Tag Archives: Essays
The Anti-Trust Suit Settlement—A Layman’s Opinion

The Anti-Trust Suit Settlement—A Layman’s Opinion

Let me state from the outset, if the title is not enough of a warning, that I am not a lawyer. My opinion on the settlement, if nuanced at all, is not informed by the law. I’m reacting to what I read via news stories and in commentaries by folks who know more law than […]

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Why Selling Direct is Vital for Authors

Why Selling Direct is Vital for Authors

News hit this morning that Google has decided to no longer sell ebooks through independent bookstores. Instead Google will focus on selling ebooks directly through Google Play. Their collaborative effort with bookstores had been an attempt by both parties to crack Amazon’s dominance of the ebook market. Writers having their own websites and/or taking other […]

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My Mom’s Birthday Giveaway

My Mom’s Birthday Giveaway

As you may recall, last month, on 3 February, I gave away copies of A Gathering Evil for free through Amazon and the Kindle Store. That was a Friday, and, by happenstance, the day after my brother’s birthday. (I know, seems like a random fact, but it will tie in nicely later.) I’m still gathering […]

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It’s a bad sign if…

It’s a bad sign if…

A rather enigmatic Tweet by Dean Wesley Smith pointed me toward a Tweet by a literary agent, Terrie Wolf. Allow me to quote: Terrie Wolf ‏ @AKA_Terrie Authors, listen up. Unless you’ve passed the bar – don’t argue contract law with agents/editors. We get it. Promise. #pubtips Here’s a big #pubtip: Any time someone with […]

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Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules.

Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules.

A couple days ago I posted a Twitter link to an article in the Huffington Post titled: PayPal Takes Controversial Stance Against Sex. The article reveals that Paypay has told a number of websites selling erotica that if they continue to sell work that features bestiality, incest (or pseudo-incest) or underage sex, Paypal will suspend […]

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E-book Design doesn’t have to be bad

E-book Design doesn’t have to be bad

A Twitter message of outrage over e-book pricing from @feliciaday (yes, that Felicia Day) reminded me of an embarrassing incident from the holidays. I’d put it out of my mind largely due to hysterical amnesia. You’ll see why in a second. For Christmas my brother, sister and I kicked in to get my parents an […]

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Whistling Past the Graveyard: HarperCollins and Amanda Knox

Whistling Past the Graveyard: HarperCollins and Amanda Knox

I ran across a news item today about HarperCollins signing Amanda Knox to a huge book deal. Four million dollars for her tell-all biography about her ordeal in the Italian justice system. For those of you, like me, who don’t have cable and haven’t been following cases like this (or that of Casey Anthony) closely, […]

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