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I feel like I'm under a blizzard of work right now with no end in site. I'd like to go curl in a ball and forget about it, but I can't. So, if you were expecting profound words from me today. . .I ain't got 'em.
Instead, I make a plea. We still need your help with blog content. Send us your questions or topic suggestions via the comments or email. If we select yours for use, then we'll send you a free book. So, include a way for us to contact you. We'll guarantee to use at least one suggestion, but we are hoping for many so we can give away a lot of books--and publishing advice.
Have a great day. Friday is coming soon. . .hopefully. And if you think to pray for me, pray that my energy and creative can be restored. Thanks.
(Though my cat has done this recently in our snow, this picture comes from everystockphoto)
11 comments:
Hey Becky,
I have had several people ask me about how to break into the editing business. Some people might like to hear about this--something about educational background or experience that is helpful is pursuing this as a career. You might could also talk about the different types of editors. Since you are blogging, you also could talk about what to do and what not to do with blogging and what you like or do not like with authors' websites.
I would like to know if Joanne ever "extends" a Heartsong series. I've had people ask me to write the stories of secondary characters in my Heartsongs, but I usually consider a 3-set complete. I do remember Cathy and Kelly Hake doing 6 or 7 books in the Chance series, I think. Is this something you would consider--say 3 more books connected to a trilogy that was well received?
Becky, my question for you is, I've noticed several books lately that intertwine a contemporary story with a historical one. Usually a family diary or legend connects the modern characters to the past. Is this just a fad, or is it a new genre of its own?
Susan
Readers might like to see the steps from proposal to purchase to publishing a book.
Also, it would be cool to see pictures of your warehouse where the books are stored and some info on how all that works.
For times that you can't think of anything to blog about, you might have Barbour authors be guest visitors so that readers can get to know them better.
Hi Becky,
I think you have done this a few times, but I always enjoy hearing about how the artists come up with the cover designs and what the steps are in that process.
I especially liked Kaye's new book cover for Stand in Groom and Marylu's cover for The Red Siren. What's the story behind them?
Blessings,
Carrie
I love Vickie's ideas, im a reader and would love to know the steps from proposal - published novel.
also featuring authors sounds like a great idea.
Also I love the novellas so would be interested in what goes into putting together a 4 story novella, from how the idea comes up to how the 4 authors are chosen etc.
Also if you have overseas authors it would be great to hear how they find writing the heartsong presents books and other barbour books.
As an aussie I have to say joining up the on of the Barbour clubs was easier here than any other club. Most want a year paid up front and none of the gifts for signing up are included. When I signed up for the mystery club except confusing the poor lady I rang up (it was almost midnight my time) It was so easy to do (although up front would have been cheaper in the long run with the bad aussie dollar now) And paying each shipment is so much easier than paying for 12 months up front.
Hang in there, Becky. Remember, even now there could be a proposal in your inbox that will re-light your fire.
;-)
So here's my suggestion for a topic: "Why I Love What I Do." Or, if you've done something similar already, how about "My Top Ministry Moments as an Editor." I'd really like to hear an editor's perspective on ministry through work.
That cat looks really, really cold. I think my cat likes his inside gig away from the elements. He's afraid of snow.
Here are three suggestions for topics on the Edit Café.
1. Discuss innovative ways for authors to promote their books such as making book trailers on YouTube. I was able to do it for free. Maybe some ideas on how to combine vacations with book signings. How to contact book sellers in the area where you’re vacationing, etc.
2. Discuss ways to become a speaker. How does an author break into this field? How does an author prepare to become a speaker?
3. Discuss how HSP and Barbour books are being used in digital and audio format for the blind. I came across this on a Google alert last spring that my book, Thunder Bay, had been reformatted for the blind. According to the site, Federal law allows certain organizations to use copyrighted books for this purpose without permission. Are these books also being used in other ways across the world to benefit people that we might not be aware?
Beth
Hmm, what about the stages a book takes once it's purchased, on its way to the actual printing and distribution to the stores or online retailers? For instance, review, content edit, copy edit, cover design, galleys, etc.
I often have readers and other writers ask me where my books go once I turn them in to JoAnne and why it takes so long before they see them in print.
So far, I've simmply told them it takes a lot of work to whip my book into shape and get it print-worthy. LOL!
Becky,
I would like to know how you select books for single title, exactly what your thought process is and how it works. Do you have a check list, almost like a contest judge will go through or is it more instinctive?
Do you have a type of book on your "wish list" right now?
I would also like your insights on developing the spiritual thread and also the current thinking on that. Some books seem to have more of a worldview and less of a thread and I wonder if that's happening more?
Also, do you have "tips" for an appropriate spiritual thread, possibly to include "the top 9 mistakes of spiritual thread" or something similar? On that same topic, if a story is great but the thread isn't to your liking, do you ever mention that to an aspiring author? Or does it need to be organic so can't be added?
I hope your spirit is renewed as you work through the tasks at hand. Remember that you're human and the changes in your work life, since the mystery series is closing, combined with the various news items from the media, may understandably be getting you down a bit. Also, I know you live in the "deep freeze" of the Midwest, which can't be helping. :)
Thanks for being so transparent with your feelings.
cathy underscore shouse at yahoo dot com
First, I'd like to say how much I enjoy your blog. I look forward to reading it throughout the week.
As for what topic would be of interest to me... I'd love to know if you will be representing Barbour at any writer's conferences in 2009. If so, where?
Along those same lines, what are the top three things you look for when you are meeting an author for the first time?
Blessings~
JoAnn
jo.glenncarter@yahoo.com
Writing the synopsis is always a tooth-pulling, hair splitting experience for me. Do you have any suggestions for making it easier or any guidelines to follow? Length? What to include? And do others do it first, in the middle or last in the writing process?
Cheer up. I think the Ohio weather has us all down. Spring will be here as soon as Ole Chuck and Pete decide their shadows aren't so frightening ;-)
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