Month: May 2024

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Should I pay for publishing my book?

May 26 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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It depends on the type of publishing you are referring to. If you are looking to publish a research paper in a scientific journal, many reputable journals have a pay to publish model, where authors pay a fee to cover the costs of publishing and distribution. This is known as open access publishing. On the other hand, if you are looking to publish a book, it is generally not necessary to pay for publication, as traditional publishers usually bear the cost and pay the author royalties on sales. However, there are also self-publishing options available where you can pay to have your book printed and distributed. It’s important to carefully research and compare your options before making a decision.

Also Read: Understanding Dialogue Writing In Fiction

What are the different types of publishing?

 

  1. Traditional – A traditional publisher finances the publication of a book, pays the author royalties, and provides editing, design, and marketing services.
  2. Self-publishing – An author finances the publication of their own book, retains control over the creative process and distribution, and receives a larger share of the profits.
  3. Hybrid – A hybrid of traditional and self-publishing, where the author pays for some of the services, such as editing and design, but also receives support from a publishing company for distribution and marketing.
  4. E-publishing – The publication of books, magazines, or newspapers in electronic format, often for distribution on the internet.
  5. Academic – The publishing of scholarly works, such as research papers, conference proceedings, and books in a particular field of study.
  6. Open-access – A publishing model where authors pay a fee to make their work immediately available for free to anyone with internet access.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for an author depends on their specific needs and goals.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of the different types of publishing:

Traditional publishing:

Advantages:

  1. The publisher takes care of editing, design, and marketing, allowing the author to focus on writing.
  2. The publisher provides credibility and recognition to the author.
  3. It often provides higher royalties to the author.

Disadvantages:

  1. The author must go through a competitive and selective process to get their work accepted by a traditional publisher.
  2. The author gives up control over the creative process and may have limited input into editing and design.
  3. It can take a long time to get published through traditional channels.

    Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

Self-publishing:

Advantages:

  1. The author has complete control over the creative process and distribution of their work.
  2. The author can publish their work quickly and easily.
  3. It allows the author to keep a larger share of the profits.

Disadvantages:

  1. The author must finance the publication and marketing of their own work.
  2. Self-published books are often perceived as less credible or of lower quality than traditionally published books.
  3. The author must have the skills and knowledge to edit, design, and market their work effectively.

Hybrid publishing:

Advantages:

  1. The author has more control over the creative process than in traditional publishing, but still receives support for distribution and marketing.
  2. It provides a more personalized experience and often faster publishing times than traditional publishing.
  3. It can provide greater credibility to the author than self-publishing.

Disadvantages:

  1. The author may have to pay for some of the services, such as editing and design, which can be expensive.
  2. The author may still be giving up some control over the creative process.
  3. It may be perceived as less credible than traditional publishing.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

E-publishing:

Advantages:

  1. It allows for immediate distribution and accessibility to a global audience.
  2. E-books are often less expensive than print books.
  3. It can be more environmentally friendly than print publishing.

Disadvantages:

  1. E-books can be more difficult to read for some people, particularly older readers.
  2. E-books may not be available in all countries due to licensing restrictions.
  3. E-books may be more vulnerable to piracy than print books.

Academic publishing:

Advantages:

  1. It provides recognition and credibility in the academic community.
  2. It allows for the dissemination of new research and ideas.

Disadvantages:

  1. The process can be slow and competitive.
  2. There may be high costs associated with publishing in certain academic journals.
  3. Access to academic publications may be limited, particularly for those without access to academic libraries.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to Grabbing Readers’ Attention

Is it worth paying to get my book published?

Whether it’s worth paying to get your book published depends on your individual goals and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Market fit: If your book is well-written and has a clear target audience, self-publishing or hybrid publishing may be a good option, as it allows you to reach readers directly.
  2. Control: If you value control over the creative process and distribution of your work, self-publishing or hybrid publishing may be the best choice for you.
  3. Credibility: If you are looking to establish credibility as an author, traditional publishing may be the best option, as it provides a level of validation from a reputable publisher.
  4. Cost: If you have the resources to finance the publication and marketing of your book, self-publishing or hybrid publishing can be a good option. However, if you do not have the financial resources, traditional publishing may be a better option, as the publisher bears the cost of publication.
  5. Speed: If you are looking to get your book published quickly, self-publishing or hybrid publishing may be the best option, as the process is often faster than traditional publishing.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your goals, resources, and personal preferences. It’s important to carefully research and consider all your options before making a decision.

Also Read: Navigating the Editing Journey: A Collaborative Symphony

First published here.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Understanding Dialogue Writing In Fiction

May 24 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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A dialogue is the section in a story which shows us a conversation happening between two or more characters. There are two broad types of dialogues: inner and outer. The conversation that happens between two or more people is outer dialogue. Sometimes there are internal monologues where the character in the scene is talking to themselves.

Also Read: Crafting Authentic Dialogue: Expert Advice from a Manuscript Editor

Dialogues aren’t as tricky to write as they might seem. My favourite trick to share with my students is to remember that conversations like stories are part of real life. People in stories will talk exactly how people talk in real life.

Dialogues are the soul of any story. While the narration sets the ball rolling and characters spice it up, well-written dialogues take the story ahead. And not to forget, epic dialogues get quoted for years and decades.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and focus on writing epic dialogues just yet. The key to creating great work is to understand the basic and follow the rules. The creatives below about the three prerequisites of any good dialogue and must be followed every time you write a story.

Also Read: Breaking Down How To Write Dialogues In Fiction

6 Rules For Creating Great Dialogues

  • Punctuate Correctly

There is a typical manner in which dialogues are written. They are different for prose and drama, and should never be mixed. In drama, a lot of what is written is for the actor to understand and then act. In a story, every word is for your reader to read, interpret and even imagine.

All punctuation that are part of the dialogue go inside quotation marks. In prose, the flow of dialogues are in the paragraph flow and contain action tags as well. Both double and single quotation marks are used in Indian publications depending on what format the publisher follows usually. As a rule, double quotation mark is used in US English, and single quotation marks are used in UK English. In Indian books, either get used. Personally, I prefer double quotation marks as that leaves the single ones to denote aa quoted dialogue within an existing dialogue.

  • Use few(er) tags

Ending every dialogue with he said/she said ends up making the writing look cluttered and annoying the reader. If two people are talking, establish who is talking first and let the dialogue flow. Readers will also understand who is saying what based on personalities of the characters you have already established. Gestures and action tags also indicate who is talking in bigger groups. While dialogue tags are to be used where needed, as should action tags be, the idea is to use them sparingly and where needed. How does one know where these tags are needed and where they are not? By reading a lot and writing a lot. A writing instinct develops that helps your writing look smooth and experienced.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

  • Cut the fillers

In real life, one might meet a friend and do boring small talk but a story needs to stay exciting and engrossing. Characters asking, “How are you?” and getting, “I am fine, thank you. What about you?” adds nothing to the story and to be honest, bored the reader. The fact that they greeted each other can be part of the narrative or skipped completely.

  • Maintain context

Keep with the flow of the story. Conversations need to make sense to the reader based on events of the past as explained and the characters that have been built in the story. Conversations from the future need to be indicated as such either clearly or in a subtle manner like in a new chapter or section.

  • Use the setting/environment

Include the surroundings in the dialogues. There can be no abrupt dialogues as if they are excerpts from some notes. Dialogues are meant to be part of the story and either add to what is about to follow or tell the reader what might have happened in the past. Weave in the surrounding, the room/place your characters are in.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

  • Indulge readers with vital information

Dialogues are meant to not only break the monotony of the narration, but also to share with the readers important events from the plot or give a sneak peak at some character trait, perhaps. Each exchange happening between characters must share some vital information with the reader even if it’s subtle.

Every time a new person speaks, a new paragraph also begins. If one character’s dialogue is long and extends beyond one paragraph, then the closing quotation mark will be marked only once, at the end of the entire dialogue and not after every paragraph.

Also Read: Punctuation Magic: Making Your Writing Clear and Stylish

First published here.

***

 

If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Is Blogging Dead? Separating Fact from Fiction

May 20 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the fast-evolving world of digital marketing, trends come and go. One persistent question is: Is blogging dead? With the rise of social media, video content, and podcasts, some argue that blogging has lost its relevance. However, this is far from the truth. Let’s separate fact from fiction and understand why blogging remains a powerful tool for businesses.

Also Read: Debunking the Myth: Blogging Takes Too Much Time

1. Blogging’s Continued Popularity

Contrary to the notion that this medium is outdated, blogs are still widely read and valued. Millions of people visit blogs daily for information, entertainment, and advice. Businesses that maintain active blogs see benefits such as increased website traffic and enhanced customer engagement. Blogging offers a platform for sharing detailed, in-depth content that other mediums may not support.

2. SEO Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to continue blogging is the significant SEO benefits it provides. Search engines like Google favor websites with fresh, relevant content. Regularly updating a blog helps improve your site’s search engine ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Keywords, internal linking, and high-quality content all contribute to better visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Also Read: The Biggest Mistake in Business Blogging: Ignoring SEO

3. Establishing Authority

Blogging allows businesses to establish themselves as authorities in their industry. By consistently providing valuable insights, tips, and information, you can build trust and credibility with your audience. This positions your business as a go-to resource, fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat visits.

4. Driving Engagement

Engagement is crucial in today’s digital landscape, and blogs are excellent for fostering it. Blog posts can spark conversations, invite comments, and encourage sharing on social media. They serve as a hub for interaction, allowing you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. This engagement not only boosts your brand’s visibility but also creates a sense of community around your business.

Also Read: 5 Common Blogging Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them

5. Adaptability of Content

Blogs are incredibly versatile. A single blog post can be repurposed into various formats, such as social media posts, infographics, podcasts, and videos. This adaptability extends the reach of your content and ensures that it caters to different audience preferences. By repackaging your blog content, you maximize its value and longevity.

6. Long-Term Results

Unlike social media posts that quickly fade from view, blog posts can generate traffic and leads long after they’re published. Evergreen content—posts that remain relevant over time—continues to attract visitors and provide value. This long-term impact makes blogging a worthwhile investment for sustained business growth.

Also Read: Why Personal Branding Matters in Today’s Digital Age

7. Debunking the Myth

The myth that blogging is dead likely stems from the misconception that newer forms of content have completely replaced it. In reality, blogging complements other digital marketing strategies. It works in tandem with social media, video marketing, and email campaigns to create a cohesive and comprehensive content strategy. Far from being obsolete, blogging enhances and supports these other efforts.

So, is blogging dead?

The evidence clearly says no. Blogging continues to offer substantial benefits, from improved SEO and increased engagement to establishing authority and delivering long-term results. By integrating blogging into your digital marketing strategy, you can harness its power to drive traffic, build relationships, and grow your business. Don’t let the myth of blogging’s demise deter you from utilizing this valuable tool. Embrace blogging as an integral part of your marketing efforts, and watch your online presence flourish.

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

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Debunking the Myth: Blogging Takes Too Much Time

May 18 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the world of business, time is a precious commodity. With a myriad of tasks vying for our attention, the idea of adding blogging to the mix can seem daunting. However, it’s time to debunk the myth that blogging takes too much time. In reality, with the right approach and tools, blogging can be a manageable and highly rewarding endeavor. Let’s explore why the notion of blogging as a time-consuming task is a misconception and how you can make blogging work for you.

1. Efficiency is Key

Contrary to popular belief, blogging doesn’t have to be a time sink. With efficient planning and organization, you can streamline your blogging process and make the most of your time. Start by creating a content calendar to map out your blog posts in advance. This allows you to allocate time for research, writing, editing, and publishing, ensuring that each step of the process is completed efficiently and on schedule.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

2. Quality Over Quantity

Another misconception about blogging is that you need to churn out a high volume of content to be successful. However, quality trumps quantity every time. Instead of focusing on producing a large number of blog posts, prioritize creating well-researched, engaging, and informative content that provides real value to your audience. By focusing on quality over quantity, you can make the most of your time and ensure that each blog post delivers maximum impact.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

3. Repurpose and Reuse

One of the most effective ways to save time on blogging is to repurpose and reuse content. Rather than starting from scratch with every blog post, look for opportunities to repurpose existing content in new and creative ways. For example, you can turn a blog post into a series of social media updates, a video tutorial, an infographic, or an email newsletter. By repurposing and reusing content, you can extend its lifespan and reach a wider audience without investing additional time and effort.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

4. Automation and Tools

Technology can be a blogger’s best friend when it comes to saving time. There are countless tools and resources available to help streamline your blogging process, from content management systems and scheduling platforms to keyword research tools and editing software. Take advantage of these tools to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and optimize your content for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Also Read: Crafting Captivating Openings: A Guide to Grabbing Readers’ Attention

5. Delegate and Outsource

Finally, don’t be afraid to delegate or outsource certain tasks to free up your time for more important responsibilities. Whether it’s hiring a freelance writer to create blog posts on your behalf, outsourcing graphic design and editing tasks, or delegating social media management to a team member, there are plenty of options for sharing the workload and lightening your blogging burden. Remember, you don’t have to do it all yourself – sometimes, it pays to enlist the help of others.

Also Read: Why Personal Branding Matters in Today’s Digital Age

In conclusion, the idea that blogging takes too much time is a myth that can hold businesses back from realizing the full potential of this powerful marketing tool. By prioritizing efficiency, focusing on quality over quantity, repurposing and reusing content, leveraging automation and tools, and delegating or outsourcing tasks when necessary, you can make blogging a manageable and rewarding aspect of your business strategy. So, don’t let the myth of time-consuming blogging deter you – with the right approach, blogging can be a valuable investment of your time and resources.

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Liked what you read? Share it!
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The Biggest Mistake in Business Blogging: Ignoring SEO

May 10 , 2024 Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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In the realm of business blogging, one glaring mistake stands out among the rest: ignoring SEO. Search Engine Optimization, or SEO for short, is the powerhouse behind driving organic traffic to your website and boosting your online visibility. Yet, time and time again, businesses make the critical error of sidelining SEO in their blogging strategy. In this article, we’ll understand why neglecting SEO is the biggest blunder you can make in business blogging, and how to rectify it.

Also Read: Why Personal Branding Matters in Today’s Digital Age

1. SEO: The Backbone of Online Visibility

Picture your website as a hidden gem tucked away in a bustling city. Without SEO, it’s like having a treasure map but leaving it buried underground. Ignoring SEO means missing out on the opportunity to guide potential customers directly to your virtual doorstep. In today’s digital age, where Google reigns supreme as the go-to search engine, optimizing your content for SEO is non-negotiable.

2. Lost in the Digital Noise

The internet is a vast ocean of information, with billions of websites competing for attention. Without SEO, your business blog risks getting lost in this digital noise. It’s akin to shouting into a void – no matter how valuable your content may be, if it’s not optimized for search engines, it may never reach its intended audience. Ignoring SEO is like willingly consigning your blog posts to obscurity.

Also Read: Tips for Authentic and Engaging Writing

3. Missed Opportunities for Growth

Every search query represents a potential opportunity for your business to connect with a new audience. By neglecting SEO, you’re effectively turning your back on these opportunities for growth. It’s akin to closing the door on potential customers who are actively seeking the products or services you offer. In today’s competitive landscape, businesses can’t afford to overlook these valuable opportunities to expand their reach and attract new customers.

4. A Waste of Valuable Resources

Creating high-quality content takes time, effort, and resources. Yet, without SEO, much of this investment goes to waste. It’s like cooking a gourmet meal but forgetting to send out invitations to your dinner party. Without SEO, your meticulously crafted blog posts may languish in obscurity, with few eyes ever laying upon them. By ignoring SEO, you’re essentially squandering the resources you’ve invested in creating valuable content.

Also Read: Crafting Well-Rounded and Relatable Characters with Depth

5. The Solution: Embrace SEO Best Practices

Fortunately, the solution to this common mistake is within reach. By embracing SEO best practices, you can unlock the full potential of your business blog and reap the rewards of increased visibility, traffic, and engagement. Start by conducting keyword research to identify the terms and phrases your target audience is searching for. Incorporate these keywords strategically into your blog posts, including in titles, headings, meta descriptions, and throughout the body of your content.

Also Read: A Ready-Reckoner To Write Authentic and Relatable Personalities

In the fast-paced world of online business, ignoring SEO is a costly mistake. It’s like driving with a blindfold on – you may think you’re making progress, but in reality, you’re heading straight for disaster. By prioritizing SEO in your blogging strategy, you can ensure that your content gets the attention it deserves and your business thrives in the digital landscape. So, don’t let your blog become another casualty of neglect. Embrace SEO, and watch your online presence soar to new heights.

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If you are looking for an excellent manuscript editor, someone to create content for your business, or an expert to help build your personal or professional brand on social media, then look no further and connect with me at editor@samarpita.in I can be followed on instagram at @samarpita and on twitter at @samarpitadotin.

***********

Read my ebook WRITE. EDIT. PROMOTE. to learn the basics about becoming an author – from writing your own book, to editing your first draft, and to promoting your book yourself! You can also read my ebook How To Write A Story Effectively and learn some valuable lessons about how a story can go from average to extraordinary. This book is part 1 of the series.

In fiction, I have two short stories for children in an ebook called Bedtime Stories.

Liked what you read? Share it!