Tag: royalene doyle

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks

Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer: 09/04/2015

OUR RIGHT TO WRITE AND PUBLISH

This play on words is technically called a homonym, defined as words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings. Those of us who have a deep need to write down our ideas, our histories, our hopes and fears, and create great imaginative worlds, might understand this need as more of a compulsion that must be satisfied.  Those of us who are placed in an environment—in a country—that does not attempt to subdue our writing passions are, indeed, greatly blessed. However, because we have the right to write, we also have the responsibility to do it well. Some might even say that we have the responsibility to release each piece into the world—to publish. So it is that this month’s series of blogs will focus on a few avenues of becoming the published author you are meant to be.

picketing

FOR the non-techie writer, who barely touches the Internet, consider these options to begin your publishing career. Start by spending some time in your local library. Research information about:

  1. ANTHOLOGIES. For those authors who enjoy short-story writing, the “themed” anthologies can be a dream-come-true. You may hear that this is an extremely tough market to break into, however, it is well worth the effort. My first published piece was accepted into a Science Fiction Anthology (sadly no longer in existence), and that encouragement gave me the nudge I needed to keep writing. These themed anthologies can be found on just about any topic you can imagine from motherhood to military missions, fishing tales to poetry. And another upside to Anthologies—differing from single issue magazines—is that an anthology doesn’t become dated after three or six months. They remain on library shelves for years becoming sought-after collections.
  2. Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly CONSUMER MAGAZINES. There are hundreds to choose from, so be very selective.  Narrow these periodicals by the genre of your choice—your interest. If you love to read the Smithsonian and American Gardening and the Reader’s Digest, start there. Request their submission guidelines and begin formulating your pieces to fit their needs. Because you’re already familiar with the writing styles of authors who are published there, you’ve developed the writer’s “ear” for “hearing” those articles. Thus, producing you own will be easier.
  3. LITERARY JOURNALS. Some say these journals are fading away. However, I’m of the opinion that excellent writing will support these journals for generations to come. SO I encourage you to research these and find your niche. The smaller literary journals offer an array of opportunities. However, wherever you find a journal that impresses you, that is the place to start. Get their submission guidelines and follow them exactly! While the initial pay may not be great, just wait for your short story to be reprinted in such venues as The Best American Mysteries, or The Best American Short Stories. That is resume/portfolio success!

Bottom line here is NOT to put all your eggs in one basket. Also, think outside the box.  Sorry for the cliché usage. However, one of the most inspiring stories I’ve heard is how a group of writers started their own journal/magazine. They may not have become rich (or maybe they have, but I don’t way or the other), yet they published their work and encouraged other writers in the process. ⚓︎

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.
Advocacy in Self-Publishing, Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, the joy of publishing

Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer: 08/28/2015

WHY SHOULD I PUBLISH? Part IV – The JOY

Oh, yes! Joy is definitely a defining and delectable feeling that comes with being a published author.  When I was asked to autograph my book for the first time, I suddenly realized that I had not taken the advice of my author-friends to prepare a short sentence for these occasions.  Yet, within my next heartbeat, the phrasing flowed forth.  Since then, I’ve honed it a bit and definitely change it up considering the person who will walk away with my book.  Someone once told me that I’d get tired of autographing books.  At this time, I doubt it!

The Joy of Publishing

SO…on to the next joyous elements of being that published author.

  • Prestige—Respect—Acknowledgement. In recent years the literary world’s perspective of publishing with a traditional publisher versus self-publishing has narrowed considerably. Readers are searching for excellent writers in their genre-of-choice in both arenas and admire the authors who have done the work and written an exceptional book.
  • Connection-s. There is something very special about an author’s connection with their readers. When those words on the page talk to the person who is turning the pages magic It matters little whether the book is fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, cookbook or a photographic collection of bird species around the world. When the author’s enthusiasm for their topic touches the passion within the reader that becomes a marvelous connection, indeed!
  • Open Doors. Several years ago, an author friend told me that she continues to write and publish because “…even when you’re sleeping, someone in the world is reading what you’ve written.” When writers publish that first book, this statement can seem a bit exaggerated. However, consider the ease with which readers can access the internet these days, find your book, and have access to it instantly. Don’t be surprised when someone from another state—or country—sends you an email asking questions about the content of your book or simply wanting to “meet” the author and thank you!
  • Continuing Education. Once you’ve published that first book, you’ll be amazed by ALL that you’ll learn in the areas of marketing from developing your “tribe” of folks who share interest in your field to improving your skills in the multi-media avenues of promotion. If you’re thinking that you’d prefer not to get involved in all of this, so you’ll wait for a traditional publisher to pick up your book(s), please think again. TP’s will do some initial work in this area, but every author will need to learn these elements in order to keep their book “alive” in the eyes of today’s readers.
  • Writers I know who have published are actively writing their next book(s). I’m sure you’ve heard the cliché statement that “A Rose is a Rose is a Rose.” The same is true for the writer—A Writer is a Writer is a Writer.  It is an addiction that fills your mind and heart, cannot be denied, and will give you GREAT JOY in return.

And, so we have it!  After looking at the pros and cons of traditional publishing versus self-publishing, digging a little deeper into the publishing processes, and talking a bit about literary agents and publishing contracts, you’re now aware of the main pieces to include as you make your decisions. It is my hope that your passion for what you’re writing will bring you the JOY of being the published author you’re meant to be! ⚓︎

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.
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.