Sparkle. Write Killer Queries, Get Published.
Join the brightest, most ambitious, and talented group of writers on the ‘net.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To subscr*ibe to Writing Etc. and receive the fr*e e-book, “Power Queries,” surf here:
http://filbertpublishing.com
Forward Writing Etc. to all your friends! They’ll be glad you did.
You can easily manage your subscription to Writing Etc. by clicking the links at the end of this e-mail.
If you want to read this online, surf here: http://filbertpublishing.com/current.html. Otherwise, just
keep reading, it's all in this e-mail. Enjoy!
~~~~~
Notes from Minnesota
Hey Freelancer!
I'm heading to the west coast! This past week, my nephew became a US Marine and I'm heading out to watch him
graduate from boot camp. It's going to be an amazing experience, I'm sure.
So, as you can imagine, I'm busy packing, getting ready for the big day.
So, I'll keep 'er short... for now.
Enjoy today's issue of Writing Etc.! I've got some great stuff for you today. :)
Beth :)
~~~~~
Scam Proof Yourself: The Two Second Sniff Test.
Beth Ann Erickson
I've been freelancing since '95 and have owned a publishing biz for over a decade. I've watched tons of changes
in the industry, but one caveat has remained unchanged since day one. If you aim to get published and become a paid
writer, if you want to avoid 99 percent of the writing scams floating around the Internet, if you want to be a
respected writer, all you have to do it make sure you get paid for your writing.
In other words, money flows towards the writer, not away from them.
Here's the two second sniff test for any writing arrangement:
* If a prospective agent demands a fee to read your work, it's a scam.
* If an agent will represent you for a fee, it's a scam.
* If a publisher offers to publish your book for a fee, they're not legit.
* If you're accepted into an anthology for a fee, it's a scam. (Oh, and you should receive one free copy
of the publication, you shouldn't have to purchase one.)
* Publishers who spam, or place advertisements asking for manuscripts are not legit.
* Google prospective publishers, editors, agents, to find out what the current buzz is about them.
Simple truth is this: Publishers make money selling books. Agents make money selling books. If any part of their
income is derived from author payments of any kind, reconsider working with them.
Pretty easy, eh? Now go forth and write. :)
~~~~~
On the blog this week...
A clueless copyright-infringing publisher...
E-books on the NYT Bestseller List...
A VERY strange way to write a novel...
Check it out here: http://BethAnnErickson.com
~~~~~
“Advice to Freelance Writers: Insider Secrets to Effective Shoestring Marketing, Managing a Winning Mindset, and
Thriving in Any Economy, Volumes 1 – 3” is my final tribute to the freelancing community. Because I knew I wouldn't
write any more how-to-freelancing books aimed at writers, I spilled all my secrets, every trick, held nothing back
and created a comprehensive 3 volume set.
Writing Etc subscribers will receive three audio CDs when they head to the following web page. Info's here:
http://filbertpublishing.com/creative.html
~~~~~
~~ Your Questions Answered ~~
A while ago (OK, quite a while ago) I asked you to send me your most vexing freelance questions.
Well... Writing Etc. is continually evolving and I FINALLY figured out a way to make room for this new column.
Let me know how you like it! I'll also be answering your questions on my blog. So here goes... the first vexing
freelance question:
Back next time, I'm busy packing for San Diego.
~~~~~
Not in the Mood to Write? Do this.
Beth Ann Erickson
It's inevitable. You'll come to a point in your career when you don't feel like writing. You sit down, you try
to force the words to come but they don't. What do you do?
Here are a few ideas:
1. If you can't write, it's likely you haven't been “filling your cup.” This means you've been pouring words
through your fingertips without pouring words into yourself. This means it's time to read. If you're not reading
daily, you'll run the risk of hitting more dry spells than if you balance the two activities.
2. Perhaps you have nothing to say. If you have nothing to say, you'll either have to come up with something to
say, or ditch the project. Passion is a vital part of this profession. Discovering you have nothing to say is a
clue that perhaps you've selected an unsuitable topic.
3. You need a break. Perhaps you're facing a bit of burnout. Again, read. Go for a walk. Rediscover life outside
your writing studio. Give yourself a little time, then approach the topic with fresh eyes.
4. Look at the topic through a newbie's eyes. Capture the excitement, amazement, the freshness. If you can do
this, you'll inject life into not only your writing, but also your career.
When your primary stock and trade is the exchange of ideas, it's imperative to keep on top of the newest
thoughts in your area of expertise. Funny thing is, when you do this, you automatically always find something to
say.
~~~~~
You can use any of these articles free of charge on your own website or zine. Just don’t make any changes and be
sure to include this byline:
This article is courtesy of Filbert Publishing. Make your writing sparkle, write killer queries, get published.
Subscribe to Writing Etc., the free e-mag for freelancers and receive the e-book “Power Queries.” http://filbertpublishing.com
Enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Recommend:
Writing For Dollars! The FREE ezine for writers featuring tips, tricks and ideas for selling what you write.
Receive the FREE ebook, 83 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WRITING when you subscribe. Email to subscribe@writingfordollars.com -*-
http://www.WritingForDollars.com
WRITERS FIND MARKETS EASILY - Worldwide Freelance has a NEW fully-searchable Markets Database. Discover writing
markets from North America, Europe, Australia and other places. It's free, so come and try it out
here: http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|