Helpful Tips #8 - Location, location, location

Not only is this important in real estate, this is also important to your story. No matter what you choose as your backdrop think it through very carefully. And, whatever you do, keep very specific notes about said location.

Things to keep on hand about your locale's:

• State/Province, Country
• Area, ie: country side or city, suburbia or the crush of a down town jumping with action like New York or Vegas
• Buildings you use frequently, ie: where your characters live, work, play
• Side note here: basic descriptions of anything you use occasionally is good, but those places that they "live" in all the time, give more detail so people can visualize it all
• Know your weather patterns, ie: someone that's living in a Brazilian rain forest likely (though not impossible given weather patterns these days) won't see snow, so it shouldn't snow
• Neighbors, ie: do you have neighbors for your property, condo, whatever
• Side note here: if you do have neighbors give them names and basic descriptions if they are to be seen on occasion

Now, if you are doing Sci-Fi, or Fantasy, you need to do the same as the above but in even greater detail. You are creating a world, literally, for your characters to live in so ensure that you give amazing amounts of visual information. When you are creating something outside the "norm" if you will, you have to be even more verbose about it. Do not chintz out on your readers.

Oh, and don't just drop a bomb in the midst of things. For example, you give a great description of your world you've created, lots of this, lots of that, blah, blah, blah. And then you are into your story, character development, characters meeting and interacting, life is going well and then, BAM! You drop something in that is out of place and throws off their perception of the world you created.

We're not saying you can't add more detail, but keep it to the flow of the story, make it a part of what you've created instead of having it come off as an after thought. Thus why you should do your location development before you get too far into your story. The more you figure out ahead of time the more logical and real it will feel to your readers. You don't want to turn people off your story because it feels contrived or tacked on.

The Moderator

Helpful Tip #7 - Picking character names

Should be simple enough right? You'd think.

For your first book, your second likely and maybe even your third you likely have a bunch of names in your head you want to use. Old boyfriends, next door neighbors, people you knew in school, etc, etc, etc. If they fit your character go for it, just remember that if you give them some butch name and they are some guy you could destroy with a sneeze, it's just not going to sit right with your readers. The name you give your character must fit their persona and what they are doing in the world you're creating.

Now, as we mentioned, you likely have a list in your head for your first few books. But what about when you're on book number ten, or fourteen, or thirty? The well has dried up and you're stuck on another variation of Erin (Aaron) or Charles (Chuck, Charley), or whatever. Well, this is where the Internet or, if you have a baby book of names lying around, comes in damned handy.

There are literally dozens of sites out there that you can use to look up names. Both given and surnames. A good majority of these same sites will even tell you the meaning behind the name, where it originated from and what was the original format of the name that the one you like was derived from. Just like anything else, sometimes choosing a name is all about the research. Don't chintz out either, pick a good name that fits for what you're doing and who you are creating. These characters are like your children, don't name them something you can't live with, after all...you'll be stuck with them a hell of a lot longer than any kids you have will live at home. If your lucky.

One rule of thumb though, if you pick a name not a soul on earth can pronounce, put in somewhere at the beginning (or end) of your book HOW THE FUCK IT'S PRONOUNCED!! There is nothing more annoying then stumbling over a name of a character. It's like a jolt every time it appears for a while and soon the readers brain just lurches over it every time it appears after that. But if they know how it sounds out then it's a much more enjoyable experience. Cause we've all read books that have had oddly spelled names that we couldn't pronounce to save our lives. And, really, finding out after the fact from someone that knows the name or hearing the audiobook version of it, and finding out you were wrong all along, is like a kick in the gut.

Don't be a douche, use names we all can pronounce or tell us how it is pronounced.

The Moderator

Helpful Tip #6 - The Dedication

This is something that every author will need to contemplate when writing or editing their book. Some authors have their dedications all lined up and others wait until that final step to put in a dedication.

We won't lie, dedications can be a bitch to write. For any number of reasons really. There are as many variations of the dedication for a book as there are authors. Each author has their own way of writing a dedication and choosing to whom the book shall be dedicated. We do have a few guidelines though to help you through this final task of prepping your book. Just remember, these are just general tips, not hard and fast rules - always go with your gut.

• Be sincere if that is your goal, keep the tone of the dedication in that note through the entirety
• If you're more a joker, keep it clean - and remember, not everyone may get your humor so be careful
• Quotes are nice too, just remember to give credit for the quote no matter if it's from someone you know or another author or from some famous person
• If you do a "Dedicated in the memory of...", be concise and heartfelt but brief, making your readers cry before they get to the story isn't a good thing
• Thank your readers from time to time - doesn't have to be every book, but remember to thank the ones that actually got you to this point, those that buy your books
• If you had help on a book (ie: from law enforcement, the military, your neighbor) thank them specifically and, if it's permissible to do so (check first!), use their name and rank/title

Now, we're not saying you have to put in a dedication. You don't. Plain and simple. Your publisher and editors give you the opportunity to think on it and decide if that is what you want to do. If it's something that is all you, don't feel obligated to dedicate it to anyone. Or dedicate it to something silly and show a little humor before your readers get into your story - again, keep it clean people.

Just make sure that whatever the dedication is, it reflects your inner self no matter if it's special, just a shout out, or if it's a quote from a TV show you were watching at the time you were writing the big scene.

Dedications are a way to give back a little something extra. So always be 100% sincere. Unless you can get away with a smart ass comment and then go with the smart ass comment.

The Moderator

Contract Information

Since this post kind of hits many of our normal tags from Rules, to Insider Info and even into The Scoop, we felt we'd leave this in the "General" realm and just give it multiple tags.

The below links are from an authors website (Tymber Dalton). Please note: We are NOT promoting her as an author. We are NOT promoting her works by any of her pseudonym's. And we are NOT promoting any of her publishers.

We were pointed toward her by one of our Moderators and, after reading the posts we've supplied links for, felt the need to share them with you. She is quite knowledgeable about contracts as her husband used to practice law and has a few years experience that also allows her to know what she's talking about. Now, she is NOT a lawyer, just married to a man who used to practice law and what she has to say is sound advice but in no way admissible in a court of law. However, if you read through each of the articles we've supplied links for, you will see she has provided quite a bit of information to assist you in untangling the legal web a hokey publisher can weave.

We found the articles detailed, intriguing and with a very unique and informative spin to them. But if you happen to buy her books that's fine too, that's just not the purpose of this post or why we are supplying her links.

Pop Quiz: Contracts

A Bad Publishing Contract Deconstructed, Part 1

A Bad Publishing Contract Deconstructed, Part 2 - The Ugly Truth

A Bad Publishing Contract Deconstructed, Part 3 - The Uglier Truth

And since you may not also remember these other links that she supplied here they are again nice and clear:

The Passive Voice (Contract Counsel)

Writer Beware

Preditors & Editors

Duration of Copyright (USA) things to know and understand

There you have it. Some more information about contracts spelled out in a manner that makes sense for those of us who get the urge to fall asleep the moment we see legal documents. Hopefully this extra information will help you to avoid pitfalls that some of us have had to learn the hard way. Now, one last time, the author that supplied the deconstruct of the contract in question is NOT a lawyer. She has been in the business a while and has a husband who practised law so she is knowledgeable but not, in any way, shape or form a lawyer. If you ever have a question about a contract, ask your own lawyer.

The Moderator

Helpful Tip #5 - Lists, lists and more lists

Check lists are not just for when you are submitting. They are great for when you are writing your story, after you've submitted it and while you are working on your next books while promoting the others.

Lists will save your ass. But you need to chose the method you do. Some people like doing it on a calendar where they can then set it to send them an alert about what is needed to be done that day. This is extremely helpful once you have your first book out and for each subsequent book. Others will put it into an Excel spreadsheet that they check each and every day, others like just putting it in a Word document. It doesn't matter how you do it but you should do it, especially if you have a full time job and writing is your secondary job.

During Writing

• Character name(s), description(s), job(s), key location description(s), and so forth

Prior to Submitting

• As mentioned in Submitting #2, it's pretty much the same as the above, but now your checking off these details for accuracy as well as any extras you may have thought of while writing

After Submitting

• Date of publication, estimated date for first (and second if you get them) edits, date to begin promoting, date to remind people about the book, date to provide link for book if it goes on pre-sale, and so forth
  

If you have more than one book out/coming out and are doing other promotions

• Blog tour dates and when they require their forms filled in and returned
• Advertising on Facebook, Yahoo!, Google, etc sites
• Newsletter promos, dates required to have Cover, Link, etc to the owner
• When are your edits scheduled for other books, required back to the publisher when, etc

For all of the above you need to allow yourself some time between things, especially with edits. Usually your publisher will give you a good chunk of time for round one of edits and, if they do a round two or three, they will tell you very firm dates that these have to be back in their hands. Allow yourself extra time to complete these. In a lot of cases you won't know your editing schedule right up front but you can normally guess, especially once you've done one or two books with the publisher, you start to figure out their rhythm of doing things.

With the advertising, especially on groups of any kind, set your schedule to theirs and stick to it, day, week or month in and out, be consistent. When you join you will have either read their restrictions or received a set of restrictions from them. Abide by it to the letter. If it's a bad day, you've got an appointment or plans, you can usually set up your email to auto send for a specific time. Now, be aware, not all emails have this feature so you will have to look into it. And test it out, oh for the love of god, test it out.

For things like the Blog tours and Promos in Newsletters and such, do that a little ahead of time. Find out what they're last day to receive things are and get it to them early. But not too early, they are human too and may misplace it - you don't need that. But give them time to a) format and; b) read it through to ensure that it meets their specific guidelines for their site. Some like to keep their stuff super clean and other like it naughty, but in most cases they will have already sent you the specifics and you'll know what is required by them personally.

So, there you have it. Lists will make your lives easier. Whether it's a calendar, Excel spreadsheets or scribbles on the wall of your writing space, whatever you do make sure it works for you. And if it doesn't, try something new. But, whatever you do, ensure you give it a could couple of months since it can feel awkward the first little while. Just remember that whatever method you end up going with it's all to ensure your professional life runs smoothly so you can have a private and home life.

The Moderator

Helpful Tip #4 - Planning your stories

Every author has their own method of how they construct a story. The below are the ones that are the most defined and show the best differences but there are as many variation as there are authors on all of the below. Each author has their own way of constructing their works, you just need to discover your own way.

• Detail Oriented - An author that is super detail oriented, maybe a little OCD too - but we're not judging cause we're like that as well to a point, will create a story structure. Another term is the Outline. It is basically how they see the story progressing from start to finish. For example:
• Introduction; character one (male) description and occupation + character two (female) description and occupation
• Chapter One; location description and background needed
• Chapter Two; character one and two meeting, sparks and a hint of what's to come
• Chapter Three; introduce conflict they will need to resolve or overcome
• Chapter Four; show two characters interacting and add some tension
• Chapter Five; have characters show some vulnerability, and push them further apart while building intrigue
• Chapter Six; throw the characters together in situation where the conflict is forefront
• Chapter Seven; resolve conflict and have characters discovering new things about one another strengthening their relationship
• Chapter Eight/Epilogue; give readers a HEA (happily ever after) ending or HFN (happy for now) ending with a twist
• Got Notes - An author who may do a layout a lot like the above, but not nearly as detailed. These are the authors that like to see where the characters take them in the writing process and they allow for extra curve balls to come their way.
• Character/Story Controlled - An author who has an idea or character pop into their head that they just start writing about. There is no real planning like in the Detail Oriented author, but they do make notes about other thoughts that come around. Like if they see their character being hurt, they'll make a note about that but it's not necessary if the story never leads that way. These authors really love it when an idea pops into their heads part way through writing that they can utilize as a zinger to wow their readers. Something usually out of left field but that totally works in the construct of the story.

Now, these are sort of the three extremes, far left, middle and far right of the author world. There are hundreds of different variations and none of them are wrong or right. After all, what works for you may not work for someone else. Yes, try all the methods to see if they help you in your writing but don't worry if one method is not yours. We all have our own quirks and ways of writing, don't force yourself into doing something that just makes you miserable and your story suffer because it's what you're "supposed to do" according to other authors or your publisher. They do not know you, you know you and that is the only person you need to listen to and make happy, you.

What it all boils down to is working with what works for you. If you need to do an Outline to keep on track, do it. If you're more free form and let your characters lead you around, do it. All that matters is ensuring that your writing experience is the best for you and what you are sharing. Critics and naysayers need not approach.

The Moderator

Helpful Tip #3 - Talk to the authors

You've chosen a publisher, out of the many out there, to settle down with. Or so you think.

As mentioned briefly in Rule #2, you should talk to the authors of the publishing house you've picked, especially now that you've narrowed it down. Always, always, always do this via private messages (PM's) to them and not out in the open on their Facebook pages or websites or, well, anywhere.

Most authors for the different publishing houses are more than willing to give you a boost and help you settle your nerves. But not all. We say this as a warning as we've run across the breed of author we like to term the Stick-Up-Their-Ass author. This is an author that is, to use a phrase grandma often pulled out, too big for their britches. They sell a lot of books because they are in a very specific genre that a lot of other authors just can't, or won't, write in. They see themselves as being too good for the mere likes of you.

Don't take it personally, they are assholes and you'll be dealing with more of those as your career progresses. It's to be expected, not everyone can manage to keep their heads on straight and their egos in check. Been there, dealt with it.

They are relatively rare in the semi-professional field of writing. So you may, or may not, hit one of them with your questions. If you do, just thank them for any response they send, no matter how caustic, and then don't poke that bear any more. You need to focus on the authors that came back to you with some reassuring thoughts and information. If they have replied to you once they likely will again, but ensure that in your very first email you flat out ask if you can contact them with some follow up questions. If they say yes, do it, if they say no, shoot them a thank you note for what they did provide and move on. Don't take this personally, not everyone has the time to hand hold a nervous first time author, after all - you do not know what is going on in their personal lives outside of their public persona. Don't judge too harshly.

Email the author and let them know that you are thinking of signing with the publisher, that you've been in talks with one of the reps there - give a name in case the author is looking to verify this detail, and that you're nervous and scared and looking to get a little reassurance if they are willing. Give them a list of thought out questions that allow them wiggle room to answer - you don't want to just ask them straight out if their publisher has ever screwed them over (for example) because that gets a big old bullseye on your back. You do not want that.

For example here's an idea for an email to the authors. We are using our site Owners name since she wasn't here to veto our plan - HA! The publisher is one we made up, we think - with them springing up all the time, god only knows if it's a real one or not. If it is, we apologize in advance!

Dear Author,

My name is June Smith and I'm in the final stages of deciding to sign with your publisher, Too Many Words Publishing. I was hoping I could have a moment of your time and perhaps ask a couple of questions as I'm extremely nervous of signing with them. This is my very first book and I'm unsure of what I am doing. If this has caught you at a bad time I'd like to apologize and please, do not feel the need to reply.

If you do have a few moments I was wondering if you'd tell me a bit about your personal experiences with the publisher. But please, if any of these are too personal, do not feel obligated in any way to answer them.

• If it's not too impertinent to ask, how long have you been with Too Many Words Publishing?
• Would you mind sharing your impressions on the team behind the name? ie: The editors, artists and management.
• Could you share what their process is after a books been submitted to them?
• Would you share what sort of timeline from submission to published final product do you normally see after your first book? I realize the first book can sometimes take longer.
• Do you happen to know if the publisher assists with promoting of the works or should I ensure that I'm doing that myself?
• If I may ask, does this publisher offer the author's ARC's or is that against their policies?
• Any advice you could offer me in my time of absolute panic and terror would also be welcome if you wouldn't mind terribly.

Thank you for the opportunity of contacting you. Would you be willing, in the future, to allow me to contact you if I have any other questions as I get started with the company?

Yours sincerely,

June Smith

Now, as you will see, all the questions are formed very generally. There are only a couple of direct questions but even those we've phrased in a way that the author you're sending this too, won't feel pressured to answer. It's a very subservient type of message - you being the lowly newbie while they are the established author within the midst of this publishers realm. It will also likely piss off at least one out the group you send it too but, as mentioned previously, just roll your eyes and move on.

There you have it. We'll be continuing with the Tips as they come to us or as you bring them to us.

The Moderator

Helpful Tip #2 - Find a lawyer

We know, that's one hell of a scary tip and likely has you worried. It's not meant to worry you but to be a sound piece of advice.

Most of us can't understand the intricacies of legal jargon. Most of us don't ever want to try and understand the intricacies of legal jargon. This is why there are lawyers. Of course this leads to a egg/chicken like joke - which came first, the contract or the lawyer?

Lawyers understand the legal language and, in your new career, you will end up seeing a bit of it. Every contract sent to you by your publisher is a legal vipers nest of loopholes and pitfalls all designed to ensure the publisher comes out on top. While you, the author, depending on the situation that results in possible legal action happening, end up somewhere perfect pristine to right at the bottom and buried under all that legal mumbo-jumbo. Finding a lawyer that understands, specifically, the literary world you are entering is key but can be a little tough to do depending on where you may live. If you happen to know a lawyer, even in passing, ask him/her about someone they may know or a firm they may know of and might recommend and remember to tell them why you are asking. Don't use a family member no matter how tempting it is, or how inexpensive. Now, you may not find a lawyer that is specifically geared toward the literary world but finding one that understands contracts and all the legal loops, hoops and holes involved in one is a great second option.

We're not saying go out and find one to put on retainer, trust us, you cannot afford that. Unless you are independently wealthy in which case you likely already have a lawyer and don't need this advice at all. 

Find one that you like, that you feel comfortable with and one who is willing to work with you on a "case by case" basis as it were. No, you won't need a lawyer each and every time you need to sign a book contract. But having one to read over that very first contract, or two, with you and translate it into common English, is a huge plus. Then, if you have need of their services, you can reach out and talk to him/her.

When you do go through your very first contract with the lawyer, make notes and ask questions. This is their world and you need to understand it at least on some level. Because you absolutely MUST read each and every single contract you get from your publisher. They can, and often will, change their contracts as the world of copyright law and the book world in general, changes. They are not required to inform you of any alterations/changes they have made to their contracts, you are completely responsible for reading through your contracts each time one is sent to you. To that end, you need to be able to spot the differences in a contract and, if necessary, talk to your lawyer about the alterations and how, if at all, it affects you and your works.

There is so much more we could cover on contracts, and we will in posts to come. This particular subject has many points that you might be interested in. Now, remember, this is all from our point of view - not everyone has had or will have trouble when it comes to contracts. Better to be forewarned of what might happen than not we say.

Well, there you have it, our two cents to start you thinking on this subject. Hope you are all having a wonderful start to the weekend and we'll posting again soon.

The Moderator

Helpful Tip #1 - Set yourself goals

This is a great tip not only for your future career as an author but for life in general. Goals can be anything. They can be something small to something huge, but remember to always be realistic.

In regards to your writing always set yourself a word goal on the days that you are writing. You don't have to write everyday but, in the beginning, it is a good idea to do so. Even if it's just a short passage or two, it helps you to "build your muscles" as we've heard it described. Just like your arms, legs and abs, your brain needs to get a work out in each day. Now we're not talking about power lifting 10,000 plus words in a shot each and every night. That would make anyone insane and, since we all have lives, it's not practical for the most part either.

So, set a smaller goal on your busy nights. If you've got soccer, ballet, school plays or hockey with the kids, do a light 500 to 2,000 words. On nights where nothing much is going down, do a bigger number and, if you have Sundays (for example) all to yourself, do the bigger numbers then. But set yourself a routine and help your brain get used to this. If you miss a night because something went late, or you forgot you had plans with a friend or whatever and don't end up writing, do not freak out!

We are all busy people.

As a budding author you are not supporting yourself on your writing career yet and, unless you are the next Stephen King or JR Ward or whomever, it's highly doubtful you will ever be able to fully support yourself and provide for your family on your career as an author. Sorry, but there it is. You are writing for the enjoyment of writing and having it published to share that joy with others. Yes, it's a lot of work and yes, it can seem like it's not worth it now and again, so what. If you are enjoying constructing and telling your stories - do it!

That's all we've got tonight, shocker! Not all of these posts will be super long winded. That being said, get out there and don't forget to warm up before settling in to write, you don't want to pull a "muscle".

The Moderator