The Authors' Assistant

Kodak Moment

2012-01-24T06:04:00.000-08:00

After more than 130 years, Kodak filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. Kodak invented the modern digital camera, but decided not to invest in it as a core product because they did not want to cannibalize their “cash cow,” film. While they stuck with film, Fuji and Nokia forged ahead with the digital camera. People embraced the new technology and while there are still some die-hards (heck some still prefer black and white), the majority of picture takers and viewers share their photos digitally. This is a cautionary tale. While there will always be those who want to curl up with a printed book, the fact is that more and more people are becoming comfortable with e-books. All writers should take e-books seriously. And with Powell's recent announcement that they will be installing an espresso print-on-demand machine in their indie bookstore, it is clear that the footprint of bookstores will be changing.

Mindy

Wicked E-Readers

2011-12-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

I was surprised with tickets to see the musical, Wicked, in January by my sweetheart. He saw the novel on my bookshelf and thought I'd enjoy seeing the musical.

Of course I was thrilled, but I never actually got around to reading that copy of "Wicked". I bought it as a recommendation a few years ago, and it hasn't left the third row of my bookshelf since.

The other night, I grabbed the book off the shelf with the intention of hunkering down and reading a "REAL" book for the first time in ages. Since, I purchased my Kindle a year ago, I haven't read a print book from beginning to end. I thought it would be a fun jog down nostalgia lane. You know what I'm talking about, the feeling and the smell of holding a paperback.

After a few chapters I looked over at my Kindle and thought, "Man, my kindle is so much lighter than this book. It also has that great book light, and it's so nice having that built in dictionary!"

I couldn't believe these were the thoughts running through my head! Just a few years ago, I was a card-carrying member of the "Books Are Better Than E-readers Cub". How things have changed.

That same night that I opened my print copy of "Wicked", I ordered it on my Kindle. That's right, I paid for the book twice in order to read in my preferred format.

It makes me wonder how many other people are so addicted to their new reading devices that they choose to purchase a digital copy of a book they already own.

I am hooked to my e-reader, and according to book sales statistics for this year, it seems most bibliophiles are as well.

Your Book Community

2011-11-17T06:46:00.001-08:00

While driving to work this morning, I heard NPR’s Lynn Neery report on this year’s 2011 Book Award winners.

Books & Books owner and Miami Book Fair International founder, Mitchell Kaplan, was quoted as saying “The bookstore is the link between writer and reader. Bookstores build community. They are not virtual. They are real places, and they need to survive.”

I thought about the bookstore. When was the last time I visited my local bookstore? A year? Maybe even longer. I am an avid reader, and I haven’t communed with other readers in over a year?

Where do I go for bibliophile fellowship? I go to Amazon and Goodreads to read and leave reviews. I visit author Facebook pages and follow book club Twitter pages.

Where do you commune with bibliophiles?

Amanda Hocking

2011-10-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

A client of mine called Amanda Hocking a "Shero". As an entrepreneur in the publishing industry, I couldn't agree more. Here is a young woman who embraced her dreams of becoming an accomplished writer and is now wildly successful before her 30th birthday.

How did she do it? Just like conquering any entrepreneurial goal, she kept her eye on the prize during the rough patches, she utilized all of her surrounding resources, and she found a market that was becoming increasingly popular.

10 years ago publishers and movie agents wouldn't have touched her work for millions of dollars. Fortunately, in today's current publishing climate, big-whig movie directors are boasting about picking up Hocking's movie rights! It has now become hip to find the "next big thing".

Just like the music industry, getting a popular Indie (a.k.a. independent) band to sign on with your record label is the way of the world. Publishers aren't scouring the earth for writers to send in their manuscripts, they are looking at Kindle Rankings to see what self-published authors are making a splash on their own.

Book Industry's Version of The Red Box

2011-08-29T14:11:00.001-07:00

Too many are decrying the end of the printed book. Truth be told, print is still an option, what is changing is the distribution model. A few years ago at BookExpo America I witnessed the Espresso Machine, and that demo is now a reality. The June 13

Publishers' Weekly featured the following article, a recommended read for writers and readers.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/47574-book-machines-near-the-tipping-point-.html

New Favorite Blog

2011-07-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the month-long absence. This girl was making fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches with Elvis, visiting the Athens of the New World, climbing the highest peaks of the Appalachian in North Carolina, hearing historical ghost stories in Savannah, GA, and listening to audio books on her way back to the greatest city in the US.

After the three week hiatus, The Authors’ Assistant is ready to put her nose to the grindstone.

Upon coming back to Austin, I realized I was missing two key elements of my everyday life: book promotions and the news. After a bit of perusing the internet for the latest advancements in the publishing industry, I ran across a new blog, The Daily Reader. I have to say, it has the potential to become a daily visit for me. It is a one-stop site connecting world news with book recommendations. It just launched this week, and there have only been three posts. But I am willing to let Amanda Hirsch gain her blogging legs to see if she can set sail.

-Danielle

P.S. A picture or two of my journeys to be posted soon.

There's Nothing Like a Good Read

2011-06-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

It's been hot here in Texas--the hottest summer on record. These triple digit temperatures really make a person thirsty. I've never heard a person say, "That bottle really quenched my thirst," or, "That can is just what I needed for my parched throat." What satisfies you when you're thirsty--water, a frosty root beer, a margarita?
All this heat got me wondering, how did the book get top billing over content?
I'm changing my profile. My favorite book is now my favorite read.
I'll also be recommending my favorite reads to friends and clients.
What are you reading? Is it satisfying your thirst?

Picture Book Upload

2011-06-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks I have been struggling with the task of uploading a picture book onto the Nook and Kindle. I've uploaded several novels, but never a book in jpeg format. What a task that ended up being! Sizing issues, pixel count, format conversions...oy vey.

It is finally complete, and the book can be purchased by all of America.

WLoT Conference Update

2011-06-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe the Agents & Editors conference was two weeks ago! I have had ample time to process my thoughts on the event.

I went into the Hyatt expecting literary agents selling their "snake oils" in order to raise the hopes of these promising writers only to drop them into the pit of despair with rejection letter after rejection letter.

On Saturday morning, I arrived with coffee and bran muffin in hand ready to talk candidly about the publishing industry with these novice writers who were having their brains stuffed with promises of traditional publishing opportunities and advances.

One of the first conference attendees I spoke with said, "Self-publishing is the kiss of death for any writer seeking a traditional publisher."

!!!

I felt compelled to pull up story after story on my laptop of the Amanda Hockings and John Lockes of the self-publishing industry who are making it big. I wanted to have my own little filibuster during one of the allotted fifteen minute breaks.

But as the weekend progressed, I heard more grumblings of how literary agents are really looking for moneymakers. No mention of quality literature, just manuscripts that will pay the bills and maybe fall into the hands of a film studio.

I was hopeful though, these literary agents were able to get the point across on how hard it is to become traditionally published for debut authors and yet, it didn't seem to sway anyone from moving forward with their dreams.

The publishing industry is beginning to democratize. It will no longer only be up to the "Big Six" to determine what is literary genius. I truly believe, if it is good literature, self or traditionally published, readers will find it, and it will become successful.

Agents & Editors

2011-06-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Writers' League of Texas' Agents & Editors Conference is this weekend, and there looks to be a stellar line up of workshops. Like the BEA Conference, the focus is on e-Publishing.

In my opinion, using e-Publishing sites such as CreateSpace & PubIt seems to be a viable and economical option for first-time authors trying to break into the industry. With traditional publishing firms deteriorating and offering fewer services, very few published authors are seeing any benefits from surrendering the rights to their work.

The author is having to use personal funds for editing and promotions while still giving agents and publishers a percentage for every book sold. So the real question is, what services are the agents and publishers providing?

This is the question that is swirling around my brain as I gear up for the coming weekend's festivities.

It's time for agents and editors to sell themselves to the writers.

-Danielle

BEA Publishing Tips of the Day

2011-05-24T11:08:00.001-07:00

To leverage online discovery w/ Goodread consider joining their author program and partcipate in their book give away program.

If your still interested in the traditional agent/publisher route, consider submitting your manuscript to Bowker's manuscript submission program at www.bowkermanuscriptsubmissions.com

Book Expo Blog 1

2011-05-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Greetings from BEA.

What I've learned before noon.

Most compelling reasons for having an e-reader:

Portability
Having multiple books at one time
Selection of material
Ability to change font size
Price of titles ($7 avg. Ebook vs. $15 hardback).

Mindy

May 2011

2011-05-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

May is shaping up to be a great month!

Babette Hughes, author of The Hat, reached 78,000 on the Amazon Bestseller Ranking List

Mike Kearby had every seat at the Weatehrford College Book Fest filled for the presentation on his graphic novel, Texas Tales Illustrated: The Revolution

AND

Trevor Eissler has sold 16,000 copies of his book, Montessori Madness: A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education

Congrats, to our three authors!

Mindy is jet-setting her way to the Book Expo in NYC next week, where she will be filling her brain and her Kindle with notes on how to better serve our clients in the current publishing industry.
Hopefully, she'll make time for lasagna in Little Italy!

We will also be hosting a booth at the Writers' League of Texas Editors and Agents conference. If you are attending and need any help preparing let us know! We will be more than happy to help.

Lead by Example

2011-05-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

The last blog I submitted was in February...Where did March and April go?!?

It was spent harping on my authors to "blog like the wind!"
I don't know how many times I looked down from my professional pulpit and used this metaphor:
Starting up a blog is like jogging; no one wants to do it the first few times, but eventually, you become addicted.

It's time for me to form this addiction.

The number one point for me to remember when blogging: A blog doesn't have to be a manifesto, it just has to be frequent and engaging to my audience.

-Danielle

Does Your Book Need an Index?

2011-02-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

Mindy wrote a guest blog on Blood Red Pencil, http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/

While it may seem that the author of a book would be best at preparing the index, since he or she knows the work most intimately, too often they lack the objectivity of the reader. The role of the indexer is to match the author’s content with the reader’s specific information needs. The indexer visualizes potential readers and anticipates their needs when searching the book.

An index is successful only if it is usable. Usable indexes improve the written work and builds reader confidence in the author. The purpose of the index is to save the reader time and energy in their search for relevant information. Rapid information retrieval is critical to the success of a book, manual, database or website.

That is not to say the author can never be the indexer. If the author can view their book from the perspective of the reader and understands how to use cross-references to guide the reader through their work, then they may be able to index their own book.

An index is not a concordance. A well thought out index will use cross-references and alternate terms to lead readers and users to information. That is why human intervention is still needed for index preparation. A person can distinguish between a singer (bass) and a fish (bass); an embedded word finder does not have that nuance.

Specific formatting principles must be followed. The publisher will provide the requirements in their style sheet. This will include if the index should be indented or run-in style, how it should be alphabetized (word by word or letter by letter, the locator range, punctuation and capitalization of headings).

Cross-references must be anticipated. For example, will the reader expect the term Native American instead of Indian?

Utilization of formatting software is a definite benefit to ensure meeting all the style requirements. However, it can be a costly investment if the author is planning on preparing only one index.

Remember, the index cannot be prepared until the book is in final layout from the publisher or printer. It requires final pagination to be prepared correctly. An index without correct page locators is worthless. Most publishers will require the index be prepared on a short lead-time, often no more than a week.

Most authors have invested a lot of time in researching and rewriting to prepare a book they are proud of and willing to share with readers. The index should be a reflection of that dedication and care.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mindy Reed, Guest Blogger
For over sixteen years, Mindy Reed has been assisting writers prepare their manuscripts for publication as owner of The Authors' Assistant. Mindy holds a MLIS degree from the University of Texas, an MA from SMU and a BA in English from Kansas State University. She is a librarian for Austin Public Library and an instructor for Austin Community College.

Build Your Dream

2011-02-01T08:14:00.001-08:00

An author’s job isn’t complete once the final edits have been approved and the manuscript has been sent off to the fat cats in the New York publishing houses. In fact, most authors who have dipped their toes into the hammering waves of the industry would tell you writing is the easy part. Today’s author must be equipped with an entrepreneurial disposition in order to have her work exposed, and in the current publishing industry there are many avenues in which a budding author can take the reigns and lead his/her work toward readers.

Social Media is one necessary component for all writers in today’s industry to grasp in order to gain recognition. Time’s 2010 Person of the Year and Facebook creator, Mark Zukerberg, "wired together a twelfth of humanity into a single network". There are over 550 million active users on Facebook today. With a population this large sponging up information in the comfort of his/her pajamas, how can one deny the possibility of social media generating a career for a writer? Take a look at Facebook’s user statistics and make a commitment to become that entrepreneur.

The 21st century is not the time for modesty. Our world’s technology has changed the societal mores from humility being a virtue to a time of sharing and building communities far larger than ever imagined.

Military Writers Society of America 2011 Winter Reading List

2011-01-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

Sgt. Rock - The Lost Battalion, Billy Tucci, (Fiction – Historical/Graphic)
In Their Honor, Linda D. Swink, (Non-Fiction - Historical)
Lost Eagles, Blaine L. Pardoe, (Non-Fiction - Historical)
Eisenhower & Montgomery, William Weidner, (Non-Fiction - Historical)
Breastfeeding in Combat Boots, Robyn Roche-Paul, (Non-Fiction - How-To)
I Want To Be The Fat Pretty One, Kathleen Cline, (Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Religious)
Klinger: A Story of Honor and Hope, Betsy Beard, (Children - Ages 12 & Under)
The Men Who Killed the Luftwaffe, Jay A. Stout, (Non-Fiction - Military)
The Scottish Thistle, Cindy Vallar, (Fiction – Romance)
Once a Knight, Walt Shiel, (Fiction – Historical)
Keeping the Promise, Donna Elliott, (Non-Fiction – Memoir)
For Love of Country, William C. Hammond, (Fiction – Historical)

To learn more MWSA and to see additional book reviews, past award winners, or to find a list of authors please visit their website: www.militarywriters.com .

Do You Want to be Read?

2011-01-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Writers, like painters, musicians and other artists are compelled to create. Writing is like breathing; it is necessary to survive. Storytelling and the sharing of information is what has allowed cultures and civilizations to thrive, it is innate to who we are as human beings. The printed word allowed books to accompany passengers on their quests. Our stories and traditions moved beyond our huts and villages, across oceans and over continents. Today the Internet and World Wide Web are our campfires. Writers can, with a keystroke, be connected to readers. An instant audience of scores or hundreds or thousands of readers awaits your poetry and prose. If your only motivation to write is the illusive six-figure publishing contract, or if your intention is to share your manuscript only with an agent, then you might not truly be a writer. If however, you have ideas, hopes, dreams knowledge to share with others, write, breathe, and be who you are: a writer.