#book advice

[sublecturas]

"El arte de amar", de Erich Fromm en la #LíneaB

[thealmostfamouswriter]

Indie Publishing Companies Versus Publishing Houses

There are pros and cons about writing a book. Fortunately, the pros outweigh the cons. The writing process of a story isn’t as challenging you would think it is, but the stress of what to do with your story once your manuscript is completed.

Aren’t we very excited to publish our first book to showcase our hard work, to be a well-known author, but mostly, to earn money from high-volume sales. Wow, the indescribable euphoric high we have flowing through our veins makes us lose sleep from excitement until we’re faced with the dilemma of turning our manuscript to print.

There are a lot of options to select from when it’s time to publish, however, it’s not as simple as you may think it is, especially for the majority of persons that are limited with financial means to pay for publishing. Yes, I said the naughty word: pay.

You need to pay for publishing and this is one reason people choose to not write because of cost. Reality is that this is an inevitable escape, but there are means to get your book published without worry.

Publishing Houses

There are so many companies awaiting good authors to add to their list of astonishing writers which helps build their brand as a reputable publishing company. Getting a company to invest can be quite challenging, but marginally thin to accomplish. High-end publishers have a team that reads manuscripts and if they are engaged in your story, they’ll offer you a contract that you must pay for and it is quite expensive. Publishing houses of onsite editors available to read your work and they will provide constructive advice to correct writing errors and redirection of your story if needed. This service is provided if you haven’t had it edited for a fee. If you did send your story to a private editor, some publishers will allow you to skip this part, but most won’t. If you don’t have a cover design, there is a team that can provide you a suitable design, of your choice, for a fee. Printing your book is next. There are cover types and book size that matter and that is costly. Then, to guarantee your book sells, there’s a marketing team that knows how to do that, but for a fee. Some publishers will include these services in their fees, so, it’s important to ask.

Always research publishing houses online. Call the ones that you’d like to work with - never select one, and ask as many questions that you think of and never hang up until you’re satisfied with the information you have. Compare answers and use your gut to determine which one is suitable. After you’ve learned the cost, you can save money to pay for services. Some publishers offer payment plans to help ease the burden you have. The average cost to do all of this can range from $4,000 and way more.

If your story is a must-have, certain publishing companies will offer you a check in a lump sum amount for predicted sales of your book. However, there’s a catch. You will need to repay the company for the advancement with royalties you earn from sales and after they’ve been paid in full, you will then get to keep your royalties. It’s wonderful that your story is favorable for this, however, this can be a hit or miss prediction and you’ll need to repay the company the remaining balance in full if your book isn’t as popular as they’d hoped it to be.

Indie Book Publishing

Publishing your book through non-publishing houses is a less expensive process, but you’re responsible to market your book entirely. Yes, these agencies, like Amazon, do offer editing, cover designs and marketing services for a fee, but it’s not required for you to use them. Research and ask reps the same questions you’d ask a publishing house.

Final Note

Your book is precious and should be safeguarded as much as possible. I’ve had my share of bad experiences with publishing companies and I wouldn’t want anyone to experience what I did.

Writers without financial binds will hire agents, and if you can afford one, caution should be heeded when shopping for a reputable book agent - I will offer advice for this in another post.

Think of writing like starting your own business. Time and money is needed and if you have a story to write, let the world appreciate your creativeness. You deserve to be recognized. Until next time, happy writing.

Photos: *Sloan Dental, Pan McMillan, Classcapades

[cricketblabbers]

People who have read PJO + others!

With the new series coming out and having seen a lot of the Fandom in passing I was wondering if it's a good book to read as an adult? Like, when I look it up it says the age range is young teens but I've always wanted to read it but don't want to get it and be disappointed(probably wouldn't but just to be sure).

[starcrossedandstupid]

I read The Cruel Prince I think two years ago(It seems so much more recent but whatever) and I honestly didn’t love it, however I’ve seen many a spoiler for it on here and the other books seem pretty good so…is it worth the read if I didn’t like the first one? Tbh I thought Jude’s choice at the end of the book was a bad idea and her original plan she told Cardan was good so it made me dislike her since I didn’t love her before.

[gene-forrester]

people who have read les misérables, what’s the best translation to read in your opinion?

[swampthingking]

hi guys i’m in a huge reading slump so i need someone to tell me what to do —

do i finish a book i really like but can’t bring myself to read (carry on my rainbow rowel)

or

start a new book that i’ve been wanting to read for eons (the raven boys by maggie stiefvater)

[a-wartime-paradox]

The Book of the Enemy, the Book of the Peace, or Burning with Optimism's Flame? Deciding what I'll buy next, after reading Interference, This Town, Taking of Planet 5, and Shadows of Avalon.

[primrosesunsets]

Maybe one of your New Year's resolution was to read more books! Or maybe, you've had that one last year but couldn't bring yourself to read more because either you don't enjoy reading or you don't know where to start! Here are the things that what worked for me:

Find a book that suits your genre. There are lots of literary genres that you could choose from. But according to this, there are 14 main literary genres. You could find books on Goodreads and search different books under a specific genre.

Join a bookclub. Bookclubs are fun! It doesn't matter if the bookclub is a virtual one or an in-person one. Once you have people who share the same interests as you do, reading wouldn't be a chore. In fact, most of the bookclub members would be willing to help you choose a book! They could give recommendations on books to read and give you insights on why they recommended that.

Annotate books, set a book tabbing system. I like physical books because I can annotate on them using my pens although some people don't want their books to be annotated (and that's extremely valid!). A book tabbing system helps me go back to certain parts in the story quite easily, especially when it comes to mystery books. I have a certain color I use for what I call mystery easter eggs!

Don't pressure yourself. Sometimes, some stories under a genre just won't work for you and that's totally okay! You're supposed to be enjoying a book, not forcing yourself to enjoy a book. If you think a book is too slow-paced for you, you can drop it and just pick it up some other time; or you can put it on your DNF (did not finish) shelf. You can always choose a new book under the same genre. You don't have to like what everyone's liking, too!

[spilled-jar]

Hello fellow comrades, I would like to know if it's a good idea to continue with the series "Carry On" from Rainbow Rowell as I had a good time with the first book and from previous books of the author the endings were bittersweet. Would it be worth the journey?

[fvisualkei]

GUYS I NEED BOOK ADVICE

Guys guys I need advice If I was to make a blog containing my TBR, book logs, and reviews of books, who'd read it or want to even see it

[sublecturas]

"Eros y civilización", de Herbert Marcuse

[theosjunkdrawer]

Hey bb girl come here lemme tell you something. If you hate stickers and sticker residue on your books, I have the easiest solution for you right here- lighter fuel + razor.

I use Ronsonol (but I imagine any lighter fluid works) and a handheld razor, preferably in a tool made for handling a razor (i use the Stanley blade holder, so easy to hold) with a paper towel on hand to get rid of residue.

All you need to do is dab some lighter fluid on or around the sticker (it will likely be visible as it absorbs the fluid) and then peel it off with the razor. Or if its an easy one, just use a fingernail and take that sticker right off. Do this in a room with air circulating, and the lighter fluid will dry up in seconds. If you put just enough on there, it won't stain your paper at all, drying and leaving a perfect cover. If there's any leftover sticky, I pour some lighter fluid on the paper towel and wipe the residue until its all gone. If there's just residue from someone trying to take the sticker off normally, a mix of lighter fluid soaked paper towel and gentle razoring is an easy fix. This works for all sorts of stickers and tape, but be careful, if there's already a puncture in the cover then the lighter fuel will soak in and leave a small spot.

There are pros and cons, but this is the easiest method and we use it all the time at my bookstore. Genuinely my favorite part of working with books. Make that bitch More flammable babey!!!!!!!!!

[charliejaneanders]

I just saw a post on Tumblr asking if you're "allowed" to do something in a story you're writing. (In this case, a POV shift.)

I just want to sing to the tune of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, "THERE ARE NO RULES. THERE ARE NO RULES. There are no rules there are no rules there are no rules..."

[burntoutdaydreamer]

Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)

Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"

Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.

Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?

I hate everything I write

Cringing while writing

My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

Give yourself permission to suck

Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft

Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later

People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later

Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing

Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase

Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail

It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page

Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

Head empty, no ideas

What do I even write about???

I don't have a plot, I just have an image

Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

Google writing prompts

If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out

Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that

It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing

Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them

If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later

Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt

Writing words feels like pulling teeth

I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted

I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.

Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or speech-to-text

Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score

Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group

Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph

Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer

Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop

I don't even know where to start

I love writing, but I can never seem to get started

I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)

Can't find the time or energy

Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)

Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started

Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)

Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person

Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement

The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene

I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going

I don't think I'm doing this right

What's an outline?

Drowning in documents

This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working

A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go

If you don't have an outline, write one

If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it

You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural

Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them

Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers

Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough

Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

Everything in boredom/understimulation

Everything in intimidation/procrastination

You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment

Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)

Seek out neurodiverse communities for advice and support

Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch

Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)

And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

You have symptoms of burnout or depression

Struggling with all things, not just writing

It's more than a lack of inspiration- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.

Seek professional help

If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic

[emeryleewho]

I used to work for a trade book reviewer where I got paid to review people's books, and one of the rules of that review company is one that I think is just super useful to media analysis as a whole, and that is, we were told never to critique media for what it didn't do but only for what it did.

So, for instance, I couldn't say "this book didn't give its characters strong agency or goals". I instead had to say, "the characters in this book acted in ways that often felt misaligned with their characterization as if they were being pulled by the plot."

I think this is really important because a lot of "critiques" people give, if subverted to address what the book does instead of what it doesn't do, actually read pretty nonsensical. For instance, "none of the characters were unique" becomes "all of the characters read like other characters that exist in other media", which like... okay? That's not really a critique. It's just how fiction works. Or "none of the characters were likeable" becomes "all of the characters, at some point or another, did things that I found disagreeable or annoying" which is literally how every book works?

It also keeps you from holding a book to a standard it never sought to meet. "The world building in this book simply wasn't complex enough" becomes "The world building in this book was very simple", which, yes, good, that can actually be a good thing. Many books aspire to this. It's not actually a negative critique. Or "The stakes weren't very high and the climax didn't really offer any major plot twists or turns" becomes "The stakes were low and and the ending was quite predictable", which, if this is a cute romcom is exactly what I'm looking for.

Not to mention, I think this really helps to deconstruct a lot of the biases we carry into fiction. Characters not having strong agency isn't inherently bad. Characters who react to their surroundings can make a good story, so saying "the characters didn't have enough agency" is kind of weak, but when you flip it to say "the characters acted misaligned from their characterization" we can now see that the *real* problem here isn't that they lacked agency but that this lack of agency is inconsistent with the type of character that they are. a character this strong-willed *should* have more agency even if a weak-willed character might not.

So it's just a really simple way of framing the way I critique books that I think has really helped to show the difference between "this book is bad" and "this book didn't meet my personal preferences", but also, as someone talking about books, I think it helps give other people a clearer idea of what the book actually looks like so they can decide for themselves if it's worth their time.

Update: This is literally just a thought exercise to help you be more intentional with how you critique media. I'm not enforcing this as some divine rule that must be followed any time you have an opinion on fiction, and I'm definitely not saying that you have to structure every single sentence in a review to contain zero negative phrases. I'm just saying that I repurposed a rule we had at that specific reviewer to be a helpful tool to check myself when writing critiques now. If you don't want to use the tool, literally no one (especially not me) can or wants to force you to use it. As with all advice, it is a totally reasonable and normal thing to not have use for every piece of it that exists from random strangers on the internet. Use it to whatever extent it helps you or not at all.

[blue-eyed-author]

Some of my writer’s block cures:

Handwrite. (If you already are, write in a different coloured pen.)

Write outside or at a different location.

Read.

Look up some writing prompts.

Take a break. Do something different. Comeback to it later.

Write something else. (A different WIP, a poem, a quick short story, etc.)

Find inspiring writing music playlists on YouTube. (Themed music, POV playlists, ambient music, etc.)

Do some character or story prompts/questions to get a better idea of who or what you’re writing.

Word sprints. Set a timer and write as much as you can. Not a lot of time to overthink things.

Set your own goals and deadlines.

Write another scene from your WIP. (You don’t have to write in order.) Write a scene you want to write, or the ending. (You can change it or scrap it if it doesn’t fit into your story later.)

Write a scene for your WIP that you will never post/add to your story. A prologue, a different P.O.V., how your characters would react in a situation that’s not in your story, a flashback, etc.

Write down a bunch of ideas. Things that could happen, thing that will never happen, good things, bad things.

Change the weather (in the story of course.)

Feel free to add your own.