Being in the book publishing, and graphics industry, one comes up against copyright all the time. When you create a piece of writing or artwork that is original, specifically from your thoughts, crafted, designed and written or illustrated by you without the use of any copying methods, then you own the right to that piece of work. You are entitled to copyright it - you own the whole portion of your work, as you are the creator. You own it throughout your lifetime, plus it remains within your estate after your death, for another 50 years, at which time it will revert to public domain.
If you have written a book, you are entitled and should register the copyright of it. You automatically own copyright of your work, by the simple fact that you created it. If you are considering publishing your writing, you have to be aware of copyright.You would want to register your copyright of a piece of work, for your protection. If the work is not going to be published, but is in the initial stages, one form of ensuring copyright is to post a copy of the work to your home address, and keep the package sealed (until - if and when - it may be required to open in a court of law). The postmark and un tampered seal are proof of the original contents. If the work is a finished piece that is being published, the copyright can be added, such as on the book’s copyright page, or at the end of the document.
The Copyright Board of Canada at the following link has information from the Government of Canada that may be of help in understanding copyrights and registering a copyright, or you can visit your local library. http://www.cb-cda.gc.ca/info/index-e.html. For those living in the United States, be sure to check out your copyright legislation.
When you are writing be wary of reproducing, copying or using anyone else’s text, illustrations or photographs, otherwise you will be in violation of their copyright, and you could face legal action. You must be original in all you write, unless you are specifically quoting a resource, and stating where the information came from, and creating a reference table. You may be able to use someone else’s work if you have ‘express written permission’ to do so, depending on their copyright message for the work. Even so, you will have to make reference to the usage. Make sure your characters are fictional, you can’t be writing about people you know or giving them character traits similar to your friends and family, as you may infringe on their right of privacy, which is another law unto itself (Privacy Act).
You can also request a license from the Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency (access©™), which would allow photocopying or reprographics copying. Visit www.accesscopyright.ca for more information.
Tags: copyrights
Before setting off on a self publishing route, you have to determine what your goal of self publishing is. Self publishing - seeing the book from manuscript into a bound copy is the easy part, but the hard part of self publishing is the work that surrounds it, and the biggest of all - how to market your product. Your goal will be determined depending on the size of your project, who your audience is, how much time you have and finally, how much money you have.
The time factor and the finances you have available to you go hand-in-hand. The time factor is the time you need to spend in getting your written project into a book format and then out to your audience. What will you do yourself? If you want to do the editing and layout, then you will need the time to do that. If you are going to contract this out, then you need the time to find an editor, respond to the changes and then find a layout and design person to do the preliminary work prior to going to the printers. Of course there are book printing companies that can take care of all this for you. It depends on how much you want to spend on editing, design and layout, and the printing.
There are many options for the printing too. This will depend on the size of your project and who your audience is. If you want for example, a children’s book, photography, or recipe book printed, then you would most likely go full color (4 color process). If you have a chapter book or memoir, then only the cover needs to be color. The binding styles will differ also, such as coil, hardbound or soft cover. You will also have to make paper choices and determine how many copies you want. This will depend on the finances you have available.
All of the above depends on your goal and audience. Are you intending the project be for family only, thus a few hundred copies. Do you want it to to be delivered to a niche market, such as attendees at sales seminars? Do you want it distributed to a mass audience? Where it is to be distributed will depend on the resources you have, including your time factor and finances available to you.
Your self publishing goal should be a well thought out marketing plan, that takes a sales widget (your manuscript) from inception to a finished product and then distributed to the public depending on the finances available. Not sure you want to be CEO of a publishing company? Then you might want to re-think the self publishing route.
(Comments Welcome - What’s your take on self publishing?)
Tags: book printing, editing and book layout, self publishing, self publishing goals
Can a self published author charge for author visits? This is a question I have asked myself after several school and library readings, when I’ve taken up at least an hour or two of my time and haven’t sold a single book. When I first published Little Blue Penguin, my children’s book for ages 2 to 6, I wanted to promote it and I was so pleased and grateful to offer readings at local libraries and schools without any charge. The first couple of readings I did, I was pretty naive on the marketing end and didn’t even pass out any promotional literature. Then I talked with a local Calgary author, Simon Rose (The Heretics Tomb, The Emerald Curse) and he mentioned that I definitely should be charging for my time (at least $150.00 per visit). I thought, how can I do that when I am so new an author (and self published) and most teachers and libraries have not even heard of me.
I’ve since published my second book, McKenzie’s Frosty Surprise, and have been to a few more schools. Now I pass out order information, but discovered that teachers don’t want the responsibility of having to collect money that children bring money to school, so usually the order forms go home with the children after the reading. To date, I haven’t yet received an order form back, but perhaps some purchases have been made at bookstores because of the reading, and it means that several more children and teachers become aware of my books.
I’ve talked with librarians about charging for my readings, and they are acceptable if they can claim the expense through an “authors’ reading grant” (usually through the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, or the Young Alberta Book Society (YABS) and similar organizations. The problem for me as a self published author, is that I am ineligible for the funding because I am not published by a professional publisher.
I love giving readings and doing signings; the children are so enthusiastic and willing to learn. I enjoy the interest generated from my books in the classroom. It is a way for me to give back. At some point though, I have to cover my costs of travel and time when going further away from home. I’d like to hear opinions from other authors about how they approach the subject of a fee, about charging for readings, and/or how they promote sales at readings and signings. (Thanks, Patricia Atchison)
Tags: Author Readings, children's books, library readings, self published author
I learned a lesson the hard way last year when I neglected to contact a bookseller during spring break. The consignment manager was quite upset that I hadn’t capitalized on spring break week and done a couple of book signings. New to book promotion, I hadn’t even realized this was a great book marketing opportunity.
This year, I located the school districts within my immediate area and found out when their spring breaks were. Of course not all districts and school divisions have the same week off. I managed to book two signings at bookstores in the local malls during spring break weeks on the Saturday just as spring break starts, and went a step further and contacted a few schools.
The friday before the break is usually a slow day, and the librarians welcomed the opportunity for an author visit. I will take both my children’s books, Little Blue Penguin, and McKenzie’s Frosty Surprise, and read to 3 groups of students from K - 4. I’ve prepared book order forms and hand-outs telling of my book signings at the bookstore the next day, and will give those out immediately following my reading to the children. This might help drive traffic to the store signing, especially when reading to over 100 children.
Be sure to check with each school prior to delving into the book order form specifics. Most teachers are happy sending the forms home with the children following a reading, and if contacted well in advance, the parents can also be invited to come to the reading. I have found some schools who do not want to get into the specifics of having students bringing money to school to purchase books. It is a big responsibility for the teachers to collect monies and ensure that the appropriate child gets a book to take home. It is okay to work with the librarian and come to a solution that fits both needs.
This is just one idea for book marketing that seems to be a win-win situation all around for schools, book sellers and the author.
Tags: Author Readings, book marketing, book promotion, bookstore signings, children's books, librarians, reading in schools, spring break book promotion
Writers and aspiring writers, come to Canada’s largest Christian writers’ conference, Write! Canada, June 18-20, Guelph, Ont. Join us for the 25th annual conference as keynote speakers Brian Stiller, Audrey Dorsch and Ray Wiseman focus on “Celebrating God’s Blessings: Past, Present & Future.” Choose from classes for professional to beginner writers. Meet editors, publishers and agents from Canada and the U.S. Sponsored by The Word Guild, a national association that connects, develops and promotes Canadian writers and editors who are Christian.
Tags: Canadian Writing Conference, Christian Writers, Christian Writers' Conference, Write! Canada
Write! Canada - Canada’s Largest Christian Writers’ Conference, June 18 - 20, 2009, Guelph, Ontario
In addition to joining writers’ groups, entering contests and reading your work in public, consider going to writers’ conferences too. This year Write! Canada, Canada’s Largest Christian Writers’ Conference is celebrating their 25th Anniversary.
Most conferences offer workshops relating to writing and editing skills, and Write! Canada is no different. Usually writing conferences offer 3 days of great workshop information, networking seminars and banquet luncheons and dinners featuring keynote speakers. Organizers also bring in experts in the book publishing industry and offer manuscript critique services and appointments to pitch with an editor from a publishing company or literary agent. During breaks, you will also find mini trade fairs featuring books for sale and related services.
This year you can be a part of Canada’s Largest Christian Writers’ Conference, Write! Canada, taking place June 18 - 20, 2009 in Guelph, Ontario. Classes are offered from professional to beginner level, in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s, inspirational and secular material genres. Plenty of networking opportunities will be available. For more information visit www.writecanda2009.ca or call 519-886-4196 for information.
Tags: Christian Writers' Conference, Write Canda Christian Conference, writers workshops, Writers' Conferences
It’s all about confidence. Are your ready to share?
Not many of us enjoy public speaking. For some it’s very natural, for others, an absolute nightmare, especially for authors who are introverted, and face it, most of us are quite introverted. Otherwise how could we sit for hours on end with only our characters to keep us company. But authors need to share their work. If the fear of joining a writer’s group is holding you back, because you may have to read your work, don’t let it. Use writer’s groups as a way to grow and become comfortable while reading your work to an audience.
I find getting in front of an audience quite nerve wracking. Not only do you have to speak, but you have to keep your hands from trembling so hard while holding your story, that you can still read the words. It’s great if you have a lectern or table to hide behind, but standing and reading with nothing between you and the people in front of you is sheer terror.
If you have an authors event coming up, practice reading your story out loud over and over to yourself. Read it in front of the mirror. Read it to your dog, your children and your friends. This at least gets you comfortable with the story and hearing your own voice reading out loud.
If you get a chance to read first- do it! Which means you won’t have time to get nervous while several authors precede your scheduled time. Once you’ve been first to read, you can settle down and enjoy all the other authors to the podium.
When it’s your turn, take a deep breath. Smile at the crowd. Sometimes you can describe what you are about to read, a small synopsis of sorts, or, just delve in. Read slow. When we read out loud, we don’t realize how fast we are reading. It’s not a race. Take many pauses as the story demands and especially for effect.
Speak loud and with inflection. If you are familiar with your story, looking up now and then and making eye contact with your audience is a good thing to do. Try not to roll your shoulders into a ball, staring at your paper and speaking so monotone that your audience falls asleep or has to strain to hear you.
Finally, be proud of your work. It’s unique and it’s part of your creativity. People will be impressed that you authored such an interesting piece and will have nothing but praise that you shared it with them.
I have reading of my children’s picture books coming up with K - grade 2 students. 100 of them. They wish to be entertained. A tough audience indeed. But what fun!
reading of my children’s picture books coming up with K - grade 2 students. 100 of them. They wish to be entertained. A tough audience indeed. But what fun!
Just as I was talking about entering writing contests yesterday, the following came across my email today about the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. Amazon is looking for new voices in fiction and are accepting entries. If you care to do the work to have your manuscript in proper format and send it in on time, this is an excellent opportunity for fiction writers to showcase their work, and compete for a chance to win a publishing contract with Penguin Group (USA) to market and distribute Grand Prize winner’s winning Manuscript as a published book, including promotion for such published book on Amazon.com and an advance of royalties.
From Amazon’s email: Submissions of unpublished novel-length fiction manuscripts will be accepted beginning this Monday, February 2nd, 2009 at 12:01 a.m. (US Eastern Standard Time). For more information about the contest, including the rules and submission guidelines, please visit the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards web site at www.amazon.com/abna.
Tags: 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, Free Writing contest, Writing contest
Is entering a writing contest a good idea? Why should you have to pay to enter?
There are many writing contests being offered by various organizations. Most are free. Some have a charge. You have to determine if you want to pay to enter a contest. Some call it an administrative fee or depending on the source, it may be a subscription fee, where you’ll receive a subscription to a mainstream or literary magazine. You would have to determine if you really need a subscription to their product, which comes with the entering of the contest.
Look at why you should enter. Maybe by having a deadline, it will make you sit and do some writing work. The entry criteria might help you to write outside of your comfort zone, in a genre that you might not otherwise have tackled. Of course there are the rewards if you do win - cash, prestige, popularity, possibility of publication, which gives you clips for your portfolio, and it does look great on a submission or resume.
Try entering local contests, where the submissions may be a lower than at a national or international level. The local press is always interested in home town authors who win.
Try to look for free contests, but also look at those contests too where the organizations charge only a small fee. This might be needed for the financial support to offer a small honorarium to the judges, and to come up with the prize funds.
When you enter a contest where you get a free subscription to a product, is in my opinion, a way for magazines to increase their subscribers numbers. Your fee pays for the subscription. It’s ok if you don’t mind getting a subscription. They usually offer to print the winner’s entry, so this is a good way to get published.
Find writing contest information at your local library, writing groups and on the internet. Good Luck on your entries!
Tags: Writing Contests
Many authors wonder what an appropriate response time is to hear back from a publisher regarding their manuscript submission. A response time is the average length of time for the publishing house to determine whether they are going to accept (or reject) a submission. This can vary and can be a long wait indeed. You may or may not hear back from the house depending on whether you attached a self addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to request a reply.
When requesting Writer’s Guidelines from a publisher, these will most likely include information on the amount of time it takes to receive a response. They might write something like, “Responds in 6 - 8 weeks. Publication in a year.” Every publisher will have a different response times depending on their size. The average wait can be anywhere from 3 - 6 months.
I recently received a response back - a hand written letter, a scrawl mostly, begging forgiveness for keeping my manuscript for over 2 years. The editor suggested I send it elsewhere. I did not choose to wait to hear from them over the two year period. I assumed they just hadn’t chosen to respond back with a reply. During this time, I went ahead and sent it on to other publishing houses after about a 3 month period.
It is unnerving to have to wait, especially with a single submission. These are the type where the publisher wishes excusive right to review your submission, without worrying that you may have sent it elsewhere. These are not popular amongst submitters, as it holds up the manuscript and if the publisher takes many months to review it, you are not able to try and market it elsewhere. In these circumstances, to speed the process a bit, you could always explain in your query that you are sending a single submission, but that if you have not heard from the publisher within a set period of time (say 3 months), then you will seek alternative submissions.
Some publishers will accept simultaneous submissions (or multiple submissions - a manuscript submitted to more than one publisher at a time) if you state that in your query to them. This at least gives you the option of sending your manuscript to several publishers at a time. Electronic Submissions (sent via email) do not always guarantee a quick read either and can take just as long as posting a manuscript.
When you are researching markets for your manuscript, the choice is yours as to whether you wish to submit to multiple markets or wait it out with a publisher only accepting a single submission. In the meantime, while you patiently await exciting news, try working on another project.
Tags: Manuscript Submission, submitting manuscripts to publishers
