Publishing News -- 12/23/2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

This past year has been a tough year, and 2009 also promises to be challenging. Best wishes and best hopes for a prosperous and success new year from me and my staff!

Publishing and the Economy
CEO: Simon & Schuster Fundamentally Strong -- Carolyn Reidy says 2008, in spite of struggles, had good points, and that 2009 provides the opportunity to "take chances and embrace risk."

Digital Publishing
App Developer Strikes E-Book Deals With Major Publishers -- Random House, Houghton-Mifflin, Simon and Schuster, and Penguin among publishers signed up for e-book app to work with iTunes.

S&S, Random House Announce Large Gains in Digital Book Sales -- In a tough economy, each announce 400% gains in digital sales.

Marketing Your Work
Free Press Release Sites -- From Dana Willhoit, who really knows her stuff about PR and social media.

How Effective is Your Author Website? -- Website grader measures the marketing effectiveness of your website...for FREE!

Getting Published
The unvarnished truth about self-publishing -- You need to take care to spend your money wisely; the publishers have one goal: make money (not sell your book).

Undiscovered? Post your book in Harper Collins new site -- "If you’re a writer, authonomy is the place to show your face – and show off your work on the web. Whether you’re unpublished, self-published or just getting started, all you need is a few chapters to start building your profile online, and start connecting with the authonomy community."

Agent's Rules for E-mails -- Janet Reid, a literary agent, says that e-mail management is a challenge for her and has strict rules for which e-mails she'll read and which ones she'll never see. (See her query guidelines.)

Surviving the Recession
Out of work? It's time to get connected -- Includes seven tips for making the most of your job search.