Lincoln Parks hosts Summer Writer's Workshop and Conference

A cool summer workshop for young writers: http://www.lppac.org/workshops/

Amazon Makes More Waves in the Publishing Industry

It has been my pleasure to help many of my clients publish their books this past year, and a number of them have chosen to self-publish, partly due to Amazon's revolutionary free platform called Create Space.

Now, Amazon has announced that it is expanding its publishing arm once again by launching Montlake Romance in fall 2011 (with plans to deepen its category publishing to mystery, science fiction, and thrillers). This has many in the publishing business talking about the company’s hiring strategies. And agents have been eyeing the unfolding process closely, trying to gauge whether the retailer will become as viable a place for their books as traditional houses.

Publisher's Weekly reports as follows:

For weeks job openings at Amazon, in both editorial and publicity, have been posted online, offering positions in Seattle and New York. Rumors have surfaced that the company is recruiting a New York publishing staff and is on the hunt for a high-level executive to be the publisher of its expanded publishing wing. Amazon confirmed that it will be handling its own distribution, and that Victoria Griffith is publisher of the new Montlake imprint.

A rep for the company, who noted that Amazon "has had a New York office for some time," said that "some" of the publishing jobs with the company will be based in New York. While the rep would not comment on when Amazon will launch the other planned genre imprints, rumors have been floating that the company has already closed a deal with an author, for a sizable sum, for either its thriller or mystery imprint.

A number of sources inside New York publishing houses said there was a sour feeling about the way Amazon has, to this point, gone about its employee search. The company sent a form letter to a number of senior executives, some within the same publisher, inquiring if they would be interested in working for Amazon.

While some sources scoffed that a suite of Amazon imprints could establish respect in the industry—one insider said Amazon's publishing efforts would likely be seen as a “proprietary bookseller-publisher pretty far down the food chain of quality publishers”—agents were less damning.

One agent noted that Amazon is uniqeuly positioned to promote authors and books in a way traditional houses are not—through content on its Web site as well as by tapping into information about its customers' book-buying habits. For this reason, this agent said, there is a certain appeal to selling a book to them. He noted, though, that “when any new publishing company or imprint is created, I generally like to wait and see how they’re going to do before placing my authors’ intellectual property there.”

Regarding distribution, questions linger about whether print books from Amazon could find their way into Barnes & Noble or the independents, since both see the company as their most significant competition. One source said it would be presumptuous to assume that B&N would not stock a book simply because Amazon published it, while others added that, for the right title, having no distribution in B&N or the independents would not seriously damage sales anyway.

B&N did not respond to e-mails about whether it will carry Montlake titles. Some independent booksellers are already saying they will never carry a book published by Amazon. "Nobody that sells books needs to do business with Amazon. We don't carry titles by our competitors. We don't carry Barnes & Noble titles. Why would we carry Amazon?" said Geoffrey Jennings of the Fairway. Kans., Rainy Day Books. He added: "It doesn't matter how big you make the press, a vanity press is still a vanity press."

Steve Bercu, of Austin's BookPeople, said it is unlikely he would carry an Amazon title. "They haven't exactly endeared themselves to retailers. Maybe they're looking forward to a happy future collecting sales tax when 100% of retailers aren't mad at them."

Another insider said he thinks Amazon will likely start to “acquire big names in the editorial ranks as well as make runs at big authors.” He added: “And I think agents would sell to them, especially since they’ll probably spend big money.” Amazon has proven recently that, for the right author, it is willing to pay a lot.

After St. Martin’s Press closed a reported $4 million four-book deal with self-publishing sensation Amanda Hocking, word leaked that Amazon had put in a competitive bid in an attempt to land the author. “They probably know enough about the book business by now to do as well as, or better, than the old-school houses,” said another agent, acknowledging that he would probably sell a book to Amazon.

Of course, as the previous insider guessed, it may come down to money on the table. Yet another agent said: “The big question is whether Amazon will pay advances, and at what level. And, of course, what will their tolerance of risk be as a publisher.”

Source: Publisher's Weekly

CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE

A SHORT VID ON THE POWER OF WORDS:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/04/19/the-power-of-words.aspx

Authors are Social Media Masters . . . or, They Should Be

There are six essential elements for successful digital marketing and when used together they make for a powerful combination. Each element is important on its own, but when you use all six together you will see a strategy that is effective, scalable and long term.

• Website -- A professional website is the single most important step towards your digital marketing plan. Your website is your homebase, so make sure it is updated regularly and is current. Use your site as a platform for all other activities. Post your blog and photos along with links to your social networks. Always remember your audience when developing content. If a person cares enough to come to your site, you need to make sure their trip was worth the effort.

• eNewsletter -- email is still the most powerful digital tool. Every single author should have an enewsletter. You should collect as many email addresses of your readers as you can. Overtime email addresses of your readers will be a huge asset. You can communicate with your readers through a regular enewsletter sent either once a month or once every 3 months. Just keep those lines of communication open.

• Blog -- A blog is the best way to share your expertise and drive traffic to your site. Use your blog on your own website along with posting it on an important high-traffic website as a guest post. Everyone needs content, and it never hurts to ask a popular blog if they want to run your blog post. Blogs don't have to be long, 500-700 words tend to be the most popular lengths.

• Facebook -- Every author should have a Facebook fan page so they can socialize and communicate with their readers. It's an important element of digital marketing and honestly at 520 million people, you can't afford to ignore it. Along with being a great place to build community, Facebook fan pages also offer Insights a great tool for monitoring your audience and your interactions.

• Video -- There is not a better or easier way to show your passion and personality than video. It can be fun content for your Facebook fan page, your blog, and your website. Remember to post it on YouTube as well.

• Twitter -- I know many authors are intimidated by Twitter, but it's a fabulous way to share resources and develop a following. I find Twitter to be an incredible tool for listening and for doing market research. You can listen to your readers, find out what other people are doing and saying, and build a relationship with current and future readers.

If you chose not to participate in digital marketing and social media, you are only hurting yourself and your readers. There are millions of people on social networks; they don't miss you, but you are missing out if you ignore them.

Digital marketing is a wonderful way to connect with people who care about your work. Just remember that all six elements of digital marketing working together will produce the best results. There are no short cuts here, but it is all well worth the investment of time and attention.

SOURCE: Fauzia Burke for Huffington Post. Burke is the Founder and President of FSB Associates, a publicity and social media firm specializing in creating awareness for books and authors on the web.

A NOVEL QUESTION . . . OR TWO

"Two questions form the foundation of all novels:

What if?

What next?

(A third question, What now?, is one the author asks himself every 10 minutes or so; but it's more a cry than a question.)

Every novel begins with the speculative question, What if 'X' happened?

That's how you start."

--Tom Clancy

DEJA VU - THIS SATURDAY :)

JOIN IN THE HOLIDAY CHEER - THIS SATURDAY @ DEJA VU Books make GREAT holiday gifts, and here is another opportunity for Pittsburghers to support local authors: HOLIDAY BOOK SIGNING Saturday, December 11 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Deja Vu Books and Antiques 222 Bridge Street Bridgewater, PA (Beaver County) I will be joining about a dozen other local authors at this charming indie bookstore that specializes in antique and collectible books. Stop by and do some holiday shopping! Hosted by Beaver County Wordsmiths - visit them on Facebook!

Agent Tina Wexler on 6 1/2 Ways to Impress a Literary Agent

1. Write a really amazing query. Which is to say: take your time, try describing your work multiple ways until you find the best approach, read successful queries online and have as many people as possible read yours so that you’re certain it makes sense and is a shiny apple.

Tina Wexler, an agent at ICM, is predominately
interested in middle grade/YA fiction and adult
nonfiction. Tina currently serves on the board of
the Rutgers University Council on Children's
Literature and is an active member of SCBWI.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of an agent's list. This doesn’t mean you have to read every book they’ve ever sold—I leave that job to my mom—but by showing them you know a bit about who they represent, you’re telling agents you’ve done your research on who to query.

3. Do your research on who to query. Period.

4. Write a really amazing manuscript. Which is to say: take your time, put your work through multiple revisions, read published works in your genre, and consider joining a critique group or finding a writing partner whom you trust who can help make your manuscript a shiny apple.

5. Be nice. Agents, like most everyone, want to work with people who are personable. This does not, however, mean “Fawn over the agent” or “Send a bushel of apples to the agent.”

6. Don’t ask me, “Why all the talk about apples?” because if you’ve read my client Donna Gephart's How to Survive Middle School, you already know it’s because I'm constantly daydreaming about Bubbe’s Jewish Apple Cake. But do ask other questions you may have. Be a part of the conversation. Agents want critical thinkers who take this getting-published thing seriously.

6 ½. Take this getting-published thing seriously. There’s plenty of fun to be had, but remember, this is a business, not a hobby or a get-rich-quick scheme. Agents want hard workers, writers dedicated to their craft who view getting published as the first step of a long journey, writers whom they will want to be with on that journey.

The biggest database of agents anywhere is
the 2011 Guide to Literary Agents.
Buy it here online at a discount.

FORGET YOUR TROUBLES, C'MON GET HAPPY :)

I was recently asked to take part in the 2010 Happiness Project, designed to create the “happiest year of your life.” The project coordinator, Dr. Nancy Mramor, and I have joined a dozen other authors to present articles on the top 12 things proven by researchers to cause happiness. In this series, I report on the topic of "proximity and happiness." Consider taking a moment to read it at www.drnancymramoronline.com/GinaMazza.html . . . your happiness could depend on it!

Since we know that happiness is contagious, feel free forward this article after you read it to anyone who you want to be happy. And check out the other articles in the series at www.drmramor.com. You can also access this article under the G-vents tab on my website www.ginamazza.com.

To your happiness!

Gina

WRITE ON - TONIGHT :)

Join me for this fun writer's workshop, back by popular demand :)

THE CONSCIOUS WRITER: HOW TO BE PROLIFIC IN YOUR ART, YOUR HEART AND IN YOUR LIFE

TONIGHT: 6:30 to 8:30 Expressions Cafe and Social Club

Harmony, PA

CALL 724.452.0869 to register

In this workshop you will learn how to:

• View the world as the fount of glory that it is, and use this as delicious fodder for your writing or chosen art
• Rise up from the umpteen demands on your life and stake out time for your creative self
• Attract a conscious stream of achievement with your writing endeavors
• Widen your “PVC pipe” to higher guidance
• Burn through the thoughtless, negative junk that others have said about your creative dreams
• Take small yet radical steps to change things up in your life so you can swim in a stream of inspiration

The E-Books Have It!

Thinking of publishing your book in e-format? Publisher's Weekly reported today that while sales in the print trade segments shrank in August, e-book sales had another strong month, jumping 172.4%, to $39 million, according to the 14 publishers that report sales to the AAP’s monthly sales estimates.

For the year-to-date, e-book sales were up 192.9%, to $263 million. AAP said that of the approximately 19 publishers that report trade sales, revenue in the January to August period was $2.91 billion, making the $263 million e-book sales 9.0% of trade sales.

Compare that to the end of 2009, when e-book sales comprised 3.3% of trade sales. Wow! The face of publishing continues to morph!

Gina

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR "WAKE"

What a summer! Glad to live it, glad to leave it behind. (Many of you have shared a similar sentiment!) Holding steadfast to the principles in my book, Everything Matters, Nothing Matters has helped in navigating the miasma. Now it's a brand new day and the future is golden. Do you feel this, too?

During retreat time in Sedona recently, 350 of us pondered big questions about how to best live a sacred, profound and creatively fertile life, and help others do so, as well. We were encouraged to "pay attention to our wake" . . . that is, the trail we leave behind (like waves left by a boat) as we walk through our days. Do you leave a trail of grievances or miracles? Judgement or love? Fear or courage?

As we lean into the autumn season, my intention is to live these answers with you. Here are a few places where I'll be during the coming weeks . . . or, as always, feel free to respond to this post or FB me!

Women Etcetera! Expo ~ Pittsburgh 2010

Author Showcase: Women Writers Discuss Their Books

October 2, 1:30 p.m. (event is all day)

The Mall at Robinson

Pittsburgh, PA

FREE admission! FREE parking!

To learn more: www.womenetcetera.com

Women Etcetera! has assembled professionals from a wealth of industries to create a day of rejuvenation, education and entertainment--with an emphasis on health, happiness, style and a balanced life. Fitness sessions, fashion shows, live radio broadcasts, health screenings, local women's rock bands, local authors and more.

Biz Chicks LunchMix, Lunch and Learn Program

Who Do You Think You Are?

Wednesday, October 20, 1 p.m.

Law Offices of Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP

535 Smithfield Street, 12th Floor

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

$15 for members / $20 for non-members

RSVP: bas@muslaw.com or 412.456.2587

If you don't know about Pittsburgh's BizChicks, you should! So...do you need a little dose of chutzpa to awaken to your greater self? Join me as I ask the provocative question, "Who do you think you are?" and presents 7 concepts that will help you live the fullest expression of the answer.

Expressions Cafe and Social Club

The Conscious Writer: How to be Prolific in your Art, your Heart and in your Life

Monday, October 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Corner of Spring and Mercer Streets

Harmony, PA 16037

Fee: $40 (includes a copy of Everything Matters, Nothing Matters: How to Live with Exquisite Calm, Euphoric Creativity and Divine Clarity)

RSVP: 724.452.0869

Back by popular demand, I will be offering my creativity workshop in this charming, intimate log cabin setting. Come and discover how to view the world as the fount of glory that it is, and rise up from the umpteen demands on your life to stake out time for your creative self. Bring your writing journal or laptop. Coffee and sweet treats will be available for purchase.

Write on, Gina

Gina's public appearance/speaking gig wardrobe is provided exclusively by personal stylist Bear Brandegee. Visit www.bearbrandegee.com.

Friday the 13th . . . Good Luck for Writers!

I read this note from the editor of WritersMarket.com today and wanted to pass it along to all of you. As writers (and in life), we make our own good luck. Remember that . . . and after you're done working, play the lottery tonight!

Write on, Gina

Over the years, I've met many writers who think their struggles as a writer are merely luck—bad luck. It doesn't matter how many stories exist to the contrary, these writers are convinced that finding success is like winning the lottery. And maybe there's something to that.

I suppose if I was a writer who thought getting published was all about luck that I wouldn't invest too much energy on revision. After all, a lucky writer will find the right editor to fix up any manuscript flaws, right? I guess I wouldn't waste time building a platform or developing an audience either, because that surely comes to writers who are already lucky and/or published, which is the same as lucky.

There are examples of writers getting lucky, but let's face it: Most success stories come from writers making their own luck through working at their craft, networking (online and off), and persevering. Don't let yourself get caught in the trap of thinking you're not lucky enough to make it as a writer; you can make yourself lucky starting now.

Until next we meet, keep writing and marketing what you write.

Robert Lee Brewer
Senior Content Editor
Writer's Market
WritersMarket.com

City of Alchemy

The amazing young sage Tone Anogianakis flew to da 'Burgh from Vancouver last week to interview me about EMNM, higher consciousness, PGH's role in the planet's spiritual evolution, conscious parenting and other topics. Filmed at the West End Overlook....

City of Alchemy

Looking for a Book Publicist?

Hey all,

As a publishing consultant, I help match up prospective (and current) authors with whatever resources they need to get their message out into the world. If you have a writing project in the works and need an assist connecting with literary agents, small presses, larger publishing houses, POD companies, printers, typesetters, graphic design wizards and publicists, I'd be happy to work with you.

Over the years, my author clients have asked me to directly serve as their agent or publicist. While I would love to be all things to all people, I can't . . . heck, no one can. Yes, I can make valuable contacts for you and get your ball rolling in the proper direction. With that in mind, here is a link to a pretty good list of reputable book publicists. Check it out!

http://bookmarket.com/101pr.htm

Need a Shot of Creative Juice?

I will be a guest on the Living at Yes radio show tonight @ 6. See Twitter banner on the right-hand column of this blog to connect!

Considering Publishing on Amazon Kindle?

Kindle Bestsellers			Top Movers & Shakers
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson(Knopf) The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks (Grand Central) The Help - Kathryn Stockett (Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam) Shutter Island - Dennis Lehane (HarperTorch) Split Image - Robert B. Parker (Putnam)	The Girl Who Played with Fire - Stieg Larsson(Knopf) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot (Crown) The Last Surgeon - Michael Palmer (St. Martin's Press) Fantasy in Death - J.D. Robb (Putnam) The Silent Sea - Clive Cussler (Putnam)		Vows of Silence: The Abuse of Power in the Papacy of John Paul II -Jason Berry (Free Press) +8400% The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Vietnam War - Phillip Jennings(Regnery Press) +3800% Arthur and George - Julian Barnes (Knopf) +2400% Marshall's Law - Denise A. Agnew (Samhain) +1900% True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa - Michael Finkel (Harper Perennial) +1900%
For more information on how to publish your titles on the Amazon Kindle, please click here.

Are you ON THE VERGE of a creative breakthrough?

Don't miss this evening program on March 2 in Pittsburgh.

Created and produced by yours truly.

ON THE VERGE

Check it out: www.epiphanyworks.org/events.html

Creating a Virtual Book Tour

My friend and colleague, Linda Handley, recently published an endearing children’s book, Squeeky and Louie, in honor of her father, F. R. Handley. (All proceeds from its sale benefit the American Cancer Society.) Linda had the brilliant idea to take Squeeky and Louie on a virtual book tour and was kind enough to share her process for doing so with all of you.

What is a Virtual Book Tour?

A virtual book tour is when an author visits websites, blogs and forums instead of bookstores, cafes and universities that a brick-and-mortar book tour would include. During each stop of the virtual book tour, an author "visits" a different website, blog or forum and may: be interviewed, post an original article or essay (guest post), have their book reviewed, answer questions from the blog's readers or any combination of the above.

Creating a Virtual Book Tour

When creating a virtual book tour it is important to have a well thought out and organized tour. Here are five steps to get you started.

1. Review your current contact and inform them that you are doing a tour; invite them to join you by 1) posting content to their own blog, 2) getting the word out to their social networks or 3) giving you general support.

2. Search other blogs, forums and networks for additional sites that may be interested in hosting you. Keep in mind that you want to stay in your target area and not just invite everyone.

3. Keep a schedule of your dates, keeping in mind that you will need to monitor and respond to comments.

4. Promote your tour on your web site, social networks, blog and press releases.

5. Thank the tour host and do any necessary follow-up.

6. Have an electronic copy of your media kit accessible on your web site or blog. This allows for easy sharing of your book information and you as an author.

Tips provided by Lee Drozak of My Office Assistant: www.myofficeassist.org.

Read more about Squeeky and Louie:

Squeeky and Louie is a children's tale about two gray mice and their adventures with Gus the Cat. "What are little, loving mice going to do when they want to come out and play? This turns out to be an easy problem to solve. Well, with a little clever help the two mice lead the reader on a tale of adventure." The simple text is joyous and engaging, but this is really a story told through the marvelous illustrations. Youngsters will love all the captivating facial expressions and wonderful humorous detail on each page. Squeeky and Louie is a timeless classic to share with friends, family, and future generations. Visit www.squeekyandlouie.com.

Ten Changes in Publishing Since 2000

A lot has changed in the writing industry since WritersMarket.com started in 2000 (the same year that my first book, The Highest and The Best, was released). Most of us used dial-up to search the Internet for publishers and agent. Social network wasn't in the English vernacular yet (Facebook didn't even start until 2003)

Here are a few other things that have changed in the past 10 years, according to WritersMarket.com:

1. Many publications and publishers accept electronic submissions, whether via e-mail or online submission forms.
2. More than ever, writers have to brand themselves.
3. Writers must do the work of marketing and promoting themselves to agents, editors, publishers, and--ultimately--readers. (Wondering how? We recommend Get Known Before the Book Deal.)
4. Personal sites and blogs have made it easier than ever for writers to develop an audience.
5. Ad-based print resources (i.e., Magazines and Newspapers) have struggled to adjust to the Internet with new content strategies and pricing models. (Market Watch, exclusively forWritersMarket.com subscribers gives you insight on the latest changes.)
6. Due to the tough economic times, publications are relying more and more on freelancers. (With over 8000 listings, WritersMarket.com can help you find these opportunities.)
7. The proliferation of online content has opened up more opportunities than ever for writers from all backgrounds.
8. There are more online tools than ever to help writers research and write more efficiently and knowledgeably.
9. Social media offers easy and ground-breaking ways to network with publishing professionals, other writers, and potential interviewees. (If you're not already a member, join the Writer's Digest Community. You'll become a part of a supportive and creative community dedicated to the art and craft of writing.)
10. Businesses and organizations now rely on great content to attract new customers, sell products, and spread important messages--the trend of content marketing. (Wonder how much you should charge for this content? The "How Much Should I Charge? Rate Card" gives you answers!)
    

Words of Writing Wisdom for Twenty Ten

As we begin this new decade, we're reminded of how fast time flies. Have you set fresh writing goals for 2010? Don't break that resolution before even the first of the year's 12 months is over. Take courage from these words by one of my favorite writing teachers, Natalie Goldberg:

"As writers we live life twice, like a cow that eats its food once and then regurgitates it to chew and digest it again. We have a second chance at biting into our experience and examining it . . . This is our life and it's not going to last forever. There isn't time to talk about someday writing that short story or poem or novel. Slow down now, touch what is around you, and out of care and compassion for each moment and detail, put pen to paper and begin to write."

Onward and upward!

Best, Gina