When I was a boy, the Toronto Maple Leafs were an important part of my life. I knew every player’s stats, bio and background. When they won the Stanley Cup in 1967, the schools were closed early to attend the victory parade. I was there hours before. It was their 4th Cup in 6 years. … Continue reading The Painful Existence of a Toronto Maple Leaf Fan

At some point, every author has grappled with the question of how to know when you’re done writing your work-in-progress. From obsessing over the last few lines to getting lost in endless revisions, it’s hard to know if the latest draft of your manuscript is final. For example, here are the last few names of … Continue reading How Do You Know When Your Book Is Finished?

Many writers spend more time on social media than blogging (including me) and that’s too bad. A website/blog is an opportunity to show off your writing and engage with clients and readers in a way that is often not possible on social media. I sat down and came up with 10 reasons why writers should … Continue reading Why Writers Need Websites

While working on my memoir, this was an experience I recalled. It was my first year of junior high school (middle school) and we had just moved into the area over the summer. I began the school year at Ledbury Park knowing no one. I was awkward and a year younger than the other students … Continue reading One of My Most Embarrassing Experiences Growing Up

This past week I received a publishing offer from a NYC publisher that I had queried in March. I have already signed a publishing deal with another indie publisher, but I was curious and reviewed the offer. It seemed like any other contract I’ve been sent until I got to clause 15. The publisher was … Continue reading Beware of the Vanity Press

I’ve heard so many authors complain that what they hate the most about the publishing process isn’t querying or editing, it’s marketing. And no wonder. Marketing requires a completely different set of skills and has nothing to do with your ability as an author. If you are an author signed by a large traditional publisher, … Continue reading Selling Books on a Shoestring Budget

“Kids!” shouts Seepa. “How many instances have I told you to keep that covered by the tarp?’ Two little reddish Martian kids with tuffs of orange hair scurry from under the tarp and up the stairs of the back porch. “Sorry, mama,” one of the two sheepishly blurts out. “We don’t need our inquisitive Earthling … Continue reading Beeker and Seepa v. Jehovah Witness

Every notice how writer and author are used interchangeable? I know I do it all the time. But are they really the same? As I began to think about the two, I tried to make a distinction. I looked up the definitions. Writer: a person engaged in writing books, articles, stories, etc., especially as an occupation … Continue reading Are You a Writer or Author?

I'm writing this post for all the writers who have ever gone through the querying process, who are currently querying a book, and who will be querying sometime in the future. I feel for you. My last count had me at 167 queries, 48 rejections received, and 0 requests for a partial or full manuscript.** … Continue reading Dear Author – No Thanks

Until recently, there was just one route to getting published – you had to find an agent that liked your book and who would be able to sell it to a publisher. The process could take months or years. Many writers would give up in frustration. But now there are more options (see my previous … Continue reading How To Self-Publish Your Novel