Tag: Writing

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Ask the Book Doctor – Dialogue

Q: When I write dialogue, must I make all my characters

speak in contractions? My critique circle members say all

dialogue should use contractions. Aren’t we supposed to

give each character a unique voice? If so, can’t one of my

characters be so prim and proper that she doesn’t speak in

contractions?

 

A: The members of your critique group have the right idea—

natural dialogue does usually rely on contractions, but

creative writing gives a writer a great deal of leeway. You

know your characters best, and if one doesn’t use

contractions, so be it. Don’t let anyone–not even members

of your critique circle–cram a singular opinion down your

throat. Listen to the suggestions of others, thank them,

and then do whatever you want. If, however, an acquisitions

editor asks you to change something to make your piece more

marketable, that’s the time to listen and follow.

 

What’s your question for Book Doctor Bobbie Christmas? Send

it today to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com

Choosing a Publisher

Vanity Verses Self-Publishing

The self-publishing author community is becoming increasingly educated in options available, naturally comes in part as the by-product of approaching sound resources and asking good questions.

One question I do see stumbling around from time to time is some form of this, “Isn’t self-publishing the same as Vanity publishing.”

The answer: not really at all…

Vanity Presses often very dubiously attempt to present themselves as small presses, similar to ‘traditional’ publishers. They do this by claiming to be selective in terms of content. But those rejection rates are very low – generally reserved only for those manuscripts containing things like libel or pornography. But vanity presses do not otherwise screen for quality. They publish anyone who can pay, but don’t disclose that until well into the publishing process. Often, those fees are hidden in obscure production services unrelated to design, materials, or binding. That is where these operations ultimately make their money – charging authors book printing costs only to sell right back to authors.

The good news is that quality self-publishers are available with open, upfront, book production, distribution, and marketing options. And once books are professionally published copies are available where readers actually buy books. Unlimited printed copies are availabe for retailers and wholesalers on-demand, without additional out-of-pocket printing costs.

Keep writing.

– Karl

Book Promotion, Choosing a Publisher

Self-Publishing Resources

Self-publishing continues to gain footing in the book industry, bringing authors to the captain’s chair in terms of creative control, book pricing, and marketing. As this wave continues to build in speed and size, publishing options will inevitably follow.

Finding quality, researched information on self publishing options is important for authors looking for an advantage on the back-end, when sales help get good work into the marketplace. Stacie Vander Pol’s recently published book, Top Self Publishing Firms Revealed, is a new and sound resource in that arena.

The book is the product of Vander Pol’s own search for information about how several leading self-publishers fare in terms of book sales performance – actually helping authors get books in off press and into reader’s hands. Information about upfront fees, book pricing, and distribution is profiled as well.

Vander Pol notes in one interview that the her favorite part of the book is the enormous listing of current top-selling titles published by the organizations profiled. Keep an eye out for this one. It includes some solid, independent advice based on quality research.

– Karl Schroeder

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Ask the Book Doctor – Show n Tell

Q: We hear all the time, “Show, don’t tell.” My feeling is

the point is overused. Better might be “Telling is okay,

but it must be interesting and justified, for example,

moving the story along.” What do you say?

A: Everything in creative writing is a matter of

moderation. Back story almost always includes a little

telling, but keep the “telling” to a minimum. Make sure it

involves as many action verbs as possible, and it probably

will be fine.

What’s your question for Book Doctor Bobbie Christmas? Send

it today to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.

Choosing a Publisher

Wholesale Distribution in Self-Publishing

It’s helpful to remember that self published books are sold in many places other than bookstores. Depending upon your subject matter, you may find that gift shops, grocery stores, corner markets, or websites are interested in ordering copies of your book and selling it to their customer base.

Many of these “niche markets” may not have accounts with Ingram or Baker and Taylor. But don’t worry. Make sure those niche markets can order your book directly from your publisher’s online bookstore for the full discounted price. A few good self-publishers offer that service. Look for one where you get your full royalty even when they get their full discount. Simply cut out the middleman and everyone wins.  

– Karl Schroeder