[About] Submit Suggestions for FAQ Topics and Resources thread

AW Admin · 05-10-2012, 11:08 PM

Please watch out for good resources (books as well as online sources) about publishing and the more practical aspects of being a writer and send them to me, either via email or via PM on Absolute Write.

Feel free to suggest FAQ topics or categories, as well as links to posts and threads on AW itself.

You can post questions or suggestions here in this thread or PM them to me or MacAllister or CaoPaux or Old Hack, or evilrooster.

Please only PM ONE of us. You don't want us cross-posting over each other; it could bring down the entire Internet.

Thanks--

HapiSofi · 05-11-2012, 09:08 AM

Feel free to use any or all of my not-a-FAQ. Or not use it; it's entirely up to you.

Medievalist · 05-11-2012, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HapiSofi

Feel free to use any or all of my not-a-FAQ. Or not use it; it's entirely up to you.

I just repped you (Rep Comments) but I will take you up on that with alacrity ma'am. And thanks much.

Miss Plum · 05-12-2012, 09:38 PM

I'd like to see a full description of the publishing process from acceptance to backlisting. All the players at every point, what they do. I saw this on an agent's website once and THOUGHT I bookmarked it, but didn't!

kaitie · 05-13-2012, 12:26 AM

Stacia had a great post in another thread about how the editing process is supposed to work. I think it'd be awesome to have that (or something like it) linked somewhere.

Theo81 · 05-14-2012, 09:17 PM

I'd like to see an FAQ on the differences between publishing/submitting in the UK and the US (and any other markets we can find information on). Stuff like - what's the difference between a query and a covering letter? This agent is recommending I use an editing service like Cornerstones, are they trying to scam me?

merrihiatt · 05-15-2012, 06:11 AM

I haven't looked for this yet, so it may already exist, but do we have any kind of commonly used terms with definitions? Especially in self-publishing, I've seen indie, self-published, direct-to-reader all used interchangeably. Also, traditional publisher and trade publisher and book formats (e-book, paperback, etc.). Many times there is confusion when someone is referring to self-publishing when what they have written is e-publishing. That one really sparks a quick response. I don't know if it would help to have a list of definitions, but it seems when threads get derailed due to wording issues, it would be nice to be able to simply direct someone to the common words/definition page rather than having a back-and-forth exchange time and time again.

ETA: I see there is one, but I think I'm talking about something a bit different in that I didn't see any of the terms I mentioned above in Janet Reid's article. Most of her references seemed to be geared toward trade publishing terms (although certainly not all of the words were specifically for trade publishing only).

WriteMinded · 06-03-2012, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Plum

I'd like to see a full description of the publishing process from acceptance to backlisting. All the players at every point, what they do. I saw this on an agent's website once and THOUGHT I bookmarked it, but didn't!

This.

BUT first I'd like a map or step-by-step outline of the publishing process from the time a WIP is completed to the time it's accepted. I THINK it goes like this: 1. Finished MS. 2. Synposis 3. Query Letter (Hell) 4. Agent/Publisher research 5. Submission

BUT I could be wrong. And under Submission would come subheadings . . . I think . . . maybe?

wonderactivist · 06-03-2012, 07:27 PM

I just wanted to suggest a very good resource on contracts. Kristen Nelson's Agenting 101 blog posts lead you from deal points when you get an offer through specific clauses and language in the contract--more clearly than anything else I have read online. She points out specific terms for rights, royalties, payouts, etc. I recommend this resource more than anything else listed. Wish I had seen this before getting my first offer.

Here's the first post:
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2006/06...-part-one.html
(the listing of Agenting 101 posts is in the lower right column.)

Also, I am unable to open the 101 document on the Science Fiction Writers site. Are they now limiting access to their members?

Miss Plum · 06-12-2012, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WriteMinded

This.

BUT first I'd like a map or step-by-step outline of the publishing process from the time a WIP is completed to the time it's accepted. I THINK it goes like this: 1. Finished MS. 2. Synposis 3. Query Letter (Hell) 4. Agent/Publisher research 5. Submission

BUT I could be wrong. And under Submission would come subheadings . . . I think . . . maybe?

Thing is, that process isn't always the same. Some agents want one thing, some another. For instance, there might be a synopsis and there might not. There's really no need to research publishers until you are actually offered a deal. It would still be a good subject for a sticky, but in the meantime you could ask about that at the Ask the Agent forum.

For what it's worth, the usual AW process seems to be:

Finish the MS.
Write a query letter (Hell).
Research agents.
Submit per their requirements -- query only, query + synopsis, query + first ten pages, whatever.
Assess any offers of rep according to various considerations that you can ask about in Ask the Agent.

That is a bare-bones checklist that could use a paragraph of expansion on each point. Anyone, please amend as needed!

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=58

Miss Plum · 06-12-2012, 10:32 PM

And lo! Random House provides some info:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FlnA...feature=relmfu

It's a Random House promo rather than a tutorial, but it does give a look at the process.

Incidentally, another on producing audio books:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF_uP...feature=relmfu

WriteMinded · 06-13-2012, 07:50 PM

Thank you, Miss Plum!!

Miss Plum · 06-14-2012, 10:37 AM

Got another outline of the publication process, which INCLUDES querying:

http://www.dsmagency.com/published.html

Miss Plum · 06-15-2012, 11:47 PM

Found another essay on process:

http://www.jplm.com/advice.php

shadowwalker · 07-10-2012, 04:24 AM

I'm sticking this here because I think it's most relevant - but not sure. And maybe it's been covered but I couldn't think of the right search terms. Anyway...

Every time I see someone post a link to an article about writing, publishing, agents, etc, I wonder - how do they find these things? I've done some googling for blogs but there are thousands - so how do I know which ones to choose to follow (I've been running about 50/50 worthwhile versus junk so far)? And which publications are actually knowledgeable versus just attention-grabbing (I guess "news" type versus "this is my opinion" type)?

I'd like to be able to keep up with the latest discussions/articles/whatever, but I don't want to spend all my time on the 'net either, so I guess I'm wondering if there's a recommended list somewhere here (or if one could be developed) so we could keep up with things in a time-well-spent manner?

CaoPaux · 08-07-2012, 03:53 AM

Since no one else is willing to share their secrets ....

For the most part, I start with someone/thing I trust (i.e., Writer Beware Blogs!), and take note of who/what they link to, with further note of who/what they to, etc. Keeping within, say, three degrees of separation gives me a core list of the major who/what/where/why without becoming overwhelming.

AW Admin · 08-07-2012, 03:55 AM

I follow a bunch of blogs/sites from people I know, or from people in areas I'm interested in via subscribing to them in Google Reader.

I choose who/what to follow based on whether I know them personally, i.e. in life or from AW, for instance, or if they're a reputable site/publication.

I also follow a bunch of people on Twitter, organized into lists. Lots of them re-tweet smart stuff, as well as post their own links.

Siri Kirpal · 12-08-2012, 12:29 AM

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

There doesn't seem to be a single thread stickied anywhere here about how to write a nonfiction book proposal. We could use one in both the nonfiction and memoir forums, as well as here.

If you can't find a better expert, I'll give write it up, if you like.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

kingsley · 12-14-2012, 05:32 AM

I hope someone "in charge" reads this.

I would like to see eCub added to the list of useful publishing software. I use it for creating mobi and ePub files from HTML source, and i think it is the best available software for the DIY power user. It's also cross platform so it works on Mac, Windows, etc.

Just trying to give back some to the community!

05-10-2012, 11:08 PM	#1
AW Admin Whose amusement exceeds all known standards of propriety AW Paladin Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: On the server. Posts: 4,211	[About] Submit Suggestions for FAQ Topics and Resources thread Please watch out for good resources (books as well as online sources) about publishing and the more practical aspects of being a writer and send them to me, either via email or via PM on Absolute Write. Feel free to suggest FAQ topics or categories, as well as links to posts and threads on AW itself. You can post questions or suggestions here in this thread or PM them to me or MacAllister or CaoPaux or Old Hack, or evilrooster. Please only PM ONE of us. You don't want us cross-posting over each other; it could bring down the entire Internet. Thanks-- __________________ Please take a look at The Newbie Guide to Absolute Write. This is Medievalist in an Official Capacity. She is not Herself. Last edited by AW Admin; 05-10-2012 at 11:14 PM.

05-11-2012, 09:08 AM	#2
HapiSofi Hagiographically Advantaged AW Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,855	Feel free to use any or all of my not-a-FAQ. Or not use it; it's entirely up to you. __________________ Winner of the Best Drycleaner on the Block Award.

05-13-2012, 12:26 AM	#5
kaitie Bow before the laser screwdriver Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The land of the rising sun. Posts: 9,418	Stacia had a great post in another thread about how the editing process is supposed to work. I think it'd be awesome to have that (or something like it) linked somewhere. __________________ "You will experience a tingling sensation and then death." And just because it's still awesome: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSgiXGELjbc Take two: 90,008 Current: 7,680

05-15-2012, 06:11 AM	#7
merrihiatt Writing! Writing! Writing! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Pacific Northwest, Washington Posts: 3,323	I haven't looked for this yet, so it may already exist, but do we have any kind of commonly used terms with definitions? Especially in self-publishing, I've seen indie, self-published, direct-to-reader all used interchangeably. Also, traditional publisher and trade publisher and book formats (e-book, paperback, etc.). Many times there is confusion when someone is referring to self-publishing when what they have written is e-publishing. That one really sparks a quick response. I don't know if it would help to have a list of definitions, but it seems when threads get derailed due to wording issues, it would be nice to be able to simply direct someone to the common words/definition page rather than having a back-and-forth exchange time and time again. ETA: I see there is one, but I think I'm talking about something a bit different in that I didn't see any of the terms I mentioned above in Janet Reid's article. Most of her references seemed to be geared toward trade publishing terms (although certainly not all of the words were specifically for trade publishing only). __________________ Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords iTunes Sony All Romance Goodreads Facebook Website

06-03-2012, 07:27 PM	#9
wonderactivist move along, nothing to see here Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Great Plains Posts: 1,801	I just wanted to suggest a very good resource on contracts. Kristen Nelson's Agenting 101 blog posts lead you from deal points when you get an offer through specific clauses and language in the contract--more clearly than anything else I have read online. She points out specific terms for rights, royalties, payouts, etc. I recommend this resource more than anything else listed. Wish I had seen this before getting my first offer. Here's the first post: http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2006/06...-part-one.html (the listing of Agenting 101 posts is in the lower right column.) Also, I am unable to open the 101 document on the Science Fiction Writers site. Are they now limiting access to their members? __________________ *Distortion* is out now for Kindle, Nook and in Paperback from Buzz Books USA. I tweet @luciesmoker and blog at reverse perspective.

05-12-2012, 09:38 PM	#4
Miss Plum Sockpuppet Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,570	I'd like to see a full description of the publishing process from acceptance to backlisting. All the players at every point, what they do. I saw this on an agent's website once and THOUGHT I bookmarked it, but didn't!

05-14-2012, 09:17 PM	#6
Theo81 Has a horse, unlike you. Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wearing the Tudor Green Posts: 1,302	I'd like to see an FAQ on the differences between publishing/submitting in the UK and the US (and any other markets we can find information on). Stuff like - what's the difference between a query and a covering letter? This agent is recommending I use an editing service like Cornerstones, are they trying to scam me?

06-12-2012, 10:32 PM	#11
Miss Plum Sockpuppet Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,570	And lo! Random House provides some info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FlnA...feature=relmfu It's a Random House promo rather than a tutorial, but it does give a look at the process. Incidentally, another on producing audio books: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF_uP...feature=relmfu

06-13-2012, 07:50 PM	#12
WriteMinded Derailed Join Date: May 2010 Location: Above Paradise in California Posts: 1,996	Thank you, Miss Plum!!

06-14-2012, 10:37 AM	#13
Miss Plum Sockpuppet Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,570	Got another outline of the publication process, which INCLUDES querying: http://www.dsmagency.com/published.html

06-15-2012, 11:47 PM	#14
Miss Plum Sockpuppet Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,570	Found another essay on process: http://www.jplm.com/advice.php

07-10-2012, 04:24 AM	#15
shadowwalker empty-nester! Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 3,737	Finding resources I'm sticking this here because I think it's most relevant - but not sure. And maybe it's been covered but I couldn't think of the right search terms. Anyway... Every time I see someone post a link to an article about writing, publishing, agents, etc, I wonder - how do they find these things? I've done some googling for blogs but there are thousands - so how do I know which ones to choose to follow (I've been running about 50/50 worthwhile versus junk so far)? And which publications are actually knowledgeable versus just attention-grabbing (I guess "news" type versus "this is my opinion" type)? I'd like to be able to keep up with the latest discussions/articles/whatever, but I don't want to spend all my time on the 'net either, so I guess I'm wondering if there's a recommended list somewhere here (or if one could be developed) so we could keep up with things in a time-well-spent manner? __________________ I'd rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are; because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star. I'd rather be a has-been than a might-have-been by far; for a might-have-been has never been, but a has-been was once an are. - Milton Berle There's only one absolute in writing - Never listen to absolutes.

08-07-2012, 03:53 AM	#16
CaoPaux Mostly Harmless SuperModerator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Coastal Desert Posts: 10,588	Since no one else is willing to share their secrets .... For the most part, I start with someone/thing I trust (i.e., Writer Beware Blogs!), and take note of who/what they link to, with further note of who/what they to, etc. Keeping within, say, three degrees of separation gives me a core list of the major who/what/where/why without becoming overwhelming. __________________ ICAO --------- Achievers strive for excellence. Perfectionists drive themselves to extinction. -- A Grapple A Day I've never known any trouble that an hour's reading didn't assuage. -- Charles DeSecondat 2012: II2013:

08-07-2012, 03:55 AM	#17
AW Admin Whose amusement exceeds all known standards of propriety AW Paladin Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: On the server. Posts: 4,211	I follow a bunch of blogs/sites from people I know, or from people in areas I'm interested in via subscribing to them in Google Reader. I choose who/what to follow based on whether I know them personally, i.e. in life or from AW, for instance, or if they're a reputable site/publication. I also follow a bunch of people on Twitter, organized into lists. Lots of them re-tweet smart stuff, as well as post their own links. __________________ Please take a look at The Newbie Guide to Absolute Write. This is Medievalist in an Official Capacity. She is not Herself.

12-08-2012, 12:29 AM	#18
Siri Kirpal Swan in Process Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: In God I dwell, especially in Eugene OR Posts: 2,610	Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting) There doesn't seem to be a single thread stickied anywhere here about how to write a nonfiction book proposal. We could use one in both the nonfiction and memoir forums, as well as here. If you can't find a better expert, I'll give write it up, if you like. Blessings, Siri Kirpal __________________ "The only freedom any of us ever has is the freedom to choose how we will not be free."

12-14-2012, 05:32 AM	#19
kingsley figuring it all out Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 67	eCub I hope someone "in charge" reads this. I would like to see eCub added to the list of useful publishing software. I use it for creating mobi and ePub files from HTML source, and i think it is the best available software for the DIY power user. It's also cross platform so it works on Mac, Windows, etc. Just trying to give back some to the community! __________________ Nicholas K Tulach Hammer & Birch / SkySpark Books Always willing to exchange free copies of any of our books for honest reviews

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