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Recommend this book:
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers
Small Presses, book contests, university presses, and independent publishers for "unagented" authors
Marylee MacDonald
2020 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Lois J Wickstrom for Readers' Favorite
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers, subtitled Small presses, book contests, university presses, and independent publishers for “unagented” authors by Marylee MacDonald, is a valuable tool for authors who have been ignored by the big presses and agents who sell to them. This book lists over 300 small and independent presses that read manuscripts from unagented authors. Sometimes these presses require a query letter before deciding if they want to see your manuscript. Sometimes they want you to enter a contest. Sometimes, their staff is open all year to look at their specific types of manuscripts.
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers has all the instructions and appropriate websites for accessing each of the presses they list. Marylee has sold both fiction and non-fiction books. Here she has compiled a wide selection of presses, so that other authors may do the same. Since this is an ebook, it is easy to search for all the presses that might be of interest. I did a search for “graphic novels” and found two presses that publish books similar to what I’ve been writing, and one press that specifically does not want what I’m writing. This is all useful information. The press information not only lists the types of manuscripts each press seeks, but it also tells you which types they are looking for right now. So, if they sometimes print middle-grade novels, but don’t want them right now, you can save yourself the trouble of contacting them. Also, some presses have word length requirements. If your story is too long or too short, again you can save yourself the trouble. All of this information has two goals: to help authors find the right press for their books and help publishers avoid spending time looking at books that aren’t right for them. Marylee MacDonald has done a service to the publishing industry.
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers, subtitled Small presses, book contests, university presses, and independent publishers for “unagented” authors by Marylee MacDonald, is a valuable tool for authors who have been ignored by the big presses and agents who sell to them. This book lists over 300 small and independent presses that read manuscripts from unagented authors. Sometimes these presses require a query letter before deciding if they want to see your manuscript. Sometimes they want you to enter a contest. Sometimes, their staff is open all year to look at their specific types of manuscripts.
The Big Book of Small Presses & Independent Publishers has all the instructions and appropriate websites for accessing each of the presses they list. Marylee has sold both fiction and non-fiction books. Here she has compiled a wide selection of presses, so that other authors may do the same. Since this is an ebook, it is easy to search for all the presses that might be of interest. I did a search for “graphic novels” and found two presses that publish books similar to what I’ve been writing, and one press that specifically does not want what I’m writing. This is all useful information. The press information not only lists the types of manuscripts each press seeks, but it also tells you which types they are looking for right now. So, if they sometimes print middle-grade novels, but don’t want them right now, you can save yourself the trouble of contacting them. Also, some presses have word length requirements. If your story is too long or too short, again you can save yourself the trouble. All of this information has two goals: to help authors find the right press for their books and help publishers avoid spending time looking at books that aren’t right for them. Marylee MacDonald has done a service to the publishing industry.
Recommend this book:
My Publishing Imprint
How to Create a Self-Publishing Book Imprint & ISBN Essentials
David Wogahn
2020 Gold Medal
108 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite
My Publishing Imprint by David Wogahn breaks down into digestible pieces the process that an author takes when creating a self-publishing book imprint and the pros and cons of investing in ISBNs. Wogahn’s voice comes across in such a way that it feels as if he not only has his finger on the pulse of the business that goes into publishing and writing, but his whole hand is firmly wrapped around the beating heart of the writing world itself. On page 9, his inspirational style comes through with: “You are no different than any other small business seeking a future of self-determination.” David Wogahn cuts through the fat and gives you the prime pieces that you’re searching for and delivers it in a way that is easily understood. In My Publishing Imprint, he also includes specific people and the way that they have evolved in their own book imprint endeavors, which is helpful when you are learning all that you can about creating a book imprint and the business behind it.
David Wogahn’s My Publishing Imprint: How to Create a Self-Publishing Book Imprint & ISBN Essentials brings together so much valuable information into a compact book. Over the years I have found that fewer paged books will more often than not give you all the information you need, while on the other hand, a two-hundred-page book can leave you feeling as if you wasted hours of your life on reading fluff, but no substance. This book has substance on every page that you turn. It’s filled with links to resources, guidelines, do’s, and don’ts. If you are looking for something that will stimulate your mind for days and weeks after reading, Wogahn’s My Publishing Imprint is the book you want to read.
My Publishing Imprint by David Wogahn breaks down into digestible pieces the process that an author takes when creating a self-publishing book imprint and the pros and cons of investing in ISBNs. Wogahn’s voice comes across in such a way that it feels as if he not only has his finger on the pulse of the business that goes into publishing and writing, but his whole hand is firmly wrapped around the beating heart of the writing world itself. On page 9, his inspirational style comes through with: “You are no different than any other small business seeking a future of self-determination.” David Wogahn cuts through the fat and gives you the prime pieces that you’re searching for and delivers it in a way that is easily understood. In My Publishing Imprint, he also includes specific people and the way that they have evolved in their own book imprint endeavors, which is helpful when you are learning all that you can about creating a book imprint and the business behind it.
David Wogahn’s My Publishing Imprint: How to Create a Self-Publishing Book Imprint & ISBN Essentials brings together so much valuable information into a compact book. Over the years I have found that fewer paged books will more often than not give you all the information you need, while on the other hand, a two-hundred-page book can leave you feeling as if you wasted hours of your life on reading fluff, but no substance. This book has substance on every page that you turn. It’s filled with links to resources, guidelines, do’s, and don’ts. If you are looking for something that will stimulate your mind for days and weeks after reading, Wogahn’s My Publishing Imprint is the book you want to read.
Recommend this book:
5 Critical Things For a Successful Book Signing
An essential guide for any author
Adam Dreece
2019 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Lorraine Cobcroft for Readers' Favorite
Adam Dreece is a successful author. It took a while to get there. He had to overcome a lot of self-doubts. And then, having written a book, he faced the daunting prospect of standing up in public and talking to people about it; trying to find ways to sell books. That took some trial and error. So he wrote 5 Critical Things For a Successful Book Signing to smooth the learning curve for other authors; to give writers a brief, well-constructed guide containing all the secrets he had to experiment with to learn. Eventually, Adam learned a great deal about what works and what doesn't. He learned how to talk to people about his books, and that talking worked where selling didn't. The sales just happen when you connect to readers. To connect, you need to develop an author persona. You need to know how to set up a display. It helps to know the different kinds of people you will encounter: dashers, boomerangs, ear worms, castaways, time-eaters, booth barnacles, not-helpers, and even jealous hostiles and angry jerks. Do you know what those terms mean? Do you know how to deal with people in each of those categories? In 5 Critical Things For a Successful Book Signing, Adam Dreece explains in simple terms that anyone can understand.
Unlike some writers of 'How To' books, Adam Dreece doesn't boast about his success but leave you confused as to how he achieved it. He tells all. He keeps no secrets. In 5 Critical Things For a Successful Book Signing, he lays out clearly and concisely his simple formula for thrilling fans and selling books at book signings. If you are an author and you don't do book signings, you will after you read this book. You 'll not only do book signings, but you will delight fans, sell books, build self-confidence, and experience great thrills when people approach you to tell you how your writing affected them positively, or when ear worms walk away momentarily and return with a group of friends, telling them how great your books are and why they should buy. Adam Dreece has experienced these thrills. In 5 Critical Things For a Successful Book Signing, he gives you all the knowledge you need to ensure you experience them too.
Adam Dreece is a successful author. It took a while to get there. He had to overcome a lot of self-doubts. And then, having written a book, he faced the daunting prospect of standing up in public and talking to people about it; trying to find ways to sell books. That took some trial and error. So he wrote 5 Critical Things For a Successful Book Signing to smooth the learning curve for other authors; to give writers a brief, well-constructed guide containing all the secrets he had to experiment with to learn. Eventually, Adam learned a great deal about what works and what doesn't. He learned how to talk to people about his books, and that talking worked where selling didn't. The sales just happen when you connect to readers. To connect, you need to develop an author persona. You need to know how to set up a display. It helps to know the different kinds of people you will encounter: dashers, boomerangs, ear worms, castaways, time-eaters, booth barnacles, not-helpers, and even jealous hostiles and angry jerks. Do you know what those terms mean? Do you know how to deal with people in each of those categories? In 5 Critical Things For a Successful Book Signing, Adam Dreece explains in simple terms that anyone can understand.
Unlike some writers of 'How To' books, Adam Dreece doesn't boast about his success but leave you confused as to how he achieved it. He tells all. He keeps no secrets. In 5 Critical Things For a Successful Book Signing, he lays out clearly and concisely his simple formula for thrilling fans and selling books at book signings. If you are an author and you don't do book signings, you will after you read this book. You 'll not only do book signings, but you will delight fans, sell books, build self-confidence, and experience great thrills when people approach you to tell you how your writing affected them positively, or when ear worms walk away momentarily and return with a group of friends, telling them how great your books are and why they should buy. Adam Dreece has experienced these thrills. In 5 Critical Things For a Successful Book Signing, he gives you all the knowledge you need to ensure you experience them too.
Recommend this book:
Creating Literary Stories
A Fiction Writer's Guide
William H Coles
2019 Finalist
130 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
What is literary fiction? And what makes it different from memoirs or genre fiction? Literary fiction is something that will stand the course of time; it will make a bold statement and allow the individual reader to grow in his or her experience merely by reading the story. Basically, literary fiction is a complex work of art, something to be savored, studied and analyzed. So, how does one write literary fiction? It must be assumed that any writer can write a good story, but is it literary fiction? Does it have the potential of becoming literary fiction? There are many elements essential in the creation of a good piece of literary fiction. First of all, characterization is important. “The author who wants to create great stories must characterize well.” The characters give the story focus, meaning, direction and so much more. And that, in the art of literary fiction, is what makes it. In effect, “Meaning and purpose are crucial.”
Author William H. Coles’ Creating Literary Stories: A Fiction Writer’s Guide is a powerful tool to help writers, both beginners and established, to create their great work of literary fiction. Starting with a discussion and comparison of literary fiction versus memoir or genre fiction, the author proceeds to outline the important elements of a good work of literary fiction. Step-by-step, he leads the reader through the complexities of characterization, narration, dialogue, conflict, point of view and so much more. Using examples from classic literature, each important element is explained and compared to help the reader comprehend the complexities of the story’s structure. This is a must-have guide for all writers. Well written and laid out, this is an interesting read.
What is literary fiction? And what makes it different from memoirs or genre fiction? Literary fiction is something that will stand the course of time; it will make a bold statement and allow the individual reader to grow in his or her experience merely by reading the story. Basically, literary fiction is a complex work of art, something to be savored, studied and analyzed. So, how does one write literary fiction? It must be assumed that any writer can write a good story, but is it literary fiction? Does it have the potential of becoming literary fiction? There are many elements essential in the creation of a good piece of literary fiction. First of all, characterization is important. “The author who wants to create great stories must characterize well.” The characters give the story focus, meaning, direction and so much more. And that, in the art of literary fiction, is what makes it. In effect, “Meaning and purpose are crucial.”
Author William H. Coles’ Creating Literary Stories: A Fiction Writer’s Guide is a powerful tool to help writers, both beginners and established, to create their great work of literary fiction. Starting with a discussion and comparison of literary fiction versus memoir or genre fiction, the author proceeds to outline the important elements of a good work of literary fiction. Step-by-step, he leads the reader through the complexities of characterization, narration, dialogue, conflict, point of view and so much more. Using examples from classic literature, each important element is explained and compared to help the reader comprehend the complexities of the story’s structure. This is a must-have guide for all writers. Well written and laid out, this is an interesting read.
Recommend this book:
Publish with Purpose
A Goal-Oriented Framework for Publishing Success
Tara R. Alemany
2019 Honorable Mention
126 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Publish with Purpose: A Goal-Oriented Framework for Publishing Success by Tara R. Alemany is a practical guide to a successful writing and publishing career. With the number of book publishing options in the market, authors still find themselves trapped, unsure of what to do when it comes to getting their book in front of the right audience. While writing can be hard work, marketing a book can be even more demanding. Making the right decisions when it comes to publishing tools and an effective marketing strategy is the secret to not only getting books to the right audiences but building a career that is fruitful. In this self-help book, the author offers great advice and helps authors with tools they need to create a winning publishing strategy.
Tara R. Alemany breaks ground for both new and existing authors and discusses the importance of knowing why they write and connecting that why to the needs of their audiences. This book will help any writer learn the art of defining their purpose of writing, of knowing who their audience is, and of writing a book that addresses concrete needs while helping the author reach specific goals. The author explains the framework in this book and what it is designed to achieve: reader experience and the experience the author wants them to have, the author and their business, and the overall impact of the book. The ideas in this book are well arranged and the bullet points, combined with the step by step process, make a great working tool for readers. Publish with Purpose: A Goal-Oriented Framework for Publishing Success is written in an easy-to-understand conversational style that makes for a great reading experience. Filled with wisdom and insight, it is an excellent companion on the publishing path.
Publish with Purpose: A Goal-Oriented Framework for Publishing Success by Tara R. Alemany is a practical guide to a successful writing and publishing career. With the number of book publishing options in the market, authors still find themselves trapped, unsure of what to do when it comes to getting their book in front of the right audience. While writing can be hard work, marketing a book can be even more demanding. Making the right decisions when it comes to publishing tools and an effective marketing strategy is the secret to not only getting books to the right audiences but building a career that is fruitful. In this self-help book, the author offers great advice and helps authors with tools they need to create a winning publishing strategy.
Tara R. Alemany breaks ground for both new and existing authors and discusses the importance of knowing why they write and connecting that why to the needs of their audiences. This book will help any writer learn the art of defining their purpose of writing, of knowing who their audience is, and of writing a book that addresses concrete needs while helping the author reach specific goals. The author explains the framework in this book and what it is designed to achieve: reader experience and the experience the author wants them to have, the author and their business, and the overall impact of the book. The ideas in this book are well arranged and the bullet points, combined with the step by step process, make a great working tool for readers. Publish with Purpose: A Goal-Oriented Framework for Publishing Success is written in an easy-to-understand conversational style that makes for a great reading experience. Filled with wisdom and insight, it is an excellent companion on the publishing path.
Recommend this book:
 by Chrys Fey is a comprehensive guide to starting a novel, leading the reader all the way to the finish. From c...){kind=link}
Write With Fey
10 Sparks to Guide You From Idea to Publication
Chrys Fey
2019 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite
Do you want to write a book? Is there a novel inside, screaming for you to release it? Writing a story can be a daunting task, especially if you don't know the first steps. Write With Fey (Ten Sparks to Guide You From Idea to Publication) by Chrys Fey is a comprehensive guide to starting a novel, leading the reader all the way to the finish. From creating realistic, fully fleshed-out characters, to planning a stellar plot, this book breaks down the writing process into small, bite-sized portions of instruction, and condenses years worth of reading and hundreds of dollars worth of courses, giving the reader the most substantial amount of information with the least amount of effort. With steps that help the writer maintain momentum, and questions to challenge the writer's process, this book can't help but bring a plot and characters to the forefront and inspire the reader to create a scintillating story.
Write With Fey (Ten Sparks to Guide You From Idea to Publication) by Chrys Fey is a must-read book for those who are serious about writing, but are clueless or doubtful of their writing capabilities. I have read many writing books, and have completed many writing courses, but this book seems to have it all. Initially, I wasn't very impressed with the title, as it indicated (to me) that it was just little bits of information and ideas to help guide the writer to a better writing experience. However, this book is so much more and condenses years worth of research and learning into a more accessible medium. "Sparks" is a great word, and I love how the author created a whole book using the premise. Plus, I found the information within to bring about more than just mere sparks! It actually fanned the flames of inspiration and creativity, creating a blaze. I would suggest this book to all who write as a desk reference book - it will be worth it!
Do you want to write a book? Is there a novel inside, screaming for you to release it? Writing a story can be a daunting task, especially if you don't know the first steps. Write With Fey (Ten Sparks to Guide You From Idea to Publication) by Chrys Fey is a comprehensive guide to starting a novel, leading the reader all the way to the finish. From creating realistic, fully fleshed-out characters, to planning a stellar plot, this book breaks down the writing process into small, bite-sized portions of instruction, and condenses years worth of reading and hundreds of dollars worth of courses, giving the reader the most substantial amount of information with the least amount of effort. With steps that help the writer maintain momentum, and questions to challenge the writer's process, this book can't help but bring a plot and characters to the forefront and inspire the reader to create a scintillating story.
Write With Fey (Ten Sparks to Guide You From Idea to Publication) by Chrys Fey is a must-read book for those who are serious about writing, but are clueless or doubtful of their writing capabilities. I have read many writing books, and have completed many writing courses, but this book seems to have it all. Initially, I wasn't very impressed with the title, as it indicated (to me) that it was just little bits of information and ideas to help guide the writer to a better writing experience. However, this book is so much more and condenses years worth of research and learning into a more accessible medium. "Sparks" is a great word, and I love how the author created a whole book using the premise. Plus, I found the information within to bring about more than just mere sparks! It actually fanned the flames of inspiration and creativity, creating a blaze. I would suggest this book to all who write as a desk reference book - it will be worth it!
Recommend this book:
 author, struggling to get people to buy your books? I know I am. Let’s face it, we authors are (hopefully) good at writing, but not often good at the sales and marketing side of our business. And it’s exactly for people like us that Mike Kowis has written his outstanding guide, Smart Marketing for Indie Auth...){kind=link}
Smart Marketing for Indie Authors
How I Sold my First 1,563 Books and Counting!
Mike Kowis
2019 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Shaul Behr for Readers' Favorite
Are you an independent (“indie”) author, struggling to get people to buy your books? I know I am. Let’s face it, we authors are (hopefully) good at writing, but not often good at the sales and marketing side of our business. And it’s exactly for people like us that Mike Kowis has written his outstanding guide, Smart Marketing for Indie Authors. It’s packed not only with generalities of how to approach the challenge of marketing your books, but also with lists of real, practical actions you can take, including step-by-step instructions in many cases. Even better, Kowis has rated each of these actions, based on his personal experience, for effectiveness, cost, and time investment, so you can decide where your time and money are best spent.
For me as an indie author, I felt my heart rate quicken as I read this book. This is pure gold. It is written clearly, concisely, and candidly, interspersed with gentle touches of humor. Kowis shares his experiences, both the successes and the failures, establishing his credentials without ever coming across as boastful, and giving the aspiring bestselling author a toolbox packed with practical advice, tips, and suggestions, all expressed clearly with easy-to-follow instructions. The fact that he shares his personal experience relating to each of these actions, both positive and negative, gives his advice so much more credibility. I found Smart Marketing for Indie Authors a pleasure to read, and I am excited to start putting what I’ve learned from this book into practice! Fantastic book, all round.
Are you an independent (“indie”) author, struggling to get people to buy your books? I know I am. Let’s face it, we authors are (hopefully) good at writing, but not often good at the sales and marketing side of our business. And it’s exactly for people like us that Mike Kowis has written his outstanding guide, Smart Marketing for Indie Authors. It’s packed not only with generalities of how to approach the challenge of marketing your books, but also with lists of real, practical actions you can take, including step-by-step instructions in many cases. Even better, Kowis has rated each of these actions, based on his personal experience, for effectiveness, cost, and time investment, so you can decide where your time and money are best spent.
For me as an indie author, I felt my heart rate quicken as I read this book. This is pure gold. It is written clearly, concisely, and candidly, interspersed with gentle touches of humor. Kowis shares his experiences, both the successes and the failures, establishing his credentials without ever coming across as boastful, and giving the aspiring bestselling author a toolbox packed with practical advice, tips, and suggestions, all expressed clearly with easy-to-follow instructions. The fact that he shares his personal experience relating to each of these actions, both positive and negative, gives his advice so much more credibility. I found Smart Marketing for Indie Authors a pleasure to read, and I am excited to start putting what I’ve learned from this book into practice! Fantastic book, all round.
Recommend this book:
Writer Get Noticed!
A Strengths-Based Approach to Creating a Standout Author Platform
Colleen M. Story
2019 Gold Medal
324 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Most writers have that one big dream: to write and publish a best-selling novel. After writing the so-called bestseller, the author has to land a big contract with a traditional publisher. And, then the fun begins: promoting oneself, creating an author’s platform that really sells. It’s a big task, perhaps even bigger than the actual writing of the novel. Even if writers are unsuccessful in landing that big contract with a traditional publisher (and most authors fall into that category), there are ways to be successful in the world of writing and publishing.
Author Colleen M. Story has the tool to help all writers achieve success. Writer Get Noticed! A Strengths-Based Approach to Creating a Standout Author Platform is both a guidebook and a workbook, aka journal, to coach writers at all levels of success, to help them achieve even greater success. The author leads the reader through careful steps to prepare them for the successful writing career they so desire. Each chapter is well laid out, complete with exercises and space to jot down notes and answers to questions presented.
Colleen stresses in her introduction that it’s imperative for the reader to follow through with all of the exercises because she wants the book to act as a writing coach to prepare writers to be the best they can be in their chosen writing field. Colleen asks readers some pretty poignant questions, like why writing matters to them, forcing the reader to look more deeply into themselves and their writing goals and aspirations. This is definitely an excellent resource and tool to help all writers achieve greater success in their writing careers.
Most writers have that one big dream: to write and publish a best-selling novel. After writing the so-called bestseller, the author has to land a big contract with a traditional publisher. And, then the fun begins: promoting oneself, creating an author’s platform that really sells. It’s a big task, perhaps even bigger than the actual writing of the novel. Even if writers are unsuccessful in landing that big contract with a traditional publisher (and most authors fall into that category), there are ways to be successful in the world of writing and publishing.
Author Colleen M. Story has the tool to help all writers achieve success. Writer Get Noticed! A Strengths-Based Approach to Creating a Standout Author Platform is both a guidebook and a workbook, aka journal, to coach writers at all levels of success, to help them achieve even greater success. The author leads the reader through careful steps to prepare them for the successful writing career they so desire. Each chapter is well laid out, complete with exercises and space to jot down notes and answers to questions presented.
Colleen stresses in her introduction that it’s imperative for the reader to follow through with all of the exercises because she wants the book to act as a writing coach to prepare writers to be the best they can be in their chosen writing field. Colleen asks readers some pretty poignant questions, like why writing matters to them, forcing the reader to look more deeply into themselves and their writing goals and aspirations. This is definitely an excellent resource and tool to help all writers achieve greater success in their writing careers.
Recommend this book:
Orb Stones and Geoglyphs
A Writer's Journey
Daniel A. Smith
2018 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by J. Aislynn d Merricksson for Readers' Favorite
Daniel A. Smith’s short memoir, Orb Stones and Geoglyphs: A Writer's Journey, is an exploration of one man’s drive to create, and the inspirations he found to do so. Smith admits to a favouring of mathematics and hard science over writing, finding the latter confusing in its more chaotic nature. Writing and language do have order and rules, but there's far greater fluidity and change. It certainly doesn't help that he is dyslexic. As a young man with a degree in physics, Smith began work as a soundman, weaving artistry with sound waves to help create amazing concerts. He was one of the 'men behind the curtain’. His discussion of rock and roll music seamlessly segues into a discussion of a trip he took with his wife, stumbling upon a small town where giant, near perfect round stones were everywhere. Clusters rested in fields and graced entryways and parking areas where people had moved them. He would go on to search for the mysterious orb stones all through Arkansas, eventually sparking a story fragment.
As Smith’s travels and research carry him deeper into the past, he shares with us his thoughts regarding the lost past of indigenous cultures and insights from his research. I found the conquistador information fascinating. I love how, for Smith, these orb stones became his guides, paving the way to finding the key to the past, to meet the hermit at the sick girl’s grave. Here Smith echoed something that I, as a writer myself, fully believe. We are biblioanthropologists, blessed with the key, or keys, to different places. We share not only places that exist only in our own heads, but out there, somewhere beyond the blurred borders of our here and now. For Smith, his key is to our past. He stepped through and found Tatianto and Manaha, who have stories to share. I know, too, the fierce feeling of needing to write in the moment. It's an all-consuming need, to get it all down on paper before the connection fades. Orb Stones and Geoglyphs: A Writer's Journey is a highly engaging little read. It is one man's journey towards learning to be a bridge and a keyholder. A chronicler. A biblioanthropologist. Highly recommended for all the beginner biblioanthropologists out there to help ease doubts and learn to trust the process.
Daniel A. Smith’s short memoir, Orb Stones and Geoglyphs: A Writer's Journey, is an exploration of one man’s drive to create, and the inspirations he found to do so. Smith admits to a favouring of mathematics and hard science over writing, finding the latter confusing in its more chaotic nature. Writing and language do have order and rules, but there's far greater fluidity and change. It certainly doesn't help that he is dyslexic. As a young man with a degree in physics, Smith began work as a soundman, weaving artistry with sound waves to help create amazing concerts. He was one of the 'men behind the curtain’. His discussion of rock and roll music seamlessly segues into a discussion of a trip he took with his wife, stumbling upon a small town where giant, near perfect round stones were everywhere. Clusters rested in fields and graced entryways and parking areas where people had moved them. He would go on to search for the mysterious orb stones all through Arkansas, eventually sparking a story fragment.
As Smith’s travels and research carry him deeper into the past, he shares with us his thoughts regarding the lost past of indigenous cultures and insights from his research. I found the conquistador information fascinating. I love how, for Smith, these orb stones became his guides, paving the way to finding the key to the past, to meet the hermit at the sick girl’s grave. Here Smith echoed something that I, as a writer myself, fully believe. We are biblioanthropologists, blessed with the key, or keys, to different places. We share not only places that exist only in our own heads, but out there, somewhere beyond the blurred borders of our here and now. For Smith, his key is to our past. He stepped through and found Tatianto and Manaha, who have stories to share. I know, too, the fierce feeling of needing to write in the moment. It's an all-consuming need, to get it all down on paper before the connection fades. Orb Stones and Geoglyphs: A Writer's Journey is a highly engaging little read. It is one man's journey towards learning to be a bridge and a keyholder. A chronicler. A biblioanthropologist. Highly recommended for all the beginner biblioanthropologists out there to help ease doubts and learn to trust the process.
Recommend this book:
How To Self-Publish A Children's Book
Everything You Need To Know To Write, Illustrate, Publish, And Market Your Paperback And Ebook (How To Write For Children Series) (Volume 1)
Yvonne Jones
2018 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Writing a children’s book is a lot more difficult than one would think. There are many different kinds of children’s books, from board books, picture books, early chapter books to Middle Grade novels. The writing is just one part of the equation. Should the author decide to self-publish, as many authors are doing these days, then there is also the need to acquire illustrations, book covers, editors, book reviewers, and, of course, deal with the greatest task of all, marketing. With all these things to consider, and much more, one needs a guide to lead them along, to avoid the usual pitfalls and to make the path to writing success a little less cumbersome. After all, the writing, publishing and marketing of a children’s book is a whole new challenge, quite different from that of an adult book.
Yvonne Jones, a published children’s author herself and one who expounds the merits of self-publishing, has produced a very helpful guide, How To Self-Publish a Children’s Book: Everything You Need To Know To Write, Illustrate, Publish, And Market Your Paperback And Ebook. She writes from personal experience and she has put together a very usable and useful tool to help new and established children’s authors be successful in their writing career. Each chapter is well laid out with useful templates and instructions and a good summary at the end of Do’s and Don’ts. After leading the reader through a steady, logical process, she includes a chapter with tips from other established children’s authors and a lengthy list of helpful resources. This guide is full of words of encouragement and good, sound advice.
Writing a children’s book is a lot more difficult than one would think. There are many different kinds of children’s books, from board books, picture books, early chapter books to Middle Grade novels. The writing is just one part of the equation. Should the author decide to self-publish, as many authors are doing these days, then there is also the need to acquire illustrations, book covers, editors, book reviewers, and, of course, deal with the greatest task of all, marketing. With all these things to consider, and much more, one needs a guide to lead them along, to avoid the usual pitfalls and to make the path to writing success a little less cumbersome. After all, the writing, publishing and marketing of a children’s book is a whole new challenge, quite different from that of an adult book.
Yvonne Jones, a published children’s author herself and one who expounds the merits of self-publishing, has produced a very helpful guide, How To Self-Publish a Children’s Book: Everything You Need To Know To Write, Illustrate, Publish, And Market Your Paperback And Ebook. She writes from personal experience and she has put together a very usable and useful tool to help new and established children’s authors be successful in their writing career. Each chapter is well laid out with useful templates and instructions and a good summary at the end of Do’s and Don’ts. After leading the reader through a steady, logical process, she includes a chapter with tips from other established children’s authors and a lengthy list of helpful resources. This guide is full of words of encouragement and good, sound advice.
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