In Praise of Those Who Help Writers
Anthony R. Candela
In my relatively brief writing career, I have run across a number of resources that help authors wend their way through the writing, publication submission, and book-publicity processes. All have been helpful in their own way. Some have been niche-specific(i.e., for blind writers like me), such as the Writer’s Grapevine, curated by Patty Fletcher where all of the essays that ended up in my latest book “What Should Not Remain Silent” were posted as I wrote them. This is where the inspiration and motivation for the book commenced. Patty provides lots of book-publicity ideas and coaching on the use of social media and web pages. Bob Branco’s The Consumer Vision Magazine and the National Federation of the Blind’s Slate & Style Magazine have provided other great avenues for some of my short pieces. I recently did a podcast interview with Behind Our Eyes, which supports writers with disabilities.
A few months ago, I connected to The Author’s Guild, an advocacy organization that helps protect against fraud and provides support for copyright and other author rights. That connection led me to Poets and Writer’s Magazine, a literary magazine where many talented people publish their work. I haven’t made a submission just yet, but may someday send some short fiction their way.
I have also used two services, decried by some as overly expensive and ineffective and lauded by others as helpful. One is Readers Magnet Publishing and Marketing Services and the other, Prime Seven Media. Both connect authors and their books to national and international book festivals, arrange radio and TV interviews, and conduct web traffic optimization and social media enhancement projects with their authors. I had mixed results. Readers Magnet offers manuscript-editing and other services similar to vanity presses (e.g., cover design, copy-editing, printing, and connection to book sellers like Amazon). Prime Seven Media brokered a contract for me with a screenplay writing company for my memoir. It was somewhat expensive and produced mixed results.
My favorite resource has been The Writer’s Workshop at Authors Publish. I have regularly attended its free lectures, presented by noteworthy authors and professors. One can obtain quick advice and useful resources like lists of publishers now accepting contributions including short fiction, non-fiction, novels and novellas, and all sorts of poetry. These lists are curated by specialists who scour and monitor the publishing world. The web site for Authors Publish Magazine is an excellent way to get to know and connect to this resource.
Authors Publish, now 10 years old, is based out of Canada. Its operators are the poets Jacob and Kaitlin Jans, with support from several American and international lecturers, agents, editors, teachers, poets, and novelists.
Both new and experienced authors can learn a lot from their services. I recently purchased for a very reasonable price the entire collection of lectures dating from 2021 when the Authors Publish monthly series commenced. I have listened to them all. The average attendance at these Zoom lectures is about a thousand people, hailing from all over the world. I have occasionally recognized a famous author or two there. Lecture recordings are sent to all attendees as well as lecture slides and the presenter’s web site information.
The best way I can describe Authors Publish is to use words like “helpful,” “motivating,” “happy,” and most of all, “supportive.”
Coaches often mete out daunting advice and strategies. This is because the writing process requires hard work and organized focus. Also, the publishing industry is highly competitive and exacting in its demands on those who submit work to it. The mentality of good writers can vary, but it must be a driven and dedicated one. Even if you finish listening to a lecture wondering if you can measure up, you are better off for knowing the ropes. If you follow even half of the advice you have heard, your writing will improve and you will be well on your way toward getting your work published. It certainly has helped me.
Saying aloud what should not remain silent.
Books by Tony…
Stand Up Or Sit Out: Memories and Musings Of a Blind Wrestler, Runner, and All-around Regular Guy
A memoir about life lessons learned, especially through sports
Vision Dreams: A Parable
A sci-fi novella about how a dysfunctional society forces people to go to extremes, including four blind people who seek out artificial vision.
What Should Not Remain Silent
A sampling of moments in the author’s life between June 2021 and April 2024 and the essays he felt compelled to write about them. The pieces in this book illustrate his reactions to a wide variety of issues, from disability to diversity and inclusion to war, peace, and politics.
https://www.dldbooks.com/anthonyrcandela/
Or go to Amazon, then Books, then Anthony R. Candela to purchase it.
The book is available in paperback, hardcover, and e–book formats.
Tony Candela has worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor, supervisor, manager consultant and administrator for more than 45 years in the field of blindness and visual impairment. His work currently includes the development of blindness professionals. He is a “retired” athlete, loves movies, sports, reading, writing, and music, including dabbling in guitar.