Posts Tagged ‘Writing’

Yikes! Have you looked at a calendar lately? Summer is drawing to a close and Labor Day is just 2 weeks away! It’s officially “Back to School” season!

But, going back to school is very different today than in years past. Not only is the learning equipment much different (computers and calculators vs. composition books and multiplication tables), students must study many more subjects to become successful in today’s world.

As writers we have new tools and new subjects to study, too. But that doesn’t mean we abandon all knowledge up to this point. The basics of publishing are still meaningful, but in a new context. Just like students have found the 3Rs—Reading ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic—have gone the way of language arts, phonics and mathematics, we have to learn the updated versions of what is needed in the publishing world.

4Ps to Publishing Success has always been about educating new and aspiring authors about the process. And every year since its inception (2005), an updated version of the workshop or book has been created. Well, we’ve taken up one notch and now we’re introducing the most powerful and complete course of study for writers to date: 4Ps University, and we are  are now enrolling for fall!

See everything this comprehensive home study course (with weekly live Q&A) offers here>>

And, to make it easy on the pocketbook for those who are facing other Back to School expenses (Have you seen the ’supplies needed’ lists being sent home by teachers today?), 4Ps University is offering a steep Early Registration Discount on the already ridiculously-low tuition.

So, start shining those apples and sharpening those pencils. It’s time to go Back to School and brush up on those 4Ps to Publishing Success! Don’t just take my word for it, read what 4Ps  “graduates” have to say>>

My first-ever YouTube video shares exciting info on how having a powerful answer to the question, “What’s your book about?” can double your book sales.

Please watch the video. I would love your feedback.

Please join me on VIP Author Talks when I interview Beverly Bergman, The Copywriting Queen. The program “Writing About Yourself & Your Book” will help also you create compelling and effective copy to use in blogs,web copy, marketing materials, social networking and media releases. All the program deets and registration info here>>

Here’s a question that is asked in almost every seminar or workshop I teach:

Q: I have a book title I want to preserve but the book is a good ways from being ready. Is there a way to copyright a title long before the book is published? –James

A: You cannot copyright a title (or an idea) at all. You can only copyright  a work. Even if you copyright a book or article with a given title, that does not prevent someone from using that title for another work, even on the same topic. Of course, none of your written material in an article or book can be used.

Once your book is published, you can (and should) register the the title with Books in Print, but again, that does not prevent someone else from using the same title, although it may discourage use.

Focus on writing your book and don’t worry about “saving” the title. No one else can write your book, only you!

We’ve all felt like we’ve been up against a brick wall at one time or another with our writing. Here are some creativity-boosting tips for busting through writer’s block.

1. Free write. Set a timer for ten minutes and just write. If you’re writing in a journal, you may want to have a prompt or ask yourself a question. Write the prompt or question at the top of the page and go. If you’re working on your book or an assignment, review your notes or what you last wrote and then write for ten minutes. Start each writing session this way. Getting started is the hardest part of the writing process for most people. Allowing yourself the freedom of free writing, without censure, lets you begin.

2. Have several projects. In the event that your novel’s characters are being totally uncooperative, switch to another writing project. This is a good time to think about headlines for a press release or to work on your query letter or proposal. Or perhaps you have an article you’re working on or an idea for an article you want to pitch to an editor. A caveat: Stick to writing projects and stay off the Internet. If you start to answer email, you’ll be pulled away from writing. Even worse is to work on “research” via the Internet. An hour will pass and you’ll have not written a word!

3. Read your journal or take out the notebook you keep with the notes you’ve jotted down for stories. If you don’t keep a notebook, begin immediately! Write down any thoughts about characters, scraps of overheard conversation, or events that stimulate an article idea. Keep this notebook with you at all times. And, always, always have a pen. Part of developing the creative habit is to be prepared. How many good ideas have you lost because you didn’t write them down?

4. Take a break. If the words are truly stuck, try something else entirely. Take a walk, sew, paint, cook, read or do some activity you enjoy. Be sure to return to the page, though, within a short period of time.

Portions of this article are reprinted from 4Ps to Publishing Success: Get Your Manuscript Off Your Desk & Into Print by Shelley Lieber. If you liked the article, you’ll LOVE the book! A complete step-by-step guide to getting published. Find out if you need 4Ps to Publishing Success>>>