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Dear Lee
Guidelines for Budding Authors By a “Still in Love” Writer
The world of publishing certainly has changed. There was a time when authors earned the right to be published; bookstores honored authors; authors honored their craft; and the “love-hate” relationship between publishers and authors had respectful boundaries.
Now any fool with a computer can write and publish in three weeks or less; bookstores, what’s left of them, have little time for authors; and authors launch venomous attacks on their own publishers simply because they have access to blog sites. It was hard in the “old world” to get established as a writer and they had to battle their way to become successful. Authors had to constantly work on their craft. After years and everything authors have accomplished, they still have a lot to learn. Authors should celebrate independent bookstores by doing whatever they can to get people to buy their books. Some writers may fall in-and-out of love with their publishers a dozen times over, but never mutter one negative word about them. The pair work out grievances face-to-face, and with the utmost respect for the publisher’s position. In turn, these authors were given respect. Because writing and publishing is important in so many of our lives, here is a little advice for new writers:
1. Since publishing can be a matter of uploading a file and ordering a book on demand, instead of earning the right to be published: Earn the right to be read.
2. Learn your craft—honor it, love it and NEVER think you have it mastered
3. Bookstores are a dying breed. They don’t support new writers, in fact they seem to go out of there way to hurt them, therefore: Think outside the trade. If you have to sell you books on the street corner, do it.
4. Whether or not you self-publish, co-op, or are given a million dollar advance by one of the big companies: Market your book and yourself like your life depends upon it. Don’t wait for someone to create your success for you.
5. If you do have a publisher, remember you signed the contract. If there is a violation of the contract, get it fixed. If you can’t, then handle it in a prudent manor. But don’t jump on the scam-calling bandwagon. Thanks to the Internet it’s already overcrowded.
6. READ. I don’t care if it is a physical book or kindle. READ.
7. Support your colleagues. This business, at best, is fiercely competitive. Some writers and publishers try to undermine the competition by supplying a arbitrary lists of who’s hot and who’s not and who’s a scam and who isn’t. Ignore them and their lists. Seek out positive, helpful people. Seek out what works for you.
8. If a door doesn’t open for you: Build your own door and walk through it. Don’t sit around belly aching and bad-mouthing that the industry isn’t what you want it to be. Get off your butt and do something positive and good.
9. Get editorial assistance. There aren’t many writers worth their weight that do not have an editor that is twice their worth. Be prepared to pay for this expert service. Please don’t think for one minute that you are above it. Everyone needs help sometimes.
10. This is a big one: Nothing is free. Stop believing that an agent is going to fall so in love with you and your work. They are not going to become your editor, publicist, agent, best-friend and punching bag. If they don’t put a value on their work and expertise why should you? There are a few agents and agencies that don’t require any fees upfront and they will perform the duties of all of the above, but don’t count on just that.
11. Here’s a bit of recent nonsense: Writers should be paid, not pay. This rumor was obviously started by a writer who has never been published and doesn’t want you to get published either. If you are not paying with your time, money, ideas, sweat, tears, laughter, joy and everything else you can think of, your are not going to amount to much in any industry. Therefore, Invest in yourself.
12. Live your passion NOW. Life may look long and time may seem endless but it is over in a blink of an eye. One day your running strong, carrying you’ve lost a dream that you thought you would have time to make come true.
13. When all else fails, and it will, take a deep breath and start over
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I hate my publisher. They expect me to participate in the promotion and marketing of my first book—a memoir. I did agree to some things, like a book trailer and a some advance reviews copies, which I PAID for but they’ve been late on everything. Their excuse for not giving me my stuff is they do not to begin marketing too far in advance of the release of the book. That’s ridiculous. I’ve contacted some of the Internet watchdogs and they are going to help me take this publisher down. They’ve been trying to get this publisher for years. They advised me to contact their State Attorney General’s office and file a complaint which I did, now I need others to rally around the flagpole. Will you help rid the world of this scam? Up with Authors |
| Dear Up, I checked out your title on your publisher’s website. Nice cover. Sounds interesting even if you aren’t famous. The book is available through many sources and the ancillary rights are actively represented. The publisher gave me a sneak preview of your book trailer which was very entertaining. Now the question I have is why do publishers even bother with new writers? That being said: Get a grip. If it is more important that you “take down” your own publisher, then it is to “build up” your work, then you are not really serious about being an author. You’re a wannabe. When you found out the amount of work, time, effort and yes, money that goes into launching your title you folded like a overloaded card-table. Here’s an idea, follow the Internet voices all the way to trial, your trial. Unless you can firmly prove your accusations against the publisher are true, you are in serious trouble. The publisher just may “rally” its authors against you because damage the publisher, you damage the titles, and damage the authors. I don’t suspect that you and your publisher can kiss and make-up? That would be far sweeter than the battle you are in for, not to mention the self-inflicted damage to your own title. I hope you don’t expect the Internet watchdogs will help you get published because they won’t. They have their own agenda and it isn’t helping new authors. Once publishers learn what you’re up to, they won’t touch you with a flagpole. In fact, in another twenty years you can brag on some blog site how persistent you’ve been about not getting published, then proceed to give advice to new writers on how to get published. You are now an official scam-busted. My sympathies to your publisher. |
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I called all the people who are on the “worst list” that is posted all over the Internet. I had interesting discussion with most of those agents and publishers who are still answering their phones. Here’s my conclusion: The people who put that list together should be sued. Not only by the individuals and companies on that list but by new writers who trusted these sites to give honest, researched, accurate ratings. I believe new writers are being grossly misled. The question is why would a small group of people get together and create, distribute and defend such a horrendous and seemingly malicious deed upon new writers and select, targeted companies? Unfortunately, a lot of damage was done, some irreparable. This is a lose-lose situation for all agents, publishers and writers because they all allowed this cancer to spread. Why didn’t the trade stop this in its tracks? By the way: I signed a contract with one of the “worst” agents. I’m totally and completely happy with my choice. I may have not gotten a publishing contract from one of the biggies, but my book comes out next year. I even got an advance. A tiny one, but at least I had three people who believed in me: my agent, my publisher and myself. Now, I’m moving on to the next step: self-promotion. I have a war-chest I’ve been building over the years and now I’m going to use it. I’m glad I have a Brain |
| Dear Brain, First, good for you. Instead of moaning and groaning about how agents should do this and publishers should do that, you took the proverbial bull by the horns. My best wishes for your success and that of your agent and publisher. To answer your question, early on everyone was afraid. If you spoke up, you got slaughtered. The Internet was relatively new and most just didn’t understand its influence or how to use it. Things are different now. The playing field is almost level. The good guys are stepping up to the plate. More new writers need to do the same thing. They need to understand that the few did not have the good of the many in mind when lists, attacks on reputations and cyber threats were issued. The world of publishing is evolving and changing. No matter how much we would all like to think that publishing and writing is like we see in the movie version, movies are make-believe. There are so many options for new writers these days. Basically, publishers don’t have to prove themselves to the new writer. The new writer has to prove themselves to the publisher. And, it takes more than good writing to get noticed. It takes people like you who accept the challenge of today’s publishing realities. Again, best wishes. |
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| Dear Lee, I was recently asked by a publishing company about my “platform.” What is a platform? I want to be published |
| Dear I want, It is getting more and more common for publisher to ask about the writer’s “platform.” Basically, they are trying to determine whether or not you have in place a way to generate out-of-trade book sales that may or may not lead to trade sales. For example: Do you conduct seminars and workshops, and if so, how many a year and what is the average attendance? Do you have radio show? Television show? If so, what is your estimated audience? Do you belong to groups, clubs, trade organizations, etc.? If so, what are they and how can they help promote your book? When approaching a publisher it would be a very good idea to submit with you manuscript your platform. It usually takes the form of a promotional and publicity plan. |
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| Dear Lee, My publisher wants me to get a book trailer done. Should I? To Video or Not to View |
| Dear Video, “To Video.” That is the answer. |
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I was going to sign a contract with a literary service company for consulting, then I went on the Internet and did, what I now admit, was terrible and foolish research on that particular company. Two websites stated that the owner and the company were “scams.” I forwarded this information to the company and stated it was my sole reason for declining their contract. I received a detailed letter from the company that was sound, logical and forthright. It was unfortunate that a person of my insight and intelligence would actually believe angry voices in the dark wilderness instead of trusting the relationship that the owner and I had built over the past year. So, I contacted one of those voices only to discover that the angry voice did not have the proof to back up their claim. When I advised this person to take down the entry, they refused. Know why? Because this angry voice is just that “angry.” In fact, it goes beyond anger…this person is “out there” and not in a good sense. This voice then proceeded to try and justify his actions. When that didn’t work, he tried to ridicule me on the forum-heavy website. It gets better: A week later on his blog, he began chastising others for throwing around defaming remarks on the Internet. We all have our missions in life, but really, blogging all day long as a career? Hurting people because your ego is either that frail or that immense and then believing that you are above the law of man and that of a greater being? Two things: First: There is justice. It may not show up according to our time frame, but it will show up. Snarky bloggers have lost their money, their spouses and their children because they just can’t seem to keep their fingers off the keyboard. I don’t know what kind of justice will work, but it will come nonetheless. Second: I screwed up. I insulted a friend, lost a chance to get my writing really focused and simply embarrassed the shit out of myself. I bet there’s a lot of new writer’s that let those angry, ugly voices get into their head, too. Unfortunately, in the end, it is the new writer that gets it… in the end! (PS: Sorry for such a long note. I hope you’ll still publish it.) -Making Amends in Alabama |
| Dear Amends, Here’s another take: Maybe the “snarky blogger” you are referring to is really running a business and is getting paid to cause loss of reputation and income to certain industry professionals. Perhaps the only justice that will register with your “snarky blogger” types is for people to stop visiting those sites. It probably won’t stop them from blogging, but at least they will slip into the cold, dark basement of the Internet where they belong. |
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| Dear Lee, Okay, Lee…this is totally priceless. Go to *&^%!@#& (Editor’s Note: Since WNW does not recommended this particular site as a viable source for information, the website address has been deleted.) Man, does this sound like a case of “cover your ass?!” Of course, that’s just my opinion. Quoting Webster’s? What a joke! How about quoting the legal definition of scam then following that up with what happens to you “legally speaking” when you defame someone? -LOL |
| Dear LOL, Oh boy! That wasn’t nice. However, I have received dozens of emails regarding this blogger’s recent entry. My only response is…giggle, giggle, giggle. That wasn’t grown up, was it? So how about this: Ha-ha-ha. Okay, I’ll come up with something more dignified next week after I finish rolling on the floor with laughter. |
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| Dear Lee, There is a popular blogger on a well-known writer’s site. He is always posting stuff on what agents, publishers and writers should do and not do like he or she is some kind of authority. He or she has also jumped on the “let’s call everyone that doesn’t do things my way a scam” bandwagon. Well, I just found out the skinny on this guy. He has been writing fiction for a million years and has yet to be published. But, ever the optimist, he remains hopeful. My guess is that he’s following his own bad advice, which really is nothing more than fiction. |
| Dear Truth, I wonder if this blogger has figured out that the companies, agents and publishers he or she is knocking have their own network where information about bloggers who have all the answers to all of the questions are neatly filed in the DO NOT TOUCH file? |
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| Dear Lee, This is unbelievable: For the past year, I have developed a friendship with a person who recently sent me their self-published book that was absolutely in desperate need of help. This writer knew it needed help. I read the book, spent two hours talking to him about the writing, lack of structure and the market. He knew he couldn’t make the necessary changes on his own, so he asked for my help. I offered my assistance, quoted him a price for my services and presented the bid in a professional manner. He proceeded to insult me by spewing rubbish that some person he doesn’t know and who I never met or spoke with, posted about me and my company on a website that serves no purpose other than to defame and hurt people. This guy knows me! He knows my work. He knows people, big people, in the industry who respect me and endorse the high quality of my work. Yet, he believed some stranger that doesn’t have anything good to say about anyone unless it’s their own agent or one of their fellow “bad-fingered” bloggers. -A Really Upset Agent |
| Dear Upset, I can’t be sure, but if your “friend” is from Alabama, I think they may be really, really sorry. I believe in second chances, and in some cases, third chances. I hope you do, too. Maybe you two can work things out. As far as a second chances for the “defamer” well, I may not be as generous now that Internet case law is on the books. |
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Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, My spouse is a writer. He’s been published a couple of times, but he doesn’t make near enough money for us to live on. To be honest, he doesn’t make that much at all. However, the way he spins it, you’d think he’s making millions of dollars. Here’s my problem: My spouse, I’ll call him Eddy, is on blog sites for writers nearly 18 hours a day! He’s giving out all kinds of advice—whether it is true, sound advice, I don’t know. I’m an accountant with a steady job. The question is: If it is good, solid information, then, why isn’t he following his own advice? Recently, he has taken to “rating” publishers, agents, other writers and even commented on the janitorial department at a major publishing company. Most of what he writes is very negative and I’m afraid we are going to get sued. Now here’s the kicker: We have a three year old son who has been in daycare since he was six months old. Because of our financial situation, mostly due to Eddy’s lack of a steady income, I was forced to have Eddy care for our son at home. The first week, which was also the last week Eddy “cared” for our child, was a nightmare. That’s when I realized my husband is blog addict. I love Eddy and I want to keep my marriage in tact. However, if things don’t change I’m going to give him a choice: Me, our son and our marriage or those damn blog sites. I’m actually afraid to give him the choice because I believe my son and I would come out the losers. I need help. I don’t know where to turn. -A Blog Widow |
| Widow, It seems old Eddy needs a wake-up call, so you are going to have lay down some rules. Let’s think about this: Eddy doesn’t have a job or at least a job that supports his family; he unwilling or unable to care for his own child properly; he seeks adulation and interaction with strangers as opposed to his own family; he lies about his status and qualifications, he is creating a potential legal ordeal for himself and you since it will be your money to support his defense, and I’m willing to bet that he can’t stay off the blogs for twenty-four hours. You need to get him professional help. You are going to need some help, too. You’ve been supporting this guy for how long and you just realized that there are some major problems in the relationship? If Eddy can’t get in control of his addiction and become a responsible parent, then it is up to you do the best thing for your child. Good luck to you, Eddy and your son. |
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| Dear Lee, It was announced on the cover of Publishers Weekly that the magazine co-oped with an author. The publishing trends are changing, but the “informational” sites that claim to help writers are not keeping up with the times. Why do you think that is? -Out of the Loop |
| Dear Loop, Control. And it’s really hard for some people to admit that they just aren’t that good at what they do. |
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| Dear Lee, This is a strange one. Several months ago, my husband decided to get a 3000 piece medieval landscape floor puzzle. He asked me to help him put it together. His interest in puzzles was puzzling enough, but this activity seemed to “arouse” him. Anyway, I won’t go into details, but I’ll get to the point. There’s this website for writers (my husband is a novelist, yet to be published) and my husband began chatting with one of the writers, who I learned, is a floor puzzle enthusiast. She is also my husband’s online, make-believe lover. They work on the same puzzle at the same time and share their “puzzling” activities with each other. My husband has broken all confidences and I absolutely will never trust him again. I learned that this woman is married. I have managed to get her husband’s work number. Question: Should I call him and tell him about his wife and my husband? -Puzzled in Maine |
| Dear Puzzled, I can only say that if my husband were involved in online “puzzling,” I would definitely want to know. The call is yours. |
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Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, Blog, blog , blog, blog, blog, blog, blog. What the hell is wrong with these people who would rather spend every waking hour blogging with strangers in some make believe world than spending time with their family and friends in the real world? I’m asking because my best friend is about to lose his wife to the Vampire Bloggers. How can we save her? -When a Stake in the Heart Won’t Work |
| Dear Stake in the Heart, Get her some professional help. I’m not referring to a vampire slayer, but to a psychiatrist. Like gambling, blogging can be an addiction. When bloggers go bad, they hurt more than just themselves. Get yourself an S!BAN button today and wear it proudly. Stop! Blogging Addiction Now. |
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| Dear Lee, I have money saved to begin my new career path in publishing. I just finished the last set of rewrites and was about to start marketing my work to agents and publishers. I was always wiling to pay my way because I know it takes money to make money. Now I’m worried that with all the financial problems we’re experiencing in the United States, that maybe I should just forget my dreams and go quietly into retirement. You have any words of encouragement? -Torn Between Two Worlds |
| Dear Torn, It has been my experience that life offers to us what we want the most and what we fear the most. Everything else passes by unnoticed. You are at a crossroads: Two questions: What do you fear most? Going quietly or living your dream? Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Let me know what you decided to do. |
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| Dear Lee, I work for a large publishing company, and I find myself growing more and more unhappy with the industry. Granted, I’ve been around for a long time. I’d say I had more successes than failures. I’m pretty proud of both. There was a time that I was proud to be a part of the publishing and literary world. However, today there are far-reaching problems, that frankly, have me disgusted and worried about the future. In my day, the “new-guard” were honorable people, eager to make their mark. They were respectful of the “old-guard” and sought out their experience and wisdom. The old was always ready to pass the torch to the new. Today, there is a new breed of literary agents that prosper by attacking the established agents. Here’s an example: I was attending a writer’s retreat where I meet with a lot of agents who pitch their projects. I inquired why my old friend who is an agent was taken off the presenter’s list. I was told that several Internet sites and some agent reporting site listed my buddy as a scam. A scam! Furthermore, the organizers of the event were threatened that if they did not drop this agent from attending the retreat, that an Internet campaign would be launched to “expose” that event as a venue to help scammers scam new writers. Unbelievable. This event was sponsored by a very high profile and respected industry publication. How can they let themselves be bullied by these Internet thugs? -Disappointed in New York |
| Dear Disappointed, Many times a week I am asked the same question. The best I can figure is that the industry had a choice to put a quick end to the thuggery when it first began, but instead they allowed and even assisted the Internet thugs. Now the beast is out of control. If I had an answer for how to end this mess, I would make a fortune. Sadly, I once thought that the law would protect us people. Yes, people. Not websites. Websites are not to blame for this malignancy, people are. I suppose the only solution to stop the spread of this smelly waste is for people to stop visiting toxic websites. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I'd really like to see my mystery novel published, but at the same time I want to be realistic and understand the process. My book is well written and marketable, but I know that there are many good books out there. What can I expect from a publisher that is willing to give me a chance? -Hopeful, but Realistic |
| Dear Hopeful, I am going to address the realistic side of your personality. In doing so, I have a question for you: What can a publisher expect from you? There are a lot of well-written, marketable manuscripts floating around out there. Many of them have big names attached to them. You have to wonder why a publisher would invest in yours. When you think about it, what do you bring to the table that hundreds of hopeful writers do not? If you have nothing to offer at this stage in your career, you’ll have to start building. If being a published author is something you really, really want, there are dues to pay. If it were as easy as some Internet sites would have you believe, everyone who wrote a book would be rich and famous. The “mantra” that some self-proclaimed experts are chanting that “writers should be paid, they shouldn’t pay” is about as ridiculous as they come. As a writer, you must invest your time and money. It’s a business, Hopeful, a business. Writing is only one step in the process. You must market yourself and your work. Grisham did. In fact, he, along with many famous authors, started out self-publishing their work. Ask Deepak Chopra, Tom Peters and James Redfield how they got started. Perhaps this is the mantra the “experts” should chant: As much as you are willing to give. |
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| Dear Lee, I've worked with my agent for over a year, and she has already sold two of my manuscripts. She aggressively marketed my work to several publishers and has always been professional, responsive, and honest with me. Last month, I met someone at a writers' conference and mentioned how helpful my agent had been. When I mentioned the name of the agency, she told me that my agent was a scam artist and was only interested in making money off vulnerable writers who didn't know better. She said you should never pay an agent for anything. I don't agree, and think it is only right that my agent be paid for her time, just like I and everyone I know expect to be. The writer told me that agents should only make money on commissions after the manuscript has been sold. I'm not a rocket scientist, but it doesn't take much for me to realize that a writer trying to get his first big break will probably not make a lot of money in the beginning. An agent would have to have a lot of clients with substantial royalties to make a huge salary on the 15% she receives. I'm thrilled that my agent took an interest in me and has been successful with my work. I can't imagine expecting her to spend hours promoting my books without compensation from me. Am I right, or am I a fool that's totally missing the boat? |
| Dear Guy, Will wonders ever cease? A writer who actually understands that publishing is a business. The only boat you missed is the chance to get the name and address of the person who slandered your agent and take them to task. If the person who called your agent a scam was one of the presenters, then the sponsors of the conference need to be notified, so give your agent all the pertinent information. Let me guess: You’re agent is on some Internet sites with a Worst Agent List, right? Now let me say this: Consider the source. Consider their motives. Consider that they are being sued. If you are happy with your agent, that should be enough. I feel so bad for new writers today. You are a perfect example of the chaos a few have caused in the literary profession. You and your agent accomplished something really great and someone comes along and tries to steal your thunder and has you second-guessing yourself. The literary industry has taken a nosedive in the past few years. Not because of agents, but because of the vicious attacks on agents that have been allowed to go unchecked by literary and publishing professionals and the trade in general. Everyone is afraid they will be the next target by these Internet bullies. Keep you head held high and encourage your agent to do the same. What goes aound, comes around. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I haven't quit my day job yet, but I am published and by the grace of God have a wonderful agent, finally. Just wondering if I am the only fiction writer who finds every other fiction writer to be much better than herself. Within the past year, the books I read seem to be so much better than mine that I can't imagine my work published by a known publisher---ever. This hasn't been the case within the ten years I have been at the craft---only fairly recently. Do you suppose I am getting down because I haven't cashed in, or am I simply seeing the light? -Alone in my mind. |
| Dear Alone, Just like actors, there are not a lot of writers who can afford to quit their day jobs. However there are a lot of writers who earn a nice living in the field they love. In addition to your writing, you can teach continuing education courses on novel writing at your local community college; offer private writing consultations, co-author, ghostwrite and conduct workshops and seminars. It seems that you have held a steady course in making your dream of becoming a published author a reality. Good for you. Right now, you’re walking through the storm of self-doubt. It’s something most of us do and it’s actually a healthy sign because it means that you want to improve your work. Hemmingway once said that he was a continual journeyman and always learning something new about his craft. That kind attitude sure beats the hell out of, let’s say, a science fiction writer who novelizes a television series and thinks that they hold the key to the publishing kingdom. Keep steady, Alone. Think about this: James Patterson started publishing around 1978. He kept steady and just look where he is now. It’s important to remember that being an author isn’t just about writing books; it’s also about self-promotion and advertising. Fill the trunk of your car with your books and pass those babies out every opportunity you get. No matter who your publisher is, hold your head up high, be proud of your accomplishments, ignore your detractors and don’t let anyone get between you and the vision you have. Hey, I have a song I want you to listen to: “When You Walk through a Storm.” I think after you listen to the words a couple of times, your spirits will pick up. In a week or two let me know how you’re doing. I’ll bet you have some great advice to share with other readers of WNW. |
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| Dear Lee, The moment I decided to become a writer, I froze and couldn’t write a word. What’s that all about? -Ice Man Cometh |
| Dear Ice Man, It could be one of two things: Fear of Failure or Fear of Success. Then again, it could simply be a case of wanting to be a writer as opposed to being one. Here’s an offer: Contact Lisa at editor@writersnewsweekly.com and offer to do a column or series of short stories. She’ll put you on a deadline, and then we’ll see if you have the stuff real writers are made of. |
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| Dear Lee, I’m totaling pissed about the column that appeared in WritersNewsWeekly titles “Male Fantasy: Why Do Fictional Woman Always Have Big Boobs?” As a male writer, I’m begging you to please spread the word that “WE WILL NOT GIVE UP OUR FANTASIES.” We men have drawn the line: We are keeping our large-breasted, long-legged, over-sexed female characters. -Anonymous (Have to be or my wife will kill me) |
| Dear Anonymous, As long as you are keeping it between, excuse me, the pages, I don’t see any harm. |
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| Dear Lee, I was publishing by a POD publisher. This publisher is getting slammed on popular Internet and blog site for writers. I noticed that the same people who are dissing my publisher are being sued for libel. I just want to say that I made an informed decision to go with this publisher. I’m a new writer and by being a new writer there are not many doors that are open to me. At least this publisher gave me a chance to see my book in print. I literally have sold my book door-to-door and store-to-store. I am paying my dues. I’m working hard to make a name for myself. In doing so, I have run across bookstore owners and writers groups who will not allow me to participate because of my publisher. I’ve gotten excellent reviews, great endorsements and my book is selling. I’ve even made money. When I asked why they have such a poor opinion of my publisher they referred me to those above sources. Don’t those people understand that they are not helping writers and in fact that they are hurting them? I noticed that when an author tries to defend their publisher or attempt to correct misinformation that has spread, these people who operate the sites get really hostile. They went as far as to post personal information about an author that, I am sure, was quite embarrassing to him. I felt so bad for him I bought several copies of his book and recommend his work every chance I get. In closing, I hope they are found guilty of libel and all the other charges. Maybe that will allow us new authors to get on with our careers without their Internet inference. -Leave My Publisher Alone |
| Dear Leave, First, you’re assuming that they really do what to “help” new writers. Maybe their true agenda is to “hurt” new writers. Don’t let these people derail your efforts. Treat them the way they desire to be treated: Don’t visit their sites. Don’t take their advice. Ignore them. Right now, there are not many laws in place that protect us from Internet inference, but, to quote Bob Dylan: “Come writers and critics Who prophesize with your pen And keep your eyes wide The chance won’t come again And don’t speak too soon For the wheels still in spin And there’s no tellin who That it’s namin. For the loser now Will be later to win For the times they are a-changin.” |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I recently visited a website that claims to be a reference source for writers regarding literary agents and publishers. I heard about this site from a friend who is researching the researchers. There is an agent on the site who is on the “not recommended” list of “bad” agents. Why you ask? Because this agent charges fees. Forget the fact that the agent has been dead for years, which would have been a better reason for not recommending them. My friend tells me that this site and similar ones have caused a lot of damage to good people and good companies. I personally can’t believe that anyone takes them serious. The way I see it, if a new writer believes this nonsense, they have just taken the meaning of the word “idiot” to new heights. Agree or disagree? -Researching the Researcher |
| Dear Researching, Every Tom, Dick or Harry who has access to the Internet can create a “World According to Me” site. In their virtual world, they make their own rules, which they enforce by any means necessary. In the real world, they would not fair so well. There are many reasons why these people do what they do and why people believe them. The unfortunate thing is that good people and good businesses have been irreparably damaged. As for taking “idiot” to new heights, well, I just returned from a debate with lawmakers regarding freedom of speech and libel on the Internet. Now there’s a group that have successfully redefined the meaning of idiot. |
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| Dear Lee, I have a writing problem. I recently spoke with an agent regarding my manuscript. He wants me to change my entire story. Something about not enough conflict and staying in a point of view, among other things. I have a ton of conflict and my point of view is in the third person. I don’t think they know what they are talking about. Why should I have to listen to them, anyway? -My Way |
| Dear Your Way, Tons of conflicts? Great. I’ll bet none of the “conflict” is developed. As far as your point of view being the “third” person, the question becomes, who is the third person whose POV you are in? First and third are forms of narration. POV is best explained by asking the question, “From whose eyes are we seeing this story?” Most of the time, the POV belongs to your main character (protagonist.) You know what? Read a few good books on the craft of fiction writing. While you’re at it, read a few good novels, too. Listen to your agent. If he offers any writing services, you may want to take them, My Way. |
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| Dear Lee, This story goes out to your new writers. I was offered a contract by a very small publisher. It was a three book deal with very small advance on the first book and a little better advance on the next two books. The deal also had a bonus structure. I had to agree to buy some promotional copies of my first book but none of the second and third. I sought advice on the Internet, and was contacted by a published author who advised me against signing the contract. This author told me that the publisher was being “investigated” for fraud. I believed this person. I turned down the contract and at this author’s urging self-published the first book “To keep control of my rights,” as she said. I went with a self-publishing company that they recommended. After I self-published, I realized I needed a distributor, had to advertise, etc. I never wanted to be a publisher; I just wanted to be an author. The first book flopped, and I have a ton of unsold copies I doubt I can get rid of. Recently, I received a letter from the small publisher informing me that their budget for next year has been approved and they can offer me the same three book deal with a slightly higher advance on each book, and I don’t have to buy any promotional copies on the first book. I also learned that they received a few awards for some of their titles, and that they have had success in selling foreign translation and movie rights. To top it off, a few house-hold name authors have been endorsing their new authors’ works. I immediately called the publisher to tell them to move ahead and send me the contract. I explained that I made a mistake and self-published the first book in the series. The publisher was very deeply sorry (I could hear it in her voice,) and explained that she was unable to offer the contract to me. She went on to say that the publishing house doesn’t publish previously published fiction unless it had a proven market. Furthermore, I learned that the same author that told me not to accept the contract contacted the publisher with a three book project of her own! She is being published by them, and I am not. The moral of the story: The Internet sucks, and I’m a jerk without a publisher. -I Should Have Signed |
| Dear Should Have, There’s absolutely nothing wrong with self-publishing if you want to be an author or publisher. Many good and well-known authors started out that way. I don’t think this is about self-publishing, but rather about taking advice from some voice echoing in the wildness. Anyway, thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like both you and that small publisher lost. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I recently went on a writer’s blog and much to my surprise, a colleague of mine was being slammed. I learned that not one of these wannabe-writer’s ever had any contact with the publisher. Furthermore, there was a competitor who stated that this particular publisher was a scam and then proceeded to make an offer to the other bloggers that she would answer their questions about publishing and writing for $35.00 a question. I made a statement on the blog questioning the integrity of my colleague and I was verbally attacked by this group. One person on the site asked if we could “privatize” our debate and exchange information in an effort to get to the truth. Like a fool, I agreed. We corresponded via email a few times and guess what? This person accused me of cyberstalking, then somehow (I wonder how,) my email address was posted on this blogsite and tagged as a “scam lover.” I started to receive threats and “friendly” advice, saying that I should forget about coming to the aid of my colleague. I have a feeling if I proceed against them in anyway, I’ll be their next target. What do you think? -Amazed, Dazed and Confused |
| Dear ADC, Unfortunately, your situation is not uncommon. My advice is to move on. What else can you do? Sue them? You don’t even know who “them” is. Report them to the Internet Provider? Right, like they care. Engage them further? That would be downright silly. Make a police report? Depends upon the nature of the threat. Stay out of chatrooms? Now there’s a thought. |
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| Dear Lee, I have a personal situation. It doesn’t involve writing, publishing, the Internet or literary agents. It’s about the size of my penis. It’s huge. I scare women. What can I do? -Too Big to Love |
| Dear Mr. Big, It sounds to me that this is about writing…fiction that is. |
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| Dear Lee, I belong to a writer’s group. I pay my dues. I volunteer. I donate to their legal fund. Recently, I have been very uncomfortable about the direction this group is taking. I looked up the founder’s mission statement, and I think the group has lost sight of what they are supposed to be doing. In one year they have been sued twice. The group is consistently receiving threats of legal action for libel and interference of trade, among other charges. My concern is that I’m afraid that if I voice my opinion, I will be blackballed. By being an active member of this group, I get a lot of perks. Their “exclusive” agent represents me. And because this agent is closely tied in with a publisher, I get my work published. I don’t make a lot on the books I write, but I do make a lot doing seminars, lectures and consulting with new writers. Believe it or not, I’m making somewhere in the six figures. Money or morals? That is the question. -Stuck |
| Dear Stuck, I once had a friend that told me to stop living in the world of this-or-that, either-or. She said people have This, That and Both. She also said a person is never stuck for long. It is against nature. Eventually you’ll move. Somewhere in your mind, you have already chosen your direction, so consult yourself. Then act according to your true self. |
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| Dear Lee, This is another one of those stories about, “He who rules the rooster, rules the nest.” A well-known writer’s association held a contest for the best novel published in 2007. I entered my novel and paid the entry fee. I was chosen as a finalist. I paid for the airfare, hotel and tickets to the awards banquet. Guess who won? The founder’s daughter! Now, is that fair? -Nothing Romantic About Being a Loser |
| Dear Romantic, Rule Number 106: Life isn’t fair. Rule Number 958: Joiners are followers. Rule Number: 194875872358775435867903: You have the right to start your own writing awards program. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
