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Friday, July 10, 2009

Response to Self-Promotion: A Challenge with Self-Publishing and Small Presses


The VBT - Writers on the Move welcomes members who share hosting each other to promote authors and books. Also, each month, a member hosts a Viewpoint/Hot Topic blog posts, and others post a response, but most leave comments.

Today Crystalee Calderwood hosts with a segment about self-promotion when self-publishing or publishing with a small press.

I would like to address the topic from a bit different perspective, not only as an author, but also as the head of a small publishing company.

Crystalee has valid points. Yes, small publishers aren't able to provide all the bells and whistles that major publishers can. Of course major publishers don't do that for all their authors, just the famous ones.

Due to lack of funds (which even the big boys lack more and more), small presses cannot afford to pay bookstores for large displays and shelf room. Yes, the major publishers pay bookstores to carry books as well as granting a large discount and return options. Of course bookstores are going to carry books, and more books, if they are paid extra for doing so. Another "of course," that practice is one of the reasons publishing houses are going broke.

Some small presses do not give large discounts, work through a distributor (NOTE: most chain bookstores and many independent ones will not carry books unless bought or at least available through a distributor), nor have a return policy. However, 4RV Publishing does all three.

If an author is through a press that offers the above, they need to notify bookstores of that fact when speaking with the managers. It will make a difference. Of course if authors provide the books, they can offer the same benefits.

One suggestion, face to face meetings with managers or event coordinators for stores are better than phone calls. Telling a person "no" is more difficult when looking at her or him.

Next correct point made by Crystalee, promoting is hard work. However, the burden isn't lighter when working for a major publisher unless one happens to be already famous or a major well-know author. Personally, I know a few best-selling authors under the big four, and they work themselves half to death promoting their books. As one of them told me recently, if they sit back and don't do the promoting, their books don't sell.

One way to promote and "get one's name out" is to volunteer to hold a reading at a library or to give a presentation at a school. Even if not allowed to directly sell books, you can have a poster on a stand behind you with the cover of your book and have handouts available with ordering information. Be sure to have photos taken and publicize whenever possible.

I don't have a publicist, either. I have to do all my own promotions, and my time is extremely limited to spend on promotion of my books. However, I have appeared at schools and libraries. The results were outstanding. I was able to set up more signings when I could say I had participated in those activities and the result was sales.

An appearance, whether a book signing or a reading, may not mean instant sales. Many times more books are sold the next week than during the actual signing.

One paragraph from Crystalee's blog,I must quote because it's so true: I have thought of a few qualities which authors must possess in order to make it big. Not surprisingly, time and money are on top of the list. Also included are patience, drive and determination. You can’t be timid about writing, calling or visiting local bookstores and libraries. You also can’t let yourself take it too personally when you get let down.

Anyone who isn't willing to battle, many times "beating one's head against a wall," then writing should stay a hobby. Being an author whose books sell is very hard work, often with little financial return.

Ahh, but wasn't holding that "new born" book a thrill?

Just my opinion.
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Sunday, July 5, 2009

Good Manners for Writers

A little over two months ago, I wrote an article for a newsletter and decided to share it here.

Authors are often the best supporters that other authors can have, but sometimes we can overlook a few things that highlight our bad manners with writers, with editors, and with readers. As I looked back over some of my own experiences as an author and as a “fan,” I came up with ideas that might help me and others to be better mannered.

Don’t hog an author’s attention at a signing
. I’ve been guilty of this, I’m afraid. I’ve also had this happen when I had a signing. Of course everyone is thrilled to visit, actually talk to an admired author or maybe one known way back when. However, visitors need to move over or fade into the background so that others can visit and/or get their books autographed. Then, if and when the author is no longer busy, a person might visit some more.

Remember to buy other authors’ books, too. We need to realize when other authors buy our books, we need to return the favor. Of course we can’t buy everyone’s books: Some may not be well written (although, I have a few rather unimpressive books I bought anyway); some may be the genre we won’t buy no matter who the author is; sometimes we don’t have the money to buy anyone’s book. However, we should try to buy at least one book from authors we know have bought a few of ours.

Don’t ask an author to critique your work. A person can inadvertently take an idea from something read months and years previously without realizing from where it came. Authors don’t want to be accused of “stealing” someone else’s story. Therefore, we shouldn’t be offended when an author says she or he can’t read our manuscripts.

Actually, unless we are in a critique group with authors, or know them very well, we shouldn’t ask at all. Just because we think we know authors through their writings does not mean we do “know” them or that they know us.

Unless, an author offers, don’t ask him to review your book, or unless you know the author well or are in a group with him. Also, if an author should agree to review your book, don’t pout if you don’t like the review. I have some books sitting behind my desk that people requested I review, but I cannot recommend anyone read them. Some need extensive professional editing. Therefore I face upsetting authors no matter what I do – either because the review would not be flattering to the book or because I don’t review it.

The Golden Rule is a good rule to follow. We should try putting ourselves in the other author’s position, and then treat her or him as we would like to be treated – truly would like to be treated. For example, I think I’d rather my book not be reviewed than have a reviewer undeservedly destroy it in print.

Insincere praise is worse than saying nothing. Believe it or not, we do not always have to gush over a celebrity, or even a friend. A sincere smile is better than making up something “nice” to say. Well-known authors enjoy hearing we like their books, but we need to mean it. We should also not layer on the flattery, making it worthless.

Working with a professional editor
(whether one who volunteers to help, one paid for services, or one provided by a publisher - should one be fortunate enough to be accepted by a publisher) requires that we as writers cooperate. A good editor is a partner with the author, helping the book be the best it can be. An editor is not the enemy, but he/she is more objective than our friends and/or writing group. I’ve been on the receiving end, and sometimes it hurts to see our “baby” criticized or harmed. However, when I worked with the editor, the result was an improved manuscript. Does that mean we have to make every change suggested, or make changes as suggested? No, but we can use what the editor says to see what we can do to clarify and improve those areas that are noted as requiring improvement.

I hope my few thoughts help us become more mannerly in our dealings as authors, with editors, and for readers.


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Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Birthday, USA



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Friday, July 3, 2009

Here's Crystalee


The VBT - Writers on the Move has a monthly Mystery Site Give-Away. Just leave a comment on the hosts' sites (schedule) during the tour, and you may be the lucky winner.

Also, July 10th is our Viewpoint/Hot Topic segment and Crystalee Calderwood will be hosting that segment at her site.


Crystalee is my VBT guest this week. Wednesday July 1, I introduced her book Angeline Jellybean. Today is Crystalee's turn. I interviewed Crystalee recently, and I'm repeating the interview here so others can share insights about this remarkable young author.

Vivian: Crystalee, I know you write other genres, but you seem to have an excellent grasp for children’s books. Where or how have you gained training in writing for children?


Crystalee: I never considered writing books for children until I was in grad school to get my MFA in Creative Writing. I was a poet at the time. I took a class called the Craft of Writing for Children and fell in love with the genre. A year later, I took a class in writing picture books. That class is actually where Angeline was born. I was “trained” in writing for children from a number of great, published and successful writers who were my mentors at school. I never would have been able to publish a book without my own initiative and doing my own research.


Vivian: Crystalee, we’ve known each other for a few years, yet when you submitted Angeline, you didn’t trade on that online friendship, never letting me know that Crystalee was the Crys I knew. But I immediately wanted Angeline Jellybean when I read it. What caused you to consider 4RV?


Crystalee: Well, first of all, thank you for immediately wanting it! That was a big compliment to me. I knew you worked hard on your books and also that you worked closely with your authors to make sure the finished product was as good as possible. I also figured that submitting to a small press would be the way to go in order to break into the publishing business. I wanted to submit my work on my own just to prove that I could do it. I didn’t want anyone to accuse you of showing favoritism or helping me get into the business, so I didn’t disclose my online identity to you at the time.


Vivian: Since Angeline Jellybean is a very short book, I won’t ask for a summary, but I would like to know how you would describe or characterize Angeline. All authors and illustrators know that characters do become real.


Crystalee: Angeline is really your average little girl. She knows what she wants, and she wants it NOW. She is strongly opinionated for her age. She is also, obviously, a very picky eater. She is pretty much the equivalent of me right now. Jellybeans are to her what chocolate is to me.


Vivian: Crystalee, can we expect any more children’s projects from you? Please, share what, if possible?


Crystalee: I have many picture books in the works, some of which aren’t finished. I also just completed my very first young adult novel, which is written in poetry. I hope to have a long life as a published author. I think my YA manuscript will be the next project sent out for submission.


Vivian: Finally, what else would you like readers to know about Crystalee Calderwood?


Crystalee: I never thought I’d be here at my age. Or at all, really. But I finally feel like I’ve found my passion in writing children’s books. I’m really a big kid deep down inside, so the joy that writing children’s books gives me is immeasurable.


Vivian: With Angeline as an example, you have a great talent for writing children's books. May you have many more.


Thank you so much for visiting with us today.



Learn more about Crystalee and Angeline by visiting the following sites:

Crystalee's Blog

Crystalee's Website


Contact her through

Crystalee's email address




Angeline Jellybean can be found through any bookstore, Amazon.com, and the 4RV Publishing online store.


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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Here's Angeline


The VBT - Writers on the Move has a monthly Mystery Site Give-Away. Just leave a comment on the hosts' sites (schedule) during the tour, and you may be the lucky winner.

Also, July 10th is our Viewpoint/Hot Topic segment and Crystalee Calderwood will be hosting that segment at her site.

Crystalee is my VBT guest this week, and today I have information about and a review of her book, Angeline Jellybean.


Title: Angeline Jellybean
Author: Crystalee Calderwood
Publisher: 4RV Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9797513-8-7
Purchasing information: Amazon.com
4RV Publishing

Angeline liked to eat jellybeans, especially jellybeans, only jellybeans. The one thing she wanted for a gift or a treat -- jellybeans.

She wouldn't take anyone's advice about what to add to her menu. She knew what she liked, jellybeans.

Crystalee Calderwood wrote a story that delights children, and Stephen Macquignon provided colorful illustrations to bring it all alive.

The lesson found in the book, too much of a good thing is much too much, is one that children can understand yet not feel overwhelmed with moralizing.

I’m sure most people can emphasize with Angeline because most of us have overindulged and suffered the consequences. I remember when I was about ten years old, I went to a school carnival and ate hot dogs, cotton candy, a caramel apple, and a few other things. My mother bought some jars of home canned bread and butter pickles, my favorite, from a stand at the bazaar. When we arrived home, I ate most of a jar of pickles. I suffered the consequences with a tummy ache that made me think I would die. I spent the next day, a Saturday, in bed suffering. Yes, I can relate to Angeline’s experience.

Children and adults alike enjoy Angeline.

We’ll visit Crystalee Calderwood Friday. Please join us.



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Sunday, June 28, 2009

VBT - Writers on the Move July schedule


The VBT - Writers on the Move July tour schedule is posted below. 4RV Publishing has several authors who take part: Linda Asato, Lea Schizas, Crystalee Calderwood, Katie Hines, and me, Vivian Zabel.

The VBT - Writers on the Move has a monthly Mystery Site Give-Away. Just leave a comment on the hosts' sites during the tour, and you may be the lucky winner.

Also, July 10th is our Viewpoint/Hot Topic segment and Crystalee Calderwood will be hosting that segment at her site (check below for her link).

Now for the VBT - Writers on the Move July Tour Schedule (hosts post twice a month, on the 1st and on the 3rd):

Harry Gilleland is hosting Heather Paye
Karen Cioffi is hosting Linda Asato
Kathy Stemke is hosting Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Lea Schizas is hosting Harry Gilleland
Nancy Famolari is hosting Helena Harper
Vivian Zabel is hosting Crystalee Calderwood
Margaret Fieland is hosting Katie Hines
Crystalee Calderwood is hosting Mayra Calvani
Katie Hines is hosting Dorothy Massey
Dorothy Massey is hosting Galye Trent
Liana Metal is hosting Anita Yasuda
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is hosting Karen Cioffi
Virginia Grenier is hosting Kathy Stemke
Helena Harper is hosting Marvin Wilson
Gayle Trent is hosting Liana Metal
Mayra Calvani is hosting Lea Schizas
Marvin Wilson is hosting Nancy Famolari
Anita Yasuda is hosting Vivian Zabel
Linda Asato is hosting Margaret Fieland
Heather Paye is hosting Virginia S. Grenier

Please be sure to join our July Virtual Tours.

Also, if you're an author and would like to learn more about our group, just email Karen at karenrcfv@yahoo.com, and please put VBT-KR in the subject box.



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Saturday, June 27, 2009

A Visit with Dilly, the pickle lover





4RV is honored to release A New Job for Dilly, written by Rena Jones and illustrated by Lisa Oakman. The story is fun-filled as pickle-loving Dilly tries to find a way to obtain sour pickles without "stealing" them.

I visited with Dilly the other day, over sour pickles and pickle juice, of course. He politely answered questions I asked.



Vivian: When did you first discover your love of sour pickles, Dilly?

Dilly: I tried my first sour pickle when I was just a pup. I was born in an alley behind a little place called the Pickle Barrel Deli. It was in the back, by one of the trash cans, that I discovered just how wonderful and yummy sour pickles tasted. I’ve been a fan ever since!

Vivian: You are a rather unusual rat. Why do you want to be able to “purchase” or earn your pickles?

Dilly: I’d like to earn them because it’s really hard to steal them. Besides, stealing is wrong, and I don’t want to go to jail. Getting chased by scary men or having pots and pans thrown at me is no fun either.

Vivian: That makes sense, Dilly. You know, most people are afraid of rats. Why should they not be afraid of you?

Dilly: I’m a nice rat, and I don’t want to scare or hurt anyone. I just want sour pickles.

Vivian: I'll have to agree that you're a nice rat, cuddly, too. Your author, Rena Jones, gave you a personality. Do other rats have personalities? Why aren’t most other rats considered personable?

Dilly: Rats have wonderful personalities, but we’re often misunderstood. That whole bubonic plague thing wasn’t our fault – it was the fleas that caused that mess. Rats are very social, and when kept as pets, they will come when you call their name. They also love to be petted and can even learn tricks. However, a lot of people don’t like us and think we’re scary, which makes me sad.

Vivian: Please don't be sad. Here have another pickle. Author Lisa Oakman drew your pictures so well. You’re cute as can be, yet “cute” isn’t a word usually associated with rats. Can you tell us what makes you attractive?

Dilly: I’m not really sure, but maybe it has something to do with my pretty, blue eyes and pink nose. Maybe it’s my feet, too – I think my feet are pretty cute, don’t you?

Vivian: Yes, very cute, but I like your eyes best. Dilly, where do you live?

Dilly: I live in Bigfork, Montana, but I’m not a native. I’m a brown rat, which is also known as a Norway rat, though my species didn’t come from Norway. Brown rats live all over the world, except in Antarctica. It is way too cold there for my little, pink feet. And, besides, there are no pickles in Antarctica, so no wonder no one lives there.

Vivian: *laugh* Good point. What is your favorite part of your story? Why?

Dilly: My favorite part was when I discovered the beautiful sour pickle in the trash truck. It was huge! It was also a moment of discovery because I knew exactly what type of job was best for me.

Vivian: I've often wondered: How did you and your story find your way to 4RV Publishing? By the way, we’re very glad you did, and I never thought I’d say that about a rat. You’re different in a very good way.

Dilly: Thank you, Ms. Vivian. I’m very happy 4RV Publishing told my story. Rena found out about 4RV through a writer’s message board you posted on. When you mentioned you wanted to give talented people a chance to establish themselves as writers, Rena saw that as an open door and walked through it. You sent her my contract on 08-08-08. Rena’s birthday is on the 8th, and it’s always been her favorite number, so it had to be a lucky sign.

Vivian: Will there be more stories about you? Do you know any titles yet?

Dilly: Yes! I find a special friend in A New Friend for Dilly and then in A Dinner Date for Dilly, I get to sample all sorts of yummy foods with my new friend. Both books are going to be great, and I’m sure Lisa Oakman will do a wonderful job with the pictures again. Rena has even more ideas for me, but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens with the first three books.

Vivian: Where can we read more about you and your search for a new job?

Dilly: You can find out more about me at the following sites –

Rena’s website
Rena’s blog
4RV Publishing
You can join my fanpage on Facebook by searching “A New Job for Dilly”

Also, on Rena’s website on the “Links” page, you will find a PDF of activities your children can do after reading the book. It’s fun stuff!

Thanks so much for interviewing me, Vivian. This blog tour for my new book has been lots of fun and I’m honored that I was chosen for the final stop. I hope everyone enjoys reading A New Job for Dilly, and a very special thanks to everyone who participated. I think now is a good time to celebrate – got pickles?

Vivian: Thank you for joining me today, Dilly. You have been a delightful guest.

Today is the last stop on the book blog tour, but the contest is still going.

Win an autographed copy of A New Job for Dilly. All you need to do is leave a comment on at least FOUR of the seven blog stops. Rena will put your name in a pot, and a winner will be chosen at the end of the tour. Please make sure she has a way to contact you. But remember, you have to reply to at least FOUR different stops to qualify. Rena will contact the winner at the end of the tour to find out how they'd like the book to be signed. Thanks and good luck.


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