  For Authors
This week: 5 Observations from the Editor's Desk Edited by: Fyn  
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Why do writers write? Because it isn't there.
- Thomas Berger
I'd rather be a failure at something I enjoy than a success at something I hate.
- George Burns
You don't write because you want to say something: You write because you've got something to say.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
There is probably no hell for authors in the next world - they suffer so much from critics and publishers in this.
- C. N. Bovee
Every writer I know has trouble writing.
- Joseph Heller
If you want to be a writer - stop talking about it and sit down and write!
- Jackie Collins
Write drunk; edit sober.
- Ernest Hemingway
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Observations...
1. Write books or poetry because you must, because you simply can't not write and you will be happy. Write books or poetry to make money and you will likely be disappointed. Amazon adds thousands of books to their inventory every day. The major book list suppliers are running six to eight weeks behind adding current books to their lists.
2. Self-publish because you want to see your book in print. Not because you think you will be famous or make a gazillion bucks. Maybe you will. Maybe that right 'someone' will notice it and you'll make a fortune or receive an option on movie rights. Miracles do happen and sure, it could happen to you...
3. Be a 'good' author. Work with (versus against) your publisher. They know what they are doing, have the experience and devote countless hours to it. Don't think you are the expert. They are. Listen to their advice, consider it carefully: Remember--they WANT your book to sell. It is how they make money.
4. When you self-publish you will not just be the author. After the writing, the editing and the revising are all finished, and you hold your book in your own hands, then you must become marketer, advertiser, and walking commercial for your book. You have the best shot at making your book a success. You could have a dynamite book, but it is up to you to sell it! The world, most likely, will not beat a path to your door. YOU have to ake the noise, get noticed and make folks want your book!
5. Even the big-box publishers are getting into self-publishing. Dell Books, Random House and others now offer self-publishing packages. Of course theirs start at anywhere from twelve to twenty-five to fifty grand! Always research what you get for your money. An important thing to look at is competitive pricing--apples to apples; not apples to oranges. Some offer marketing, editing, reviews, signings and press releases. Some offer none of that but might have a requirement to order 500 books. Some print only on demand. Some give you original covers...some do not; indeed, there have been identical covers recently by big-box publishers. Different books--same image.
Just as a good writer will research their material when writing a book, a good author will research the company they pay to publish. Do they have an office you can walk into should you be in their area? Can you call and get a real person? Are they only reachable by email? Do you have input on your covers, layouts and editing? Do you get final approval on the things I just mentioned? Are they huge and cookie cutter or small and approachable? Are they one company or one company operating under three different names? Do they offer a variety of possibilities of you book being on the bookstore ordering lists, just (and only) on Amazon or Amazon and scads of other places? Do they offer E-books (Nook and Kindle) or not? Just a few of the things to research so that you get the best fit for you!
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PartyBee  responded:Fyn,
What a great dedication to the Writing.com. It's meant a lot to me, too. I've really grown as a writer and I still remember as a black case getting those reviews from yellows & blues and my heart would beat a little faster. Thanks so much for sharing your memories. I've been with WDC since 2005 and it's been a great 6 years. Smiles, Steph
~~~I joined in 2005 as well....best thing I've ever joined online!
monty31802 adds: Great job, I am sure we all appreciate WDC I have had two books published since I have been here Co-Authered with Countrymom One in 02 and one in 04.
~~~GOOD JOB! WTG :)
Christina~Thanks StoryMaster  says: Wow! What a wonderful, nostalgic newsletter. I almost cried, and not just for the fact that my poem is featured in here. *Bigsmile* Thanks a ton! I completely share the feeling of belonging and growth that I have felt here! It's a home away from home! I am addicted! *Laugh*
~~~Awesome...isn't it? Love this place to pieces!
{user;fiana_darklord} writes: WDC means soo much to me. It gives me a place to get support for my writing when I have nowhere else to turn. I have been allowed to grow here and taught many tips and tricks to allow my writing to shine more than I ever thought possible. I continue to learn and grow every day and WDC provides me with a special place all my own. Although, not published quite yet I have made more steps towards that goal then ever before. Thanks to WDC.
~~~Me too!
{user;angelfeather} comments:Happy 11 years! Woot!! This site and the people who ... are awesome! Thank you all. Little things are bigger things to others.
~~~true, true!
LJPC - the tortoise adds:Hi Fyn! I echo your feelings about WDC. It's been responsible for any writing success I've had, and I don't know what I'd do without the amazingly supportive friends I've found here.  Rock on, WDC!!!-- Laura
~~~I totally agree with you on that one!!!
irish_hussey69 writes:I have met some amazing writers and friends on WDC. The level of acceptance and support here has been invaluable in allowing me to grow as a writer. The technical advice, shared thoughts and encouragement has boosted my confidence, fanned the flames of my creativity, and helped me take my first baby steps into publishing with short stories. Thank you Fyn for being one of those writers, cheerleaders, and friends.
~~~yup yup!
Zeke  adds: WDC is an integral part of my everyday life. I have learned a lot here and I hope I have helped others. Thank you WDC!!! Zeke
~~~Isn't it wonderful? :)
JACE  says:Absolutely an awesome tribute to WDC, Fyn. I've only been here half the time you have and everything you wrote applies to me. I'd been here two weeks and was wondering if I'd made a mistake joining ... and then received a review from aszreal that opened the floodgates. I recommend WDC to everyone I meet, writer or not.
~~~Me too!
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For Authors: October 05, 2011 Issue [#4649]
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