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THE COAST NEWS
NOV. 11, 2011
Authors’ Day gives tips on the business of being a writer By Promise Yee
OCEANSIDE — Have you ever daydreamed of being an author who sits at a home office desk overlooking a meadow while penning the great American novel? Like a record screech interrupting the dream, Authors’ Day keynote speakers let audience know that what it really takes to become a published author is hard work, self promotion and an uncanny wit. More than 40 authors, poets and book agents shared industry tips at North County
release dates. Other self-published writers are content with the achievement of getting their works to small specific audiences. However, most authors who want their works to be widely read seek traditional publishing through a publishing house. A few keys shared for getting the attention of a publishing house were to enlist a good editor, target publishers who specialize in your genre, and promote your work throughout
From left, Maureen Sage, Jean Forsythe and Marcy Jubach, all of San Diego Book Awards Association, were among those who shared writing industry tips. Photo by Promise Yee
Authors and Poets fourth annual Authors’ Day event held at the Civic Center Library on Nov. 5. The good news is that selfpublishing has opened up the field of professional writing to many aspiring authors and poets. Some writers have developed a solid writing career through self-publishing and in the process have been able to maintain complete control of books’ contents, marketing and
the publishing process. Best-selling author Linda Thomas-Sundstrom is under contract with Harlequin Nocture to write four paranormal romance novels a year. Her novels tell tales of how humans fall in love with vampires or other nonhuman creatures. “You really need to love what you’re doing,” ThomasSundstrom said. “People do have a romantic notion about writing. They don’t realize that
you don’t have 10 years to write the book of your heart. I’m perfectly happy with this.” Thomas-Sundstrom said she has written 11 books and never loses the excitement of seeing her published novel on
the bookstore shelf. “If you hear someone screaming in the Barnes & Noble it’s probably me,”ThomasSundstrom said. “It’s just as exciting as the first time.” Writing a 25,000-word
novel every three months is only part of the work. ThomasSundstrom must also blog, guest speak, and hold book signings for each published novel. For many authors the key to getting their works pub-
lished is securing the services of a literary agent. Kevan Lyon is a founding partner of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and has more than 20 years experience TURN TO AUTHORS ON B20