Freelance

A writer often needs the support of author services often obtained from freelance editors, designers, manuscript layout, writers, marketers, etc. You may have considered working freelance yourself to supplement your writing business. Freelancers come with different backgrounds, expertise, experience, and business models. Freelancers often:

• Are self-employed
• May work on contract or verbal agreement
• Payment may be upfront, commission, flat, hourly, per project
• May create original works to sell to others
• Have examples of their work

An independent contractor has usually been hired to work on someone else’s project. Freelancers usually have their own business, pay their own taxes, and work on different projects.

This blog is not intended to give advise or direction. The purpose is to share information that you as a writer can explore. Share what you learn in the comments. Thank you for following the blog. Best wishes on your writing or freelancing efforts.

Getting Unstuck

If you were thinking that writing your book or finishing your project would be fun and now it’s not, consider some tips for staying motivated and getting unstuck. Here are some tips to get yourself unstuck.

• Clear your desk
• Clear your mind
• Go for a walk outside and observe nature
• Move to a different location
• Read inspiring/informative books
• Do something fun, energizing or social
• Share your ideas/work
• Improve your skills (practice/get training)
• Decide if the project is still worth doing
• Find interesting words to add interest
• Just sit with your project and see how it feels
• Take care of things left undone that are on your mind
• Write down or map out your fears and apprehensions
• Go back to your vision/goals and reinforce the importance of what you are doing
• Ask yourself, “Are you willing and able to do the work needed to complete the project?”

Most of us have a nice journal in the bookshelf collecting dust. Pull out that special journal and track your experience as a growing, thriving, sometimes confused and frustrated writer. Write your fears (most writers have them,) your passion, why you started writing, and what your vision is for your book or project. This blog is part of my journal. I can use some of the ideas for my personal journal.

I just found the colorful journal book that a friend gave me years ago. It was just too pretty to write in. Now is the time to put my journey as a writer down on paper in permanent ink. I will wrap my fingers around the pen and pour out my soul.

Manuscript

The format of your manuscript will depend on your publisher and the type of book you are writing. Moira Allen gives her expertise on manuscript format in, A quick guide to manuscript format, a quick guide with general manuscript submission information. Check with your editor, publisher, or online publishing guide if you are self-publishing.

This blog is not intended to give advise or direction. The purpose is to share information that you as a writer can explore. Share what you learn in the comments. Thank you for following this blog. Best wishes on your writing or freelancing efforts.

Self Publishing

You can be your own book publisher by starting a publishing business, buying an ISBN number, and having the book produced and printed.

In his book, How to Start a Publishing Company with Print-on-Demand, Morris Rosenthal says, “As far as the industry is concerned, a publisher is a person or business entity who has purchased at least one ISBN (International Standard Book Number) block.”

As a self publisher, you would hire freelancers when needed and handle the printing and distribution of the book through a printing company such as Lightning Source. The popular printing and distribution company is used by many of the major publishing houses.

The lines between self publishing and subsidy publishing can be very thin since an author can start a publishing business, buy an ISBN, hire freelancers, and then have the book printed through a subsidy publisher. There are a few subsidy publishers such as Createspace, Booklocker, and Wingspan who allow you to buy your ISBN through Bowker, use your own publishing company name and have them print the book.

Regardless of the subsidy publisher you use, you will usually make very little profit. The profit goes to the company.

“Subsidy publishing, sometimes called vanity publishing since the author pays a fee to get a book published, has always been a profitable business for subsidy publishers.” says Rosenthal.

You can use online tools and submissions to subsidy publishers and they do the work for you–for a price. It can be difficult to compare prices of subsidy publishers because they sometimes have hidden fees that are not readily visible, they market high priced services that you can easily handle yourself, and they promote their author services. You can get lost in the middle of their marketing strategies.

David Carnoy, author and reviewer for CNET, explains his experience researching self publishing sites, “What I found was a veritable minefield with roads that forked in every direction and very few clear answers.”

Rosenthal has numerous articles on his website including Print on Demand publishing,  Rosenthal states, “Authors should be careful about the contracts offered by subsidy publishing companies and should retain all rights to their book with the option to end the relationship at any time. Authors shouldn’t rely on a subsidy press to edit, proofread or otherwise contribute to the quality of a manuscript, whatever the price charged, and should obtain these services directly from local freelancers.”

Subsidy or vanity publishing serves a purpose for authors who just want to get a book printed and on the market without making it their business. For those who want to go through the steps to start a business, market the book, and do the leg work themselves, self publishing will provide the control the author wants.

This blog is not intended to give advise or direction. The purpose is to share information that you as a writer can explore. Share what you learn in the comments. Thank you for following this blog. Best wishes on your writing or freelancing efforts.

What’s in a Name?

Choosing a name for your company is a way of describing what you do, branding yourself, and showing your style. Some things to think about when choosing a name:

• Who will be using the name?
• If you are a publisher, you will want a name that will be attractive to your authors and partners.
• If you are publishing your own works you might like a name that is more personal.
• Search for names similar to the names you are considering. Search web search engines, domain names, and business name sites.
• Check your county EFBN site to make sure the name is not being used in your county. For example, Sacramento County EFBN.
• If you want to use a business name that doesn’t include your name, you will need to file a Fictitious Business Name in your county. Many counties require the name to be published in a newspaper on four consecutive weeks. Know what is required for your county.
• Get detailed information about a business names and trademarks at NOLO.
  If you are interested in reserving a name you can contact your Secretary of State. For example the California Secretary of State’s office.
• Know the legal requirements for your city, county, state, and country. The Small Business Administration has information about legal requirements and implications in the U.S.

If you are interested in started a business, do your research. It is your responsibility to know the laws, rules, license requirements, and legal implications of doing business in your area. Check out the liinks, do more research, and know what is required for your business. This is not a guide, advice, or legal information. This blog is for the purpose of providing a few links to get you started.

Author Services

Hiring a publisher or self-publisher/packager

The major publishing companies usually look for established writers who have sold a few thousand copies or have a well known name.Occasionally you will find a publisher looking for manuscripts especially in a special niche. A legitimate publishing company does not charge for submitting a manuscript. It can be very difficult to get your manuscript read by a major publisher, but there are those success stories where people self-publish, sell their books, and earn a reputation. Self-publishing is one way to break into the field as a writer.

Self-publishing companies handle the production, printing, and distribution of your book. They may include or refer you to author services for the design and layout of your book. When comparing costs and checking the cost of author services, make sure you know what services you are paying for.

• What type of editor?
• Custom or template design?
• Is manuscript layout separate?
• Additional charges for shipping, handling, digital storage, etc.?

There are often hidden costs for printing and distribution. Do your homework and know what you are paying for.
Writing a book is exciting, inspiring, and satisfying. But it is easy to feel lost in the process until you break down the steps.

This blog is not intended to give advise or direction. The purpose is to share information that you as a writer can explore. Share what you learn in the comments. Thank you for following this blog. Best wishes on your writing or freelancing efforts.

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Starting a Business

You can start your own business as a publisher and have your own publishing business name on your book. There are advantages and disadvantages to starting an editing business. If you have time, want to publish more than one book, help other publish books, and have an interest in running a business, then the publishing business might be right for you. Do your research before starting a time consuming business.

• Think of a unique name (more professional if its not your own name), search for similar names, make sure the name is not being used in your county
• File a Fictitious Business Name (if the company name is different than your name) with the county and have it published in the paper (4 weeks)
• Buy ISBN number (2-3 weeks to process and mail)
• File for business license/fee whichever is applicable in your area
• File necessary tax forms/resale license, etc. depending on how you want to sell the book
• Buy professional insurance if needed
  

These are the basic steps to starting a business. The only real difference between a publishing business and a general consulting business is the ISBN number. Buying your own ISBN number from Bowker makes you the publisher of record. There are variables depending on the county/city you live in, and whether you sell solely online, wholesale, retail, or use Print on Demand, etc.

This blog is not intended to give advise or direction. The purpose is to share information that you as a writer can explore. Share what you learn in the comments. Thank you for following this blog. Best wishes on your writing or freelancing efforts.

Book Design

The Book Design and Layout post is still in process. If you have useful information or resources, post a comment, or send me an email.

Templates for download

http://www.lulu.com/tinhorn

Book design

http://desktoppub.about.com/od/booksmanuals/Books_and_Manuals_Book_Design.htm

Interior Book Design Samples

http://www.pneumabooks.com/intsamples.htm

Publishing an eBook

Publishing eBook

File Creation Guide (pdf)

LSI_FileCreationGuide

This blog is not intended to give advise or direction. The purpose is to share information that you as a writer can explore. Share what you learn in the comments. Thank you for following this blog. Best wishes on your writing or freelancing efforts.

Choosing an Editor

You know you need an editor for your book, but what does that mean? What kind of editor do you need, and how will you choose one? The level of editing you need depends on the type of book you are writing, how satisfied you are with the style and organization of your book, and who will be your audience. Before you choose an editor, look at the different levels of editing to determine what you need. Talk with prospective editors to find out how well you communicate, the experience the editor has, and ask for samples of the editor’s work. The most common editing types are:

1. Collaborative Editing
2. Stylistic Editing
3. Structural Editing
4. Copy Editing
5. Proofreading/Layout

A Collaborative Editor might consist of friends, colleagues, and authors who read your manuscript for interest, clarity, and typos. Every book needs collaborative editors whether they are meant for family, friends, retail, or inspiration. A book that is intended for publication and distribution will need additional editing.

A Stylistic Editor works with the author on clarifying meaning and language, style of writing, and other subjective nuances.

A Structural Editor assists the author with reorganizing, clarifying, and content. The structural editor works more with the structure of the language than the style.

A Copy Editor checks the mechanics of spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. The Copy Editor doesn’t necessarily need to work with the author.

Proofreading/Layout requires the reading of edited proofs for proper numbering, page breaks, headers, footers, and general layout problems. Every book needs a text editor or proofreader to make sure the manuscript is laid out properly.

There are a number of different types of editors described on the Editor’s Association of Canada website. Check samples, credentials, and specific types of editing you need before hiring an editor.

There are no licenses or certifications for editors. Editors often have a background in one or more of the following areas:

• Teaching Credential
• Editing Experience
• Writing/Publishing Experience
• Librarian or English Language Teacher
• Communications Degree
• Writing/publishing experience

The best way to know if your editor is a good match for you is to talk to the prospective editor, see samples of their work, make sure your style is compatible and you communicate well.

This blog is not intended to give advise or direction. The purpose is to share information that you as a writer can explore. Share what you learn in the comments. Thank you for following this blog. Best wishes on your writing or freelancing efforts.

Writing Process

There are as many styles and methods for writing as there are writers. Writing articles, blogs, journals and letters are excellent ways to practice and improve writing skills while finding your voice and getting feedback from the public. I had so many ideas that I jotted down here and there, pages of workshop material, and presentation handouts that I felt like I had the makings of a book. Writing the book is a whole different animal. I say “animal” because the words seem to jump off the page and growl at me, prickle like a porcupine, dance like a dolphin or feel as sluggish as a sloth. My solution to my writing problem was to start a walking journal called “Walk About U!” I discipline myself to walk everyday, share walking conversations, and write everyday.

As I look back at my walking journal, I can see my writing improve. I find it very exciting to spark my senses, find joy everyday, and write about what I see and feel. We each have a different style of writing and processing our work, but we all go through several steps to complete our masterpiece. Here are some general steps in the writing process.

1. Gather information/ideas/notes if needed
2. Write objectives/purpose for project (optional)
3. Write (freestyle, or in chapters)
4. Organize chapters (if you haven’t already)
5. Review chapters to see if you have included the basics of what you want to say
6. Move things around if needed
7. Read over your book to see if it makes sense to you and says what you want to say. Does it fit your purpose or objectives
8. Is it written for your audience or for yourself?
9. Edit, edit, edit.

Ask collaborators to read your story and answer these questions. Not all questions need a “yes” answer.  If the book is long you might ask collaborators to each take a section.

• Did the book capture your interest?
• Is the information useful?
• Is the story inspiring?
• Did you want to know more?
• Did you want more detail to better understand the book?
• Were you able to picture yourself in the story?

Hire a professional to edit the manuscript for interest, grammar, spelling, and marketability. There are a number of different types of book editors. Look for a future post on editors.

While writing your book keep track of individuals and companies involved in the book writing and publishing process. This will help you remember who to call when you start your next book, and it will also be an important reference for the “Acknowledgements” page of your book. As you write and share parts of your book with friends, family, and professionals, ask for testimonials and comments about your work related to the book. Connect with professionals who are well-known for their expertise in a similar field so you can make contact with them when you are ready to write the back cover for your book. An expert who will write an introduction for you is even better.

You may be a writer who has a very organized process for writing your book. You may be able to sit down at regular times, write, edit, and publish. Then there are authors who pour out their heart, soul, ideas, and thoughts in random order onto the page. The pages become a mixed up puzzle with pieces to be gathered and sorted. The sorting and editing become tedious and the writer wonders why they started the project in the first place.

When you get in the middle of the mess you call your book and feel like you are drowning, you need to bring in collaborators and professionals. Collaborators are friends, family, colleagues and contacts who are willing to give you feedback on your book. Professionals are designers, editors, and coaches (usually paid) with expertise in their area of work.

If you need a coach to help you through your writing process, contact Nancy J. Miller, LifeWork Coach.