We stay on top of happenings/trends in the publishing world to help out busy writers who are spending their time doing what they should be doing: writing.
1. Ebooks Are Changing the Way We Read
The Guardian has a great article about how eBooks are not only changing the way we read, but also how authors write.
2. 6 Tips for getting your self-published book reviewed
We happen to be in the "you really don't have to get it reviewed" camp, but if it's important to you, it's not impossible at all for self-published writers to get reviewed. There are a few good tips in this article.
3. Chicago Book Review
For authors in Chicago, there is always Chicago Book Review. We've had several of our books reviewed by this site. Of course, there's no guarantee it will be a positive review, but we've found them to be quite fair. They are obviously Chicago-centric. Here's their mission statement: "Our mission at Chicago Book Review is to highlight local and regional authors and publishers as well as books that tackle Chicago and the Midwest as subject matter, regardless of genre." They are also publishing a Fall 2015 preview which includes information (not reviews) about new releases coming from local houses and/or local authors and/or books that tackle local subject matter. Their deadline is August 31st to be included in the Fall Preview. E-mail them at chicagobookreview@yahoo.com
4. Indie City Book Fair August 30
It's been our experience that you won't sell a lot of books at book fairs, but this one sounds a little different. The Indie City Book Fair will be on Sunday Aug. 30 from noon to 5 at 1448 E. 57th Street in Chicago. Authors are invited to come, take over half a table, invite all their friends, family and fans and give a reading. It could be a cheap way to throw a book launch party. They are only asking for a $35 fee (not a percentage of the book sales), and are scheduling 30 minute windows.
5. Working at Amazon is like living in "Lord of the Flies"
To know Amazon well is to fear the eventual demise of our civilization. Yes, you need to sell on amazon (especially e-books), but Amazon's business practices are apalling. They really take advantage of authors and publishers, but their "eat it--where else are you gonna go" attitude is not confined only towards to their vendors. According to this piece in the New York Times, Amazon is also a horrible place to work. It takes the concept of survival of the fittest to ridiculous extremes. Enjoy your time working there--just watch your back because your co-workers are encouraged to squeal on you, and don't get sick.
