26 February 2018 - What's new
26 February 2018
- 'Those of us who write do it because there are stories inside us burning to get out. Writing is essential to our well-being. If you're that kind of writer, never give up! If you start a story and it isn't going well, put it aside...' Judy Blume, author of Are You there, God? It's Me, Margaret, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Forever, Wifey and 25 other books, which have sold over 85 million copies worldwide, but often been banned. Our Comment
- Are you writing for children? our Children's Editorial Services can help you get your work ready for publication or self-publishing. Have you found it difficult to get expert editorial input on your work ? Do you want to know if it has real commercial potential? Or are you planning to self-publish? Three reports and copy editing are available from our particularly highly-skilled children's editors, including essential advice on age groups and vocabulary.
- The debate about ebooks goes on. But many writers will think that it's a debate which has been settled and doesn't need global publishers expressing a view - especially since in fact publishers have made a lot of money from ebook sales. But for indie publishers they are vital. News Review
- Our article on How to get your book translated into English (without it costing the earth) asks writers with a manuscript which needs translating or has been written in English by a non-native speaker: "if your English is good enough, what about translating your book yourself, or writing in English, and then getting your translation polished and copy edited by a professional editor who is a native English speaker?" This could be a cost-effective way of reaching the international English-speaking market.
- Translation Editing is a polishing service for writers who have translated their work into English or written it in English when it is not their native language. If you need to make sure it's good enough to publish, or send to a publisher, this service is for you. Acknowledging the growth of world English, Translation Editing is designed for the many non-native English speakers throughout the world who want to publish their work in English.
- Our links: writers who have hated the films based on their books, 20 Literary Adaptations Disavowed by Their Original Authors | Literary Hub; a simple, easily searchable website is one of the most potent tools in the indie author's marketing arsenal, DIY: Essential Elements of an Author Website; many writers in the first half of the 20th century were experimenting with the limits of autobiography, Does it matter if authors make up their memoirs? | Books | The Guardian; some poets suffer through revision. Other poets find life in revision. All poets do it. Fifteen Poets on Revision - The Millions.
- From Tom Chalmers, formerly of IPR, two articles about rights for self-publishers, Self-publishing - the rights way and How to get your book in the hands of an international audience. 'It's a fact that most self-published authors understand the process that takes them from a written manuscript to a published book, but few realise the additional elements that make publishing a profitable business. Rights licensing is arguably the most vital element in this equation. Whether it's selling translation rights, audio rights or optioning the film rights, these all help balance the book's books...'
- More links: a writer accused of racism, Keira Drake on ‘The Continent' and Its Twitter Backlash; a contrary view from a writer who is no stranger to controversy, Lionel Shriver says 'politically correct censorship' is damaging fiction | Books | The Guardian; Armand Nourry called the ebook a "stupid product", The Big Five Publishers and the Nutri-Matic Drink Dispenser; and the view of a writer for whom they've been a godsend Ebooks are not 'stupid' - they're a revolution | Books | The Guardian.
- From our Writers' Quotes, Margaret Atwood in The Blind Assassin 'The only way you can write the truth is to assume that what you set down will never be read. Not by any other person, and not even by yourself at some later date. Otherwise you begin excusing yourself. You must see the writing as emerging like a long scroll of ink from the index finger of your right hand; you must see your left hand erasing it.'
