Stop with the Poor Man’s Copyright

24 Apr 2023 Leave a comment

by Brenda Coxe in Publishing, Uncategorized

There are so many things new writers—and even some seasoned ones—need to learn before making referrals to other writers. The problem of the Poor Man’s Copyright seems to be an ongoing thing. No matter how many times lawyers have debunked the theory, the topic still comes up consistently.

What Is the Poor Man’s Copyright

Many years ago, before the creation of the US Copyright Office in 1897, people writers didn’t have an official method of registering their work. Yes, when you put your work on paper or on the computer, you already own the copyright for that work, but with copyright infringement, how do you prove that? This is where the Poor Man’s Copyright came into the picture. Before there was a method for registering a copyright, writers or authors would take what they had written, place it into an envelope, and mail it to themselves, never opening it unless they needed it to prove ownership.

Unfortunately, even though the Copyright Office has existed over a century now, people still think this method is acceptable for proving ownership of a manuscript. We are in the 21st century now; here are some things a person can do to override this method:

  • It is quite easy to change the date on a computer to make it appear they created the work earlier than it actually was.
  • You can mail an empty envelope to yourself, steam the envelope open, place the work inside, and reseal it.
  • If you have a typed or handwritten copy, you can place any date on the manuscript that you want.

It is for these reasons and probably more that courts do not accept this method of copyright registration. If you find yourself faced with copyright infringement, the only method acceptable to the court is a valid registration from the US Copyright Office. The cost is minimal when compared to what you stand to lose without registration.

Traditional Publishers Handle Registration for Authors

Do not think you need to register your work before publication if you are going the traditional publication route. In that case, the publisher will take care of that for you. In fact, you run a risk if you choose to register your copyright before publication because if there are extensive revisions, your original copyright will be invalid.

Something else to keep in mind is publishers and agents are likely to become offended if you copyright your work before you send it to them. In their eyes, you lack trust, and if that is the case, you are in the wrong business. Wait until you see if you will be accepted for traditional publication before registering your copyright.

Self-Publishing is Different

On the other hand, if you plan to self-publish your work, you definitely want to register the copyright first. However, you do not want to register the first draft—wait until after your editor has gone over it, and you have made all the revisions you plan to make. You certainly don’t want to have to re-register your copyright later and pay another fee.

Summary

Yes, protect your work but don’t get all bent out of shape over it and really think a Poor Man’s Copyright will allow you to file a lawsuit in court because it won’t. There are likely some countries that don’t have a copyright registration process, so this may work in those cases. However, the US does have a copyright office with a registration process, so you must use it in order to receive any compensation for copyright infringement.

Be Careful When Searching Advertisements

07 Feb 2023 Leave a comment

by Brenda Coxe in Publishing, Writing Related, Writing Tips

 

Now that I am again searching for writing projects, I have seen more advertisements on Facebook. The problem is many are from “publishers” who expect payment for their services. This has been a pet peeve of mine for many years. I always tell writers who ask questions about publishers to avoid these types of publishers. My most important information is to tell them money should flow to the author, not from
the author.

Inaccurate Information

One of the most destructive advertisements I saw on Facebook occurred just today when a company (I will not provide the name) trying to pass themselves off as a self-publisher, attempted to make some
claims about traditional publishers. Unfortunately, their alleged facts were most inaccurate. Yes, traditional publishers can take over one year, and yes, it is difficult to be picked up by a traditional publisher—those statements are correct. However, two statements they made that stand out are: it can cost over $20,000 to publish and the publisher requires authors to purchase 500 copies of their own books.

I am uncertain if the first statement even applies to most vanity presses, though I am sure there are some that charge a hefty sum for their services. However, for a company to make such an outrageous
statement is the worst type of unethical behavior. It is obvious the intent is to make potential authors believe they are providing a good monetary deal; this makes uninformed writers believe even traditional publishing has a fee attached.

On the other hand, only vanity presses require an author to purchase copies of their own books and expect the author to sell them. Traditional publishers may provide the author with a few copies for them
to have on hand for book signings, but they don’t demand the author to buy any specific number. In most cases, the publisher provides 20-100 copies to the author with the option to purchase additional copies at a pre-arranged price.

Recognizing a Traditional Publisher

New writers may find the influx of vanity presses confusing and think they must pay for publishing. This is understanding when they are coming across so many that tell them there is a fee. I have even come across those who think they must pay an agent a fee up fronts instead of the agent taking a percentage of the author’s royalties. Here are some things to keep in mind when seeking a traditional publisher:

·        Traditional publishers do not force authors to purchase copies of their books.

·        Traditional publishers do not charge to publish books–they take a percentage of sales to cover their costs. After they take a percentage, they divide the rest  between the author and the agent.

·        Most traditional publishers do not deal directly with authors but require the use of an agent.

·        There is no charge up front to hire an agent; the agent takes a percentage of the
book’s royalties.

Perform Due Diligence

Before signing a contract with any publisher, perform research. Even traditional publishers can be unscrupulous. For instance, one might tell you they will market your book and not do anything at all. If a
publisher tells you there is no need for you to do any marketing, that should be a red flag—publishers only do a percentage of marketing to get the author started. They do not have time to do all of it. You want to make certain the publisher you choose does everything they promise to do and has done so in the past. Look for complaints and if they resolved them in a timely manner. A publisher or agent with numerous complaints is probably not one with whom you want to entrust your hard-earned writing.

On the other hand, if you are a writer seeking freelance work, it is even more essential to be careful of the clients with whom you interact. While we would like to believe every person or company that
posts an advertisement for writers is honest, this is not the case at all. The worst part is…it doesn’t always come to light right away. Many years ago, I had a client who had been great with both work and payment. Everything was fine for some time—I don’t remember exactly. I found out the academic writing he had been sending was for students. I approached him about it and told him I could no longer do the academic work. After that he ghosted me and didn’t pay for the last work I had submitted. It was first he had been in the hospital, but after that he just never responded. So, you see, things can still take a turn for the worst, so it’s important to research.

Summary

Whether you are looking for a publisher, agent, or client, it’s important to perform due diligence. It’s time-consuming, but it’s better than risking the loss of your hard-earned work or money. The most
important thing I tell all new writers is to avoid vanity presses unless you are only looking to publish a book for the benefit or family and friends. Also, do not let a vanity press tell you how traditional publishers operate. They will say anything to convince you to pay for their services.

 

 

 

Self-Editing: an Essential Part of the Writing Process

02 Apr 2022 2 Comments

by Brenda Coxe in Uncategorized

We teach students to proofread all assigned work before they turn the final copy in to the teacher or professor. Throughout all educational institutions, it was common knowledge a paper for any course would cost the student for grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Missing an error causes a loss of points. This oversight shows how important the proofreading and editing process are to the writing process. It makes no difference what your writing entails. Whether it’s an English report, research paper for history class, a short story or novel you are writing, it requires proofreading.

Overview

The practice of proofreading and editing of anything you write should not stop when you graduate from high school or college. Instead, it should follow you throughout life. Although this writer learned how to self-edit during high school, this is not always the case. Unfortunately, the current educational system often overlooks even teaching grammar beyond grade school. This brings up another problem: if an individual has limited knowledge of grammar, how can he effectively self-edit?

Why Self-Editing Is Essential

The art of self-editing is essential. This is especially true if you love to write and dream of one day becoming a published author. While you are reading this blog, maybe you have a completed manuscript but aren’t certain if it is ready to submit to an editor, publisher, or agent. Even if you believe your manuscript is in perfect shape for submission, trust me when I tell you it isn’t ready for the eyes of a publisher, agent, or editor. It is necessary to read it, rewrite it, and perhaps submit to a critique group or another outsider who is savvy enough about writing to provide constructive criticism.

You want to avoid family and friends; it is likely they will tell you what they think you want to hear rather than the truth. Another option that may be open to you is bookstores. Sometimes they have published authors who visit regularly. Arranging a meeting in advance increases your chance of seeing the author individually. Whatever alternative you choose, make certain you choose the one that is best suited to your individual situation and not what other people think you should do.

Editing vs. Proofreading

It is important for writers to understand editing and proofreading are two different functions. They are not the same. Proofreading involves reviewing a piece to search for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Editing delves much deeper. When editors review your manuscript, they are looking for:

  • Smooth flow
  • Logical order of the scenes
  • Coherency of the writing

Your manuscript needs to flow smoothly and not jump all over the place. The structure needs to follow some type of logical order, whether chronological or otherwise. Avoid jumping back and forth in time unless you are using flashbacks. Even when using flashbacks, prepare the reader first.

Need Also Need to Be Readers

You have probably heard writers must also be readers. It is especially important for new authors to delve deeply into reading books in the genre in which they are interested in writing. You will see the plots that are gaining momentum. According to Writers’ Digest, there are only 20 major plots, but each writer can put a unique twist on it. Reading what other authors have written will help you develop a visual picture of different plots. You will visualize how you can make something original.

The Self-Editing Process

Avoid editing your manuscript while you are still writing. Wait until you finish writing. Put it aside for a while before you begin self-editing. Some writers recommend putting your work away for 30 days to six months. This way, it will appear fresh in your mind. While putting your work aside for any period may not fit into your schedule, it is something to consider. However, you may perform several self-edits before your manuscript is ready for a professional editor to review it. Yes, you definitely need a professional editor unless you intend to seek a traditional publisher. Your manuscript should be as perfect as possible.

Writers are tempted to think, “The editor’s job is to find my errors.” This is the quickest way to find your manuscript in the “slush pile” unread. Editors understand how easy it is to miss a few errors in punctuation, grammar, and spelling. However, if there are excessive errors, ones you should have caught during self-editing, they will reject your piece without proceeding very far.

As a writer, you have an obligation to ensure your manuscript is as clean as you can make it before submitting it to an agent, editor, or publisher. One thing I cannot emphasize enough is do not rely on spellcheck to catch ALL spelling errors. It will not find words that are used improperly but are valid words such as “their,” vs. “they’re,” vs. “there.” Only a visual inspection will find these types of errors.

It isn’t easy to learn how to self-edit efficiently. This only comes with practice. You can begin with simple texts, such as emails, social media posts, or text messages. Remember: the person who reads that email, text, or post could be an editor or publisher seeking writers. If you contact them or they have a referral, they may be interested in researching your credentials. As both an editor and writer myself, the number of errors I see in the online writing group by aspiring writers makes me cringe. Often they are simple errors that are easily corrected. The excuse I read most often is, “It’s only a writing group. I don’t proofread my posts.”

Writing in a personal journal is another way to practice self-editing. Instead of just jotting notes quickly, write that note as if it is an article you are submitting to a publisher or editor. Learn to write your journal entries using complete and legible sentences. In addition, use the same sentence structure you use when writing articles, blog posts, personal essay, short stories, or novels. Consider starting with a draft and transfer it to your journal after self-editing.

Are you a blogger? If so, you have the perfect opportunity to practice self-editing at your disposal. Stop thinking because it’s only a blog no one of importance will see what you wrote. It’s impossible to know who has been reading your blog posts unless they leave feedback or you have a tracker on your site. No publishing or editing professional is likely to leave feedback if your blog post contains excessive errors.

Summary

The most important thing to remember is never submit a manuscript until you have proofread and edited it several times. Never submit a first draft. Be cognizant of every word you write and use your eyes as an initial inspector and another person’s eyes as the final inspector. This step will ensure you are on your way to perfecting the art of self-editing.

The Exploitation of Writers: When Will It End?

17 Mar 2022 10 Comments

by Brenda Coxe in Writing Tips Tags: ,

I’ve been following different types of publishing since the turn of the century–maybe even a little earlier. I have seen a variety come and go while others simply changed their names. The problem is these wolves in sheep’s clothing continue to pop up and take advantage of aspiring writers who long to be published. They seek them out because they know many of them are uninformed and haven’t yet had someone take their hand and guide them to the right path. In this post I will point out some of the things you need to look for before being certain you have found a “legitimate” publisher.

The Publisher Contacts You

This should be your very first red flag. No legitimate publisher contacts a writer out of the blue. Firstly, the majority of traditional publishers accept work only from literary agents. Secondly, legitimate publishers do not reach out to writers–they have enough submissions to review without adding to their already overburdened load. The wording is typically the same: they saw your manuscript and are interested in publishing it. BUT THEY HAVE NEVER EVEN SEEN IT! This is one of the many ploys of a vanity publisher who has probably read online somewhere you were writing a book or had just finished one and were looking for a publisher. Don’t fall for it–the only thing they will do for you is cost you your hard-earned savings. Worse is the fact once they have your contact information, it will be next to impossible to get rid of them.

A Legitimate Publisher Does Not Charge the Author

This is probably one of the most expensive lessons to learn. I belong to many writing groups on Facebook, and it amazes me how many aspiring writers actually think they have to pay to publish their manuscript. NO! NEVER EVER PAY ANYONE TO PUBLISH YOUR STORY! If you must pay money, that is a vanity press, not a traditional publisher. These companies don’t even care about quality, they are only interested in whether you will pay their exorbitant fees. They promise to handle everything for you–editing, cover design, printing. The problem is the services are not always of the highest quality, and you don’t have the option to choose someone on your own.

Some of the vanity presses even require the author to buy a certain number of their own books to sell at libraries, book fairs, and the like. You don’t get free promotional copies, and you probably don’t even get an author’s price for what you have to buy. You have to buy these copies on top of whatever ridiculously high price they charge you for “printing” your book, which is really all they are doing. The editing and cover design are separate charges.

Another untruth some of them will project is you are self-publishing. No, you are not self-publishing by any means. When you self-publish, you have total control over your work, you individually contract your editor and cover designer, and your name goes on the book as the publisher. This is just another one of the fallacies they use to draw people in. Vanity presses not only charge you to publish your book, they also take a percentage of sales in many cases.

Perform Your Due Diligence

How can you avoid falling into the trap of these unscrupulous companies? Due diligence is one of the best ways to ensure you do not become a victim of one of these scams. The first clue is if they ask for money. Check their reputation. There is no vanity press that has a good reputation, although you are likely to hear some uninformed people tell you they had no problems with them and were happy with the work. Remember, some people honestly believe they have to pay a publisher. I learned very early on the reality of publishing and how it works. I also learned what companies to be on the alert for. Research is essential in this business. Don’t get all excited if you get an email from someone who says they want to publish your book when you haven’t submitted it.

Literary agents are also subjects of scams. The key here is if they ask for money up front, RUN! A literary agent does not charge up front fees–they take a percentage from any royalties you earn. This is the reason they are very choosy which authors they represent. They are not going to represent someone who stands a slim chance of earning money off the book.

Conclusion

Vanity presses and hybrid publishers (another type publisher that charges fees) for decades, and we are not likely to get rid of them any time soon. As writers and authors we have to be on the alert for scams and always remember money should flow TO the author, not FROM the author. Don’t be afraid to take the time to research. There are sources online that provide a list of publishers to avoid–make use of those sources are invaluable for writers to use.

Writers Deserve Respect

29 Oct 2013 33 Comments

by Brenda Coxe in Uncategorized

open-book-1378562978VkiWhen I recently lost both my primary clients due to financial issues, I did what I really did not want to do: began searching the job boards for listings. Yes, I knew these were not the best paying gigs, but I needed something to tide me over. I needed something quickly and couldn’t just sit back and do nothing while I rebuilt my database of active clients. I found a few very good paying ones, but didn’t have any luck with those–I had signed up with one in May and still haven’t received any offers (apparently the same is true of many writers according to their forum), and the other one actually turned me down for two categories in which I have extensive experience, so I gave up on that possibility.

Reviewing some of my newsletters brought some possibilities, but one possibility called HireWriters.com was a complete joke. I filled out the information, sent in the sample, the entire works, and when I got their response they had me listed as “Beginner.” Really, I thought? I’m not trying to brag, but if you go to my website and read my bio, you will see I have been writing full-time for the past eight years! That means I am in no way a “beginner.” As if that isn’t insulting enough, they thought I was going to write for $1.18 for 500 words I think the job posting said. Do you know what you going to get for $1.18? If you’re really lucky, you might get 50 words (if I’m in a good mood), but in all likelihood you’ll get a maximum of 25.

I’m not quite sure I can begin to understand the line of thinking of these job boards–a/k/a content mills. What makes them think writers have all the time in the world to write for such horrid rates? I’d have to write for 24 hours straight without any sleep in order to make enough money to help with the household bills, and my last two clients paid me way more than that–10 articles a week gave me enough to buy groceries, pay the electric bill, pay a credit account I have AND have money left over to help my two daughters who are struggling financially. Now am busy networking and trying to get back into the swing of writing on a regular basis again.

It’s very disheartening when you get so little respect as a writer, and there are so many people who think you will work for a pittance. I had another response that offered a penny a word! I can’t remember the last time I worked for that measly amount–I have one occasional client remaining who pays me .02 a word but that’s only because he is a long-standing client and never asks for more than rewrites thus no research involved.

I have to admit through all this I am beginning to learn how to recognize scammers and those who truly have no respect for a writer’s time. It is for this reason I invested some cash into setting up a new website, one that is inexpensive but not free. Perhaps this step will put me in touch with some clients who have respect for my time and writing skills. Yes, I will brag about my writing ability because if I don’t have faith in myself, who will? The effort we take to write and write well is important, and we cannot let anyone take advantage of that.

Revisions: the Key to Success

05 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

by Brenda Coxe in Uncategorized

This blog is a guest post by fellow writer, Mark Hopkins.

Image

During the spring of 2010 I submitted a short story to a local academic literary journal for release in a publication that coming fall. The editor thought the story was “excellent,” but he insisted that some revisions were necessary. Naturally, I didn’t object.

The most unexpected yet flattering offer he made, however, was that he would be willing to meet me for discussions on how to revise the piece. This is very unusual for an editor to do, especially when it comes to writers they don’t even know. The story must have left quite an impression on him.

In any case, we met at a Java Hut nearby two days later. We dissected and analyzed that story backwards and forwards. I agreed with much of what he had said but disagreed on other minor points. No impasse developed between us; he and I got along great.

“So, this is a matter of when and not if?” I asked, and he concurred. Of course, I knew that, but I wanted to confirm it anyway. He even said if I refused to make certain changes, he would work with me. That told me he was determined to publish the piece.

The revisions took me several hours throughout a week’s time to do, which I expected because revisions are always time-consuming when they involve story changes and/or rewrites. That said, I enjoyed the work, and I must say the story turned out better in some ways. That was a real learning experience for me.

Revisions for Every Writer in Every Context

The above account should serve as reassurance for those submitting manuscripts (and many writers now are doing that on a regular basis) that imperfection does not necessarily lead to rejection. It does show, however, that revisions are both inescapable and very important in the writing process.

This reality pertains to everyone who writes—middle, high school and college students as well as hobbyists and professional writers like journalists—and it refers to all kinds of writing: research articles, books, novels, short stories, essays and even simple “what-I-did-last-summer” kinds of presentations. No student or writer should ever underestimate the importance of revising his or her work– the right choice can literally make the difference between failure and success.

With that in mind I put before you a brief but challenging exercise. Below are a couple of text samples that require proofreading and revisions. This will hone your self-editing skills for your future writing and be a fun activity. Use not only the knowledge and tools you gained in school and from others but also your instincts. If something does not seem right, chances are it is not.

Sample 1:

Bagleys trip too the story for some mllk was going to be a simple one. Little did he know that when he left home, that trip would change his entire life.

Little did he no that when he got too the store, he never saw the gun the man had pointing at the clerk. After getting his milk, he walked rite into it. Bagley was quickly taken hostage with the gun pointed at his head. He sweated up a storm as he was forced into the truck waiting outside. Bagly thought he would never sea his family again.

” Whadda ya gonna do with me?” he asked wit a tremor in his voice.

“Shaddup!” the guy snapped, “or I’m gonna end it fer sure.”

Sample 2:

The Titannic sailed on April 11, 1912 from Southampton Engeland wit 2200 people on board. The captain was too retire soon, an he looked forward to his last trip at see. Little did he know upon sailing that it would be his last trip in more ways then one.

At 11 pm Sunday 16th after five days at sea, the titannic colided with an iceburg, puncturing a series of holes and popping rivets from her hull. The forward compartments we’re flooding really very quickly.

The captain went too the wirless room and instructed the operators to send out morse code in an attempt to contact other ships for help. No one was close—the titannic was doomed

In a matter of two an a half hours the titannic gradually sunk. breaking in too an falling to the ocean floor. Fifteen hundred people died that night, many of them children

The world will not forget the loss it was such a tradegy that changed the way men sail. Their are now lifboats for all so that all on board can bee saved.

Final Thoughts and Other Considerations

The two samples above are different types of writing: the first is a piece of fiction, the second a research account. As an editor, you must use a different approach for each one. The obvious grammatical and spelling errors require attention, but both samples have other deeper considerations as well.

Explore other possibilities. What other means can improve the above samples? Are you able to use metaphors or additional foreshadows? Are there any redundancies? Are you able to condense the text without affecting clarity? In which ways can you effectively use vocabulary to enhance the color and dynamic of each piece? Are elaborations necessary? If this is the case, how, where and why should you do so?

Please keep in mind these pieces, or excerpts, are more in the nature of drafts, so a lot of applied work, both obvious and subtle, can improve them.

Go ahead, try it, and feel free to share your thoughts. Remember: all insight is helpful.

NOTE: Please do not construe the *obvious* errors in these samples as condescending. Many younger readers will find the grammatical and spelling issues a challenge. There are deeper issues that will appeal to older students and professionals alike. Thanks.

Do Authors Need Editors?

27 Sep 2013 16 Comments

by Brenda Coxe in Uncategorized Tags: , ,

ImageI blogged about a similar topic a few years ago, and it appears some things never change. There are still many authors–and even those claiming to be editors–who insist hiring a professional editor is an unnecessary and frivolous expense. It amazes me these very people are making these statements in writer’s groups that consist of new writers who may have a great story to tell but don’t have the least idea how to put it together. Apparently there are still many people who think editors are no more than high-priced proofreaders!

One of the biggest complaints I see is the cost factor. Yes, editors can be expensive–I’m a copy editor in addition to be a writer, so I understand the concerns. However, if you want to make money from writing, you have to be willing to invest some money. For any business to succeed it is important to make an investment. What’s the old saying? “You have to invest money to make money.” That is true of not just retail business and other commercial enterprises but writing as well. If you want to make money, you have to be willing to invest some money into that venture. It may mean waiting a little longer to publish, but you will have a product that looks professional and has a better chance of selling.

What is the problem? Why do so many people have this line of thinking? It appears there are many who want to rush into things because they think they are going to immediately make money, and this just isn’t going to happen. I have writer friends who have been waiting for two or three years to see royalties from their work, and these are people who actually invested money in professional editors. In fact, many of them even hired professional designers and are still having trouble.

Another with this line of thinking in today’s market is the difficulty new authors have gaining the attention of traditional publishers. Apparently in today’s market agents and publishers want manuscripts that are almost clean; some are even asking for the name of the editor the author used. Do you want to be left standing in the rain in order to save a little bit of money? If you lack cash, there are ways you can afford an editor such as bartering services with someone who has editing experience. You don’t want to ask your next door neighbor who has never edited in his or her life, however; that defeats the entire purpose.

The other thing that is important here is not all editors charge thousands of dollars. There are actually some of us who have reasonable rates because we understand the situation other writers are facing in the current marketplace. Personally I usually charge about $2 a page for copy editing, and I tell anyone who is interested we can work it out so they can pay in installments as long as the full price is paid before I release the book. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can effectively self-edit your own work and save money on editing because the truth is there are only perhaps about one percent of authors who can do that. We are too close to our work, so what we will see is what we meant to write rather than what we actually wrote.

Look at your writing as a business, and you will not think of second-guessing your work. Understand that even the “greats” hire editors or are published by a traditional publisher who provides editing. It’s important to remember traditional publishers do not do the in-depth editing they once did, and anyone who tells you otherwise needs to document that (I’ve heard from hundreds and maybe thousands of published authors with whom I have come into contact that some publishers do nothing more than proofreading). You need an editor for more than typos and grammar corrections. There are things such as continuity, fact checking, changes in POV without transition, making sure the plot is strong, checking for a believable storyline and strong characterization. The average author cannot accomplish these tasks with a self-edit alone.

Romance Writers are Not Serious Writers? Really, Now???????

02 Aug 2012 12 Comments

by Brenda Coxe in Uncategorized

Romantic CoupleIn a discussion currently going on in LinkedIn I had the misfortune to read a post from another writer who is of the misconception that romance writers are not serious writers! Really? This person (whose name I will be good enough to omit) is also of the opinion that romance writers are not quality writers. Really? Mind you, I love romance and it is my writing genre of choice, and yes, I am a serious writer, and who is this person to judge the writing abilities of those who  choose romance, probably the highest selling genre available.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with those who choose not to read romance: after all, I don’t like science fiction or horror. I’ve said many times when the subject of Stephen King came up in discussions that while I don’t like WHAT he writes, I will not say he isn’t a good writer. Having never read his work, how would I know that anyway? He must be doing something right though, to make the amount of money he does and continue being on the NYT Best Seller’s List. My complaint is not with people who don’t like romance but who attempt to degrade it into a lower style of writing.

Do you prefer literary fiction? There is nothing wrong with this type of fiction, either–if one can even put a definition on it in the 21st century. What used to be called “literary fiction” may no longer exist, and even love stories from centuries gone by may not exist as they once did. For instance, Romeo & Juliet would not be called a romance in today’s market because it ends with a tragedy instead of Happy Ever After or even Happy for Now, especially elements in today’s romance genre.

Where does this leave those of us who enjoy reading and writing romance? We should be free to do both as we feel the mood. It is not up to other writers to say we are not serious writers and do not write well but the buying public. They are the most important elements, after all. If you can’t present a good plot along with a great romance you won’t retain readers. What should you do with naysayers? Do as I do and don’t pay attention to them or tell them to read the statistics and then get back to working on that wonderful romance novel.

Everyone Wants to be a Writer in the 21st Century

16 Feb 2011 24 Comments

by Brenda Coxe in Miscellaneous Writing, Opinion Pieces

With computer access and self-publishing it seems everyone wants to be a writer now. Even worse yet, everyone thinks they have what it takes, and if they can’t find a publisher or agent, they resort to self-publishing. The problem is not everyone has the ability to be a good writer, and self-publishing makes good writing skills unimportant to many new writers.

Where Does the Problem Begin?

What is it that makes everyone today want to be a writer? One of the biggest problems seems to be money, and this is where the self-publishing industry is partly to blame. Writers in the 21st century do not feel there is any need to have a traditional publisher–in fact many are not even attempting to obtain an agent or publisher. What is this happening? Some of the reasons you may hear include but are not limited to the following:

  • They are afraid of rejection–a common reason is “I know no one will publish my book.” Maybe that should be a clue that either you aren’t good enough to be a published writer or need to polish your book some more first.
  • They want complete control of their manuscript. In other words they don’t want a publisher deciding on what the book will be titled, what kind of design will be on the cover, the typeface of the inside or the price of the book. Apparently the days of the publisher knowing what sells is lost to the self-publishing industry that lets writers make their own decisions, ones that are seldom based on research and marketability.
  • Self-publishing offers a higher “return on investment” according to many self-published writers, but this is a fallacy in my opinion. There are many other things to consider such as the number of books you are likely to sell compared to traditional publishing. There is also the loss of one sales outlet: the brick and mortar book store since very few book stores carry self-published books. Those that do make it into bookstores are there only because the writers make some kind of agreement with the bookstore, quite often meaning the store accepts the books on consignment. This means the author must literally purchase their books and provide them to the bookstore and hope they sell. Some small stores might be willing to take a chance on a local author, but this is not the normal process.
  • Writers tend to think they know more about the publishing industry than agents and publishers or they develop a mindset where they don’t care what sells as long as they can publish their manuscripts and receive “royalties,” which are really not royalties but rather the difference between what the author paid for the book and the sales price.
  • They fall for self-publishing companies that say they is “no cost” to publish thinking that means they don’t even have to proofread or edit their work. This makes the author look bad and gives self-publishing the stigma it still retains.
  • They think being traditionally published eliminates any type of marketing and are disillusioned when they find out differently. They figure if they have to market their own material they might as well self-publish. the reality is traditional publishers are doing less marketing than they used to do, but this should not discourage writers from choosing the traditional route if that is what they really want to do.

Everyone Wants to Write a Personal Memoir

Another problem that has developed with the advent of self-publishing is that everyone thinks they have a unique story that will be interesting to the reading public. I am amazed at the increase in the number of people who want to write personal memoirs thinking everyone will be interested. For those who wish to self-publish memoirs so they can give copies to friends and family members, I say go for it, but the problem is there are too many writers–or writer wannabes–who think they have a special story that the public will find interesting. Even if you think your story is unique chances are someone else already told the same story and/or went through the exact same trials and tribulations.

Self-Published Authors Are Another Problem

I also see self-published writers as being a problem because they encourage new writers to self-publish without knowing whether the writer has writing ability. They also do so without telling both the advantages and disadvantages or know if the manuscript is ready for publication. We have to reach a point where all writers have enough pride in their work to make sure it is polished before they put it into the public’s hands. In addition, potential writers need to understand not everyone has what it takes to be a writer, and just because you have a computer doesn’t mean you should be a writer.

Writers Need to Research Publishers First

19 Jan 2011 4 Comments

by Brenda Coxe in Publishing

It completely amazes me the number of newly published writers who will brag about being “published” through vanity presses! I fail to understand the joy they feel when they have to pay sometimes thousands of dollars. Even worse is the fact they use companies without conducting proper research. I belong to several groups on LinkedIn, and the topic has come up on numerous occasions–some writers will have enough insight to ask before using a publisher. Two such examples are iUniverse and Author House. In spite of the insight of some to question the integrity of these vanity presses, a week or two later someone else will post they actually have a contract with them! Why do they belong to writing groups if they are not going to take the time to read posts, especially those that relate to a topic of such importance?

The Importance of Researching First

One of the big problems with vanity houses is they exploit unpublished writers, even to the point of telling them traditional publishers will see their book in bookstores and offer them a contract. They are so excited about the offer that they don’t take the time to weigh the facts.

  • Bookstores do not stock self-published books unless the authors contact them directly.
  • Vanity presses will publish any book when the author is willing to pay the price. It doesn’t matter if the book is any good or not–they are only looking for the money it will bring from the author.
  • Authors usually only get a few copies of their books for the price they pay–any others they must pay for although they might get a discount.
  • Vanity presses charge for every service they offer: printing, promotion, proofreading, editing, etc.

Learn to Follow the Advice of Others

While I am still working on my book, I have learned enough to know how to choose a publisher, and that includes conducting research. Whenever someone mentions I name with which I am not familiar the first thing I do is go to Preditors and Editors and Writer Beware. In the case of both iUniverse and Author House you will discover they are listed by P&E as “not recommended.” I know they have been on the list of publishers to avoid since at least the turn of the 21st century yet novice authors get in such a hurry that they don’t take the time to research first.

In addition to checking out Preditors and Editors and Writer Beware, Angela Hoy has a newsletter she publishes that includes a section called “Whispers and Warnings.” She includes various publishers who have attempted (or succeeded) in scamming writers. While these are often publications, you can gain a great deal of insight.

Speak to other published writers to see what kind of experiences they had with their publishers or agents–yes, you should check out agents first as well, another feature Preditors and Editors includes. You can learn much more from other writers than you can from just online research. It can certainly take time, but you can save yourself a great deal of frustration and avoid making a costly mistake.

Do Not Pay Someone to Publish Your Book

This is one of the most expensive lessons authors need to learn because any company that wants up front fees is a vanity press. I have had self-published writers try to tell me the term is obsolete, that they wish to be called Indie publishers, but the problem is that can also refer to a small independent traditional publisher.

If you are insistent upon self-publishing choose an online source such as Create Space or Smash Words–other authors have indicated they take a percentage of the sales rather than charging an up front fee. Of course, the perfect solution is to work hard to find a traditional publisher–print or e-book–but the bottom line is avoid any company that has a bad reputation and is listed as “not recommended” on Preditors and Editors or Writer Beware.

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