Publishing a book and on-line courses

It was a long drive: from Perth to Renfrew. About an hour and 40 minutes. We had to go to pick up the remainder of my books. Deal was, my co-publishing company has been bought out by another. Half of the remaining books are legally mine, the other half I had the option of buying them back or having them destroyed.

I'd had 1500 printed. There are 288 remaining. I bought them all back. It saddens me. There are so many chumps out there self-publishing books that the media doesn't have time for people, like myself, who co-publishes. That means that I paid for the books to be printed and the co-publisher provides the editor, book cover designer, and then arranges for them to be printed.

The last of them: 288 copies

It was a laborious, joyful process. I learned a lot about myself, and about the process of writing. I did a lot of research for the book. During the writing I was taking an on-line M.A. course in Counseling. I had access to all of their electronic library resources. My papers for the 8 courses I took (in total there were 10) I based on what I wanted to learn for the writing of the book.

My M.A. online experience

The newspaper article hotlink below refers to the sexual harassment and violence reported in our 

journaling is a therapeutic tool

universities. This is simply the tip of the iceberg. It's not been very long since women had to pretend to be men in order to attend university. The plethora of remote learning has been an interesting one. We remove gender, stereotypes and biases contrived from face-to-face learning. 

Sexual harassment leads to the normalization of behaviours, showing videos, unacceptable comments, attitudes keep on being perpetuated. On campus there are means by which universities must self-regulate and control harassment through policies and procedures. Usually, it is too little, too late. Issues, such as bullying on-line are ignored.

book proof cover

I have 3 degrees: B.A. from uRyerson in ECE, B.Ed. from uOttawa, M.Ed. from uOISE/Toronto.
However, I haven't talked much about my unfinished M.A. in counseling from the on-line degree I was taking from uYorkville. All of our courses were on-line. Most of the professors had several jobs, as well as assistant, and really didn't get much involved in the daily posts by students. We demonstrated our knowledge by participation, posting, leading a weekly session, and submitting papers.

Regarding my experience with this on-line MA from Yorkville University was less than stellar.
There was a male who was abusive and a bully, and, perhaps, a nutbar, and the professors didn't care a whit. I got myself so frustrated doing this course, getting into a verbal battle with this male, that I quit two courses short. One course was the practicum of counseling someone, under the supervision
of a practicing Psychiatrist.

sign it off and
off to printing

There were few controls for participants. I found that some participating had little investment in the course, and demonstrated an inability to write quality papers. This I found out when trying to work within the mandatory groups. Some try to take advantage of group participants, and sucked us into doing the work for them. I refused to buy in. Some, as we sent out group papers back and forth, accidentally would delete the Word document and some of our work.

You see, they don't care who signs up for these on-line courses, even if it is a legitimate university. They had no qualifications for students. They forced us into working in groups, with people like this male, and others who apparently hadn't mastered the strict APA style required by the counseling profession out there. The group counselling course required that we conduct a group course through strictly on-line posting. It was bizarre.

I realised at the time that I still had not worked my way through my depression. I had some manic episodes which haunt me. I was happy to let it go.

Anyone want a copy of my book?!
I've donated them to all the public libraries, my alma mater libraries, hospices, volunteer groups, friends, family. I've traded books with a great number of people who have similarly written autobiographies. I've blogged, done lobbying and was finally interviewed on the CBC Radio show White Coat Black Art, with Dr. Brian Goldman (photos there!). (That national gig sold 6 copies of my book! SIX.)

Disciplining sexual violence on campus needs policies that work

Dalhousie University isn't the only post-secondary institution confronting disturbing allegations revolving around sexual violence. As one university puts partial suspensions in place and talks of restorative justice, another conversation has begun on confronting the problem on campus and whether the quest for Justice could lead to Injustice.

Publishing a book

It is difficult getting a book published. There are a few success stories in the publishing world. Like the young hockey players in my elementary school classes, all of them think they are going to be another Wayne Gretzky!

You hope you can write that novel that will propel you onto the charts, like Margaret Atwood. In fact, few of us manage to find a publisher, fewer find an agent. It is a darned hard thing to do. Of course, there is a difference between fiction and non-fiction, but not too much.

My cyberfriend, Andrew, asked me about getting my book published. When I look at it, now, I think it was a big mistake. I spent a lot of money co-publishing. I did have a great editor, as part of the contract, and someone to design the cover.

The company has some contacts, and put out press releases, but to get myself any press is proving incredibly difficult, if not impossible. None of the media want to talk to me. Perhaps, it is my topic: cancer and dying. There are a boat load of books about those who beat cancer, few about dying with cancer.

Book launches you have to pay for by yourself. If you want press, you have to pay for ad space to announce a book launch or a book signing. There are amazingly brilliant stories, like Terry Fallis. His book podcast hit the big time and a book publisher approached him. From there, her found a book agent and it was all history. He sent 10 copies to the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour contest, and won. In his case, he had a great book, by all accounts, and he had industry contacts.

In many cases, your book may not be as good as you think it is. Ensure that you have developed writing skills, have friends read it, ask for feedback from people with education and experience in this area. Publishers do not want to spend a long time in the editing phase. Taking creative writing classes is a good use of your time. Read a lot in your genre. Read the good, the bad and the ugly. I recently read a novel that pretty much leaves out commas and apostrophes. You will see what I mean. It just jars. No one told him how much it needed editing.

There are several places for more information.

Book Proposal
The first thing to do is to prepare a book proposal. Surf around and look for dos and don'ts: FAQs.<= There is a guide on this link.

Find a publisher and/or literary agent
Finding a publisher will a difficult task. If you cannot find a literary agent (this site has much helpful advice), as does this post.

Know your rights as an author. There are many Canadian Author's Federations. Contact them if you need help: Canadian Author's Federations and provincial associations can help you, the Canadian Writer's Guide is good reading.

For many budding authors one is hard-pressed to find a publisher. One option is either self-publishing or co-publishing with a cost-sharing agreement. In this case you either carry, or share, the costs of the editing and printing. One must be careful, however. As there are companies out there with unethical practices. Beware of those advertising on the web, e.g., poetry books, as you risk losing much. It can cost as much or more than $8,000 to self-publish.

I could not find a publishing company at the time despite sending out many Book Proposals. These are the three options for a writer who thinks she has a story to tell. Margaret Reynolds, Executive Director of the Association of Book Publishers of B.C., says that self-publishing companies are actually 'publishing services companies', and are not covered by the ethics of book publishers. One source of info is Independent Authors & Illustrators of Canada.

• Research which companies publish the type of book you have written.
• Do self-publishing with Trafford, or others as a last resort!
  

These Google ads pop up everywhere, do not personally invest in your book if you can help it, or unless you are prepared NOT to get your money back!

Have You Written a Book?Professional Independent Publishing Easy & Fast. Get a Free Guide!AuthorHouse.com

Book Publishing GuideGet A Book Publishing Guide Mailed To Your doorstep At No Cost.www.Xlibris.com/BookPublishing

Book Publishing Made EasyGet Published Quickly. High Quality Books. Get Your Free Guide Today!www.Trafford.com

• BUT: Get an independent editor - Independent editors can show you books they have successfully edited and they have hourly or page rates. Always ask for names of 3 happy past customers!!

• Work with a writing circle for several drafts before submitting anywhere.

Pre-buy a few dozen copies which you will sell at your readings --and personally get the investment back.

• Try publishing chapters as articles or on blogs to build up readership first.
• Do a radio talk show or local cable series on your book.
• Build your audience, even with snippets on your blog.
• Send a query and sample chapter to a dozen companies-- after reading their submission guidelines.
• Meet other published writers--even if it means going to Toronto writing groups a few times.
• CAA's Canadian Writer's Guide--# 12 and # 13 (of course, find the American equivalent if in the US) chapters of basic advice.
• There is no short cut to getting a reliable publisher. But membership in national organizations can save you some grief.
• Research as much as you can: this blog, Nathan Bransford, has great ideas, as well as contact info. In Blogger, you can find other authors, who may have great links, or suggestions in your country.

"Statistics from BookNet Canada, which tracks book sales and publication, show almost 83,000 books were published in Canada in 2008, up more than 6,000 from 2007. There were also almost one million unique books on sale on bookshelves in the country. BookNet does not distinguish between mainstream and independent books."

Read more of the full article at The Financial Post: http://www.financialpost.com/news-sectors/story.html?id=1871009#ixzz0RxqqfmOY

Once you have a book in your hand
This story, which revolves around Terry Fallis' story, points out how important it is to be able to spend a lot of time flogging your book. [Financial Post story ] You always have a box full in your car. At one book signing, a friend only sold 3 books, but spent a lot of time talking about the book with others.

• Donate books to libraries, schools, universities, to put it into circulation and to ensure that it comes up in a search, especially if it is non-fiction.
• Donate books to conferences that feature your topic. Mine I have donated to palliative care conferences. I have tried, also, at these conferences to give the book to a key note speaker to review. You really need someone to endorse it.
• If you belong to a union, or a professional group send it there.
  
• Newspapers will not cover your story unless you have a contact. If you pay for an ad in a small paper, chances are they will, however.
• Develop a Press Kit - see the sidebar for mine. If you search this, as well, you will find many valuable samples, depending upon your genre!
  

The Best Laid Plans

Terry Fallis self-published, as I did, but rather than having to sell it out of his car's trunk, the breakthrough came when The Best Laid Plans was won the 2008 Leacock Medal for Humour. I am somewhat defeated when it comes to self-publishing, I cannot get any media attention since the big-name publishers can have an interview and 15 minutes of fame with just a phone call to any media outlet. Mine is a heavy-duty topic, too: cancer.

Terry's book, however, deserves the attention of the Canadian public. He has taken his experience in politics and created a humorous look at life on the hill! He has used a marketing strategy that has launched his book quite well.

From his website:
"Terry Fallis is the author of The Best Laid Plans, a satirical novel of Canadian politics. This debut novel was originally self-published in 2007 and won the 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Then McClelland & Stewart published TBLP in September 2008. He also won the Gold Medal in the Independent Publisher Book Awards in the Regional Fiction - Canada East category."

I love reading. With retirement, comes more time to do the things you like. Reading is one. Combining chores with pleasure, I have been listening to the podcast of The Best Laid Plans as I work. As with many authors, Terry has a blog, he is on Facebook, and has a following. He has been making many speeches, the last at the Ontario Legislature. See his blog post: "Now this was a thrill…"

This book has won awards, and rightly so. Firstly, it is a humorous look at Canadian politics. With a son-in-law (a P.Eng, BTW) just named Green Party candidate in Nepean-Carleton, (am I proud?)! I am eager to listen to tales of same. Having lived 25 years in Ottawa - you just have to become a political animal. The plot, the characters, the incidents ring true. I have met and worked with these people. I find myself giggling, even while standing atop a ladder, arms sore from sanding and scraping.

Terry embeds the work with description, and with references to people, places and things that are dear to my heart: women's liberation, Ottawa, the Hill, university life: uOttawa ( where I earned my B.Ed. and taught a semester!), teaching adults (is it on the exam?), plagiarism, university politics. All his underlying themes and messages speak to me. But the strongest one was bereavement, and it was most beautifully portrayed. As I am a former caregiver and a current Hospice Volunteer, I found he treated the subject with grace and illumination.

While it is predictable, it is a satire - you know the political Achilles' heels, it is rather funny! Like Stuart McLean's on Vinyl Cafe, you know the hole the main character has dug himself, you can identify with it, and you can laugh with him as he walks into it. That is anticipatory humour at its most delicious. Little toilet humour - there is some!, but it adds to the character development and rings true.

The author, Terry Fallis, is an articulate, well-read, educated politico (not an oxymoron!), who uses interesting words one likes to taste and reflect on: nascent and assiduous. Words that demand that you think. I can identify with the main character. I jumped into union politics in the early 90s, and I saw what goes on. And still I laughed!
One memorable quote, " I didn't see the soap box until it was beneath my feet!"

Regarding Terry's target audience; politicians, politicos, and Ottawans, anyone who has ever voted, they (we) are the target. If you cannot laugh at yourself, then you cannot laugh. His self-deprecating humour, as a former party pundit, lends insight to the novel. You know he has lived this life. You know that satire is based on more than a kernel of truth. It is based on a whole bowl full of popcorn!

I heartily suggest you read, or listen to this book. Terry is working on a sequel, and I wish him luck with that. Good job, Terry!

See the previous post for the cheat sheet! Our system is British-based, but not so dissimilar that you wouldn't not get the jokes! I had fun teaching during the various elections. The students really got into the topics. Here are our bulletin boards photos.

Words from Terry, "I can honestly say that the most gratifying part of this amazing adventure, has been the opportunity to hear from readers who have found the novel to be worth their money to buy it, worth their time to read it, and worth their breath to recommend it. When all is said and done, having satisfied readers is what it’s all about. As well, I can report that over a year later, I still haven’t recovered from the Leacock shock. The sequel to TBLP, tentatively entitled The High Road, is about two-thirds written. I’m writing away and hope to have the manuscript done by mid fall. Thanks again for reviewing TBLP."

Click on the icon for more
book review blogs
@Barrie Summy

Publishing a book

It is difficult getting a book published. The first thing to do is to prepare a book proposal. Surf around and look for dos and don'ts: FAQs.<= There is a guide on this link. Finding a publisher will a difficult task. If you cannot find a literary agent (this site has much helpful advice), as does this post. Ensure that you create a writing proposal (e.g., ) and know your rights as an author. There are many Canadian Author's Federations. Contact them if you need help: Canadian Author's Federations and provincial associations can help you, the Canadian Writer's Guide is good reading. For many budding authors one is hard-pressed to find a publisher. One option is either self-publishing or publishing with a cost-sharing agreement. In this case you either carry, or share, the costs of the editing and printing. One must be careful, however. As there are companies out there with unethical practices. Beware of those advertising on the web, e.g., poetry books, as you risk losing much.

I could not find a publishing company at the time despite sending out many Book Proposals. These are the three options for a writer who thinks she has a story to tell. Margaret Reynolds, Executive Director of the Association of Book Publishers of B.C., says that self-publishing companies are actually 'publishing services companies', and are not covered by the ethics of book publishers. One source of info is Independent Authors & Illustrators of Canada.

My husband, after talking to a book store owner, bought me a book called, The Canadian Writer's Market (17th ed.). This book lists most of the publishers in Canada, their expertise, and whether they accept book proposals. In my case, I ruled out several companies, and presumed that the information would be accurate, e.g., that my books topic (Dying With Dignity: A memoir), would not be interesting to some companies. What a mistake. I should have sent my proposals to all the companies I could (I sent about a dozen out and heard back nothing). I think finding a local publisher, a co-publisher (who will split the publishing costs) and one in your own province, is important as they understand the market for which you are writing. In my case it is a book about Ontario's Senior's and Long-Term Care: Dying With Dignity.

A publishing services company might ask you to pay for a Reader's Report. For these businesses all of the costs are up front. (My first publisher was happy to take my money!) This report should contain enough information on: Plot Summary, Strong Points, Weak Points, the organization, structure, character development, voice and tense if these apply. Finally, the report will either recommend or not recommend that this be published by said company.

In my case, the publishing services company I checked out, Granville Island Publishers Inc.,(GIPL), charged me on a per word basis. It was quite exorbitant, and well beyond what a typical report should cost. Typically publishers should charge you between $250 and 300 for such a report. I was charged $832. My first draft was quite raw, and had too much in it. That said, it was quick reading and would not have taken all that much time to digest it. (My first sign that I was going to be ripped off.) I should have taken my contract and asked around some more. It was a lesson learned. The intimation by the business owner was that my book was terribly flawed, which they could fix.

It was a difficult time for me, I should have done a lot more sending out of proposals, but I did not. I gave up and thought this was the only place I could go. I received bad advice all around from this company. The publisher, Jo Blackmore, has left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. She seldom responded to my queries, despite my sending her $8400, the first 1/3 of that which my contract demanded. I tried to come to an agreement and get some of my hard-earned money back, but she cited bad debt issues and will not refund a significant amount of money. I was such a fool. With no personal investment she has no motivation to create and sell my book. There were innumerable extras: bookmarks, distribution, storage of said books.

My money has gone to support this business, which appears to be having issues. Other individuals have left this publisher. At least I know I am not alone. There are rumours in the trade that she has a bad rep. I can attest to this as she was unresponsive, and defended her lack of time for me and gave me the impression that I was not important. She contaminates the entire publishing trade in Canada. I felt intrusive after sending inquiries about the progress of my book. She was defensive. Despite offering an apology or five, for her lack of attention, she has not refunded my money as requested. I think the business is suffering as both of us have agreed to terminate the contract, and she said she did not have enough cash to resolve the issue.

The book, No Laughing Matter, for example, has been 'out of stock' for months at Amazon. But there is something fishy about this publishing services company, as the company was selling the book as GIPL, and now is not. I wonder what has happened here. I have deep respect for this author.

A person working for an author's federation said, "It's a shame that so many so-called 'independent publishers' are in fact, vanity presses in the way they operate. They cleverly take advantage of emerging writers and withhold important information on both their websites and in their marketing material. They take advantage of an author's ignorance."

There are employees who have left due to highly unethical publishing practices. This is your fair warning. I have documented Granville Isl. Publ., Ltd. business practices, which leave the writer at a huge disadvantage. There are several issues: appallingly inflated costs to the author as she signs on with a publisher, unethical treatment of authors, lack of time and attention, that must be iterated. Despite protestations of good intentions and immediate action, the author is left high and dry.

Theoretically, the costs of the editing process are absorbed by the author, in self-publishing, with some mark-up for over head for the publisher. Then there is the cost of the printing process, which is similarly absorbed by the writer, and marked up by the publisher. They should be providing you with a good editor, timely responses, good advice, a commitment to your book, people to help you figure out how to market and where to market your book. If you self-publish you risk all, as you are on the hook for all costs, both seen and unseen. If your book does not sell, you take all the risk.

If you use a co-publisher, then costs can be shared by both of you, depending upon your agreement. In this situation they will give you good advice because they have an investment in the process. Otherwise, if you self-publish you are on the hook for delivering the boxes of books to book stores, as well as storage of unsold books. This can add up to costs that will bankrupt you. Boxes are shipped in boxes of 30 or so. They are not cheap to ship. Costs can be cut back if you send several copies to book stores, otherwise you are sending one book to one customer, and this is not cost effective.

The kind of information in my book (intended to help others), must have a reasonable price point. You must be able to sell the book at an affordable price. The price point must be less than the total $26,000/1000 copies that I was expected to outlay according to my GIPL contract. What a mistake to sign such a deal. The final costs to readers would be beyond the reach of those for whom I write: families and caregivers. The exorbitant costs reflect a publisher that is hard-pressed for cash and having difficulties in business. For a firm that demonstrates poor inattention to a writer, untimely responses to e-mail, and lack of respect during our teleconference calls (taking other calls while I was on the line), this was another clue that I was an unimportant person. When I complained, my answers were abrupt, demanded that I have patience, and the explanations included the importance of the company owner's time over mine. My treatment was sadly lacking any respect for my work and my time.

What I was promised would have taken two weeks, took months to do. An assistant promised that the publisher was eager to get started, but nothing happened. My book, in its raw state, was not passed on to the editor for two month. To add to this, my research has found that there are others who are, at the very least, 'disgruntled' with poor treatment by this company. I am not the only person. I have information that supports my claim and can reiterate my experiences. The word is, "Yes, we've had several complaints about this self-publisher and don't recommend the company to our members."

Honest publishers do not appreciate the kind of ethics some demonstrate - it is bad for the industry, for them and for their business. Beware the publisher you choose.

The Better Business Bureau provides little information about companies with, for example, unethical practices. They consider this to be a private deal and do not keep track of those who sign a contract. Despite this being a business deal, it may be a case of, and they caution one against, buyer's remorse.

The good news is that I found a co-publisher and we are sharing the costs of my book. It will be published in 2008.

~~~~~~~~
References
Canadian Author's Federations

Canadian Writer's Guide

Publishing Process

An author, once she has told her story, found a publisher, and the book has been edited, proof-read, and fine-tuned, gets a proof copy that she goes over with a fine-tooth comb. The first third of the payment has been sent to the publisher. A deal has been signed. The author is assigned an editor, publicist, proofreader, book designer, in a cast of 'thousands'.

This proof comes in the form of an unglued book, basically. The printer prints it off and the author and editor gives it a final go-over. This part of the process is very exciting. The book, at first glance, finally looks like a book. Book marks are created, and similarly proofed.

The errors or omissions are noted, she either asks for a new print-off, or signs off the book as corrected, or as is. The book designer then gives the command. It is sent to the printer, along with a check for the 2nd third of the agreed to payment.

In the background, book stores are contacted. Book signings will be arranged, as well as a book launch. The author, if this is non-fiction, can arrange to write articles, seek out local media for reviews, interviews, and present workshops, or present at topic-related conferences. Advertising in magazines with similar topics can be arranged.

The item is placed in a catalogue, with the cost and information to promote the book.

Locally there are many papers in my region: Parry Sound Press, Bracebridge Examiner, Huntsville Forester, for example.

Nepean This Week : published by Osprey, is a paper that might result in some attention. I lived and worked in Nepean and have many former teacher colleagues there, as well as the larger Ottawa Citizen newspaper. Explore your options. Many local papers take an interest in local authors!

Your local bookstores should show some interest:

Manticore Books, Orillia
Check your local chamber of commerce website for details.

The Gravenhurst Book Store 120 Muskoka Road South P.O. Box 40 Gravenhurst (705) 687-0555

Reader's World, 52 Manitoba St., Bracebridge, P1L 1S1
Parry Sound Books - in parrysound.com, 26 James St, Parry Sound

I was checking out the books in our Shopper's Drug Mart. The pharmacist explained that The Newsgroup are the ones that decide to put books in a drug store chain or not.
Your publisher would contact that agency to make those arrangements.

Writing a book

The first thing a writer needs to do is to read a lot, and write more.

Then, begin by organizing your thoughts. I write my blog (there are guidelines here) to help focus and give me structure! I am mindful of plagiarism and copyright laws, too.

Oprah offers some advice on writing a memoir. The important thing is to write every day. The use of autobiography is a well-documented means by which a person can find healing. After my gr. 6/7/8 students lived through Ice Storm '98, we wrote about it. I have read several good books about writing, but Natalie Goldberg's work continues to be my favourite.

I learned a lot about teaching writing to my gr. 7/8 students from her work. It is hobby or work that requires discipline and it is simply a craft one must practice. For me it has been a hobby. One that has provided much in the way of personal reflection and healing. Once you have created a story, you need to read it, leave it for a time, and reread it. Have a friend read it. Find a creative writing group with which to share it. Mostly, however, read other authors who have written in a similar genre.

The trick to writing a book is to find a story to tell. Most writers begin with what they know. They draw from people they know and create characters from this repertoire. In my case I wrote a memoir. I read all the books I could find that were autobiographies, especially related to cancer. Then, I simply began writing and wrote every day.

It is important to write often. Oprah has a few ideas and writing prompts. The key is to keep on writing. Putting words to paper calls up a need to align various brain cells. We were not a reading/writing animal in the past. In humans this is a fairly recent development. We know that the brain is plastic (Doidge, 2007) and can learn new things at all ages. Writing improves your mind in cortical stimulation and calling up cognitive resources that allow us to go from concrete to abstract thought and concrete thought in a process that changes our thoughts (Wolf, 2007).

Brain research (Jilks, 2007) shows that the more we use our brains to think, write and reflect, the more facile it becomes. The more we talk about our work, better able we are to articulate it. This is why both book clubs and writer's clubs benefit the novice writer.

There is a difference, too, between writing a book and publishing a book. I found the former much easier than the latter!
I was once teaching writing to students in a Sp. Ed. gr. 3 -7 class. I was trying to have them use more adjectives. One little guy in gr. 3 said he could define the difference between a noun and an adjective. Nouns you can 'hold in your hand', but adjectives just 'fly off your pen'!

Since beginning to write my book I have been listening faithfully to Writers & Company (CBC.ca). I have learned much and listened to podcasts on shows about writers and writing quite faithfully. Ms.Wachtel asks great questions on Writers & Company, and I have had my eyes opened up to new books. The best was discovering Beauvoir's A Very Easy Death. Who knew someone else wrote about her mother's death?

The benefits of writing are deep and profound. Autobiography has been shown to assist those in coming to terms with events, with understanding their thoughts, and resolving conflicts. I urge you to sit down every day and put pen to paper. You will find it will help you.