Freelance writers

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Comment by Diane Pinnick on October 18, 2009 at 4:20pm

I'm both a Writer and a PR/marketing person and I understand the marketing challenges and expenses involved. I would suggest checking out IWOSC--Independent Writers of Southern California--for advice & workshops on marketing it yourself. IWOSC has a monthly meeting in Irvine and other areas in SoCal. For children's book writers you must belong to SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators) for any credibility and to get an IN with publishers. Again, SCBWI can give info on marketing, specific to children's books.

Comment by Marla Miller on October 17, 2009 at 11:49am

adding an addemdum: writing a book is the easy part---selling it is a herculean task that most writers know very little about---even if you have a traditional publisher, these days you MUST learn how to sell or ur books will sell to friends and family.....unless the topic is so HOT, it sells itself.

Comment by Emeraldlorraine on October 16, 2009 at 11:04am

Thank you for the updates. Great to get the feedback.

Comment by Marla Miller on October 16, 2009 at 10:15am

Kim
you're spot on- the industry is in major crisis---unless you are a big name, they will not spend ANY money marketing you--even big names in the industry no longer get help--i just interviewed James ellroy-he's also a friend---there's no money to market----

Comment by Kimberly Porrazzo on October 16, 2009 at 9:10am

I was lucky enough to have a book published by Penguin back in 1999. Back then, they just started to reduce print runs and my run was just 6,000. When I contacted my agent this year about another book I have in the works, she explained that agents have really taken a hit. Because the advances given to authors have been slashed (unless you fall into one of the "hot" categories Marla speaks of, she said writers are looking at just about a couple of thousand. That means agents have to work twice as hard to make the same amount of money so they are even more discriminating about what they put in front of publishers. Seems now, with Facebook and Twitter, etc., getting the word out to market a book is easy. But it DOES talk dedication. Much nicer to have a major publishing house do all the work!

Comment by Marla Miller on October 16, 2009 at 8:25am

I teach workshops focused on getting published in today's marketplace. Kim's experience with POD is one avenue that is and will continue to become more 'mainstream' as technology directs and NYC's publishing community continues to decline and redefine.
For people with 'hot' non fiction topics, if you're an 'expert' i recommend conventional publishing. these agents & editors are still looking for the next best seller. hope this is helpful.

Comment by Kimberly Porrazzo on October 16, 2009 at 8:08am

I self-published a book on lulu.com. Very easy to use system. They print on demand. You just have to do the marketing. Because it's a print-on-demand model, it costs buyers a bit more, but you name your price and your royalty. Best "vanity" publishing system I've come across.

Comment by Emeraldlorraine on October 16, 2009 at 6:36am

Hi sister writers! I notice this seems to be a female coalition which is fine. I would like to know where I can get the tshirt "Freelance writer will write for coffee!" As well, I would like to see more dialog on this subject in this website. I see there is a mixer on Oct. 21st which I'm looking forward to. Here is my question - Within the last five years, have any of you published a book? If so how did you get it published? Thanks. Lorraine Chambers lorraine92627@gmail.com