Slow down and get further
by,
March 7, 2014

Shortly after her novel Ten Thousand Saints came out in early 2011, Eleanor Henderson answered a question at a book reading held at Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca. When asked how long it took her to write the novel, Henderson said nine years. Nine years. She explained that the first version didn’t even include several of the central characters in the final version. It made… [Read More]

What belongs in the front matter?
by,
January 3, 2014

Front Matter is one of the last sections of a book manuscript for an author to complete. But it’s the first thing a reader sees. Before page 1, there are several items that appear in the front pages of any book. Some pages are mandatory: title, copyright, and table of contents. Others are optional, upon the discretion of the author and publisher. Every page before… [Read More]

Start the New Year with a Writing Group
by,
December 20, 2013

In January, Jill Swenson starts intensive writing workshops in the Ithaca area intended for those who seek to improve their writing craft and/or have a work-in-progress. At each session, every writer will present new work.  Participants are expected to attend every session and bring two double-spaced pages of text with photocopies for the group. Each writer will read their selection out loud and the group… [Read More]

Never underestimate the power of your email lists in your book’s marketing strategy
by,
December 13, 2013

The single most effective marketing method for book sales remains the power of a personal recommendation. It’s advertising you just can’t buy. Hence so much focus on reviews and endorsements for your book. This also explains the current appeal of social media marketing in an author’s marketing toolkit.  If your friend on Facebook likes a book, you might too. Pinterest, Instagram, Vine, Tumblr, and Twitter… [Read More]

Contact Relations Management for Authors
by,
December 6, 2013
Swenson Book Development, LLC- Art Image 23

From the start of a writing project, an author needs to find a way to organize all of their contact information. Everywhere you go as an author, you will meet people whom you will want to reach when your book is released. It is never too soon to start your database of professional connections. Business cards, slips of paper, cocktail napkins, ripped corners from envelopes,… [Read More]

Preparations for reading your work-in-progress
by,
November 22, 2013

You  created a strong relationship with your local bookstore. You shop there. You know the staff and are familiar with the inventory, programs and events. And now you’ve committed yourself to a public reading of your work-in-progress at your local independent bookstore. How can an author best prepare to make the experience – for the bookstore, for those who attend, and for an author – a… [Read More]

Good writing is rewriting
by,
November 15, 2013
Using Citation Machine - Project Gutenberg Image

You’ve polished your manuscript. Encouraged by friends and family who read earlier versions, you incorporated their feedback and suggestions into your final draft. Following a style guide, you also checked spelling and grammar. You’ve taken your work to the best of your abilities and are proud of your efforts. Then, you deliver the document to an editor for professional review. And that’s when self-doubt kicks in…. [Read More]

Saturday’s News
by,
October 5, 2013

Go ahead, file your complaints! Starting now, we’ll be blogging only once a week here. And we’ll be posting on Friday mornings instead of Saturday. Swenson Book Development llc provides custom services to a select clientele and this change in blogging schedule reflects our commitment to serve these authors first and foremost. We plan to continue to provide helpful information and links to resources to… [Read More]

Ten ways to win a book contract
by,
September 28, 2013

There are no shortcuts on the path to publishing. You need a brilliant manuscript, a winning book proposal, and an organic platform. Getting “found” by a publisher today includes some new avenues. Here are 10 ways some writers have found their way to a publishing contract. 1. Write and publish a personal essay for Modern Love, published every Sunday in the New York Times style… [Read More]

Three legs to the publishing ladder
by,
September 3, 2013

You’ve finished writing your manuscript and you’re ready to publish. Or at least you thought you were. Think again. Do you have a proposal and a platform? There’s no book without a manuscript. It’s a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for publishing today. No matter how good the manuscript, it’s only one of three legs on which to step up to publication. In fact,… [Read More]