End of year

As the end of the year approaches, I begin to analyze what publications printed my works in 2010. Course, my husband gets on my case to print it all out for our taxes.

That said, what is your method of record keeping?

Some record keeping programs make the job easy. However, after trying one, I decided my spreadsheet works fine. I set up a spreadsheet with a submission listing - publication, article title, date, email or snail, what was sent (query, book proposal, whole article, etc.), acceptance/rejection, follow-up, editor, address, promised pay, expense and actual pay. Below all that, I list what expenses I accumulate as they happen.

Unfortunately, I'm a book junky. Instead of borrowing all my resource materials, I tend to purchase them from amazon.com or wherever I find them. If the books are out of print and expensive, I borrow them. My shelves are loaded. Many books have sticky notes along the edges. I'm not good at note taking but everything is marked in each book.

With the approach of the New Year, I'm considering what writing goals/resolutions I can make. The first will be better note keeping - footnotes particularly. If anyone questions a statement or fact, I'll have instant access to the source rather than spending time going through sticky notes.

What 2011 goals are you setting?

I think I'm pretty much finished with my website. Check it out. Let me know if you have suggestions.

Home again

We returned from the cruise to Alaska and I can't remember what day it is. Thursday went by in a blur. Got up too late to golf. Friday sped by. I almost fell asleep when the gallery was empty during my four hour volunteer shift. So, here I am - late again - with more information on writing.

I'm trying to learn to operate my website. I've written a bio, a front page and added my new book. Check it out at http://www.lindaosmundson.com/. I have to set up a page for kids and then perhaps I'll be finished for a while. Code Sail Corporation is a friend who is really easy on me. He helps a lot and doesn't get upset when I ask dumb questions. 

Promotion involves communicating with any organizations to which you belong. For instance, I advertised the July 22nd 1st author panel with my SCBWI Northern Colorado group. Meeting is 6:30-8:30 at the Northern Colorado Writer's studio next to Chico's in the Foothills Mall area. I informed my golf group in case anyome might be interested in attending. The price is right - only $10. Any blog readers in the Fort Collins area are welcome. I plan to bring props!

I've also set up my first book signing. The Loveland Museum/Gallery where I serve as volunteer Docent Coordinator will print it in their catalog of events when the time comes. I'll prepare a PowerPoint presentation to go along with the signing to interest more people.

I learned from a teacher friend who I should contact at school districts. Once school starts, I'll work on that. The Pelican Marketing Department will also contact schools. I may be busier than I expected but, hopefully, all my promotion will generate more sales.

Be mindful that publishers now expect authors to help in as many ways as possible. Their staff budgets have been cut so any promotion done by the author is appreciated. Think how you might market your book.

Publisher requests

I received two emails - one from the Pelican School Sales Manager and one from my editor.

First, they asked when and where I'd like to have my first book signing. Being that it is really early and I'm not even sure when the book will be out, it is hard to think about a first book signing. However, the Loveland Museum/Gallery, where I volunteer as a docent, suggested, when I told them about the sale, that they would definitely have a book signing. Friday I asked if that were still true. We are now planning a Saturday date in May before school is out. Not only will I sign books, but, I'll begin with a presentation on Charles M. Russell, the book's subject. A follow-up on the book signing will appear here closer to the launch date.

Where would you want a first signing? Why?

The other email stated two additional requirements. I must provide an Introduction page on how teachers can use the book and a timeline for the last page. The timeline was easy since one of my resource books has a rather short biography of the artist. I chose happenings that would appeal to children.

The Introduction can include the ways I've interacted with children for looking at art in museum settings and suggestions for incorporating the art into other curriculum areas. I just have to figure out how to make the page short! Introductions are not always required by publishers. Ask early.

I am still trying to get my website filled out and ready to go - another suggestion by publishers. I'm working on the bio. A friend sent an article from Lori Russell's blog which offers ideas for opening leads of a profile, very similar to a bio. Check it out at  http://writersontherise.wordpress.com/category/columnists/lori-russell/.  Scroll down to the fourth post. In fact, you might want to read a few of her other posts on writing. They are old but pertinent.

I'm hoping to get the bio posted before I leave on a trip this coming Wednesday. Think about your bio. Besides a long version, consider including medium and short ones. If your book is non-fiction, think about an introduction. If a biography related subject, consider making a timeline.