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It’s IWSG time again. Writers from across continents and galaxies meet the first Wednesday of every month to give encouragement, wisdom, and share the bumpy road. Hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, it’s not too late to sign up and join us. Just click on his name.
My post from last Friday, “Don’t be a Doormat Author,” struck a chord. It seems several of us have struggled with keeping folks we hire on track. So, I thought perhaps we could all share some lessons learned on how to deal with vendors / contractors / agents /publishers, so we can all feel more confident in our dealings.
I know several of you are on the other side and perhaps could help writers do a better job when hiring you.
Here are a few suggestions for keeping your business on track:
Set a deadline or multiple deadlines. It is important to be very clear about the service you are expecting and when.
Set consequences if deadline isn’t met. Follow through on those consequences.
Many people you hire will have contracts for you to sign. All things are negotiable. Add in some provisions that protect you, your investment, and your business.
Require regular check-ins. Constant communication can keep problems away.
Put in stipulations that you wish to be notified of any delays immediately and that you’d like a prompt response to your emails. What you consider prompt is up to you.
Will these prevent all problems? No. You may end up having to fire somebody, and you need to be prepared to do that.
Probably the best way to avoid toads is to contact other authors about the people they’ve used. If they were happy, they will give a recommendation.
What say you? What suggestions do you have for keeping a writer happy in business?
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More on the business end of writing… this new release from L. Diane Wolfe
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HOW TO PUBLISH AND PROMOTE YOUR BOOK NOW!
By L. Diane Wolfe
Publishing and promoting made simple!
Have you always dreamed of publishing a book but didn’t know where to begin? This book walks you through the steps of identifying markets, budgeting, building an online presence, and generating publicity. Get the whole story on:
· Traditional publishing
· Self-publishing
· Print and e-book setup, formatting, and distribution
· Finding your target audience
· Generating reviews and media interest
· Networking and developing an online presence
· Promotional materials and appearances
Uncover your ideal publishing path and numerous marketing options before you begin. Writing is your dream. Give it the best chance for success!
Available February 5, 2012
Publishing/Marketing, 214 pages, Dancing Lemur Press LLC
$14.95 Trade paperback
$4.99 Ebook
Barnes and Noble – Amazon – Kindle
“She gives an unbiased take on the advantages and disadvantages of traditional publishing and self-publishing and publishing paths that combine the two… It’s the perfect book for those who want an overview to begin the decision-making process.”- Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning series of how-to books for writers http://howtodoitfrugally.com/
“A must-read for writers planning on self-publishing or any writer who wants the ultimate how-to on promoting. Tons of links, advice, and how-to, whether you’re going for print or e-publication.”- Helen Ginger, author of Angel Sometimes http://helenginger.com/
More About Diane
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association and a motivational speaker. She’s conducted seminars on book publishing and promoting for five years and assisted writers through several author services. Her other titles include “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK!” which ties her goal-setting and leadership seminar’s information together, and a YA series, “The Circle of Friends.” Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, and contributes to several other sites and newsletters.
Spunk On A Stick’s Blog – Website – Twitter – Facebook
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Great tips. I always worry I’m going to miss something really important in a contract – I read and reread, and then still cross my fingers when I sign… That’s not good business at all, is it??
even pansters have to do some planning & organization to get the book going! great advice! i’ve done the deadline thing…we are our own best advocate!
clinging to hope in a prison cell is an awesome inspiration!
Deadlines sound like a good idea.
Congratulations to Diane!
Great tips, Mary! And I saw this book over at Stina’s. Sounds like a great resource tool.
It’s tough to have to think in such detailed, business-oriented fashion when so many writers are missing that particular section of their brain – needing more room for the fantasy bits.
Your recent experience opened my eyes to needing everything spelled out and deadlined, penalties and such. Thanks for sharing your experience, Mary.
Deadlines and required check-ins sound like great ideas! Thanks for sharing some great tips!
I am not close to make any deal yet, but those are good things one should keep in mind. May not keep you from having trouble, but it will certainly lower the chances a lot.
Great tips, Mary. I’m lucky to have hired a couple of great indies, one with a contract and one without. But even the one without a contract set deadlines for each phase of the work.
I’m pretty good about keeping deadlines but tend to let others slide. This is a good reminder that we are all professionals and I should keep others accountable. It’s my fault as well if they are late and I don’t expect more.
Great tips! I definitely think deadlines and contracts are a must. Being on the other end as a freelance editor, I often give a deadline, keep in contact (at least a weekly check-in), and offer a contract. It’s also good to ask for samples of work before hiring. If your vision and their vision doesn’t meshes, then it’s better to know that before money exchanges hands.
Reading a contract is a great start, Annalisa. If you don’t understand it, find someone who does. If you’re signing away your ms, you want to be sure the rights revert back to you w/in a reasonable time and that royalties are fair.
We are our best advocates, Tara. Yeah, pantsing doesn’t work so well on the business side.
Deadlines are a very good idea, Alex. As writers I suppose we’re more used to following them than setting them. But there’s no reason we can’t.
Yes, congrats to Diane, ML.
I think we use that other side of our brains in life, Laura, but forget when it comes to anything to do with our writing. I won’t forget again.
Keeping in communication can go along way to keeping a business relationship from going sour, Tyrean.
It will lower the chances and perhaps scare someone off before you start. You’ll be there soon, Al.
Most of my experiences have been positive, Gwen. But I’ve heard nightmare stories and I’ve had a few dealings I wasn’t so pleased with. I guess we can learn to ask more questions, too, to determine whether someone is on the ball or not.
You’re the diligent type, Cherie. But great tip to add in getting samples.
Good tips here, especially the part about clear communications.
Hi Mary .. it’s your business isn’t it – just so sensible and essential that we keep a tab on what we’re doing … helpful post for many ..
Diane’s book – does look so informative ..
This is one useful post .. cheers Hilary
Yes, we must stay on top of it, Brinda. Time is money, as they say.
It’s strange how sensible folks otherwise, get tangled when doing authorly stuff, MJ. Me included… until recently.
It is essential, Hilary. And I’m excited for Diane.
Excellent advice, Mary.
Some very good ideas there, thanks.
Keep a checklist and a calendar and stick to your schedule; that’s my advice. A lot of people don’t have much of a work ethic, so they often need reminding and prodding. Just letting them know you’re on their ass often keeps them in line. I can be a real hardass.
Good checklist to empower the writer. Thanks for posting it.
Loved the suggestions about setting deadlines. I set deadlines and goals for myself each month so I can try to stay on track with my writing. Have a great day.
These are all great suggestions and things I am going to keep in mind. I have a long history of being a doormat regardless of the situation and I don’t want to continue that bad habit with my writing.
Congratulations to Diane!! I know I will be checking out her book.
Haven’t hired anyone for anything yet, like editing or creating a cover, but I do have lots of friends who have. I hope to benefit from their knowledge. I don’t see how someone would stay in business long, if they didn’t keep up their end of the bargain to the customer’s satisfaction.
It does help, Michael.
Thanks for stopping in, Elin.
We can all learn from you, Nancy.
Empowering is needed, Lee.
Yay for you, Diane. When you start publishing, set deadlines for the other folks you work with.
You’ll waste a lot of money, if you don’t get tough when needed, Julie.
You’ll definitely benefit, LG, if you ask. They probably won’t stay in business, but new people pop up all the time.
Communication is key. It lets us know what expectations are so we can stay within the boundaries on both sides. Good tips, Mary.
“A goal without a deadline is just a dream.” Inspiring tips MPax
Awesome tips Mary; thanks for sharing your insights.
………dhole
It is key, Joy. And I knew that and seemed to forget it recently.
There’s some truth, Maurice.
Thanks for stopping in Donna.
Don’t you just wish that people would do what they say they’re going to do, when they say they’re going to do it? Sounds like a dream world, doesn’t it?
Great tips.
Mis-communication can lead to all types of nightmares… this applies to many different spheres of life…
Spunk is burning up the blogosphere at the moment!
Yeah, great advice for writers. I know I hate the idea of having to put myself in a position where another person has to be trusted to get something done for me in a certain time frame and it just sets my teeth on edge. You have to weed out the ones that just don’t cut it, if you can.
I need deadlines in order to get stuff done, as I tend to procrastinate just a wee bit. Great strategies!
Diane’s book looks like a must-have.
I wish that very much, Melanie
It is the key to all relationships, Michelle. You’re right about that.
Most times it all goes just fine, Cathy.
Me, too, Jay.
i am still learning to swim in these waters…your advice and any i learn is always awesome!
Mary, thank you so much. Sorry, so busy this week that I fell way behind.