publishing
5 On: Russell Rowland
Author Russell Rowland discusses the big mistake he made with HarperCollins, whether the journey of writing is truly its own reward, why his Indiegogo campaign worked so well, and his experiences with publishing—from one of the Big 5 to self-publishing.
5 On: Julie Smith
Author, publisher, and book marketer Julie Smith shares what she loves to write—and read—in a mystery, how her writing obsession evolved into marketing, the mistake many authors make with their book covers, and more.
5 On: Lisa Tener
Lisa Tener shares important lessons learned when writing her first book, the ups and downs of co-writing, the most important platform writers should have, and more.
The Myth About Print Coming Back (Updated)
Discussions about the "resurgence" of print and the comeback of independent bookstores amounts to wishful thinking, not an understanding of the industry.
5 On: Elizabeth Marro
Author Elizabeth Marro discusses literary vs. commercial fiction and what she learned from the sale and marketing of her first novel.
Should You Submit Your Work to Agents or Editors?
Is it better to look for a literary agent first, or to approach editors and publishers? Much depends on the commercial potential of your work.
5 On: Caroline Leavitt
Author Caroline Leavitt reveals the fears behind her middle-of-the-night writer anxieties, the contents of her colored book tour folders, her reaction to the praise her latest novel is receiving, and more in this 5 On interview.
5 On: Rosalie Morales Kearns
Author, editor, and publisher Rosalie Morales Kearns discusses why she started a feminist press (and what it takes to run it), favorite writing exercises, the deeply held interests that fuel her own writing, and more.
5 On: R.J. Keller
Author R.J. Keller on the notion of the "second-book slump," how she dealt with a book idea similar to her own beating hers to the market, why to write the things that scare you, and more in this 5 On interview.
5 On: Massimo Marino
Author Massimo Marino discusses what it's like to read science fiction as a scientist, his experience with the Booktrope publishing collective, the mission of BookGarage, and more.
5 On: Rufi Thorpe
Author Rufi Thorpe discusses writing for men, her improbable path to publication, what she likes to see in a book review, and more in this 5 On interview.
5 On: Che Gilson
Author Che Gilson discusses what she as an unagented author learned to look for in publishing contracts, designing your own cover art, the necessity of continually creating new material, and more.
5 On: Philip B. Persinger
Philip B. Persinger discusses his attraction to sonnets, the broad art of writing and selling a play, why he published his latest novel with Amazon, and more.
5 On: Patrick Walsh
Book publicist Patrick Walsh discusses effective social media promotion, what it takes to make the same old book-marketing advice work for you, questions to ask yourself when trying to decide whether your story should be a book or a screenplay, and more.
How to Write a Query Letter: Nonfiction and Memoir
Learn how to pitch your nonfiction book to agents and publishers—whether you're writing memoir, narrative nonfiction, or prescriptive nonfiction.
5 On: Elisa Lorello
In this 5 On post, bestselling author Elisa Lorello discusses authenticity, using social media to connect with readers, rejection, and the differences between self- and traditional publishing.
5 On: Jane Smiley
Jane Smiley on necessary compromises, writing good sex scenes, and what makes her nervous about writing even now in this 5 On interview.
5 On: Dana Kaye
Publicist Dana Kaye discusses why not to pretend to be a publicist, the question of gender bias in publishing and publicity, marketing mistakes and misconceptions, and more.
5 On: Nadine Darling
Debut author Nadine Darling discusses her revision and query process, blogging, writing with children in the house, and more.
5 On: Allyson Rudolph
Allyson Rudolph discusses some of her favorite experimental fiction, the day-to-day life of an associate editor at a publishing house, common problems she sees in fiction and nonfiction, her commitment to increased diversity in media and the arts, and more.
5 On: Sandra Gulland
Sandra Gulland discusses the delicate process of blending of fact and fiction, the allure of unhappy endings, the publishing industry then vs. now, preparation for public readings/signings, and more.
5 On: Mollie Glick
Literary agent Mollie Glick on what drew her to being an agent, what kind of query letter gets a quick delete, thoughts on chick lit, and more in this 5 On interview.
5 On: Craig Lancaster
Craig Lancaster talks about his surprise success, what he learned from his most memorable rejection, why he gets so personal on social media, and more.
5 On: Steve Brewer
Steve Brewer discusses having a book adapted to film, his personal writing and editing challenges, and the tricky experience of using a pen name.
5 On: Nathan Bransford
Author and former literary agent Nathan Bransford discusses (among other things) the ongoing emphasis on author platform, publisher and author marketing responsibilities, and in what way being a literary agent influenced his writing.
5 On: Jim Thomsen
Editor Jim Thomsen discusses freelance editing, story craft, favorite authors, and his own authorial aspirations.
5 On: Josip Novakovich
In this interview, Josip Novakovich discusses expectations vs. reality, the role of writing instruction, trends in writing, and more.
5 On: E. E. King
In this interview, author E. E. King (Elizabeth Eve King) explains her approaches to writing, humor, marketing, and publishing.
5 On: Carol Hoenig
In this interview, author Carol Hoenig explains what makes an author attractive to the media.
5 On: Robert Kroese
Robert Kroese reveals the process that allows him to write up to three books per year, and how authors can increase their sales potential.
5 On: Brian Felsen
BookBaby founder Brian Felsen discusses the push against the gatekeeper and the prevailing belief that not being on top is synonymous with being a "loser."
5 On: Kathleen M. Rodgers
Author Kathleen M. Rodgers discusses her approach to writing and reading, her self-promotion philosophy, and why she won't self-publish.
5 On: James C. Moore
In this interview, James C. Moore discusses journalistic vs. creative writing, finding time to write when time is hard to come by, and what being a New York Times best-selling author doesn't mean.
5 On: Victoria Zackheim
Author and editor Victoria Zackheim discusses (among other things) the art of marketing when published by a press with a limited budget and the keys to successful personal essays.
5 On: Leora Skolkin-Smith
Note from Jane: Today, I'm pleased to announce the series 5 On by author Kristen Tsetsi. 5 On asks established, traditionally published
What Should Authors & Publishers Expect in 2015?
In January, I'm moderating a panel at the Digital Book World Conference + Expo, which focuses on information and ideas about the digital
Writing & Money: A Brief Syllabus
For my upcoming keynote talk at The Muse & The Marketplace, I've been immersing myself in histories of publishing and