I am always on the lookout for new publishers or new imprints of established publishers because they are hungry for new authors, new voices, unrepresented writers, independent authors interested in partnering with a publisher to reach a larger audience. Not only have I found one, but that publisher also gave me a valuable tip that I’m passing […]
Why advertising hasn’t worked for me (well, one reason)
Here is one of Russell’s emails about advertising. He is speaking directly to me. I am, indeed, one of those who “keep giving up after a couple of rocky attempts” with advertising. But notice that the only reason his advertising works for him is because HE HAS OTHER STUFF SET UP that works WITH the […]
Shipping costs explosion: defused!
With just weeks remaining in the one-year deadline before international small-parcel mail going into and out from America would have come to a complete halt, a compromise was reached at an emergency meeting in Brussels. Read about the compromise that defused the threat, here. I’ll bet you hadn’t heard anything about this past year’s worth […]
Yes, there is still systemic racism in the publishing industry
The publishing industry is old, old, old. Most of the Big Five publishers in America have roots reaching back to the 1800s and 1700s, and Oxford University Press, the biggest academic publisher in the world, dates back to the beginning of book printing itself. The evolution of book publishing has been mostly that: gradual changes […]
Who really drives the content for books and stories? Authors, editors, or readers?
This is an excellent question that came up recently, and the answer isn’t as obvious as you might think. Also, the answer really matters, if you’re an author hoping to be published somewhere, or striving to self-publish wisely. There is no single answer, either: it will depend on the context, on the kind of publication […]
Marketing discovery #1
As you may know, Wordsmith Writing Coaches doesn’t do a lot of things. We don’t do graphic design, or audiobook production, or edit horror (although we can help you with a psychological thriller). We also don’t do book marketing, although we can help you with branding, and with understanding the basics of how to be […]