Before you get started, a few notes on the links. First of all, I don’t necessarily use or outright endorse all of these resources for writers myself. Thing is, in compiling this list I started thinking, “Who am I to judge what is helpful for other writers?” My goal is to provide you with a starting point for online exploration, not tell you what to do. So if you hate some of this stuff? Fine, not my fault! If you love it? I take full credit!
There really is a lot of stuff here. I recommend bookmarking this page. Come back any time to browse, because it took me days to compile and it’s not going anywhere.
Sometimes it’s not the writing that’s tricky. Sometimes it’s picking something to write about. Use these links for exploring different writing prompts for your blog, your personal journal, or even your next novel.
1800+ Creative Writing Prompt: From the folks at Reedsy. (You might also like the cloud wordprocessing software they offer.)
Plinky: Writing prompts change daily. You can upload images and then share your response on your blog or social media accounts.
Writer’s Digest Promptly Blog: Look for prompts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Includes flash-fiction prompts, activities and some Q&As.
It doesn’t matter what part of the writing process has you stumped, it can be so frustrating to hit a wall. These writer’s resources for fiction writers get you through some of writing’s major challenges.
Guide to Literary Agents: Writer’s Digest blog written by Robert Lee Brewer. A must read if you’re ready to query.
Kurt Vonnegut’s Tips for Writing Fiction: How could I not include something Vonnegut? He was born in Indianapolis. Eight short rules to make you a better writer.
5 Ways Not to Write a Novel: Sometimes we learn what to do; sometimes we learn what not to do. Number 2 on the list is one of my personal pet peeves. (Yet, sometimes I still catch myself doing it.)
101 of the Best Fiction Writing Tips: A four-part series on Write it Sideways. Basically another link round-up like this one. (Hint: bookmark posts like these for browsing later.)
9 Questions to Create a Novel: Using these 9 questions, authors can clarify the scope of their work and identify themes.
Regional Vocabularies: Yes, I linked to a Wikipedia article. Just my way of suggesting that you do some research to make your characters’ dialogue truly authentic.
General Writing
These writer’s resources are potentially helpful and inspirational no matter what you write. Some funny and unorthodox, some straight-laced and in your face.
50 of the Best Websites for Writers: EduChoice.org has compiled a pretty extensive list of links broken down by category—some obvious sites listed here, some not so obvious.
How to Use an Apostrophe: Oh yes I did, because I love the Oatmeal. If you already know how to use an apostrophe, then have a chuckle or two.
The Hot Author Report: I notice THAR is not currently accepting reviews, but you can still jump to the query page to request a feature. Couldn’t hurt, right?
101 Tips to Overcome Writer’s Block: I usually just read, but find what works for you. Tons of stuff to try, but #25 seems pretty damn scary if you ask me.
Ambiguous Word List: Some words are more flexible than others. This rather nifty little list sorts words from most to least flexible and allows you to more info on synonyms, hypernyms and hyponyms. Cool for word nerds.
I Write Like: Just plain fun. Copy and paste text from your WIP or your blog and find out who you write like. (Apparently, I write like H.P. Lovecraft, 20th century master of weird fiction.)
Plague Words and Phrases: They make it sound so medieval, don’t they? Just some junky and clunky phrases to avoid in your writing.
13 Writing Tips: I know, I know. Everyone has writing tips. But these aren’t just any writing tips; these are Chuck Palahniuk’s writing tips.
Tip of My Tongue: I’ve filed this one under “Things I Wish I’d Thought Of.” Looking for a word, but you just can’t get your brain to recall it? There just might be a way to find it after all. (There’s also an app.)
Why Copying Inspires Creativity: Think of Finding Forrester and maybe try copying a bit of something the next time you get stuck.
Manage Your Writing: The blog of my editing professor at IUPUI, Kenneth W. Davis, this site offers practical advice for sprucing up your business writing. (Hint: lots of these tips can be applied broadly across genres.)
Letter Writers Alliance: Writing improves with practice, and letters are a great way to practice. A blog friend of mine turned me on to this site. The LWA is no more, but the site is archived for posterity.
Critique.org Workshops: If you really want to be an excellent writer, you want feedback on your work. Just one place you might look for peer review.
11 Stupidest Writing Mistakes: I love this post for the subheadings alone—constipated clauses, comma vomit, the death of adverbs, etc. etc. etc.
10 Grammar Rules You Can (And Should) Ignore: Breaking the rules of grammar is so much fun. It’s also very effective if you break the rules thoughtfully. As a linguistics minor and a language liberal, I heart this page.
Funds for Writers: A whole website dedicated to finding grants and other ways to financially support your dreams.
Poets & Writers: Lots of stuff to check out here, but I wanted to draw your attention to the fact that they maintain databases of creative writing contests and grants, MFA programs, and literary journals.
Freelance Writing
If you’re looking to pad your wallet or put food on the table, freelance writing is a viable career. (Just ask me, I know!) These writer’s resources for freelance writers can help you write better, find better jobs, and earn more money.
Word Count: Freelancing in the Digital Age: This is just one of those all-around good sites for information on freelance writing. Includes a weekly recommended reading feature, I think you’ll find helpful.
Freelance Writing Jobs: I get asked about 100 times per week where people can find freelance writing jobs. Here’s one place.
PoeWar: And here’s another place you might find some freelance writing job leads.
How to Create a Client Pricing Package: Overall, Freelance Folder is a great resource. I picked this post in particular, because freelance writers—yes, even some veterans—tend to fret about setting fees.
Networking, Classes & Workshops
Networking, classes, and writer’s workshops are invaluable. Some are free, some aren’t. Ultimately, it’s up to you to investigate and find the opportunity that helps you achieve your goals and fits into your budget and schedule.
The Freelance Writers Den: A subscription-based site for freelancers with an emphasis on learning how to earn more through webinars, articles, handouts, and teleclasses.
Gotham Writers’ Workshop: Online and NYC-based workshops for just about every kind of writer. Looks like classes run about $300.
Tameri Guide for Writers: Writing workshop and seminar materials offered online. I think this could be a great resource for building your own local workshop with writers in your area.
Critique Circle: Workshops and critiques for all types of writers. I suggest checking out the FAQ page to get information about how the site works.
10 Amazing Free Online Writing Courses: From Freelance Folder, these 10 courses focus on freelance writing skills with courses on marketing writing, journalism, and web writing.
Lots of authors blog as a way to market themselves and their works, but also as a way to develop a writing habit. Here you’ll find blogging resources that give you inspiration and questions to ponder.
Creative Something: This site isn’t just for bloggers, but it certainly works for bloggers. It’s a great reading if you’re looking for creative inspiration.
The Author’s Dilemma: To Blog or Not to Blog: Blog, Silly! There’s no question (at least in my mind). However, this article considers blogging styles and weighs the pros and cons for authors.
Three Keys to Successful Author Blogging: Some of these tips might seem obvious, but there are plenty of authors out there new to blogging. Consider your content focus, interacting with readers, and collaborating.
The Best Author Blogs: Another page from The Internet Writing Journal, this is a nice, compact list of author blogs you might want to follow.
31 Days to Building a Better Blog: ProBlogger has a newer version of the 31 day challenge, but the one I’ve linked to is free. You’re welcome.
Other random tidbits of information I didn’t want to pass up. Ghostwriting for Beginners: Who doesn’t want to learn something from the Grumpy Old Bookman? Learn what you never knew you never knew about ghostwriting.
Writing Your Own Cookbook: Just a few helpful hints from from the blog of David Lebovitz on preparing to compile and publish your recipes in a cookbook.
Inkspot.com: If you’re looking for somewhere to host your writing portfolio online, this could work. Site is hosted by Writing.com.
7 Great Online Research Resources for Writers: Research is essential to writing well, even outside of the classroom. These suggested research resources come from Daily Writing Tips.
Resources for Children’s Writers: A pretty thorough list of resources for children’s authors created by Rachelle Burk. She covers it all from self-publishing to illustrators and images.
What’s Your Point of View: First person? Third person omniscient? What does it all mean? Exploring and discussing points of view in literature.
Query Letter Checklist: If you’re ready to start querying agents, check out Janet Reid’s Query Letter Checklist before you send. Short but sweet checklist of everything you should include.
Writing Scholarships Directory: A comprehensive list of 100+ scholarships available for writers, updated by the folks at Reedsy for 2024-2025.
Every writer longs for the coveted top spot in Google search results—the one that everyone will see and, most importantly, the choice that will receive the most “clicks.” You’ve composed stellar content, tried to figure out the rules of search engine optimization, but your articles still inhabit pages 8 through 10—the veritable internet no man’s land. Well, stop banging your head on that wall. No, really, it’s quite distracting. There is good news for writers, thanks to Google+.
Here are some ways that Google+ is making life a whole lot easier for writers and bloggers.
Pictures = Clicks
By linking your blog posts to your Google+ account, you will create a search engine result that sets you apart from the rest. It will have your profile image, and everyone knows that the inclusion of a visual prompt makes it more eye appealing. And if your eyes are drawn to it, your mouse will likely follow. Simply put, a professional headshot and a link to your Google+ account will increase your blog’s traffic and readership.
Bios = Clicks
Thanks to Google+, people now have the chance to click on your name, exposing them to a portfolio of your works. It’s like having your own Google search engine. And all of the results lead back to you!
Now, potential followers will be re-directed to other posts that tickle their fancy—making them much more likely to join your readership. If you install a “Google+” recommendation button on your blog, it will also increase your Google+ rankings, which will push your blog further up the search engine results. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Good Writing = Rewards
Illiterate hacks will not be rewarded by Google+, but literary masters and rapier-witted humorists will. If someone clicks on a page, but only stays there for a blink of an eye, nothing happens. After all, the visitor moved on, unimpressed with what they found.
If, however, said visitor stays for a few minutes, captivated by a blogger’s clever prose and sharp intellect, this blogger will reap the rewards for a post well done. When the visitor presses the “back” button, they will see that your search result has changed. Beneath the original text, they will see a line that says “more by [insert your name here]” with the links to more of your works. Yes, your reward is more “clicks” and increased traffic—and that is exactly what every writer hopes for.
Original Works = Rewards
Google+ enables Google’s search engine to verify authorship. This means that a post by the original author will be much higher in search engine rankings than a copycat’s hack job. After all, it is your creative property, so you alone should receive the applause.
Separating the Smiths
If you were blessed, or in this case cursed, with a very common moniker, you are likely tired of having your works confused with those of other “Jim Smiths” or “Jennifer Joneses.” Thanks to Google+ authorship, you can now mark your masterpieces as your own—and set yourself apart from those who only wish they had your talent. Google’s search engine will finally be able to recognize you as the unique individual that you are—and so will potential followers.
So stop punishing your cranium and create a Google+ profile, instead. Your writing career and online reputation as a master wordsmith will thank you. And your landlord will greatly appreciate less holes in his walls.
What tips do you have for maximizing a Google+ following? How has Google+ helped your career?
Kimberley Laws is a freelance writer and avid blogger. A relative newcomer to the land of “plussers,” she is thoroughly enjoying building up her following. Her Facebook account, however, is feeling rather neglected. She clamors for attention at http://theembiggensproject.wordpress.com/.
I received the following email and thought it might help other freelancers to read my response. The author of the letter agreed to let me post the email anonymously.
Hello Emily,
I am a budding freelance writer. Truth be told I have been a budding freelance writer for more than three years now. I have spent a lot of time writing for low paying content mills, and to be honest I feel that I am pretty much burnt out from it. At the moment I am burdened with low paying clients, and I spend over 12 hours per day writing articles just to pay the rent and eat!
I am constantly reading that there are good paying clients around and I do not doubt that, but so far I have not had any success in attracting their attention or even finding where they are. I don’t think I am a bad writer, and I have a couple of decent clips on Yahoo, Blog Critics, and places like Hubpages.
I really don’t know what it is I am doing wrong. It seems to me that I am missing a piece of the puzzle. I know it all takes hard work and effort, and I am certainly not adverse to rolling up my sleeves and getting stuck in. I have just wasted so much of my effort thus far digging in the wrong fields. I am worried I will be burnt out before I realize my full potential as a freelance writer.
Kind regards,
Burnt Out
Dear Burnt Out,
My advice for you is threefold: dump the content mills, stop searching for work, and stop blogging for other writers.
I know what you’re thinking, but let me explain.
I spent some time writing for content mills back in the day, and I’m not surprised you’re unhappy. It might put food on the table, but it’s uninspired work that pays poorly with unreasonable deadlines. My first piece of advice to you? Fire them as clients.
I know you’re dependent on freelancing for your income, so phase them out if you have to. But you can’t accept better jobs if you’re spending 12 hours every day writing drivel. You also don’t have time to improve yourself or your business with such a workload. When will you update your portfolio? Your website? When will you blog for your business?
You also can’t build an impressive portfolio if all your clips are content mill samples. The best writers still produce subpar work when they’re burnt out and underpaid.
My next recommendation is that you stop searching for clients at all. Do you know why content mills can make outrageous demands and pay so little for the work? Because writers keep applying. And the only writers willing to apply to them have convinced themselves they’re desperate for the work. Trust me, the mills know this and they’re all too happy to exploit it.
So change up your business model. I haven’t searched for a client in a few years now, because at some point I realized I was wasting my time. Instead I’ve invested time and money assisting potential clients in their search for me. I built a website and blog and made friends on social media so that when people searched for “Indianapolis freelance writer” they found me. Then they contacted me.
All I do these days is respond to the requests for quotes that land in my inbox and reach out to potential clients in my network. I don’t cold call anyone ever. I don’t scour openings on Elance or oDesk or Craigslist.
Back to the website stuff for a minute. I’m not a keyword expert and I don’t know all the ins and outs of search engine algorithms, but I have common sense and know how to improve my chances of being found online. I recommend you do the same using “freelance writer” or “content writer” with a local qualifier like your town, city, region, or country to bring in search traffic. That’s how they’re going to find you.
The next problem is: what will those people find on your site when they get there? When potential clients see you’ve been blogging to other writers or complaining about the horrors of content mill writing, they’re going to be confused. You need to be posting content for people who hire writers not for other writers. At least until you’ve established a solid client base.
It’s great to commiserate with people who understand, and I don’t know where I’d be without my freelance writer friends, but none of them are ever going to become my next client.
I recently separated my blogs. I have the professional blog for clients and this blog for writing whatever the heck I feel like. But I have a full-time job paying the bills at the moment, so I have some freedom in that regard. If you don’t have the time to run two separate blogs, writing to a client audience should be your priority.
Now, I’m not saying this next part describes you, Burnt Out. But it’s worth putting out there for all the struggling freelancers:
Sometimes I think new writers see talented, successful writers running classes and giving advice to budding writers and they think they need to mimic that behavior to be successful. Great freelance writers have freelance writer followers! Great freelance writers are mentors and give advice! I should do those things to be a great freelance writer too!
Unless you’re in the business of educating new writers right now, it’s not a profitable way to spend your time. If that’s something you want to pursue later, awesome.
I hope this helps you, Burnt Out. Let us know how things go.
The Wealthy Web Writer is a site that provides a “comprehensive resource and community for anyone seeking to become or already working as a web copywriter.”
It’s been around since 2010, and in that time the minds behind the site have compiled a pretty extensive list of how-to videos, articles, and job leads for freelance web writers.
Wealthy Web Writer is associated with American Writers and Artists Inc. (AWAI), a company you may have heard of in conjunction with past International Freelancers Day events.
Free Resources
So we’re clear: the Wealthy Web Writer is a premium content site, meaning they make money from monthly subscriptions. However, they do offer some free resources and advice on the blog. A sampling of recent topics they’ve covered include:
Marketing Basics: Closing the Sale & Asking for More
Marketing Basics: Generating Leads & Following Up
How to Make Money as a Travel Blogger
15 Link-Building Strategies that Google Will Love
Paid Resources
This is what it’s really all about. Is the site worth the current $27 per month price of admission? That, of course, depends on your current skill level and how much you can absorb in an independent, online environment.
While there are more resources available on the site like forums and a web copywriting glossary, here’s a rundown of a few key things you have access to with a paid membership:
Improve Your Skills
In this section, you can browse content in specific areas related to specific web writing skills. You can learn more about writing for social media, B2B copywriting, writing autoresponders, and how SEO strategies are constantly evolving in the web writing business.
Build Your Business
This section covers a lot of newbie questions regarding fee structures, contracts, basic bookkeeping and organization. It also includes advice on marketing yourself as a web writer and landing those first couple of clients.
Tech Corner
With article titles like “WordPress Maintenance 101” and “Using Google Webmaster Tools” the topics in Tech Corner will hit home for a lot of freelance writers who like a little introduction before they dive head first into a new application or platform.
Training Center
While you can browse upcoming and previously recorded webinars and teleconferences in the Training Center, I think the 3-Minute Guru videos and Roadmap Tutorials are the most promising features here.
The 3-Minute Guru videos walk you through practical instructions on things like using Google Alerts and learning how to prevent Google from indexing your site until you’re ready for search traffic.
Roadmap Tutorials walk you through more complex topics in a series of modules on topics like:
Build Your Freelance Website with WordPress
12-Step Roadman to Success
Become a Web Writer
WordPress Tutorials
Wealthy Web Writer even offers to generate content for its Roadmap Tutorials based on user feedback. So if there’s something specific you want to learn about, you tell them and they promise to build a tutorial or find someone who can.
Jobs
Last but not least, the Wealthy Web Writer does provide some unique freelance job leads for users. On top of that, they pay web writers too. So, if you have a content idea, you can submit it for possible publication on their site. If selected, they’ll pay you for your trouble.
Summary
I know that those of us who have been freelancing for years could still stand to learn a thing or two about running the business, but I really see this site being more beneficial for newbie freelance writers.
Also, a word to the wise: content focuses on running the business and writing specifically for the web, not on learning to write in general. So if you don’t already excel at writing, it’s probably a little premature to sign up.
Finally, while the content seems well-rounded overall, I think from a user’s perspective the content in Tech Corner could stand to be beefed up a little.
I was given a three-month subscription (and a three-month subscription to give away ) to Wealthy Web Writer for the purpose of evaluating the site and publishing an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.
I’m all about putting information in the hands of the people that need it, so I wanted to draw your attention to a free conference for indie writers. If you’re interested in getting program details and updates on the conference—which runs February 12 – 14, 2013—click through and add yourself to the mailing list. (It’s just below the big “REGISTER HERE!” button in the sidebar.)
It looks like they’ll have something for everyone. The schedule promises coverage of the following topics:
Getting started
Creating quality products
Writing big sellers
Marketing
Going forward
Here’s a brief description from IndieReCon.org:
INDIE ReCon is a FREE, ONLINE conference inspired by WriteOnCon. It is designed to help any writer or author who is curious about the ins and outs of Indie publishing. You’ll find everything from the pros and cons of Indie publishing, essential aspects in creating a high-quality book, successful online marketing, and expanding into international markets.
Stephen Power, Senior Editor at Wiley, is offering 10 aspiring writers a chance to bid on a 10-minute phone consultation, with proceeds from the auction going to Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts. Bids start at just $10.
Here’s your chance to toss him your pitch, and he’ll give you feedback to help you make it even better.
Stephen S. Power is a senior editor at Wiley, where he works on sports, music, history, science and narrative nonfiction. His NY Times bestsellers include The Worst Person in the World by Keith Olbermann, Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001) by Don Felder and Wendy Holden, and Never Give Up: My Stroke, My Recovery and My Return to the NFL by Tedy Bruschi and Michael Holley. His two most recent books, both excellent gifts for the holidays, are Learn Something New Every Day: 365 Facts to Fulfill Your Life by NPR librarian Kee Malesky; and Perfection: The Inside Story of the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ Perfect Season by Bob Griese and Dave Hyde.
BID NOW. Auction ends 9:00 a.m. EST, Tuesday, December 11.
On Monday, I noticed Author Solutions’ Book to Screen started touting its 2007 Trafford title, The ForeignPawn written by Lee Yagel. Seems the book was optioned by Anarchy Management (what? seems legit to me), so Author Solutions, never wasting an opportunity to push an overpriced yet mostly useless marketing service, wrote a press release about it bragging that:
“The Cold-War period novel, written by Lee Yagel and published by Trafford, resulted from adding Author Solutions’ Book-to-Screen coverage services to his publishing package.”
(Dare you to diagram that sentence in your free time, by the way. It doesn’t say what I think Author Solutions intended it to say.)
Anyway, I imagine having a book optioned is pretty exciting for an author. Even though it’s no guarantee your novel will ever make it to the big screen, it does mean that someone wants the right to purchase the screenplay at some point down the road. And that’s cool.
The full truth about book options—something you won’t likely get from an Author Solutions employee—would probably temper the average writer’s enthusiasm, though.
Someone out there correct me if I’m wrong, but I think most book options last between 1 and 3 years and option payments are nothing close to a windfall. Nope, odds are you won’t be paying off that 30-year mortgage. Also, plenty of book options just die. Nothing ever comes of them, and the rights just anticlimatically revert back to the author when the term of the option expires.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing and no one really gets hurt, unless you’re delusional enough to pay Author Solutions $859 to $16,299 for the privilege of such disappointment.
The Price of Trafford’s Book-to-Screen Marketing Services
Just in case you think I’m making up those ridonkulous numbers, here are the prices for all Book-to-Screen services taken directly from the Trafford website today. (iUniverse, AuthorHouse and other Author Solutions imprints have similar services.)
Hollywood Gatekeeper: $859
Hollywood Audition: $2,149
Hollywood Storyteller: $3,749
Hollywood Topliner: $16,299
Book-to-Screen PitchFest New York 2012 and Book-to-Screen PitchFest New York 2012 with Video through Trafford cost $1,999 and $3,499 respectively.
The Screenplay Treatments
One of the the things the Hollywood Storyteller package will get you is a treatment. According to Trafford, a treatment:
“is a thoroughly developed guide that outlines how a screenwriter would adapt your book into a fully-developed screenplay.”
Coincidentally, someone claiming to be a former freelancer with ASI, left a comment on the post, “Author Solutions & Jared Silverstone: Now With 99% More Bullshit”, explaining that these treatments are used to sell overpriced adaptations for screen. Well, here, just read for yourself:
Gawd — these guys. I had a pretty surreal experience freelancing for their ‘book-to-screen’ program. They had me adapting self-published manuscripts into treatments, which they apparently would then use to try and upsell their clients on exorbitantly overpriced screenplay adaptations. The whole thing reeked of selling snake-oil to people who didn’t realize that spec screenplays, regardless of quality, almost never get past the dreaded ‘intern readers,’ much less optioned, much less produced — whereas ASI assured that these adaptations would ‘most likely’ get produced, and with A-list Hollywood stars to boot.
Also keep in mind, the majority of these authors would insist upon one-to-one adaptations of their manuscripts (most of which had clearly never been edited), which typically yielded sprawling, 3-hour scripts that would be line-budgeted for 100+ million bucks.
What nonsense. Even better, ASI’s in-house ‘editors’ would inevitably return my treatments with a list of corrections that, at best, were arbitrary and, at worst, would themselves be rife with grammatical and syntactical errors. A few were riddled with spelling errors. Corresponding with editors who can’t spell does not exactly inspire professional confidence.
But I had to quit because I was continually corresponding with poor folks who seemed honestly to believe that this was their ‘big break’ into Hollywood. It seems ASI even set up their own production company so they could claim that ‘other companies’ have a ‘first look’ deal with their screenplays. Shady.
Now might be a good time to plug that self-publishing services directory I launched during Writers’ Week, you know, in case you’re looking for some alternatives to Author Solutions.
When it comes to the writing contest, I rely on volunteer judges to select the finalists and public opinion to choose the first, second and third place winners. Why? Because I’ve come to know a lot of the writers and bloggers who participate in the contest, and there is just no way I could ever impartially evaluate the entries by myself.
So today, I’ve asked the Writers’ Week Writing Contest Judges to introduce themselves to you.
Jenny Bones
I’m Jenny Bones and I have been writing since I was old enough to spell. While the quality of my writing has probably diminished significantly since that time, I’m still just as passionate about the written word. I believe words hold mystical, magical powers and when used correctly, can heal and soothe a world in pain.
Currently earning my daily bread as a copywriter and consultant, I am the resident Word Witch over at Up Your Impact Factor. You can Tweet with me, connect on Facebook or throw freshly-baked cookies at my head. Whatever floats your boat.
Dan Meadows
Hi, I’m Dan Meadows and I’ll be your judge. Over the past 15 years, I’ve been an editor, managing editor, publisher, etc (and I mean etc. They don’t make hat racks big enough for all the ones I’ve worn at one time or another). I signed up for this because I’d thought it’d be cool to judge a writing contest, and I think Emily does damn fine work, so here I am.
I’ve been thinking about what to say, but honestly, with all the hubbub about sockpuppets and reviewing whatnot, the last thing I feel like doing right now is self-promoting in any form. You could Google me, I suppose, I’ve got no way of stopping you, just don’t tell me about it, please. I cringe every time I hear that phrase, always being in reference some some grimy politician. No, thank you, I don’t want to Google Rick Santorum. Eww
I’m just here to read some stories and give my humble opinion. Beyond that, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. I’ll only be judging you.
Don’t forget to submit your blog entries by September 30, 2012!
There’s another Author Solutions employee review up on GlassDoor.com. And I don’t really know what to say about it, except that it’s weird. It’s written like the person moved on to greener pastures, but then the reviewer describes him/herself as a “Current Anonymous Employee in Indianapolis, IN.”
My favorite line is this:
“Wish the upper management would’ve been more personable, with the exception of the CEO.”
Based on the rest of the review, I assume the writer meant that Kevin Weiss was perfectly personable and his behavior required no modification. But what comes out is a little ambiguous, leaving room for the suggestion that maybe Kev was a little too personable. If you know what I mean. Wink, wink.
With this review and rating, Author Solutions rises to 2.1 stars out 5 for employee satisfaction, and Kevin Weiss’s approval rating jumps to a whopping 36%.
I’m on the fence about the legitimacy of this review, though. So I leave you with a weekend poll.
It’s been a month since the announcement of the big sale of Author Solutions. To commemorate Penguin’s refusal to respond to questions about how Author Solutions does business, I thought I’d round up a few of the web’s best critiques on the subject, you don’t have to take my word for it; Author Solutions gets crappy reviews everywhere.
In every case, the entire article is worth a read. Don’t just browse the little excerpts I’ve posted here, click through and then put on your critical thinking caps. Digest everything these bloggers are saying, particularly if you or someone you know has an interest in self-publishing.
How a Traditional Publisher Could Harm a Writer’s Career: Mark Coker of Smashwords writes, “Does Pearson think that Author Solutions represents the future of indie publishing? Author Solutions is one of the companies that put the “V” in vanity. Author Solutions earn 2/3 or more of their income selling services and books to authors, not selling authors’ books to readers.”
Penguin’s New Business Model: Exploiting Writers: At Indie Reader, David Gaughran writes, “Penguin isn’t purchasing a company which provides real value to writers. They are purchasing an operation skilled at milking writers.” Thinking about the stacks of complaints collected on this blog, I’d say Gaughran’s summary is on point. But read the whole article. Customers have outed Author Solutions brand iUniverse for published their e-books without permission.
Pearson Buys Author Solutions: It’s no secret that Victoria Strauss of Writer Beware has an opinion of Author Solutions, and it’s not a good one. Blogging about the sale of the company to Pearson/Penguin, she writes, “Despite ASI’s claims about customer satisfaction, the comments threads of my posts about ASI’s acquisition of Xlibris, Trafford, etc. … are replete with complaints from unhappy authors, and I receive many more via email.”
