This week's publishing news and industry blogs post covers 4/25-5/8.
Publishing News
In March, the National Association of College Stores filed a suit in Indiana to get a complete copy of Amazon's contract as an e-storefront and an on-campus book pickup service for Purdue University. Amazon provided the pertinent details of its contract, so NACS has dropped the suit.
OverDrive, which among other things provides e-book services to libraries, has been formally purchased by Japanese company Rakuten.
The Association of Research Libraries and the American Library Association join in Re: Create, a group whose stated goal is promote copyright laws that are "clear, simple and transparent" but also foster "innovation, creativity, education and economic growth."
Tor has partnered with BitLit to allow owners of their print books to download e-copies of the books for the discount price of $2.99, regardless of regular e-book price.
An author- makes an e-book cover using a couple's engagement photograph without their permission. The couple sues. (Note: Authors, make sure you have the rights to the pictures you're using for your book cover! Duh?)
Industry Blogs
Agent Jessica Faust tells writers not to give agents exclusive reads. And then tells why. She also talks about how writers need to treat creativity as a job.
Agent Janet Reid gives advice and answers questions. You queried an agent and a publisher at the same time, the agent requested a partial, and then the publisher did, too--do you tell the agent? (First, research and make sure the publisher is on the up-and-up; if so, then yes, tell the agent.) You've traditionally pubbed a book but retain your translation and film rights; will that make it easier to get an agent? (Good move. Now wait until you sell your second book, then try.) If a publisher dislikes your book and tries to make you change the ending, can you refuse and back out of the contract? (Yes, but you'll be on the hook to repay any paid portion of the advance.)
Reid gives more advice. You've published a couple of books and have one that's unfinished; it is okay to pitch the unfinished one at a conference? (Yes; a published author pitching an unfinished is given more leeway than a new author.) How do you know if a junior agent is a good person to submit to? (They're under the wing of a reputable experienced agent.) What's the best way to interact with agents "in the wild"? And how does an already-published author go about getting an agent? (Same as everyone else:try to take over the world query and mention pub credits.)
Author Kristine Kathryn Rusch posts part 4 of her Business Musings, The Freelance Scramble: Debt Collection as an freelance writer. (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)
Agent Nephele Tempest posts some interesting links for writers on April 24 and May 1. She also gives advice for creating nuanced characters by asking your characters about their motivation.
On the Editor's Blog, fiction editor Beth Hill discusses how to balance the different modes of storytelling, from dialogue to exposition, to create a better story. She also reminds us that in the digital world, readers may only get the first couple of paragraphs, so be sure your first page is a great sales tool.
Agent Rachel Kent talks about some cheap and easy marketing ideas for your book.
On the Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance blog, author Lisa Kessler talks about online author promotions, such as book release parties.
And the inside scoop on self-publishing houses as divisions of traditional houses, and why they're so bad. (link found courtesy of RWA eNotes)
What other major publishing news have you encountered in the past couple of weeks?
Publishing News
In March, the National Association of College Stores filed a suit in Indiana to get a complete copy of Amazon's contract as an e-storefront and an on-campus book pickup service for Purdue University. Amazon provided the pertinent details of its contract, so NACS has dropped the suit.
OverDrive, which among other things provides e-book services to libraries, has been formally purchased by Japanese company Rakuten.
The Association of Research Libraries and the American Library Association join in Re: Create, a group whose stated goal is promote copyright laws that are "clear, simple and transparent" but also foster "innovation, creativity, education and economic growth."
Tor has partnered with BitLit to allow owners of their print books to download e-copies of the books for the discount price of $2.99, regardless of regular e-book price.
An author- makes an e-book cover using a couple's engagement photograph without their permission. The couple sues. (Note: Authors, make sure you have the rights to the pictures you're using for your book cover! Duh?)
Industry Blogs
Agent Jessica Faust tells writers not to give agents exclusive reads. And then tells why. She also talks about how writers need to treat creativity as a job.
Agent Janet Reid gives advice and answers questions. You queried an agent and a publisher at the same time, the agent requested a partial, and then the publisher did, too--do you tell the agent? (First, research and make sure the publisher is on the up-and-up; if so, then yes, tell the agent.) You've traditionally pubbed a book but retain your translation and film rights; will that make it easier to get an agent? (Good move. Now wait until you sell your second book, then try.) If a publisher dislikes your book and tries to make you change the ending, can you refuse and back out of the contract? (Yes, but you'll be on the hook to repay any paid portion of the advance.)
Reid gives more advice. You've published a couple of books and have one that's unfinished; it is okay to pitch the unfinished one at a conference? (Yes; a published author pitching an unfinished is given more leeway than a new author.) How do you know if a junior agent is a good person to submit to? (They're under the wing of a reputable experienced agent.) What's the best way to interact with agents "in the wild"? And how does an already-published author go about getting an agent? (Same as everyone else:
Author Kristine Kathryn Rusch posts part 4 of her Business Musings, The Freelance Scramble: Debt Collection as an freelance writer. (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)
Agent Nephele Tempest posts some interesting links for writers on April 24 and May 1. She also gives advice for creating nuanced characters by asking your characters about their motivation.
On the Editor's Blog, fiction editor Beth Hill discusses how to balance the different modes of storytelling, from dialogue to exposition, to create a better story. She also reminds us that in the digital world, readers may only get the first couple of paragraphs, so be sure your first page is a great sales tool.
Agent Rachel Kent talks about some cheap and easy marketing ideas for your book.
On the Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance blog, author Lisa Kessler talks about online author promotions, such as book release parties.
And the inside scoop on self-publishing houses as divisions of traditional houses, and why they're so bad. (link found courtesy of RWA eNotes)
What other major publishing news have you encountered in the past couple of weeks?
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