The following resources have been mentioned on this blog, in various forms, since 2008. Now I’m rounding them up in 1 place. [Some links corrected/added on 5/31/11.]
1. 70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer. A fabulous resource from an experienced novelist. It comes in two parts because the file is so big. Click here for Part 1. Click here for Part 2.2. 279 Days to Overnight Success by Chris Guillebeau. If you dream of being a full-time writer, this is the e-book for you! About 11,000 words of fabulous advice.
3. How to Write a Great Query Letter by literary agent Noah Lukeman. Lukeman is the author of several fabulous how-to books, including The First Five Pages. This free one on queries will not disappoint.
4. What Publishers Want: An Author’s Guide by Greenleaf Book Group. The good people at Greenleaf have made this brief guide available to beginning writers who are just getting into the writing and publishing game.
5. Smashwords Book Marketing Guide: How to Market Any Book for Free. This gem just came out this past month. An excellent starting resource. [Click here to view all possible formats for download.]
Do you have any favorite e-book resources I’ve missed? Let me know in
the comments!
Thanks for these links (and the link to Cory D’s book too!)
Thanks, Tammy, for the mention!
Thanks, Jane!
Excellent list. I’ve read Chris’ book, but am excited to check out the rest.
-Vanessa
I am starting to think that one of the best things about self publishing is that it has forced me to take 100% responsibility for my novel. I look at the product that I was marketing to agents initially, compared to what I have now and the two are miles apart. Ditto with the marketing materials I now have and am working to create. When you are focused on getting an agent or a publisher there is a lurking sense that the agent/publisher will tell you what needs to be fixed. With self publishing there can be no such excuses!
I love too that s/p also gives the opportunity to improve – to respond to feedback and improve your product and message. Sure it would be nice to have it perfect the first time, but if it’s not you don’t need to throw yourself on the pyre!
This is a fantastic list of resources – must reads at all stages of the writing and publishing process. Thank you!
Well, got one the other day about 120 ScreenWriting Tips. Was a free download with a code until June 6th, so, your readers will still have time, if they can find the code that is….
All links are now fixed — including a second link for the 70 Solutions book.
I don’t seem to be able to access either link for the 70 Solutions book.
A great little book that provides an exercise that helps you go back and fix something your stalled with. Builds confidence in what your doing and ends the procrastination. Gets 5 stars by most – Nail Your Novel by Roz Morris – ebook $4.99
Great resources. I placed a link to your blog and this post on my blog. Thanks to both you and Writer’s Digest.
Rick
Super resources, in post and comments both! Thanks so much. I’ll share them with my writer friends.
You can get Strunk & White’s must-have, The Element of Style, free here: http://www.bartleby.com/141/
55 Tips for Authors just came out a few weeks ago. Includes tips re: author websites, online promotion, real life promotion, promoting yourself, branding, and more. PDF available via http://www.alice-anderson.com
Thanks for sharing these – they sound very worthwhile!
@Michael – Great question. You can access all formats here:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/305
Are we restricted to Kindle versions only of the Smashwords book?
Great free resources and a great site! Will tweet it out …
Smashwords Book Marketing Guide: How to Market Any Book for Free.
The chapter is more interesting than the others I like very much.
Free E-book to Improve Writing Skills
"Your Writing Companion"
available at http://hostileediting.com/
Tales of the Revolution: True Stories of People who are Poking the Box and Making a Difference The Domino Project http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TTHL46/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title
Excellent paid one Do the Work by Steven Pressfield (Author) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PGO25O/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title