Thursday, May 27, 2010

Lots of Good Stuff Coming Up

I'm very pleased with the number of writers and other professionals who have requested interviews, guest posts, and book reviews.  Within the next couple of weeks, you'll be seeing the list of Upcoming Appearances grow in length.  THANK YOU to all of you who are contributing to the blog.

PLEASE NOTE:  My Submission Guidelines are NOT an option, they are a requirement.  I did not institute them to be a hardass, really I didn't.  I simply found myself spending 15-20 hours a week sending/receiving e-mails and doing all the other stuff I needed to do to keep the blog running.  I simply don't have that time any more and thought that individuals who really want to appear on the blog will understand.  After all, professional writers understand they need to follow submission guideliness when submitting to an agent/editor, right?  My guidelines should be a piece of cake.  (And at least you'll get a friendly "form letter" e-mail from me when I receive your request if it doesn't meet my requirements.  A copy of the submission guidelines will be attached to it, too, along with a link.)

Bottom line:  I'll be able to schedule more "appearers" if I spend less time sending multiple e-mail instructions and details to multiple requesters.

Thanks for your understanding!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

WE'RE BACK!



I'm happy to announce that I've returned from hiatus--and early, to boot!

As you can see, the format of the blog has changed a bit.  I'll still be posting interviews and new release announcements, but I discontinued some activities, exanded others, and added new stuff.  Here's the scoop:
  • I added Guest Posts to the publishing "curriculum."  If an author or other professional prefers to publish his/her own item instead of, or in addition to, being interviewed, I think it will not only be fun but will be a better way to spotlight a person's talents.
  • I expanded my ability to do book reviews.  Guidelines are specific, however, and I won't make any exceptions.
  • I will continue to post new release and book sales announcements but will no longer continue to post announcements for book signings, promotional appearances, etc.  I've decided that the focus of the blog needs to be more on the people appearing and what they have to say rather than on their marketing and promotional activities.  When in doubt about whether I'll publish an announcement, simply send an e-mail and ask.  The worst that could happen is I'll say "sorry, no can do."
  • I'm requiring more advance notice when scheduling.  In the past, I agreed to allow appearances with as little as 1-2 weeks notice, which was partially responsible for my "overload" before going on hiatus.  Advance notice when scheduling now includes the following timeframes:
    • Interviews, 4-6 weeks advance notice
    • Guest Posts, 3 weeks advance notice
    • New Release announcement, 2 weeks advance notice
In order to obtain a PDF copy of my Submission Guidelines, click the link you just passed or click the link in the Submission Guidelines section at the top left box in the of the sidebar of the blog.

Thanks for your patience, understanding, and continued support.  I hope to hear from you soon!