Elizabeth Funderbirk's Blog - Posts Tagged "writing"
What Happens Next????
Although my Debut Novel "Love TORN Asunder" Has been completed and the release date is April 30th. When I started this journey I had ALOT of questions. Below I posted a blog entry that I wrote on my blog ~Trials, Tribulations and Torn http://writingtorn.blogspot.com
...So I have been making some head way in my Book Publishing Quest... Although NOTHING has been finalized. I am feeling more confident... Mind you I may still be on the hunt for a publishing company. I am just realizing that the fear that I started with has slowly but surely diminished as time passed on and I keep pushing on.
When I began this process and I mean all way back to when I first started to pen this Manuscript... It was with alot a hesitation. I was scared that I was not good enough, scared that no one would support me, and scared that I was doing this for nothing.
As time has passed I have grown in so many ways... The fear of not being good enough has faded with the knowledge that I am serious about this and certain I will perfect my skills.
The realization that the ones I thought would be my biggest supporters did not break me... It has opened my eyes to a world of support that I did not anticipate.
I know this is not for nothing because I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far... and that alone is worth it.
On this journey it is so important that you don't jump on this first opportunity that comes your way. RESEARCH and ASK QUESTIONS!!!
I felt an overwhelming sense of relief the first company that showed interest. I was wrapped in my joy. Until I laid there that night and wondered WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!?!? You see since this is all new too me. I need to ensure that I am making the right choices, asking questions that are necessary in order for me to learn and grow in this literary world. Not allowing things to just happen because I don't want to ruffle any feathers.
I believe you can get the answers you need and NOT burn any bridges along the way if you just approach the situation in a professional manner. These are business people and should appreciate that you are conducting business in such a positive and professional manner.
You can't as a new writer allow yourself to be taking advantage of...
I have come up with some starter questions that you may want to ask when making inquiries with publishing companies. these are things that need to be consider to make an informed decision. You may decided this is the RIGHT choice for you. You may decide you need to expand your search and keep your options open. You may decide to self publish...
1...CONTRACTS: Will there be contracts sent to me? Advising exactly what it entails to be published by {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} ? What are the fee's that will be associated with this process?
Example: For editing( if necessary), Proof reading ( if required) ... and any services the publishing company provides that you may need clarification on.
2... PRODUCTION: Will I the author be in contact with the many people that may handle my work in the various stages of production?
You want to ensure that you are hands on with the production of your manuscript.
3.... PROMOTIONS: What if any promotion assistance will I receive?
You need to see if there is a budget for promotions.((Depending on the size of the company that may be left solely up to you the Author)) As an Author you should be prepared to promote you own work ANYWAY. However, ask questions regarding services that are provided.
4... PRINTING: Will my Manuscript be printed in mass quantity or will it be printed upon the request for sale?
What are the fee's associated with this process? And what is the price difference? Do I have a choice or which I prefer?
5... DISTRIBUTION: What type of distribution will {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} provide? Do you have a relationship with book stores ((National and/or Privately owned))? Besides {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} website,Will my book be available on Amazon? What other advertising will be in place?
As an author YOU should be prepared to get your book out to the public. You will need to research the different avenues that you can use to get this accomplished. However get clarification of role the publishing company you're interested in plays in all of this.
These are just questions to get you stated... At least this is similar to the format that I used. More questions will arise. DON'T be hesitant to receive clarification.
I hope this has helped someone... Please leave feed back and Tell a Friend.
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
...So I have been making some head way in my Book Publishing Quest... Although NOTHING has been finalized. I am feeling more confident... Mind you I may still be on the hunt for a publishing company. I am just realizing that the fear that I started with has slowly but surely diminished as time passed on and I keep pushing on.
When I began this process and I mean all way back to when I first started to pen this Manuscript... It was with alot a hesitation. I was scared that I was not good enough, scared that no one would support me, and scared that I was doing this for nothing.
As time has passed I have grown in so many ways... The fear of not being good enough has faded with the knowledge that I am serious about this and certain I will perfect my skills.
The realization that the ones I thought would be my biggest supporters did not break me... It has opened my eyes to a world of support that I did not anticipate.
I know this is not for nothing because I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far... and that alone is worth it.
On this journey it is so important that you don't jump on this first opportunity that comes your way. RESEARCH and ASK QUESTIONS!!!
I felt an overwhelming sense of relief the first company that showed interest. I was wrapped in my joy. Until I laid there that night and wondered WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!?!? You see since this is all new too me. I need to ensure that I am making the right choices, asking questions that are necessary in order for me to learn and grow in this literary world. Not allowing things to just happen because I don't want to ruffle any feathers.
I believe you can get the answers you need and NOT burn any bridges along the way if you just approach the situation in a professional manner. These are business people and should appreciate that you are conducting business in such a positive and professional manner.
You can't as a new writer allow yourself to be taking advantage of...
I have come up with some starter questions that you may want to ask when making inquiries with publishing companies. these are things that need to be consider to make an informed decision. You may decided this is the RIGHT choice for you. You may decide you need to expand your search and keep your options open. You may decide to self publish...
1...CONTRACTS: Will there be contracts sent to me? Advising exactly what it entails to be published by {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} ? What are the fee's that will be associated with this process?
Example: For editing( if necessary), Proof reading ( if required) ... and any services the publishing company provides that you may need clarification on.
2... PRODUCTION: Will I the author be in contact with the many people that may handle my work in the various stages of production?
You want to ensure that you are hands on with the production of your manuscript.
3.... PROMOTIONS: What if any promotion assistance will I receive?
You need to see if there is a budget for promotions.((Depending on the size of the company that may be left solely up to you the Author)) As an Author you should be prepared to promote you own work ANYWAY. However, ask questions regarding services that are provided.
4... PRINTING: Will my Manuscript be printed in mass quantity or will it be printed upon the request for sale?
What are the fee's associated with this process? And what is the price difference? Do I have a choice or which I prefer?
5... DISTRIBUTION: What type of distribution will {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} provide? Do you have a relationship with book stores ((National and/or Privately owned))? Besides {INSERT COMPANY NAME HERE} website,Will my book be available on Amazon? What other advertising will be in place?
As an author YOU should be prepared to get your book out to the public. You will need to research the different avenues that you can use to get this accomplished. However get clarification of role the publishing company you're interested in plays in all of this.
These are just questions to get you stated... At least this is similar to the format that I used. More questions will arise. DON'T be hesitant to receive clarification.
I hope this has helped someone... Please leave feed back and Tell a Friend.
Lots of Love Liz... :-)
Pro's, Con's and Just My Opinion....
Pro's, Con's and Just My Opinion...
When seeking publishing for a book there are so many companies that offer a wide array of services. It really all depends on the services that you are looking to be provided.
Publishing a book means... Editing, Proofreading, Printing, Distribution, .... etc.
I thought this process was going to be crazy expensive.
You see with these smaller Lesser known companies they do not have the resources ( financially or professionally) to back a project of that magnitude on the companies dollar... Or at least not solely on the companies dollar. This is more of risk for YOU then THEM.
This is why it is very important to wade VERY carefully when seeking and choosing a company. When the cost of production can cost the Author anywhere between $800.00 - $3,000.00 and in some cases more. This is NOT a small amount for someone who is not a seasoned Author.. in the terms of they have not built up a fan base. These are people that are working regular jobs, taking care of families and paying bills. A sum of money in the hundreds in not chump change. My advice is to proceed with caution and as I stated before ask alot of questions. You want to know EXACTLY what that amount money you are paying out is covering. Although this is a small company that you are trusting with your work and forming a partnership with. They have the skills and know how to take you further then you would have made it in a big industry as a new fish.
You don't want to jump on the first opportunity. You want to RESEARCH the offer that is being made to you.
Then there are companies that will work with you for less than $500.00 to maybe Nada... If this is a smaller company. You want to know EXACTLY the terms of the contract.
A BIG tip from me is... Ask who owns the rights of the Manuscript. While with the company and when the contract expires. For ANY company you may aligned yourself with....
With a larger company they have more resources to back your work. They will INVEST the funds into the production. Since this is a larger risk for THEM then YOU.
This is why they usually work with authors that have a Fan base and have two to more books in publication. With them they may work with a lesser known and make an investment but they want to ensure that they are in line to recoup their funds and make a profit.
You want to read the terms of this contract WELL... you see it will be written to make sure they(the company) are getting a GOOD return on their investment. You just want to ensure that you're being compensated as well.
Which will be more attainable with a Larger company. ONLY because they have a further reach and longer working relationship in the literary world. They have a tight roaster of talent that has years in the industry.
.... They all started somewhere though. They ALL have PRO's and CON's. It really is just up to You, Research, and Prayer.
When seeking publishing for a book there are so many companies that offer a wide array of services. It really all depends on the services that you are looking to be provided.
Publishing a book means... Editing, Proofreading, Printing, Distribution, .... etc.
I thought this process was going to be crazy expensive.
You see with these smaller Lesser known companies they do not have the resources ( financially or professionally) to back a project of that magnitude on the companies dollar... Or at least not solely on the companies dollar. This is more of risk for YOU then THEM.
This is why it is very important to wade VERY carefully when seeking and choosing a company. When the cost of production can cost the Author anywhere between $800.00 - $3,000.00 and in some cases more. This is NOT a small amount for someone who is not a seasoned Author.. in the terms of they have not built up a fan base. These are people that are working regular jobs, taking care of families and paying bills. A sum of money in the hundreds in not chump change. My advice is to proceed with caution and as I stated before ask alot of questions. You want to know EXACTLY what that amount money you are paying out is covering. Although this is a small company that you are trusting with your work and forming a partnership with. They have the skills and know how to take you further then you would have made it in a big industry as a new fish.
You don't want to jump on the first opportunity. You want to RESEARCH the offer that is being made to you.
Then there are companies that will work with you for less than $500.00 to maybe Nada... If this is a smaller company. You want to know EXACTLY the terms of the contract.
A BIG tip from me is... Ask who owns the rights of the Manuscript. While with the company and when the contract expires. For ANY company you may aligned yourself with....
With a larger company they have more resources to back your work. They will INVEST the funds into the production. Since this is a larger risk for THEM then YOU.
This is why they usually work with authors that have a Fan base and have two to more books in publication. With them they may work with a lesser known and make an investment but they want to ensure that they are in line to recoup their funds and make a profit.
You want to read the terms of this contract WELL... you see it will be written to make sure they(the company) are getting a GOOD return on their investment. You just want to ensure that you're being compensated as well.
Which will be more attainable with a Larger company. ONLY because they have a further reach and longer working relationship in the literary world. They have a tight roaster of talent that has years in the industry.
.... They all started somewhere though. They ALL have PRO's and CON's. It really is just up to You, Research, and Prayer.
" You Can't Fool All Of The People All Of The Time...."
" You Can't Fool All Of The People All Of The Time...."
What I've learned through this writing process is that there will always be people that will say things to discourage you. They're not obvious about it... They couldn't do that. Then people would see them in a different light. Especially those who try to maintain the image that they're more then the others around them. These people will use slick comments and things that really don't concern them to put doubt into your mind. I was a victim to this behavior. Was....I now recognize what to look out for. I now know the reason why these people try so hard to belittle others....with a smile plastered across their face all the while. Its because they're not happy with themselves. They're not happy with their circumstances. They too have made choices that they are not proud of. Which has landed them in a less desirable situation. Because they're so scarred that people will see that they are not who they're fronting to be. They try to ensure that there is always someone that appears to be worst off then them. I have also learned that these people are not fooling everyone. It reminds me of the adage... " You can fool some of the people all of the time and You can fool all of the people some of the time, But You can't fool all of the people all of the time."
I allow these people and their insecurities to fuel me. These people make it possible to see the bigger picture. My knowledge and my capabilities frighten them.
As I near the end of writing this book I have discovered so much about myself. I know now that writing was always suppose to be my outlet. People have different outlets. Ones that make them feel creative, Ones that make them feel free, Ones that make them feel fulfilled, Ones that make them feel accomplished, Ones that make them feel empowered....Writing make me feel all of these things. Writing this book has given me what I have been looking for.
Thank You for reading. Please follow more from me on my website http://LiteraryLiz.com
What I've learned through this writing process is that there will always be people that will say things to discourage you. They're not obvious about it... They couldn't do that. Then people would see them in a different light. Especially those who try to maintain the image that they're more then the others around them. These people will use slick comments and things that really don't concern them to put doubt into your mind. I was a victim to this behavior. Was....I now recognize what to look out for. I now know the reason why these people try so hard to belittle others....with a smile plastered across their face all the while. Its because they're not happy with themselves. They're not happy with their circumstances. They too have made choices that they are not proud of. Which has landed them in a less desirable situation. Because they're so scarred that people will see that they are not who they're fronting to be. They try to ensure that there is always someone that appears to be worst off then them. I have also learned that these people are not fooling everyone. It reminds me of the adage... " You can fool some of the people all of the time and You can fool all of the people some of the time, But You can't fool all of the people all of the time."
I allow these people and their insecurities to fuel me. These people make it possible to see the bigger picture. My knowledge and my capabilities frighten them.
As I near the end of writing this book I have discovered so much about myself. I know now that writing was always suppose to be my outlet. People have different outlets. Ones that make them feel creative, Ones that make them feel free, Ones that make them feel fulfilled, Ones that make them feel accomplished, Ones that make them feel empowered....Writing make me feel all of these things. Writing this book has given me what I have been looking for.
Thank You for reading. Please follow more from me on my website http://LiteraryLiz.com
Beginning Again....
"Begin Again as often as you need to in order to stay on track spiritually..."
Don't call it a come back.... I never left. I have taken a hiatus though. Some much needed time to examine what I have accomplished, the road I took, what are my plans going further, what is my ultimate goal, and how to improve on it all... *sighs* I have antagonized over many things on this list I just mentioned especially my ultimate goal. What is it I want at the end of the day? What do I want from this journey? I thought I knew when I started, but I soon realized that my vision was not as clear as I once thought.
I've decided to take it back t the beginning. And that thought for me, was originally very depressing. I mean who wants to admit to being wrong? Not I. However, owning that fact helped me to formulate how to change it. This was a cleansing process, a lot of tears.... And what I can say is that I am THANKFUL for it all. I had an aspiration that I was terrified to pursue and with a little nudging from my then boyfriend now husband I was able to reach the finish line on a goal of mine. I wanted to WRITE a book. That thought was absolutely daunting. How could I possibly achieve that? I was scared to chase my own possibilities but I overcame that and for that I am a better me!
I wrote that book and as each word, each scene, and each concept flowed from the ebbs of my mind, through my fingers, and onto the pages I knew I was doing what was in God's plan for me. Something that felt so right and was so therapeutic to my soul had to be preordained just for ME. Once I was there, I was nudged to not rest on my loral's and to get my work published. Published? What does that even entail? Talk about fish out of water. I never even considered actually publishing a book before I had completed the writing on my first novel. I'm sure most people in the literary field pursued this road after much research, a lot of thought, and a careful plan. That was not how it fell into place for me. I was going on the fly. Through this journey I have met so many people that have supported my efforts and held their hand out to help me. These people gave me LIFE. They believed in ME and thought I had something to bring to the table. They published me, interviewed me, featured me, and reviewed me & my work. That propelled me further. That made it impossible to slow the train. I wanted more of that and I wanted to say I am a PUBLISHED author. And I am! I did that! But, in hindsight I did it too fast, with not enough knowledge, and no real plan on how to proceed. Like in most situations I place myself in, I had to learn on my feet running. Mostly because I didn't want to take a moment to seek another way. Was that a mistake? To some looking in, yes. To me, no! It was a well taught lesson. That lesson taught me what I do want from a project that represents me. It showed me that I needed to give more in order to really excel. It taught me there is nothing better than really KNOWING the undertaking of the path you chose. It taught me there is nothing better than betting on YOU and winning. Winning will be different things too different people. For me WINNING is saying I did it, and I learned because of it, and NOW I am applying that knowledge to BEGINNING AGAIN.
One of my many FAVORITE quotes is...... "Begin again as often as you need to in order to stay on track spiritually...". It's ok to fall, as long as you get up and start over even stronger.... This race is only YOURS.
Please take a moment to check out my novels "Love TORN Asunder" & "The Bitter sweet Conclusion" the first two books in the TORN series. Available on my website (www.LiteraryLiz.Com), store locations by request, and Kindle & Nook. Also, I am a contributor to domestic violence awareness anthology "voices Behind The Tears". The third book in the TORN series will be released the beginning of 2014. Thanks for the support!
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz.....♥
www.LiteraryLiz.com
Join my blog "Beginning Again" http://www.elizabethfunderbirk.blogsp...
Love Torn Asunder
Don't call it a come back.... I never left. I have taken a hiatus though. Some much needed time to examine what I have accomplished, the road I took, what are my plans going further, what is my ultimate goal, and how to improve on it all... *sighs* I have antagonized over many things on this list I just mentioned especially my ultimate goal. What is it I want at the end of the day? What do I want from this journey? I thought I knew when I started, but I soon realized that my vision was not as clear as I once thought.
I've decided to take it back t the beginning. And that thought for me, was originally very depressing. I mean who wants to admit to being wrong? Not I. However, owning that fact helped me to formulate how to change it. This was a cleansing process, a lot of tears.... And what I can say is that I am THANKFUL for it all. I had an aspiration that I was terrified to pursue and with a little nudging from my then boyfriend now husband I was able to reach the finish line on a goal of mine. I wanted to WRITE a book. That thought was absolutely daunting. How could I possibly achieve that? I was scared to chase my own possibilities but I overcame that and for that I am a better me!
I wrote that book and as each word, each scene, and each concept flowed from the ebbs of my mind, through my fingers, and onto the pages I knew I was doing what was in God's plan for me. Something that felt so right and was so therapeutic to my soul had to be preordained just for ME. Once I was there, I was nudged to not rest on my loral's and to get my work published. Published? What does that even entail? Talk about fish out of water. I never even considered actually publishing a book before I had completed the writing on my first novel. I'm sure most people in the literary field pursued this road after much research, a lot of thought, and a careful plan. That was not how it fell into place for me. I was going on the fly. Through this journey I have met so many people that have supported my efforts and held their hand out to help me. These people gave me LIFE. They believed in ME and thought I had something to bring to the table. They published me, interviewed me, featured me, and reviewed me & my work. That propelled me further. That made it impossible to slow the train. I wanted more of that and I wanted to say I am a PUBLISHED author. And I am! I did that! But, in hindsight I did it too fast, with not enough knowledge, and no real plan on how to proceed. Like in most situations I place myself in, I had to learn on my feet running. Mostly because I didn't want to take a moment to seek another way. Was that a mistake? To some looking in, yes. To me, no! It was a well taught lesson. That lesson taught me what I do want from a project that represents me. It showed me that I needed to give more in order to really excel. It taught me there is nothing better than really KNOWING the undertaking of the path you chose. It taught me there is nothing better than betting on YOU and winning. Winning will be different things too different people. For me WINNING is saying I did it, and I learned because of it, and NOW I am applying that knowledge to BEGINNING AGAIN.
One of my many FAVORITE quotes is...... "Begin again as often as you need to in order to stay on track spiritually...". It's ok to fall, as long as you get up and start over even stronger.... This race is only YOURS.
Please take a moment to check out my novels "Love TORN Asunder" & "The Bitter sweet Conclusion" the first two books in the TORN series. Available on my website (www.LiteraryLiz.Com), store locations by request, and Kindle & Nook. Also, I am a contributor to domestic violence awareness anthology "voices Behind The Tears". The third book in the TORN series will be released the beginning of 2014. Thanks for the support!
Lots of Love LiteraryLiz.....♥
www.LiteraryLiz.com
Join my blog "Beginning Again" http://www.elizabethfunderbirk.blogsp...
Love Torn Asunder
