Pop Quiz: Contracts

Pop Quiz: Which of these are HUGE red flags in a publishing contract? a) Charging for editing. b) “Life of copyright” contract length terms. c) Asking for rights other than ebook and print formats. d) “Net” not clearly specified. e) Taking ownership of copyright for length of contract. f) Nebulous “editing” clauses that allow the … Read More

Trainwreck in the making — an author arguing with reviewers.

What NOT to do as a writer… http://writeyourassoff.blogspot.com/2013/06/one-more-timedo-not-argue-with-reviewers.html Seriously, do NOT argue with reviewers. I learned this hard lesson early in my career. Believe me, it NEVER ends well, and the author in this case is not only arguing with reviewers, but is doing so ARROGANTLY. *smh* If you can’t handle getting negative reviews, DO … Read More

Writing How-To: Using trademarked brands in fiction.

Quick writing primer today on trademarks in fiction. While using song lyrics in your fiction without first obtaining written permission is verbotten, trademarks frequently confuse writers. What do I mean? For example, when you refer to the drink, it’s Coke, not coke. (Lowercase coke is if you’re referring to cocaine.) It’s a Dumpster, not a … Read More

Do. Not. Read. Reviews. Period.

Writer Beware in red text.

On a Facebook group I’m a member of, a fellow writer lamented a scathing reader review they received where they were (literally) told they should seek out another form of employment, because writing wasn’t their forte. I’ve made no bones about the fact that one of the worst things a writer can do is read … Read More