Publishing News -- 1/31/2009 (Pot pourri for $200, Alex)

Potpourri for $200, Alex
No overwhelming theme today. I'm sure if I looked around, I could find stories about layoffs and impending doom, but that gets old. We're writers, for crying out loud. For some of us, the goal is to provide some entertainment, a chance to ditch the bad news and enjoy a diversion. I'm currently enjoying the lastest Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a thousand well-selected and assembled words can pain a more vivid picture than any canvas or digital camera. Sometimes the best gift you can give is a few hours of joy or diversion. As writers, that's a gift we can deliver. When times are difficult, that gift is more valuable than ever.

So write on!

Agentry
Agent Advice: Courtney Miller Callihan -- Among other things, she's looking for historical fiction with a non-Western setting.

Agent Advice: Sammie Justesen -- Including five great hints for writing a suspense story.

Social Media
Five Ways Blogging Can Make You a Better Writer -- Blogging's not just for hacks any more. It can bring benefits and help you connect with your readers.

Perfect Social Media Trifecta: Have You Found Yours? -- An excellent primer on three social media tools and how they can fit together.

Digital Publishing
E-book Revolution Favors the Agile -- Small, independent publishers are leading the charge to digital content. But their efforts are not without challenges.

Publishing and the Economy
Amazon Has Big Year, Though Media Growth Slowed -- Media sales, including books, didn't increase as quickly as the rest of the e-tailer's products, but seven percent in the last quarter is a lot better than competitors.

Marketing Your Work
What You Need to Know About Off-Site Book Sales -- Selling books someplace other than a bookstore requires a massive logistical effort.