Noticing Newbies: July 02, 2008 Issue [#2473]
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Noticing Newbies


 This week: News We can Use-Writer Beware
  Edited by: esprit Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Welcome to the Noticing Newbies Newsletter! Our goal is to showcase some of our newest Writing.Com Authors and their items. From poetry and stories to creative polls and interactives, we'll bring you a wide variety of items to enjoy. We will also feature "how to" advice and items that will help to jump start the creation process on Writing.com

We hope all members of the site will take the time to read, rate, review and welcome our new authors. By introducing ourselves, reviewing items and reaching out, we will not only make them feel at home within our community, we just might make new friends!


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B083RZJVJ8
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
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Letter from the editor

News We can Use



*Bullet* Amazon and BookSurge

This change could affect those authors who now use Amazon as their book seller.

Amazon.com, the online bookselling giant, announced on March 31, 2008, that it would be requiring all print-on-demand books it sells to be printed by BookSurge, the print-on-demand service it owns. Publishers that don't want to use BookSurge may still sell their books through Amazon's Advantage program, but Amazon will no longer carry POD books it doesn't print itself.

This story was originally broken by Angela Hoy of WritersWeekly and BookLocker, a POD self-publishing service. On May 19, BookLocker filed a class action lawsuit "in response to Amazon's recent attempts to force all publishers using Print on Demand (POD) technology to pay Amazon to print their books."

Writer Beware has blogged about the situation. The Authors Guild has weighed in, as has the ASJA.

*Bullet* Writer Beware's "Two Thumbs Down" Publishers
List

*Bullet* WRITER BEWARE'S THUMBS DOWN AGENCY LIST

*Bullet* Some General Rules for Spotting a Scam Publisher

http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/
http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2007/02/happy-valentines-day-from-writer-beware.ht...
http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubwarn.htm

*Bullet* I highly recommend bookmarking these URLS, and checking them often and thoroughly if you plan to publish anywhere. Check the agent list also. These scammers move around and change their names often to stay one step ahead of angry authors. Writer Beware tracks them down wherever they are.

*Bullet* Remember, honest Publishers and Agents won't come looking for you, and they won't notice your work on the internet. If they do, hang onto your wallet.



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Editor's Picks

 The Vision Open in new Window. [18+]
A vision....
by Quint Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Timescape Open in new Window. [E]
A look into the mind of an American Poet
by mikedono Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 The chase: Open in new Window. [E]
The chase: To catch the hacker that stole sensitive information. To be cont.
by wayne w. williams Author Icon


SUBMITTED ITEMS

Submitted Item:
 Platonic Whisper. Open in new Window. [13+]
A one-sided relationship is born when a man's life is jolted by finding a dead womans body
by Cord Author Icon


Submitted Item:
 The Starless Summer Games of 1997 Open in new Window. [ASR]
A sunny day in grade school. Students line up to race. Let the games begin.
by Oliver D. Anderson Author Icon




Remember to read your neighbor's work too!


Helpful Links

Reviewing News and Views Open in new Window. [E]
Interested in a reviewing newsletter? Come on over!
by Storm Machine Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 WRITING IS HARD WORK Open in new Window. [18+]
Tap dancing through the writer's thought process
by David J IS Death & Taxes Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 To Authors & Readers Open in new Window. [13+]
Things new writers should consider before publishing.
by Voxxylady Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B083RZ2C5F
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


Ask & Answer

Comments on "Invalid EntryOpen in new Window.

Submitted By: 4theLoveofWriting Author IconMail Icon
Submitted Comment: esprit,
this was a fabulous addition of the newsletter.
My two favorite lines;
On an average, it takes most writers seven years to get into print, (apparently I am right on schedule - lol) and
You don't break a rule just to do so, however. You should know the rule, and know what effect you are creating by breaking it. Such an action should never be an accident.

There has been much discussion of reviewing of late. It is interesting and sometimes disheartening to see the the differing opinions.


Thanks, Lizzy. Why don't you submit your concerns about differing review styles to the Reviewing News and Views newsletter, linked above. Perhaps it could be addressed in an editorial.


Submitted By: Helen McNicol Author IconMail Icon
Submitted Comment: I loved your quote in this newsletter. My husband often tells me I am too harsh about my own abilities, but I firmly believe this is what has helped me grow as a writer. But we must also recognise what is good about our work and use that to inspire us to continue.

You're so right!


Submitted By: jjlee
Submitted Comment: Esprit, Thank you for this fine letter on the mistakes we make when reviewing. I've made 'em all. The message that stands out for me is understanding why a competent writer might use fragments or passive language. I'm learning. JJLee

I've made them all too; that's why I wrote the column. No one knows everything. I have learned to never say never. I've learned by the seat of my pants, and try to make it a little easier for others. *Smile* Thank you for the compliment!


Submitted By: maryelle
Submitted Comment: I always find your newsletters about newbies most helpful in my own writing as well as in my attempt to review the works of others. Thank you!

Thanks, Maryelle! We have some fine talent on board, don't we?


Submitted By: Jane Author IconMail Icon
Submitted Comment: Great article (Newbie, June 19 ed)! Suggest you post this as a static item. It should be required reading before anyone is allowed to review. My only nitpick with the piece is, a review is much different than an edit. If an item is intended for publication or if a writer is eager for a feedbk, I edit. If not, I review. It would be helpful to reviewers like me, if members had a way ( a box to ck) to let us know what they prefer: an edit or a review. Thanx, Jane

I agree, Jane. I've found what works for me is to critique/edit only from review forums, and reading the request (invitation) carefully, looking for key words. When I read randomly, (no invitation) I review. It's easy to do and saves a lot of hard-feelings on both sides. There are so many review forums, a reviewer should have no trouble finding those who want both types.


Submitted By: spidey Author IconMail Icon
Submitted Comment: Excellent newsletter on constructive reviewing! I agree with all of it, particularly in pointing out the good parts, passages that move the reader. I always try to point out what worked for me as a reader. Great newsletter!

Thank you, Spidey! I think most reviewers do this naturally. It's easier and fun for everyone. The hard part is saying what's wrong, because no one wants to hurt another's feelings. But, it's very important to say it nicely.


Submitted By: Coolhand Author IconMail Icon
Submitted Comment: Hey esprit, I'm so glad you included "Invalid ItemOpen in new Window. by TimM. It took-up right where you left off and fine-tuned this important subject. Great newsletter.

Best regards, Coolhand


Yes, wasn't it a great article! If anyone notices an article to be helpful, I'd like to include it in future editions. Send me the link and I'll check it out. I know they are in ports across the site, but we must find and notice them before we can learn from them.



Great comments this week! Thank you all! Have a wonderful July 4th whether it's your Independence Day or just a great Friday. Celebrate the day.


Editors:

Cubby Author Icon
laurencia
Your host this week is esprit Author Icon

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