It's far too long since I posted on my blog though who wonders if it's read and by how many. It's like travelling on the wind and feeling nothing but the silence all around one. At this time of year I begin to assess the 12 months gone and the year ahead. Start making plans, especially for my creative year ahead. Lately I've posted some children's poems written years ago on Australian Children's Poetry, the blog I began in March last year (now it's had 140,000+ hits). Heartened by enthusiastic comments, I have resolved to write more poems in 2016. I'll also finish my humorous children's novel with draft title School's Crool. I've written so little in 2015, but have had five books published and at least another three in the months to come.
Meanwhile, I will be judging the 830 entries in the Red Gum Book Club's national youth writing competition. Really looking forward to that as it's not often I hear the creative voice of children.
If you're reading this, I wish you a Merry Christmas with your loved ones, and a creative and successful year ahead!
Di
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Monday, 19 October 2015
Jo-Kin Battles the It
This recent children’s book was reviewed by Ashling Kwok in the Australian children’s book review blog
Buzz Words http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com )
Jo-Kin
Battles the It by Karen
Tyrrell, illustrated by Trevor Salter
PB RRP
$14.95
ISBN
9780994302106
Blast off
on an exciting adventure with Josh Atkins (aka Jo-Kin) and his trusty sidekick, nerdy
Sam Jones (Sam-Wich). The adventure begins when the fearless duo win
the Super Space Kid contest and set off on a mission to save the galaxy from a
deadly alien called the IT.
The
battle is on when the IT kidnaps Captain Astra and Jo and Sam must find a way
to save the galaxy before it’s too late. Along the way, they must survive
entry challenges, successfully master high tech gadgets and battle creatures
trying to destroy them.
This
excellent book is perfect for middle grade readers aged 7 to 10 years. The
storyline is creative and will hold the read’s attention from the moment they
pick up the book. The characters are well-developed and likeable. Readers will
relate to them and enjoy going on this journey with them.
Jo-Kin
Battles the It is
the latest release from award-winning resilience author-teacher Karen Tyrrell.
Over the years Karen has released a number of empowering books dealing with
issues that affect us all.
This
book embodies many of
the elements required to produce a great story but it also deals with important
topics such as resilience, team building, bullying, self-esteem and friendship.
The cover
of the book is graphically enticing as it is brightly coloured and features
interesting images that will appeal to young readers. The
illustrations inside
the book add a nice touch and break up the text.
This is a
brilliant book and is definitely worth a read. It is action-packed and
humorous, and will leave the reader wanting more.
To purchase a copy, see Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Jo-Kin-Battles-Super-Space-Kids/dp/099430210X/
Jo-Kin Battles the It
is also available on LSI, library services and selected stores including some
Dymocks and Angus & Robertson.
Saturday, 3 October 2015
Sad, the Dog by Sandy Fussell
Sad, the Dog by Sandy Fussell, illustrations by Tull Suwannakit (Walker Books Australia) HB RRP $31.99
Reviewed by Dianne Bates
The cover of this picture book for readers aged 6+ years is gloomy, and like the dog depicted, it looks sad. An unwanted Christmas present, the nameless dog is looked after competently by an elderly couple, but they don’t really care about it. They are so disinterested in the dog that when they move house, they dump poor Sad.
 |
| Author of Sad, The Dog, Sandy Fussell |
Happily, life is not always gloom and sadness; there is always hope. And, into the neglected dog’s life comes a new chance at happiness in the shape of a small boy. Jack cares for his new, adopted pet in the way any pet ought to be cared for and by the end of this story this now lucky dog Sad has a new name.
The author, Sandy Fussell, is well-known for her immensely popular Samurai Kids junior novel series, and other prize-winning novels; this is her first picture book. It’s sure to be a winner. The story is told in clear, simple words that are wonderful for reading aloud, especially by a parent to a child; the watercolour illustrations perfectly match the tone of the story.
 |
| Sad, the Dog's illustrator, Tull Suwannakit |
Offering hope to anyone is probably the best gift anyone can give another, and this book certainly offers a loveless dog much hope by story’s end.
 |
| A page from Sandy and Tull's new book |
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
Working With a Great Publisher
For about 35 years I’ve been writing books for children and have now
published well over 120 titles with a range of big publishers like Penguin
Books and HarperCollins to smaller publishers such as Morris Publishing Australia
and Dragon Tales Publishing. Although the bigger companies have more clout
nationally and internationally and the royalties from them are generally more
than that received from smaller publishers, I have a preference for publishing with the smaller. Personal attention, better lines of communication and pro-activity
are hallmarks of staff working on small imprints. This is the story of the
latest publisher I worked with which has been one of the best I’ve
ever published with.
Some
years ago I wrote three children’s non-fiction books about cats, dogs and
horses which, being all alike in presentation, I saw as a book series. Each contained fun facts and amazing stories about animals - a Guinness Book of Records meets
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Each book -- for example cats -- had the same format as the other two. Awesome Cats
looked at cats in history, cat adventures, famous cats and famous people’s
cats, TV, stage and movie cats; and working, lucky, spoiled and clever cats.
There were many jaw-dropping facts about cats, stories that were amazing but
true, jokes and verse featuring cats, and for the true catophiles, there was a
list of children’s novels featuring cats.
As well as completing every manuscript, I also
created a marketing proposal to help any publisher make a decision to publish.
The proposal included the demographics of the intended audience (children aged
8 to 12 years with a reading age of nine), a description of the series’
contents and approach, the main strengths of the series, any major competition
(I couldn’t find any), markets to which the series would appeal and an author
bio. I then found as many possible
publishers for the series and began my submissions.
Looking at statistics in my dispatches’
file over a few twelve month periods, I have found that on average one third of
publishers to whom I submit manuscripts never respond. Of those that do, most
of them take from three to nine months to reply. None ever give reasons for
rejecting manuscripts (which is fair enough as they are not assessors, just
industry people accepting or rejecting a product).
Eventually I had submitted to 30
publishers in Australia and overseas but without any luck. Then a small Australian
publisher based in Sydney expressed interest. I was invited to the publisher’s
office where she showed me books she had published. They looked exactly what I
had envisaged for my books – attractively designed with photographic content.
All of the books she had published were about animals. That very happy day the publisher
said she would send me a contract.
I waited. For months. When I wrote
asking when I might expect the contract, the publisher replied (after some
weeks) apologising that she was now unable to publish my books; that since our meeting she had
closed her doors.
I then submitted my book series to all other publishers
I thought might be interested and when I had exhausted all possibilities, I put
my manuscripts in the proverbial ‘bottom drawer’. Years followed and I had more
or less forgotten about my animal series. Then one day I was reviewing a
beautifully designed, attractive and well-written children's non-fiction book by an
Australian publisher I’d not heard of before – Big Sky Publishing, based in
Sydney. When I saw on their website that Big Sky specialised in non-fiction
books, I remembered my manuscripts and made a submission.
I
sent my manuscript via Word document attachment by email on 13 January, 2015;
receipt was acknowledged the next day, and then on 12 February I received an
email from the publisher Diane Evans saying Big Sky was interested. Diane
phoned me three days later and all three books were contracted the following
month.
Submitting a manuscript and having it contracted in less than two months
is something I hadn’t experienced in many years.
This was the beginning of what
has turned out to be a very happy journey for me. The publisher was a total
delight to work with, and when I was sent samples of the glorious artwork and page designs to approve, I
was even happier.
Diane’s sister Sharon who is responsible for book promotion has
also been a blessing in the publishing process. Big Sky Publishing also promotes their titles via schools through Redgum Book
Club focusing on quality children’s books for children aged 4 to 13 years of
age. Distributed nationally my book will reach so many more children than would
be possible with most other publishers. On top of that,
Jodie Bennett who also works with the Evans’ sisters, has been responsible for the
production and delivery of bookmarks and posters – all in full, bright colour,
and like the illustrations in each of the books, beautifully designed and
presented. Each of the books feature
lots of gorgeous illustrations combined with coloured photographic images of adorable
dogs and cats from Best Friends Rescue and Little Legs Cat Rescue. The
inclusion of real-life images and stories of the charismatic animals from these
pet rescue organisations adds another level of education and inspiration.
I could not really have imagined that
that the Awesome Cats, Dogs and Horses’ books would turn out as brilliantly as
they have. My whole experience with Big Sky Publishing from start to finish has
been an author’s dream... in fact I really couldn’t have dreamed it, only hoped
for it.
So
here’s an enormous thank you for all of those at Big Sky Publishing for their
vision, their courtesy and great communication, and for their hard work turning
once rejected manuscripts into books that I feel immensely proud of.
The books retail for $14.99
each. Here’s where you can get Awesome Cats:
and
Awesome Dogs: http://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/Children/Awesome-Animals-Dogs/1124/productview.aspx
The distributor is Woodslane, phone: (02) 8445
2300 F: (02) 9970 5002 info@woodslane.com.au www.woodslane.com.au
Monday, 17 August 2015
New Play Collection
Students will soon leave the classroom far behind when
they dive into this funny assortment. They will set sail for adventure with
such characters as Dotty Potty, Odious Underarmus, Freddie O’Feral, Louis Q
Weasel (Q for Cute), Oscar Swindlepuss, and Tazzie Wallaroo and his faithful
team of Cha-Wow-Wows.
The collection retails for $19.95. For more information, go to http://www.phoenixeduc.com/shop/item/a-gaggle-of-giggles
Sunday, 9 August 2015
Word Farm
Word Farm is an interesting
Facebook page which offers a sneak peek into the writing spaces of Australian
authors. Some are humble and business like, while others have inspiring views
or are adorned with artworks, personal treasures and even toys. It’s a fascinating
insight into the world of other writers. Each guest offers a trinket of writing
wisdom, but ultimately as writers we have to find our own path and what works
best for ourselves,.
Word Farm is always willing
to hear from published Australian authors who would like to be featured. Please
email wordfarm@dodo.com.au and check out the page at www.facebook.com/wordfarmaustralia
Friday, 31 July 2015
LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
Nearly two
decades ago, after a particular long stint of black depression, I was relieved
to discover that I suffer from bipolar disorder. It was only then that I
realised why I could be so up one week and so down another. It took a while but
eventually I was medicated so that I can now function without any mood swings.
Nowadays, if
my husband Bill thinks I might be a bit over the top (symptoms are heightened
creativity, speaking too loudly or too often, inability to focus and to sleep),
he reminds me to take increased meds. Alternatively, if he suspects I’m slipping
into a dark place, again he reminds me to increase my meds. Any time he’s particularly worried about me, we both visit my GP. I always obey Bill and my GP when it comes to my illness.
It’s rare,
though, that the usual dose of meds needs to be increased. I am a high
functioning, creative and productive person.
So what’s this article go to do
with writing for children?
Last week I
had an ‘ah!’ moment. A fellow children’s writer told me that the convener of a
national conference had ‘whispered’ to her that I have bipolar. For ten years
this conference has been running and despite the fact I was one of its
co-founders, and that I have over 30 years’ experience as an author,
bookseller, national online magazine compiler (Buzz Words), bookseller, schools’
performer, manuscript assessor, editor and teacher, not once have I received an
invitation to present at the conference. Now, it seems this reluctance to have
me involved is because of my (very much in control) mental illness.
It could be
that I’m being paranoid or perhaps the convener has simply overlooked me.
But with the word ‘whispered’, I suspect the poor woman is afraid that asking
me might create a scandal of some sort. The mentally 'ill' woman running amok! Imagine it!
The fact is that I let anyone know of
my illness because I am not ashamed of it. It’s part of who I am. I have chronic
physical illness conditions and a chronic mental illness condition. So what?
I really
feel sorry that anyone, including this convener, is so misinformed that they miss
out on the opportunity of really getting to know me and to make use of my considerable expertise and my talents.
Friday, 24 July 2015
HELP THROUGH THE ROUGH PATCHES
©
Not
so long ago, my award-winning children’s author husband
It is over a year now since I left a well-established
workshop group*; I had forgotten how helpful and inspiring it is to have the
support and insight of others, and how inspiring a workshop session can be.
Between now and our next workshop meeting in a fortnight’s time, I will be
re-working my blighted YA novel, preparing it for re-presentation to the group.
Even if you are an unpublished writer, can I suggest that you find – even
advertise – for some writing buddies? It can be extremely motivating, to say
the least, to have even one supporter, someone you can bounce ideas and writing
drafts off of.
Reading what other published authors have to say about
their methods also inspires me with my own work. One of my favourite American
writers is
What advice do you give to authors who
would like to develop their writing voice? What suggestions do you have for
creating self-discipline at writing?
As for "voice": I feel that you
should write a book as if you are writing a letter to a friend: telling about
something interesting, something meaningful, that has happened. It should be an
intimate and private telling, friend to friend. It should be YOU, laughing,
crying, teasing, angry, relating events, inviting your close friend to pay
attention, to empathize. That will be your voice, a recognizable one.
The question about self-discipline is a
tough one for me. I don’t think self-discipline is a problem if you are doing
work that you love and that you feel is important. I can’t imagine anyplace
that I’d rather be than right here, at my desk. I need self-discipline to make
me get up and take the dog for a walk, or to cook dinner!
How do you get beyond just an idea? How
does an idea become a story?
Some ideas don’t. Sometimes what seems
like a wonderful starting point - a wonderful idea - turns out to be no more
than an anecdote. You have to look beyond a "beginning" to see if
there is any depth to it, any reason for sitting at a desk for month after
month laboring over it, any reason for a publisher investing thousands of
dollars into it, any reason for kids to pick it up and care about it. Does it
have anything to say beyond the superficial? I think that’s the key, for me.
What do you think are the key elements
when writing a book? When you have your ideas do you write a set plan of what
will happen in the plot of the story?
I have occasionally listed the elements -
each of them leading to the next - of a successful book as 1. character; 2.
quest; 3. complications and choices; 4. catastrophe; 5. conclusion, and 6.
change.
I think most writers and teachers of
writing would probably agree that some similar list applies.
But - in my opinion - it doesn’t work to
make the list and then try to create the story to fit it. You create the story
first; later, you see how and where it fits the pattern; finally, you make the
necessary revisions which will become apparent at that point. You may find, for
example, that the catastrophic event (#4) - upon which the concluding events
(#5) should be predicated - occurs too early. Or (and this is quite common a
flaw) that the character, who should have experienced growth as a result of the
events throughout the narrative, has not really undergone a change (#6).
* This workshop, which met
fortnightly for five years, and was originally composed of six children’s
authors, folded when some of the members moved to mostly writing adult science
fiction and fantasy. There are now two groups – one writing for adults, and the
other, to which I belong, are writing for children.
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Children in Care
Even though I’ve written dozens of books (more than 120 and
counting), it’s always an exciting time when a new book hits the shelves. My
latest, due out in July, is a novel for young readers aged 8 to 11 years. Here
Comes Trouble! is based on a boy I knew, one of five siblings, whose
parents were addicts. The boy's family lived close to where my husband and
I lived. He and his brothers and sisters ‘adopted’ us as ‘Nanny’ and ‘Poppy
Bill.’ Sometimes the children came to us for food, other times we took them
out, gave them gifts for Christmas and birthdays, or we shopped for
groceries for the family. Sometimes we lent money to their parents.
It always upset me that their mother frequently kept them home
from school. I talked to their school and became aware that the family had a
caseworker, that the authorities were aware of their situation. I worried a lot
about the domestic violence in the home and other adult abuses the children
suffered, so it came as a relief to me when I discovered that all five had been
taken from their parents and put into care.
Here Comes Trouble! is a fictional story but with a background of five siblings
taken into care. The oldest boy struggles to fit into his home and his school
life. Friendless, he accepts the company of an older boy who leads him into
trouble with the police. Happily, there is an older couple which helps him and
his siblings when their parents fail them. As with the children I was ‘Nanny’
to, they are taken into care where they live happily, all the while wanting the
return of their parents.
Recently, I’ve heard of several academics who are researching
Australian written books for young readers that feature foster children. Both
academics have been surprised to see how few there are -- even though thousands
of children in our country are taken into care every year.
As a foster mother,
I too looked for books to read to children we cared for: at the time all I
could find that fitted the bill were books by American authors -- The
Pinballs by Betsy Byars and Ruby Holler, Sharon
Creech.
Here
Comes Trouble! is published by Dragon Tales Publishing RRP $14.95. http://www.dragontalespublishing.com.au/here-comes-trouble.html
Recently, I’ve heard of several academics who are researching
Australian written books for young readers that feature foster children. Both
academics have been surprised to see how few there are -- even though thousands
of children in our country are taken into care every year. Wednesday, 24 June 2015
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember
In her most recent book Australian
author Karen Tyrell tells about the special love between a little boy and
his grandpa who was Alzheimer’s. Harry will do anything to help his grandpa
remember. Karen says, ‘this is a heart-warming story, full of humour and hope.’
Harry
Helps Grandpa Remember is now on Amazon world-wide as a print Book and as
an eBook. ISBN: 9780987274083
Here is a
review that appeared recently in the Buzz Words blog http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/:
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember written
by Karen Tyrrell, illustrated by Aaron Pocock (Digital Future Press)
PB RRP $15.95
ISBN 978-0-98727-408-3
Reviewed by Peta Biggin
Harry and Grandpa love to play hide-and-seek
together. However, Harry starts to notice changes in Grandpa. He’s
become grumpy, confused and forgetful – even forgetting Harry’s name.
Harry is hurt and sad but decides that he will do whatever he can to help
Grandpa remember the things he’s forgotten.
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember is an uplifting
story about the important, supportive role family can play in the lives of
those suffering from Dementia. Harry is hurt and distressed at the decline of his
grandpa, feeling the loss of a friend and playmate. However, rather than
withdraw from the relationship, Harry comes up with lots of wonderful ways he
can both reconnect with his grandpa and help him to reclaim his lost memories.
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember tackles
a confronting topic in a positive and encouraging way. The focus is
always on what can be gained and enjoyed from such a difficult situation;
activities that can easily be undertaken by most children to ensure a continued
participation in their relative’s life.
It is the little things that we sometimes take for
granted – a walk through familiar surroundings, a song – that are presented
here as the important tasks anyone can enjoy with a relative suffering from
Dementia. In doing these, we see Harry not only bring something back to
his grandpa but also take the first steps in adjusting to what will be a
constantly changing relationship. This is a very hopeful book, however there is
no unrealistic happily-ever-after on offer. Grandpa does not recover;
however, his recollection of Harry’s name is celebrated as the blessing it is.
Aaron Pocock’s illustrations are fun and
energetic. With lots of colour and detail, they are a beautiful
accompaniment – reflecting the optimism and positivism of the story. Karen Tyrrell is an Australian author of both adult
and children’s books. Her books for adults include Me and Her: A
Memoir of Madness and Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery about
her own battles with mental illness. Her
children’s books include Bailey Beats the Blah (a coping
skills picture book) and STOP the Bully (a bully prevention
mid-grade novel). She can be found online athttp://www.karentyrrell.com/.
Aaron Pocock is an English artist/illustrator who is
based in Brisbane. He illustrates children’s books, book cover, CD
sleeves and almost anything else. He also works in a find art capacity
producing watercolour, acrylic and oil paintings. In 2011 he was chosen
to illustrate the Australia Post stamp set ‘Mythical Creatures’ (for Children’s
Book Week). He can be found online athttp://aaronpocock.weebly.com/
To celebrate, Harry will be visiting
these author sites:
22 June: Harry
Helps Grandpa Remember Now on AMAZON www.karentyrrell.com
23 June: Ali Stegert Interview http://ali-stegert.com/
24 June: Di Bates http://diannedibates.blogspot.com.au/
25 June: Robyn Opie Interview www.robynopie.blogspot.com
25 June: Jackie Hosking Review www.jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com
26 June: Charmaine Clancy Author
Platform http://charmaineclancy.com/
29 June: Sally Odgers interview http://promotemeplease.blogspot.com.au
30 June: Jill Smith Review https://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com
30 June: June Perkins Interview http://gumbootspearlz.org/
1 July Dimity Powell Review http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com.au/
Please leave a comment on any of the
sites above for a chance to win an eCopy of Harry Helps
Grandpa Remember. There are five
copies to be won with the winner announced 3 July. Good luck
http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Helps-Grandpa-Remember-Tyrrell/dp/0987274082/
Friday, 20 March 2015
Signing Your First Book Contract
© Dianne Bates
Getting one’s
first contract is probably the highlight of a new author’s writing life (next
to first hearing that a publisher wants to publish her book). However, it can
be easy to receive the contract and in a moment of blissful ignorance, sign and
date it with a flourish – only to later discover you have signed your life
away. I’ve signed hundreds of publishers’ contracts over the past 30 years, so
I, too, have blundered along the way. Here are a few "nevers" I would
suggest when signing a contract:
* Never let a
publisher bully you. Never! If you are inexperienced or nervous and you have a
contract, then is a good time to contact a literary agent and get them to
negotiate on your behalf. (Agents are more interested in writers who already have
contracts.) Alternatively you can contact the ASA (Australian Society of
Authors), a private arts lawyer or the Arts Law Centre, all of whom will advise
you on what rights you should accept.
If at any time during negotiations,
the publisher tries to bypass your agent re the terms of the contract, be firm
and refer them to your agent.
* Do not sign the
option clause in your contract. The option clause basically says that you agree
to submit your next manuscript to the company. It is unnecessary and for many
reason it’s to your advantage not to. You can always submit your next work to
the same publisher who gave you the first contract. Or to anyone else!
* Never sign with
book publishers for "devices which might be invented
in the future" Negotiate these separately, when the publisher is ready to
publish via non-book means.
* Never assign CAL
(Copyright Agency Licence, or photocopying) payments to your publisher, but DO
register your book with CAL as soon as it is published
* Never let your
publisher take your share of ELR and PLR payments. (If in doubt, ring
the Lending Rights' people and ask them what to do). Lending Rights is a
Federal Government payment to compensate authors for their books held in public
and educational libraries.
* Never refuse to
take an advance against royalties. Even if it's only $300, take it. If a
publisher says he can't afford it, find a publisher who can afford it. Do you want to deal with a
liar? Advances should always be non-returnable. If the contract is signed and
your publisher reneges, you are entitled to what is known as a "kill
fee" which compensates you for the work you have done, or have missed out
on doing.
* Never take a
flat fee payment: if you do, then you will never get ELR and PLR payments which
are worth a lot of money to you over a period of time. Lending Rights payments
are only made where there is a continuing interest in the book (ie royalties
coming in).
Always check every
single clause in your contract: be especially careful with percentages on subsidiary
rights and book club deals. Also, watch the translation and film rights clauses
and make sure you negotiate for as much as you can.
·
Re
negotiation tactics, put everything in writing. Talking to publishers in person
or on the phone about contracts can be emotionally charged, so it is best to
put it in print (either email or snail mail) and keep paper copies of all email
exchanges. Create a paper folder marked with the publisher’s name and keep
papers in consecutive date order, including royalty statements, letters (or
emails) to and fro etc. Date everything. This will prove very helpful in the
long run if you need to check on anything, or if there is a legal problem.
·
A CONTACT IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT. NEVER LOSE IT. KEEP IT IN A SAFE
PLACE.
RISING ROYALTIES
If you negotiate for rising royalties make sure you
keep an eye on the number you sell and let the publisher know if they
conveniently forget that the clause is there. A rising royalty means you are to
receive a greater percentage of royalties depending on book sales. You might,
for example, have a royalty of 10% on the first 3,000 copies sold, rising to
12% thereafter.
Don't
let all your great talent and many hours of work be under-valued by yourself
and/or your publisher!
ROYALTY STATEMENTS
Whenever you
receive a royalty statement, always check how many copies there are remaining;
if it approaches 50 (which indicate the book is close to going out of print)
immediately write to the publisher and give notice to reissue or reprint the
book. If they don’t want to do so, ask to buy remainders at discount (offer 50
cents, and negotiate from there.) According to your contract, when the book
goes out of print, the rights will revert to you so you can get your book
published elsewhere, if you wish. Get the publisher to put it into writing that rights have reverted to you. I have done this quite a few times.
REMAINDERS
Sometimes
publishers decide to get rid of stock in their warehouse. There can be numerous
reasons for this, including old stock making way for new, or stock not selling
and taking up valuable space. In any case, most contracts indicate – or should,
as it is to your advantage – that the author gets first right of refusal. Having
remainders means that you can dispose of them as you wish (donate them to
schools, give them as gifts to family and friends, or sell them.) Often the
publisher will offer the remainders to you at a certain price. But it is better
if you make the first offer. I generally ask to buy remainder stock (which
might be up to 1,000 copies) at 50 cents a copy. The publisher will agree or
(mostly likely) make a counter offer. Always make sure that the agreement you
reach results in the publisher paying the freight charges (they get them a lot
cheaper that you will.)
You can sell your
remainders at RRP, if you wish, or at discount at
Markets
Your local schools
To book shops
Conferences
Schools where you present
Via the internet
Via your website
By mail order
If you donate your
books to organisations, such as schools or charities, you can claim a tax
deduction (as a donation or for promotional purposes).
If giving the
books away is part of your marketing yourself as an author, you can also claim
a tax deduction. Make sure you keep accurate transaction records, including
date, price, quantity and customer .
I was once stuck with 500 CD books which I was unable to sell, so I donated
them to a teachers’ organisation which had a stall at a national conference; that year I made a bonus tax deduction as a result.
Dianne (Di) Bates is the author of 120+, many of which
are now out of print. Her most recent books are The Girl in the Basement
(Morris Publishing Australia), Nobody’s Boy (Celapene Press) and A Game of Keeps (Celapene Press). Di’s website is www.enterprisingwords.com.au Di also
offers an online course for those wishing to write for children.
Saturday, 14 March 2015
Writing Competition: The Historic Beginning Challenge
For
many authors, re-publishing in digital formats means the title, cover, blurb
and opening sentence become even more important, because that’s all prospective
buyers see. Sometimes the online catalogue or listing allows prospective reader
to look at a sample page and often this includes the opening paragraph.
Your
challenge is to write two different 100 word openings to the same short story,
novel or non-fiction piece. Each must introduce the character, setting and
conflict. Content can be the same. It must be your original story and probably
is your W.I.P.(work in progress). Labelled Buzz Words Historic Beginning
Challenge, these can be emailed to hazel@hazeledwards.com
Closing date is
30 April. The winner who will be announced in Buzz Words will be sent an e-
copy of Authorpreneurship: The Business of Creativity http://www.hazeledwards.com/shop/item/authorpreneurship-the-business-of-creativity and Fake
ID the YA family history mystery for adolescent readers,
http://www.hazeledwards.com/shop/item/fake-id plus
some other autographed print titles such as Chopper Rescue Stories and
Activities for mentoring and guided writing.
Below
is the opening to my novel, Fake I.D., a YA family history
mystery where Zoe investigates who her gran really was.
‘NOT TO BE OPENED UNTIL AFTER MY DEATH.’
It was printed in black on the package.
So I opened it. Gran was dead. So in one way, it was
OK to open her envelope. On the day of your gran’s funeral, you expect to say
goodbye to her, help pack up the house and her belongings and even arrange for
her dog to be looked after. But you don’t expect to find out that she was
someone
else.
Fake ID, that’s what my gran had. For years and years.
Now I don’t know who she really was. But I’m going to find out. I have to.
Check
out www.hazeledwards.com for
background articles, especially
http://www.hazeledwards.com/page/aspiring_writers.html Also
e-books here: http://www.hazeledwards.com/shop
For a free issue of Buzz Words, an online magazine
for people in the children's book industry, write to dibates@outlook.com
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