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WPNews, April 2023
The Don’t Talk to Strangers Issue
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From Kathleen Kaiser, President
Books have been my salvation, my mental escapes for weekend adventures where I never leave home. I discovered the library at age ten and had my eyes opened to the big, wonderful world that we live in. So, I am very much against book banning in any form. Therefore, WPN joined the American Library Association's Unite Against Book Bans campaign last year. Below is a letter from ALA's Lainie Castle-Cimfel updating the campaign.
From Lanie: Last week Unite Against Book Bans reached a massive audience with alarming new data about the growing number of coordinated, politically motivated attempts at censorship and book banning currently sweeping the U.S. We’re happy to share the following successes of our collective engagement efforts:
- 12 of 69 national partner organizations provided quotes in response to the 2022 book-banning data. These are now scrolling on the Unite website, halfway down this page.
- More than 1,300 new people signed up to support the Unite campaign.
- Traffic to uniteagainstbookbans.org increased by 112% compared to a similar period of time last year, with over 10,000 page views in the 36-hour period following the AP release about 2022 book banning data.
- Top Unite partner social media posts came from GLAAD, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Little Free Library, and Hachette Book Group. Thank you!
- On Facebook, 22 partners engaged with Unite messaging, helping attract 238 new page followers for @uniteagainstbookbans.
Finally, in less celebratory but highly relevant news, HR5 passed the House on March 24 with razor-thin margins. We know this bill will not pass the Senate, but need the support of advocates like you to ensure the upcoming vote results in a resounding NO. Please follow ALA Public Policy and Advocacy (@LibraryPolicy) on Twitter and sign up for ALA’s Advocacy List to learn more.
If you want to support these efforts, please raise your voice on social media.
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From Sandra Murphy, Editor
April showers may bring May flowers but six days out of seven with predicted rain brings a soggy lawn and a delicate internet connection—also, a cranky writer/editor and a dog with wet feet.
Still, the weather is a good reason to write instead of doing chores. After all, you might get sick, dragging the trash to the curb in the rain. It’s a much better idea to pen a story that involves a romantic interlude or a crime that takes place during a storm.
Should you find yourself scrolling through Facebook messages, take time to Like, Comment, and/or Share posts from other writers. Liking is nice. Commenting is encouraging. Sharing gets the word out to more people and that is vital for sales. It only takes a few seconds to do and is much easier than wrestling the trash bin to the curb in a downpour. Trust me on this.
Stay dry, visualize flowers, and write,
Sandy, Editor, editor@writersandpublishersnetwork.com
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Ask the Book Doctor: About Success with Writing by Bobbie Christmas
Q: I have several acquaintances who have given up writing because they could not sell their first book or two. One is a woman who wrote two excellent stories, so it is really a shame. I do not know what to tell them. Any advice?
A: If only we could sell the first book we write! Talk to many published authors, and most will tell you their first book turned out to be practice, but a future book finally got accepted. Some authors were able to sell their first or second book, but often only after selling their third, fourth, or fifth book and then going back to sell the first, once the authors had a following.
If writers wrote only for the purpose of selling books, few books would be written, because a dismal percentage of books get sold to publishers, and self-published books rarely sell more than a few hundred copies.
I hope your friends don’t stop writing, though. Quitting is a foolproof way to fail.
READ MORE…
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Bobbie Christmas is a book editor, author of Write In Style: How to Use Your Computer to Improve Your Writing, and owner of Zebra Communications. She will answer your questions too. Send them to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com or BZebra@aol.com Read Bobbie’s Zebra Communications blog at https://www.zebraeditor.com/blog/
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The Publisher’s Perspective by Jay Hartman
Q: Can you explain what’s happening with magazines over at Amazon?
A: Remember last month when I said you should be paying attention to warning signs that Amazon is going to do something drastic with books eventually? The next phase in that evolution has arrived.
Citing “underperformance” of the category, Amazon has made the decision to eliminate magazines and journals for both Kindle and in print. That means that for all of you who subscribe to a periodical of some sort via Amazon to read on your device, your subscription just got changed from Martha Stewart Living to Dumpster Fire.
Amazon claims it’s going to encourage publishers to make the digital editions available via Kindle Unlimited, but of course there’s zero incentive for any publisher to do so. Even worse, KU isn’t available in South America, Latin America, the Middle East, large swathes of Asia, all of Scandinavia, and anything that’s Irish but isn’t part of the UK. That means the subscriber base for any journal or mag will drastically decrease.
READ MORE...
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Looking to get The Publisher Perspective? Send your questions to jhartman@untreedreads.com with TPP in your subject line. If your question is used, we’ll send you a free ebook from Untreed Reads. Jay A. Hartman, CEO and editor-in-chief at Untreed Reads Publishing, founded Untreed Reads to promote ebooks with an emphasis on independent authors and publishers.
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The biggest book festival west of the Mississippi, all outdoors with lots of entertainment AND IT'S FREE! WPN has two booths this year. Stop by and say hello, meet our authors and maybe find your next most favorite book. |
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Is Stratton Press a publishing predator? Here’s everything you need to know by Sandra Beckwith
Posted on March 22, 2023 Reprinted with permission
I received an interesting voicemail message earlier this month.
“Hi Sandra, this is Ann and I’m calling from Stratton Direct. We want you to send us copies of your book, Streetwise Complete Publicity Plans.
And we are interested to display your book in our physical bookstore in
Manhattan. And this is at no cost to you. Just send us the copies and
give me a call as soon as you get this so we can provide you more
details. My number is….”
Stratton Direct is the marketing arm of Stratton Press, an author services company.
Here are four reasons I was surprised by the call:
Adams Media published Streetwise Complete Publicity Plans
in 2003.
Considering I wrote it 20 years ago, it is woefully out of date.
It has been out of print for years.
Unlike many other authors, I haven’t been inundated with unsolicited
calls or emails from companies like this. I thought it was because my
print-format books are traditionally published. I was wrong.
So of course, I called her back. And took notes.
Why did Ann call?
READ MORE…
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Sandra Beckwith teaches authors how to reach more readers by creating
training programs that take the mystery out of key book marketing
tactics and by working one-on-one with them so they get over, under, or
around book marketing and sales roadblocks or obstacles.
https://buildbookbuzz.com/is-stratton-press-a-publishing-predator/
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Publishing in 2023? The 6 Things You Need to Know by Penny Sansevieri
The book market is more competitive and more saturated than ever
before. There is, quite literally, an endless funnel of fresh books
hitting the shelves every day. While indie publishing might be easier
than ever, that doesn’t mean book marketing is any less of a challenge.
Before you share your book with the masses, you need to consider all
of the factors that go into attracting readers for your specific genre
or topic. Whether this is the year you publish your debut novel or sell
your fiftieth installment, these tips will help you impact the success
of your book.
- Have a Defined Readership and Genre
You might be thinking you can check this one off the to-do list.
Before you do, take a moment to consider your reader market. You’d be
surprised how many authors have tried publishing their book without
defining their readership.
Write down what your genre is and who your reader market is. Now,
take a minute to do some recon. It’s important to know where you belong,
and by “belong” I mean where your book will sit on the virtual shelf.
One of the biggest mistakes I see authors making is what I call
genre-straddling or not assuming they can just show up and create their
own genre.
If you’re reading this thinking, “I have a unique book that’s never been done before,” you may want to ask yourself why.
READ MORE…
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Penny C. Sansevieri, Founder and CEO of Author Marketing Experts,
Inc., is a bestselling author and internationally recognized book
marketing and media relations expert. She is an Adjunct Professor
teaching Self-Publishing for NYU. She was named one of the top
influencers of 2019 by New York Metropolitan Magazine. She is the author
of 18 books, including How to Sell Books by the Truckload on
Amazon: 2021 Amazon Ads Powerhouse Edition, Revise and Re-Release Your
Book, 5-Minute Book Marketing, and Red Hot Internet Publicity, which has been called the "leading guide to everything Internet." Her next book From Book to Bestseller is due out in Spring 2021. To learn more about Penny’s books or her promotional services, visit www.amarketingexpert.com
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On the first three Thursdays in April, the Talking Book Publishing podcast will host groups of authors who will be in the WPN booth at the LA Times Festival of Books. Tune in and learn more about some of our great authors. Download wherever you get podcasts or from our website, TalkingBookPublishing.Today. Click here to listen to the latest episode.
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SPECIAL OFFER FOR WPNEWS READERS - Free copies of Cost of Deceit ebook for only 4 days. |
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Download H. Mitchell Caldwell's new ebook for free and the first book in the series for 99 cents — only March 31 - April 4 |
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Do you like a fast-paced, page turner of a mystery? Here's a legal thriller you may enjoy from award-winning author and WPN member, H. Mitchell Caldwell.
The story:
How to prosecute a murder trial without a body? The L.A. DA asks Jake Clearwater to head the retrial team Jake’s immersed in the defendant’s life of obsessive ambition and unbridled brutality. Can Jake win a conviction?
Click here to download off Amazon.
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May 13
Everyone if invited to a book signing.
Rhory Kadish Lamboy will have a book signing at The Bookworm in Camarillo on May 13 from 1 to 3 pm. A teacher, Rhory loves kids and has taught for more than twenty-five years.
The Story...
Prison of Doom is a middle-grade book about Jake Geer, a seventh-grader who hates having learning disabilities. He also hates his special education class, especially his teacher, who mocks ad humiliates him. But through the story and a prank gone wrong, Jake finds what makes him special.
The Bookworm, 93 E Daily Dr, Camarillo, CA, on May 13 from 1 to 3 pm.
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Bits and Pieces – News You Might Have Missed |
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OTHER SCAMS
From Writers Weekly: Extreme Author Warning About AuthorUnit.com / PrimeChamber.com, a form of the Nigerian prince who needs your help.
https://tinyurl.com/23f95awj
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Several members of the Authors Guild report they’ve been approached by Scryptor Book-to-movie project who for a “registration fee” of $1,200 will pitch their book to big Hollywood movie producers, not limited to new titles.
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This proved to be true by Snopes, dated March 18, “A publisher removed references to Rosa Parks' race in a draft of its textbook to comply with Florida's laws, NYT reports.” https://tinyurl.com/yrmwryut
The Florida Department of Education replied: "It would be impossible to teach about the significance of Rosa Parks without discussing her race," the statement read. "Any publisher who attempts to avoid the topic of race when discussing Rosa Parks or topics such as the Civil Rights Movement, slavery, segregation, etc. would not be adhering to Florida law."
Publishers feel the law is too vague, leaving them in a quandry—print and have the books pulled from schools and libraries or sanitize the content?
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A Skeptical Judge Presses Internet Archive to Cite Cases That Support Their Copying Books.
https://tinyurl.com/2p8uvz65
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IBPA Position Statement on Proposed eBook Laws and Their Impact on Independent Publishers Thursday, March 16, 2023
“Driven by corporate interests, the legislation being put forward undermines the intellectual property of authors and publishers by manipulating fair market compensation for their creative work. It also places an outsized and unsustainable financial burden on small business owners, and ultimately harms the very libraries the laws are meant to protect.”
https://tinyurl.com/58n4er4r
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Writers Guild Says It’s Pushing to Prohibit AI-Generated Works Under Contract in Negotiations
The guild, which is currently at the table with studios and streamers over this issue and others, said Wednesday that artificial intelligence "has no role in guild-covered work, nor in the chain of title in the intellectual property." https://tinyurl.com/mryzpr2n
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Human Artistry Campaign Advocates for AI Best Practices with seven rules to ensure artificial intelligence technologies can support, rather than replace or erode, "human artistry."
https://tinyurl.com/yc5j7u6r
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Sandra Beckwith of Build Book Buzz has recently created a free cheat sheet that authors are using to get publicity -- free media attention -- immediately. "8 Services That Help Journalists Find Authors and Other Sources" details the resources pricey book publicists use to discover what journalists are looking for from sources like you. Download your free copy here: https://buildbookbuzz.com/8-publicity-services-cheat-sheet/
Also, Tip sheets: How to create the best book publicity document you’ll ever need
https://buildbookbuzz.com/how-to-create-a-book-publicity-tip-sheet/
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Oklahoma Senate passes bill to restrict access to books, in both school and public libraries. On March 7, the bill moved from the Senate to the House. Materials for high school juniors and seniors would be put into a restricted area to protect younger children. The high schoolers would need written consent from a parent or guardian to access those materials.
“Beginning July 1, 2024, no print or nonprint material or media in a school district library, charter school library or public library shall include content that the average person age 18 or older applying contemporary community standards would find (has) a prominent tendency to appeal to a prurient interest in sex,” the measure says.
Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, sponsor of the bill says, schools are not the place to be exposed to pornography and sex. “What we are attempting to do is make school a safe place,” Hamilton said. “We are not banning books.”
To see some of the objected titles, go to: https://tinyurl.com/2p82mpde
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War Has Taken Its Toll on Ukrainian Publishing
The number of titles published in Ukraine was cut almost in half last year, dropping from 17,000 in 2021 to just under 9,000 in 2022. The total number of books printed in Ukraine fell from 25.7 million in 2021 to 9.2 million in 2022, partly due to supply chain issues. Typically ordering 60,000 tons of paper, printers only received 20,000 tons last year. The focus of most publishers is to keep the lights and heat on, relying on generators to do this.
https://tinyurl.com/2z4casbe
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Spotify Launches Audiobook Sales in Canada
https://tinyurl.com/3fbhrtrr
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Book Fairs and Festivals July and August |
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Sleuthfest, July 6-9, 2023, Boca Raton, Florida.
Sleuthfest is all about writing workshops, social events, and pitch
sessions for mystery, suspense, and thriller writers. Sessions will be
held on the craft of writing, marketing, and promoting your work, and
practicing your pitch with experienced authors. https://sleuthfest.com/
Readercon, July 13-16, 2023, Quincy, Massachusetts.
The premiere book festival for science fiction, fantasy, and speculative
fiction took a break over the pandemic (including last year), but they
are all set for an in-person convention next July. https://readercon.org/
Detroit Festival of Books, July 16, 2023, Detroit,
Michigan. The Detroit Festival of Books is the largest book festival in
the State of Michigan. They have vendors from all over the USA and
Canada. The Bookfest is dedicated to promoting the joy of reading and
the rich culture surrounding it. https://detroitbookfest.com/
Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, August 16-26, 2023,
Ripton, Vermont. The Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, founded in 1926, is
one of the oldest and finest of its kind in the country. The conference
features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well
as lectures; craft classes; meetings with editors, agents, and
publishers; and readings by faculty and guests. https://www.middlebury.edu/writers-conferences/
Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, August 17-20,
2023, Franklin, Tennesee. The Killer Nashville International Writers’
Conference is a four-day event bringing together some of the world’s
best authors, aspiring writers, agents, editors, and other industry
professionals. https://www.killernashville.com/
Mississippi Book Festival, August 19, 2023, Jackson,
Mississippi. The Mississippi Book Festival, a nonprofit founded by
literacy advocates, launched in August 2015 on the State Capitol grounds
and continues to draw thousands to its annual “literary lawn party” and
book lovers’ celebration. Visit their Replay festival pages for
highlights, pictures and videos of past festivals. https://msbookfestival.com/
American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, August 24-27,
2023, St. Louis, Missouri. Each year, hundreds of veteran authors and
those just learning the craft of Christian fiction gather in a setting
like this to hear skilled instructors, inspiring keynoters…to gain from
the insights of industry professionals…to interact with other
writers…and to present their ideas to agents and editors looking for
stories like theirs, or to mentors who can help them move forward in
their writing career. https://acfw.com/acfw-conference/
LEARN ABOUT MORE UPCOMING EVENTS.
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Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, August 30-September 03,
2023, San Diego, California. The World Mystery Convention is a
nonprofit, all-volunteer organization which holds an annual convention
in honor of Anthony Boucher, the distinguished mystery fiction critic,
editor and author. Bouchercon is their annual world mystery convention
where every year readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents,
booksellers, and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a 4-day
weekend of education, entertainment, and fun! https://www.bouchercon.com/
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The California Crime Writers Conference is coming back in-person
on June 10-11, 2023 at the Hilton Los Angeles (Culver City). www.ccwconference.org/registration. Since 2009, this premier conference offers panels and workshops on craft and the business of writing for authors of crime fiction and true crime at all levels. Topics include:
Film Option Contracts, Online Ad Strategies, Audiobook Production, Cutting-Edge Forensics
This year’s Guests of Honor are Deborah Crombie, bestselling and award-winning author of the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James detective series, and critically acclaimed crime novelist Rachel Howzell Hall. The CCWC is a biennial production of Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles and Mystery Writers of America/Southern California.
Registration is open at www.ccwconference.org/registration
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