A Flair For Writing (www.aflairforwriting.com)

02/05/2023

Thinking about finding and working with an editor? Check out my new post to the An American Editor blog:

© Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, Owner An American Editor © An American Editor. Content may not be recirculated, republished or otherwise used without both the prior permission of the publisher and full cr…

09/04/2023

Two recent blog posts that might be of interest to writer colleagues:
https://americaneditor.wordpress.com/2023/04/09/on-the-basics-rewriting-and-editing-my-life-by-becoming-an-artist/

https://ruththalercarter.naiwe.com/2023/04/07/networking-proves-its-value/

Ruth E. Thaler-Carter Owner, An American Editor © An American Editor. Content may not be recirculated, republished or otherwise used without both the prior permission of the publisher and full cred…

04/07/2021

On this (US) Independence Day, I salute everyone with the guts and discipline to aim for being an independent author. It isn't easy - and the work doesn't stop when you've finished writing your book.

Because questions about rates for editing come up often in writers' groups, I'd like to make a suggestion. Wherever you are on your writing journey, start putting some money aside now to build up a fund for your non-writing expenses: editing, proofreading, cover design, other illustrations, formatting, marketing, etc., but especially editing.

If you aim for traditional publishing, you'll need an agent, but agents get paid through sales and royalties, not out of your pocket. The publisher will take care of illustrations, formatting, and at least some of the marketing and sales process. However, agents and eventually publishers will be much more likely to represent you or accept your book if your manuscript is clean, coherent and well-edited. You want to be able to hire a skilled, experienced, professional editor who will make your book the best it can be.

15/05/2021

I'm presenting a webinar about "Give Your Writing Business a Strong Start" at 7 p.m. Eastern time on May 20 for the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE).

Cost: $30 (NAIWE Members: $10 with discount code)

Starting a writing business is exciting and challenging. Writing is a creative act. Having a writing business is a practical process. Get some practical, effective tips from a long-time, award-winning freelance writer/editor in this session. Learn about types of writing that can be the basis of a business; getting experience; finding outlets, audiences, readers and clients; avoiding scams; and more. Whether you want to write and publish books or articles, fiction or nonfiction, this session will get your writing business off to a strong start (and enhance an existing one).

To register, go to https://naiwe.com/training/.

05/04/2021

If you're new to the writing world, this blog post might be helpful:
https://ruththalercarter.naiwe.com/2021/04/03/how-networking-can-help-a-writing-business-get-off-to-a-good-start/

How networking can help a writing business get off to a good start April 3, 2021 Post a comment By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, Networking member, NAIWE Board of Experts A lot goes into launching a successful writing business, and networking can be one factor in that success. I’ll be talking about the p...

03/04/2021

I just heard from an editing colleague who received a message via Goodreads that authors might want to know about. She thinks it's probably a scam, and I think either she's right or it's from someone whose review probably wouldn't help your book much. The message said:

"Hi,
I want to review your book in exchange of a review copy. You can email me a copy at [email protected]. Please note that I am unable to download gift copies so kindly don’t email me those. Also, I don’t check messages here often so, if you have any questions please email me directly. I am also a beta reader. Thanks"

Red flags include that it didn't address her specifically; anyone who looks at her profile can see she's an editor, not a writer; and the "no gift copies" and request to send a copy directly to an email that looks like a spam address suggests the sender was a book pirate. She added that, "The profile is for a Dewayne Peterson, conveniently set to private, with only two books reviewed and five ratings."

17/03/2021

Colleague Carolyn Haley has contributed another helpful post about editing fiction to the An American Editor blog:
https://americaneditor.wordpress.com/2021/03/17/thinking-fiction-the-book-as-an-object/.

Carolyn Haley Writing a novel has often been likened to having a baby. The analogy is apt, in terms of gestation, obsession, pain, thrill, frustration, and all that goes with the long-term developm…

31/01/2021

A Flair for Writing has a new client - the author of a book about how to get better, safer treatment in hospitals and rehab facilities. Some of it is (eerily) relevant to my own experiences, which helped the author decide to work with us.

15/01/2021

In addition to owning A Flair for Writing, I'm also the owner of the An American Editor blog. My latest posts there might be of value to aspiring and published authors here:
https://americaneditor.wordpress.com/2021/01/13/on-the-basics-the-long-and-the-short-of-it/

https://americaneditor.wordpress.com/2021/01/15/on-the-basics-whos-the-bravest-of-the-brave-in-publishing/

       Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, Owner An American Editor We don’t usually think of writers as brave (unless they’re investigative reporters or pioneering authors whose w…

14/11/2019

24/07/2019

Thank you to all for your patience. I'm having a very difficult time with updating new contact information at our website, but the business is still active and available to help authors get published.

10/09/2017

We've handled several new books recently, although not all of the authors want theirs to be available beyond family and friends. Keep us in mind if you have a book in you!

28/11/2016

For those of you interested in non-book writing work, I'm presenting a webinar on "Freelancing for Nonprofits" the evening of Dec. 8, 2016, for the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), and it's open to all. To register, go to:
http://the-efa.org/eve/catalog.php #381

The Editorial Freelancers Association is a national, nonprofit organization of self-employed professionals in publishing and communications.

17/10/2015

The transition to new ownership is taking longer than we had hoped, due to a variety of reasons, but we're almost there. Thank you for your patience!

14/10/2015

Paid out more print royalties, as new account transition is processing.

22/09/2015

Just paid out what will most likely be my last print author royalties, as the new owners get their accounts set up. Congrats to all! Still have e-book royalties coming at the end of the month. :)

30/07/2015

Thank you, everyone, for your support and good wishes. I am now officially retired. With A Flair For Writing under new management, I can assure you that you are in the very best of hands. Authors will soon receive an announcement from the new publisher. It was such a pleasure working with all of you. Please keep in touch. I will definitely continue to read about your accomplishments. Best wishes in the days and years ahead!

Donna Erickson

17/07/2015

Attention Authors: There is a group on FB where you can promote your book for free to thousands of members - BUY MY BOOK!!! A PLACE WHERE WRITERS CAN PROMOTE THEIR BRILLIANT BOOKS!

22/06/2015

Authors, Check your accounts during the next few days for royalties. Some of you first-timers did very well!

26/05/2015

Do you feel broken or lost? Are you trapped by fear, loneliness, and heartache, but unable to see a way out?  Are you unhappy in your relationships, and without a solution to make things right? If you are searching for an answer to all of your struggles, Vladimire Calixte's, Naked and Transp...

04/05/2015

I am in the process of selling the business and will be retiring following major surgery this week. Details will follow. Any questions can be directed to Charlie Davis, Production Manager, who will continue in his role. He can be reached at [email protected]. Best of luck to all!

03/05/2015

Great Mother's Day gift!

With Angel's Wings is the true story of Laura, a young wife and mother of a three-year-old daughter. Her husband, Kevin, a marine, is deployed overseas, leaving Laura to give birth to their second daughter and handle the two young children on her own.Thirteen days after the birth o...

02/05/2015

Our best-seller. You won't be able to put it down.

01/05/2015

Publishing business for sale

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06/04/2015

Dear Authors and Friends,

I hope this email finds you well. I have an important announcement to make. First, I want to say what an honor and privilege it has been to work with all of you these past few years. I set out on a mission to help eliminate deceptive practices in this industry by offering authors a legitimate way to publish their work. As a result, I have been personally rewarded by your accomplishments and friendships.
As most of you know, I was diagnosed in December with a very rare brain tumor. The symptoms and size have increased, and I am now preparing for surgery that involves a long recovery, but nothing is guaranteed. It has been a complicated journey, I am currently penciled in for surgery with neurosurgeons on both the West Coast and East Coast, as I submit my final insurance appeal requesting out-of-network surgery with the top expert in the country. In case I am denied, it will be final and binding, so I needed a back-up plan; thus, the surgeon in Boston will be my second choice. He is not as experienced, but I was impressed with his confidence, knowledge, and wonderful bedside manner. Hopefully, I should know where I am headed by next week.
I will be retiring from the publishing business following my surgery. A lot of thought went into this decision. Originally, I had planned to continue working until retirement age, but life had other plans for me. I am unable to continue with my duties that are required for this position.
Right now, I am in the process of searching for someone to take over my position. I am putting together a buy-out package, which includes Charlie continuing in his role as Production Manager. I will make every effort possible to sell the business, so every author can continue receiving royalties, rather than closing down the business. Either way, I will stay in contact with you and guide you through the process.
When I have a definite surgery date, I will let you know. While I am hospitalized and in recovery, there may be a delay in the payment of some royalties, but I will make sure everything gets paid properly when I am well enough.
I believe in open communications, and I feel I have a good relationship with each and every one of you. Seeing each project through to completion has been a wonderful experience. Although I will miss working with you, I am confident this will all work out for the best. If you have any specific questions, please contact Charlie (978-855-1805 or [email protected]), and he will either answer you or let me know if he needs my help. Please let me know if you are interested in a very affordable buy-out opportunity. I wish all the very best to everyone.

Donna

05/04/2015

With Angel's Wings - Proud new recipient of the New Apple Literary Services Spirit Award AND Medalist in their Memoir category!

03/04/2015

Congrats to our author Stephanie Collins!

03/04/2015

This made my day!

Donna, I'm impressed with ability to influence
Hi Donna,
I've noticed you online, and I have to say, I'm impressed with the work you do to influence the world for good.
It's so vitally needed in our world today, and just wanted to send a quick message of recognition.

Keep up the good work! You are making this world a better place!
—Nate

31/03/2015

More royalties have gone out yesterday and today. Check your accounts, authors!

24/03/2015

We are proud to announce the release of our latest book by talented author, Valdimire Calixte. Available to order online at amazon and B&N.