Are these the Top 10 Bookstores in the US? If not, give us your list -- or share your one or two favorites.

http://flavorwire.com/115586/the-top-10-bookstores-in-the-us

Where Books Are Sold

Today, 44 percent of ALL books sold in North America are sold online at Amazon.com. What's more, e-books now account for nearly 30 percent of all of Amazon's sales.

Interview with Author Ilie Ruby, "The Language of Trees"

Ilie Ruby, author of "The Language of Trees," is currently touring to promote her work, and made certain to include Chicago among her list of book tour cities. 

Tell us about your most recent work?

"The Language of Trees" is a constellation of love stories set on Canandaigua Lake, the birthplace of the Seneca nation of Indians. Read more...

Make Headlines!

Every news outlet in the world including newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV is at www.mondotimes.com

What does a recipe for white cake have to do with selling a literary novel?

A lot, as it turns out, in the case of The School of Essential Ingredients, Erica Bauermeister's debut novel that was described in reviews as a seductively delicious tale of love, loss and redemption....read the full Forbes article

Local Upcoming Book Signings

The following authors will be in the Chicagoland area in the next two weeks. Below this list you'll find the details on their events:

Elizabeth Loan author of Killer On The Key:
    Olde Towne Books & Tea
    Saturday July 31st, 2-3pm
    61- 63 South Maddison St., Oswego

Pamela Meyer author of From Workplace to Playspace: Innovating, Learning and Changing Through Dynamic Engagement:
    Doubletree Hotel Chicago - Oak Brook
    Tuesday August 3rd, 9-10am
    1909 Spring Rd., Oak Brook

Mary F. Burns author of J: The Woman Who Wrote the Bible:
    Borders
    Sunday August 8th, 2:30-3:30pm
    1500 16th St., Oak Brook

Follow Your Dreams

by Jerry D. Simmons

 

Merriam Webster defines publishing as: the business or profession of the commercial production and issuance of literature, information, etc. Writers who ask me for advice on the best way to publish their work get the same answer, follow your dreams. Obviously there are tricks to the trade and better ways of making an impression on agents, editors, publishers and even consumers. However the only thing that really matters is that writers follow their dream despite the difficulty.

 

There are no secrets, regardless of what the master marketers tell you and try to sell you; there are no short cuts to success as an author. If there were a set formula then the biggest publishers would have it figured it out and would be following it with every single title. Following your dream does not mean mortgaging your home or bank account for a chance to publish. Publishing is a business first and creative process second. The business and production side of publishing over shadows the art of creating content. Understanding this fact should be a guide as you decide which route to take.

The more you recognize the terminology and how the basic pieces of the business fit together the better informed you will be and of course the better informed the better chance to recognize the opportunities before you. The one size fits all in publishing does not exist and there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to each type of publishing, including being under contract to a major publisher. The more you read and stay on top of competitive titles in your category, learn the basics of the business, and continue to create content as the same time you are trying to figure it all out the better prepared and positioned you will be. The better prepared and positioned the better chance you have a becoming a successful author. 

 

www.WritersReaders.com

. Copyright 2010 Jerry D. Simmons.