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Writing Resources
|
 Sunday, February 07, 2010
Help Me Choose New Tweeps to Follow
Posted by Jane
This spring will mark the one-year anniversary for Best Tweets for Writers. From the start, I have used a combination of serendipity and RSS feeds/searches (viewed in Google Reader) to curate each week's list.
While I think I follow some of the most helpful folks on Twitter, I know I see only a small part of the writing universe.
So, I'm looking for your help:
- Who most consistently offers the best writing advice on Twitter?
- Who is most likely to share links that are helpful in your writing life?
- Who creates meaning in your Twitterstream instead of noise?
I'm looking to add at least 5 new people to my Best Tweets for Writers List.
How to nominate:
- Comment on this blog post—be sure to include Twitter handle of person you are nominating and an example of a recent Tweet
OR
- Give me a shout-out on Twitter with the Twitter handle of the person you'd like to nominate
I'll announce the additions in my next installment of Best Tweets.
Best of Twitter
Sunday, February 07, 2010 9:21:55 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  Trackback
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Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 2/5/10)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
Why I say "no" to great work
@Kid_Lit
Hooks that snag great book deals
@BubbleCow
Are you ready to query? Here's a checklist.
@Janet_Reid
Agent explains how to trim your query to 250 words
@elizabethscraig
Stand Alone
It amazes me how many people need to cut the first paragraph of their query. If your query makes sense without it, it needs to go
@MandyHubbard
If you're a debut author, be aware it's virtually impossible to break in with a novel over 120,000 words.
@RachelleGardner
Why do some queries include how many chapters are in the mss? Why would that matter? What does that tell me? Just tell me word count.
@StaciaDecker
Reason for rejections: Internal & external conflict don't work together.
@DocumentDriven
It's a MYTH that getting published is a catch-22. You DON'T need to be published in order to get an agent.
@RachelleGardner
The protagonist should not be able to just walk away from the conflict
@DocumentDriven
Something that sets an experienced, professional author apart from one still cutting their writing teeth? How they handle a rejection
@KatelynnLacopo
Best of Twitter
Sunday, February 07, 2010 9:10:51 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, January 24, 2010
Best Tweets: No Bananas Today
Posted by Jane
Best Tweets for Writers rests this week due to technical difficulties (no kidding), but will return next Sunday. In the meantime, you can check out this curated Twitter list: Best Tweets for Writers
Best of Twitter
Sunday, January 24, 2010 4:25:20 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, January 17, 2010
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 1/15/10)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
Is your novel way too long? One question that will help you revise
@ElizabethSCraig
Do YOU overwrite? Excellent tips from @moonrat
@inkyelbows
The key to marketing your book
@NathanBransford
How I learned to be a writer that gets paid
@BubbleCow
Excellent writing checklist for authors going through revisions from YA writer Natalie Whipple
@ColleenLindsay
What @jakonrath knows about writing and publishing
@thecreativepenn
Stand Alone
Memoirs are not reports. In most cases, they need to be carefully crafted literary works, and they should read like fiction.
@WeronikaJanczuk
Oi vey, when pitching your YA novel, DO NOT start with what "Three major messages" you plan to convey to teens.
@MandyHubbard
Also? It's very nice that you are "very interested in a book tour." I am too. ALL AUTHORS ARE. Let's leave that part out of the query
@MandyHubbard
Don't disparage the competition, EVER.
@Ginger_Clark
Always, always, always put page numbers on your manuscript!
@curiousmartha
One should spend more time writing than researching agents/submissions if one has not yet FINISHED THE BOOK!
@MarleneStringer
Cc'ing 50 agents will not improve your response rate. My guess is that rate of agent response will be inverse to the # copied.
@mattwagner
The bio section of your query is important in case I google you and you share your name with a scary religious freak.
@WolfsonLiterary
Characterization—what are the things your character couldn't live without.
@DocumentDriven
Most commentary on eBooks ignores legacy costs, infrastructure and/or rights issues; ignorance ins bliss in Punditlandia.
@glecharles
AGENT OBVIOUS TIP OF THE DAY: Don't quote other agents, especially not their rejections, in the query letter.
@laurieabkemeier
It would be good if we could get unenhanced ebooks right first, then worry about enhanced.
@bookoven
Finished answering 25 queries. Stopwatch says: 25 minutes.
@NathanBransford
Getting Published, Agents/Editors
10 Lessons I’ve Learned from 19+ Years as a Freelance Writer & Recruiter in the Editorial Industry
@nickdaws
What magazine editors actually value from freelancers—it ain't just good writing
@motsjustes
Writing contests can open doors for writers. @KathyTemean's tips on how to win them
@inkyelbows
Why it's never been more important to treat your editor well
@MichelleRafter
Should I go to a writing conference?
@Kid_Lit
Kindle "Bestseller" Cinderella Story: Indie Author Signs with Major Agent
@galleycat
Craft & Technique
Where Can I Find an Original Plot?
@writingislife
Where does the story start? Finding your WIP's beginning
@ElizabethSCraig
Editor Alan Rinzler talks about writing memoir: 7 Tips for Defeating Your Inner Critic
@RachelleGardner
Last Revision Checklist Before Submission
@BubbleCow
Authors: do you intrude too much in your own story?
Tips from @p2p_editor
@inkyelbows
Dialogue interruptus: How to punctuate interruptions in conversation
@ElizabethSCraig
Publishing News & Trends“E” is for Experiment (Not E-books) by @glecharles
@pubperspectives
Has Amazon's power in the bookselling and ebook world actually peaked, just as they seem most dominant?
@naypinya
"The thorny issue of e-book royalties" via @mikecane (Intelligent commentary about eBooks? So rare!)
@glecharles
Twitter, Blogs & Social Media
Great post from @Janet_Reid on Twitter effectiveness to promote yourself or your book.
@RachelleGardner
Create a writer's profile in Facebook
@merylkevans
10 Questions You Should Ask & Answer About Your Blog
@storyfix
Why writers, agents, editors, publishers, book publicists should be on Twitter by @cherylrainfield
@inkyelbows
Marketing & Platform BuildingThis chart is a helpful visual for authors about to launch a book
@thewritermama
The D.I.Y. Book Tour: Steven Elliott goes on his own tour and learns a lot. Better his way.
@Personanondata
How @jonpinnock used flash fiction techniques to find a readership for his story
@inkyelbows
This is the best video I have ever seen about building an online presence
@BubbleCow
Self-Publishing and E-Publishing
Distributor vs. Wholesaler--Getting Your Book on the Shelf
@victoriastrauss
How @JFbookman sold 10,000 copies of his self-published book
@inkyelbows
DIY: The Amazon Way - @nevenmrgan describes his first experience self-publishing a story via Amazon
@inkyelbows
Resources & ToolsA must-read for writers who need to comply with the FTC
@thewritermama
The Best of Copyblogger 2009 (great articles!)
@copyblogger
Do-It-Yourself E-Book Conversions
@TomColvin
The Writing Life & Fun StuffGreat advice from @AdrienneKress re: how to stay positive in this crazy industry
@rj_anderson
Your Personality, Summarized in a Typeface
@fastcompany
Looking for more?
- Join our online community, kind of like Facebook for writers
(about 3,000 members and growing)
Best of Twitter
Sunday, January 17, 2010 9:20:09 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, January 10, 2010
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 1/8/10)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
Why the editor doesn't love your book
@LianaBrooks
I just posted So You Can’t Seem to Land an Agent—Now What?
@MichaelHyatt
5 Lies Writers Believe About Editors
@jeremiahtolbert
Writers: don’t pose your question unless you’re prepared for an answer that may make u uncomfortable
@inkyelbows
Stand Alone
Protagonist must be active, not passive. Character can't just have things happen to them, but must be pro-active.
@DocumentDriven
Authors: there is really NO NEED to copyright your work before submitting. Seriously. Waste. Of. Time.
@KOrtizzle
Getting Published, Agents/Editors
Enlightening stats: why lit agent @Janet_Reid rejected mss in 2009
@inkyelbows
List of reasons why a Del Rey editorial director rejected 133 mss last year
@ColleenLindsay
Is it ok to resubmit a revamped mss to lit agents after they reject it? Dystel & Goderich answers
@inkyelbows
How My Blog Landed Me a Book Deal
@copyblogger
Personalization = good. Fake personalization = not so good.
@NathanBransford
Really thorough, great post from @ColleenLindsay
on word counts for fiction
@AndreaJarrell
Craft & Technique
30 one-minute tips for strengthening your novel, by Darcy Pattison
@inkyelbows
Alan Rinzler offers help with transitions and bridges
@RachelleGardner
10 Editing tips from @MargaretAtwood
@motsjustes
What the best writing teachers do
@motsjustes
Twitter, Blogs & Social Media
Here it is. The ultimate guide on how to use Facebook to build your platform.
@AuthorTech
Blog writing—know your audience
@motsjustes
Marketing & PromotionListing of online radio shows that regularly interview authors, tips on being a guest
@ElizabethSCraig
Resources & ToolsEver wondered if something was covered by copyright? Check this chart. Excellent resource.
@hopeclark
Researching Agents: list of resources from lit. agent @JillCorcoran
@inkyelbows
The best writing tips ever, via @huffingtonpost
@motsjustes
Librarything's new iphone app finds local bkstores, libraries, lit fairs
@AnnKingman
The Writing Life & Fun StuffOut of Control (why balance is overrated) by @jonathanmead
@mystorywriter
Don’t worry if you don’t know 'Absolutely Everything' before starting out. by @gapingvoid
@mystorywriter
What does your favorite author say about you?
@ChronicleBooks
For us type geeks and font lovers - the periodic table of typefaces
@GuyKawasaki
Looking for more?
- Join our online community, kind of like Facebook for writers
(about 3,000 members and growing)
Best of Twitter
Sunday, January 10, 2010 5:46:39 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, December 20, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 12/18/09)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
8 Ways of Seeing People that Can Sabotage Your Writing by @dahveed_miller
@mystorywriter
Big writing secret: what "show, don't tell" really means and why it's important
@Kid_Lit
What writers should know about Writing Contests
@NathanBransford
Why new writers shouldn't start with a trilogy
@inkyelbows
Stand Alone
Fiction always has a plot. Something to unify it. If it doesn't have a plot, then it's an essay.
@DocumentDriven
Writers: The magic really is in the revisions.
@MarleneStringer
People that know you are not good evaluators of whether a book is marketable, for a host of reasons.
@EpsteinLiterary
Just a helpful hint: don't spend more words in your query describing yourself than you do on your novel.
@DaphneUn
We agents who request sample MS pages in the query are aware of formatting issues - don't stress about it.
@rachellegardner
#ebooksummit @DanCosta asks what writers can do to survive. Matt Shatz: "Write code."
@glecharles
#ebooksummit Tech fetishists overlook the power of a direct relationship with customers. That's Amazon's real advantage. (Apple's, too.)
@glecharles
#ebooksummit Kindle beat Sony Reader primarily because they had the direct consumer connection and trust. One-click. Done.
@glecharles
Getting Published, Agents/Editors
A big advance isn't always a good thing. Other tips for authors on negotiating by @bookendsJessica
@inkyelbows
Little, Brown's list of what makes a good children's book
@upstartcrowlit
Be wary of unqualified people giving pub advice by @RachelleGardner
@inkyelbows
Publishing veteran says publishers are desperate for great debut novels
@ElizabethSCraig
5 tips for authors before signing with a small publisher
@IndeDebut2010
6 Key Characteristics of Effective Book Titles
@rogercparker
Craft & Technique
When To Stop Revising by @amy7a
@CafeNirvana
The formula for a story and why stories exist
@RichardMabry
Today's post is a dialogue masterclass
@Kid_Lit
How to Mock-up a Picture Book: Tips from Darcy Pattison
@inkyelbows
Publishing Biz, Trends, Future of Publishing
Another brilliant post by @MikeShatzkin. Publishers' survival won't be distribution, it's amassing eyeballs
@NathanBransford
Pogue in NYT - Should e-Books Be Copy Protected? His book was pirated to the skies but sales did not fall
@dbschlosser
7 Habits of Highly Profitable Authors
[Covey's direct deal with Amazon on e-book]
@selfpubreview
At eBook Summit: agreement that $9.99 price not enough to support content creation & distribution; is advertising next?
@draccah
Why ebooks don't cost that much less 2 produce than p-books
@victoriastrauss
Twitter, Blogs & Social MediaDoes twitter kill the author mystique? Or does it sell books?
@mitaliperkins
Lessons learned from a year on Twitter
@MichelleRafter
This piece by @hrheingold is probably the best "why use twitter" piece I've seen
@jamesoreilly
Self-Publishing & E-Publishing3 Steps to Help You Choose a Topic for an E-Book
@problogger
How a Self-Published Book Became a Best-seller
@PublishingGuru
Being Practical: Publishing Vs. Self-Publishing:
Part 1 & Part 2
@BackwordBooks
Finding a printer by @dmargulis
@selfpubreview
The Writing LifeAre You Making the All-Or-Nothing Mistake? by @ProcrastWriter
@mystorywriter
The Golden Rule of Writing by @onviolence on @WritetoDone
@mystorywriter
The converse of Gates's law would be @timoreilly 's law: create more value than you capture.
@KevinCoates
Free for personal use--> Printer-ready 5x7 "Gift of Time" certificate for writers
@inkyelbows
By/From Writer's Digest8 articles to check out when it's time to start revising
@ElizabethSCraig
Defining picture books, middle grade, and young adult
@ElizabethSCraig
Looking for more?
- Join our online community, kind of like Facebook for writers
(2,500 members and growing)
Best of Twitter
Sunday, December 20, 2009 12:42:02 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Monday, December 14, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 12/11/09)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
What a Bestselling Author Can Teach You About Hooking Your Readers
@copyblogger
Top 10 Question Dutton Editors Ask Themselves
[applicable to ALL editors]
@kathytemean
Think you know a lot about social networking? Check out this video
[Note from Jane: This video exemplifies the massive change affecting all of us and the pressure it puts on the media/publishing industry]
@RachelleGardner
Stand Alone
Your novel may, of course, have a theme, but if you, the author, have an agenda, we shouldn't be aware of it. No grinding axes!
@LucienneDiver
Dialogue: "said" is less distracting,fades into background; scene context & action indicate how dialogue said, not adverbs.
@DocumentDriven
Avoid using brand names unless significant to character, story, or world in some way.
@chavelaque
No, seriously: Do. Not. Start. Your. Story. With. A. Dream. (For that matter, don't start it with a sleeping character at all.)
@ktmenick
Getting Published, Agents/Editors
25 reasons editors don’t get back to writers faster
@MichelleRafter
How to Pitch a Literary Agent at a Writers Conference
@jessregel
Biggest mistakes writers make when pitching their work at a writers' conference? Agents answer
@inkyelbows
How to Get a Book Deal: Get Thee A Blog (a Big One)
@writetodone
"An editor requested my manuscript at a conference. What should my expectations be?" @moonrat advice
@inkyelbows
Don’t match your mkts to your motivations; match your mkts to the worth of the work itself. @Scalzi
@inkyelbows
Many new kids' writers start w/picture books, mistakenly assuming they're simple by @upstartcrowlit
@inkyelbows
5 Things To Watch For In Your First Book Contract
@IndeDebut2010
Pros and cons of using a pen name: Advice from @NathanBransford
@inkyelbows
Craft & Technique
When to describe a thing, and how detailed you should be with @doycet
@thecreativepenn
3 editing tips via Storytellers Unplugged: 1. Cut mercilessly 2. Show don't tell, 3. Realistic dialogue
@inkyelbows
Backstory and narration analyzed in two very short stories from Tobias Wolff's The Night in Question.
@KimsCraftBlog
My 6 part series on strengthening characters during revision
@p2peditor
Publishing Biz, Trends, Future of Publishing
"Books sell dreams. There will always be a market for dreams." @mikecane's compelling vision for DIGITAL books.
@glecharles
Thomas Nelson's @MichaelHyatt has written a very smart post:
The End of Book Publishing As We Know It
@chriswebb
"Why I Hate Ereaders, And Doubt They'll Ever Hit the Mainstream" @Gizmodo nails the problem.
@glecharles
Twitter, Blogs & Social Media5 easy ways to open your blog post with a bang
@copyblogger
5 ways to use Twitter and Facebook Effectively
@JodyHedlund
Marketing and PromotionBrilliant brilliant book marketing ideas from @tferriss on 4 Hour Work Week
@thecreativepenn
15 commandments for getting free book publicity
@TonyEldridge
Resources/Tools50+ Free Resources for Writers, Bloggers, And Other Freelancers
@Nicholas_Cardot
Stacks of great writing links from the great @Le_Shack
@thecreativepenn
The Writing LifeGreat advice from @brooke_warner on finding/starting a writers' group @twliterary
Your Priorities Are Your Actions, Not What You Say or Write Down
@ProcrastWriter
10 Surprising Books That Will Transform Your Writing
@copyblogger
By/From Writer's DigestHow to Channel Passion in Your Writing
(by literary mega-agent Donald Maass)
@BrianKlems
Nothing in a story is meaningful until its meaning is clear to a character.
@brianklems
Looking for more?
- Join our online community, kind of like Facebook for writers
(2,200 members and growing)
Best of Twitter
Monday, December 14, 2009 7:52:12 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, December 06, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 12/4/09)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
According to @joefinder these are the 14 biggest mistakes even best-selling writers make
@mystorywriter
Easy on the hooptedoodle and 9 other writing tips from Elmore Leonard
@benwhiting
How to negotiate the biggest possible book advance: 9 tips for writers from Alan Rinzler
@inkyelbows
"Most rejection letters mean nothing" - 8 Rules of Rejections from a children's book editor
@inkyelbows
Failure to be published: the harsh reality
@ElizabethSCraig
Stand Alone
Memoir-writing is one of the most demanding of the literary arts. It's not just writing down your life story.
@rachellegardner
I'm sorry but it doesn't sound right when you call your own novel "remarkable" in the first line of your query
@RachelleGardner
Best to avoid adjectives in your query. Don't call your book upbeat, exciting, quirky, haunting, or fascinating.
@RachelleGardner
Sending a correction to the query you sent an hour ago doesn't make you look very professional. Proof before you send.
@agentgame
Dialogue:"said" is less distracting, fades into background; scene context & action indicate how dialogue is said, not adverbs.
@DocumentDriven
Just received query that wins the prize for the worst opening line ever:"Tell me why you would be qualified to handle an all-time bestseller"
@DanielLiterary
Getting Published, Agents/Editors
Why Your Story Was Rejected: The Query Letter Conundrum
@Tweetmeme
1st time authors: Don't make it harder on yourself by writing a book longer/shorter than industry standard
@inkyelbows
Can author credentials (or lack thereof) ever hurt a query?
Lit agent @bookendsJessica answers
@inkyelbows
What can I expect of my agent? from Editorial Ass
@WolfsonLiterary
Craft & Technique
10 Mistakes Writers Don’t See (But Can Easily Fix When They Do)
@CafeNirvana
Self-edit checklist: Consistent pt of view? Unintentional repetition? Showing vs telling?
@inkyelbows
Don’t tell the reader someone was happy/sad. When you do, reader has nothing to see by @alexanderchee
@inkyelbows
What makes a novel BIG? by Donald Maass
@ThereseWalsh
The Single Most Powerful Writing Tool You’ll Ever See That Fits On One Page
@storyfix
The Secret of How to Create Conflict in Your Novel
@ajbarnett
How to use narrative tension to propel your story from @storyfix
@benwhiting
Ask the editor: 6 steps to writing a memoir - by Alan Rinzler
@inkyelbows
Five Things You Absolutely Need to Know Before You Write a Novel
@menwithpens
Fine-tuning our sentence structure
@ElizabethSCraig
Intention + Obstacle = Story | Story idea formula & other tips from @paulayoo
@inkyelbows
Fresh idea for writers: start with the setting, then develop plot
@SylviaDSmith
One-Pass Manuscript Revision: From First Draft to Last in One Cycle - by @hollylisle
@inkyelbows
Tips for writing transitions between scenes
@ElizabethSCraig
Publishing Biz, Trends, Future of Publishing
I liked David Carr's perspective on publishing in the NYT today. Some companies are dying, others being born.
@timoreilly
Smart look at the pros and cons of author vs. publisher branding by @dearauthor: "Book Branding"
@glecharles
Twitter, Blogs & Social MediaDo You Make These 10 Mistakes When You Blog? Great tips from @MichaelHyatt
@QuipsAndTips
Are you a blogger? Top 5 blogging misconceptions
(on Daily Blog Tips)
@RachelleGardner
Help Other Writers be More Visible
@BubbleCow
A Guide to Interesting Twitter Fiction Projects, Past and Present
@litdrift
Self-Publishing"The way that a book was published doesn’t matter at all. All that matters is the book." by @selfpubreview (Agreed.)
@glecharles
New post at Writer Beware: how the distinction btwn self- and vanity publishing has blurred over past 10 yrs
@victoriastrauss
Marketing and PromotionWhat is an author platform? via @ChipMacGregor
@thecreativepenn
Podcast: Author @sethharwood on podcasting to print publishing and building your author platform
@thecreativepenn
Great info from @MarketLikeAChik - 5 Tips On How To Market Yourself As Your Main Product
@QuipsAndTips
What can book advertising trends teach you about how readers are discovering books? Check out new #followreader post.
@charabbott
Resources/ToolsNew blog post: Introducing the Fiction Feed
@FictionMatters
100 Online Resources That Will Make You A Better Writer
@thecreativepenn
The Writing LifeFor those who missed it yesterday:
Portrait of a high-maintenance author
@ColleenLindsay
4 Reasons to Quit Writing Exercises
@ElizabethSCraig
43 Most inspiring Writing Advice Posts of 2009
@ProcrastWriter
No one starts out as a great writer. You have to write garbage first. There are no shortcuts - by @barrylyga
@inkyelbows
Keep writing, be honest w/yourself, & you'll be able to tell between good & bad writing by @barrylyga
@inkyelbows
Looking for more?
- Join our online community, kind of like Facebook for writers
(2,000 members and growing)
Best of Twitter
Sunday, December 06, 2009 9:25:34 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Thursday, December 03, 2009
Twitter Tips for Writers
Posted by Jane
Today, Alice Pope & I taught an online class on using social media to help you succeed in publishing. During the class, I asked my Twitter followers to share their best tip for using Twitter. Here's a compilation of those tips. My thanks to everyone who took the time to contribute.
Design and follow a strategy.
@stifter
Be generous w/ others. RT, reply, interact, build a community. Must give to receive.
@cvaldezmiller
Be helpful, be real, and *have fun.* Always mix business with pleasure at twitter--it makes your tweets irresistible.
@WritingSpirit
Be yourself ... unless you're a salesperson. Also, be helpful and curious.
@glecharles
Watch what @glecharles does.
@Ditchwalk
Don't be intimidated to approach people. Set up columns for subjects of interest in hootsuite, tweetdeck, etc.
@marybabysteps
Join the writer chats that occur every week. Meet people, share ideas, ask questions!
@HeatherMcCorkle
Don't boast. Don't endlessly RT. Offer info, insight & laffs.
@BellaStander
Don't just post quotes and retweets. Start a conversation! It's like an ongoing cocktail party on Twitter :)
@ing3nu
Always provide a link to useful information on your topic.
@MissAdventuring
Do not tweet about your private life. No one, including your fans, is interested.
@suelange
Talk about more than yourself. Be social and not just a self marketer.
@EricOrchard
Best tip for writers on using Twitter? Don't talk about your book. 
@ZumayaBooks
Make it funny, pithy or intriguing. Never dull or irrelevant.
@LucienneDiver
Use twitter to establish yourself as an authority/expert on a topic. Send links & comment!
@Grael
Remember you do not know where your tweet will go. Not in the end. Be respectful and intelligent. With humor. :)
@Becky_Levine
You can use Twitter for anything --> excerpts, promotion, networking, ideas, links to resources. Just get creative with it.
@4evermore
Twitter is a good exercise in creativity and word choice. "How can I say this in 140 characters without using abbreviations?"
@Lytspeed
Keep tweets to 120 or fewer characters to allow room for RTs by others.
@GirlsSentAway
Looking for more?
- Join our online community, kind of like Facebook for writers
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Thursday, December 03, 2009 3:21:53 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, November 29, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 11/27/09)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket By Writing Only One Book
@EelKat [linking to Writer's Digest]
Writers Need Social Media… and Social Media Needs Writers
@thecreativepenn
Stand Alone
I actually find writing process interesting…but not in a query letter.
@EpsteinLiterary
Getting Published, Agents/Editors
Book pitch lines that DON'T work, from lit agent @bookendsjessica
@inkyelbows
You know what you're writing about when you can summarize your story in 1-2 sentences (via @fictioncity)
@inkyelbows
Archives: Should I send a revision to agents looking at my work?
@Kid_Lit
A thoughtful post on “What Do Agents REALLY Offer Writers?” from @JodyHedlund. Very valid points
@MichaelHyatt
Craft & Technique
Working through character & plot problems in your novel by @LKHamilton via @kimidreams
@mystorywriter
Excellent, succinct, multi-part series about how to begin a novel, by @anitanolan
@inkyelbows
How to reveal character through the dialogue you write
@benwhiting
Biggest mistake made by 1st-time memoir writers: Being too general, not enough of yourself in the story.
@inkyelbows
Publishing Biz, Trends, Future of Publishing
Why Writers Should Say No to Writer Mills and Yes to Free
@BubbleCow
Earning out an advance vs. profit for publishers via @moonrat
@thecreativepenn
The publishing economics of a bestseller
@NathanBransford
Bold prediction: Joe Wikert thinks Amazon will exit Kindle business within 3 years
@victoriastrauss
7 reasons e-book readers make lousy gifts this year. We're on brink of radical change in how read e-books (SFChron)
@draccah
The Top 10 myths about e-books
@NathanBransford
Twitter, Blogs & Social MediaThe importance of compelling copy for your website [the site should not be about you]
@ElizabethSCraig
How to get a book deal, part 1: Print platform vs blog platform
@ElizabethSCraig
How To Feature On The Most Influential Websites In The World - For Writers
@thecreativepenn
Self-Publishing
Quick Note on Self-Publishing: Don't Pay! via @scalzi
@thecreativepenn
Why Do Fiction Publishers Get So Uptight About Self-Publishing?
@selfpubreview
Automatically Format Your Book Professionally In Word
@tonyeldridge
Marketing and Promotion
9 tips for successful author readings, from Alan Rinzler
@inkyelbows
Resources/Tools100 Free Lectures That Will Make You a Better Writer
@namenick
The Writing Life33 Rules of Persistence: Tips to Reach Your Goals
@ElizabethSCraig
New research proves, once and for all, happy writers are lousy writers via @GOOD @Joelwillans
@mystorywriter
Linking to Writer's Digest7 Reasons Agents Stop Reading Your First Chapter - by @lkblackburne
@inkyelbows
If you think your work has a problem, then it probably does - & it's NOT ready to send out to an agent
@inkyelbows
Breaking into literary fiction category: lit. agent Alex Glass advises getting credentials first
@inkyelbows
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Sunday, November 29, 2009 1:41:18 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, November 22, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 11/20/09)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
4 mistakes commonly made by beginning writers (by Caro Clarke)
@inkyelbows
24 Agents Looking for New Writers
@WritersDigest
50 Things a Writer Shouldn't Do
@mystorywriter
AWESOME article: The Most Powerful Two Hours You’ll Ever Spend as a Storyteller
@merylkevans
Stand Alone
Thanks for important reminder! (from @KimsCraftBlog):
Story ideas can't be copyrighted. You have to write it first.
@merylkevans
Writers are artists. authors are businesspeople. or they should be.
@booksquare
If you don't tell me where your last book was published, I am going to assume it was self published AND you are trying to trick me.
@bostonbookgirl
Self-publishing is a business decision, not an artistic or political statement. Can we move on now?
@glecharles
SECRET #pubtip: If you talk to me on twitter and I know (recognize) you, I'll pay more attention to your query
@WolfsonLiterary
Queries with "So + so suggested I contact you" but I have no idea who so + so is. Don't do that.
@WolfsonLiterary
If your query is 3/4 about you and only 1/4 about your novel, you're doing it wrong.
@agentgame
Decide what emotion you want reader to feel in scene/chapter & focus emotional arc to achieve that.
@DocumentDriven
Saying it again- you have little control over how your finished book will appear (size, paper, etc.). It does not belong in a query.
@KatelynnLacopo
Authors: Twitter is a great tool. But don't neglect "old-school" internet—not all readers are on Twitter. 1st stop is a website.
@papertyger
If nobody is requesting partials from your query, rework your query. Perhaps your book isn't coming across as strong as you'd like.
@WolfsonLiterary
If you can't write a good query, you either don't know how to sell your book, or you need to write better one.
@RachelleGardner
With nonfiction queries, after I get the idea I scan for your credentials. If they aren't there, I decline.
@bostonbookgirl
Regarding self-pub, would prefer to see that you are querying with a new manuscript, but still would like to see sales numbers on last one.
@WolfsonLiterary
Leave out "this is my first novel" in a query (at least to me). I prefer to think you have written one or two practice novels first.
@bostonbookgirl
Getting Published, Agents/Editors
Rachelle Gardner on some bad advice about agents floating around the Internet
@NathanBransford
Stop worrying about "all those awful books being published." Advice from lit agent @RachelleGardner
@inkyelbows
What do agents look for? Great writers and great professionals
@motsjustes
My Least Favorite Plots
@tordotcom
When is a manuscript finished? When to query? My take
@Kid_Lit
The Synopsis: what is is, what it isn't & how to write it
by Caro Clarke
@inkyelbows
Craft & Technique
Are how-to-write books worth anything?
@jamesscottbell
Stupid Writer Tricks: 10 Writing Tricks to Avoid by @davidledelman
@missdaisyfrost
10 words you don't want an editor to think when they read your manuscript
@ElizabethSCraig
8 Secrets to Creating Emotion in Your Novel
@jtlongandco
Top 7 reasons readers stop reading
@ElizabethSCraig
How to avoid boring readers with 1st person POV by @jamesscottbell
@benwhiting
11 ways to create suspense in your story by Gail Carson Levine
@inkyelbows
Character creation tip via @p2p_editor: Do your characters' flaws work on more than one level?
@inkyelbows
How much descriptive detail is too much? Gail Carson Levine offers tips
@inkyelbows
Publishing Biz, Trends, Future of Publishing
Writers: Here's an explanation of sell-in, sell-through, and earn out
@RachelleGardner
Twitter, Blogs & Social MediaWriters who tweet for book deals:
Another good piece from @LydiaBreakfast
@milehighfool
Blog posts now have a longer life span and travel further thanks to social networks.
@rww
Knowing if your social media is worth it. New post from @lizallen
@AndreaJarrell
Marketing and Promotion
How to Plan a Blog Tour
@Le_Shack
Resources/ToolsAuthors keep asking me, "where do I find free stock photos." Here are the top 12 free stock photo sites
@AuthorTech
The Writing LifeAre Writers Born or Made?
@GalleyCat
Fascinating post by @gwenbell about how to create your personal manifesto
@gretchenrubin
From Writer's DigestMitch Albom: The Keys to a Memoir (and a prompt) from @WritersDigest
@mystorywriter
10 Ways for Writers to Use Twitter Effectively
@robertleebrewer
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Sunday, November 22, 2009 9:44:04 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, November 15, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 11/13/09)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
Great post from an agent about why books are rejected
@BubbleCow
@RachelleGardner on when/how a book becomes profitable. Best thing I've read all week.
@ChuckSambuchino
3 Common Mistakes an editor is seeing in manuscripts
@ElizabethSCraig
Great post about what an agent looks for in a query letter
@BubbleCow
Annie Dillard's take-no-prisoners approach to writing (via @ContraryMag @catchingdays)
@DebraMarrs
Problem: Query letters have a lack of conflict
@inkyelbows
Stand Alone
Poets: build audience online and via live performances. Digitize everything, and think beyond text. Print = archive/souvenir/premium.
@glecharles
Nothing against the book, but too many poets see it as end game. Solo poetry books don't sell; think bigger.
@glecharles
Poets should be all over digital publishing: eChapbooks, podcasts, video, Kinetic Typography. Save "the book" for when you're dead.
@glecharles
If you want to know what you get done in a day, log not only your writing, but your procrastination tools, too. Amazing.
@Vanessaftw
Don't query me right after finishing the 1st draft of your novel. Or, you know, don't tell me that in your query.
@Ginger_Clark
Yes, it's true we [agents] Google you to see who you are. If you say you have a web presence, please provide specific URLs.
@sjaejones
Don't TELL me your ms is thrilling, suspenseful, and the absolute best. SHOW me within the query.
@MarleneStriner
Writers: Pretty much anything you do to get our attn in your query, besides a terrific blurb, is wasted effort.
@rachellegardner
Wasn't one of the ten commandments, "Thy e-mail font size shall be 10 or 12?" No? Moses, seriously, get on it.
@NathanBransford
Fiction = good. Novel = good. "Fiction novel" = redundant.
@NathanBransford
Best of Twitter
Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:41:15 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, November 08, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 11/6/09)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Sunday
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
3 Questions To Better Understand Your Novel
@FictionMatters
3 Storytelling Exercises That Can Get You Published
@BubbleCow
Writing the perfect scene by Randy Ingermanson.
Thought-provoking article.
@mystorywriter
Stand Alone
Dear Querier, an agent is not going to steal your idea. In fact the only way to market your book is to share it.
@mattwagner
Fiction Writers, don't apologize for lack of credentials or degrees. The writing is all.
@MarleneStringer
21% of fiction book purchases in 2008 were based on online awareness. --Bowker Online
@FSBAssociates
Why do indie authors feel the need to vehemently defend their approach? Most readers don't care who the publisher is. Focus!
@glecharles
Getting Published, Agents/Editors
How long should you wait to hear [from an agent] about your book?
@BubbleCow
Craft & Technique
For fiction writers: First or Third? And How To Choose.
@KimsCraftBlog
How to create a satisfying ending by @annastanisz
@mystorywriter
Writers, should you outline or not? Yes.
@jamesscottbell
Publishing Biz, Trends, Future of Publishing
What Can Publishers [and Authors] Learn from @CoryDoctorow by Richard Curtis
@jafurtado
Sci-fi collective, including Ursula K Le Guin, skips publishers, goes DTC via Kindle, Sony, own website via @thebookseller
@glecharles
John Grisham interview [Today show video] on writing and the future of publishing
@benwhiting
What literature needs is not better publbishers, or agents, but CURATORS
@agnieszkasshoes
Marketing/Promotion
Valuable advice for authors on use of Twitter for book marketing
@BookBuzzr
The Savvy Author's Guide to Podcasting
(guest post by @EmApocalyptic)
@mariaschneider
8 Tips on Creating An Army Of People To Market Your Book
@tonyeldridge
Resources/ToolsFantastic info for writers interested in residencies/retreats/grants via @ @
The Writing LifeWSJ: prominent novelists describe their writing process
@shelhorowitz
John Irving: "If I were 27 and trying to publish my 1st novel.. I might be tempted to shoot myself." (video)
@WritersDigest
From Writer's Digest (or linking to Writer's Digest)
Download free story-building worksheets here--great for NaNoWriMo writers!
@
5 Ways to Start Your Memoir on the Right Foot
@WritersDigest
Successful Queries: Agent Joanna Stampfel-Volpe and "Sway"
@WritersDigest
Looking for more?
Best of Twitter
Sunday, November 08, 2009 1:55:20 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Sunday, November 01, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 10/30/09)
Posted by Jane
Best of Twitter
Sunday, November 01, 2009 5:08:56 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Trackback
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Saturday, October 03, 2009
How Twitter Is Helpful for Aspiring Writers
Posted by Jane
At this weekend's Editors' Intensive, Alice Pope & I were trying to explain how Twitter works and how it can be helpful for writers. There were many skeptics in the audience. So I posed the question to my friends/followers on Twitter: How has Twitter helped you as a writer? I love the responses I received, so I'm sharing with all. Thank you for your generous tips—and if you have more to say beyond 140 characters, you have the comments to elaborate! Twitter's let me meet writers, editors, & agents I might not have,
& helped me understand all aspects of the business better.
@littlefluffycat
Contacts, sources and community - it's a digital moveable feast
@FictionMatters
I've met editors, agents, big authors, up & coming authors, spread the word about my blog, made wonderful friends!
@RachelJameson
The connection/interaction to other writers, editors, even agents has been hugely enlightening.
@jdistraction
Twitter helped me meet ppl I wouldn't have had access to otherwise. Casual format makes asking questions less intimidating.
@RocchiJulia
Twitter has helped me connect with other writers like me. We encourage each other--writing is no longer a lonely occupation.
@TboneJenkins
Twitter has helped me learn more about specific agents and enabled me to make a better decision on if they're right for me.
@HeatherMcCorkle
Twitter also keeps me updated on the writing industry & has helped me meet great writers I wouldn't have otherwise met.
@HeatherMcCorkle
Met many writers and authors I never would have met on Twitter.
@lafreya1
How has Twitter helped? Connected to writers, pubs, opportunities, promotion - gotten more readers on blog, my novel, etc
@tericoyne
Twitter helped me find an excellent guide in southern Austria on a research trip for my next historical novel.
@KarenEssex
Twitter helps me observe the minds of literary agents! I've discovered those not living in New York are almost normal, almost!
@kenkanten
Inspiration: microfiction and poetry at my fingertips, showing how much can be conveyed in 25 words.
@amgamble
Networking in a telecommuting industry. Editing for concise: make cuts and preserve meaning. Best clipping service ever.
@amgamble
Writing community with support and very imp. info re: today's publishing world.
@jessrosenbooks
Twitter gives affirmation of what I know and information about what I don't. Networking allows pub. & unpub. to come together.
@jessrosenbooks
I agree with everything @jessrosenbooks says about writers &
twitter. Support, info & encouragement is incredible, even for a
rookie :)
@CafeNirvana
I am learning a lot from twitter friends and people who share info through twitter. And I'm getting to know fantastic people.
@mariblaser
Twitter has taught me about platforms, promotion, community, and audience.
@alittlesandy
I've had hot scoops from tweeters in other countries, I've met ace journos i never would have otherwise ... I've been filming a Lisbon city guide using nothing more than my phone, mostly twitter, no printed research, guides etc.
@UKtraveleditor
Twitter helps me connect with fellow writers in a fun and collegiate way
@Debs1
Networking, research, discovering new
things, calling attn to my blog has been ESSENTIAL to my work flow.
@jenzug
Learned of an online auction, bid for crit from my dream editor, won, got crit & a request for full!
@AuntBirdseed
Still learning Twitter, but like the opportunity to follow info on specific subjects from lots of sources in one place.
@meredithrmorgan
From @DavidRozansky: I have acquired more than a dozen potential new authors for our house via Twitter pitches.
Linking to articles via Twitter has increased blog traffic by 900%.
Twitter keeps tabs on rival publishing houses & client bookstores.
By following industry experts, knowledge of books industry grows exponentially.
Links to books on Twitter results in increased book sales.
I've built platform of 2,600 Twitter followers in only 5 months, no gimmicks.
I run #scifichat, a weekly scifi books group discussion, Fri. 2-4 pm.
Twitter gives me ideas for books and marketing before competition.
Through Twitter, I am first to learn of trends and news in the books industry.
The best thing-I make friends with fab people in the industry, like yourself!
Leave your tips and thoughts in the comments!
Best of Twitter | Conferences/Events | Digitization & New Technology
Saturday, October 03, 2009 8:05:17 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Monday, September 28, 2009
Best Tweets Returns Mid-October
Posted by Jane
Due to Writer's Digest events & other travel (my birthday travel & my mother's birthday travel), Best Tweets is on hiatus until the week ending October 16. Those who have been sending recommendations: I still have them on tap and will see if they're still appropriate for the next round-up. Thankfully, after this hiatus, I expect Best Tweets to continue uninterrupted until the December holidays.
Below: Jane sprouts a birthday flower from her head.
Best of Twitter
Monday, September 28, 2009 3:02:45 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009
How to Succeed in Today's Publishing Industry (Takeaways from Conference)
Posted by Jane
By noon on Saturday, attendees were commenting that they'd already gotten their money's worth. I consider that a big win!
If you missed the event, you can still get some valuable takeaways:
And most remarkably, Meryl Evans sent me a note to help attendees make sense of what to do next! See below. My big thanks to her generosity.
—
So You Went to the Writer's Digest Conference. What Are You Going to Do Now?
by Meryl Evans
In the Writer's Digest Conference blog, Robert Lee Brewer reported on something he overheard:
So, earlier today, in the hallway, I overheard one writer speaking to another. She said, "I don't have the time to handle all this."
I was not surprised to hear this kind of statement at a conference on publishing and marketing and communicating and podcasting and basically everything we've been going over since Friday. But, of course, I started thinking about how successful writers should be, at least, trying.
Well, after a long pause, she continued speaking to the other (very good listener) writer, "But I have to make the time if I'm serious about making this work."
The writer caught on. Not all of us think about how we're going to make the most of a conference. Or we feel overwhelmed that it paralyzes us preventing us from taking action. We bring home all the notes we took filing them away only to never see them again. Then the least we can hope for is that our brains remembered a few key points while we wrote or typed them and apply them.
Review Your Notes
Take five or ten minutes to look over your notes. You can handle that, right? As you review your notes, pick one to three things you want to use. Post them in your to do list or whatever you use on a regular basis so you can remember and practice. Give yourself a deadline—you're a writer, you can handle it. Check off each item as you do them.
Got 'em all done? Great. Now, go back to your notes to cross them off. Pick one to three more things to try. Repeat.
That wasn't so bad, was it? Turning loads of notes into a couple of doable tasks makes a difference.
Write One Article
You probably walked away from the conference with a few article ideas. Rather than trying to do it all, I pick one topic and write the article within a couple of days after returning home. You can make it a blog entry, an article for your publication, whatever. In writing the article, those ideas will stick with you. Plus, you gain a bonus of sharing that with others.
When you finish the article, revisit the other article ideas and what you can do with them. Rather than feeling spread thin with all your article ideas, you focus on one article at a time while putting the rest away for later. You've captured the ideas on paper or on your laptop. They won't disappear. Well, unless you delete them, lose them or trash them.
Key Points from WD Conference
You can find great tweets from the conference by searching Twitter for WDC09. Here are some highlights worth remembering, captured from tweets and the blog so you don't have to read it all:
- Christina Katz: Platform is everything you do with your expertise. So many tools are available; must prioritize, maximize your time. Do you see yourself as the producer of your writing career and take 100% responsibility for your success?
- Jane Friedman: Platform comes first! Book second. Without a strong platform and topic—creating demand—your book will have a difficult time finding its place in the market. Any changes publishers want to make to the book is what they believe will help increase book sales. They basically want what's economically best for your book—and that's ultimately a good thing.
- Scott Sigler and Seth Harwood: Once you show you can move (sell) books, publishers will take notice. That's why giving away your first book online for free and building up an audience is essential to getting publishers—who have ignored you for years—to wake up and realize your talent and value. "You are the best person to sell your book," says Hardwood.
- Alice Rosengard: Sees organization as a common problem with nonfiction proposals.
- David Mathison (Be the Media) keys: Have a direct relationship with your audience. Control your rights. Repurpose your content.
- Chris Brogan: The best way to get a book published is to not try to get a book published. The whole trick about promoting is to not talk about yourself. Learn to talk about other people. Twitter is not about talking; it's about listening.
- Agent Miriam Kriss: A lot of "overnight successes" are 10 years in the making.
- Agent Panel (Jessica Sinsheimer, Regina Brooks and Michelle Humphrey): Difference between freelanced editing and traditional editor is the latter cares, has a vested interest in the book. Professionally edited, professionally typeset, professionally designed are critical for success via POD.
Agents | Best of Twitter | Building Readership | Conferences/Events | Digitization & New Technology | Getting Published | Guest Post | Industry News & Trends | Marketing & Self-Promotion | Self-Publishing
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 5:33:06 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 9/11/09)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday (or Sunday!)
for the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave it in the Comments. Always
welcome your suggestions on improving this weekly feature.
Best of Best
Great post: "When should I consider spending my own money on having an outside marketing person work with me?"
@BubbleCow
Should You Self-Publish?
@selfpubreview
This is good re: self pub "myths" RT @AlanBaxter: @jimchines talks self-publishing
@thecreativepenn
Marketing tips for authors round-up from @TonyEldridge
@thecreativepenn
Stand Alone
It's becoming more and more common for unpubbed fiction writers to query before the book is complete. don't even think about it.
@BookEndsJessica
Authors: I'm not a fan of prologues--I view them as unnecessary. I really don't see the point of a preface AND a prologue.
@ginger_clark
It's usually the book that's the problem, not the query, so emailing to ask me how to fix the query won't help. Sorry.
@agentgame
What should you be doing while you're waiting for responses to your queries? Writing your next book.
@agentgame
To authors offering a review copy of your book to book bloggers, personalize your pitch based on their reviews & review guidelines.
@GenreReviewer
If "seem" is in the first sentence of your novel, cut it right now. I want to read about things that ARE, not SEEM.
@kate_mckean
If in your query u sound difficult to work w/ I'll pass. Even if I like the plot. & when u respond rudely, I think "bullet dodged!"
@jessregel
Keep in mind that that phrase "fiction novel" is a hot button for most editors and agents. They hate it!
@rachellegardner
A well-written, thoroughly researched conventional query is more likely to stand out in the slush than an “unconventional” one.
@bostonbookgirl
What if you started your query letter with a rhetorical question? Would that interest agents? (Uh, no.)
@DaphneUn
Writing a nonfiction book proposal? Can you identify your idea in 25 words or less? If not, keep trying.
@promptedtowrite
If you go into querying thinking of literary agents as your opponents, you're more likely to fail to get one.
@agentgame
Don't try to pitch/query agents via their blog, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc., unless they specifically ask for it.
@agentgame
"...*mentioning* strong feelings [in your writing] only cheapens them." —Josip Novakovich
@KMWeiland
"If your metaphors explicitly draw attention to themselves, your prose will appear labored and mannered." —Josip Novakovich
@KMWeiland
"You don't find the meaning of life, you create it. A successful writer, is a self-fulfilled one."
@RyanJVanSeters
Best of Twitter
Sunday, September 13, 2009 3:53:56 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Saturday, September 05, 2009
Best Tweets Returns Next Week
Posted by Jane
It has been nearly 2 weeks since my last curated Twitter list—my apologies for the hiatus. This feature will resume at the end of next week. For those of you who have sent tips and additions for Best Tweets, my appreciation. I have your recommendations safely reserved. If you have a Best Tweet to suggest, especially any I've missed between August 21 and September 4, you're welcome to DM me via Twitter or send me an e-mail. ( Go here for my e-mail address if you don't have it already.)
Best of Twitter
Saturday, September 05, 2009 10:51:52 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Best Tweets Returns Next Week
Posted by Jane
It
has been nearly 2 weeks since my last curated Twitter list—my apologies
for the hiatus. This feature will resume at the end of next week. For those of you who have sent tips and additions for Best Tweets, my appreciation. I have your recommendations safely reserved. If
you have a Best Tweet to suggest, especially any I've missed between
August 21 and September 4, you're welcome to DM me via Twitter or send
me an e-mail. ( Go here for my e-mail address if you don't have it already.)
Best of Twitter
Saturday, September 05, 2009 3:47:43 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, August 21, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 8/21/09)
Posted by Jane
Best of Twitter
Friday, August 21, 2009 3:48:49 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Sunday, August 16, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 8/14/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter,
so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday (or Sunday!) for
the week's best Tweets. If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments. Always welcome suggestions on improving this weekly feature. Check out these freshly launched personal blogs from the people who work at Writer's Digest: Best of BestThe myth of "just an author": it's not true today and I doubt it ever was
@NathanBransford
Amazing insight on easily overlooked mistakes writers make (from Pat Holt)
@AprilParent
Why "self-publishing" doesn't mean anything anymore. Enter "cloud-publishing"?
@bookoven
The 10 Rock Solid Elements of Effective Online Marketing (useful for authors too!)
@thecreativepenn
Considering writing your first book? 5 tips before you start
@kristycolley
Stand AlonePlease don't refer me to your website or attachment for your sample pages. I won't read. Put them in the body of the email.
@MarleneStringer
Be widely read in your genre. Seriously--it shows when you aren't.
@bostonbookgirl
Main reason I say NO to queries is the story & the writing don't impress. Problem is the book, not the query.
@RachelleGardner
Authors: putting "requested material" on your envelope doesn't fool me, OK?
@ginger_clark
Please. No more follow-up questions and/or angry e-mails after queries. Please. Please please please
@NathanBransford
Editing tip of the day. Cut mundane dialogue unless it has meaning, like characters' awkwardness, tentativeness.
@LisaRomeo
There's no such thing as "mainstream", just big and small niches. Profitable publishing comes from knowing where your niche is.
@glecharles
You'd be amazed at how quickly an experienced editor or agent can assess your writing skill. Often, 1 paragraph.
@RachelleGardner
Getting Published, Agents/EditorsHow to create a pitch for your story
@benwhiting
WHEN NO BECOMES YES: YA Author's candid story
@Danoosha
Questions to ask yourself before seeking publication: What's my category/genre? (via @moonrat)
@thecreativepenn
Here's some good advice about the real role of an agent
@BubbleCow
What not to say in your query via agent @RachelleGardner
(hard truth)
@JohnUpChurch
Friends/family or God telling you to write a book? Don't put it in yourr query!
@RachelleGardner
Good advice from an agent. My favourite: Q: The number one reason for rejecting a book? A: Because it isn't very good.
@BubbleCow
When agents stop reading your query letter
@thecreativepenn
If you're unpublished, it's too soon to have a breakout novel. You need a break-in novel.
@bubblecow
On writing/publishing blogs -- I love pimpmynovel.blogspot.com because it's funny. Thank Thor.
@OnLocustStreet
Craft & TechniqueWhy your story isn't getting published by @bhurley
@motsjustes
Three Key Questions to Ramp Up Your Story’s Mojo
@cleshastaten
Avoid stating the obvious
@motsjustes
Good post for fiction writers on how to identify dragging narrative
@DanielLiterary
An editor offers some good advice on using powerful verbs in your writing
@BubbleCow
Here's something to think about when creating characters: birth order
@PamCallow
Publishing Biz, Trends, Future of PublishingExplosive ebook growth continues and that means big strategic challenges are just around the corner.
@MikeShatzkin
The Eleven Axioms of 21st Century Book Publishing ("A book's function dictates its file container.")
@mikecane
"Let's face it - the whole chain bookstore, publishing house, agent, author thing is bankrupt." Huff Post
@TMatlack
If you haven't read it, anyone working in bookselling or book publishing (and likely any author) should think about this
@draccah
Sell 7000 copies and you are a literary success (via @moonrat)
@thecreativepenn
Article Writing Isn't Dead (via @thewritermama)
@thecreativepenn
Steampunk: What it is, why I came to like it, and why I think it’ll stick around
@torbooks
Marketing/Promotion"No matter who your editor is... the best, most passionate promoter of a book is going to be its author."
@glecharles
27 ways to breathe life into your 'about' page
@indieauthor
Interesting article discussing the power of videos in selling your book [by a veteran of NY publishing]
@BubbleCow
Self-Publishing and E-PublishingAuthors are brands: @eoinpurcell blogs that self-publishing attracts star authors, too
@dbschlosser
Covey: 2 months from a manuscript to self-pub book vs. a year with a traditional publisher
@dbschlosser
Wall Street Journal: No Agent? Publish Yourself Video
@Stecyk
Enjoying this a lot » How to Write a Good eBook – You Know, the Kind that Doesn’t Suck
@namenick
BloggingSeriously, not just for librarians: 100 Terrific Tips & Tools for Blogging Librarians
@UrbanMuseWriter
The 7 Deadly Sins of Blogging
@flipbooks
6 Secrets to Writing Memorable Taglines
@flipbooks
26 Places to Find Free Multimedia for Your Blog (via @mashable)
@thecreativepenn
Twitter / Social Media
My tips for social networking in 15 minutes a day
@RachelleGardner
5 Reasons Every Book Editor Should Be on Twitter
@jcheiffetz
Google Reader is one of the four primary social media tools every writer should be using
@glecharles
Love @zephoria's rant about study saying 40% of twitter is "pointless babble." She notes, you could say same of talking
@timoreilly
Resources and ToolsFree novel-writing software - a review
@motsjustes
The Basic Grammar eBook: free if you subscribe to feed
@BubbleCow
Comprehensive book publishing glossary
@NathanBransford
85 Resources for Fiction Writing
@BubbleCow
Great list of 15 Must-Read Blogs for Writers, from @UrbanMuseWriter
@QuipsAndTips
The Writing Life / Philosophical / InspirationalWriters: Don’t rely upon publication for career satisfaction. Advice from Anne Lamott
@DebraMarrs
toni morrison on writing today
@reetamac
Learning from one of the world's most popular writers: Quips & Tips From J.K. Rowling
@QuipsAndTips
Looking for more?
Best of Twitter
Sunday, August 16, 2009 7:12:34 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Sunday, August 09, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 8/7/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter,
so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday (or Sunday!) for
the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments, or if you want more of a particular category of
Tweet, also comment.) Best of BestHaving a freezer pop + reading Jenny Crusie's post about turning points
@nomadshan Samantha Ettus (@samanthaettus) interviews Larry Kirshbaum and Jane Friedman on the state of the publishing industry
@CreateSpace
A good post from an agent highlighting the difference between 'crafting' and 'writing' a novel
@BubbleCow
An agent offers some thoughts on the 'reality of royalties'. Makes interesting reading
@BubbleCow
Stand AloneThe best writers benefit from editing; the less-accomplished require it. -John E. McIntyre
@DebraMarrs
Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few things, you’re doomed. RAY BRADBURY
@advicetowriters
Getting Published, Agents/EditorsFiction proposals Q&A with an agent
@merylkevans
Book 'em, Dano – Ten fully arrest-able query gaffs
@tumblemoose
How to write a simple, compelling query letter
@Kid_Lit
Do You Run Your Writing As A Business? Pub Rants (If you're serious about it, it IS a business.)
@LatinoBookNews
A great examination of Authonomy and what it does and doesn't do (editor's note: Authonomy has led to book deals, contrary to article's author)
@BubbleCow
Not sure what type of article to pitch to magazines? Here are 11 types of feature articles
@QuipsAndTips
Craft & TechniqueHelpful writing tips from a former journalist
@ElizabethSCraig
Fiction writers: Here are few tips and tricks to writing strong, believable dialogue.
@noveldoctor
This blog post offers a good little guide to 'plotting' a novel
@BubbleCow
Why you should embrace your editor's revision ideas
@ElizabethSCraig
Publishing Biz, Trends, Future of PublishingInteresting piece by a bookseller on the complex issue of returns (comments are interesting too)
@victoriastrauss
Nice post looking at the breakdown of costs when selling a book
@BubbleCow
What does it say about publishing if it cant sustain a trade publication (Publishers Weekly)?
@Danoosha
Will the spirit of Billy Mays #savepublishing? [GREAT article by @RonHogan!
@psamuelson01
Declining Editing Staff Leads to Rise in Errors
@writingislife
The ISBN is Dead. (At least maybe in its current form)
@Personanondata
@chipmacgregor on the Google Settlement and why it is a good thing for authors
@benwhiting
More Bits of Destruction for the Publishing business (recommend reading all three parts)
@rww
Marketing/PromotionWin a $1300 book marketing prize package from top book marketing experts in the business
@tonyeldridge
The 10 New Rules of PR (you must think like your targets, be found, motivate action)
@brascoebooks
Reflections on a blog book tour by @AlanBaxter
@thecreativepenn
40 Writer Uses for LinkedIn
@merylkevans
Self-Publishing and E-PublishingWSJ on Four Options for Creating Your Own Recipe Book
@PublishersLunch
BloggingHow to Build Compelling Content By Leaving Readers Wanting More
@flipbooks
How To Think About Your Blog Like A TV Programmer (smart tips for promoting w/o being obnoxious)
@bradrourke
Twitter on Twitter
How Twitter works and why people in publishing should consider using it (practical, hype-free tips)
@yodiwan
The Writing Life / Philosophical / Inspirational13 Tips for Actually Getting Some Writing Done
@gretchenrubin
The Unsung Villains of Writing
@benwhiting
How to increase your influence 10x
@copyblogger
Looking for more?
Best of Twitter
Sunday, August 09, 2009 10:29:56 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Sunday, August 02, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 7/31/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter,
so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday (or Sunday!) for
the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments, or if you want more of a particular category of
Tweet, also comment.) Best of BestToday's writing must-read: a literary agent on word count - #pubtip via @bubblecow via @bjmuntain
@dbschlosser
One agent (@BookEndsJessica) muses on the impact of the recession on the publishing world
@BubbleCow
The pros and cons of hiring a professional publicist
@AuthorsNews
Wicked Clever Writing Advice from @mlvalentine - Looking for Publishing Advice? Why Offline Might be Better
@jesshartley
Online tools to help you publish your own book from @techradar
@TXBirder
Stand AloneIf you don't have publishing credits, don't say so. No need to draw attention. That you finished a novel is enough.
@jodimeadows
Querying a novel starting with a dream sequence is almost a guaranteed pass.
@MarleneStringer
When you bemoan lack of quality in publishing, do you realize you're biting the hand that may someday feed you?
@rachellegardner
Don't tell me your book targets young adults and adults. that's rare. who does it target more--where should it go in the store
@BookEndsJessica
If ms takes more than 5pp to hook me, it's not going to hook an editor. Don't say it gets good after first 50pp."
@MarleneStringer
Narrative nonfiction definition: nonfiction that illuminates through story (memoir, history, true crime, etc.)
@NathanBransford
Most FREE advocates and "Print is dead" pundits have no skin in the game; self-promoters with no responsibility for revenue or employees.
@glecharles
Distribution is primary value-add a publisher offers. Everything else is available to writers w/o an intermediary.
@glecharles
Authors: you do not have to account for *every* *single* *step* in a character action - reader will fill in basic blanks.
@papertyger
WRITING THE BLOCKBUSTER NOVEL: Zuckerman advocates Follett's method of "illuminating 1 character's interior in any given scene or chapter."
@KFZuzulo
Best of Twitter
Sunday, August 02, 2009 6:58:28 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Sunday, July 26, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 7/24/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday (or Sunday!) for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments, or if you want more of a particular category of Tweet, also comment.) Best of BestReading 67 Overlooked Freelance Writing Niches
Great ideas!
@UrbanMuseWriter
100 Inspirational Posts to Make You a Better Writer
@flipbooks
Good post with a list of 25 book blogs [and how to pitch bloggers]
@BubbleCow
Top book marketing posts from @TonyEldridge
@thecreativepenn
Stand AloneSome people write great books but not killer queries; I give the sample pages more weight than the letter.
@rachellegardner
A good memoir requires all the writing ability of fiction, and all the platform & marketing of nonfiction.
@RachelleGardner
DON'T say “the book gets exciting in chap 5” or “the pace picks up toward the end.” Make it shine from page 1.
@rachellegardner
do not put in a query that you are still editing and revising. it's so much better if you are done and at work on the next thing
@BookEndsJessica
Writers, please research your genres for word count. I can' t sell a 39K word romance, nor a 165K mystery.
@MarleneStringer
Begging in a query is a real turnoff. "Please give me a chance!"
@RachelleGardner
Requests for fulls/partials, but no agent yet? Go back and work on craft & story. Take your time, get help.
@RachelleGardner
the sign of a really good writer isn't the first draft, but how well revisions are handled.
@BookEndsJessica
"Plot, in fact, is yearning challenged and thwarted," by Robert Olen Butler. Wish I had said that. Sublime.
@plotwhisperer
Best of Twitter
Sunday, July 26, 2009 7:24:24 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, July 17, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 7/17/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments, or if you want more of a particular category of Tweet, also comment.) Best of BestWhy do agents turn down good books? Outstanding summary
@jamesscottbell
The Top 10 Blogs for Writers
@MattPenna
43 Helpful and Terrific Blogs for Writers
@DebNg
Conference Prep/Networking In A Bottle--AND What You Can Do If You're Staying Home!
@AnnaDeStefano
Platform 201 for Busy Writers: @glecharles writes about finding 1,000 true fans
@dbschlosser
Stand AloneDon't respond to a query rejection by saying you know you can sell me on your book over the phone. Convince me with your writing.
@agentgame
Tired of seeing coffee, dreams, weather, beds, alarm clocks, screaming in first paragraph. Everyone does this. Don't be that writer.
@kate_mckean
Please don't spend time in your query telling me how much movie potential your book has.
@agentgame
Best of Twitter
Friday, July 17, 2009 5:26:39 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Saturday, July 11, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 7/10/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments, or if you want more of a particular category of Tweet, also comment.) Best of BestDo Self-Publishing Services Take Advantage of Writers?
(via @selfpubreview)
@thecreativepenn
10 Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs (via @debng)
@Mediabistro
A MUST read blog post about book sales - quality stuff
@BubbleCow
Want to be a working writer? New blog post about the business of staying published
@AnnaDeStefano
Knowing Characters by using the Proust Questionnaire
@Le_Shack
65 Useful Blog Posts for Brand New (and some veteran) Freelance Writers
@FreelanceWJ
Stand AloneWhen you don't get your calls returned, that doesn't mean you are unimportant - usually it means the other person is poorly organized or doesn't return calls well. The lesson to be learned: Don't let others shape your view of yourself.
@sanderssays
Writers and Bloggers: Finding the time (to write) is not the issue as much as finding the will to do it. -Dave Barry
@DebraMarrs
At ThrillerFest, had intellectual tussle about next 'big thing' w/agent Miriam Kriss. She says 'steampunk.' If u have any, send it her way.
@KFZuzulo
Getting Published, Agents/EditorsWhat Agents Want: The Same Thing, Only Different
@debbimack
What *every* author should know about Bookscan!
@Bookgal
Podcast: author @sethharwood on podcasting to print publishing success
@thecreativepenn
Excellent wisdom on writing children's books [from editor at Arthur A. Levine]
@merylkevans
Craft & TechniqueHow not to start a story (via JA Konrath)
@mariaschneider
10 Tips for Creative Writers by Dennis G. Jerz
@BellaVidaLetty
The Art vs. Craft Gap: a Writer’s Paradox (via @WriteToDone)
@thecreativepenn
A Writer's Number One Mistake
@GodsAngel1
Conflict—start something
@motsjustes
How writing disagreements differs from real-life confrontations by @ElizabethSCraig
@dbschlosser
Snappy, informative post by @VictoriaMixon: all you need to know about writing a novel in 1000 words.
@careyamy
Some ways to figure out the emotional heart of your story
@chavelaque
Editing plastic fake-lip whistles out of your manuscript -- great writing analogy/advice by @ElizabethSCraig
@dbschlosser
Advice on pacing your book's plot
@BubbleCow
A very interesting article on getting your first draft done: First Draft Secrets: Five Simple Steps
@rumberg
Publishing News/Trends & The Future of PublishingFree is wrong for writers; Freemium might not be
@glecharles
The Book Buying Industry is a Mess
@selfpubreview
A very long, but interesting & thoughtful look at the future of print books
@wordywoman
Marketing/PromotionWhy Every Author Needs a Powerful Online Presence by @MichaelHyatt
@AuthorTech
Three steps to building an author platform: Get around, get connected, get online.
@glecharles
Interesting post offering six methods to help promote your novel
@BubbleCow
Good author resource from Berrett-Koehler on managing and using Amazon
@janetgoldstein
Do's and Don'ts of promotional emails, for authors and publishers--good post from Shelftalker blog
@victoriastrauss
Just posted: Marketing is a service, a breakthrough point of view
@sanderssays
Blogging
8 Blog Tips from Tim Ferriss
@BubbleCow
Self-Publishing
Self publishing is not Print On Demand (via @BubbleCow) BUT POD is a fantastic option for people!
@thecreativepenn
Twitter on TwitterHow I Tweet — FAQ by @chrisbrogan. A really awesome guide for Twitter etiquette.
@Mediabistro
Online & Offline Resources/ToolsResources for the Beginning Novelist
@alittlesandy
The Writing Life / Philosophical / Inspirational"Eat, Pray, Love" author muses on creativity. Captivating.
@PowerJourneys
Silencing the Voice That Says You're a Fraud (WSJ --a must read for writers!)
@danyelsmith
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?
Best of Twitter
Saturday, July 11, 2009 5:38:12 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Twitter: Food for the Muse
Posted by Jane
Today's guest post is from monthly contributor Darrelyn Saloom. Follow Darrelyn on Twitter. (That's her not-naked Twitter profile pic above.)
Are there more writers than social media marketing gurus, naked people, or insatiable sex addicts on Twitter? Well, marketing gurus may have us beat. But, at least, there are a few worth following for interesting tweets. But writers do seem to outnumber the naked, insatiable sex addicts, though I continue to marvel when opening an e-mail, and someone’s nipples stare back at me. So-and-so is now following you on Twitter. Really? Then put on some clothes!
My hometown friends are dressed and interesting and have a variety of careers. But for my friend Deirdre, a boxer, they don’t do cartwheels from the mailbox when the Southern Review or Glimmer Train arrives. Or shiver at news of an author’s interview or book signing. Too much talk of writing and my best girlfriends zone out on me. Even my beloved husband rolls his eyes. (He will accompany me to an out-of-town book event, though I’m usually dropped off, front of the bookstore, side of the street.)
So Twitter has become a refuge of sorts, a place to connect with enthusiastic readers and writers. And professionals who appreciate writers enough to post helpful articles and tips. Every week, Jane Friedman compiles Best Tweets for Writers. Every week! Daily, she and others post valuable advice about the business of writing and publishing, a treasure-trove of information.
Information that (before Twitter) was not available to me. I’m too busy scavenging time for my husband, my aged mother, running a household, caring for grown children and grandchildren, two cats and a dog, collaborating with the boxer, Deirdre Gogarty, on her remarkable life journey, editing a novel for a client, and then (if supper is cooked and the house is clean) squeezing out time for my own writing. So, yes—like you—I’m busy!
But as writers we must find ways to feed The Muse. And other than the boxer (she and I spend hours discussing writers and writing), Twitter cooks up The Muse food I need. So, what do I mean by Muse food? Well, let’s look at a sample menu: Poetry. Reading poetry is one of the best ways to stir inspiration. Read poetry and weep, laugh, marvel—and feed. Narrative Magazine floats by in a tweet. I click, I read, I’m inspired. Always. And there are poets aplenty on Twitter, posting astute lyrical treats (@TheDarkEngine).
Still hungry? Feast on comics artist @elizafrye, illustrator/author @CarinBerger, collaborating authors @deberryandgrant, photographer/filmmaker/physician @DocMacaStat, passionate blogger @CodyDaigle, travel writer @holeinthedonut, or bask in the intellect of @DaveWiner. And so many others who stream by, tweeting works of art, brilliant insights and observations, or posting links to their own inspirations, sated and sharing their food.
On Twitter, I’ve befriended published authors such as Andrea Gillies, a gifted writer, who lives on a remote peninsula in northern Scotland. Her memoir Keeper opened my eyes to the hardships and horrors of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s. And she did so with such gut-wrenching honesty and beauty (and humor), it forever changed me. Made me hold my loved ones stronger; pet my cats and dog longer, and cease taking for granted my memory.
So, for the naysayers, who would argue that Twitter is too time-consuming; that the time spent reading and posting tweets is wasted; I understand your thinking. It’s what I thought at first. But I’m here to tell you that the opposite has proven true for me; because Twitter cooks up a daily banquet, which feeds The Muse, who lives in that inner world of cravings. For me it’s the world of shivers and cartwheels and tweets.
And like anything else in life, Twitter returns whatever you give. If you are positive and kind, that’s what you’ll find. For the life of me, I don’t understand why so many celebrities (and authors) only follow a few people, who are already their friends. In my opinion, they are missing out on a world of cuisine. After all, things didn’t work out so well for Narcissus who only peered into the pool at his own reflection.
If you’d like to share your Twitter experiences, leave a comment below. I’d love to read what impact Twitter has had on The Muse in you.
Best of Twitter | Guest Post
Friday, July 10, 2009 9:49:07 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Sunday, July 05, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 7/3/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments, or if you want more of a particular category of Tweet, also comment.) Best of Best17 Reasons book manuscripts are rejected
@cassidylewis
Ten Marketing Questions Authors are Asking (excellent) via @chipmacgregor
@thecreativepenn
The media comments on self-published books (via @MoriahJovan) [for everyone who wonders why the self-pub stigma continues]
@thecreativepenn
Publishers will turn into sports teams, trading lists the way teams trade players. Another aspect of verticalization.
@MikeShatzkin
Do family businesses have some advantages over their competitors in our changing industry? I think so.
@MikeShatzkin
13 Lessons Learned Launching an eBook
@problogger
Do Twitter and Blogs Really Drive Book Sales? (via @charabbott )
@thecreativepenn
Stand AloneFriday self-editing tip: make sure your dialogue is appropriate for characters given educational backgrounds, upbringing & context
@IPublishPress
When agents/editors refer to EDITING, they rarely mean typos & punctuation. Usually it's more content/structure.
@RachelleGardner
When you open your query with a question to which my answer is NO, you've pretty much killed it.
@RachelleGardner
Getting Published, Agents/EditorsTen things editors look for in non-fiction
(Or....collaborate with a big name!)
@RachelleGardner
Great discussion about agents and eeking out a living as a novelist in the 21st century
@JonathanEvison
More Thoughts on Re-Pitching Agents
@BubbleCow
Authors: 6 Other Things to Do with Your Book Idea (via @TSCB )
@thecreativepenn
Literary agent @ChipMacGregor answers the really “Basic, Basic, Basic Questions” about getting published. Excellent!
@MichaelHyatt
Author's job: come to the agent with a publishable book [get a trusted editor] from @RachelleGardner
@dbschlosser
PSA about vampires (what you should know if your novel has vampires, zombies, faeries, pixies, or Dick Cheney)
@NathanBransford
4 Other Ways to Get a Literary Agent
@ScifiWatch
Craft & TechniqueHow to Write About Plights Without Falling Prey to “Plight Syndrome”
@collazoprojects
Starting sentences w/participles confusing the actual function of participles
@dbschlosser
THE secret to great writing: Show or tell
@BubbleCow
How music can help your writing
@benwhiting
Ten Things to Help You with Titles
@thecreativepenn
As an author, who should you be writing for? Chances are, your audience.
@GreenleafBookGr
Finding plot and character inspiration from the Bible
@benwhiting
Why Stories are the Writer’s Elemental Tool from @WriteToDone
@TXBirder
Publishing News/Trends & The Future of PublishingThe rise of the e-book first, print book later publisher. The new e-book publishing landscape.
@PublishersWkly
Mike Shatzkin's smart, thoughtful look at the evolving role of literary agents
@twliterary
"'Free' is just a way to destroy your competitor, but it doesn’t make a business sustainable." (writers: read this one)
@glecharles
If you read only one article this week/month, make sure it's this one. [Is scientific publishing about to be disrupted?]
@jwikert
Martha Stewart web initiatives versus Penguin's. There is emerging opportunity but Big 6 will miss it.
@MikeShatzkin
"It was highly edited, full of personality ... Proof that you don’t need to have everything, just the right things."
@glecharles
@realjohngreen's case for lower advances, higher royalties, and more frequent payments to authors
@mitaliperkins
Publishers as judges of best Internet content?
@stefaniecpeters
Agents need to be more flexible on e-rights: Agents must be more flexible when selling
@TheBookseller
Michael Hyatt, the Tweeting CEO [of Thomas Nelson]
@PublishersLunch
Great article if you haven't seen it: Clive Thompson on the future of reading-not publishing-in a digital world.
@GreenleafBookGr
Most newspapers will disappear in the next 5-10 years, along with the vast majority of websites and wannabe writers.
@glecharles
Proliferation of ebook devices, platforms, reader softwares, and retailers making you dizzy? It's GREAT for publishers
@MikeShatzkin
Marketing/PromotionDeveloping a Platform For Nonfiction Writers
@tonyeldridge
Need help finding the perfect name for your author website? Here are 6 free tools to help.
@AuthorTech
10 Secrets of the Best Social Media Users
@AlexKaris
7 Ways to Build Your Author Brand Online by @MichaelHyatt
@AuthorTech
Marketing a Book @chrisbrogan starts marketing his
@thecreativepenn
What is the purpose of a book cover? Seth Godin’s answer may surprise you
@MichaelHyatt
19 management chores for your online presence you COULD do every day by @chrisbrogan
@Mediabistro
Blogging
I’m watching Tim Ferris video, “How to Build a High-Traffic Blog Without Killing Yourself.” It’s excellent.
@MichaelHyatt
Blog to Book: An Elegant Execution from The New Yorker
@selfpubreview
6 great lessons to blogging brought to you by Copyblogger & Winnie the Pooh
@flipbooks
Jennifer Fulwiler guest posts on agent @RachelleGardner 's blog: How to Build Traffic on Your Blog.
@GreenleafBookGr
Awesome demonstration of blogging authentically
@pamslim
E-books and e-publishing
How to Write an Ebook that Sells in 2009 by Copyblogger
@JDEbberly
So you want to write an ebook? 30 tips for success
(via @dmscott)
@thecreativepenn
Self-Publishing
Ready to get your book into bookstores? Here are some great tips (via Publishers Weekly)
@Bookgal
Self publishing carnival of great links (Thanks @BryceBeattie )
@thecreativepenn
Twitter on TwitterMashable compares 19 different Twitter apps. It includes ratings and the “hit feature” for each
@MichaelHyatt
Twitter directory of industry people you might want to follow [very good and manageable list of agents, editors, publishers]
@susanwrites
Online & Offline Resources/ToolsJust discovered "Smashing Magazine." Check out their "50 Free Resources to Improve Your Writing Skills"
@jwikert
50+ writer uses for twitter
@merylkevans
Authors who share
@motsjustes
Here's something to bookmark on your iPhone: iKnow's 100 Best Reference Tools for your iPhone
@jwikert
Ten Books for Mothers Who Write
@alittlesandy
The Writing Life / Philosophical11 Types of Bad Writing Advice RT @paperbackjack: Everything you know is wrong
@nicoledenae
The Full-Time Writing Life: If It Doesn't Kill You 1st, It'll Kill You 2nd
@jeffvandermeer
10 Ways to Lose 10 Pounds from Julia Cameron's Writing Diet
@QuipsAndTips
Steve Almond explains why he never says no to ANY writing assignment. No matter what.
@roncharles
Fun10 Ways to Take a Bad Author Photo
@saltpublishing
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?
Best of Twitter
Sunday, July 05, 2009 6:03:49 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Saturday, June 27, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 6/26/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments, or if you want more of a particular category of Tweet, also comment.) Best of BestWhy New Novelists Are Kinda Old, or, Hey, Publishing is Slow
by @scalzi
@dbschlosser
Book publicist reveals one key thing publishers look for before considering your book
@BookWritingTips
The Seven Deadly Writing Sins
@nicoledenae
Where will we be in five years?
@chipmacgregor
Giving ebooks away for free increases print book sales
@bradvertrees
If you only read one marketing post ever, read this one - 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly
@tferriss
Writing Roads: Authentic Trumps Agreeable
@KFZuzulo
36 Free EBooks for Writers by @PacificBlue
@BookBuzzr
Stand AloneWriting tip 21: Agonize over your 1st story only after you’ve written your 10th, your 10th after your 20th.
@barryintokyo
I have a number of valuable business contacts that I 'found' on Twitter. It is a serious tool in day-to-day business life.
@MichaelHyatt
A poet once said that handwriting connects the pulse of the heart, down the arm, to the fingers, to the pen, to the page. #writechat
@debramarrs
Q. What exactly is a pitch? A. Think of it as back-cover text of your book. Whatzitbout? Whozitfor? Whoyou? Whycare?
@DavidRozansky
No need to note your "copyright" on manuscript. Legally unnecessary (is © as soon as you write it down) and looks amateurish.
@papertyger
No need to "design" your manuscript w/clip art & unusual fonts. The point is the text, not a fancy title page.
@papertyger
Overheard: Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook are merging together: "YouTwitFace.com"
@human3rror
"If you want to build an online community it can't be about you." Says @calilewis
@ThomasUmstattd
Best of Twitter
Saturday, June 27, 2009 6:29:05 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, June 19, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 6/19/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Friday or Saturday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments, or if you want more of a particular category of Tweet, also comment.) Best of BestAsk the editor: Do publishers have rules about POV?
@LatinoBookNews
Check out Jim Shepard on writing: "I don't think you realize how hard this is for me." [in Oprah's magazine]
@Sirenland
How to find something great to read
@GuyKawasaki
Getting Published, Agents/EditorsTerrific advice on hiring a literary agent from @MichaelHyatt
@RachelleGardner
Should you go to a writers conference? Easy list of pros and cons!
@Kid_Lit
Who says $1 a word freelance markets are dead? The latest FundsforWriters newsletter from @hopeclark
@milehighfool
The Editorial Process [with a traditional publisher]
@BubbleCow
Should You Self Publish Your book? ~~VERY Good Article
@everywriter
What not to edit
@motsjustes
Craft & TechniqueEssay on compelling story telling
@lilleypress
The dangers of starting with dialogue - from @NathanBransford
@benwhiting
The importance of good characters in your novel
@BubbleCow
10 Myths of Writer’s Workshop [particularly for educators]
@MeghnaK
Letting your characters rule the story
@benwhiting
How to write a novel when you have no plot. Hint: it involves bumper stickers.
@kragtbakker
Publishing News, Trends, OpinionsHow the Lit Fic Crowd Can Make Digital Publishing Legitimate
@thecreativepenn
Kindle and book business: this is the best analysis I've seen recently.
@thecreativepenn
There’s a rich and vibrant world at the opposite end of mediocrity, and it represents the real future of publishing
@glecharles
What if people steal my book? Karmic rights management (via @thebookwright )
@thecreativepenn
Marketing/Promotion6 Things Readers Want from Your Author Website
(smart tips; focus on the fundamentals)
@dbschlosser
Advanced platform strategy from Chris Brogan and here
@thewritermama
Twitter on Twitter"I don’t want, or know how, to develop a strategy for my authenticity. Apparently, I will not be a successful tweeter."
@RonHogan
Online & Offline Resources/ToolsThe Economist's writing style guide is fantastic.
@thesolowriter
Five Good Books About Genre Writing by Actual Authors
@jharmonwriter
The Writing Life / PhilosophicalExcellent article about not letting your day job kill your writing life
@kellyaharmon
Love this by Seth Godin, YOU MATTER, reminds me of my 2009 mantra, Make Good Things Happen
@thewritermama
For tomorrow: Get up on the right side of bed. A new routine that'll change ur life.
@sanderssays
FunThis week, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," a sad, lovely piece from my writing teacher Sandra Tsing Loh
@lindseyleej
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?
Best of Twitter
Friday, June 19, 2009 4:26:00 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Saturday, June 13, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 6/12/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit each Saturday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments, or if you want more of a particular category of Tweet, also comment.) Best of BestAdorable AND valuable - 5 Things Sesame Street Can Teach You About Breakthrough Blogging
@Mediabistro
Just compiled a writing advice database of past posts
@NathanBransford (literary agent)
Writing revision checklist for fiction
@NathanBransford
Love this post: Top Ten Things I Know About Editing
@BubbleCow
20 Must-Read Blogs For Freelance Writers
@dnzWriting
Stand Alone (no links)
Better than great sales or bestseller lists are letters from readers saying your book reflects their lives & makes them feel relevant.
@amymackinnon
Idea: Use a Facebook Fan page or group to give away knowledge and tools. Be a resource. <LOVECAT think: Knowledge networking>
@timbursch
"It's nearly always better to resist the urge to explain."
—Renni Browne and Dave King
@KMWeiland
Social networking is about building relationships BEFORE you ask people to represent you, buy your work or offer you a contract.
@DebraMarrs
"Tell almost the whole story."
—ANNE SEXTON
@AdviceToWriters
"There’s nobody out there waiting for it, and nobody’s going to scold you if you don’t do it."
—LYNNE SHARON SCHWARTZ
@AdviceToWriters
@thecreativepenn and @mariaschneider routinely dig up great things on the web for writers, and are worth following.
@KimsCraftBlog
Writing Tip: Make your writing reader-centric: always answer the implicit or explicit "What's in it for me?" question.
@expertwriter
Getting Published, Agents/EditorsShould I send a revision to agents currently looking at my work? You know you've had the urge
@Kid_Lit
Should you query now or wait to meet an agent at a conference? @RachelleGardner gives some insight
@JohnUpChurch
7 reasons manuscripts are rejected & how you can avoid it
@janetlaneauthor
E-Publishing reality
@thecreativepenn
Done writing? Tips for hiring an editor
@motsjustes
Publishing Comparisons (POD vs. POD)
@thecreativepenn
Considering a pen name? The pros and cons.
@motsjustes
Craft & TechniqueWeekend Writing tip: Plan Through Character
(includes worksheet)
@AnnaDeStefano
On Genre-Based Critique Groups: Helpful but Not Mandatory
@Becky_Levine
Some lunchtime reading for any writers out there: "Writing: The power of three"
@Kimota
Plotting by Elimination
@benwhiting
Podcast with lively discussion about editing.
@ljsellers
Great writing podcast by three authors (one writes fantasy, the other horror, the other webcomics)
@gregbas
Setting as a Character - agent Maass on writing mythic significance into the landscape
@dbschlosser
"Just say no to dialect, y'all"
@motsjustes
Keeping your dialogue lively by @RGregoryBrowne
@benwhiting
Learn about point of view in fiction writing
@motsjustes
... a new talk, on plotting and springing surprises in novels (by Arthur A. Levine editor)
@chavelaque
Publishing News, Trends, OpinionsTIME: Amazon defining the future of publishing
@KFZuzulo
Marketing/PromotionAuthor Christina Katz @thewritermama with platform ideas and mistakes
@janecandid
Building an Author Platform (Video)
@thecreativepenn
A pain free method of self-promotion
@TXBirder
Twitter on Twitter
Some deep insights into twitter in this post by @cheeky_geeky. Really thought-provoking.
@timoreilly
USA Today on the art of writing on Twitter (and Facebook):
@jwikert
Why Writers Should Use Twitter
@alexisgrant
Note to writers: Twitter may be a better platform than a blog.
@jamesscottbell
The grand unveiling: The Smashwords Writer's Digest ad, written by your tweets (and yes, winners inside the ad)
@markcoker
Online & Offline Resources/ToolsFive sites to get free books
@BubbleCow
The 50 Best Books on Writing Fiction
@BubbleCow
Sunday writers links (Thx @le_shack !)
@thecreativepenn
Detect Plagiarism on the Web by @CathyStucker
@BookMarketer
The Writing Life / PhilosophicalWriters: Are you indispensable?
@milehighfool
How to be a more successful writer - by thinking like an entrepreneur.
@barryeisler
Just blogged about 3 things John Cleese taught me on unleashing creativity at will
@sanderssays
"Listen Up, Old School Journalists" (via RecessionWire)
@mariaschneider
FunActual student comments in writing workshop from McSweeney's -hilarious!
@WritersGroup
NY Times map of publishing industry natural selection of logos
@ficwriter
The Top 15 Bad Romance Novel Opening Lines (giggle!)
@thecreativepenn
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?
Best of Twitter
Saturday, June 13, 2009 3:43:36 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Saturday, June 06, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 6/5/09)
Posted by Jane
Best of Twitter
Saturday, June 06, 2009 5:24:41 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Saturday, May 30, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 5/29/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit every Friday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments.) Apologies for the lag this week— catching up from our BEA event. Look for a recap with photos in the next few days. Best of Best54 Tips For Writers, From Writers
@MeghnaK
Five Novelists' Web Sites That Offer Great Writing Advice
@jharmonwriter
Amy Tan (TED): The Ted Commandments
@Krizanovich
Cory Doctorow: Writing in the Age of Distraction
@dbschlosser
Stand Alone (no links)
"Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable." —Francis Bacon
@wayne1009
Be suspicious if your editor only corrects grammar, typos. The less you're outraged, the less it'll sell. Editing equals improving. @gyokusai
"Writing has got to be an act of discovery. I write to find out what I'm thinking about." —Edward Albee
@UpWritePress
To get ahead, at the very least, write out at night your next day's objectives. Writing focuses your energies to accomplish your tasks.
@yourdaytoshine
In writing fiction, finding "facts" to fit your narrative = recipe for success. In real life, not so much.
@dbschlosser
Your editors are like coaches: they know audience & reject writing for good reasons, even if you don't know specifics. —T. Whalin
@QuipsAndTips
Getting Published, Agents/EditorsWhy writers should avoid content aggregators such as Helium:
@milehighfool
Reality check from author: Getting published is just the beginning
@KFZuzulo
Tips for the editor/agent appts
@heatheragoodman
The Five Traits of a Successful Writer
@saithota
Ask the editor: Do publishers have rules about POV?
@kdwashburn
Wed writing exercise: historical figures in fiction, by the Donald Maass Literary Agency
@motsjustes
Craft & TechniqueThe key to prolific writing? Genre.
@motsjustes
How to salvage writing disasters by @quipsandtips
@motsjustes
How Screenwriting Broke My Writer's Block
@jharmonwriter
I wrote a guest post called Embracing a Million Crappy Words
@beagooddad
Tips for writing a killer opening line, via @mariaschneider
@motsjustes
To drop the F bomb or hold it in reserve: choosing when to cuss in your writing
@dbschlosser
"If the character does not change in the course of the writing, it is not fiction. It is information."
@jshelley78
One of the challenges of writing is ... writing. 13 Tips For Actually Getting Some Writing Done
@musicasmessage
Summarized Dialogue: The many uses in fiction and memoir.
@KimsCraftBlog
The yin and yang of characterization in writing
@dbschlosser
Marketing/PromotionThe author's own story. Marketing, conversations and lies.
@paperbackjack
How you can use eBooks and the Kindle to market your writing from @jakonrath
@benwhiting
Twitter on TwitterLiterary Tweets: 100+ of the Best Authors on Twitter
(via @tweetmeme)
@DebraMarrs
Check out "Best of Writing on Twitter"
@MeghnaK
News, Trends, Opinions
Why AmazonEncore matters (via @BubbleCow)
@thecreativepenn
Richard Curtis on changes to copyright due in 2013
@bookmarketology
"Demise of Writing Greatly Exaggerated" -- a teen is not deterred from pursuing her dream job
@motsjustes
Online & Offline Resources/Tools
@michellerafter reviews 10 great virtual hangouts for freelance writers
@milehighfool
Free Online Writing Courses (via @BubbleCow)
@thecreativepenn
101 Best Websites for Writers: Our 2009 list from the May/June mag issue.
@WritersDigest
Wired's Ebook reader buying guide - good roundup of current state of art.
@thecreativepenn
Random Writing Prompt Generators
@MeghnaK
PhilosophicalDo we Miss Authorial Omniscience?
@idtheory
How writing saved me from myself
@joanna_haugen
"to cast a spell [on the reader]–possess them, manipulate them, coerce them into turning another page"
@jshelley78
Writers Reveal the Book the Changed their Lives
@blogofinnocence
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?
Best of Twitter
Saturday, May 30, 2009 2:47:29 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, May 22, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 5/22/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit every Friday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments.)
Best of Twitter
Friday, May 22, 2009 6:40:46 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, May 15, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 5/15/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit every Friday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments.) Best TweetGreat discussion on social media for book marketing
@joeljmiller
OthersRead @yodiwan on the level of professionalism publishers like to see from bloggers, even amateurs
@RonHogan
When will we evolve past “books”?
@jwikert
The future of publishing link list
@The_Rumpus
Do you ever just get overwhelmed by all this change going on?
Why I won't any more.
@thewritermama
Great blog post about whether a writer should post material, such as first chapters, online.
@KimsCraftBlog
Eight tips about writing, by Flannery O'Connor
@gretchenrubin
NYT on digital book piracy
@Joypress
Mistaking action for plot
@thecreativepenn
Print reference publishing in the age of the internet
@PublishersWkly
A contrary take on Anne Lamott's shitty first drafts. RT @MeghnaK: How Good is Your First Draft?
@motsjustes
How to "Trigger" your best writing
@paperbackjack
I am loving Roy Peter Clarks' writing skills podcasts (iTunes link).
@vickytnz
My new Locus column on extremely geeky writing techniques: (via @doctorow) excellent!
@thecreativepenn
Sketching villains - forget the diabolical laughter and read this (PDF download)
@janetlaneauthor
Embracing the Rewrite: A guest post by writer & all-around cool chick @annabdavid
@mariaschneider
great post by Sol Stein on writing character, story, & dialogue:
@heatheragoodman
Tackling character in Fiction: behaviors, desire, sympathy, action, contradiction.
@KimsCraftBlog
"Editorial Ass" has excellent posts on advice for authors going the big press route. (Yes, you need an agent.)
@KimsCraftBlog
Learn about the craft and business of writing on our podcast
@writersinthesky
good post on POV
@heatheragoodman
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?
Best of Twitter
Friday, May 15, 2009 3:36:15 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, May 08, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 5/8/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit every Friday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments.)
Best of Twitter
Friday, May 08, 2009 1:44:38 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, May 01, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (week ending 5/1/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. Visit every Friday for the week's best Tweets. (If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments.)
Best of Twitter
Friday, May 01, 2009 3:58:43 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (4/24/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch
Twitter, so you don't have to. If I missed a great Tweet, leave
it in the Comments. From now on, I will run this feature on Fridays only.
Best of Twitter
Friday, April 24, 2009 5:04:18 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (4/23/09)
Posted by Jane
Best of Twitter
Thursday, April 23, 2009 11:07:40 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (4/22/09)
Posted by Jane
Best of Twitter
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 8:16:48 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (4/21/09)
Posted by Jane
Best of Twitter
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 8:08:48 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Monday, April 20, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (4/20/09)
Posted by Jane
Note on Twitter tools: See this great analysis of Tweetdeck vs. Seesmic. I
watch Twitter, so you don't have to. If I missed a great Tweet today, leave it in the Comments. Today's post includes items from the weekend. Most valuable Tweet of the day:I can honestly say it was something Writer's Digest noticed (but this isn't from our site): Inside look at a NYT bestselling author's royalty statement: (if you're writing for $$, you'll be disappointed) @WritersDigest
The rest:
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?
Best of Twitter
Monday, April 20, 2009 5:24:45 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Friday, April 17, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (4/17/09)
Posted by Jane
Best of Twitter
Friday, April 17, 2009 4:28:41 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Tools to Manage Twitter Volume (But They Don't Really #&%@* Work!!)
Posted by Jane
 I am being driven insane by the lack of effective Twitter utilities/software. Here's what I've found so far, and my experience. (A part of me hopes that I'm not using these tools correctly and someone can point out my lack of brains.) TweetdeckAt first I loved TweetDeck (Adobe Air software); it has great customization, column layout, and the ability to create groups. BUT: - If I modify any of my customized groups, I suddenly lose 99% of unseen Tweets in that group. And sometimes Tweetdeck just doesn't display all the Tweets that I haven't seen. It just randomly picks up at some point in the past.
- The information stream keeps stopping because "rate limit exceeded." Then I have to wait 20-30 minutes for new Tweets. (This is a limitation of Twitter, though. I think. I don't have this problem on Seesmic, mentioned below.)
- I can only login under one account, which is problematic for anyone who manages a personal account plus a professional account.
- After a few hours, the application gets slower ... and slower ... and slower.
TwhirlI tried Twhirl (another Adobe Air application) for 2 minutes, then stopped when I realized I couldn't create groups or create multiple columns to view simultaneously. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this.) HootSuiteHootSuite is browser-based, and allows you to manage/view multiple accounts at once, but doesn't appear to have any kind of meaningful filter or grouping capabilities. SeesmicYet another Adobe Air application, Seesmic is new and buggy, but is still almost better than Tweetdeck. The big problem is that it's sluggish and painful to use after a couple hours. It is column-based like TweetDeck, AND (hallelujah) allows you to manage multiple accounts at once—each Tweet is labeled with the account it's coming through. The group-making function isn't quite there yet: You can only add people to your group by finding a Tweet and clicking on the user to add—rather than going through a checklist of all the people you follow, like you can on Tweetdeck. (Someone tell me if I'm wrong on this.) Given that Oprah is featuring Twitter on her show today, Twitter will only become more overloaded in the weeks ahead. So, if and when I deliver you the "best tweets for writers," I have to add the caveat that they were the best tweets I could find, given the limitations with the current utilities. It frustrates me that there's valuable information and conversations on Twitter, but I can't possibly find it and manage it without having reliable applications to filter, save, and archive the information that hasn't been "seen." So far, nothing is up to the task, though maybe Seesmic, once it's developed further, will be my tool of choice. What tools do you use to keep it all under control? What tools help you make the most efficient use of your Tweeting time? 
Best of Twitter | Digitization & New Technology
Friday, April 17, 2009 3:42:59 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (4/16/09)
Posted by Jane
I watch Twitter, so you don't have to. (We'll see how long I can last.) If interested
in where I found the Tweet, I've indicated the Twitter user.
Most valuable Tweet of the day:
6
Reasons Why No One Likes You Online: "If you... view your potential community
as a group of people to monetize, then your efforts are doomed." @glecharles
The rest:
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?
Best of Twitter
Thursday, April 16, 2009 5:10:15 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (4/15/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch Twitter, so you don't have to. (We'll see how long I can last.)
If interested in where I found the Tweet, I've indicated the Twitter
user. Most valuable Tweet of the day:Three essentials of breakthrough content marketing
@copyblogger
The rest:
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?- Follow us on Twitter: @writersdigest @JaneFriedman @alicepope @kmnickell @robertleebrewer
- Become a fan at our Facebook page
- On our homepage, sign up for WD's free weekly newsletter with new tips and prompts, plus after signing up, you'll get a free e-book on 70 solutions to common writing problems.
Best of Twitter
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 5:07:50 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Best Tweets for Writers (4/14/09)
Posted by Jane
I
watch Twitter, so you don't have to. (We'll see how long I can last.)
If interested in where I found the Tweet, I've indicated the Twitter
user. Most valuable Tweet of the day:If Only I'd Known: Writing Advice to My Younger Self: Excellent writing tips for the beginning writer
@ShaunaSweeney
The rest:
Looking for more social networking and updates from Writer's Digest?- Follow us on Twitter: @writersdigest @JaneFriedman @alicepope @kmnickell @robertleebrewer
- Become a fan at our Facebook page
- On our homepage, sign up for WD's free weekly newsletter with new tips and prompts, plus after signing up, you'll get a free e-book on 70 solutions to common writing problems.
Best of Twitter
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 4:06:48 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Trackback
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Monday, April 13, 2009 |
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