Our first stop this edition is at Publishers Weekly, and their report on the highly-trailed “Author (R)evolution Day” earlier this month. That rather pretentious title at once makes me suspicious, and I didn’t have to read far before slamming into a trite platitude. Step forward Kobo’s Mark Lefebvre with this message for struggling, self-published authors: “Don’t wonder how you will get discovered – think about what you are going to do to deserve being discovered.” Yeah, thanks. And the conclusion? That we have to adapt to changing social media, and of course we shouldn’t forget the importance of word-of-mouth recommendations. Really, Holmes, you astound me. Continue reading “Indie News Beat: (Re)Stating the Obvious”
Tag: Publishers Weekly
Above the Foxhole
It’s good to poke your head up above the foxhole every once in a while and take a look at what else is going on in the world.
As always, the goings-on run the gamut from the wonderful to the weird.
First up, our own Martin Crosbie gets a nice hat tip in this article on Kindlegate over at Digital Journal.
Are you familiar with the term “back-formation?” According to Mark Nichol, of Daily Writing Tips, “A back-formation is a new word produced by excising an affix, such as producing the verb secrete from the noun secretion.”
Mark says that while many back-formations eventually take their place in the lexicon, there are some newer ones that writers would be wise to avoid, at least in formal writing.
Book-to-movie is the new hotness. Well, maybe not that new. So, what’s coming down the pike? Publisher’s Weekly gives us a list of the 10 most anticipated book adaptations of 2013.
Are words more than characters used to convey meaning? Here’s a piece on the meaning of writing from the National Writing Project.
Last but not least, it looks like the jello is still squishing out from between the fingers of Amazon’s iron grip when it comes to policing reviews. The New York Times sees “swarm” reviews used as a strategic weapon to attack books.
Martin Crosbie Added to Staff of Indies Unlimited
We are pleased to announce the addition of the phenomenal Martin Crosbie to the crew of Indies Unlimited as a contributing author.
His first novel, My Temporary Life was downloaded 100,000 times in less than five months and appeared on several bestseller lists. His self-publishing journey has been mentioned in Publisher’s Weekly, Forbes Online Magazine, and Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper. Learn more about Martin at his website http://martincrosbie.com/ or his Amazon author page.
Martin was born in the highlands of Scotland and currently makes his home on the west coast of Canada, just outside Vancouver. Please give him a warm Indies Unlimited welcome.
Meet the Author: Jordan Dane
Harper-Collins launched Jordan Dane’s suspense novels back to back in 2008 after the 3-book series sold in auction. Ripped from the headlines, Jordan’s gritty plots weave a tapestry of vivid settings, intrigue, and dark humor. Publishers Weekly compared her intense thrillers to Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, and Tami Hoag.
This national best selling, critically acclaimed author’s debut novel NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM was named Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2008. Dane writes her Sweet Justice adult thriller series for Harper-Collins. Her young adult novels, IN THE ARMS OF STONE ANGELS and ON A DARK WING, are with Harlequin Teen. Currently, she is writing a new series for Harlequin Teen – THE HUNTED – slated for release in 2012-2013. Formerly an energy sales manager, she now writes full-time. Jordan and her husband share their Texas residence with two cats of highborn lineage and two very lucky rescue dogs.
Jordan describes herself as a sponge for learning. “I’m self-taught (from reading) and I’m never satisfied with my ability to tell a story. I want to challenge myself with the craft and try new things with every book. I combine first person with third. I write through flashbacks woven into the present. I do these things because they intrigue me and new things are fun to try. When people ask me which one is my best book, I always say that it’s my next one. I don’t ever want to get complacent about what I do. If there is a way to paint myself into a corner and write my way out of it, that’s what I choose to do. I don’t believe in writer’s block.” Continue reading “Meet the Author: Jordan Dane”