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This week: Have you heard the latest news? Edited by: Vivian  
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I received my last issue of Writers Digest, unless I can find funds to resubmit (another story for another time), but, and this is what is important, this issue has some interesting news concerning the current publishing and agent climate. Of course I can't possibly cover all the current events, but I can a few that I found especially interesting.
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| ASIN: 0995498113 |
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Amazon's Price: $ 19.95
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What's new in the publishing and agent world
One point made in Writer's Digest, October 2010 is one I understand and know very well: Advances, if any are offered, are down, and publishers are accepting fewer manuscripts. The result is fewer books will be published. Wendy Keller of Keller Media states fewer books published is a good thing - in the long run. Fewer, higher-quality books will be released.
Another suggestion of what's to come made included agents being paid to represent writers. This idea goes against everything we as writers have been told: Never pay an agent. Now, if a writer wants representation, private consulting is becoming the way. Of course many small presses don't require an agent. However, if a writer wants representing by an agent, which also is becoming harder and harder since publishers are accepting fewer books, one may have to look into the pay-for-an-agent plan. I'm not sure how well this will work, or if it will. It's just an idea of how publishing is changing.
More publishers are allowing writers to bypass agents to submit. Those who allow bypassing agents, according to Paige Wheeler of Folio Literary Management, is a small percentage, but the number is growing.
E-publishing is growing,which most of us already know. I'm trying to find the best way to create e-books. I can't see that e-books will ever completely take the place of print ones, but they are less expensive to produce and to buy.
The points shared show that becoming a published author through traditional ways, with agent representation, may be more difficult and apparently will become more so. Therefore, we need to be sure we have quality writing to submit and search well to find a good home for it.
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Words from Our Readers
creatress 
This was great writing advice. I keep a writing journal but often forget all the simple details and daily experiences that can be put in it. Thanks for helping to simplify my writing life.
You're most welcome.
SantaBee 
Vivian, it's great to have you back. I hope the continuing rehab goes well. Sounds like you found a bunch of characters while you were away...
I'm back at least part time. Rehab is slow, but necessary. I did indeed find some characters.
erozar
I have never thought about getting ideas for character from people around me. I do get ideas for characters from the music I listen to, while I'm in a half sleep half wake state, shows that I watch, books I read (I don't take anything of the characters from the book, I form my own).
We find characters in may ways and places. Some must come from very vivid imaginations, too. We get them where we find them, and we do find them, thankfully.
vickierj
Your suggestions for creating characters was enlightening. It opened up my memory to the past, and reminded me of some very interesting people who deserve a place in my future stories. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Glad to help.
Zeke 
You are so right when you point out that life experiences produce characters. All of my stories include characters from my past.
Zeke
I hope some of the people I've used don't recognize themselves, but I doubt they would. 
OldRoses
I'm an animal lover, so the birds and animals I observe around me become characters in my stories. Thanks for reminding me to keep an eye on the people around me too!
Glad I could help.
Tadpole1 
Hi Viv,
Thanks for the chuckle!
Tadpole1
A little humor here and there improves writing, too.
Jason Clayton
You should've taken the job. There's a novel and a half in the making right there.
Thanks for those stories. They brightened my day.
Well, I did my stint at corralling kids, raising my own and teaching school for nearly 30 years. Don't think I could go another round. Ish.
Loreli
{indent{I've seen a shirt in a few catalog magazines that say "Be nice to me or you'll end up in my novel".
I'm gonna buy that someday. lol
I was given a shirt with wording along that line. I wear it with pride.
Helen McNicol
Viv, you're so right about characters...I see them everywhere! The airport is a fantastic place to sit and find characters. You can imagine back story, where people are going, why...I love it!
Imaginations are wonderful things.
Joy 
Hope you are feeling much better, Viv, and thank you for the newsletter and taking the time for it.
Yes, characters are all around us, and that granny is really a character. 
Yes, she is a character, and she'll end up in one of my stories or books some day, well, rather modified, of course.
Thank you for joining me for another For Authors Newsletter.
Viv |
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Amazon's Price: $ 14.99
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For Authors: September 29, 2010 Issue [#3992]
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