Our Next WD Webinar:
Self-Publishing 101...

Last Thursday I hosted my very first webinar on the basics of children's publishing. I was a little nervous about this mostly because I often feel that all technology is conspiring against me in an evil plot of some sort. Technology and I got a long fine, however, and things went smoothly. (And it was really enjoyable.) I did all the talking, but the attendees submitted a number of great questions. Among them were questions about self-publishing. It never fails --whenever I address a group a writers, there are always questions about self-publishing. Should I do it? How do I do it? What's involved? Is there a stigma? Can I get published by a traditional publisher later? I've self-published--how do I get people to buy my book?

For any of you out there with these same kinds of questions, my Publisher Jane Friedman is offering a webinar called Self-Publishing 101: Learn When to Do It and How to Do It. It will be held next Thursday, February 26th at 1 p.m. EST and runs 90 minutes.

In additional to addressing some of the questions above, Jane will also discuss popular online tools and sites that can help you self-publish, and show in real time how to use those tools. She'll give tips on evaluating publishing services, creating a book from scratch, and marketing and promotion, and also provide a checklist.

If self-publishing is something you've considered, Jane can really help demystify things for you. She's both knowledgeable and approachable (and I'm not just saying that because she's my boss). If you're embarking on self-publishing it's wise to do so with some knowledge--the $99 price tag for this webinar seems like a wise investment to make before entering into a self-publishing situation that could cost thousands.

Click here for more information on Self Publishing 101.

Upcoming Writer's Digest Webinar:
Get Your Nonfiction Book Published with Jane Friedman...

My very knowledgeable Publisher Jane Friedman is offering a great webinar next week on getting nonfiction published. The session takes place Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 1 pm, EST and lasts a full hour and a half, for only $79.

Here's what attendees will learn during Jane's session:

• Find out the difference between a nonfiction book concept that gets an immediate, enthusiastic response from agents/editors—and one that gets no response.
• Learn how to craft a selling handle with sizzle.
• Learn the one golden rule of nonfiction book ideas and how it assures publication every time.
• Learn the basics of nonfiction book proposal writing (smart authors never write the book first, they always write a proposal).

And there's a BONUS: The first 25 people to register may submit a 100-word summary of their nonfiction book concept (which must include the book’s tentative title), to be critiqued in live time by Jane during the webinar. The second 25 people to register may also submit a summary, and will receive a custom critique within 24 hours of the presentation.

If you or any of your writer friends are interested in publishing nonfiction, you can click here for the full scoop and to register.

(Also note that I'm doing a webinar on children's publishing in February. You can register through the same link. And I'll remind you again later.)

Up for Discussion: Critique Groups...

Today on Jane Friedman's There Are No Rules blog, she posted the following:

This morning, we pitched a book on writing and critique groups. While anecdotal evidence tells us that most writers do participate in some form of critiquing (whether as part of a formal group or not), we don't have hard evidence. So the sales people tabled the project until we could return with information that substantiated our claims. They also disputed whether writers would spend their money on a book about writing groups and critiquing, even if they are an active writing group member.

So we're putting together a survey that will soon go out to Writer's Digest newsletter subscribers, to see what data we can collect. I'd love to hear from readers of this blog as well, if you know of any information/data that would be useful to us. (And if you have a blog, perhaps you can post on this topic and gather feedback too!) Ultimately, I'd love to create a groundswell of discussion that will convince our sales team that this idea deserves realization as a physical book.

I'd love to know your opinion on this issue.

• Are you in a critique group?
• Would you or your group consider buying a book about writing groups and critiquing?
• Do you think such a book is needed?
  

I know a lot of you out there have critiques groups or critique partners. Maybe some of you are interested in joining or forming a group. Please weigh in our our discussion--comment here or on Jane's blog.

A New Blog from Jane Friedman...

Writer's Digest Books Editorial Director Jane Friedman launched a brand new blog yesterday, There Are No Rules.

Jane, who oversees the publication of more than 50 nonfiction titles a year and speaks at a bazillion writer's conferences on myriad publishing-related topics (and is my boss) says her goal is "to deliver valuable advice to aspiring and established authors through frank commentary on publishing trends, live reports from conferences/events, and brief interviews with agents/editors/authors."

So check it out. Bookmark it. You will likely learn something or come away with a provocative thought about the ever-changing publishing landscape. Leave a comment while you're there. (Feel free to say something nice about me.)

There Are No Rules is part of the new-and-improved WritersDigest.com.

Mad Anthony Writers Conference & Book Festival...

This Saturday, April 26th, I'll be offering a session at the Mad Anthony Writers Conference & Book Festival in Hamilton, Ohio (between Dayton and Cincinnati).
During my session, "For Children’s Writers: 2 Dozen Tips to Help You Get Published" (or Publlished as it says on the event's website), I'll talk about children's publishing, offer advice, and answer questions.

This event is not children's writing and publishing specific, but there will be a lot a good sessions on an array of topics. For instance my editorial director Jane Friedman is doing a session called "Marketing is Not a Dirty Word." (But don't go to that one, because it's at the same time as mine.) There are also sessions on "Revision, Revision, Revision," "Writing & Publishing Your First Novel," "Picture Book Manuscripts: What Works, What Doesn't," and two sessions on "A Writer's Website," one for beginners, one for intermediate. The event's keynote speaker is mystery writer Hallie Ephron. Here's a link to the conference schedule.

Concurrent with the writers conference is a book festival featuring hours of signings by authors of various genres.

If you live close (or close-ish) you should come to the event and see me.

P.S. That's General "Mad" Anthony Wayne above. He was Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army under George Washington. And he had a reputation as a snappy dresser.