Lisa Tener's Blog: Lisa Tener's Writing/Publishing Blog, page 41

What is an Author’s Advance? What is a Royalty? How is a Book Deal Structured?

I had a call from a new client today who seemed very embarrassed to ask me these questions. She apologized for her ignorance, but did not “know how the publishing industry works.” These are not “dumb questions” at all. Many people don’t know what an author’s advance or royalty is or how it works. What’s an Author’s Advance?: The publisher provides an advance payment in anticipation of royalties. This is money that needs to be paid back once your book is selling, but generally it’s paid back by the royalties you earn so you don’t have to give it back[...]

How to Write a Book Proposal or Book: Why I am a Perfectionist

I’m not a perfectionist about everything. Take one look at my desk and that will be way obvious! I am a perfectionist when it comes to how to write a book proposal and how to write a book, though. Here’s why: 1. Branding: Your book sends a message to all readers and potential readers–from the title to book cover to content and punctuation.  You want to send a top quality message. 2. Credibility: When I see typos or incorrect grammar in a book it calls the credibility of the author into question. I wonder if the author is truly an[...]

One More Poem

While I promise this book writing and publishing blog will not turn into a poetry blog, I felt I left you with a rather intense image with yesterday’s post/poem and thought a little word play might lighten things up. I wrestle a noun I wrestle a noun till it yells “Uncle,” Lasso a verb and reel it in. Tussle with tenses, Find a few prepositions Within a box in a closet under the stairs. Can’t resist and reach for the stars Where I nab a sparkly adjective Despite Frank Conroy’s warning, “Don’t touch that.” And oh-those-tempting adverbs. Slowly, reluctantly, I[...]

Writing Poetry–Playing, Having Fun and Toning my Writing Muscles Effortlessly

I’ve been writing daily and here’s my secret—I write a poem a day.  Now, it’s a big admission for me to even share this, because even though poetry was my first love, I had learned somehow to marginalize poetry in my adult life—and I think that’s because as a culture we’ve marginalized poetry and poets. Here is just some of the beauty of writing poems: -          It stretches your muscles—you can play with language, metaphor, rhythm and all the tools of writing.  All this practice will improve your prose. -          It’s extremely satisfying—you can write an entire piece in ten[...]

Publishing Decision: How Much Money Can an Author Make?

I recently received this e-mail: “Dear Lisa, “I’m wondering if anywhere on your site you discuss money, as in what a typical new author will make per book by signing w/traditional publisher versus what an author will make by becoming the publisher…taking into account marketing budget needed to do marketing regardless of which way you go. I know terms vary by contract, but it’s important. Just wondering because too many authors get that shock too late in the process and regret having signed… ” It’s a great question, but it’s important to take a step back. When I consult with[...]

How to Write a Book Proposal and Attract the Agent and Publisher of Your Dreams

“Lisa, I just signed the book contract!” I heard some version of these seven words three times this summer, as my clients signed with traditional publishers. I also received a phone call just last week from a client who anticipates signing with a large publisher in the next few weeks. It’s always exciting to know that all the time, work, creativity and love put into a book proposal has met with success. Another client recently mentioned that she found the books on book proposals confusing—that she wasn’t sure how to apply the information and structure to her particular book. The[...]

Lisa Tener Selected As a “Top-Idea Maven” by The Woman’s Advantage

Entrepreneur’s Advice Featured in 2014 Woman’s Advantage Calendar Saunderstown, RI – Lisa Tener, Book Coach and Owner of Write Your Book was selected from over 5,000 submissions to be featured in The 2014 Woman’s Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar. The calendar provides advice for women business owners from influential women leaders across the US and around the world. Mary Cantando, Growth Expert of The Woman’s Advantage, today announced that Lisa’s advice has been included in the calendar. “Lisa Tener’s quote was selected because it was powerful yet easy to understand. Her idea is relevant to almost every woman in business today.”[...]

Are You Beating Yourself Up About Writing a Book?

I recently heard from a Bring Your Book to Life graduate who did not complete her book in the 8-12 weeks prescribed in the course–several years ago. She’d been beating herself up for years about it. But all that time, she’s been working on her book–and continuing to refer to the course materials and the notes I gave her about editing her work. And I know she’s writing one heck of an amazing book. Her book required time to reflect, for her views to evolve, for research to catch up with what she knew, and–who knows? I believe in divine[...]

How to Write a Book Proposal: Writing the Competing Books Section

After reading dozens of book proposals and having dozens of client book proposals accepted by agents and publishers, I’ve noticed that the competing books section of a book proposal is just hard for people and they often need help with it before they get it right. One common error is comparing your book to books that didn’t do very well. Another is comparing your book to bestsellers and finding flaws with the bestsellers. Another is saying lots about the competitive or complementary books without comparing to your own. Here is what you want to keep in mind: the agent or[...]

How to Get a Publisher: What Every Publisher is Looking for in a New Author

I just got an e-mail tonight from an acquisitions editor congratulating one of my clients, Bring Your Book to Life Program graduate Leslie Shapiro: The editorial board had approved her manuscript and they’d be sending a book contract shortly. One thing that struck me in this process was Leslie’s flexibility. When the editor suggested a title change, Leslie immediately let her know she was open to the experience and wisdom of the editor and the editorial board. Many authors feel understandably protective when it comes to changes to their book, but the truth is that a publisher has loads more[...]