Category: Royalene Speaks

Advocacy in Self-Publishing, Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, literary agent, Royalene Speaks

Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer: 08/21/2015

WHY SHOULD I PUBLISH? Part III

Now that some of the decision-making publishing stress triggers have been talked about, I will briefly mention one more stressor and then move forward with the FUN parts of publishing.

Publishing Contract

IF you’ve decided to test the traditional publishing waters the CONTRACT(S) you’ll be asked to sign can be intimidating.

  • Literary Agent contracts (or agreements)!
    • Most authors look at the Agent Commission percentage(s) first. Standard rates range from 15% (of you advances/royalties) up to 25%.
    • Higher rates could mean that they plan to “split” commissions with a co-agent, someone you may never meet or know—or want to work with.
    • Verbiage you’ll need to understand includes: domestic and/or foreign/overseas sales, dramatic sales, and other concepts such as “bargain rates for first time authors.” Beware of those bargains.
    • MOST important is what “authority” is being given to an agent with your signature on that contract. Are you agreeing to work with/pay this agent for the longevity of this ONE book or several? Is there a Retainer Fee? What Agent expenses will they want reimbursed?
    • HOW is their “termination clause” written? Can you (or they) terminate the contract at any time for any reason?
  • Publishers Contract…
    • Yes, your Agent is an excellent resource for explaining every paragraph of this publishing house agreement and a strong advocate for encouraging the best possible agreement between all parties. However, many authors I know want will still retain a Literary Lawyer to “review” it.
    • Traditional Publishing is a “for profit” business industry, and their contracts are specifically written for enhance their interest—not the author’s best interests.
    • Over many years, The Writer’s Digest has offered multiple articles about the ins-and-outs of publishing contracts. This is an excellent place to start your research into: Rights, Subsidiary Rights, Royalties, Advances and most importantly Copyright ownership.
    • There are still sad stories being told by authors who signed away overseas rights or movie/film/TV rights and lost their rightful income from those venues.

BOTTOM LINE about these Contract/Agreement stressors is BE PREPARED by reviewing multiple sample contracts (found online), and talking with Agents and Literary Attorneys at writing conferences and/or by phone if they are willing to offer a brief “free” consult.

IF you Self-Publish you’ll also sign an Agreement.  However, the language is usually very straightforward, clearly outlining the responsibilities of both parties—Author and Press.

NOW…about the FUN part of becoming a Published Author! Next week I’ll share with you the JOY I felt the moment I held my first book in my hands and the EXCITEMENT of signing that first autograph, reading the first online review…and more! ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, stress

Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer: 08/14/2015

WHY SHOULD I PUBLISH? Part II

Last week I started our conversation by comparing a couple concepts between Traditional Publishers and Self-Publishing Presses. One particular piece must be added before other things are shared. I’m referring to the author’s stress levels during any publishing process, and how people deal with people during this specific “life event.”  Yes, having one’s book published is definitely a “life event.”

Stress

If you’ve been writing for very long you’re aware of the birthing experience of placing words on a page—many pages—and reaching the point when you’re willing to let someone else read it—some-ONE. That is a big step with even steeper steps that follow that may include a critique/support group, then possibly an agent (or two) and finally the folks at the publishing house or self-publishing press. Each of these steps are milestones of accomplishment and there are no ways around them if you want to see you book in print.  So let’s talk about the specific stress elements you’ll be facing.

  • Because writing begins as a solitary endeavor, we have the ability to agree (and disagree) with how our projects are coming along. Self-editing is a particular skill that we all have but is dangerous to totally rely upon.  Thus, the value of connection with a writers support group.  I’ve enjoyed fellowship in three amazing groups.
    • The first one took me by my toddler-writing-hands and gently fed me concepts and skills that will be with me forever.
    • The second was my writing/editing team at my place of employment where we developed magazine articles. This band of writers honed my abilities and further developed my appreciation for defining words before using them haphazardly.
    • The third (and current) group is my rock. These writers not only encourage me, they also hold me to task in reaching for and completing my dreams.
    • The stress felt in each of these group-settings is healthy stress—exciting and filled with people who become forever-friends.
  • WHEN your book is complete and that manuscript sits upon your desk it is time to DECIDE which road you will take to get it published.
    • Will you seek an agent to “sell” your book to a traditional publisher?
    • What percentage of your royalties will they take? 10%? 15%?
    • Will you approach traditional publishers on your own? What royalties will they pay you? 20%? 30%?
    • Does your book demand being in the hands of readers quickly—thus leading you to self-publish?
    • Which self-publishing press will you select? How much money will be needed to self-publish?
    • Weighing the pros and cons of this publishing decision-making process is, indeed, stressful. However, no one can make this choice for your book but you.
  • THEN comes more decisions about…
    • Exterior cover (front and back)
    • Interior design (headers/footers, introduction or preface, etc.)
    • Hardback or softcover/paperback
    • AND…marketing…(a discussion for another day).

There is a buzz-word that has appeared in the self-publishing world…Indie-Authors…short for Independent Authors. I like the sound of it. It speaks to me of pioneer days when independent dreamers crossed the plains and wrote of their dreams and adventures—much like we do today sitting in our writing rooms and allowing our imaginations (and research) the place to create great stories. Yes, I recommend self-publishing…becoming an Indie-Author and directing the players on my stage of book production and book release into the world. ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Royalene Speaks, Self-Publishing

Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer: 08/07/2015

[UPDATE: Apologies for the posting error this morning!  It should be corrected now.

– SPA Blogrunner]

WHY SHOULD I PUBLISH?

Isn’t the world turning to their iPads and Kindles for research and pleasure reading?  WHY should anyone jump through all those book-publishing hoops these days? Last time I attempted to break through the walls and cross the motes to reach a traditional publisher every door slammed shut! No agent would take the time to even read my manuscript because “the main topic is too obscure.” The one publishing house editor who might have read the first few pages sent me a form rejection letter with a scrawled note at the bottom. “We’re packed to the gills with contracted publishing projects for at least the next five years.” OH, the cry of the writer who is unpublished today or who has barely stepped into the published author arena.  Within my sphere of writer-acquaintances I have two examples to share with you today. One author was “accepted” by a small (yet mainstream) publishing house and one made the decision to self-publish with an established “press.”

The “house” author was so excited to have the backing of a known publishing house.  However, as the months and years went by her enthusiasm dwindled. It was two months shy of three years before the book reached bookstores.  The eBook and online presence came along much later.  Then came the realities of marketing.  Yes, this book wore the label of the mainstream publishing house.  Yes, it was listed in their catalog of New Releases that went to bookstores around the world.  Yes, they offered a helper to “get the marketing off and running.”  However, (SURPRISE!) the actual marketing beyond their label and catalog would have to be done by the author—or a “contract” marketing team-for-hire.

The self-publishing “press” author held her finished book in her hand 98-days after submitting the manuscript with immediate availability to bookstores, major online book sites and as an eBook. That time-frame comparison alone has brought many new champions to the field of self-publishing.  Here are a few other contrasts that will help all writers in making their publishing decisions.

PROS

  • Traditional Publisher (TP): There is NO upfront expense to the author who is accepted by and signs a contract with a mainstream publisher—and often there is an “advance payment” based on expected sales.
  • TP handles development (editing, rewrites, enhancements, etc.) of your manuscript as well as onset marketing, distribution and some traditional “warehousing.”
  • Self-Publishing Presses (SP) have developed priced “packages” of publishing options for authors to select from—from bare bones “print my book” to full-assistance Custom Cover and Interior design.
  • SP Authors maintain 99% of the control in developing their book. I say 99% because there still remains some printer guidelines regarding the finished “trim-size” of books.

CONS

  • The days of the 6-figure advances are gone.  Plus, authors are beginning to consider their lost income due to the years it takes to get a book in print through Traditional Publishing.
  • There is also the very real concern that TP editors and book developers/marketing specialist will turn an author’s work into something it was never meant to be.  TPs will deny this happens—yet too many authors tell a different story.
  • Because Self-Publishing presses consider their main goal is to get the book OUT and available to readers QUICKLY, many do not have a printed Galley Proof for authors to hold in their hands and actually “proof.”  Although online Galley Proofing is an excellent way to manage corrections and changes, it is not always the easiest process for the Author.

These are the first of the Pros and Cons I will share with you this month.  However, I will add here that for me personally, the biggest factor to overcome as an author is actually releasing my work into the hands of ANYONE else—whether traditional publisher or self-publishing press.  Other eyes (professional publishing eyes) will be looking at what I’ve created.  So, bottom line, I search for the right fit within current publishing options. That means research into the publishing field beyond what I ever expected so that the heart of my words will reach the hearts of my readers. ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks

Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer: 07/31/2015

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT V

Some years back a dear writing friend of mine encouraged my writing efforts by giving me the book, Fiction is Folks by Robert Newton Peck.  The first line of his statement about this book will tell you why I’ve kept it within arm’s reach on my shelves. “Robert Newton Peck does not believe in writing stories or novels. He lets his characters write them…”  With that in mind let’s talk a bit more about the emotional connection between author, story, and reader.

As THE author, the characters you’re creating can’t help but share some of your DNA from eye color to emotions and emotional scars. However, it is best not to include so much of yourself in one particular character so that folks will recognize you. On the flip-side of that coin, is the blessing is that you’re able to understand the depth of emotion your various characters are feeling and reacting to—thus being able to write an excellent scene. Your readers will immediately identify with the authenticity you portray!  Fear NOT. Employing the emotion-card is an essential skill in writing for all genres—even non-fiction.

Here are a few basic ideas to remind yourself of as you enhance your characters.

  • First, ask yourself what YOU would feel in the midst of the situation you’ve placed your character in. Explore that avenue of thought into the depths. Fold a 3×5 card in half and make bullet-point notes the left side.
  • Second, consider what your BEST FRIEND might feel in the same situation and make those notes opposite the first ones. It is also helpful to repeat this discovery process as you imagine what other well-known-to-you people might do: Parents, Siblings, Spouse, Pastor, etc.

This one exercise will provide you with a multitude of keywords which will, in turn, trigger the development of multiple characters IN the book you’re currently writing AND future books.

  • NOW…do your RESEARCH! The book mentioned above (Fiction is Folks) is a good start and your local Librarian will help you find others. However, Internet research is a goldmine of information.
    • The online version of the magazine, Psychology Today, will offer you general as well as very specific studies on human emotion.
    • Wikipedia has an excellent definition on the topic of emotions in humans.
    • Lists of all the emotions of the species known as human are plentiful, and an excellent item to KEEP for the future.
    • Research the term “basic emotions,” and the term “complex emotions.”
    • Finally, talk (face-to-face) with a psychologist, counselor, or psychology/social work professor. The insights and words used in those conversations will fill several notebook pages and give you very useful phrases for your characters to speak.

Some time ago, I was asked WHY these emotion elements are so important. That writer was attempting to create logical, independent, thinking characters who really had no need for emotion. I happened to know that a favorite genre of fiction for that person was Science Fiction. So I asked, “Do the computerized robots or AI’s in those novels function well without emotion?” He paused. Then we began listing the robot characters. Without exception, each author had developed emotion into that character—thereby ensuring that readers would identify with them—feel sympathy for them—and enjoy reading.  SO…open the Kleenex box and fire UP those emotional outbursts. Emotion is the connective tissue that will hold every story together.  ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks

Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer: 07/24/2015

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IV—Readers’ Perspective

How many times have you been reading a good book when suddenly one of the characters does something completely OUT-of-character?  Sometimes this is a planned plot-twist. However, too often, it is an error on the author’s part when they lose track of who their people are and how they will (hopefully) connect with readers.

In my research for writing class presentations, I came across a category of career fields that deal with leadership development. Wait. I know you’re already thinking WHAT do those folks know about developing writing skills and creating characters? Answer. ANY field of education that helps us appreciate PEOPLE (readers) can enlighten writers by giving us opportunities to understand ourselves and, most importantly, our Readers. Below are several pointers I’ve gleaned from the writings of Marcia Reynolds, coach and leadership consultant. I’ve adapted her conclusions to focus on the needs most READERS’ have to make the decision to buy your book and “follow” your characters.

  • Readers are Emotional book buyers. Are you providing them with characters who will touch them emotionally and lead them into the FAN category, buying your next book, and the next? Everything the human brain perceives is processed through the emotional center of our brains first.  Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your readers.
  • Characters provide safe examples of both good and bad decision-making.  In a very real way writers become teachers of various methods of coming to a decision. Thus it is our responsibility to develop an understanding of “cognitive decision-making” and “human nature.” Consequences of choices are plentiful because the human brain is too good at rationalizing, justifying, defending choices and even denying them.
  • Writers need time to think and so do readers. While the author enjoys a good length of time to develop characters and their quirks, readers do not. They are absorbing the essence of actors in your story with every paragraph and page. If the writer doesn’t dedicate the time—make the decision to take the time needed to mull over multiple possibilities—Readers will end up confused and disinterested.
  • As the Director of your Band of characters you’ll need to ask yourself:
    • What does character “A” need to know before making a wise (or foolish) decision?
    • What foreseeable consequences do they imagine for themselves AND others? Or are they only focused on themselves?
    • Do they need only current circumstances knowledge or past experience?
    • Is there another character who has been in the same situation and would be willing to talk about it? Would character “A” be willing to ask?
    • Does your character struggle with fear of losing control, or fear of how others might judge them? Or is he/she already calling themselves an idiot for even considering the choice they really want to make?

Main Point in today’s blog is this: Authors must step into the role of leaders for themselves and their Readers. We need to walk and run and rest in the shoes of the Reader and be prepared to answer all their WHY questions about every choice our characters make—good or bad—right or wrong—selfishly or unselfishly. This is not as daunting as it sounds. If you need support, your publisher has excellent writing coaches and ghostwriters who can help.  ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.