8 March 2021 - What's new
8 March 2021
- ‘I think these shows have an innate sense of decency and optimism that underpins them all. It's compassion and a belief that people are essentially good. If I had to define the essential DNA of Unforgotten, it's that good people can do bad things... I think it's Priestley who says you have to put it on paper in order to formulate your views. Nothing comes fully formed. It's only in a detective story that the answers are always clear and unambiguous. Maybe that's why I like writing them so much.' Chris Lang, writer and creator of over 85 hours of prime time drama, including Unforgotten, Tom, Amnesia and A Mother's Son in the Sunday Times.
- From our 19-part Inside Publishing series, Subsidiary Rights: 'My first job in publishing was in a subsidiary rights department. I'm ashamed to admit that I accepted the job without having much idea what subsidiary rights were. Many writers may feel just as vague about this part of publishing, so here's a quick breakdown...' and Vanity Publishing: 'It is natural for writers to be eager to get published but it pays to be wary of the vanity publishers who will take your money and give you very little in return...' Vanity publishing is quite distinct from Self-publishing, you need to be aware of the differences.
- WritersServices can provide a range of services working on your manuscript, to help you get it ready for submission or self-publishing. We are UK-based, offer exceptional value and our skilled professional editors have been working on writers' manuscripts for 20 years. We have recently introduced free samples and free assessments on most of these services, please see the individual service page. Copy editing services.
- Links from writers and writing: just published, the 30th book in the series, Donna Leon On Thirty Years of Inspector Guido Brunetti ‹ CrimeReads; from one of the few children's book authors to host in-person events throughout the pandemic, Jeff Kinney, Meg Medina and other children's book authors discuss pandemic author events - The Washington Post; every one of my grandmother's dishes was full to the brim with history: the nation's, my family's, my own, Food is Love: Weaving Together World War II History and Family Recipes ‹ Literary Hub; everything depends on the writer and their goals, but Blogging Versus Email Newsletter: Which Is Better for Writers? | Jane Friedman; it's become routine for many people to discuss their self-care and wellness practices, The delicate relationship between grief and fanfiction, explained by a psychologist - Vox; and an older, more instinctive art form, How to Arrange a Poetry Collection Using Mix Tape Rules - Electric Literature.
- If you're looking for a report on your manuscript, how do you work out which one of our four would suit you best? Which Report? includes our new top-of-the range service, the Editor's Report Plus, introduced by popular demand to provide even more detail. This very substantial report takes the form of a chapter-by-chapter breakdown and many writers have found this detail helps them to get their book right. Through our specialist children's editors we can offer reports on children's books.
- How to market your writing services online is a useful article from Joanne PhillipsUK-based freelance writer and ghostwriter. She has had articles published in national writing magazines, and has ghostwritten books on subjects as diverse as hairdressing and keeping chickens. Visit her at www.joannephillips.co.uk about selling yourself as a writer. 'Recently someone commented to me that I seem to be doing a pretty good job of promoting my writing services on the internet. I was touched by the observation - we writers get so many rejections that a little praise is especially gratifying. And I began to wonder - what does it take to market yourself successfully as a jobbing writer today?...'
- Links from publishing: the biggest international fair has recommitted to running a hybrid meeting in 2021, one which will feature in-person and virtual elements, Frankfurt Commits to In-Person Fair, Opens Registration; enthusiasm from head of Penguin Random House, ‘This is the best time in publishing ever,' says Markus Dohle - Atlantic Council; Dr Seuss Foundation to withdraw six books, 'It's a moral decision': Dr Seuss books are being 'recalled' not cancelled, expert says | Dr Seuss | The Guardian.
- Poets are naturally keen to see their work in print but it's actually quite hard to get a first collection taken on by a publisher and self-publishing may make a lot of sense. Getting your poetry published.
- 'If I had to give young writers advice, I would say don't listen to writers talking about writing or themselves.' Lillian Hellman in our Writers' Quotes.