Book Country: Penguin's author site and print-on-demand

Penguin Group USA is launching a site for fiction writers - for posting work-in-progress, getting critiqued, even getting published.

Later this summer the site will generate revenue by allowing users to self-publish their books for a fee by ordering printed copies. (The books will bear the stamp of Book Country, not Penguin, and the site is considered a separate operation from Penguin.)

The site will also explain the business of finding an agent, marketing and promoting a book, using social media and handling digital and subsidiary rights. Penguin hopes the site will attract agents, editors and publishers scouting for new talent, and allow writers to produce work with more polish and direction than they could otherwise.

More melting and morphing of the industry into a model that is accessible to all authors, not just the top tier.

Keep an eye on Book Country, and read Release Your Writing: Book Publishing Your Way if you need to gain clarity on your publishing and marketing options.

Another great blog sample

At a lively workshop at the Des Plaines Public Library last night, I used "Julie & Julia" as an example of what can happen if a writer is motivated to start a blog.  The Adult Service Librarian, Christine Posinger, shared another great example of a blog:
The Pioneer Woman.

Take a look at the blog to see a perfect example of focus, great use of photos, the author's consistent "voice," and the wonderful platform created by a blog, links to her books, links to her Facebook and Twitter pages, and audio. It's a great example. If you're wondering where to start, the easiest way is... just start.

Go to blogger.com or wordpress.com and sign up for the free blog. Blogger is easier to use, but Wordpress has cooler designs and features.

"How to Write a Book Proposal," by Michael Larsen: My review on Seattle PI

Writer's Support Group in Lake Zurich

While presenting a publishing workshop this morning at the ELA Public Library in Lake Zurich, I learned they have a Writer's Support Group that meets monthly, at 9:30 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m.

Full details are here on their monthly calendar. Their next meetings are on May 9th. If you're in the area, its a great opportunity for networking or to discuss your work-in-progress.

Why authors need a sense of humor

The Onion, America's best satirical journal, has a funny article on the exaggerated realities of author book signings:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/author-promoting-book-gives-it-her-all-whether-its,19985/

My upcoming events are at Book Tour.com -- I'll save you a seat ....

Cheers,
Helen Gallagher

Self-Publishers Online Conference May 10-12, 2011

http://www.selfpublishersonlineconference.com/If you've never participated a virtual conference, this is the one to attend.

The conference includes 16 experts, Q & A sessions and a virtual exhibit hall. If you need marketing and promotion expertise, for your current or future books, this is the place to be. See full agenda here. Conference dates are May 10-12, 2011, and you can attend by computer from the comfort of your own home.

I'm able to offer you the link to register at a discount. Ready to sign up?
When the registration form asks for a Coupon Code, use  Helen11  to receive a ten-percent discount.

NOTE: Early-bird pricing ends April 15th.

Favorite quotes for today

Two very different quotes are making me happy today:

"We are what we repeatedly do. 

Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." 

 Aristotle   

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice Doggie' until you can find a rock."

Will Rogers