Writing and Publishing Archives - Speakipedia

Suddenly!

Dave Bricker — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:05:56 +0000

Consider how this one word—suddenly—is the world’s most common shortcut for actual literary description. Usually, it’s an obvious case: “The bomb suddenly exploded!” Hmm… Do they ever explode gradually! The easiest solution (as is almost always the case with adverbs … More ☛

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Writing is Design: Avoid Writing Clichés for Better Prose

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:20 +0000

Since time immemorial, clichés have sneaked in the door when we least expect them to. They’re low-hanging fruit for writers who abscond with them quickly instead of striving for excellence. But to the trained eye, writing clichés stick out like … More ☛

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Publishing Straight Talk

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:20 +0000

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Nonfiction Writing and the One-sided Sales Conversation

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:19 +0000

Business, technology, and how-to books can be viewed as one-sided sales conversations. Though the author may hope to sell products or services, what’s usually being sold directly to the reader is an idea—a strategy or philosophy that can be used … More ☛

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Verbs: Spice Up Your Writing with Verbs that Rock

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:19 +0000

Verbs are the engines that move your writing and your readers, but many authors don’t spend enough time choosing the right ones. If your writing was an electric guitar, your verbs would be the volume, tone, and distortion controls that … More ☛

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The Singular They is Now Officially Correct

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:18 +0000

Find your favorite writer and give them this message: They no longer have to mire their writing down with awkward “his or her” and “he or she” and “he/she” usages. According to The Washington Post, the singular they/them has been … More ☛

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Publishing Advice – Practices & Principles

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:17 +0000

The following publishing advice is based on my own experiences and those of my clients. I hope you find it valuable and encouraging, even if it changes your expectations. I’ve written and published 12 books. I’ve guided many remarkable people … More ☛

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Essay Writing and The Art of the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:17 +0000

The principles behind the simple art of essay writing can be applied to most any kind of written work. Even if you never write an academic paper again, these techniques will help you write more focused and powerful prose. Time … More ☛

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Want a Traditional Publishing Contract? Do Your Homework

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:17 +0000

This article discusses the pros and cons of traditional publishing. Abandon your biases, study the business of publishing, and choose the publishing method that best suits you and your book. Perhaps the biggest myth in publishing is that as a … More ☛

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Writing is Design: Two-Word Writing Clichés

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:16 +0000

Two-word clichés are perhaps the least obvious kind. Unless we’re vigilant, they sneak into our prose, steal color, mask our individual writer’s voice, and make us sound like millions of other writers who mindlessly employ the same worn out word … More ☛

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Track Changes – The Essential Tool for Writers and Editors

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:15 +0000

If you’re not using your Word Processor’s Track Changes function, you’re missing out on one of the best writing tools of the digital age. The good news: it’s quick and easy to learn. This video tutorial will show you how. … More ☛

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The Perfect Book Sales Page

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:15 +0000

Tom Morkes published The Perfect Book sales Page on his blog. I’m usually the first person to reject formulaic approaches to book marketing. Many well-written books are horrible products. But what I like about Tom’s template is that it forces … More ☛

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Publishing Scams and How they Work

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:14 +0000

Many self-publishers start their book projects with unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings about how publishing works. A huge industry has arisen to prey on writers who are unsure of the path. This article explains the basics of how publishing scams work … More ☛

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Book Giveaways: Are They Worth it?

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:14 +0000

Should you give away books for free? The value of book giveaways can’t be assessed by formula. The prevailing mythology suggests that the goal of publishing is to sell books, but the huge majority of indie publishers don’t do the … More ☛

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Self-Publishing Scams: Keep the “Self” in Self-Publishing

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:13 +0000

Here’s an addendum to Publishing Scams and How they Work. I wonder why so many authors, after spending thousands of hours working on a book, fail to conduct a few critical hours of research that will save them thousands of … More ☛

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Writing Ergonomics: Avoiding Injury at Your Desk

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:13 +0000

This article explores ergonomic solutions to writers’ repetitive stress problems. As static as it may seem, writing is a physically demanding endeavor. I’ve spent decades sitting in a chair staring at a screen, tapping on a keyboard. During that time, … More ☛

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How to Produce Audiobooks with Amazon ACX

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:13 +0000

This article explains how to produce and market a professional quality audiobook using Amazon ACX. Through ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), I was able to audition voiceover talent, choose a professional producer, review the work in progress, and make my audiobook … More ☛

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Tabs, Indents, and Margins: How to use the Tab Ruler

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:12 +0000

This article explains the tab ruler found on every word processor and typesetting application. Understanding the simple and elegant split ruler and tab functions opens up a world of formatting opportunities. Digital typesetting and word processing inherited a number of … More ☛

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English Pet Peeves

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:11 +0000

Discussions of English Language pet peeves provide an entertaining forum for the expression of ire. In fact, if a “pet” is something we cherish, and a “peeve” is something that annoys us, “pet peeves” are what we love to hate. … More ☛

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Commatose: the Oxford Comma, or Serial Comma

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:11 +0000

The Oxford comma, or serial comma is a subject of constant debate among writers. Do we need that comma before the last item on a list? Even without a list, the comma is an important determiner of meaning. Time to … More ☛

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Encouragement for Those On The Path to Better Writing

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:10 +0000

So many writers get discouraged. This stinks. I quit. Others are overconfident. They’ve always had “a gift for words” so they fail to submit their prose to an editor’s scrutiny. I recently shared an email exchange with an editing client … More ☛

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A Manuscript is Not a Book: Ten Tips for Manuscript Preparation

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:09 +0000

In my work with writers, I come across many common technical problems with manuscripts. These usually spring from the best of intentions as the writer attempts to create the feel of the finished book within the manuscript. Though they’re trying … More ☛

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Creative Nonfiction, Memoir, and the Nature of Truth

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:09 +0000

A few years ago, I attended a nonfiction-writing workshop where I was told by the instructor that to qualify as nonfiction, a work must adhere as strictly to truth as possible. But such an edict rests on the naïve assumption … More ☛

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Not Selling Books? Did you do the Math?

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:08 +0000

You threw a grand party but nobody came. Your novel is so good but you’re not selling books. What happened? You were supposed to appear on Oprah’s show. Terry Gross isn’t calling you for an interview. You may be an … More ☛

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Writing is Design: Shy Away from Timid and Passive Writing

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:07 +0000

“Passive writing” refers to a specific set of grammatical circumstances where emphasis switches from subject to object. The money was stolen by Jill. instead of Jill stole the money. This is confusing if you’re writing about Jill but perfectly acceptable … More ☛

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Writing is Design: Boring Words & Generic Descriptions – Not Nice!

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:07 +0000

Generic descriptions are telltale signs of lazy writing. Add color to your writing by replacing overused and boring words. It’s such a nice day today. He’s very bright. My dog is really funny. Bill is a good soccer player. Shari … More ☛

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Writing is Design – Writing Dialogue: He Said. She Said.

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:07 +0000

Dialogue presents challenges for writers. Some prefer to simply declare what was “said.” Many authors feel that “said” is both traditional and invisible: “I’m going to write some dialogue,” said Bill. “I look forward to reading it, ”said Helene. But … More ☛

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Writing is Design: Avoid Bland Pronouns and Boring Verbs

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:06 +0000

As a graphic designer, I see numerous parallels between the values that create engaging imagery and the values that create engaging prose. So many designs fail because the designer arranged elements on a page without questioning their purpose, hierarchy, or … More ☛

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Writing is Design: Eliminate THAT Fat From Your Writing

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:06 +0000

The word “that” is often abused. “That” is a perfectly useful pronoun but it’s often the useless fat that slows down an otherwise good sentence. I think that you and I need to talk. I told my readers that I … More ☛

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What’s a Professional Editor Worth?

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:03 +0000

What do you think a professional editor’s pay scale should be? Assume that a proofreader would be at the bottom of the scale and a developmental/line editor would be at the top. An examination of the work editors perform sheds … More ☛

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How Many Spaces After a Period? Ending the Debate

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:03 +0000

Few subjects arouse more passion among writers and designers than the debate over how many spaces should follow a period. If you adhere to a style manual, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t specify a single-space. Chicago and … More ☛

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Co-Publishing – Alternative Path or Another Trap for Writers?

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:02 +0000

I recently published a post about the difference between vanity publishing and true self-publishing. Fundamentally, the article defines a publisher as “someone who takes the risk on a book.” Vanity Presses represent themselves as publishers and accept royalties while the … More ☛

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Reality Checklist for Self-Publishers

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:00 +0000

One question that loops endlessly on writers’ forums is “How can I sell more books?” The question is a natural one, but for many self-publishers, it betrays a certain lack of awareness about the publishing business. Lest I sound holier … More ☛

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Self-Publishing & Vanity Publishing: Confuse Them and Pay the Price

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:12:00 +0000

What is true self-publishing? What is the difference between self-publishing and “vanity publishing” or “subsidy publishing?” How do these differ from “traditional publishing?” Don’t publish until you understand these terms; that knowledge can make or break your book. Learn about … More ☛

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Why You Need a Professional Editor

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:59 +0000

After completing the final draft of a manuscript for my fifth book, I wanted a reality check. I hired a professional editor and learned something important about self-publishing. No matter how capable you are as a writer and proofreader, you … More ☛

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Proposed Standards for Book Typography

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:59 +0000

The word processor has placed new burdens on writers to understand how to use italics, big and small capitals, dashes, hyphens, initials, etc. Writers who do their own typesetting often produce mediocre results. Likewise, trade publishers sacrifice typographic aesthetics when … More ☛

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Straight Talk About Book Reviews

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:58 +0000

Book reviews are critically important. Have you ever read a book hoping it would get better, only to find that it never did? And how do you tell if an independently published book is any good? So many are poorly … More ☛

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Gatekeepers and Self-Publishing

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:58 +0000

Indie publishers complain that the mainstream publishing establishment acts as a “gatekeeper.” Many readers rely on big publishing houses to filter out low quality books—even though trade publishers regularly print celebrity crap with impunity. Indie publishers often see themselves as … More ☛

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Self-Publishing: Art or Business?

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:57 +0000

The very idea of "book marketing" is vague. It's like subsuming advertising and fine art sales into a single realm of "image marketing." And in tacking marketing on as the de facto second phase of writing a book, a lot of worthy artists' resources are placed in jeopardy.

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Indie Publishers, Bookstores and Readers – the Indie Ecosystem

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:55 +0000

Indie publishers are everywhere and so are indie bookstores, but apart from their names, the two have little in common. “Independence” is a feelgood concept, but it’s often presented without any reference to that which a publisher or bookstore is independent … More ☛

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Self-Publishing IS Real Publishing-The Difference is up to You

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:52 +0000

The notion of real publishing as opposed to self-publishing and the stigma surrounding it is obsolete. I have no objections to traditional publishers but every one of them started off as a “self-publisher” with a first book. I have pretty … More ☛

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Self-Publishers Should Not Be Self-Editors

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:49 +0000

Editing is one of the first hurdles you’ll encounter as an independent writer. Your fan club is your enemy. Encouraging friends who think it’s “wonderful you actually wrote a book” are not unbiased editors. A good editor will put your … More ☛

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Book Distributors: What’s in it for Publishers?

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:49 +0000

There is a direct relationship between the number of sales you can expect from a book distributor and the value-added services they provide to publishers and readers. Publishers are best served to ally themselves with book distributors that do the … More ☛

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Self-Publishing? Get Real(istic)!

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:48 +0000

There are plenty of good reasons to self-publish, but not all are profit-oriented or even rational. Before you invest in your book, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself some serious questions. Understand what you’re getting into and define success at its proper place on the spectrum between retail sales and artistic satisfaction. With some clarity, planning and management of expectations, even a modest publishing venture can be rewarding and satisfying.

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Runny Noses, Sunspots and Thesis Writing

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:48 +0000

Thesis writing is one of the purest forms of self-publishing. In my work as a professor, I regularly encountered students who got “stuck” while writing their thesis papers. A good framework for developing, presenting and supporting a well-developed thesis reveals … More ☛

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Stop Picking on POD

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:47 +0000

A great technology is getting a bad rap for the wrong reasons. Print On Demand (POD) technology is often mislabeled "Publish On Demand," which consequently associates it with the Vanity Publishing world; a realm inhabited by a few reputable operators and a large number of scammers waiting to prey on naive writers. While it's true most Vanity Publishers do rely on POD technology, the majority of reputable self-publishers and many small traditional publishers do, too. POD is entirely disconnected from matters related to whether you own your own ISBN numbers, share rights and royalties with a third party, own your cover artwork or choose one distribution chain over another. It's just a digital book-manufacturing technology. After all the business arrangements are decided on, a file is sent to a POD printer and books are then manufactured to order in quantities as small as a single book. POD is just a printing technology—and it's a great one.

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Many Unhappy Returns – Think Outside the Bookstore

Dave Bricker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:11:47 +0000

If you’re hoping to have mainstream bookstore distribution, using a Vanity Press may present some obstacles. Book buyers will likely tell you, “your book may be excellent, but you’re using a Vanity Publisher and the vast majority of their books … More ☛

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Tell Your Story Concisely!

Dave Bricker — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:40:43 +0000

Can you tell your story concisely? A popular anecdote about Ernest Hemingway says he made a bet with friends that he could tell a story in only six words. That story: Baby shoes for sale. Never worn. Whether … More ☛

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Illustrate Your Story with AI?

Dave Bricker — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 17:31:16 +0000

You’ve probably read about OpenAI and how artificial intelligence has come of age. It’s easy enough to generate articles and blog posts using tools such as ChatGPT, and if they turn out a bit too academic or clinical, you can … More ☛

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