Notes from Minnesota

Hey Freelancer! 

It's gonna be an interesting issue of Writing Etc. today, especially if you're a book writer. That's because today, after two years of being closed to new submissions, I'm announcing that Filbert Publishing will open for a very limited number of new submissions as of January 1.

First, a little about Filbert Publishing.

1. Filbert Publishing is small. By design. If you're looking for a publishing house with hundreds of fellow authors, this isn't your place. We've never worked with more than 15 authors at a time. I may be willing to make room for 20 if their project's right. But we're small.

2. When you work with us, you'll receive one on one attention. Got a question? When you're one of our authors, you can e-mail me at any time. Got an urgent question? Give me a call during regular business hours.

3. Filbert Publishing is considered a traditional publishing company. This means our authors do not pay fees of any kind. No set up fees. No hosting fees. Nothing. We don't chase after authors, we do not advertise for submissions. When we open to submissions, we make a couple announcements, then we're done until next time. It's been two years since we last opened submissions to anyone other than our existing author family. Filbert Publishing finances its operations by selling books, not through author fees.

4. Once you're a Filbert Publishing author, we're always open to your submissions. If you have another project you'd like us to consider, just give me a call.

5. If you join our little group, you will be paid four times a year. We do not withhold any earnings in anticipated returns because we list all titles as non-returnable. While we've heard a non-returnable policy can affect brick and mortar bookstore sales, we haven't really noticed a negative affect from this move. You get paid a flat royalty based on the retail price of your book. And yes, if you purchase bulk books, you'll receive a hefty discount as well.

6. We will send out a set number of review copies to larger websites and a number of snail mail reviewers.

7. All our books are available through Ingram, B&T, online and offline bookstores.

8. We are very choosy about the authors we work with. Our guidelines are strict and we rarely stray from them. You can find out more about the guidelines in a bit.

9. We'll give your book as good a run as we can. However, if you don't sell any copies for a set period of time, you will lose your contract. Don't worry. We understand economics. We also understand how tough it can be to build a readership. We're patient. But we do expect regular marketing activities. After all, if you're building a writing career, why wouldn't you continue to work on building a readership?

Here's what I'm looking for:

Filbert Publishing publishes books for writers. As the company has evolved we're branching into the inspirational/spiritual/self help genre as well. This means if you have a writing book, inspirational book for writers, or a general inspirational self-help we want to hear from you.

In 2009, we'll be launching a website called EarthFriendlyInfo.com and will be accepting titles to offer there. So, if you have a manuscript about alternative energy, thrift, and matters concerning the living harmoniously with our planet.

Sorry, fiction writers. That genre is still closed for now. I'll give a holler when that door opens again.

Now, here are the submission guidelines: 

1. Submit an awesome query outlining your book, its audience, your current readership, and your qualifications for writing the book.

2. Also submit your marketing plan. This portion doesn't have to be comprehensive, but it's imperative that all authors put some thought into marketing before they launch into publication.

3. If everything looks good, we'll ask you to send the manuscript and will give further instructions at that time.

4. If your title is currently under contract with another publisher, please don't submit it to us. Also, if you're angry or unhappy with your current publisher, please don't attempt to transfer your title to Filbert Publishing. We want to work with happy people with enjoyable projects.

5. If you're a member of the Creative Mindset Community, please state so in your query. These folks will receive first priority because they're actively learning to market their writing. Marketing skills are imperative to building a thriving writing career. I also personally know many of the members of the CMC and have a pretty good hunch how they'll be to work with (they're so awesome).

6. Finally, and most importantly, have fun. Let your personality shine through. Be creative. Be fearless.

7. E-mail your materials to

    

I'm looking forward to seeing what pops up.

Onward and upward!

Beth

P.S. Be sure to check out our best sellers. Here's the link

Mindset Moment

Hey Freelancer,

Take time out of this busy holiday season to bask in the glory that is your gift for writing.

This one gift alone can take you places most people could barely dream of going.

This one gift has the power to shape opinion, expose untruths, create new realities.

This one gift informs, persuades, inflames, sooths... it's putty in your hands.

Treat this gift with the respect it deserves and exercise it daily.

Your Faithful Muse

P.S. Wanna make fun a permanent fixture of your life? It's easy. Just frame every single day with the proper mind set. Read all about it here: http://filbertpublishing.com/mindset.html

Beth's Hot Pick of the Week

Beth Ann Erickson

NOTE: Click here to read part one of this series, click here for part deux and click here for part trois. :)

You've got a great resume (if you've been following the last three articles). Now's the time to work on your cover letter... kinda.

I'm out doing my holiday shopping. We'll hit the ground running on January 1. :)

Next time: Writing an effective Cover Letter

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Beth Ann Erickson is the “Queen Bee” of Filbert Publishing. She’s also the author of numerous titles including “101 No Cost and Low Cost Secrets To Turbo Charge Your Freelance Income.” Pick up your copy today at http://filbertpublishing.com/101.html   She’s also a busy copywriter, speaker, and publisher of Writing Etc., the free e-mag for writers.

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