tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post3827828183393997473..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: How do I stay published with lackluster sales?Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-64899531042211984152017-03-17T08:37:02.733-04:002017-03-17T08:37:02.733-04:00Putrid words drip, infecting my eyes, stinging lik...Putrid words drip, infecting my eyes, stinging like acid, unleashing a stench so powerful it summons nausea. Leaf by leaf, I heave bleeding, crumpled, maggot-filled pages. Every. Single. One.<br /><br />Even in sleep, malodorous molecules pollute me. Rotting citrus. Burning rubber. Hot tar on a humid August night. It’s not literature. It’s fetid garbage.<br /><br />I awake edgy, eyes burning, brain smoky.<br /><br />“Morning, hon! Rough night writing, huh?”<br /><br />“Don't remind me!”<br /><br />“I cleaned up your trash, so you can start fresh. Come down for coffee. I made a fire.”<br /><br />Seconds later, his words register.<br /><br />“You burned my manuscript? My beautiful manuscript!”<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01999175415765818941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-77640053984155655412017-03-17T02:42:13.571-04:002017-03-17T02:42:13.571-04:00I would choose the work-your-socks-off-to-be-notic...I would choose the work-your-socks-off-to-be-noticed option, no matter how scary that road was. While Opie's tale is rather terrifying the other stories are wonderfully lifting - thanks everyone for sharing!<br /><br /><b>Colin</b> if FirstBorn ever wanted to visit DownUnder her pastry skills would be very welcomed here *wink*AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-20432298286896474932017-03-17T00:55:54.020-04:002017-03-17T00:55:54.020-04:00Colin: You're right, I have only commented in ...<b>Colin</b>: You're right, I have only commented in regards to self publishing stuff. I realise that can come across as bad form.<br /><br />I do actually really like this blog, precisely because it offers a different view point to the one I normally subscribe to. I suppose I like to mostly absorb the information and think about it. I don't mean to put down "big publishing", I just find the idea of the author doing their own marketing rather strange.<br /><br />But you're right, there are arguments for and against, and I've made my point.Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00167224971685011247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-40013935643359984442017-03-17T00:35:13.608-04:002017-03-17T00:35:13.608-04:00Totally off topic and either encouraging or discou...Totally off topic and either encouraging or discouraging news.<br /><br />Local news featured a story of a local 8-year old girl named Nia Mya Reese who wrote a book titled <br /><br />"How to Deal with and Care for Your Annoying Little Brother." It was published November 2016, and as I type this is number 71 on Amazon.com:<br /><br /><a href="%E2%80%9Dwww.amazon.com/Deal-Care-Annoying-Little-Brother/dp/1942451628/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1489724648&sr=1-1&keywords=annoying+brother%E2%80%9D" rel="nofollow">Annoying Little Brother</a>Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-28577717802237670532017-03-17T00:19:23.078-04:002017-03-17T00:19:23.078-04:00Alex: It's very possible the author has consid...<b>Alex</b>: It's very possible the author has considered going independent. It's very possible they've decided not to. There are good reasons against self-pubbing, just as there are good reasons to self-pub. Clearly, you are an advocate for self-publishing, since--correct me if I'm wrong--but the only times you ever seem to comment are occasions when you can complain about the "billion dollar companies" supposedly reaping huge rewards for allegedly little effort while making the authors do all the heavy lifting.<br /><br />Have you ever entered one of Janet's contests? Or engaged in other topics? Again, I might have missed those posts, but it seems rather bad form to come on a Literary Agent's blog (who, obviously, is invested in the success of traditional publishing) only to push self-publishing and put down "big publishing." Might I suggest engaging some other topics if you're genuinely interested in helping other writers? Again, forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn, and not remembering all the other topics you've commented on in the past. I just don't recall them.<br /><br />:)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-19699209486668693952017-03-17T00:06:05.826-04:002017-03-17T00:06:05.826-04:00Is this author not the perfect example of someone ...Is this author not the perfect example of someone who should seriously consider going independent? Marketing plans, email lists, these are all things that independent authors do.<br /><br />If an author is going to take on the financial burden of marketing their work, seems to me it would make sense to absorb the production costs of the book as well because then they'll get a much greater return.<br /><br />I suppose that would probably have a shift to mainly ebooks and away from bookstores, but given the sales are poor anyway and things are looking a bit grim, that does not seem like an unreasonable adaptation.<br /><br />Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems bonkers for an author to fork out their own money to market their work when a billion dollar company (assuming these major houses are Big 5) is reaping most of the reward. Everyone knows you can hire Big 5 editors are cover designers very easily, so if a Big 5 publisher isn't throwing their marketing weight behind you, what exactly is the point of going with them?Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00167224971685011247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-15829428433475889612017-03-16T21:44:36.228-04:002017-03-16T21:44:36.228-04:00Nothing particular. Just the usual imposter syndro...Nothing particular. Just the usual imposter syndrome author stuff. :)JD Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05538238148744690853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-20462272946953017982017-03-16T20:54:18.942-04:002017-03-16T20:54:18.942-04:00Thanks for the tip on Book Bub, Donna! I'm so ...Thanks for the tip on Book Bub, <b>Donna!</b> I'm so glad it worked out well for you! I spent the evening checking it and some other promo sites out, but unfortunately the fees are pretty hefty. Unless I'm misreading it/missing something, it looks like $300+ to submit your book to Book Bub for their daily deals. I'm sure it would pay off, but unfortunately I don't have a marketing budget at the moment (food, shelter, medicine is taking precedence). I'd be interested to do some more research for future consideration and see what the return might be. I like that they're pretty discerning with their selections. Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05332570278984058081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-82526977976568458592017-03-16T20:47:51.038-04:002017-03-16T20:47:51.038-04:00Eager for the comfort of a hot meal after being st...Eager for the comfort of a hot meal after being stuck in traffic for two hours, C.S. threw open the front door and opened his senses. Zucchini Alfredo? Pasta Primavera? <br /><br />No, the air was heavy with a distinct mustiness, like the long-forgotten socks in his gym bag.<br /><br />Damn! The woman had done it again. Two artichokes sat upon thrones of lemon wedges, butter glistening deep into the petals of the only vegetable he abhorred. <br /><br />(not quite a story, but still)RosannaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06399732751877180737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-64718531706331668172017-03-16T20:38:37.281-04:002017-03-16T20:38:37.281-04:00Ooh, that's good, but I won't concede. An...Ooh, that's good, but I won't concede. Anyone else want to join us? You've got until 3pm tomorrow. Then, the rest can take a whiff and decide what they like. <b>JD,</b> anything particular you're fretting about in your MS, or just generalized writer's angst?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03581361783795436259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-28007568185295825382017-03-16T20:07:08.205-04:002017-03-16T20:07:08.205-04:00Here you go, Kathy- (A story and an explanation al...Here you go, <b>Kathy</b>- (A story and an explanation all rolled into one.)<br /><br />An acrid indolence hung over his self-indulgent whining, though when pressed for cause, he blamed existential angst for his inertia. He sat hunched over his keyboard, trolling Twitter, foraging Facebook. Anything rather than holding his nose and diving back into that offal heap he called a manuscript. Had he even showered today? Yesterday? A tang wafting up from his torn discount store T-shirt bore witness against his personal hygiene.<br /><br />Splendiferous prose? None to see. Odiferous author? No rose was he.<br />JD Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05538238148744690853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-56382595663717984832017-03-16T19:40:36.103-04:002017-03-16T19:40:36.103-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.JD Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05538238148744690853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-67190406213300465682017-03-16T19:38:29.862-04:002017-03-16T19:38:29.862-04:00*Picks up kathy's gauntlet* I presume we can g...*Picks up <b>kathy</b>'s gauntlet* I presume we can go fewer than 100, as per usual contest rules?<br /><br />Dawn breaking. White canvas canopies over wooden tables. Plastic trays filled with ice. Knives wet, orange sunlight dancing off blades. Pulled from frozen slumber. Tossed like a rag doll. Caught by large hands. I face my executioner: a bushy beard and a smile. Life. It was good while it lasted.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-77692666018348261282017-03-16T19:34:54.881-04:002017-03-16T19:34:54.881-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-35680375433679078922017-03-16T19:29:25.269-04:002017-03-16T19:29:25.269-04:00geez. that would be, and any other...not the old ...geez. that would be, <b>and any</b> other...not the old any any. Like plan plan and can can.Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-60528765442521173582017-03-16T19:28:09.251-04:002017-03-16T19:28:09.251-04:00Diane I hope it was stretched in a good way - but...<b>Diane</b> I hope it was stretched in a good way - but yes, the brown paper bag. Sneaky Pete!<br /><br />:)<br /><br />Bookbub is a great tool - for those tiptoeing around it. Like I mentioned, I've never submitted my own book for a "daily deal," but it looks like if you follow their guidelines (<b>Susan P</b> I'm looking you - any any other indie author I know out here), it can't hurt to see if they'll get you on one!Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-19491250957954771842017-03-16T19:07:42.967-04:002017-03-16T19:07:42.967-04:00Alright JD! You want a contest, you got it. Best h...Alright JD! You want a contest, you got it. Best hundred words on smells. You can't use "the," "of," "smell," or "smells." <br /><br />Or, you could just tell us why you're feeling down, and we'll help you feel better. (Personally, I think the smelly story sounds kinda fun! Not an official contest, but I'm sure our Reider friends could judge a good scent if they read it :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03581361783795436259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-20715985388187352242017-03-16T18:40:35.274-04:002017-03-16T18:40:35.274-04:00Ugh. And I dropped by today hoping for a writing c...Ugh. And I dropped by today hoping for a writing contest to help pull me out of my doldrums. ;)JD Hornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05538238148744690853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-27524720646098963832017-03-16T17:53:06.299-04:002017-03-16T17:53:06.299-04:00Joseph,
Odessa, TX has some very good libraries. ...Joseph,<br /><br />Odessa, TX has some very good libraries. Killdeer, ND does not. My fault for being unclear as I try to dash out the door.<br /><br />I am dashing through again, so forgive my drive by posting.Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-21184208657217748392017-03-16T16:53:23.195-04:002017-03-16T16:53:23.195-04:00I did the PR for my theater group and I've bee...I did the PR for my theater group and I've been doing marketing for about 25 years. I fell into writing TV spots after the experience of producing plays. The theater productions gave me enough credibility that I could sell video pieces. <br />My first TV spots for a local theme park boosted their out of state attendance so much they kidded me it was my fault they had to expand the parking lot. One spot I did for them was copied by Disney (it was shown at a convention of theme parks in Florida). Then I started doing tourism promo and I'm working on a new set of pieces for the marketing group that hires me. I bet I could do a good job of youtube and vimeo spots for a book. It would be fun.<br />My biggest hit as a writer so far is the audio tour I wrote and recorded in three languages. It gets downloaded thousands of times. Too bad I have no interest in writing local history. I could sell it.<br />I also got a lot of experience cold calling for my different ventures. I was inspired by a friend who designed a nifty wool hat and took it right to L.L. Bean. "Sharyn," she said (imagine a slightly nasal New England accent), "all they can say is no."<br />I would go around with my cassette player and sell jingles! So, sure. I could do it.Sharyn Ekberghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11987304898246173619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-68964497439709238242017-03-16T16:05:54.769-04:002017-03-16T16:05:54.769-04:00QOTKU
I am absotively posolutely jealous that you...QOTKU<br /><br />I am absotively posolutely jealous that you've met Judith Jance. My jealousy knows no bounds. She's a favorite author of mine--her writing is so blasted good that I packed up and moved to AZ. (ok, maybe she wasn't the sole reason for the move, but still...damn good writer. I'm looking forward to her next Ali Reynolds book).<br /><br />It just goes to show how important good marketing and networking is. And I'd bet money that writers who choose twitter-spam and spam e-mail sink their ship faster than lackluster sales do. That personal touch of elbow grease is key to success. Megan Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00752842865397799428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-15622561783086166972017-03-16T16:04:00.639-04:002017-03-16T16:04:00.639-04:00Diane: Don't worry, my accent isn't what i...<b>Diane</b>: Don't worry, my accent isn't what it used to be. I'll have to practice before World Domination. ;)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-23762759129796328632017-03-16T16:03:56.429-04:002017-03-16T16:03:56.429-04:00MELANIE, and everyone, look how many people here L...MELANIE, and everyone, look how many people here LOVED your story. <br /><br />That's what it's about folks.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-27868177478804552802017-03-16T15:56:55.947-04:002017-03-16T15:56:55.947-04:00TY, BJ!TY, BJ!Catherine Vignolinihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09510314864021769210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-68700288360044175822017-03-16T15:56:06.204-04:002017-03-16T15:56:06.204-04:00Catherine: Thanks for the link. I read the article...Catherine: Thanks for the link. I read the article, and they have some interesting - but not surprising - results. <br /><br />One problem I think they had was that they considered social media a marketing method. It's not. It's a networking method. It's a way to get people interested enough in YOU to read your book, and then recommend it. It's that recommendation you're looking for in social media, the 'word of mouth', which cannot be 'monetized' (as the marketing folks I used to work with would say). It can't be counted. Because you don't know HOW that word of mouth got spread. And as Janet has said a few times, word of mouth is the means by which most people will pick up your book.<br /><br />(You don't know how many times I've had to explain to people that you can't objectively 'count' things in social media, because much of what you're looking for happens OFF the social media platform.)BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.com