This blog is dedicated to every hard working freelance writer who loves stringing words together. Here, you'll peek into the personal,unvarnished life of an active, professional writer making her way through this crazy biz. So here's to sharing the joys, triumphs, utter defeats, and odd musings.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Hmmm
So... how will this tidbit of information affect the next article you write? Think you'll approach your next sales letter a little different? How 'bout the novel?
OK. I get up yesterday and all is well. Dang near perfect, if you ask me.
You see, I'm on the fair island of Friday Harbor smack dab in the middle of the San Juan Islands in Washington State.
Gorgeous.
You'd have to be half dead not to be blown away by the absolute gorgeousness of the place.
So, back to yesterday.
I wake up in a glorious mood. I head to the opulent condo dining room which we converted into our very cluttered pseudo office and did one thing that set my day off on a sour note.
I started fuming. Grinding my teeth. Tightening my lips.
I thought Leah (my dear friend and business partner) would die laughing.
Next thing I knew, she had the camera out and started taping.
Truth is, I thought I was out of my bad mood by then.
But jeepers. My face looks like I'd just finished sucking a big fat pickle.
If you're interested in avoiding my big mistake check out the video.
Don't worry. No selling. Just pure information and a great big freelance tip.
I wish I'd followed my own advice yesterday.
Talk later!
Beth (and Leah)
P.S. After you check out the video, help me feel less embarrassed by sharing your own similar experience. I'd sure appreciate it.
Headline: Harry Potter Magic Spells Losses for Booksellers.
Article says: because of deep consumer discounts, independent booksellers are barely breaking even on every Harry Potter book sold.
Wow.
As a publisher, I know the discounts we have to offer wholesalers and distributors really cut into profits, often eclipsing any whatsoever when we factor in rising postage prices.
I know printers aren't exactly raking in the dough when you consider their huge overhead.
Author royalties aren't that great either.
Now bookstores are struggling to break even on a huge title.
It's a sorry state for the US publishing system.
That being said, both authors and publishers can make some pretty nice incomes if they work smart.
I live in Minnesota with my husband, son, and Rat Terrier Wonder Dog. Along with an utter passion for writing, I love to ride my mountain bike and exploring every trail I can find. And travel? Love it. Give me a plane ticket someplace I've never been and I'm happy as a clam.