Giveaways - There is no wrong way.

Hi! I hope you're having a lovely Thursday. Today I wanted to talk a little about giveaways. Is it ever hard to decide on what you want to giveaway?

You have a new release. Should you giveaway your new book? A gift card (and hope they will buy your book)? Swag? Or something else totally random?

While there is no real answer on what you should giveaway, I do have a few thoughts. When I first release a book, I don't do an actual giveaway of the book for awhile. Yes, my hopes are people will buy the book.

But I will giveaway a book similar to it. Maybe it's part of the series. I will giveaway the book before or the first in the series. Something that might entice them to want my latest. Such as with Arranged Love, my story Wanted: Wife has a similar feel to it. So I've been giving it away.

I do the gift card thing and usually in $5 increments and give the winner 3 options: Amazon, Nook, or Starbucks. All of these you can do online. I don't know what they will buy with it. But remember, you don't know they are going to read your book either when you give it to them. It could stay on their hard drive. At least with the gift card, they've won something they'll use and if it's a super awesome day, maybe they will pick up my book...maybe they won't.

Swag. I've been published since 2011 and I've never really done the swag thing before. I don't like spending money on things I'm not sure about. I see swag (paper products mainly) and I see my money literally being put into someones trash can. Now, with that said, it doesn't mean you shouldn't give away swag. I actually just did my first swag pack giveaways. I have a conference coming up, so I ordered a bunch of stuff to bring a long. These probably won't be my best giveaways. I'm trying it, so I can't say yet how successful this is.

And on another note. If you're a brand new author and you're wanting to find new readers, then I do suggest giving away your actual book. Like I mentioned earlier, just know, not everyone you send your book to will read it. Books are given away every day and books are bought every day. I must admit, I have books I've bought with ever intention on reading, but then something else came on my kindle and that book got pushed aside 6 months ago now. However, don't let that discourage you, because some are going to read it. They are going to love it and when you're next book releases, you might have found your first few fans. And really, that's what this is all about. Finding fans who love your work. 

Giveaways are tricky, but there really is no wrong way. Readers love them. Many of them spend a lot of money on books, so getting something for free is always great.

Happy Thursday!

-Lacey

Connect With Your Readers

I've been reading this great book by Kristen Lamb - Rise of The Machines: Human Authors In The Digital World. I'm a little more than halfway through, but right now the biggest thing had has stuck with me is: TALK TO YOUR READERS! Or people on Facebook in general.

Kristen Lamb wrote something in the book that made a light bulb go off in my head that said, "Duh!"

To be honest, most of my time spent on my Facebook account is interacting with authors. I like their status's,

comment on them, etc. And I am going to admit, when non-author status's come through, I don't comment on them as much, because when I log in to my Lacey Wolfe account, I'm in author mode. It isn't that I don't care what they are saying. I do. I just don't interact.

Wrong.

I should be. Kristen Lamb made a great point. We are on social media to be social. And I was (I'm stressing was, I've changed my ways), that was on there to just be social with other writers. It's important to like the status's and comment on non-writers stuff. Why? Besides the obvious--to hope they like us and one day might want to read us--but to be social. To find new people and those we can build strong friendships with.

I am more than an author. I am a mother, daughter, wife. I have six cats and a spoiled rotten dog full of anxiety. I like to watch the SyFy channel. I just started to crochet. I love to wash clothes but hate to fold them. See where I am going?

When you get on Facebook or any social media, take a step back and remember, while you are an awesome writer, you're also so much more. And use that to connect with your readers/friends.

To learn a little more, check out Kristen Lamb's blog HERE and go on twitter under the hashtag #MyWANA. WANA stands for We Are Not Alone. And I can't recommend her book enough.

-Lacey

Lacey's Favorite Ways To Use Facebook For Promo

Today I wanted to talk a few of my favorite ways you can use Facebook for promotion. Aside from posting your buy links all the time, there are other ways to entice readers into check out your  books.

Flash Giveaways - What is this? You ask people seeing the post to like and comment on the

post. If you're using a fan page, this will help more people see the post. If you have a new release, this is a great time to post the blurb and cover and give something away that is not your new book. Because I hate to say it, but you want people to purchase the book, right? In my thinking, if you just give the book away, people are going to wait until it's offered as a giveaway again. I am a big gift card giver. They don't have to buy my book with it of course, they can get anything they've wanted.

Anyway, flash giveaways are quick giveaways. A few hours or a day. Your choice. But it's something that as more people like, comment, tag, and share, your info is being shared. And how great is that? It's so hard to reach new readers outside of your usual reach. Hopefully you find one that loves you.

Graphics - These are to be eye catchy and you can include excerpts, buy links, etc with them. And I usually use the website pizap.com. Very easy to use. Anyone, in my opinion, can make eye catching graphics there for FREE! Here are a few I've made before to give you an idea.

And finally, check out these pages. They have forms you submit for them to promote your books. It works! And they want your books to share on their pages. Go check them out!

What To Read After Fifty Shades of Grey: https://www.facebook.com/WhatToReadAfter50ShadesOfGrey
 eBook Korner Kafe (non-erotic): https://www.facebook.com/EBookKornerKafe
Korner Kafe Exposed: https://www.facebook.com/KornerKafeX

Stuck on the plot. My tips. #wwow

It's been a few weeks since I posted, and for that, I'm sorry. I've had some personal things going on that pulled me away from blogging as well as writing.

Today I wanted to talk a little but about writing, writers block, and plot bunnies. I often see authors posting status's or asking in groups what they should do when they feel stuck on a book they are writing, and yet

another story is calling to them.

First off, I don't believe in deadlines. Of course, if you follow me on facebook, you'll see I mention them for myself and now you're thinking I'm some weirdo. But what I mean is setting deadline and stressing about it. I usually start writing a book and make a goal as to when I'd like it done. It either happens or it doesn't. And guess what, I'm fine either way. Stressing makes this job no fun. And I intend to enjoy this career.

So what to do if you're stuck. Do you force the words out or walk away? I usually say, walk away for the time being. You can come back and most of the time you will. If another story is calling, then write it. I can't tell you how many times I've been working on a book and something else calls to me. And bam, I can write that book in no time. Yeah, you might have about five work in progresses, but eventually you will finish them and they will make out to the world. But don't force a book.

I'm gonna be honest here too. I have one book out that was forced. It's in a series and in that series, it's the one that gets picked up the worst and has lower ranked reviews. At the time the book was with a publisher and I had a set deadline to have the book with the editor. And the book just wasn't flowing for me. So I forced it.

The best part of being a indie or small press writer, is that you usually don't have those dreaded deadlines. So enjoy it. Don't push yourself to write something that just isn't ready.

-Lacey

#wwow - Critique Partners - Why You Need One.

Today I wanted to talk about the importance of critique partners and having ones who will be honest. Of course we all want to hear that our work is great and its going to be the next best seller, but I can tell you, it can always be better. There are always plot holes or somewhere it could be better. So when your choosing a critique partner, be sure to look for someone with experience in this industry.

I have two wonderful critique partner. Ella Jade and Tamaria Soana. Every now and then I write something and turn it in without them reading it first. Guess how those edits go? No where near as as good as when I have them do a read through.

What are some things you want your critique partner to look for?

1. Plot holes of course. A funny example. In the last Hot Bods book, Opposites Attract, I didn't have my CP's read it. During edits, my editor found a naughty scene where the couples was intimate. My hero reached behind his head to get a pillow. Guess what? He was on top, straddeling her. I don't think there were any floating pillows in that room. lol. So, if I'd taken the time to have them read it, I bet they would've spotted that!

2. Over used words. You might not always see that you used the word normal six times in a paragraph. Eventually you'll learn to spot those, but when you're reading your own writing, you're going to miss those

things.

3. Things just not reading right. You wrote it and when you read it, it makes sense. But your CP might read a sentence and think "what the heck is she trying to say?" And that's important! If they don't get it, chances are someone else won't either. And do you want to leave your readers wondering if they know what you're trying to say?

4. Overall suggestions. Do they think something could be taken away or something needs to be added. Should something be reworded or was there too much telling and not enough showing.

Most importantly, if you read a suggestion that you don't agree with. Never forget, you're the author. But before you make a rash decision to ignore what your CP has said, let the comment sit before you move on. Your CP isn't there to trash you. Your CP if there to help you and your writing succeed.

The Pros and Cons of Self Publishing

Have you written a story and tossing around the idea of self publishing it? It's a scary idea, really. Or at least it should be.

I consider myself a 50/50 author. I self publish and I use small press. I began to self publish a little over a year ago, and to be honest, I enjoy it and have thought about doing it more than I am now. Some authors have great luck with, while others's I've talked to haven't. So again, it's 50/50 if it's for you or not.

I thought for today's post, I would make a Pros and Cons list on self-publishing that might help you with your tough decision.

Pros

• You're in complete control. You choose your release date. You choose your editor (PLEASE HIRE ONE!) You find the cover artist that you want.
• Does your book need a sale to possibly get in more readers hands. Put it on sale. 
• You've got full control. Need to make changes to the manuscript? You can easily do this and upload a new version. Want a new cover because yours isn't working. Get a new one. 
• Obviously, all money earned is yours. And after 60 days, you will get a paycheck monthly from Amazon and Nook. You'll know what's coming so you can plan your months 60 day in advance.

Cons

• All expenses are out of your pocket. You pay for edits. You pay for the cover. You pay for marketing (thought few small presses pay for book tours. But there are some out there that will.)
• It's all you telling the world about your book, unless you've hired a blog tour company or a PR person.
• If you've never published small press and gotten to know some authors you might feel super lonely trying to connect. Most of the relationships I've built have been from my time at a small press.
• Each publishers pay different. Some are monthly, some quarterly. You don't see your sales until you have a statement. And you earn a percentage of the net sales. Remember though, your profit is paying the publisher and your editor, so you're usually only getting 40% of what's earned on the book. 

Hopefully looking at those lists, you'll get a better idea if you want to attempt self publishing. Two pieces of advice I have are:

• If this is your first time publishing, I really do recommend going with small press because you will learn so much about the publishing world. Even if you want to self publish one day, give the small presses a shot at first. And ask around before submitting to just any press.
• If you self publish, please, I am begging you, hire an editor! Do not put your work out there without one. Reviews will come in and will say your book wasn't edited. This isn't good for your career. And your best friend since second grade isn't an editor (well unless they really are). Hire someone who knows point of view, what readers are looking for, and so on. Yes, it can be a lot of money out of your pocket, but in the end it's worth it.

See ya next Thursday! Got pros or con to add, please leave a comment. :)

Got The Writer's Blues?

When making the choice to be a writer, whether for a hobby or a career, you learn quickly how lonely it is. You need quiet and your mind to write, so you can't be chatting on the phone while you write your next great piece.

So what happens when the blues hit? The self doubt, the sadness when something doesn't go the way you want. Who to talk to?

If you're like me, your "real life" friends don't really want to listen to your woes. They can't necessarily relate to why you're upset about a sale rank to a book you threw months of work into, only to learn the rest of the world isn't interested in it.

Hopefully, if you're published or not, you've got your writer-self hooked up somehow on social media. Authors and writers are on facebook all day it seems, writing status after status. I think writers post more than anyone else, but it's our outlet. Its how we connect with other writers, and they understand.

Hopefully within time, you build a relationship with one or two authors/writers. And then hopefully you can cry to each other. You can email them when you want to throw in the towel, and they will have the magic words to keep you from doing just that. I know I've been talked off the ledge a time or two. I've been close to quitting, but their words kept me around. As well as fans. I then often remind myself that I'm not writing for the money. Though...when I get a little, it's always worth it. I write because I like it. Love the craft of developing the characters in the early stages as I figure out just where the story is going to go.

While I don't have answer to beating all the writer's blues. I will say chocolate helps, taking a break and doing something else, as well as talking with other close writer friends. Then take a step back and see what's bothering you. If it's a rank of a book---QUIT LOOKING! If it's the story you're working on---WALK AWAY AND WORK ON ANOTHER. Most of the times you can find a fix. Don't let the blues take over.

Until next time, keep that smile on and your fingers on the keyboard. :)

Don't Neglect Your Facebook Fan Page #wwow

As authors, we usually have both a fan page for "likes" as well as a facebook page where we "friend". Each page is important, but I must be honest, sometimes I forget about the fan page. The one I advertise and ask for "likes". I have a decent amount of likes, so I need to make sure I'm paying attention to them.

One thing I recently discovered was you can schedule posts on your fan page. I think it's important that you post at least three times a week on the page, and make sure you interact back. Even if it's just liking someones comments. The point of social media is to be social.

How to schedule posts:

See the clock on the left hand corner. Click it.

Then, simply select the year, month, date, hour, and minute.

Then click schedule!

Also, don't always talk about your writing. Be someone relatable. Have young children? Share something funny. Or even photos of pets.

A great way to get your fans talking is with a giveaway. Have a book with a theme? Use it. Such as when my story Finding Home released and I did a giveaway, I asked readers to share a funny moment when they were pregnant or someone they knew. I'd then randomly pick two people to win. It worked out well. I had fans chatting with fans!

That's my tip for the week. Reaching readers is hard sometimes, but if we keep ourselves out there and our pages fresh, hopefully readers will like us and perhaps one day pick up a copy of our books.

See ya next week!

Interview with an editor #WWOW

I've had the pleasure of having Tara Chevrestt edit my Brookfield Series. She does a wonderful job, and after each round with her, I come back learning something new. I've sat down with her and asked some questions that I hope helps everyone.

Lacey: To start off, tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been editing.

Tara: I’ve been editing for a little over a year. I started as a writer and discovered that thanks to having had a great editor myself, a knack for English and literature, and my prior years as a book reviewer, I made a pretty decent editor, and I like the job. I love to read, so what could be better?
I’m an author who dabbles in just about everything. I’m a book reviewer, and I run a blog called Book Babe. I am married with canine kids.

Lacey: Is there a common mistake you find in most of the stories you edit?

Tara: Oh yes. Let’s see. Eyes, eyes, eyes everywhere. And lots of THATS. It’s an unnecessary word half the time. Breathing. You breath 24/7, so why it’s used as a dialogue tag is beyond me.

Lacey: Some words simply aren’t needed when we write and sometimes we tend to over use the words. Can you give us a few of the words to look for as we read through finished stories before turning them in? You know, to make our editor’s life easier.

Tara: THAT’S and OFS. In today’s lingo, it’s not necessary to say, “Get off of me.”
“Get of me” works just as well.
“I said that I loved her.”
“I said I loved her.”
I also see some authors overusing passive voice...such as sentences beginning with ING words.

Lacey: What amount of editing should an author do before submitting their work? As in, a basic spelling and grammar check in word? Or something a little more complex.

Tara: You can’t expect a first-time author to know much of anything, so I’m pretty patient with them and don’t have a lot of high expectations. I do advise any author submitting a book to closely read the publisher submission guidelines though. If you can’t pay attention to that and follow directions, chances are, you’re going to be a difficult author to work with.

NOW, if you want to talk about an author that has five, six, seven books behind their name, I have high expectations. After working with you on five books, I expect them to know what a head hop is, how to do a dialogue tag, etc.

After five books with me, if you’re still handing me this:
“I want to go too.” She said. OR Placing the cup down, he turned to look at her, “I like that idea.”

I’m going to be pretty PO’d editor.

Lacey: Now, listen up authors, I’ve got a good question for Tara. What is your biggest pet peeve that authors do and you’re always having to correct?

Tara: Dialogue tags! Urgh!

Lacey: What makes a story great in your opinion?

Tara: I think it’s really important that readers LIKE your characters. If they don’t like your characters at all, they aren’t going to care about them or what happens to them. The best way to engage a reader is with characters they can relate to. Oh, the story and plot is important too, but first step: create likable people. We don’t want to read about assholes. We get that in our everyday life. ;)

Lacey: By day you’re an editor and by night you’re an author. You’ve had the pleasure of working as an author with publishing houses as well as the self-publishing route. For an author who is looking to self publish, any tips on what they need to look for in an editor and questions to ask before the editor and author embark on a relationship together?

Tara: Quit worrying about prices. Yes, money is tight, but you get what you pay for. There are a lot of editors out there charging pennies and they are making nothing...this means their workload is toppling. Lots of work because they’re cheap, but because they’re cheap, they have to take more of it. Your book isn’t going to get the attention it deserves. So while I’m not saying not to take advantage of a good deal if it comes, be careful. Don’t make price your number-one factor.

Lacey: Any advice you would like to give to un-published, or even published authors?

Tara: Get your work edited before you seek an agent. If you don’t do the agent route, do get a beta reader to read your MS before you submit it. DO shop around and research publishers. I’m seeing an alarming trend in the industry. People are just so desperate to have their names on books they don’t even care if the publisher who offers them a contract has the crappiest reputation in the business. Check places like Absolute Write or Piers Anthony and don’t get in a hurry.

Because once the excitement settles down...once you’ve been sitting there waiting 8 months and haven’t seen a dime, you’re going to want that book back.

So calm down, think clearly, and don’t just get obsessed with having your name on a book. Think long-term.

Find out more about Tara on her website, as well as her prices for editing.

Prepping For A Convention

I recently went to my first convention. Author After Dark in Savannah, Ga. It was a blast. Tons of fun. But I must admit, when I first arrived, and even when I left, I was like a dear in headlights. There was so many people, so much to do, so many things I didn't think of.

All these great swag ideas I'd never though of. Authors made cell phone screen cleans, lint brushes, hand sanitizer, even tissues. So many awesome things. Some simple too. Such as having stickers made and simply placing it on the item. I left there thinking, why didn't I think of that? Well, I didn't because I had never been.

I did have pens made to give out, and a few special business cards that lead readers to a special site to get a free book.

I recommend when you go to one of these things to have a friend. Whether it's an author you chat with online and you two agree to be buddies for it, or you bring someone along, just don't do it alone. So many authors and readers, you have to break out of your shell and talk to them. A friend by your side will help. Tell them who you are and hope maybe they've heard of you. But don't get your feelings hurt if they haven't. Because going to that convention is your first step to having a face to your work.

By the time you leave that first convention, you'll be ready for the next. You'll know what to expect. You won't look like a sixth grader on the first day of school.

But the best advice I can give, is to have fun. Enjoy the new experience, take mental notes, and have fun.

Here I am at the signing. 

Signing Books! Gotta love that!

Elemental Ball. Lots of fun with Ella Jade and Jaye Shields

Keep Your Website Updated. #wwow

One of the first things I think an author needs - besides a social media presence - is a website. This is like your home on the web. It reflects you. Your work is here, maybe even a blog. This is where readers will come to learn about you and what other releases you have. So make sure you keep it up to date.

Obviously release days are busy, and getting on your site to make sure it's updated might not be top priority, but it needs to be on your to do list. Too often I visit authors sites weeks after a new release and the new book is still on the coming soon page. I'm not sure why this bothers me so much. Of course I know the book is out and no longer coming soon, but I am also very involved in the book world as an author. A reader might have just read the first book in the series, came to your website and has no idea the book released. And you could be missing out on a sale.

Be redundant on your site, but not too much. Have a blog on there? Add things in the side bar. Like links to

your specific series or genre. Do this on the main page as well, but not on every page. Make sure your site is easy to navigate and not to busy. You want to keep the readers attention, not have them search for things to where they might not return.

If you write multi-genres under one pen name like I do, make sure you have different pages for those. I write contemporary and erotic. If I have a reader who only likes my tamer pieces, I certainly don't want them to think Bound By Pleasure, my BDSM is tame and be wide-eyed disappointed.

Often times when I am doing work on my website, I travel along the bigger authors sites and see the things they've done. I must admit, I love Jill Shalvis's site. Its super cute and easy to use. So if you visit her site and mine, you might find a few similarities.

The last thing I want to hit on, is make sure everything has a place. Don't throw everyone on one page. Keep it organized and easy on the eyes.

* * * * * * 

See ya next week!

Getting Organized! #wwow

Today's post - getting organized! And that's what I'm currently doing--I forgot to get this post done until now, when I'm writing it.

1. To-do lists: A must. I have a neat one I bought from Target with the days of the week on it. I jot down what needs to be done on what days or even what's due on those days. Yes, computers are handy and phone apps, but sometimes it's good to go old school and write it down so it stares at you.

2. Schedule posts: If you're a blogger, and your blog has the ability to let you schedule posts, then take advantage of it. I use weebly and blogger. Unfortunately, weebly does not offer this (even though when Imy to-do list to make it go live the night before.

complete there 'How Are We Doing' surveys, I always tell them that). But I make a point to sit down on Sundays and schedule everything I can. Or on my weebly, leave it in draft and make a note on

3. Give yourself deadlines: If you want to complete the book you're writing my August 25th, then write it down. Work your hardest to do it, and turn facebook off! However, I will say, if you don't meet your deadline, don't eat a whole pint of ice cream. Just move your deadline. That's the great part of being an author. You are your own boss! Well, except when you have edits. Then make sure you get those done in time so you don't hold up your release schedule.

Those are just a few tips!

See ya next week!

Why do I need a critique partner?

Today I wanted to talk about the importance of critique partners and having ones who will be honest. Of course, we all want to hear that our work is great and it's going to be the next best seller, but I can tell you, it can always be better. There are always plot holes or somewhere it could be polished a little more. So when you're choosing a critique partner, be sure to look for someone with experience in this industry.

I have a wonderful team that helps me. Every now and then I write something and turn it in without them reading it first. Guess how those edits go? No where near as as good as when I have them do a read through.

What are some things you want your critique partner to look for?

1. Plot holes of course. A funny example. In the last Hot Bods book, Opposites Attract, I didn't have my CP's read it. During edits, my editor found a naughty scene where the couples was intimate. My hero reached behind his head to get a pillow. Guess what? He was on top, straddling her. I don't think there were any floating pillows in that room. lol. So, if I'd taken the time to have them read it, I bet they would've

spotted that!

2. Over used words. You might not always see that you used the word lick six times in a paragraph. Eventually you'll learn to spot those, but when you're reading your own writing, you're going to miss those things.

3. Things just not reading right. You wrote it and when you read it, it makes sense. But your CP might read a sentence and think "what the heck is she trying to say?" And that's important! If they don't get it, chances are someone else won't either. And do you want to leave your readers wondering if they know what you're trying to say?

4. Overall suggestions. Do they think something could be taken away or something needs to be added. Should something be reworded or was there too much telling and not enough showing.

Most importantly, if you read a suggestion that you don't agree with. Never forget, you're the author. But before you make a rash decision to ignore what your CP has said, let the comment sit before you move on. Your CP isn't there to trash you. Your CP if there to help you and your writing succeed.

I'm very thankful for my CP's. and I hope that you're able to find one as well.

See ya next week!

Edits Every Author Should Learn

Happy Thursday! We're one step closer to Friday! Today I wanted to talk a little bit about editing and the basic things all authors should know to save time on their own edits as well as making life easier for their editor.

Know the house guidelines. You won't know these the first time you publish with them, but you'll learn them quickly. You need to know if your publisher uses OK, okay, or ok. You see, each house has a preference on how they want all there stories to be and your story is no exception.  Some use alright, while others use all right. Another thing to learn is scene breaks. Does the pub was three asticks close together *** or three with a space between * * *. Is there a difference with scene break and point of view change? All things you want to pay attention to and know. It never hurts to ask your editor for a style sheet

as well  you can save.

Aside from that, learn some of the basics for commas and dialogue tags/action.

"I am Lacey," she said. <--A comma goes before the quotation because this is a dialogue tag. And the she is lower case.

"You're funny." She laughed. <--A period is before the quotation because laughing is an action. Also note that she she is capital.

"I don't like Joe." <--No comma before Joe because the person is not talking to Joe.

"I don't like you, Joe." <-- A comma is before Joe because the person is speaking to Joe.

So, there is a little editing 101. Nothing complex or will make you the next star editor. But knowing these few things will save you and your editor time.

Got a tip of your own, I'd love to hear it!

Conducting Yourself Online #WWOW

Today I am talking about how to conduct yourself online. This is an older post I did a few months back, but thought I'd share again.

What's On Your Mind, Lacey?

Do you really want to know? Do I really want to say? Wait...which account am I on?

Social media sites want to know how we are, what we are up to, etc. And we want to share this. But before you share, take a moment to really think about what you are in fact sharing.

If you're an author, than you obviously know that you're more than just an author. Maybe you work another

job, married, kids, and such. Yes, you want to connect with you readers. But before you post your political views or strong opinions, take a moment to think about how it might effect your career.

Reader's don't really want to know your views on gun control or which president you voted for. They don't want to know you had a fight with your husband or anything like that. Sure, sharing a cute moment with your kids or a new recipe you're trying will engage them. But those are positive things. Yes, that's the key, stay upbeat and positive, even if you've been on a rejection cycle and you really just want to scream and cry to the world.

I have a personal social media accounts as well as ones for my pen name. I keep things very separate. Since becoming an author, I really think about what I say. Once you hit tweet or post, its there. Someone can copy it in a moment and you'll never know. I find even on my personal accounts, I watch what I say as well.

This isn't to say I might have shared something at some point that might have been questionable, just remember, how you portray yourself can effect your career. And readers are connecting with you because they like your writing.

See ya next week!

Is the editor always right? #wwow

Chances are, if you've written a book and are published or attempting to publish, you're going to encounter an editor at some point. The question is, is the editor always right?

Most likely, you're your biggest fan. You love your story. You've read it countless times and it rocks! But now the hard part, someone else is going to read it and make notes, request chances, and so on.  This can be scary? What if the editor you have dislikes your story, then what? Well, hopefully the editor you get likes your story and if they don't, they are able to keep their feelings to themselves. However, if you do get an editor that absolutely hates your work and you can tell, if you're with a publisher, request a new one. If you're self publishing, you have the option to use anyone you choose.

First up. Grammatical changes, such as commas, periods, and such. Yes, your editor is probably right. You have four sentences in a row starting with she. Yes, you should probably change at least one so it doesn't feel repetitive. This stuff is pretty simple. Some publishers have specific house rules and even if its a way you don't agree with, like okay vs OK, if it's the pubs rule to use one of them, then you have to go along with it.

Now, what about when a editor makes rewrite request - such as an entire scene? Then what? Who is right?

This is where you, the author, need to take a step back. Read the notes the editor has left about the scene. If you're feeling super annoyed that the editor didn't get what you were trying to say, move on for the time being. Call you best friend and vent. After you have the anger out of your system, go back a re-read the notes and then remember that this person has not read your story 20 times. This person is not inside your head. And the notes portray how they read the scene. Is this what you're wanting readers to get out of the scene? Yes or no?

Guess what, you can tell the editor no. However, you'd better have good reason you can explain. Sometimes the editor will let it be. In my experience, the only time the editor has come back to me and said, "Uh-uh." Is only when it really was something that really needed to be changed and I simply didn't see it. We worked together and finally polished that scene up, staying in my vision and theirs.

So, is the editor always right? No. Is the author always right? No. And the sooner the two can work together, the sooner a beautiful manuscript is born.

Now please, don't take the article and think you can run rampant in the streets and tell your editor no about everything. Just know, if you've taken the time to think about it and in your heart you don't want to change a scene or make the requested rewrites, be prepared to tell them why and possibly still have to come to a compromise on the scene.

Happy writing!

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Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and

fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.

Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.

You can find Lacey at the following places:
Facebook / Facebook Page / Twitter

Researching Potential Publishers

I first want to say, hi! I'm author Lacey Wolfe and I'm thrilled to be a part of this blog. I've been published a year and a half, and I've learned quite a bit. From small press, to self-publishing. I hope I can give you a few tips along the way.

Today, I'm sharing with you an article I wrote a few months ago, slightly edited now with any updated information.

One thing many authors do is use multiple publishers so they can have more releases a year than if they only used one. It also helps you reach a different audience as well. Which brings me to today's topic...research before you submit.

I've been burned quite a few times. I've had two publishing houses close on me and a few other things that I won't mention. And since this has happened, I research a publisher the best that I can before I will even consider submitting to them.

Now to share what I do with you.

The first thing I do when a publisher crosses my radar is:

Check out their website: This is the first impression. I read the about us section, their submission guidelines, and if my story fits. After that, I look at their list of authors. This is what's important to me - How many return authors do they have? That speaks volumes in my mind. If they have a ton of authors but only a few have multi-published books with them, it throws up a red flag. Why are the other authors not returning? Guess what, authors have websites! Go check them out. And if you're feeling brave, email a few of the authors. Those who return and those who haven't to get their take on the publisher. Remember...this is your book. You want it in the right hands!

The cover art: This is important. The first thing readers will see is your cover. If you're not crazy about a publishers covers, others aren't. And guess what, you might have a great story with a horrible cover you're stuck with for about three years. In fact, your most faithful readers might not touch the book solely on the cover. So yes, JUDGE THOSE COVERS!

Check their sales: I use a website www.salesrankexpress.com to check not only my amazon ranks, but publishers. Its easy. Either type in author name or in the publisher box, put the publishers name and wa-la you get a whole list of their books and their current rank on amazon. The lower the numbers, the better. And you want to see low numbers. If most of the publishers books are in the 400,000 range, that most likely means the publisher is putting books out and isn't doing much to promote. Its also a sign if they are new, they could go under. Which is something else to think about.

How long have they been open: A new publisher isn't bad. They are ready to make you happy and are excited for this new opportunity. Some authors who've been burned like I have will kinda veer away but if you email the owner, ask them their plan. If you like it, consider submitting. You never know, they might become one of the big ones! After all, they all have to start somewhere.

Absolute Write: I love this website. Its a forum and you can learn A LOT here! People are honest and ask tough questions. Many publishers will interact with with those asking questions. You will get peoples opinions - good or bad. If the publisher isn't brand-spanking new, then they most likely have a thread there somewhere.

So now that I've shared my tips, have you got any of your own?

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Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own.

From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.

Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.

You can find Lacey at the following places:
Facebook / Facebook Page / Twitter