Authors who are interested in establishing themselves as both better writers and as serious career-minded artists can benefit greatly from attending writers' conferences and workshops, but the cost of attending is often pretty prohibitive. Here's a look at some upcoming events that fall on the lower end of the conference registration spectrum, while still offering some of the … [Read more...] about Writers’ Events Can Strengthen Your Craft, Build Your Career
self publishing
What Nielsen Can Tell Indie Authors
The kind people at Nielsen BookScan do a fairly decent job at uncovering consumer behaviors towards books, then compare that data year over year to highlight the trends in this ever-evolving market. But a lot of self-published authors--especially ones who limit their work to Amazon or who think they're not selling enough copies to even register as a blip on Nielsen's … [Read more...] about What Nielsen Can Tell Indie Authors
Clean Reader Controversy: Censorship, or Right to Read?
"Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” --Mark Twain One of the recent controversies in publishing involves the creation of an app called Clean Reader that has authors of every level crying censorship. Built by two parents who claim their daughter was upset by the amount and … [Read more...] about Clean Reader Controversy: Censorship, or Right to Read?
Amazon Makes it Easier than Ever to Leave a Review
Book reviews are the bane of many authors' existence, not for their negative remarks or hurtful nature, but mostly for the fact that many authors feel the frustration of not getting reviews in the first place. This is especially common among authors who run free book promotions or offer their titles for free or reduced prices as part of the KDP Select benefits. The complaint is … [Read more...] about Amazon Makes it Easier than Ever to Leave a Review
OverDrive Acquired by Rakuten, Owners of Kobo
OverDrive is the world's leading digital content provider of books, movies, music, and more to the public and academic library space. The company basically powers the digital lending capabilities of more than 33,000 separate libraries around the world, as one of their huge innovations was the ability to borrow content through dedicated library apps to any mobile device. And … [Read more...] about OverDrive Acquired by Rakuten, Owners of Kobo
For FanFic Authors, One Direction Reigns Supreme
I'm not sure I'll make it out alive if I admit that I a) don't know the names of the members of boy-band One Direction, b) saw a picture of the band and didn't realize they were all boys, and c) don't understand what is driving fan fiction authors to write volume after volume of fan fiction surrounding the pop group. If you ask ten authors how they feel about fan … [Read more...] about For FanFic Authors, One Direction Reigns Supreme
Self Publishing Erotica: If You Write It, There’s an Audience for It
First it was Big Foot. Then the Loch Ness Monster. Dinosaur CEOs came along shortly after. There was even a book featuring a dominating HDMI cable. And now, even basic office supplies are getting in on the sexy fun. What is it about authors writing erotica featuring mythical creatures, prehistoric has-beens, and random household objects? Yes, this is the world of … [Read more...] about Self Publishing Erotica: If You Write It, There’s an Audience for It
Censoring Indie Authors
With so much attention focused on the US when it comes to self-publishing, it's easy to forget that this is a worldwide indie author movement, and that companies like Kobo are connecting readers across the globe, making it possible for a reader in Denmark to enjoy a work of science fiction written by an author in sub-Saharan Africa. But while US authors happily further the … [Read more...] about Censoring Indie Authors
Indie Authors Triumphing over Sexism in the Publishing Industry
Writer/creator Joss Whedon has an epic quote about sexism in the entertainment industry. When asked for the hundredth time why he writes such strong female characters, he simply replied, "Because you're still asking me that question." Like it or not, agree or not, gender inequality is a fact, one that permeates nearly every profession and industry. But coming on the heels of … [Read more...] about Indie Authors Triumphing over Sexism in the Publishing Industry
B&N’s Nook Press in Bed with the Author Solutions Devil?
It's no secret among members of the self-publishing community that there are some names you should just run from. Some of those names, like Author Solutions--who is currently embroiled in not-its-first legal battle with authors in a class action suit--are simply synonymous with ripping off authors who have a dream of being published, but who don't have the various tech and … [Read more...] about B&N’s Nook Press in Bed with the Author Solutions Devil?