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Inklings Issue 6.02
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i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
Issue 6.2 http://www.inkspot.com Jan.19, 2000
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<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0602.html>
In this issue, David Breeden (ASK THE POET) compares the
difficulty of writing rhymed poetry to free verse, and Tracy
Cooper-Posey offers tips on how to promote your novels.
This issue sponsored by:
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XLIBRIS exists to help authors publish. Promptly, permanently. You
retain control. We make it happen: your book in beautiful hard
cover and trade paperback editions, available on-demand, forever.
Call for a free information pack: 1-888-7XLIBRIS, email
info@xlibris.com or visit us online: http://www.xlibris.com/ink/
*****************************************************************
Writer's Online Workshops can help you improve your writing in
just 8-14 weeks. From nonfiction to novels, poetry to memoirs,
you'll find a workshop that's right for you. Check us out at
http://www.WritersOnlineWorkshops.com/inklings.asp and try a FREE
demo. Hurry! Sessions begin 2/14 and space is limited.
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ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright 1995-2000 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. See end
of issue for copyright/contact info. http://www.inkspot.com
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CONTENTS THIS ISSUE:
From The Editor's Desk
Fresh Ink and Market Information
Ask The Poet
The Top Six (Almost) Free Methods To Promote Your Novels
Writers' Classifieds
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK:
-----------------------
I'd like to welcome the following new Moderators to the Inkspot
Community Discussion Forums:
Stephanie Wilson, Moderator for "Writing For Young Adults"
http://writers-bbs.com/inkspot/threads.cgi?forum=ya
Linda Sherwood, Moderator for the Journalist's Discussion Forum
http://writers-bbs.com/inkspot/threads.cgi?forum=journalism
and
Marcia Wall, Moderator for "Teaching Writing In The Classroom"
http://writers-bbs.com/inkspot/threads.cgi?forum=teaching
If you haven't checked out the Inkspot Discussion Forums, please
do! There are a wide range of topics and interests...if you don't
see the topic of your interest, please let us know. Many thanks
to Devorah Stone and the other Moderators for helping to make the
forums one of Inkspot's most popular areas; the Inkspot Community
Discussion Forums were accessed over 75,000 times last month
alone! To see a list of current forum topics, please see:
http://www.inkspot.com/forums/topics.html
- Debbie
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INKSPOT STAFF PROFILE: JERRI LEDFORD, market researcher
-------------------------------------------------------
Jerri Ledford has been freelancing since 1994. More than 250 of
her articles have appeared in publications such as Writer's
Digest, Your Home & Family, Back Home, At-Home Mother, Spare
Time, and The News Herald. She also writes Web content which has
appeared on sites such as Office.com, NeighborhoodAmerica.com,
and Parenting Today's Teens. Jerri also teaches writing classes
at the Writers Village University online and is the co-owner of
the Momwriters mailing list. When she is not working, Jerri does
the "Mom Thing." Her children, Sean and Jennifer are the light
of her life, and often the inspiration for her work.
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FRESH INK
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PRIZE GIVEAWAYS: THE FIRST FIVE PAGES
-------------------------------------
THE FIRST FIVE PAGES: A WRITER'S GUIDE TO STAYING OUT OF THE
REJECTION PILE. By Noah Lukeman (Fireside Books, 2000). Lukeman
is a New York literary agent who has also worked on the editorial
side of several major publishing companies. This handbook focuses
on how to avoid common manuscript errors, ways to attract the
attention of agents and editors, and how to improve your writing.
Deadline: Jan. 26. For more info about these books and how
to enter, see: http://www.inkspot.com/admin/giveaway.html
Congratulations to:
Tony Baize, winner of YOU CAN MAKE IT BIG WRITING BOOKS
Heather Farish, winner of HOW TO WRITE & PUBLISH LOCAL HISTORY
Mary Jane Mayo, winner of Secret Classifieds Giveaway bookmark
Scribe & Quill
--------------
Web resource maintained by Bev Walton-Porter. Online writing
courses, free newsletter, articles, resources.
http://www.scribequill.com/
Kathleen Dailey's Fan Fiction Page
----------------------------------
Great fan fiction resource. And if any of you are Star Trek fans,
-do- read Kathleen's own stories (available on the website);
they're excellent.
http://home.ican.net/~editrix/
When Works Pass Into the Public Domain
--------------------------------------
A chart illustrating when copyrights expire based on when a work
was created. (MA)
http://www.unc.edu/~unclng/public-d.htm
Writer Online
--------------
Free, biweekly email newsletter for writers.
http://www.novalearn.com/wol/
Suite101: Writer's Block
------------------------
Maintained by Lori Hunter. Useful tips, exercises, articles,
links.
http://suite101.com/welcome.cfm/writers_block
Freedom To Read Week
--------------------
A national initiative of the Canadian Book and Periodical
Council, Freedom to Read Week is February 27 to March 4, 2000.
The Web site includes tips on how to get involved and
downloadable copies of Freedom to Read Kits. (TK)
http://www.freedomtoread.ca/
Ralan.com
---------
Market listings for science fiction, fantasy and humor. Also
includes novel listings. (TK)
http://www.ralan.com/
TK: Tony King. MA: Moira Allen.
** Please send suggestions for Fresh Ink to freshink@inkspot.com
*****************************************************************
GOTHAM WRITERS' WORKSHOP: Creative writing classes in Fiction,
Nonfiction, Screenwriting, Poetry, Children's Books, more.10-wk &
1-day classes in NYC and online for adults and teens. For free
catalog, call 212-WRITERS or visit http://www.WritingClasses.com
*****************************************************************
Advertise here! Send e-mail to sales@inkspot.com for details.
*****************************************************************
MARKET INFORMATION
------------------
Please get current, detailed guidelines before submitting to
publications if possible. Don't submit to email addresses unless
specifically stated. Include a SASE for surface mail replies.
More market info at: http://www.inkspot.com/market/.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
"FNASR": First North American Serial Rights, "SASE":
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "simsubs": simultaneous
submissions, "mss": manuscript, "RT": response time, "GL":
guidelines.
Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST). Research assistants: Shane Stacks
(SS), Margaret Shauers (MS), Kathie Meyer (KM), Jan Edwards (JE),
Jerri Ledford (JL).
RIVER MAGAZINE
--------------
River Magazine. P.O. Box 1068, Bozeman, MT, 59771. Managing
Editor: Dena Foltz. Magazine focusing on outdoor activities
involving rivers. CIRC: 50K. FREQ: Bi-monthly. NEEDS: Articles of
general interest for those who love rivers; articles can include such
subjects as paddling activities (canoe, kayak, raft, drift boat,
etc.), as well as camping, fly fishing, and photography. Fiction
and essays also sought. The key is that articles must involve rivers.
DEPARTMENTS: Destinations (800-1K wds)- "Tell us where you like
to travel, how to get there, what to expect, and why it is
special"; Eddy (800-1.2K wds)- "A quiet place away from the
current, Eddy is a place for essays and opinions"; Riverlife
(800-1.2K wds)- "In each issue, we will profile a wildlife
species commonly found in or near rivers. This should not be
just a description of life span, number of young, etc., but
should include anecdotes that allow the reader to see the
animal's nature"; Rivercamp (800-1.5K wds)- "Camping is often
an integral part of the paddling experience, whether it's a
weekend trip, or wilderness tripping. Tell us how to do it
better"; Riverfare (500-1K wds)- Tell us about your favorite
river foods and recipes, as well as preparation and storage
techniques"; Currents (100-800 wds)- "Current news and events, as
well as environmental concerns relating to rivers"; Around the
Bend (800-1.5K wds)- "Short stories of river adventure and humor
(no fiction)"; Whitewater (800-1.2K wds)- "Tell us your insights,
ideas, and opinions about whitewater." GL: Query first via postal
mail or email, include writing samples. Be prepared to submit a
hardcopy of ms, and ms on diskette if accepted for publication.
Electronic submissions in the event of acceptance also
encouraged. Multiple queries, simultaneous queries, and
previously published material okay. RIGHTS: FNASR. PAYS: $.20/wd
for original material; $.15/wd for previously published material.
RT: 3-4 weeks. TIP(S): "Main focus is on North America. Avoid
diary-like travelogues where every detail of the trip is
described. The successful feature will bring readers into the
boats, along the trail, etc., allowing them to be on the river
vicariously. Maps and directions to put-ins, take-outs, and
other places of importance should be included as well." NOTE:
**This market will not accept submissions until February 2000,
please don't send until that time frame!** (SS)
URL: http://www.rivermag.com/
GL: Query for guidelines
E-Mail: dfoltz@rivermag.com
NEW2USA.COM
-----------
New2USA.Com. 110 Corning Drive, Suite 200, Cary, NC, 27511.
Content Manager: David Drake. New online publication addressing
the real needs and challenges of newcomers to the U.S., geared
towards international students and professionals. FREQ: Updated
daily. NEEDS: New2USA is seeking two kinds of contributors: 1)
People who can write articles based on their first-hand
experiences of being new to the country, and 2) Expert resources
(e.g., immigration attorneys writing about new laws,
psychologists writing about coping with loneliness in a new
culture, etc.) Articles should target the following departments:
Legal - immigration, finding an attorney; Money - personal
finance, building credit, managing a budget; Careers and
Education - finding employment, managing a career, children's
education and college education; Housing - finding housing,
buying a home and settling in; Health and Safety - medical care,
health insurance, crimes and scams; Travel and Transportation -
buying a car, public transportation, finding travel bargains;
Society and Culture - food, family, etiquette, entertainment;
Just For Young People - adjusting to school, making friends,
entertainment (please note For Young People is written *by* young
people *for* young people in the following age brackets: 6-9,
10-14, and 15-20). LENGTH: 600-1.2K words. GL: Query first, via
postal or email. If accepted, be prepared to submit
electronically and, if possible, provide a photograph of
yourself. Also: "Contributors should include a brief biography (a
paragraph or two) with their article that highlights where they
are from, what brought them to the US, where they are currently
living, what they do and anything else they would like to share."
RIGHTS: First Rights. PAYS: $100/article. Young writers will
receive a $25 gift certificate. Pays on publication. TIP(S):
"New2USA provides a unique forum for newcomers to the US to learn
from each other's experiences. Rather than writing on a broad
topic such as 'My Impressions of America,' writers should focus
their articles on a specific topic. For example, topics might be
'How to Build a Good Credit Rating' or 'Adjusting to American
Food.' All articles should weave personal experiences into a
how-to article that offers actionable advice that newcomers can
immediately put to use. Though the magazine itself accepts
advertising, no article should contain blatant advertising or
endorsements for any commercial product or service." (SS)
URL: http://www.new2usa.com
E-Mail Contacts:
Julianne_Surface@Syntelinc.com (Legal, Society and Culture)
Chanel_Chambers@Syntelinc.com (Money, Health and Safety)
Anita_Moses-Samuel@Syntelinc.com (Careers and Education, Young
People)
Johnray_Fuller@Syntelinc.com (Housing, Travel and
Transportation)
AGE OF WONDERS
--------------
Age of Wonders, SFF Net, 3300 Big Horn Trail, Plano, TX 75075.
Editor: Jeffry Dwight. This volume focuses on the interface
between human and machine, examining how computers, artificial
intelligence, medical advances, and "smart" devices will change
the way we live and think in the next two thousand years or so.
FREQ: Annually NEEDS: The successful submission will have strong
characters, realistic social and moral challenges, and solutions
that come from clear thinking or depth of insight. Stories should
not focus on gadgetry directly, but scientific advancement and a
near-future setting should be part of the story's milieu. Tone
and genre are open, but horror, sword & sorcery, or magic realism
will be a tough sell for this book. LENGTH: 1500-5,000 wds.
Inquire first with *brief* outline before submitting stories over
5000 wds. GL: Open submission starting January 1, 2000 and
continuing until March 1, 2000, or until the anthology is full.
No reprints, please. Email submissions should be plain ASCII text
or MS Word only. RTS: First World Anthology Rts. PAYS: On
acceptance, $.08/wd ($25 minimum, $400 maximum per story.
TIP(S): Send only your very best work. (JL)
GL: http://www.sff.net/books/guidelines.html
E-Mail: darkfire@sff.net or jeffryd@greyware.com.
SPORTS ETC
----------
Sports Etc - The Northwest's Leading Outdoor Magazine. Carolyn
Price, Publisher/Editor. Sports Etc, PO Box 9272, Seattle, WA
98109. 206.286.8566. FAX: 206.286.1330. Sports Etc is written for
the serious Pacific Northwest participatory outdoor
recreationalist. FREQ: Monthly, 52 pps. CIRC: 50,000. AUDIENCE:
Readers are 1:1 male to female, affluent, college-educated, 25-50
yr. olds who count outdoor recreation and fitness as a major
component in their lives. NEEDS: Book reviews, new product
reviews/tests, cross-training, equipment buying tips and info,
essays, health & nutrition, how-to features, personal journeys,
sports news & trends, training evaluation & tips, travel
destinations & weekend/fast getaways, Washington and Oregon news
briefs. SUBMISSIONS: Short, concise, reader-friendly articles
written adhering to the AP Stylebook guidelines. "Articles should
involve readers and fuel the imagination. Lead sentences should
grab the reader and never let go. Sentences should be direct and
lean, yet packed with clear pictures, evoking sights, smells,
tastes and other sensations. Descriptions should make use of
figurative language, simile and metaphor. All facts must be
well-researched and supported by credible sources and examples.
Vague generalizations should be avoided at all costs. When
directing readers to other sources for information, explain what
the reader can expect to find. Any highly technical terminology
must be defined, preferably through the use of examples.
Paragraphs must flow into one another, until that final,
well-calculated concluding sentence. Stories with photographs or
illustrations are preferred, but should be discussed with the
editor before submission. We prefer color slides which usually
are converted to b/w prints, but photo submissions are ok." For
photos to be returned, name and address information should be
attached to them. When a photograph or illustration is deemed
essential to the story but the writer is unable to contribute
either, the editor may assign a photographer or illustrator."
Query first with rsum, clips, and SASE. The editor will not
necessarily read or respond to unsolicited manuscripts. Submit
articles once assigned by due date on a 3.5 disk (Macintosh
preferred) accompanied by double-spaced hard-copy or preferably,
via e-mail to staff@sportsetc.com. No reprints of articles
appearing in competing markets or simsubs. Articles may be posted
on the magazine's Web site. RT: 30 days. RIGHTS: One-time
exclusive rights. PAY: Within 14 days after publication, $10-50
for articles depending on length, $5-75 for photos and
illustrations. Contributors will not be paid twice for
submissions posted on-line and printed. Sample copies are
available by mail at the above address for $2 or for no cost at
any of the distribution points-bike shops, outdoor stores, B&Bs;,
Washington St. Ferries throughout Washington and Oregon. (KM)
TALEBONES
---------
TALEBONES, 5203 Quincy Ave SE, Auburn, WA 98092 Editor: Patrick
and Honna Swenson. A magazine of Science Fiction and Dark
Fantasy. FREQ: Quarterly. CIRC: 500. NEEDS: Your best work in
science fiction and dark fantasy. Please review previous copies
of the magazine for examples of what we publish. LENGTH: to 6K
wds. GL: Accepts submissions in three manners: in hardcopy by
postal mail, on disk by postal mail, and pasted into the body of
an email or as an attachment. RIGHTS: FNASR and sometimes 1st
Electronic Rights. All subsidiary rights released upon
publication. PAYS: $.02/wd for the lead story in each issue, and
$.01/wd otherwise, poetry flat rate of $7 per poem. TIP(S):
Review past issues of the magazine, and send us only your best
work. (JL)
URL: http://www.fairwoodpress.com/index.html
GL: http://www.fairwoodpress.com/contact_submissions.html
E-Mail: talebones@nventure.com
SEEKING THE MUSE
----------------
Seeking the Muse: Inspired Works of Creativity D&K; Publications,
P.O. Box 650, Cerro Gordo, IL 61818-0650. Editor: Kris Jagusch.
Anthology of creativity and the muse. FREQ: Semi-annual.
CIRC:100+ . NEEDS: I especially need black-and-white cover art,
depicting the artist's conception of what the muse looks like.
Muse also accepts poetry, fiction, fiction for children, personal
essays, and black-and-white artwork. Payment for these items is
in copies only (at least for now). Also needs reviews of books,
videos, audiotapes, or websites that deal with kick-starting or
maintaining a writer's creativity. LENGTH: 350-1K wds. GL: Cover
letters that include biographical information are appreciated.
Feel free to "let it all hang out" in the cover letter; we like
to know who we're working with. An interesting cover letter
sometimes warrants a second look at the manuscript. Authors
writing reviews should query for assignment. In the query letter,
please include the subject of the review, the approach you will
take, and a little about your writing background. Previously
published work and simultaneous submissions are acceptable.
RIGHTS: One-time serial rights to all material accepted for
publication; authors maintain all other rights. Rights revert to
author upon publication. PAYS: On publication. Authors and
artists receive one copy of the issue in which their work
appears. In addition, artists whose work appears on the cover
receive $15. Reviewers are paid $10 for each accepted review. RT:
1 mo. for acceptances/rejections/assignments. TIP(S): Please
review past issues of the anthology, and only send your best
work. A sample copy of Seeking the Muse may be purchased for $5
postage paid. (JL)
GL: http://sites.netscape.net/jagusch/homepage
E-Mail: jagusch@one-eleven.net
Please send market news to Sal Towse, towse@inkspot.com.
*****************************************************************
Ask The Experts
---------------
*** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. ***
Judith Bowen (ROMANCE WRITER) JudithBowen@poboxes.com
David Breeden (POET) dbreeden@schreiner.edu
Charles Deemer (SCREENWRITER) charlesd@inkspot.com
Mark Fowler (LAWYER) askthelaywer@inkspot.com
Ken Jenks (ELECTRONIC PUBLISHER) MindsEye@tale.com
Ginger Knowlton (AGENT) agent@inkspot.com
Michelle Sagara (SF/FANTASY WRITER) Michelle.Sagara@sff.net
Lee Wardlaw (CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) lee@inkspot.com
Marcia Yudkin (FREELANCE WRITER) yudkin@inkspot.com
Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message,
but will answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
Please keep your question BRIEF and send it to *one* columnist.
*****************************************************************
ASK THE POET
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Is writing rhymed poetry more difficult than writing verse?
---------------------------------------------------------------
Since the ascendancy of free verse slightly before the First
World War, and certainly while it remained the orthodoxy from
1960 through 1980, critics have denounced it as easy. Robert
Frost famously compared writing free verse to "playing tennis
without a net." Without resorting to the polemics generated by
the century-long debate, let's look at the difference between
composing free and structured verse from a practitioner's point
of view.
First look at a classic couplet from A.E. Housman. The lines are:
Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough
Simple, straightforward, formal. Only the first foot,
"loveliest," is outside of the traditional iambic format and such
variation is very much part of the tradition, called
substitution. Compare that to the first two lines of another
famous poem, this a classic of free verse by William Carlos
Williams:
So much depends
upon
Both poems have as their themes human transience in the face of
an eternal universe. The entire feel of the lines, however, is
different. What's the difference? Probably the most striking
lies in the "poetic feel." Housman's couplet sounds like
"poetry." The Williams lines sound like prose: like normal human
speech, to be more specific.
What would happen were we to put the Williams poem into lines of
roughly the same length as Housman's? We would get this:
So much depends upon a red
wheel barrow glazed with rain water
Oddly, the Williams lines are more-not less-regularly iambic than
the Housman lines. (Moreover, the Housman rhyme of "now" and
"bough" can't be perceived as much more difficult than "moon"
and "June.") The difference between these two poems lies not in
the rhyme or metrical "difficulty" of the Housman poem as opposed
to the Williams poem, but in a subtler attitude toward poetic
construction. The Williams lines actually look like this on the
page:
So much depends
upon
a red wheel
barrow
glazed with rain
water
Now we notice that the iambic effect of the Williams poem is an
important part of the structure-the second line of each stanza
has two syllables. Herein lies the "rhyme" that Williams uses in
the poem. The Williams poem, then, is just as "formal" as the
Housman poem. The difference has to do with the tradition each
operates within. The Housman poem wears a formal tradition much
practiced and broadly agreed upon within English poetry. The
Williams poem, while thematically traditional, is unorthodox in
its stanza form. The reader, in other words, must figure out for
him or herself why the form is as it is.
A long answer to a much-disputed question. The "chopped prose"
approach to free verse certainly springs from laziness and
inattention on the part of the poet. Well crafted free verse,
however, requires as much attention to form as any sonnet,
villanelle, or ballade. Williams insisted he wrote in the
"variable foot," not free verse. Free verse poets of the 21st
Century may learn a valuable lesson in craftsmanship from an old
master.
**-------------------------------------------**
David Breeden's poetry and essays have appeared in numerous
magazines, including Mississippi Review, North Atlantic Review,
Paragraph, Pikestaff Forum, Turnstile, The Quarterly, as well as
four books. He has also published a novel, Another Number. He
writes regular columns for Independent Publisher and Audiobook
Caf. His URL is: http://www.davidbreeden.com.
Copyright (c) 2000 David Breeden.
*****************************************************************
THE TOP SIX (ALMOST) FREE METHODS TO PROMOTE YOUR NOVELS
--------------------------------------------------------
by Tracy Cooper-Posey <tracy@inkspot.com>
Promoting your novels is a survival skill. The mid-list crisis
has evolved into an endemic condition. Merging publishing
companies channel promotion dollars to a shrinking selection of
luminaries. If you aren't famous (yet!) and lack a string of
bestsellers, don't wait for your publisher to push your book,
because the odds are they won't -- much. But you can, with these
steps:
Step 1 -- The Absolutely Essential Web Site
-------------------------------------------
Develop a solid site. You want people to come back. Coaxing
surfers back means providing extra value. You want to promote
your books, but visitors come for information, resources, free
products or entertainment.
The added value you provide can relate back to your novels. Many
authors write in milieus they know intimately. Say your hero
investigates insurance scams: You could provide links to
insurance fraud sites, or anecdotes from real investigators.
Consider writing a FAQ on your subject, which will attract
potential readers.
Your website is helping you build product recognition. Repeat
visitors get to know you and remember your name. If they've been
using your resources, and see one of your books at Barnes &
Noble, are they going to buy it? You bet!
Dozens of sites teach the basics of web design. Start with
Inkspot's own Debbie Ridpath Ohi's "How to set up your own web
page."
Step 2 -- Promote your web site systematically
----------------------------------------------
The flip side of building a web site is promoting it. Start by
determining your favorite search engines. Make a list. If you're
stuck at one or two, check the collection on Netscape or Google.
Over a week, spend a few minutes each day submitting the URL to
each search engine on your list.
Now, list the prime elements of your web site (e.g., insurance
fraud links, insurance fraud stories, current novels). Don't just
list your top page; list any other pages on your site that might
attract visitors and lead them to your main page.
Step 3 -- Finding potential readers: Newsgroups & email lists
------------------------------------------------------------
Brainstorm for subjects associated with your novels and the
resources you provide on your site. For example, if you're
writing about insurance fraud, think about insurance, fraud,
mystery fiction. Think laterally: Investigators, yes, but also
victims of insurance frauds. Consider the setting of the novel,
the country you live in, and the time period, if it's not
contemporary.
Ferret out newsgroups through such sites as Deja.com, Onelist,
Egroups, Liszt, Topica, etc. You'll be overwhelmed by the results
-- winnow them down to the largest, most active groups, and join
up.
Aim to be a good list citizen. Offer help when needed, and
opinions when you have something to offer. Be sure your URL is
in your signature file. Don't push your books. Your contributions
will mark you as an expert, and build recognition -- especially
if the titles of your books are in your signature file.
Step 4 -- Swap links with related sites
---------------------------------------
The lists you built in Steps 2 and 3 provide criteria to search
for web sites and e-zines with common interests. For each useful
site you find, propose exchanging links to the web master or
owner.
Don't overlook web rings, either. Join rings that match the
content of each section of your web site, and install the ring
fragment on the appropriate page.
Step 5 -- Issue tailored, focused "news releases"
-------------------------------------------------
Every event in your writing life should be announced. However,
plastering the world with generic news releases is a waste of
trees and electrons.
Instead, use the results of your searches to build a list of
editors and webmasters who want to keep up to date with your
career. This applies to contacts in the real world, too.
For instance, I searched for "writing courses" and swapped links
with other sites that list writing courses. I've developed
contacts as a result, by negotiating mutual links. When my new
courses start, I have a list of people who want to know about
them.
Keep an immaculate contact list, sorted into categories of
interest. For each announcement, sift for appropriate contacts.
Send a "news release" in the form your contacts prefer. Whatever
you send -- e-mail, letter, release, fax -- tailor it to the
contact. Tailoring takes time, but will net you a bigger impact
than a thousand blind releases.
Step 6 -- Consider producing a newsletter
-----------------------------------------
Nothing is more effective than a newsletter for building a
following. However, newsletters are time-intensive, especially if
they're successful. If you have a day job, think hard before
committing to producing a newsletter. If you do decide to use
this method, exploit your area of expertise to deliver a
practical, information-packed newsletter every two weeks or every
month.
While these top five methods won't make you an overnight success,
they will build long-term recognition. They will steadily build
your sales, along with a growing core of readers who won't wait
to be coaxed into buying your next book.
Resources:
----------
How To Set Up Your Own Web Page (by Debbie Ridpath Ohi) -
http://www.inkspot.com/promo/webstuff.html
Promoting Your Book on the Internet (by Moira Allen) -
http://www.tipsforwriters.com/promote.shtml
Netscape (search engine list) -
http://home.netscape.com/escapes/search/netsearch_0.html
Go Net-Wide - http://www.gonetwide.com/gopublic.html
An extensive list of URL submission sites and other promotional
links (some free, some fee-based).
Internet Promotions MEGALIST -http://www.2020tech.com/submit.html
Google - http://www.google.com
DejaNews - http://www.dejanews.com
Onelist - http://www.onelist.com
E-groups - http://www.egroups.com
Topica - http://www.topica.com
Liszt - http://www.liszt.com
Webrings - http://www.webring.org/index.html#ringworld
**-----------------------------------------------**
Tracy Cooper-Posey is a national award-winning author of three
novels, and net citizen who actively promotes her books on-line.
Her short stories and articles have appeared in various Canadian
and Australian magazines and periodicals, and on the Internet.
You can find her absolutely essential web site at
http://www.sashaproductions.com.
Copyright (c) 2000 Tracy Cooper-Posey.
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INKSPOT WRITERS' COMMUNITY CENTER
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NEXT CHAT! Feb.16th @ 9 PM Eastern / 8 PM Central.
DAVID N. WILSON's "Writing in other People's Universes vs. Writing
in Your Own." With several Star Trek and White Wolf licensed
novels under his belt (plus dozens of short stories in non-
licensed work), this successful SF and Horror writer is a natural
for such an important topic. Visit DAVID's website:
http://www.chateauxshadeaux.com/
ALSO! Inkspot Poetry Discussion moderator JONI is putting together
a Jan.26th "Structures in Poetry" chat with Pulitzer Prize
nominated poet HARVEY STANBROUGH. Email joni@gte.net for more
details.
LAST! Read the transcript of LIP SERVICE author and self-publisher
extraordinaire M.J. ROSE's Jan.13th chat. M.J. was a wonderful, informative
guest and we had a low turnout... missed opportunity, folks!!!
See http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/ for more info on the above!
DISCUSSION FORUMS: Join this growing community of writers!
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