The manuscript for my first self-published book, *Freein’ Pancho,* sat in a drawer unread for many years. Early on I’d sent it to a literary agent, waited with anticipation, received a kind letter of rejection. So there it sat until I mentioned the manuscript to Jenny, a fellow writer…
Signing a book contract with a major publisher confers indisputable prestige and quite likely an advance against royalties. And more, the publisher shoulders lion-share of editorial and publishing responsibilities and, icing on the cake, takes the lead in marketing. The Purple Crayon, an outstanding blog covering writing, illustrating, and publishing…
We write for many reasons. But if we expect significant income from book sales, we’re in for a challenge. Writing a book requires long hours of reflective time and creative engagement. Marketing involves face-to-face and mediated conversations with family, friends, colleagues, fans, and strangers—and a rather different cast…