Business of Writing

Making Changes to a Published Book

April 4, 2016April 3, 2016Business of Writing

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

One of the things that delights me about self-publishing is the ability to go into a published book’s files and make changes.

For my traditionally-published books, I can’t do a darn thing with the files. I’ve alerted both Penguin Random House and Midnight Ink to reader-reported problems with both digital and print files that have resulted in missing pages, duplicate pages, and–in one particularly horrifying example–a completely different book from a completely different author that Penguin Random House implanted in the last half of one of my mysteries. Problem at the printer? I’ve no idea, but I knew that the chance that I could get it fixed was iffy. I ended up sending these readers signed copies of the book from my personal stash at home.

For my self-published books, I’ve made changes to the finished files quite a few times and for different reasons.Continue reading

An Author’s Giveaways: of Time and Books

March 25, 2016March 24, 2016Business of Writing, Uncategorized

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I realized some time back that I get a lot of requests to do things for free. I’m frequently asked to donate books to charities and to speak at libraries, schools, and conferences for free. I’m asked to beta test software. Asked to give an opinion, help with a blurb, and have my brain picked.

A little over a year ago, I realized that some things figured into my business philosophy or manifesto. Some things didn’t.Continue reading

The Complete Ten Step Guide to Ghostwriting Fiction

March 21, 2016March 21, 2016Business of Writing, Writing Tips

by Joe Bunting, @JoeBunting

I’ve ghostwritten five books and these projects were some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. Before I started ghostwriting, my writing career was progressing slowly, but afterward, it took off. Since then, I’ve come to believe that ghostwriting is the best way to apprentice yourself to the craft of writing. It doesn’t hurt that you get paid for it, either.

What is Ghostwriting in Fiction?

It’s no secret that many of the non-fiction NYT Bestsellers are actually ghostwritten or co-written, but it’s not as commonly known that a lot of fiction authors use ghostwriters as well.

This is actually great news for creative writers, because it means that there really are opportunities to practice your fiction writing while getting paid for it.

How to Become a Ghostwriter

How, though, do you break into the ghostwriting world? In this ten step guide, I’m going to show you how to get paid to practice your writing.Continue reading

Reaching Readers in Future Generations

March 18, 2016March 18, 2016Business of Writing

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about classic television and my kids. I’ve been amazed that they know (and can cite) particular gags or episodes from the 1950s comedy, I Love Lucy. It’s humor that still manages to resonate with kids born in 1997 and 2001.

This is a show that’s always been ahead of its time in many ways. The primary actors on the show, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, formed their own production company, Desilu. They insisted on filming on quality film and allowed the show to be syndicated (which is how I watched it as a kid…as reruns). The company was later sold to Paramount. But the show is still made available to modern viewers as the rights holders put the entire series on Hulu to stream (which is how my kids watch it).Continue reading