Jim Vuksic's Blog, page 9
June 30, 2016
Three Easy Steps to Evaluate a Novice Author's Veracity
There are exceptions to every rule; however, the following methodology accurately measures a novice author's veracity the vast majority of the time.
Author's Profile
References to past career and academic achievements that include specific, detailed information pertaining to schools attended, former employers and awards that could be easily verified are usually valid and honest. Vague references lacking specifics and details are usually not.
Basic Language Skills
The consistent appearance of typos, misspelled words, grammatical errors and awkward syntax in book blurbs, self-promotion posts and discussion group comments indicate that the person lacks the basic language skills required in order to claim the title of professional writer.
Number of Views
The number of times an author's self-promotional post and discussion group contributions are viewed indicates the level of unbiased interest. However, if the number of views only slightly outnumbers the number of comments posted in a specific thread, it may indicate that the originator is gaming the system by constantly adding comments themselves. A group monitor views each new comment to ensure compliance with established rules.
Author's Profile
References to past career and academic achievements that include specific, detailed information pertaining to schools attended, former employers and awards that could be easily verified are usually valid and honest. Vague references lacking specifics and details are usually not.
Basic Language Skills
The consistent appearance of typos, misspelled words, grammatical errors and awkward syntax in book blurbs, self-promotion posts and discussion group comments indicate that the person lacks the basic language skills required in order to claim the title of professional writer.
Number of Views
The number of times an author's self-promotional post and discussion group contributions are viewed indicates the level of unbiased interest. However, if the number of views only slightly outnumbers the number of comments posted in a specific thread, it may indicate that the originator is gaming the system by constantly adding comments themselves. A group monitor views each new comment to ensure compliance with established rules.
June 13, 2016
Marketing a Book is Similar to Marketing Any Product
Novice authors are constantly seeking advice regarding how to attract more attention to and stimulate sales of their work. The answer is the same as with any other product: quality, variety and availability - basic marketing 101.
Quality
Shoddy workmanship inevitably produces an inferior product. Savvy consumers seek value for their hard-earned money. Writers must develop and then consistently adhere to professional-level technical writing and narration skills. No work should be submitted for publication until it has been first subjected to adequate copy and conceptual editing.
Variety
Avid readers share a common love of books. However, their tastes in the type of book they love varies. Some read traditional print (hard cover and/or paperback) exclusively. Others prefer e-books. Still others love to listen to audio books. Having a work produced in several formats expands the potential customer base significantly.
Availability
International distribution and several vendor options provide access to a diverse and greater customer base. Some readers shop primarily on-line. Others prefer traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Many are loyal to just one or two providers. The more commercial vendors that carry a product, the more opportunities there are for potential customers to discover and purchase it.
Quality
Shoddy workmanship inevitably produces an inferior product. Savvy consumers seek value for their hard-earned money. Writers must develop and then consistently adhere to professional-level technical writing and narration skills. No work should be submitted for publication until it has been first subjected to adequate copy and conceptual editing.
Variety
Avid readers share a common love of books. However, their tastes in the type of book they love varies. Some read traditional print (hard cover and/or paperback) exclusively. Others prefer e-books. Still others love to listen to audio books. Having a work produced in several formats expands the potential customer base significantly.
Availability
International distribution and several vendor options provide access to a diverse and greater customer base. Some readers shop primarily on-line. Others prefer traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Many are loyal to just one or two providers. The more commercial vendors that carry a product, the more opportunities there are for potential customers to discover and purchase it.
May 25, 2016
Reciprocity Agreements are Often Inappropriate and Ineffective
A cursory review of almost any literary website will reveal several instances in which an aspiring writer expresses a desire to establish a process through which they agree to like another writer's comment, social page and/or post a rating and review of that author's book in exchange for them agreeing to reciprocate in kind. Reciprocity infers the anticipation that any forthcoming rating and review is expected to be positive and flattering.
If someone is impressed by a writer's comment, social page or book, they will occasionally be inspired to click on the like button to express their opinion. They may even submit a thoughtful review of the book. However, it should be the originator's idea. If the activity is initiated in response to a promise from the author to reciprocate in kind, the sincerity, objectivity and reliability of the activity is understandably questionable.
An evaluation of an author's work or comment should be based solely upon the quality of the content, not a prearranged reciprocal agreement.
If someone is impressed by a writer's comment, social page or book, they will occasionally be inspired to click on the like button to express their opinion. They may even submit a thoughtful review of the book. However, it should be the originator's idea. If the activity is initiated in response to a promise from the author to reciprocate in kind, the sincerity, objectivity and reliability of the activity is understandably questionable.
An evaluation of an author's work or comment should be based solely upon the quality of the content, not a prearranged reciprocal agreement.
May 18, 2016
Urges that Writers and Published Authors Should Consider Resisting
Writers and published authors occasionally feel an urge to do something that may seem like a good idea at the time; however, the end result proves otherwise. Resisting such urges, more often than not, avoids a lot of aggravation and proves to be a wise decision.
If you get the urge to write and publish a book without first developing a working knowledge of established technical writing and narration skills, don't!
If you get the urge to proofread and edit your own work with no outside input, don't!
If you get the urge to post a rating and a review for your own book, don't!
If you get the urge to advise other writers regarding how to achieve commercial success, prior to having done so yourself, don't!
If you get the urge to quit your regular job and depend upon writing alone to support your lifestyle before first achieving and sustaining commercial success, don't!
If you get the urge to utilize the adjectives outstanding, excellent and/or fantastic in a blurb you created for your own book, don't!
If you get the urge to post a comment in a website discussion group that is rife with the personal pronouns I, me, my, myself and mine, don't!
If you get the urge to seek out, obsess over, take personally and/or respond to consumer reviews posted by those who have read your book, don't!
If you get the urge to totally ignore the above recommendations, don't!
If you get the urge to write and publish a book without first developing a working knowledge of established technical writing and narration skills, don't!
If you get the urge to proofread and edit your own work with no outside input, don't!
If you get the urge to post a rating and a review for your own book, don't!
If you get the urge to advise other writers regarding how to achieve commercial success, prior to having done so yourself, don't!
If you get the urge to quit your regular job and depend upon writing alone to support your lifestyle before first achieving and sustaining commercial success, don't!
If you get the urge to utilize the adjectives outstanding, excellent and/or fantastic in a blurb you created for your own book, don't!
If you get the urge to post a comment in a website discussion group that is rife with the personal pronouns I, me, my, myself and mine, don't!
If you get the urge to seek out, obsess over, take personally and/or respond to consumer reviews posted by those who have read your book, don't!
If you get the urge to totally ignore the above recommendations, don't!
May 6, 2016
Voting: The Sound Decision versus the Rash Decision
American citizens will soon exercise the privilege and duty of voting for the next President of the United States; a task far too important and serious to be taken lightly or foolishly squandered. Decisions have consequences, not only for the person making them, but those impacted by them as well. This must never be forgotten or ignored when voting for the candidate of your choice.
Sound decisions almost always turn out well. Rash decisions almost always turn out badly. So it is important to recognize and acknowledge the difference.
Sound Decision: Arrived at intellectually and gradually; based upon careful research, facts and recognition of and respect for opposing ideas, philosophies and lifestyles.
Rash Decision: Arrived at emotionally and spontaneously; based upon shoddy research, factoids and intolerance of and disrespect for opposing ideas, philosophies or lifestyles.
A decision driven by emotion, anger, prejudice and falsehoods is, by its very nature, rash and likely to result in disappointment, disillusionment and frustration. A decision driven by intelligence, pacification, tolerance and truth is, by its very nature, sound and likely to result in satisfaction, affirmation and gratification.
I never presume to advise another for whom to vote. However, I never hesitate to advise another how to arrive at their decision. Never allow emotion to supersede intelligence or anger to supersede common sense.
Sound decisions almost always turn out well. Rash decisions almost always turn out badly. So it is important to recognize and acknowledge the difference.
Sound Decision: Arrived at intellectually and gradually; based upon careful research, facts and recognition of and respect for opposing ideas, philosophies and lifestyles.
Rash Decision: Arrived at emotionally and spontaneously; based upon shoddy research, factoids and intolerance of and disrespect for opposing ideas, philosophies or lifestyles.
A decision driven by emotion, anger, prejudice and falsehoods is, by its very nature, rash and likely to result in disappointment, disillusionment and frustration. A decision driven by intelligence, pacification, tolerance and truth is, by its very nature, sound and likely to result in satisfaction, affirmation and gratification.
I never presume to advise another for whom to vote. However, I never hesitate to advise another how to arrive at their decision. Never allow emotion to supersede intelligence or anger to supersede common sense.
April 18, 2016
Utilizing a Blog for Blatant Self-Promotion
It has been quite awhile since I have utilized this blog to promote my post-apocalyptic/speculative novel
Levels
. Therefore, I blatantly and unapologetically do so now.
Imagine a world in which there is no war, poverty, hunger, prejudice, inequality, bigotry, envy or greed. Everyone, without exception, has access to the exact same quantity and quality of food, clothing, housing, medical care, formal education and social advancement opportunities. Being different is not merely tolerated, it is considered admirable.
Now imagine that, in this world, the words father, mother, daughter, son, sister, brother, family, marriage, government and religion do not exist because the concepts themselves do not exist. The inhabitants are often transported to places they never knew existed and required to do something without having the slightest idea of what they are doing or why it must be done.
Can you imagine such a world? Well, I did. If you should choose to visit it someday, I hope that you enjoy reading about the world of Levels as much as I enjoyed creating it.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Distributed internationally by Ingram/Spring Arbor, Levels is available in paperback (376 pages), e-book (Kindle/Nook/Tablet), audio book on CD (9 compact discs) and audio book download - 8 hours listening time, narrated by Stephen Rozzell.
Jim Vuksic - Author
http://jimvuksic.tateauthor.com/
Imagine a world in which there is no war, poverty, hunger, prejudice, inequality, bigotry, envy or greed. Everyone, without exception, has access to the exact same quantity and quality of food, clothing, housing, medical care, formal education and social advancement opportunities. Being different is not merely tolerated, it is considered admirable.
Now imagine that, in this world, the words father, mother, daughter, son, sister, brother, family, marriage, government and religion do not exist because the concepts themselves do not exist. The inhabitants are often transported to places they never knew existed and required to do something without having the slightest idea of what they are doing or why it must be done.
Can you imagine such a world? Well, I did. If you should choose to visit it someday, I hope that you enjoy reading about the world of Levels as much as I enjoyed creating it.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Distributed internationally by Ingram/Spring Arbor, Levels is available in paperback (376 pages), e-book (Kindle/Nook/Tablet), audio book on CD (9 compact discs) and audio book download - 8 hours listening time, narrated by Stephen Rozzell.
Jim Vuksic - Author
http://jimvuksic.tateauthor.com/
April 6, 2016
Unprofessional Advice from a Retiree Who Just Happened to Write a Novel
Peruse any interactive literary website and you will inevitably discover thousands of members routinely referring to themselves as a professional writer. Though technically correct, in most cases it is not actually true. Many would be and novice writers often seek and receive the advice of these self-proclaimed professionals. My unprofessional advice is to expend that time and effort obtaining such knowledge from books, periodicals, seminars, classes and lectures written and conducted by those who truly are professionals instead.
Upon retiring in 2001 after a 33-year management career with the H.J. Heinz Company, I created a bucket list of things I always wanted to do, but never had the time. One of the items was to write a novel. I began the process in 2009. It was published August 9, 2011.
The most recent sales report reveals that, as of March 31, 2016, 1,002 units have been sold (479 paperbacks, 459 e-books, 36 audio books on CD and 38 audio book downloads). Total royalties paid to date total $2,306.67. If this data reflected units sold and royalties paid for a one week period, it would be quite impressive and I would feel justified in referring to myself as a professional writer. However, the accumulated data actually represents total units sold and royalties paid over a 4 1/2 year period; not impressive by any standard. So I must be content to refer to myself as a retiree who happened to write a novel; definitely not qualified to offer professional advice on the subject.
Upon retiring in 2001 after a 33-year management career with the H.J. Heinz Company, I created a bucket list of things I always wanted to do, but never had the time. One of the items was to write a novel. I began the process in 2009. It was published August 9, 2011.
The most recent sales report reveals that, as of March 31, 2016, 1,002 units have been sold (479 paperbacks, 459 e-books, 36 audio books on CD and 38 audio book downloads). Total royalties paid to date total $2,306.67. If this data reflected units sold and royalties paid for a one week period, it would be quite impressive and I would feel justified in referring to myself as a professional writer. However, the accumulated data actually represents total units sold and royalties paid over a 4 1/2 year period; not impressive by any standard. So I must be content to refer to myself as a retiree who happened to write a novel; definitely not qualified to offer professional advice on the subject.
March 26, 2016
Creating Characters of a Race, Creed, Nationality or Color Other Than Your Own
Most novels include a large cast of characters. They often represent a variety of races, creeds, nationalities and colors. Professional authors usually possess the necessary technical writing and narrating skills, along with sufficient knowledge of the subject, to create diverse characters that are believable. Many amateur and novice writers often do not, but unfortunately attempt to do so anyway.
For a writer to create and adequately portray a character of a race, creed nationality and/or color other than their own, he/she must first perform adequate research. There are books and periodicals that describe in great detail specific cultures, religions, histories, languages and traditions of every conceivable origin. Most people's social circle includes a diverse group of individuals - Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Oriental, Native American, etc.
If skilled authors expend the necessary time and effort to access the abundant material available and engage in intelligent conversations and interviews with relatives, friends and acquaintances representative of the particular aspects in question, they will create characters that are believable, accurately portrayed and interesting. If they don't, they won't.
For a writer to create and adequately portray a character of a race, creed nationality and/or color other than their own, he/she must first perform adequate research. There are books and periodicals that describe in great detail specific cultures, religions, histories, languages and traditions of every conceivable origin. Most people's social circle includes a diverse group of individuals - Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Oriental, Native American, etc.
If skilled authors expend the necessary time and effort to access the abundant material available and engage in intelligent conversations and interviews with relatives, friends and acquaintances representative of the particular aspects in question, they will create characters that are believable, accurately portrayed and interesting. If they don't, they won't.
March 15, 2016
Evaluating Goodreads Authors - Separating the Wheat from the Chaff
Thousands of authors promote themselves on the Goodreads website. No doubt, many of them possess the skills and talent required to write a book that is well worth expending the time and effort to procure, read and perhaps review. Unfortunately, many do not. After three years of trial and error, I developed a system to separate the wheat from the chaff. It usually indicates quite accurately whether or not an author is a professional whose work is worth my time and money.
A Goodreads author's work is probably worthwhile reading if:
The information and claims provided in the author's profile are specific and can be easily researched and verified.
The author's biography, book and contact information are featured in a well designed website.
The book's cover and layout design reflect quality workmanship.
Comments posted in discussion threads by the author seldom if ever contain grammatical errors, misspelled words or typos and exhibit a fluid writing style.
Self promotion threads are skillfully presented, technically well written and concise.
The author does not solicit, offer compensation for or swap consumer reviews or obsess over the quantity or content of reviews received.
A Goodreads author's work is probably worthwhile reading if:
The information and claims provided in the author's profile are specific and can be easily researched and verified.
The author's biography, book and contact information are featured in a well designed website.
The book's cover and layout design reflect quality workmanship.
Comments posted in discussion threads by the author seldom if ever contain grammatical errors, misspelled words or typos and exhibit a fluid writing style.
Self promotion threads are skillfully presented, technically well written and concise.
The author does not solicit, offer compensation for or swap consumer reviews or obsess over the quantity or content of reviews received.
March 8, 2016
Writing a Novel - One of My Most Unsuccessful, Poorest Paying, Rewarding Endeavors
When I retired in 2001 my late wife insisted that I create a bucket list of things I always wanted to do, but seldom had the time. It included four items: 1. Spend more time with the children and grandchildren. 2. Visit each of the 50 United States. 3. Read at least one book a month. 4. Write a novel. My wife added one stipulation. We would fulfill items 1 and 2 together and they would be given precedence over items 3 and 4.
We spent a lot of time with the kids and grandkids and drove all over the country, visiting 43 states. In 2005 my wife lost her battle with cancer. In 2009 I started to write a novel.
It took six revisions and 14 months to produce a completed, polished manuscript. After being convinced by professionals that the manuscript was neither complete nor polished, it took another 11 months, working with and learning from a copy editor, conceptual editor and layout design artist, to convert it into a commercially viable book. It was published Aug. 9, 2011.
The most recent sales report for the quarter ending December 31, 2015 revealed that a total of 986 units have been sold to date. Royalty checks total $2,281.27. This breaks down to only 19 books sold per month since published and $91.25 for each of the 25 months spent writing, revising and polishing the manuscript. Writing a book is the poorest paying, least successful endeavor I have ever undertaken. It is also one of the most enlightening, rewarding and worthwhile.
We spent a lot of time with the kids and grandkids and drove all over the country, visiting 43 states. In 2005 my wife lost her battle with cancer. In 2009 I started to write a novel.
It took six revisions and 14 months to produce a completed, polished manuscript. After being convinced by professionals that the manuscript was neither complete nor polished, it took another 11 months, working with and learning from a copy editor, conceptual editor and layout design artist, to convert it into a commercially viable book. It was published Aug. 9, 2011.
The most recent sales report for the quarter ending December 31, 2015 revealed that a total of 986 units have been sold to date. Royalty checks total $2,281.27. This breaks down to only 19 books sold per month since published and $91.25 for each of the 25 months spent writing, revising and polishing the manuscript. Writing a book is the poorest paying, least successful endeavor I have ever undertaken. It is also one of the most enlightening, rewarding and worthwhile.
