The EWN has been, hopefully, an ever evolving entity. Starting off in 2000 as an email list to send book reviews to, interviews were added to that sometime early in 2002, and so on up to this point. I recently let the www.emergingwriters.net website go. The reviews and interviews and e-panels done prior to my starting up this blog (at which point triple posting began - reviews were still emailed, as well as posted at that original EWN site, plus here at the blog) have been saved and will at some point be put back online, probably here. This also means that the Join the Network button no longer works.
To join the EWN, one simply needs to email me at wickettd@yahoo.com. Give me your name, email address and if you wish, some information about you as a writer/reader. I'll add you to the email list at that time (or, more likely, sometime in the next four months).
hello, please put me on your list of info/events. thanks.
Posted by: Kythe Heller | July 13, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I have just written a new 184-page book called "Basics of the Biz: A Holistic Approach to Becoming an Actor," available on Amazon.com. It covers my experiences in LA as an actor, as well as basic info. on how to get an agent, how to market yourself, what type of class to take, how to network, etc.
Posted by: Rachel Galvin | August 28, 2009 at 05:02 PM
I have just published a blog where I post some short stories. I would like to receive comments on the afore mentioned posts.
Posted by: Dosunmu Olawale Khafeel | September 15, 2009 at 07:34 PM
What in God's name does a writer have to do to get discovered?
Oh, I've made mistakes. The worst of them was letting my first novel slip into the clutches of a POD publisher. It doesn't matter that the work has runaway best seller potential, or that it's compared to the best of Stephen King. The only thing that appears to matters is the indelible stain of POD. Now my second novel is almost complete, I refuse to let Publish America publish it and I believe the "agent" I have couldn't sell solar powered ice machines in Brazil.
I guess all that brings me back to my original question.
Posted by: C. Robert Cales | October 28, 2009 at 10:53 AM
C. Robert. I suppose if I were a writer I'd start by sending inquiries to agents that handle writers like Stephen King (if that's what the new novel might be compared to as well). I'd send inquiries to publishers that handle books by Stephen King or writers like him.
I probably wouldn't mention that the first book was a PA (or similar POD publisher) book. I'd probably just not mention it. But that's me. I truly have no idea how any publishers might read that in a cover letter. You'd like to think that they'd still be looking at the actual inquiry and not just the cover letter information.
Posted by: Dan Wickett | October 28, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Hi I'm From New Orleans La. I'm A Katrina Survivor, Songwriter, Poet, Mother Wife and Friend, my first song/video I wrote after Katrina, is a tribute to President Elect Barack Obama titled "Mr. Obama" also I wrote a song titled "No Brother's Blood" Sung By The Late Bob Marley's Late Mother Mr. Cedella Marley who passed away nine months ago,What An Honor!!! you can hear it and see my video at myspace.com/tinamariesoriginalsongs, I write songs that I hope make this a better world, I have a tribute to Darfur also on my space page titled "Restore Hope" A tribute to Children In Africa With AIDS titled "They're Apart Of The Human Race" I'm So Glade To Have Found This Site!
Posted by: Tina Marie clark | October 29, 2009 at 12:39 AM
Hello, everyone. No posts since Oct. 29? Really? I'm Patricia Harman and the author of The Blue Cotton Gown: A Midwife's Memoir published by Beacon Press, Boston last year and just out in paper back. It's narrative non-fiction that reads like a novel about the courage of ordinary women. It's dong pretty well, got reviewed by People Magazine when it first came out and nominated for a few awards.
This whole author business is new to me. I knew I would have to promote my book, but had no idea it would be mostly me. I laugh when friends say the book tour must be fun. Talking to people about the book, women's health or midwifery is fun, but driving all over, along, getting lost and running out of gas is not fun. The first time I came back from a week in NC, SC and GA, I was so stressed out I cried whenever someone looked at me.
So anyway, writers, readers, established and emerging, keep the faith, work hard and believe in what you are doing. Please put me on your mailing list. Peace. PH
Posted by: patricia harman | November 22, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Hey. That got posted before I read it!!! Eeeeek. Great writing, Patricia, spelling and all...!
Posted by: patricia harman | November 22, 2009 at 11:46 PM
Read your post, C. Robert Cales. I just committed to POD after attending a seminar at The Miami Bookfair which was a very depressing experience to say the least. The bottom line is even if you go the traditional publishing route, the onus is on the writer to market themselves. Yes, the top tier writers do get a certain amount of marketing support, but they still have to pound the pavements to get their books sold. What I learned (from the seminar, published writers and publishers) is you have to tackle your marketing from all ends - book reviews if you can get them, social media, readings at book stores. It's hard work. As one writer told me, writing the book is the easy part.
Posted by: Joan Ashley | December 20, 2009 at 06:34 PM
Hi. I'm emerging in Vietnam & also in the US. One of my stories to appear in a collection "the Ultimate Bird Lover". Getting mostly positive feedback but have had trouble with one particular magazine's 'editorial advisor'...
Posted by: Annie Eagle | January 04, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Wow, your original post was written on my birthday! June 25th. What an important date. I, too, have recently committed to POD, and I hope I'm not making a mistake by choosing PublishAmerica. They are supposed to be publishing my book this year. The name of my novel is Copper's Bluff, and its the first in my Quade Randal series (I hope). I already have four other somewhat small and insignificant books on Amazon.com, 3 through createspace and one through lulu. I'm unemployed and can't afford to market/promote my own book right now, so there's not much I can do. I can only hope my PA book does moderately well.
Posted by: Susan Gratton | January 06, 2010 at 09:46 PM
By day, I am wife to my golf-obsessed husband with "teensy" hair and mother to a rule-following, creative oldest daughter and a quirky, hilarious youngest daughter who refers to herself as Fashion Girl. By night, and every other nugget of free time available, I am a writer and a blogger... and trying to get published.
You can read about my Adventures in Motherhood at www.pipandthebean.com
Posted by: Heather McGuire | January 09, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Hi all - I'm writing - almost finished - a novel called Blackwatertown.
It's set in 1950's Ireland, along the border, during a little known insurgency that set the stage for the more internationally notorious "Troubles" in Northern Ireland. The hero is a conflicted policeman who accidentally sparks off the war.
I blog about the progress of the book (and other things) at www.blackwatertown.wordpress.com
The opening lines are posted at
http://wp.me/pDjed-7I
I'm looking forward to joining the Emerging Writers Network.
Posted by: blackwatertown | January 11, 2010 at 08:15 AM
hi, i have just created a blog. i am yet to add my writings in that. I have joined here to view the new talents.
Posted by: Prakash.P.S | January 14, 2010 at 07:11 AM
I also made the mistake of going with a POD company. They have left the marketing up to me to do. I know nothing about marketing and have 0 funds to market a book. I am at my wits end and don't know what to do next. Anyone out there have any ideas?
Posted by: Michele Hilts | January 26, 2010 at 10:33 PM
Hi I have started a new fantasy book and just have the first chapter. I think its enticing and funny. Its for a younger audience a la Narnia. I would love comments and feedback. This is my blog http://writingmybooks.blogspot.com/
I am documenting the process, hopefully someone will fin it interesting.
]
Best regards,
Ana
Posted by: Ana Andrade | January 29, 2010 at 03:46 PM
just found this website. just in case my email didn't get through,please send me the e-zine. thanks!
Posted by: ed l. | February 11, 2010 at 02:28 PM
This is the first time I've checked out your site. Actually the first time I've heard about it. Fascinating site. I've been writing for the last 5 years, since before I graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL with a degree in English, minor in Creative Writing. I'm submitting work, but no publications yet. Not even close to giving up.
Posted by: Annemarie Halback | February 16, 2010 at 04:38 PM
Hello. I am reading through the posts here and see a lot of frustration as well as naivete. I have worked in publishing for about 15 years and I am currently working from my home, doing publicity, manuscript critiques and editing. I will soon launch my website called BookMania. I give classes on publicity for authors at The Loft and I also am working on some of my own writing. It's a tough world out there. Community is key.
Posted by: Linda White | February 17, 2010 at 02:12 PM
Greetings,
It is always interesting to hear/read disparaging comments about POD as an avenue to being published. Unless you know someone in publishing, or know somone who knows someone, your chances of ever getting your foot in the door at a major publishing house is almost nil.
POD is exactly that, an avenue to publication. It, like its industry breatheren all require that YOU do most or all of the marketing and promotional efforts.
There are three legs to the book foundation tripod: (good)Writing, (excellent)Edtiting and (non stop)Marketing. To be financially successful (sell, distribute and bring in money) the writer must accomplish all three.
At the end of the day, the individual writer's success depends upon those three and ultimately, the response of the reading public. Readers vote with their dollars.
The only difference between your book and the top of the best seller list is the number of zero's after that first 1.
Ask yourself these questions:
Am I a story teller?
People don't like to be talked at, but they love a good story (one they identify with).
Is what I write, memorable?
Will my readers want more, and will they be endeared/excited enough to tell others about my work?
Who is my target Audience?
Where are they?
How do I get in front of them?
Is this venture into writing, a hobby?
Or a career?
What is my goal as a writer?
Is POD the route to publication for you. Only you can answer that question.
Branch Isole
the Voyeuristic Poet
Posted by: Branch Isole | March 14, 2010 at 08:03 AM
Hi,
Phew, who ever said self publishing a book was easy. Seriously. I know a lot of us have to go that route because it is so heard to get a publisher to see your work.
I may not be the best writer on the planet, but I think I can hold my own with a lot of so called name writers out there.
My military-romance novel, Combat Boots dainty feet is now availabe through www.lulu.com.
If you would be among the handful of people who are considering buying my book, please give me some feedback, please.
My first novel, Requiem For A Vampire, was published by www.mundania.com in 2007.
Posted by: Larry L. Deibert | April 02, 2010 at 03:50 PM
Hi, I'm Prakash. My first novel is still sitting in the drawer. I have been discouraged by agent's and editor's comments that it's too long for a first time author (670 pages). So I wrote a mystery/ Thriller based on a famous surgeon's midlife crisis. I am now looking for an editor for line edits. I am practicing physician for last thirty five years and if anybody needs help to bring scientific authenticity to the medical aspects of their writing, I can help. I'll appreciate anyone guiding me as to how to find a freelance editor. I have a website http://writer-prakash.com
Posted by: Prakash V Kulkarni | April 06, 2010 at 07:30 AM
Greetings, I want to be added to your network as a writer. I am an emerging writer of science fiction and looking to make friends.
I have started a new blog (after many failures): The BookWorm.
Thank!
V.
Posted by: Victor Powell | April 29, 2010 at 03:24 PM
Hi everyone,
I've had a few very good comments about my book, Combat Boots dainty feet. I am so happy that I have written a novel that my readers find so appealing.
I wish you all the best of luck.
P.S. Requiem For A Vampire and Combat Boots dainty feet are now available at www.amazon.com. 95 Bravo is available as a Kindle.
Posted by: Larry L. Deibert | May 04, 2010 at 05:59 AM
Interesting concept, and the first I've heard of it. Yes, sign me up. I've been writing my entire life. My first novel, called "Zenith Rising," set in a fictional Detroit, was published about a year ago. My second, called "Rebound," is a murder mystery set in the same city. I'm currently seeking representation.
Now I'm off to put a link to EWN on my website.
Posted by: Michael Goodell | May 07, 2010 at 10:27 AM