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Here's an interesting article from NPR: Hybrid Books: 'Illuminations' And The Future Of The E-Reader
Brooklyn independent publisher Melville House, is offering/touting Illuminations. "Often the Illuminations are longer than the book itself, stuffed full of illustrations, maps, articles, photographs and historical documents."

The idea is interesting in that it provides a bridge between the e-book and print copies (both come with "Illuminations"), and gives booksellers on the frontlines more ammunition to use when trying to push physical books.
The comments are very interesting, too -- "The tone of this article and some comments is "Gloom, doom, change is here, we don't like it, woe is us."

What do you think?

A member just asked about this valuable resource: The Permissions Group, Inc. is a copyright and permissions consulting company with more than 20 years of experience negotiating rights and permissions. Infringement can be a costly mistake, even if it is done unintentionally. The Permissions Group, Inc. specializes in the negotiation of text and photo rights for the use of copyrighted material in and for all media.

One of my clients used their services earlier this year. His book was filled with quotes from famous people. All but one quote was in public domain. The one that wasn't in public domain was a lyric from a song. We were strongly advised to change it (and did).

http://www.permissionsgroup.com/

I stumbled upon this site and wanted to share it: Missouri Center for the Book
http://books.missouri.org/Author
There's an author directory... "This directory includes information on nearly 500 authors currently living and writing in Missouri" and many other resources.

At SLPA we tell you to get an editor for your book. No, not your sister or even your child's language arts teacher. These people can be your first-line editors, but you need someone who's great at grammar, spelling, and reading critically. It does cost some money to hire a good editor, but at the least, hire a copyeditor to take care of the basics so you don't embarass yourself or contribute to the stereotype of the awful self-published book. Always ask for a sample edit of the first chapter or the first few pages to see if your editor understands your style and concept and to see how good they are. If you don't know much about grammar and sentence structure, get someone who does to look at the sample - anyone can say they are an editor, but are they any good? Below is a link to an article on editing by Daily Writing Tips, a good blog to follow.

How to Hire an Editor

 

Part of building your platform is socializing online via your blog and your comments on others' blogs, Twitter, FB, Yahoo or LinkedIn groups or forums. There's a fine line between promoting yourself and being obnoxious.

The Number One Marketing Hurdle: You

Platform is very important for authors. It's who you are, your message to the world, and who follows you and your message. Choose your message wisely to capture the audience you want for your book. Most of us are not famous for something. Most of us have to create our platform, and it's good to start before your book comes out. Check out this article: 7 Ways to Build Your Online Platform from Scratch.

You may have missed the big all-day workshop, but not too late to sign up for the evening St. Louis Writers Workshop on Thursday, August 11. For writers of all genres, including poetry.

Yay, all kidlit publishers, printers and authors rejoice! The House and Senate finally passed a ruling exempting childrens books from the 2008 CPSIA controversial laws requiring lead testing. Novelty books and all toys will still be required to be tested and receive certification, however.

These are beautiful book cover ideas. Charlotte illustrates with a bold stroke. The typography is hand-drawn and is every easy to read. Check out her illustrations:
http://thefoxisblack.com/2011/07/29/penguin-modern-classics-book-covers-by-charlotte-trounce/

I heard this on NPR this morning: University of Wisconsin professor Sue Fondrie won the Bulwer-Lytton Contest, which asks people to come up with terrible first lines to imaginary novels. Foudrie's winning entry works in dead sparrows and forgotten memories. The contest honors British writer Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, who opened his novel with the immortal words: "It was a dark and stormy night."

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/26/138697098/wisconsin-professor-wins-bad-writing-contest