On the day we visited Nuku’alofa in Tonga it was pouring with rain. I took this photo of a hibiscus flower during our exploration of the town.
I have some awesome links to share with you today.
Maria Zannini has a wonderful post about confidence and insecurities. She offers some strategies to improve confidence.
For those of you who are entering the world of self-publishing Victoria Strauss of Writer Beware has a post about Vetting an Independent Editor. She mentions things to look for and when to exercise caution.
Author Jen Blood is visiting Janice Hardy’s blog and talks about 5 Ways to Build Suspense Like a Master.
And finally, Brenda Novak’s annual Online auction has started. All the funds raised go to Diabetes Research. Check out the items for booklovers and authors available here.
Now I’d like you to put on your reader hats. When it comes to promo items—all the things like bookmarks, trading cards, buttons, excerpt booklets and other nifty things available at conferences and book signings—which ones do you actually keep and use? Which ones do you like?
And my next question—if you have an e-book reader, do you still collect author autographs or promo items? Are you aware of Kindlegraph?
May 4th, 2012 at 3:52 am · Link
I liked Victoria’s article, especially since I’ve come out of editor retirement and am taking on clients again. However, the fees to join some of those associations she mentions are astronomical! Editing doesn’t pay great, and the list of associations you HAVE to belong to for credibility is huge. Joining any, let alone all, can be a real burden.
In other words: while it’d be nice to be able to have my name everywhere, editing doesn’t pay well enough when it’s your only means of support (well, that and book royalties, but I’m still small potatoes in THAT field, too).
May 4th, 2012 at 4:29 pm · Link
It’s understandable not joining all those associations. When it comes to writing I don’t join every association either. I can’t afford it.
Good luck with your editing. I’ll definitely keep you in mind for the future.
May 4th, 2012 at 4:01 am · Link
I’ll check out the links and I can’t wait to read the answers to your last question.
May 4th, 2012 at 4:33 pm · Link
I wondered how the higher instance of ereaders will change reader swag. I use bookmarks and trading cards in print books, but one can only use so many.
I’ve heard that some readers keep scrapbooks with bookmarks/trading cards etc.
May 4th, 2012 at 7:54 am · Link
Thanks for the lovely mention.
Ref: swag
You know, the swag I still use I got at an RWA conference several years ago. It’s a pet food snap on lid with the author’s name and web site.
Granted, she doesn’t write what I read, but her name is always front and center. I think this would work for a shifter series or pet mysteries.
May 4th, 2012 at 4:34 pm · Link
I have card-sized charts that calculate tips at a glance. I use those every time I visit the US. I picked them up at the Reno RWA conference.
May 4th, 2012 at 9:58 am · Link
I don’t have a kindle or ereader and have no plans on getting one.
I collect and keep all the bookmarks I get. I have over 1500 right now. I occasionally give them away on my blog. I do use them, but the ones that are signed are kept in envelopes next to my signed books on my shelves.
May 4th, 2012 at 4:37 pm · Link
That’s a lot of bookmarks. :)
May 4th, 2012 at 11:12 am · Link
Thank you for all the links..I’d read a few of them earlier…Love Kindlegraph…It is such a great thing for readers.
Oh and the picture of the flower is so so pretty.. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
May 4th, 2012 at 4:37 pm · Link
I hope you have a fun weekend too, Savannah.
May 6th, 2012 at 2:57 pm · Link
What a beautiful picture.