I just returned from the Unbound conference in New York. Google flew me in first class, set me up at a nice hotel, and plied me with liquor, all so I could deliver eight minutes of my thoughts on the internet and the future of publishing to more than five hundred publishers.
I didn't pull punches.
Other speakers included Tim O'Reilly, who was smart, Cory Doctorow, who was great, and Seth Godin, who was both smart and great. Another big name was also there, but I missed his speech. It may have had to do with a chat we had backstage, where I revealed that I visited 612 bookstores last summer and he replied, "Apparently you place a zero value on your time." I smiled and explained that my time spent touring was an investment in my future career, and that I was a recruiting a nation wide sales force.
"Talk to booksellers?" he replied. "I never considered that."
Some people don't get it. Or they don't want to get it, because it implies they might be doing less. No biggie. I wish him much success.
The speakers on my panel were the delightful Josh Kilmer-Purcell, and the surprisingly down-to-earth Stephen J. Dubner, who--even though he's got to be a gazillionaire from Freakonomics--still signs 5000 bookplates for fans every month. He is now my new hero.
Here's what I said to the publishing world, fleshed out a little bit (I had to make some cuts for time) and minus the jokes (which involved the NY subway, Powerpoint pie graphs, and Hollywood---trust me, you aren't missing anything.)
-------------------------------------------
--JA's Speech to the Publishing World--
I write about a police officer named Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels. The books are a cross between the scares of Patterson and the laughs of Evanovich. But most of my professional time isn't spend writing, it's spent trying to spread the word about what I write to potential readers.
Publishers try to do this by advertising. Two generally accepted ways to approach advertising are top down and bottom up.
Top down advertising includes billboards, print ads, TV commercials, and internet banner ads. It's casting a wide net, hoping that a potential customer will see the ad and seek out the product. It works, but isn't cost-effective;the amount of time and money spent doesn't justify the few sales the ads generate.
Plus, no one enjoys being sold. And people natural distrust ads. Readers already have a pretty good idea of what they like and don't like. And they seek out what they like, and are constantly looking for information about things that might fit their tastes.
Bottom up advertising uses a different approach. Instead of treating customers like a huge group and hoping the ad reaches some specific people, it targets specific people.
Advertisers crow about the importance of name recognition, but how many authors do you know by name? Does that mean you buy their books? I can name a few hundred, but only buy a few dozen of them.
That's because name recognition doesn't mean anything, unless it has a positive experience attached to it.
Last summer, for my book Rusty Nail, I visited 612 bookstores. I met over 1400 booksellers, gave them free books, and signed coasters, and told them about my series. I also thanked them--every one of them--in the acknowledgments of my fourth book, Dirty Martini, coming out this summer.
Basically, I recruited a sales force by trying to turn the people selling my books into fans, or at least make them knowledgeable about my brand, which is significant considering there are 150k titles in an average bookstore.
That's bottom up; targeting individuals, providing them with entertainment and information so they can decide if my books are right for them, or in this case, their customers. So when someone comes into a bookstore looking for a specific type of book, these booksellers can pass along the information and make recommendations. I gave them more than a free signed book. I gave them a positive experience. And that, plus name recognition, equals branding.
How can this be applied to the world wide web?
The Internet, like those booksellers, can make recommendations. It can inform, and entertain, and be a positive experience that reinforces a brand. .
I've used the net to target my audience. When you're targeting potential customers, it isn't about what you have to sell. It's about what you have to offer. And if you have a smart web presence, you don't even have to target individuals---they'll find you.
I recently got on MySpace, and realized it is a publisher's wet dream. People with MySpace pages list the things that they like, to tell others about themselves. Many people list books. Think about this--books are so important to these people that they use author names and titles to define who they are. It's very easy to find fans of Evanovich, Patterson, and Coben. And it's very easy to invite fans of those authors to be MySpace friends, if you write similar books.
I have a blog called A Newbie's Guide to Publishing. It's based on the principal that it isn't what you have to sell, it's what you have to offer. I offer content, in the form of information and opinion about the publishing industry. I've had over two hundred blog posts, and each one of them becomes a permanent road on the net that leads to me. I get Google hits on posts I made 2 years ago, and the threads don't die--people keep adding comments.
My website isn't set up to be an ad for my books. It's set up to be entertaining, and informative. You can download free novels, short stories, and book and audio excerpts, along with an ebook about how to find an agent. I have over a hundred pages of content for fans and newbie authors looking for advice, and even though I don't update as often as I should, I still get close to 1000 unique visitors a day.
On my website, I make it easy for people to stay in touch. I have a newsletter that more than 10,000 people have signed up for, and one click Paypal buying so people who can't find autographed copies of my books can get them from me directly, inscribed and with free shipping.
While publishers worry about finding readers, and go about it as effecsledgehammering a sledgehamemr to kill a gnat, readers are actively looking for books to read. But they need more than slick ads to persuade them. They need a positive experience to link with a name. That's 99% of what I'm trying to do--provide a positive experience, for the people looking for me, and the people discovering me by surfing.
The bigger web presence you have, the more people will discover you.
How does this apply to the future of publishing?
An entire generation is learning how to read by using computers. More and more people are getting their information and entertainment on the web. And they arenÂ’t being passive about it--they're seeking it out.
On the subway today, I counted 7 people with PDAs, Blackberrys, and Palms, and two more with mp3 players. People need their media so much they're taking it with them when they leave their desks. Only three people on that train were reading newspapers. What does that say about the future of print media?
People read online all the time. It's up to the publishers to teach them how to read books online.
There's no reason why books can't be packaged with a CD. It could contain various downloadable text AND audio formats, so people can read it on their PDA or listen to it on their mp3 player. It can include pictures, video interviews, deleted chapters and extra short stories. It could be popped into a computer and take the reader to a webpage where they can chat with other fans, and the author, and leave messages and comments and questions.
And publishers should also approach it from the other end. Each book could have a dedicated website, just like movies. And it could offer the same things; downloads, previews, screen savers, and forums for fans to meet. It should also provide links to buying the book, both as a download, and as a print copy.
Why stop there? Take a cue from the DVD and music industries, that package whole season sets of shows and full discographies of bands. Do you want people to embrace ebooks? (You should--no shipping, no returns, no printing, no distributor, no waste, higher profit margin.) Then package 20 Stephen King books on a Sandisk card for $40. Steve gets the 60 cent per book royalty he would have gotten from a paperback sale, and the buyer changes his reading habits.
We switched from LPs to CDs, and VHS to DVD. We can convert some people from print to online leisure reading---especially since everyone reads online anyway.
You can spend a fortune hunting mice. You can mount expeditions, buy expensive mouse hunting equipment, tour the world, and devote all of your time to tracking those little suckers down.
Or you can toss some cheese in the corner and wait.
The choice yours.
Jumat, 19 Januari 2007
Senin, 15 Januari 2007
Communication
I once heard someone say that the opposite of talking is waiting.
Wise words. How many times do we find ourselves in conversations where we're waiting to say what's on our mind, rather than fully appreciating the words coming at us?
But things are different on the world wide web.
I did a little MySpace experiment three days ago, sending a bulletin to my 1700 friends and asking them to reply.
Three hundred people have replied so far.
Now I'm in the awkward position of responding to their replies, which is taking me forever. Be careful what you ask for...
While I've beenreplying, I took a look at the 800 other emails in my inbox, and realized these people deserved responses as well. Especially since some of them are from July.
Here's my deal with email; if I receive something from someone close to me, I always respond immediately.
If I receive fan mail, I try to respond within a reasonable amount of time---usually within a week.
But a portion of the emails I get are from people who want something. A blurb. A critique. An answer to a detailed question. And I let these accrue, because I always have something else I could be doing other than answering email.
It doesn't take Seth Godin to understand that this isn't very good customer service.
The future of marketing has less to do with finding new customers and more to do with enthralling the customers we already have. As a public figure, and a personal selling a product, I have a responsibility to reply to those who want my attention. Communication is the single most important form of branding.
So why am I slacking?
I have a friend who describes herself as Type A. She keeps a file of interview questions, and has cut and paste responses for every possible question she could be asked online.
I dismissed her method as impersonal. Now I applaud her genius. She's giving great customer service, at very little cost to her. Sure, the answers are canned. But that beats the sendee waiting five months for a reply. And the sendee doesn't know the answers have been given many times before. It's win-win.
So my goal for 2007 is to make sure I keep my inbox empty. I'm delighted to be in a position where people contact me, and I owe it to them to respond.
At least until it becomes so overwhelming that my addy must go dark and I have to hire a web maven to screen my emails. Or a bot. But I hate those bots, don't you? Why can't I email Stephen King or Dan Brown and ask them to blurb me?
Oh. That's why.
Wise words. How many times do we find ourselves in conversations where we're waiting to say what's on our mind, rather than fully appreciating the words coming at us?
But things are different on the world wide web.
I did a little MySpace experiment three days ago, sending a bulletin to my 1700 friends and asking them to reply.
Three hundred people have replied so far.
Now I'm in the awkward position of responding to their replies, which is taking me forever. Be careful what you ask for...
While I've beenreplying, I took a look at the 800 other emails in my inbox, and realized these people deserved responses as well. Especially since some of them are from July.
Here's my deal with email; if I receive something from someone close to me, I always respond immediately.
If I receive fan mail, I try to respond within a reasonable amount of time---usually within a week.
But a portion of the emails I get are from people who want something. A blurb. A critique. An answer to a detailed question. And I let these accrue, because I always have something else I could be doing other than answering email.
It doesn't take Seth Godin to understand that this isn't very good customer service.
The future of marketing has less to do with finding new customers and more to do with enthralling the customers we already have. As a public figure, and a personal selling a product, I have a responsibility to reply to those who want my attention. Communication is the single most important form of branding.
So why am I slacking?
I have a friend who describes herself as Type A. She keeps a file of interview questions, and has cut and paste responses for every possible question she could be asked online.
I dismissed her method as impersonal. Now I applaud her genius. She's giving great customer service, at very little cost to her. Sure, the answers are canned. But that beats the sendee waiting five months for a reply. And the sendee doesn't know the answers have been given many times before. It's win-win.
So my goal for 2007 is to make sure I keep my inbox empty. I'm delighted to be in a position where people contact me, and I owe it to them to respond.
At least until it becomes so overwhelming that my addy must go dark and I have to hire a web maven to screen my emails. Or a bot. But I hate those bots, don't you? Why can't I email Stephen King or Dan Brown and ask them to blurb me?
Oh. That's why.
Sabtu, 13 Januari 2007
INDEX
Click a category below to read my past entries.
- Some posts appear in more than one category
- Some categories have sub-categories (they're marked with a "»")
- All posts are listed newest to oldest
Agents, Publishing, and Distribution
Publishing Myths8 mistaken mantras about the publishing business.
Odds and EndsUpdates galore!
Worry By Numbers5 hard facts every writer must know about book sales.
JA Konrath Saves Publishing6 things I'd do to cure what ails our business.
The Great Bookstore ExperimentTesting: What makes books fly off shelves?
Rusty Nail, Street Dates, Jacket Copy & Book CoversJudging my book by its cover.
RemaindersHere's what happens when your book goes out-of-print.
A Discouraging WordMy story could be your story, so keep going.
Property Values and WritingI build my brand to make permanent shelfspace.
The Importance of Being YouWhat happens when writing and the publishing biz collide.
Being EditedThe 5 stages of editing acceptance.
Jim Crow PublishingIs the publishing world racist?
Thinking POD? Think Again…I crunched the numbers and it ain't pretty.
Driving Miss SASEStop making it easy for agents to say "No."
Four CountriesUniting the corners of your publishing world.
Important Stuff: Disregard at Your Peril11 ways to get your contest story read.
E-Book vs Paper: Which Will Win?Return of the digital.
The Truth About Publishers46 things you need to know about your publisher.
Writing ScamsNever let shady characters prey on your insecurities.
Sandy Tooley Part DeuxSelf–publishing redux.
"Self–Publish" Isn't Always a Bad WordSandy Tooley talks about publishing's red–headed stepchild.
BEA!How I survived my first Book Expo America convention.
DistributionHow I signed 3000 books in one afternoon.
Judging a Book by its CoverLesson learned: I write and my publisher does the cover art.
About PublishersMaking your publisher your partner.
Odds and EndsUpdates galore!
Worry By Numbers5 hard facts every writer must know about book sales.
JA Konrath Saves Publishing6 things I'd do to cure what ails our business.
The Great Bookstore ExperimentTesting: What makes books fly off shelves?
Rusty Nail, Street Dates, Jacket Copy & Book CoversJudging my book by its cover.
RemaindersHere's what happens when your book goes out-of-print.
A Discouraging WordMy story could be your story, so keep going.
Property Values and WritingI build my brand to make permanent shelfspace.
The Importance of Being YouWhat happens when writing and the publishing biz collide.
Being EditedThe 5 stages of editing acceptance.
Jim Crow PublishingIs the publishing world racist?
Thinking POD? Think Again…I crunched the numbers and it ain't pretty.
Driving Miss SASEStop making it easy for agents to say "No."
Four CountriesUniting the corners of your publishing world.
Important Stuff: Disregard at Your Peril11 ways to get your contest story read.
E-Book vs Paper: Which Will Win?Return of the digital.
The Truth About Publishers46 things you need to know about your publisher.
Writing ScamsNever let shady characters prey on your insecurities.
Sandy Tooley Part DeuxSelf–publishing redux.
"Self–Publish" Isn't Always a Bad WordSandy Tooley talks about publishing's red–headed stepchild.
BEA!How I survived my first Book Expo America convention.
DistributionHow I signed 3000 books in one afternoon.
Judging a Book by its CoverLesson learned: I write and my publisher does the cover art.
About PublishersMaking your publisher your partner.
Announcements
Blogging Isn't TemporaryYour Weblog is a legacy. Make it count.
Storm FrontRead BLOODY MARY or get body slammed. Your choice, punk.
Thanks, Graham!Read Crimespot.net… Read Crimespot.net…
Phone InterviewJust call me "Phone–it–in–Joe."
Formula 209There's a sucker from Denver born every minute.
Support the InfrastructureGiving back to the community helps us all.
Time to Make Time6 sure–fire tactics that keep me organized… usually. Plus, THESE GUNS FOR HIRE.
Books for TroopsWanna do something great? Send ’em something to read.
Rusty Nail, Street Dates, Jacket Copy & Book CoversJudging my book by its cover.
Chat with JA TonightJust don't ask me what I'm wearing.
Parlez vous French?Jack in French is totally hot!
Wine Me, Dine Me, 69 MeMy entry in a 69–word story competition. (expired)
35 DaysAnother Jack is in the can.
Rusty Nail 500 Tour InfoEverything great starts with a plan.
Short Story and Audiobook Contest WinnersThe lucky ones who took home the prizes.
Massive Website UpdateFresh stuff at JAKonrath.com!
Super Holiday Super ContestAnswer a question. Get free stuff. (expired)
Cinderella BoyHow Marcus Sakey wrote a thriller.
Jack Until '09Make mine a double… 3-book deal #2!
TourageThe Official BLOODY MARY Tour Itinerary
Celebrating AlcoholHyperion's BLOODY MARY contest (expired)
Booklaunch Party June 18How to make them a big hit with fans and peers alike.
An Award Nomination is its Own RewardTasty. But I like the cake more.
Website RelaunchI've revamped JAKonrath.com. Come see what's new.
Who am I and why should you care?Gotta start somewhere. My inagural post.
Storm FrontRead BLOODY MARY or get body slammed. Your choice, punk.
Thanks, Graham!Read Crimespot.net… Read Crimespot.net…
Phone InterviewJust call me "Phone–it–in–Joe."
Formula 209There's a sucker from Denver born every minute.
Support the InfrastructureGiving back to the community helps us all.
Time to Make Time6 sure–fire tactics that keep me organized… usually. Plus, THESE GUNS FOR HIRE.
Books for TroopsWanna do something great? Send ’em something to read.
Rusty Nail, Street Dates, Jacket Copy & Book CoversJudging my book by its cover.
Chat with JA TonightJust don't ask me what I'm wearing.
Parlez vous French?Jack in French is totally hot!
Wine Me, Dine Me, 69 MeMy entry in a 69–word story competition. (expired)
35 DaysAnother Jack is in the can.
Rusty Nail 500 Tour InfoEverything great starts with a plan.
Short Story and Audiobook Contest WinnersThe lucky ones who took home the prizes.
Massive Website UpdateFresh stuff at JAKonrath.com!
Super Holiday Super ContestAnswer a question. Get free stuff. (expired)
Cinderella BoyHow Marcus Sakey wrote a thriller.
Jack Until '09Make mine a double… 3-book deal #2!
TourageThe Official BLOODY MARY Tour Itinerary
Celebrating AlcoholHyperion's BLOODY MARY contest (expired)
Booklaunch Party June 18How to make them a big hit with fans and peers alike.
An Award Nomination is its Own RewardTasty. But I like the cake more.
Website RelaunchI've revamped JAKonrath.com. Come see what's new.
Who am I and why should you care?Gotta start somewhere. My inagural post.
Awards
2006 Genny Award Winner!Woohoo! First, I'd like to thank my wife…
Are Awards Their Own Reward?I worry about what I control. Awards ain't one of them.
An Award Nomination is its Own RewardTasty. But I like the cake more.
Are Awards Their Own Reward?I worry about what I control. Awards ain't one of them.
An Award Nomination is its Own RewardTasty. But I like the cake more.
Blogging
Blogging Isn't TemporaryYour Weblog is a legacy. Make it count.
Thanks, Graham!Read Crimespot.net… Read Crimespot.net…
MySpace Redux3 strategies for making lots of MySpace friends.
Internet StuffSix degrees of JA Konrath. Interwebs style!
Driving Traffic6 tried–and–true ways to drive more traffic to your website.
Responsible BloggingYour blog is a powerful platform. Use it wisely.
Tess Gerritsen's BlogMy friend leaps into the vortex.
2006 Genny Award Winner!Woohoo! First, I'd like to thank my wife…
Whose Space? My Space!Tapping in to more than 80 million potential new fans.
Another Link in the ChainHow high-quality links make for great search engine rank.
Barry Eisler Naked!Made you look! Now go read my buddy's blog.
Blogging 201Alphabeter's Guide to Internet Syndication.
What Makes a Good BlogJAK's 12 dos and don'ts for a killer Weblog
On Blogging8 tips for surfing blogs and 9 tips for making one.
Is Blogging Incestuous?Friend or lurker? Tell me who you are.
Buzz, Balls, and Self-PromotionBarry Eisler drops his marketing Zen.
The 24 Hour Advertisement12 ways to make your brand work non-stop.
With a Little Help from My FriendsHere's why other writers are the greatest friends.
And the Hits Keep Coming…Do author blogs and websites sell books?
Who am I and why should you care?Gotta start somewhere. My inagural post.
Thanks, Graham!Read Crimespot.net… Read Crimespot.net…
MySpace Redux3 strategies for making lots of MySpace friends.
Internet StuffSix degrees of JA Konrath. Interwebs style!
Driving Traffic6 tried–and–true ways to drive more traffic to your website.
Responsible BloggingYour blog is a powerful platform. Use it wisely.
Tess Gerritsen's BlogMy friend leaps into the vortex.
2006 Genny Award Winner!Woohoo! First, I'd like to thank my wife…
Whose Space? My Space!Tapping in to more than 80 million potential new fans.
Another Link in the ChainHow high-quality links make for great search engine rank.
Barry Eisler Naked!Made you look! Now go read my buddy's blog.
Blogging 201Alphabeter's Guide to Internet Syndication.
What Makes a Good BlogJAK's 12 dos and don'ts for a killer Weblog
On Blogging8 tips for surfing blogs and 9 tips for making one.
Is Blogging Incestuous?Friend or lurker? Tell me who you are.
Buzz, Balls, and Self-PromotionBarry Eisler drops his marketing Zen.
The 24 Hour Advertisement12 ways to make your brand work non-stop.
With a Little Help from My FriendsHere's why other writers are the greatest friends.
And the Hits Keep Coming…Do author blogs and websites sell books?
Who am I and why should you care?Gotta start somewhere. My inagural post.
Contracts and Royalities
How the Hell Am I Doing?!?What do to when attaboys are few and far between.
RoyaltiesKeeping your books in print is like finding free money.
Money Money Money9 things to remember about contracts, advances, and self–promotion.
Fair UseGoogle my books. I want to be read.
You Have the Rights to Remain in PrintDeconstructing the fine print.
RoyaltiesKeeping your books in print is like finding free money.
Money Money Money9 things to remember about contracts, advances, and self–promotion.
Fair UseGoogle my books. I want to be read.
You Have the Rights to Remain in PrintDeconstructing the fine print.
Critics and Reviews
Reader ExpectationsWhat do we do when we disappoint our fans?
HatersWe can't please ’em all, so let it roll.
The New Zoo ReviewI read all my reviews. I just don't listen to them.
Am I Evil? Yes I Am.My business is JA Konrath and I'm the CEO.
Everyone is the hero in their own movieNobody wins when we go negative.
Still Life with Hate MailGLBA Con. Plus, my first hate e-mail.
Views on ReviewsEven the bad ones are great.
Amazon.comEveryone's got an opinion. Especially me.
HatersWe can't please ’em all, so let it roll.
The New Zoo ReviewI read all my reviews. I just don't listen to them.
Am I Evil? Yes I Am.My business is JA Konrath and I'm the CEO.
Everyone is the hero in their own movieNobody wins when we go negative.
Still Life with Hate MailGLBA Con. Plus, my first hate e-mail.
Views on ReviewsEven the bad ones are great.
Amazon.comEveryone's got an opinion. Especially me.
Motivation
Self ImageLooking for success? Fake it until you make it.
Crush Your Hope5 things writers can learn from marathon runners.
New Year's Resolutions Part 26 new promises for 2007.
How Good Am I?3 things to always remember about success.
Neurotic Author MomentYou done whining yet? Good. This job ain't for sissies.
How the Hell Am I Doing?!?What do to when attaboys are few and far between.
Thanksgiving for WritersA Turkey Day Primer: Here's why I'm thankful.
DistractionsWhat part of "Writer" don't you understand? Now get back to work!
The Rusty Nail 600A quick tour re-cap. Also, pushing past your limits.
How to Handle Success (Everyone Else's)6 tips for fighting off wrong–headed thinking.
Community and CommitmentGive and take with friends to become a better writer.
This is Your Career Wake Up CallKeep on dreaming big.
Work EthicsJAK's 12 Steps to Success
Today's MotivationalStop reacting… your career needs you to do something.
A Discouraging WordMy story could be your story, so keep going.
Excuses, ExcusesWho's in charge here? Turns out it's you.
Writing Full Time: The Good and the BadThe pros and cons of going pro.
Damning You With Praise9 tricks to help you stay grounded.
Submit to Submission"No" is just another word for "Next."
True Grit QuizDo you have what it takes to realize the dream?
Talent and Craft, Luck and PersistenceMaking it means having a little of all four.
For the Children (and the Adults)16 tips for beginning writers of all ages.
Outlines, Writer's Block, and MotivationHow I use 1 to master 2 and 3.
Relax, Don't Do ItNo time? Poppycock! There's always time to write.
Why?I ask the eternal question. What's your answer?
Potential7 self–evident writing truths.
Hope is a Four Letter WordHow your attitude makes all the difference.
IntangiblesGood word–of–mouth now, equals great things later.
Get Off Your Ass and Do Something6 things all writers should do every day.
Mantra for '066 affirmations for the new year.
New Years Resolutions for WritersThe year ahead for pros and noobs.
QuittingThe odds are against you. Got what it takes?
Eggs in Baskets and Hatched ChickensHow to manage your promo-plan expectations.
Cinderella BoyHow Marcus Sakey wrote a thriller.
A Word From My Better HalfMy wife keeps me real.
Self-Doubting Thomas13 insecurities that affect us all.
Crush Your Hope5 things writers can learn from marathon runners.
New Year's Resolutions Part 26 new promises for 2007.
How Good Am I?3 things to always remember about success.
Neurotic Author MomentYou done whining yet? Good. This job ain't for sissies.
How the Hell Am I Doing?!?What do to when attaboys are few and far between.
Thanksgiving for WritersA Turkey Day Primer: Here's why I'm thankful.
DistractionsWhat part of "Writer" don't you understand? Now get back to work!
The Rusty Nail 600A quick tour re-cap. Also, pushing past your limits.
How to Handle Success (Everyone Else's)6 tips for fighting off wrong–headed thinking.
Community and CommitmentGive and take with friends to become a better writer.
This is Your Career Wake Up CallKeep on dreaming big.
Work EthicsJAK's 12 Steps to Success
Today's MotivationalStop reacting… your career needs you to do something.
A Discouraging WordMy story could be your story, so keep going.
Excuses, ExcusesWho's in charge here? Turns out it's you.
Writing Full Time: The Good and the BadThe pros and cons of going pro.
Damning You With Praise9 tricks to help you stay grounded.
Submit to Submission"No" is just another word for "Next."
True Grit QuizDo you have what it takes to realize the dream?
Talent and Craft, Luck and PersistenceMaking it means having a little of all four.
For the Children (and the Adults)16 tips for beginning writers of all ages.
Outlines, Writer's Block, and MotivationHow I use 1 to master 2 and 3.
Relax, Don't Do ItNo time? Poppycock! There's always time to write.
Why?I ask the eternal question. What's your answer?
Potential7 self–evident writing truths.
Hope is a Four Letter WordHow your attitude makes all the difference.
IntangiblesGood word–of–mouth now, equals great things later.
Get Off Your Ass and Do Something6 things all writers should do every day.
Mantra for '066 affirmations for the new year.
New Years Resolutions for WritersThe year ahead for pros and noobs.
QuittingThe odds are against you. Got what it takes?
Eggs in Baskets and Hatched ChickensHow to manage your promo-plan expectations.
Cinderella BoyHow Marcus Sakey wrote a thriller.
A Word From My Better HalfMy wife keeps me real.
Self-Doubting Thomas13 insecurities that affect us all.
Promotion and Marketing
January 2007
My Speech at GoogleSoapbox Warning!CommunicationAnswer your email. Right now.
December 2006
Rant Against Advertising Part 3Books purchased: 10. Ads seen: Zero.Rant Against Advertising Part 2That's it. The gloves are coming off.
Rant Against AdvertisingOh no… don't get me started.
MySpace Redux3 strategies for making lots of MySpace friends.
November 2006
Internet StuffSix degrees of JA Konrath. Interwebs style!Why Do You Do What You Do?Clear Goals + Standards = Promo Success
October 2006
Publishing Myths8 mistaken mantras about the publishing business.RoyaltiesKeeping your books in print is like finding free money.
September 2006
Driving Traffic6 tried–and–true ways to drive more traffic to your website.August 2006
The Great Bookstore ExperimentTesting: What makes books fly off shelves?Do SomethingThe most important part of your marketing plan is the "plan" part.
July 2006
Internet HappeningsMJ Rose takes on her own 500 challenge.June 2006
Booksignings: Everything you Need to KnowUm, yeah… you're gonna want to print this.Press ReleasesI'm a writer, so I do these myself. Here's how…
Business Cards and Computer SavvyHow I maximize these tools to amp up my promotions.
Newsletter #6A half–dozen tips for knockout newsletters.
Interviewing 1019 common interview mistakes and how to avoid them.
AdsHave I mentioned that I don't think they work?
2006 Genny Award Winner!Woohoo! First, I'd like to thank my wife…
May 2006
Promotion: A Biased Account of Cost vs. BenefitFiguring the promo numbers in time and money.Whose Space? My Space!Tapping in to more than 80 million potential new fans.
Another Link in the ChainHow high-quality links make for great search engine rank.
April 2006
Self-Promote or DieAlways be stoking the self–promo furnace fire.Property Values and WritingI build my brand to make permanent shelfspace.
March 2006
What Makes a Good BlogJAK's 12 dos and don'ts for a killer WeblogFebruary 2006
Future TacticsYou can't afford to "seat of your pants" your career.The Secret World of BlurbingIt's dirty and little. The secret, that is.
Writers, Start Your Sales PitchSelling it starts with you.
January 2006
Get Your Hands on my Shorts5 reasons this Amazon program rocks!The Best Kind of MarketingSelling your writing sells readers on you.
On Blogging8 tips for surfing blogs and 9 tips for making one.
IntangiblesGood word–of–mouth now, equals great things later.
Four CountriesUniting the corners of your publishing world.
Get Off Your Ass and Do Something6 things all writers should do every day.
December 2005
The Truth About Publishers46 things you need to know about your publisher.November 2005
On Beyond GoogleHow to use niche search engines to find your Web saturation.Library ReduxUpdate on the library promo blitz.
Fair UseGoogle my books. I want to be read.
Eggs in Baskets and Hatched ChickensHow to manage your promo-plan expectations.
AmazonymousHow to get proactive with Amazon.
Conference CulturePublic speaking and well-rehearsed anecdotes are your friends.
What I've Learned So Far14 things I didn't know then.
October 2005
Calling the Guinness Folks…Laying groundwork for the big tour.The Stuff They Don't Teach YouThe 11 things you won't find in books.
September 2005
Libraries #2Here's how Julia Spencer-Fleming and I blitzed ’emLibrariesThe secret in my promo toolbox.
August 2005
David Morrell Part Deux: The Publicist SpeaksAnd now… a word from his publicist.David Morrell on Book Marketing and PublicityCovering 30 years of publishing.
Radio DazeNope. Radio doesn't work.
A Face Made for Radio (Again)Testing: Do radio appearances work?
Drinks are on EdGreat industries begin with great people.
Buzz, Balls, and Self-PromotionBarry Eisler drops his marketing Zen.
Back From Vacation… Sort Of24/7/365: The machine's always on.
July 2005
Damnazon.comHow do you use the world's biggest store?The 24 Hour Advertisement12 ways to make your brand work non-stop.
Celebrating AlcoholHyperion's BLOODY MARY contest (expired)
June 2005
A Face Made for RadioGood looks sell books but they're not all that matters.I'm Certain that I'm UncertainFocus on what you can control and don't sweat the rest.
The Ups and Downs of USPSThe undeniable power of swag. Or "Why my postage costs are through the roof!"
Booklaunch Party June 18How to make them a big hit with fans and peers alike.
And the Hits Keep Coming…Do author blogs and websites sell books?
Of Dark and Stormy NightsMake your mark: give away free stuff.
An Award Nomination is its Own RewardTasty. But I like the cake more.
BEA!How I survived my first Book Expo America convention.
May 2005
Newsletter BluesHow e-mail can shake hands with fans.DistributionHow I signed 3000 books in one afternoon.
Views on ReviewsEven the bad ones are great.
The value of self-promotionSell yourself before you sell your books.
Rants
Rant Against Advertising Part 3Books purchased: 10. Ads seen: Zero.
Rant Against Advertising Part 2That's it. The gloves are coming off.
Rant Against AdvertisingOh no… don't get me started.
Reader ExpectationsWhat do we do when we disappoint our fans?
DistractionsWhat part of "Writer" don't you understand? Now get back to work!
Responsible BloggingYour blog is a powerful platform. Use it wisely.
AdsHave I mentioned that I don't think they work?
Excuses, ExcusesWho's in charge here? Turns out it's you.
Holy Sense of Entitlement, Batman!Getting lucky is damn hard work.
Am I Evil? Yes I Am.My business is JA Konrath and I'm the CEO.
Driving Miss SASEStop making it easy for agents to say "No."
Rant Against Advertising Part 2That's it. The gloves are coming off.
Rant Against AdvertisingOh no… don't get me started.
Reader ExpectationsWhat do we do when we disappoint our fans?
DistractionsWhat part of "Writer" don't you understand? Now get back to work!
Responsible BloggingYour blog is a powerful platform. Use it wisely.
AdsHave I mentioned that I don't think they work?
Excuses, ExcusesWho's in charge here? Turns out it's you.
Holy Sense of Entitlement, Batman!Getting lucky is damn hard work.
Am I Evil? Yes I Am.My business is JA Konrath and I'm the CEO.
Driving Miss SASEStop making it easy for agents to say "No."
Time Management
Treading WaterDoes the self–promotion ride ever slow down?
Time to Make Time6 sure–fire tactics that keep me organized… usually. Plus, THESE GUNS FOR HIRE.
WeaknessesEverybody's got ’em. What are you doing to overcome yours?
Relax, Don't Do ItNo time? Poppycock! There's always time to write.
DeadlinesWhen it comes to getting things done, know thyself.
No Vacation for YouSacrifices: Are you ready for them?
A Word From My Better HalfMy wife keeps me real.
Not Enough Time in the DayFalling behind sucks. A lot.
Conference ChecklistB'con ’05: It pays to be prepared.
A Weekend in the LifeMinute–by–minute: My event-weekend journal.
Time to Make Time6 sure–fire tactics that keep me organized… usually. Plus, THESE GUNS FOR HIRE.
WeaknessesEverybody's got ’em. What are you doing to overcome yours?
Relax, Don't Do ItNo time? Poppycock! There's always time to write.
DeadlinesWhen it comes to getting things done, know thyself.
No Vacation for YouSacrifices: Are you ready for them?
A Word From My Better HalfMy wife keeps me real.
Not Enough Time in the DayFalling behind sucks. A lot.
Conference ChecklistB'con ’05: It pays to be prepared.
A Weekend in the LifeMinute–by–minute: My event-weekend journal.
Tour Stuff
» RUSTY NAIL
The Rusty Nail 600A quick tour re-cap. Also, pushing past your limits.
Odds and EndsUpdates galore!
Tour Day 52, 53, 54, and 55
Tour Day 49, 50, and 51
Tour Day 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48
Tour Day 41, 42, and 43Tour Day 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40
Tour Day 33, 34, and 35
Tour Day 30, 31, and 32
Tour Day 28 and 29
Tour Day 26 and 27
Tour Day 23, 24, 25
Tour Day 20, 21, and 22
Tour Day 18 and 19
Tour Day 16 and 17
Tour Day 15
Tour Day 14
Tour Day 10, 11, 12, and 13
Tour Day 8 and 9
Tour Day 5, 6, and 7
Tour Day 4
The Tour: Day 1, 2, and 3
Internet HappeningsMJ Rose takes on her own 500 challenge.
Rusty Nail 500 Tour InfoEverything great starts with a plan.
Calling the Guinness Folks…Laying groundwork for the big tour.
Odds and EndsUpdates galore!
Tour Day 52, 53, 54, and 55
Tour Day 49, 50, and 51
Tour Day 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48
Tour Day 41, 42, and 43Tour Day 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40
Tour Day 33, 34, and 35
Tour Day 30, 31, and 32
Tour Day 28 and 29
Tour Day 26 and 27
Tour Day 23, 24, 25
Tour Day 20, 21, and 22
Tour Day 18 and 19
Tour Day 16 and 17
Tour Day 15
Tour Day 14
Tour Day 10, 11, 12, and 13
Tour Day 8 and 9
Tour Day 5, 6, and 7
Tour Day 4
The Tour: Day 1, 2, and 3
Internet HappeningsMJ Rose takes on her own 500 challenge.
Rusty Nail 500 Tour InfoEverything great starts with a plan.
Calling the Guinness Folks…Laying groundwork for the big tour.
» BLOODY MARY
Day #11--Last Day of Book Tour
Day #10
Day #9
Day #8
Day #7
Day #6
Day #5
Day #4
Day #3
Day #2
Day #1
TourageThe Official BLOODY MARY Tour Itinerary
Day #10
Day #9
Day #8
Day #7
Day #6
Day #5
Day #4
Day #3
Day #2
Day #1
TourageThe Official BLOODY MARY Tour Itinerary
» Nuts & Bolts
PimpingHow to get your fans to read your friends' books.
Do SomethingThe most important part of your marketing plan is the "plan" part.
Booksignings: Everything you Need to KnowUm, yeah… you're gonna want to print this.
Calling the Guinness Folks…Laying groundwork for the big tour.
The value of self-promotionSell yourself before you sell your books.
Do SomethingThe most important part of your marketing plan is the "plan" part.
Booksignings: Everything you Need to KnowUm, yeah… you're gonna want to print this.
Calling the Guinness Folks…Laying groundwork for the big tour.
The value of self-promotionSell yourself before you sell your books.
Writers
Thanks, Graham!Read Crimespot.net… Read Crimespot.net…
MySpace Redux3 strategies for making lots of MySpace friends.
PimpingHow to get your fans to read your friends' books.
Community and CommitmentGive and take with friends to become a better writer.
Support the InfrastructureGiving back to the community helps us all.
Peerfest17 authors—and their books—that I highly recommend.
Hero Worship and MoneyF. Paul Wilson gives away $1000. (expired)
Internet HappeningsMJ Rose takes on her own 500 challenge.
Tess Gerritsen's BlogMy friend leaps into the vortex.
CopycattingNothing wrong with showing influences, even when you've never read one.
Promotion: A Biased Account of Cost vs. BenefitFiguring the promo numbers in time and money.
Whose Space? My Space!Tapping in to more than 80 million potential new fans.
Holy Sense of Entitlement, Batman!Getting lucky is damn hard work.
Barry Eisler Naked!Ha! Made you look. Now go read my buddy's blog.
Twelve Things Writers Won't Ever Admit ToBlowing the lid off these insider secrets.
Conventions, Panels, & YouBarry Eisler's 14–point plan for giving good panel.
Jim Crow PublishingIs the publishing world racist?
Are Awards Their Own Reward?I worry about what I control. Awards ain't one of them.
The "Are You a Hack?" Quiz!The Newbie's Guide goes Cosmo!
Be the BraGiving back: We're all in this together.
Library ReduxUpdate on the library promo blitz.
Everyone is the hero in their own movieNobody wins when we go negative.
Cinderella BoyHow Marcus Sakey wrote a thriller.
Sandy Tooley Part DeuxSelf–publishing redux.
"Self–Publish" Isn't Always a Bad WordSandy Tooley talks about publishing's red–headed stepchild.
Still Life with Hate MailGLBA Con. Plus, my first hate e-mail.
Libraries #2Here's how Julia Spencer-Fleming and I blitzed ’em
Long WeekendAn event wrap-up… covered in karma.
David Morrell Part Deux: The Publicist SpeaksAnd now… a word from his publicist.
David Morrell on Book Marketing and PublicityCovering 30 years of publishing.
Buzz, Balls, and Self-PromotionBarry Eisler drops his marketing Zen.
To the ProsAn open letter to my peers.
Self-Doubting Thomas13 insecurities that affect us all.
With a Little Help from My FriendsHere's why other writers are the greatest friends.
MySpace Redux3 strategies for making lots of MySpace friends.
PimpingHow to get your fans to read your friends' books.
Community and CommitmentGive and take with friends to become a better writer.
Support the InfrastructureGiving back to the community helps us all.
Peerfest17 authors—and their books—that I highly recommend.
Hero Worship and MoneyF. Paul Wilson gives away $1000. (expired)
Internet HappeningsMJ Rose takes on her own 500 challenge.
Tess Gerritsen's BlogMy friend leaps into the vortex.
CopycattingNothing wrong with showing influences, even when you've never read one.
Promotion: A Biased Account of Cost vs. BenefitFiguring the promo numbers in time and money.
Whose Space? My Space!Tapping in to more than 80 million potential new fans.
Holy Sense of Entitlement, Batman!Getting lucky is damn hard work.
Barry Eisler Naked!Ha! Made you look. Now go read my buddy's blog.
Twelve Things Writers Won't Ever Admit ToBlowing the lid off these insider secrets.
Conventions, Panels, & YouBarry Eisler's 14–point plan for giving good panel.
Jim Crow PublishingIs the publishing world racist?
Are Awards Their Own Reward?I worry about what I control. Awards ain't one of them.
The "Are You a Hack?" Quiz!The Newbie's Guide goes Cosmo!
Be the BraGiving back: We're all in this together.
Library ReduxUpdate on the library promo blitz.
Everyone is the hero in their own movieNobody wins when we go negative.
Cinderella BoyHow Marcus Sakey wrote a thriller.
Sandy Tooley Part DeuxSelf–publishing redux.
"Self–Publish" Isn't Always a Bad WordSandy Tooley talks about publishing's red–headed stepchild.
Still Life with Hate MailGLBA Con. Plus, my first hate e-mail.
Libraries #2Here's how Julia Spencer-Fleming and I blitzed ’em
Long WeekendAn event wrap-up… covered in karma.
David Morrell Part Deux: The Publicist SpeaksAnd now… a word from his publicist.
David Morrell on Book Marketing and PublicityCovering 30 years of publishing.
Buzz, Balls, and Self-PromotionBarry Eisler drops his marketing Zen.
To the ProsAn open letter to my peers.
Self-Doubting Thomas13 insecurities that affect us all.
With a Little Help from My FriendsHere's why other writers are the greatest friends.
Writers Conferences, Festivals, and Events
» The Low Down
Drinks are on EdGreat industries begin with great people.
Long WeekendAn event wrap-up… covered in karma.
Final ThoughtsB'con ’05: Not so fast, Joe.
How Much is Too Much?B'con ’05: Did I cross the line?
Back From Vacation… Sort Of24/7/365: The machine's always on.
Long WeekendAn event wrap-up… covered in karma.
Final ThoughtsB'con ’05: Not so fast, Joe.
How Much is Too Much?B'con ’05: Did I cross the line?
Back From Vacation… Sort Of24/7/365: The machine's always on.
» A Survival Guide
PimpingHow to get your fans to read your friends' books.
Library Events 1016 rock–solid tips for great library meet–n–greets.
Conference TipsThe Newbie's Guide to Bouchercon… plus Barry Eisler's Panelist Manifesto.
3… 2… 1… ContactsHow to work the room and boost your career.
A Newbie's Guide to Writing Conferences13 things every writer must know.
Conventions, Panels, & YouThe Panelist's Manifesto.
Love is Murder in Chicago7 ways to stretch your conference promo dollar.
Conference CulturePublic speaking and well-rehearsed anecdotes are your friends.
Conference ChecklistB'con ’05: It pays to be prepared.
A Weekend in the LifeMinute–by–minute: My event–weekend journal.
Of Dark and Stormy NightsMake your mark: give away free stuff.
BEA!How I survived my first Book Expo America convention.
The value of self-promotionSell yourself before you sell your books.
Library Events 1016 rock–solid tips for great library meet–n–greets.
Conference TipsThe Newbie's Guide to Bouchercon… plus Barry Eisler's Panelist Manifesto.
3… 2… 1… ContactsHow to work the room and boost your career.
A Newbie's Guide to Writing Conferences13 things every writer must know.
Conventions, Panels, & YouThe Panelist's Manifesto.
Love is Murder in Chicago7 ways to stretch your conference promo dollar.
Conference CulturePublic speaking and well-rehearsed anecdotes are your friends.
Conference ChecklistB'con ’05: It pays to be prepared.
A Weekend in the LifeMinute–by–minute: My event–weekend journal.
Of Dark and Stormy NightsMake your mark: give away free stuff.
BEA!How I survived my first Book Expo America convention.
The value of self-promotionSell yourself before you sell your books.
Writing
» The Business of…
December 2006
Rant Against Advertising Part 3Books purchased: 10. Ads seen: Zero.Rant Against Advertising Part 2That's it. The gloves are coming off.
Rant Against AdvertisingOh no… don't get me started.
November 2006
HatersWe can't please ’em all, so let it roll.How the Hell Am I Doing?!?What do to when attaboys are few and far between.
October 2006
Treading WaterDoes the self–promotion ride ever slow down?RoyaltiesKeeping your books in print is like finding free money.
September 2006
The Five Habits of Highly Neurotic AuthorsAnd here's how I handle them.Time to Make Time6 sure–fire tactics that keep me organized… usually. Plus, THESE GUNS FOR HIRE.
Worry By Numbers5 hard facts every writer must know about book sales.
June 2006
To Be a NYT Bestseller5 things all authors on the NYT have in common.RemaindersHere's what happens when your book goes out-of-print.
Business Cards and Computer SavvyHow I maximize these tools to amp up my promotions.
Newsletter #6A half–dozen tips for knockout newsletters.
May 2006
Interviewing 1019 common interview mistakes and how to avoid them.CopycattingNothing wrong with showing influences, even when you've never read one.
Promotion: A Biased Account of Cost vs. BenefitFiguring the promo numbers in time and money.
April 2006
3… 2… 1… ContactsHow to work the room and boost your career.Self-Promote or DieAlways be stoking the self–promo furnace fire.
Writing Full Time: The Good and the BadThe pros and cons of going pro.
Damning You With Praise9 tricks to help you stay grounded.
The Importance of Being YouWhat happens when writing and the publishing biz collide.
March 2006
Twelve Things Writers Won't Ever Admit ToBlowing the lid off these insider secrets.Money Money Money9 things to remember about contracts, advances, and self–promotion.
February 2006
DeadlinesWhen it comes to getting things done, know thyself.Future TacticsYou can't afford to "seat of your pants" your career.
Talking 'Bout Your ReputationYour 3 reps: With fans, with publishers, with peers.
The Secret World of BlurbingIt's dirty and little. The secret, that is.
January 2006
Thinking POD? Think Again…I crunched the numbers and it ain't pretty.The Best Kind of MarketingSelling your writing sells readers on you.
Driving Miss SASEStop making it easy for agents to say "No."
IntangiblesGood word–of–mouth now, equals great things later.
Four CountriesUniting the corners of your publishing world.
December 2005
E-Book vs Paper: Which Will Win?Return of the digital.New Years Resolutions for WritersThe year ahead for pros and noobs.
The Truth About Publishers46 things you need to know about your publisher.
QuittingThe odds are against you. Got what it takes?
Size Does MatterOn word counts, paragraph breaks, and chapter lengths.
Have a Safe and Secure Holiday Season12 ways to keep your computer—and writing—safe.
November 2005
On Beyond GoogleHow to use niche search engines to find your Web saturation.Library ReduxUpdate on the library promo blitz.
Eggs in Baskets and Hatched ChickensHow to manage your promo-plan expectations.
AmazonymousHow to get proactive with Amazon.
Everyone is the hero in their own movieNobody wins when we go negative.
Cleaning HouseStarting fresh for the holidays.
What I've Learned So Far14 things I didn't know then.
October 2005
Writing ScamsNever let shady characters prey on your insecurities.The Stuff They Don't Teach YouThe 11 things you won't find in books.
Still Life with Hate MailGLBA Con. Plus, my first hate e-mail.
September 2005
Not Enough Time in the DayFalling behind sucks. A lot.Libraries #2Here's how Julia Spencer-Fleming and I blitzed ’em
LibrariesThe secret in my promo toolbox.
Long WeekendAn event wrap-up… covered in karma.
August 2005
Conference ChecklistB'con ’05: It pays to be prepared.Trekking the AmazonMy trips up and down the rankings.
Radio DazeNope. Radio doesn't work.
A Face Made for Radio (Again)Testing: Do radio appearances work?
You Have the Rights to Remain in PrintDeconstructing the fine print.
July 2005
The 24 Hour Advertisement12 ways to make your brand work non-stop.Positively PositiveI must not think bad thoughts…
June 2005
A Face Made for RadioGood looks sell books but they're not all that matters.I'm Certain that I'm UncertainFocus on what you can control and don't sweat the rest.
The Ups and Downs of USPSThe undeniable power of swag. Or "Why my postage costs are through the roof!"
Booklaunch Party June 18How to make them a big hit with fans and peers alike.
A Weekend in the LifeMinute–by–minute: My event-weekend journal.
March 2005
Who am I and why should you care?Gotta start somewhere. My inagural post.» Craft and Process
Neurotic Author MomentYou done whining yet? Good. This job ain't for sissies.
DistractionsWhat part of "Writer" don't you understand? Now get back to work!
The Five Habits of Highly Neurotic AuthorsAnd here's how I handle them.
Create-A-StoryHelp me waste time.
Work EthicsJAK's 12 Steps to Success
Theme?Give your characters life by finding a compelling theme.
Villainy6 characteristics that make your bad guys unforgettable.
So You Wanna Write About HandgunsEverything you ever wanted to know about sidearms.
Humor MeHow I find the funny.
The Elements of DialogJAK's 9 rules for letting 'em tell it like it is.
The Importance of Being YouWhat happens when writing and the publishing biz collide.
Submit to Submission"No" is just another word for "Next."
Being EditedThe 5 stages of editing acceptance.
Talent and Craft, Luck and PersistenceMaking it means having a little of all four.
For the Children (and the Adults)16 tips for beginning writers of all ages.
Wine Me, Dine Me, 69 MeMy entry in a 69–word story competition. (expired)
Liability and ResponsibilityHow to handle taboos in your writing.
Outlines, Writer's Block, and MotivationHow I use 1 to master 2 and 3.
DeadlinesWhen it comes to getting things done, know thyself.
Your Own Personal CensorLet your market tell you how far is too far.
Ask but don't AnswerWanna keep readers in suspense?
Down in the Infodumps5 sneaky ways to keep readers engaged.
Writer's BlockWhy I think it's a bunch of hooey.
More IntimidationContest Tip: To win, you've gotta shine.
Important Stuff: Disregard at Your Peril11 ways to get your contest story read.
Size Does MatterOn word counts, paragraph breaks, and chapter lengths.
Creating Dynamic Characters7 steps to creating three-dimensional characters.
Avoiding Plodding PlottingHow to build killer plots the Konrath way.
First Lines… are crucial. Here are some of mine.
Cleaning HouseStarting fresh for the holidays.
DistractionsWhat part of "Writer" don't you understand? Now get back to work!
The Five Habits of Highly Neurotic AuthorsAnd here's how I handle them.
Create-A-StoryHelp me waste time.
Work EthicsJAK's 12 Steps to Success
Theme?Give your characters life by finding a compelling theme.
Villainy6 characteristics that make your bad guys unforgettable.
So You Wanna Write About HandgunsEverything you ever wanted to know about sidearms.
Humor MeHow I find the funny.
The Elements of DialogJAK's 9 rules for letting 'em tell it like it is.
The Importance of Being YouWhat happens when writing and the publishing biz collide.
Submit to Submission"No" is just another word for "Next."
Being EditedThe 5 stages of editing acceptance.
Talent and Craft, Luck and PersistenceMaking it means having a little of all four.
For the Children (and the Adults)16 tips for beginning writers of all ages.
Wine Me, Dine Me, 69 MeMy entry in a 69–word story competition. (expired)
Liability and ResponsibilityHow to handle taboos in your writing.
Outlines, Writer's Block, and MotivationHow I use 1 to master 2 and 3.
DeadlinesWhen it comes to getting things done, know thyself.
Your Own Personal CensorLet your market tell you how far is too far.
Ask but don't AnswerWanna keep readers in suspense?
Down in the Infodumps5 sneaky ways to keep readers engaged.
Writer's BlockWhy I think it's a bunch of hooey.
More IntimidationContest Tip: To win, you've gotta shine.
Important Stuff: Disregard at Your Peril11 ways to get your contest story read.
Size Does MatterOn word counts, paragraph breaks, and chapter lengths.
Creating Dynamic Characters7 steps to creating three-dimensional characters.
Avoiding Plodding PlottingHow to build killer plots the Konrath way.
First Lines… are crucial. Here are some of mine.
Cleaning HouseStarting fresh for the holidays.
» Goals and Success
Self ImageLooking for success? Fake it until you make it.
Crush Your Hope5 things writers can learn from marathon runners.
How Good Am I?3 things to always remember about success.
The Rusty Nail 600A quick tour re-cap. Also, pushing past your limits.
Why Do You Do What You Do?Clear Goals + Standards = Promo Success
How to Handle Success (Everyone Else's)6 tips for fighting off wrong–headed thinking.
Community and CommitmentGive and take with friends to become a better writer.
Do SomethingThe most important part of your marketing plan is the "plan" part.
To Be a NYT Bestseller5 things all authors on the NYT have in common.
Work EthicsJAK's 12 Steps to Success
Holy Sense of Entitlement, Batman!Getting lucky is damn hard work.
True Grit QuizDo you have what it takes to realize the dream?
Money Money Money9 things to remember about contracts, advances, and self–promotion.
Why?I ask the eternal question. What's your answer?
Future TacticsYou can't afford to "seat of your pants" your career.
Potential7 self–evident writing truths.
Goals1. Be entertaining. 2. Get people to read you.
More IntimidationContest Tip: To win, you've gotta shine.
Get Off Your Ass and Do Something6 things all writers should do every day.
Mantra for '066 affirmations for the new year.
No Vacation for YouSacrifices: Are you ready for them?
When Did You Know?Tell me how you got here from there.
QuittingThe odds are against you. Got what it takes?
Stacking NumbersMaking sense of them is a tall, tall order.
Cleaning HouseStarting fresh for the holidays.
At What Point Success?Catching its ever-elusive meaning.
Crush Your Hope5 things writers can learn from marathon runners.
How Good Am I?3 things to always remember about success.
The Rusty Nail 600A quick tour re-cap. Also, pushing past your limits.
Why Do You Do What You Do?Clear Goals + Standards = Promo Success
How to Handle Success (Everyone Else's)6 tips for fighting off wrong–headed thinking.
Community and CommitmentGive and take with friends to become a better writer.
Do SomethingThe most important part of your marketing plan is the "plan" part.
To Be a NYT Bestseller5 things all authors on the NYT have in common.
Work EthicsJAK's 12 Steps to Success
Holy Sense of Entitlement, Batman!Getting lucky is damn hard work.
True Grit QuizDo you have what it takes to realize the dream?
Money Money Money9 things to remember about contracts, advances, and self–promotion.
Why?I ask the eternal question. What's your answer?
Future TacticsYou can't afford to "seat of your pants" your career.
Potential7 self–evident writing truths.
Goals1. Be entertaining. 2. Get people to read you.
More IntimidationContest Tip: To win, you've gotta shine.
Get Off Your Ass and Do Something6 things all writers should do every day.
Mantra for '066 affirmations for the new year.
No Vacation for YouSacrifices: Are you ready for them?
When Did You Know?Tell me how you got here from there.
QuittingThe odds are against you. Got what it takes?
Stacking NumbersMaking sense of them is a tall, tall order.
Cleaning HouseStarting fresh for the holidays.
At What Point Success?Catching its ever-elusive meaning.
Kamis, 11 Januari 2007
Self Image
How we view ourselves and how the world views us are two different things.
A few ago years ago, I had a close friend whose writing career was in a bit of a slump. Naturally, he was depressed about this. And he had a right to be. His first book didn't perform to publisher expectations, and they released his second book without much support. One of the big chains didn't even carry it.
I'd like to point out here that I've read his work, and it's terrific. Everyone who reads it agrees. And he busted his hump promoting, traveling, and spreading the word about his books.
But fate gave him the finger, and his best efforts didn't bring him success.
In a long letter, he told me that he had lost hope. But he ended with something provocative: "My agent is constantly reminding me to act successful, no matter what."
This goes back to what I like to say about confidence. Being self-assured is damn attractive. People gravitate toward confidence, which goes back to my theory that everyone hates to make decisions. When you're meeting or seeing a new person, and that person is confident, it immediately helps you form a favorable opinion of them. To trust them. To believe in them.
The only naturally confident people are sociopaths. The rest of us wallow in constant self-doubt.
But the world doesn't have to see that.
The only way people can ever know what you're feeling is by what you let them see. If you show them confidence---even if the confidence is fake---they'll see confidence.
And I believe that confidence should extend to all of your professional connections.
An agent/author relationship is a weird mix of business partnership, employee/subordinate, and husband/wife. We tend to reveal more of ourselves, and our insecurities, to our agents.
But looking at basic human nature, I'm not sure how wise this is. Your agent isn't your friend or soul mate. Showing frailty to the person who is supposed to champion your work may be a disservice to you and your career.
Nobody ever gives Charlie Brown any Halloween candy, or picks him for the team. I don't want my agent to pity me, or feel like she's doing me a favor. I want her to believe she's going to get super rich off of me, and act accordingly.
Now, we all have times in our careers where we need to be nurtured. And that's when you call up a trusted peer and unload. But you don't want anyone in this publishing business to perceive you as a charity case, ever.
My writer friend did get back on track, and now his career is booming. His secret? Keep writing. Keep promoting. And Zoloft.
Remember that perception is everything. How you feel about yourself is not how the world feels about you.
The best way to become successful is to act successful.
A few ago years ago, I had a close friend whose writing career was in a bit of a slump. Naturally, he was depressed about this. And he had a right to be. His first book didn't perform to publisher expectations, and they released his second book without much support. One of the big chains didn't even carry it.
I'd like to point out here that I've read his work, and it's terrific. Everyone who reads it agrees. And he busted his hump promoting, traveling, and spreading the word about his books.
But fate gave him the finger, and his best efforts didn't bring him success.
In a long letter, he told me that he had lost hope. But he ended with something provocative: "My agent is constantly reminding me to act successful, no matter what."
This goes back to what I like to say about confidence. Being self-assured is damn attractive. People gravitate toward confidence, which goes back to my theory that everyone hates to make decisions. When you're meeting or seeing a new person, and that person is confident, it immediately helps you form a favorable opinion of them. To trust them. To believe in them.
The only naturally confident people are sociopaths. The rest of us wallow in constant self-doubt.
But the world doesn't have to see that.
The only way people can ever know what you're feeling is by what you let them see. If you show them confidence---even if the confidence is fake---they'll see confidence.
And I believe that confidence should extend to all of your professional connections.
An agent/author relationship is a weird mix of business partnership, employee/subordinate, and husband/wife. We tend to reveal more of ourselves, and our insecurities, to our agents.
But looking at basic human nature, I'm not sure how wise this is. Your agent isn't your friend or soul mate. Showing frailty to the person who is supposed to champion your work may be a disservice to you and your career.
Nobody ever gives Charlie Brown any Halloween candy, or picks him for the team. I don't want my agent to pity me, or feel like she's doing me a favor. I want her to believe she's going to get super rich off of me, and act accordingly.
Now, we all have times in our careers where we need to be nurtured. And that's when you call up a trusted peer and unload. But you don't want anyone in this publishing business to perceive you as a charity case, ever.
My writer friend did get back on track, and now his career is booming. His secret? Keep writing. Keep promoting. And Zoloft.
Remember that perception is everything. How you feel about yourself is not how the world feels about you.
The best way to become successful is to act successful.
Minggu, 07 Januari 2007
Blogging Isn't Temporary
Stay tuned! After some brief commercial messages, JA will make an important point about the Blogosphere...
--------------------------
My friends Marcus Sakey and Sean Chercover have debut novels coming out this month. You've no doubt heard about them on KILLER YEAR and THE OUTFIT.
Visit THE OUTFIT today to enter their pretty cool writing contest. They're offering seven signed books to the winner--one from each member of that blog. I'll also throw in a signed copy of THESE GUNS FOR HIRE. But you have to tell them that JA sent you. ;)
If eight free books isn't enough, I encourage you to sign up for the free ITW newsletter, where you'll have a chance to win 150 thrillers by the top authors in the field. I'm not one of them---I was on tour when they collected the books. But you should have already bought my books anyway, so that shouldn't matter. Besides, there are plenty of other great books in that collection, and you know you want it. Visit www.150thrillers.com.
Can you stand another blog about mystery publishing? Even if you can't, go check out HEY, THERE'S A DEAD GUY IN THE LIVING ROOM. Jeff Cohen promised he'd give me a dollar for every person that goes over there and comments. So tell all of your friends, because I already spent the money on beer and tacos.
For the thousands who frequent this blog but still aren't sick of reading about the importance of self-promotion, check out JANA OLIVER and you can hear me preach about it in a podcast. A whole hour's worth. Normally, I try to be funny during live interviews. This one is more of a "beating reality into the heads of newbies" interview. Besides, how cool is it to get your daily dose of inspiration on your iPod?
Finally, if you live in or near the Big Apple and want to harrass me in person, go to Unbound: Advancing Book Publishing in a Digital World. It's an all day conference, sponsored by Google, at the New York Public Library on 5th and 42nd. Hear me wax prolific about the future of publishing, then hear some really important people disagree with me. Should be fun.
Coming soon: an annotated index for A Newbie's Guide to Publishing, with over 200 useful entries described, detailed, and organized. Thanks to Rob Siders, who must be some kind of masochist, for doing this. You'll no longer have to hunt and peck your way through dozens of previous blog entries to find the one paragraph you're looking for.
------------------
Okay, the commercials are over.
Blogging, like newspaper and radio, is often mistaken for a disposable form of information. Yet I get lots of hits from Google on old blog posts, and many of them continue to accrue comments.
Pay attention to what you're posting today, you bloggers of blogland. Because it will still be around tomorrow. If your posts are topical, or without purpose, you're not doing yourself a service.
Let me repeat that: Blogging Isn't Temporary. What you do now may one day be surfed by someone who isn't even born yet, and that path will lead back to you. Do you want that path to result in interest or apathy?
Think about why you blog, and what purpose it's serving. Look at your last fifty entries. Will they be of any interest to someone in 2017? If not, why do you think they are of any interest to anyone now?
That's why I don't do memes. That's why I don't blog about personal stuff. That's why I don't push my own books constantly---no one ever seeks out ads. And that's why, except on rare occassions, I don't blog about events, peers, friends, family, or what I watched on TV last night.
Your blog is a tool. But too many people are using hammers to scratch their asses rather than drive nails. If you blog as a form of entertainment, that's no problem--have fun. If you blog to increase your name recognition, you may be doing more harm than good.
Now I'll take questions.
Q: But JA, if this blog isn't about promoting your own work, why are you doing it?
A: Go to www.foodnetwork.com. What do you find? Recipes. Lots of recipes. Do they help raise the Food Network's Nielsen ratings?
Q: What exactly are you saying?
A: If you provide a service, or information, or entertainment, it leads to brand association and name recognition in a positive way---much more positive than you could ever get from a commercial or an ad.
Q: I still don't get it.
A: People have so many choices concerning what to buy and what to do with their time that they've become very selective. They don't want to be sold anything. They prefer to cater to their needs by seeking out information without being battered with it. Then, once they find something that works, they stick with it.
Q: How does this apply to author blogs?
A: It's about what you have to offer, not what you have to sell. Content brings people back, makes them talk about you, and continues to be relevant years later, leading more people to you. And unlike advertising, you don't pay for it, and it lasts longer than a few newspaper issues.
Content leads to name recognition, and more opportunities to promote yourself. A certain number of these people who discover you will become your fans, and help spread the word. You don't link to an ad. You don't tell your friends about this cool billboard you saw. But you pass along content, and how to find content, all the time.
Q: I've often wondered why only a few people link to my blog, or post comments...
A: Are you telling the world something they want to hear? Or are you telling the world something you want to say?
Q: Has this blog helped you sell a lot of books?
A: I've sold a few books thanks to this blog--books that I wouldn't have sold otherwise. I've also gotten a lot of press, speaking opportunities, and publicity from this blog--opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise.
You can travel the world and spend a lot of time, money, and energy hunting for mice. Or you can bait some traps, sit back, and the mice will come to you.
Q: You keep ragging on advertising. Doesn't advertising help spread name recognition?
I don't believe that name recognition alone sells books. I can name hundreds of authors, and thousands of products. That doesn't mean I buy them.
But name recognition PLUS a positive experience does sell books. And that's what I'm trying to do with my blog, my website, my MySpace, my newsletter, my articles, my free e-books, my short stories, and my career; provide a positive experience.
Advertising isn't a positive experience. Sales isn't a positive experience. Climbing to the top of a pole with a megaphone and shouting "ME ME ME!" isn't a positive experience.
Offering content in the form of information and entertainment is a positive experience. Personal interaction is a positive experience. Word-of-mouth is a positive experience. Providing a service is a positive experience.
Take a close look at your blog. What kind of experience are you providing?
--------------------------
My friends Marcus Sakey and Sean Chercover have debut novels coming out this month. You've no doubt heard about them on KILLER YEAR and THE OUTFIT.
Visit THE OUTFIT today to enter their pretty cool writing contest. They're offering seven signed books to the winner--one from each member of that blog. I'll also throw in a signed copy of THESE GUNS FOR HIRE. But you have to tell them that JA sent you. ;)
If eight free books isn't enough, I encourage you to sign up for the free ITW newsletter, where you'll have a chance to win 150 thrillers by the top authors in the field. I'm not one of them---I was on tour when they collected the books. But you should have already bought my books anyway, so that shouldn't matter. Besides, there are plenty of other great books in that collection, and you know you want it. Visit www.150thrillers.com.
Can you stand another blog about mystery publishing? Even if you can't, go check out HEY, THERE'S A DEAD GUY IN THE LIVING ROOM. Jeff Cohen promised he'd give me a dollar for every person that goes over there and comments. So tell all of your friends, because I already spent the money on beer and tacos.
For the thousands who frequent this blog but still aren't sick of reading about the importance of self-promotion, check out JANA OLIVER and you can hear me preach about it in a podcast. A whole hour's worth. Normally, I try to be funny during live interviews. This one is more of a "beating reality into the heads of newbies" interview. Besides, how cool is it to get your daily dose of inspiration on your iPod?
Finally, if you live in or near the Big Apple and want to harrass me in person, go to Unbound: Advancing Book Publishing in a Digital World. It's an all day conference, sponsored by Google, at the New York Public Library on 5th and 42nd. Hear me wax prolific about the future of publishing, then hear some really important people disagree with me. Should be fun.
Coming soon: an annotated index for A Newbie's Guide to Publishing, with over 200 useful entries described, detailed, and organized. Thanks to Rob Siders, who must be some kind of masochist, for doing this. You'll no longer have to hunt and peck your way through dozens of previous blog entries to find the one paragraph you're looking for.
------------------
Okay, the commercials are over.
Blogging, like newspaper and radio, is often mistaken for a disposable form of information. Yet I get lots of hits from Google on old blog posts, and many of them continue to accrue comments.
Pay attention to what you're posting today, you bloggers of blogland. Because it will still be around tomorrow. If your posts are topical, or without purpose, you're not doing yourself a service.
Let me repeat that: Blogging Isn't Temporary. What you do now may one day be surfed by someone who isn't even born yet, and that path will lead back to you. Do you want that path to result in interest or apathy?
Think about why you blog, and what purpose it's serving. Look at your last fifty entries. Will they be of any interest to someone in 2017? If not, why do you think they are of any interest to anyone now?
That's why I don't do memes. That's why I don't blog about personal stuff. That's why I don't push my own books constantly---no one ever seeks out ads. And that's why, except on rare occassions, I don't blog about events, peers, friends, family, or what I watched on TV last night.
Your blog is a tool. But too many people are using hammers to scratch their asses rather than drive nails. If you blog as a form of entertainment, that's no problem--have fun. If you blog to increase your name recognition, you may be doing more harm than good.
Now I'll take questions.
Q: But JA, if this blog isn't about promoting your own work, why are you doing it?
A: Go to www.foodnetwork.com. What do you find? Recipes. Lots of recipes. Do they help raise the Food Network's Nielsen ratings?
Q: What exactly are you saying?
A: If you provide a service, or information, or entertainment, it leads to brand association and name recognition in a positive way---much more positive than you could ever get from a commercial or an ad.
Q: I still don't get it.
A: People have so many choices concerning what to buy and what to do with their time that they've become very selective. They don't want to be sold anything. They prefer to cater to their needs by seeking out information without being battered with it. Then, once they find something that works, they stick with it.
Q: How does this apply to author blogs?
A: It's about what you have to offer, not what you have to sell. Content brings people back, makes them talk about you, and continues to be relevant years later, leading more people to you. And unlike advertising, you don't pay for it, and it lasts longer than a few newspaper issues.
Content leads to name recognition, and more opportunities to promote yourself. A certain number of these people who discover you will become your fans, and help spread the word. You don't link to an ad. You don't tell your friends about this cool billboard you saw. But you pass along content, and how to find content, all the time.
Q: I've often wondered why only a few people link to my blog, or post comments...
A: Are you telling the world something they want to hear? Or are you telling the world something you want to say?
Q: Has this blog helped you sell a lot of books?
A: I've sold a few books thanks to this blog--books that I wouldn't have sold otherwise. I've also gotten a lot of press, speaking opportunities, and publicity from this blog--opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise.
You can travel the world and spend a lot of time, money, and energy hunting for mice. Or you can bait some traps, sit back, and the mice will come to you.
Q: You keep ragging on advertising. Doesn't advertising help spread name recognition?
I don't believe that name recognition alone sells books. I can name hundreds of authors, and thousands of products. That doesn't mean I buy them.
But name recognition PLUS a positive experience does sell books. And that's what I'm trying to do with my blog, my website, my MySpace, my newsletter, my articles, my free e-books, my short stories, and my career; provide a positive experience.
Advertising isn't a positive experience. Sales isn't a positive experience. Climbing to the top of a pole with a megaphone and shouting "ME ME ME!" isn't a positive experience.
Offering content in the form of information and entertainment is a positive experience. Personal interaction is a positive experience. Word-of-mouth is a positive experience. Providing a service is a positive experience.
Take a close look at your blog. What kind of experience are you providing?
Selasa, 02 Januari 2007
Storm Front
Are you a faithful reader of this blog, but have yet to pick up one of my books?
Lance Storm insists that you change that behavior right now.
Lance is a pro wrestler who has a terrific Internet book club, which has featured many A-list mystery and thriller authors, including David Morrell, Lee Child, Janet Evanovich, F. Paul Wilson, among others.
The book club is interactive. Lance posts reader comments, and adds his own comments. The writer also gets to chip in.
For his first book of 2007, I'm honored that Lance has chosen Bloody Mary. Selected people who read the book and participate in the discussion can win free copies of Lance Storm DVDs and signed copies of my first novel, Whiskey Sour.
If you need more information, visit here:
http://www.stormwrestling.com/bookmarks/index.html
In fact, you should visit there even if you have already read my books. Lance is promoting literacy and recommending genre books, which is good for the world in general and writers in particular. He does this simply out of respect for the written word, and receives no monetary compensation or reward for his efforts. This is one seriously cool guy.
I'm thrilled to be a part of his club, and I encourage everyone reading this to spread the word about Lance Storm. Link to him. Blog about him. Tell your friends and neighbors. So many people in this industry are takers. He's one of the givers. Show your support.
Lance Storm insists that you change that behavior right now.
Lance is a pro wrestler who has a terrific Internet book club, which has featured many A-list mystery and thriller authors, including David Morrell, Lee Child, Janet Evanovich, F. Paul Wilson, among others.
The book club is interactive. Lance posts reader comments, and adds his own comments. The writer also gets to chip in.
For his first book of 2007, I'm honored that Lance has chosen Bloody Mary. Selected people who read the book and participate in the discussion can win free copies of Lance Storm DVDs and signed copies of my first novel, Whiskey Sour.
If you need more information, visit here:
http://www.stormwrestling.com/bookmarks/index.html
In fact, you should visit there even if you have already read my books. Lance is promoting literacy and recommending genre books, which is good for the world in general and writers in particular. He does this simply out of respect for the written word, and receives no monetary compensation or reward for his efforts. This is one seriously cool guy.
I'm thrilled to be a part of his club, and I encourage everyone reading this to spread the word about Lance Storm. Link to him. Blog about him. Tell your friends and neighbors. So many people in this industry are takers. He's one of the givers. Show your support.
Crush Your Hope
I believe that worry, guilt, and regret are pretty useless emotions.
Worrying doesn't fix anything, guilt doesn't help anything, and regret doesn't change anything.
I'd like to add another emotion to this list; hope.
Don't get me wrong. Hope is part of what fuels us as writers, and as human beings. We all want to see our books on the NYT list, have Oprah recommend us, have mile long signing lines and huge advances.
But like those other emotions, hope is a reaction rather than an action. We hope for things to happen when we don't have control over them, and then our hopes often get crushed. That leads to doubt, depression, and a bunch of other unhealthy emotions.
Consider a marathon runner. She trains, and practices, and conditions, and keeps at it until she can, indeed, run a marathon. There's no hope involved, only determination.
Now you could say that a marathon runner is in control of her future, because success doesn't involve other people. Writers need agents and publishers and sales reps, because they can't succeed without them.
That may be true, but we can still learn a few things from the marathon runner:
1. Set Goals Within Your Control. You have control over how many pages you write per week, how many submission you make per month, your marketing plan, and how you budget your professional time.
2. Understand Expectations. Whenever you do anything in publishing, you should have a clear idea of why you're doing it, and what results will be acceptable to you. Know what these results are before attempting anything, and you can never be disappointed.
3. Push Yourself. You don't know your limits until you go past them. Don't let anyone, including you, tell you what you can and can't do. You need to find out what you're capable of by doing it, not by guessing.
4. Learn From Your Mistakes. Actually, there's no such thing as a mistake if you learn from it. Evolution involves stress and failure--it's the only way to become stronger.
5. Know the Competition. You aren't competing with me, or Dan Brown, or the people your writer's group. The only competition you have is with yourself. If you work hard, you can always get better. Getting better is always good.
As I've said many times, success will ultimately come down to luck. But luck favors those prepared for it. You may not have control over the publishing world, but you do have control over how you act, and how you react. Don't waste your time hoping for success. Instead, like a marathon runner, you should be training for it.
Worrying doesn't fix anything, guilt doesn't help anything, and regret doesn't change anything.
I'd like to add another emotion to this list; hope.
Don't get me wrong. Hope is part of what fuels us as writers, and as human beings. We all want to see our books on the NYT list, have Oprah recommend us, have mile long signing lines and huge advances.
But like those other emotions, hope is a reaction rather than an action. We hope for things to happen when we don't have control over them, and then our hopes often get crushed. That leads to doubt, depression, and a bunch of other unhealthy emotions.
Consider a marathon runner. She trains, and practices, and conditions, and keeps at it until she can, indeed, run a marathon. There's no hope involved, only determination.
Now you could say that a marathon runner is in control of her future, because success doesn't involve other people. Writers need agents and publishers and sales reps, because they can't succeed without them.
That may be true, but we can still learn a few things from the marathon runner:
1. Set Goals Within Your Control. You have control over how many pages you write per week, how many submission you make per month, your marketing plan, and how you budget your professional time.
2. Understand Expectations. Whenever you do anything in publishing, you should have a clear idea of why you're doing it, and what results will be acceptable to you. Know what these results are before attempting anything, and you can never be disappointed.
3. Push Yourself. You don't know your limits until you go past them. Don't let anyone, including you, tell you what you can and can't do. You need to find out what you're capable of by doing it, not by guessing.
4. Learn From Your Mistakes. Actually, there's no such thing as a mistake if you learn from it. Evolution involves stress and failure--it's the only way to become stronger.
5. Know the Competition. You aren't competing with me, or Dan Brown, or the people your writer's group. The only competition you have is with yourself. If you work hard, you can always get better. Getting better is always good.
As I've said many times, success will ultimately come down to luck. But luck favors those prepared for it. You may not have control over the publishing world, but you do have control over how you act, and how you react. Don't waste your time hoping for success. Instead, like a marathon runner, you should be training for it.
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