It's Black Friday for Writers

Okay — so it’s been awhile since you’ve heard from me. Easy answer: I have finished my new grammar book and you’ll be able to look at it after the holidays.  This one is titled American-English — The Official Guide

As you make your New Years resolution (to complete the book you started to write years ago, to write a new book, or to write YOUR book, period), let me tell you how easy it is to get it into print — and make money on it besides.

1) Finish the manuscript.
2) Find a reputable, experienced editor (like me).
3) Locate someone to make your book pretty, i.e., format it (like me).
3) Envision your cover and select a cover designer (not me).
4) Check out possibilities on CreateSpace. (Yes, they design book covers too.)
5) Select someone to work as liaison with CS (like me).
6) Lay out a marketing program to sell your book.

“Oh,” you say, “I’ll find an agent to sell my book to a major publisher and they’ll do all of that for me.”

Sorry, my writing friend, it doesn’t work like that anymore. Musicians now record their music independently; film makers produce their films independently; and writers publish their books independently. Takes much less time (a few months rather than years) and is much, much more profitable (you pocket the profits instead of a measly 10-15% royalty.) Besides, you retain full control of the end product — Your Book.

Get back to your writing desk. You have work to do!