NEW Opportunity for writers to become Authors!

I came across a fantastic little treasure for all of us want-to-be authors.  Dymocks book stores are about to embark on a new venture which may help all those who have wanted to have their work published but not yet found that opportunity.  Starting October 2011, you will be able to upload your manuscripts and have them published.  It sounds too easy, yes, I agree; and it sounds a bit like self-publishing, but I think it will be worth pursuing further non-the-less.  I will certainly be investigating this avenue.  Good Luck!  Read on for the real deal, or connect to link.
Calling on Booklovers with Stories to Tell. Dymocks announces launch of end to end D Publishing service to support Australian book industry
Dymocks, Australia's largest bookseller, has announced the upcoming launch of D Publishing, a new web-based book publishing service, that aims to support all Australians with stories to tell.

D Publishing will be available from October to provide Australians with a complete, end to end publishing service; and will enable authors to take control of the professional creation, publishing and distribution of both printed books and eBooks, without the need for previous experience or expertise in the area.

Dymocks Chief Executive Officer, Don Grover says the new publishing service, allowing Australian writers and authors to create and publish books, is a logical extension for the business.
"We believe that D Publishing has the potential to significantly support and grow the book industry in Australia by providing more opportunities for Australian authors to create, publish, and sell their books," said Mr Grover.
"Unlike the traditional publishing model this service is driven by the author. If you are thinking about publishing your first, or one of many books, you should think of D Publishing.
"D Publishing will be an opportunity for all budding Australian authors to see their works in published form and available for purchase online, while a selection of titles may also be available in Dymocks stores across Australia.
"The launch of this service also allows us to give something back to our loyal community of Booklovers - offering them the opportunity to either publish their own works, or to contribute and offer feedback to other budding author's books.
"Dymocks is committed to being at the forefront of the book industry and as such, we're consistently looking for opportunities to support Australian authors, as well as areas where we can grow the local book industry. We're listening to our customers, adapting to this changing environment and investing in innovation," continued Mr Grover.
From October 2011, budding authors and publishers can upload their draft manuscript to the service and proceed to produce and publish their book with D Publishing.
"We're excited to offer this new publishing service to all Australians. From creating and printing a family history for their personal use, or writing, publishing, and selling the next great novel, we're here to support all Australian authors," concluded Mr Grover.

Recipe showdown

   

No, it's not Australia's Masterchef - in fact it's just me, your everyday home cook who couldn't by the way cook without a recipe.  How do they do it?  I can cook the same dish a thousand times and still need to refer to my recipe? Isn't that what we all do - or do I have early signs of dementia? 
So anyway, I have been bogged down helping with the production of my daughter's Kindergarten cookbook for their reunion taking place this weekend.  It has been a long and tireless exercise typing out 100s of recipes, but it has finally been completed and I have to say I am anxiously awaiting to see the first copy when it comes off the press.  When this new cookbook hits the streets, I am sure it will become my one stop cooking spot for a while at least; I have to admit there where some really impressive dishes included.
My writing skills have none the less suffered as a consepuence to our town's pending culinary delights almost at hand.  However, 'I'll be back!' as Arnold Schwartzeneger said.

Simple easy to read listing in closing date order of opportunities of writing competitions and opportunities

Simple easy to read listing in closing date order of opportunities of writing competitions and opportunities

Life On The Train

Here is a little something that touched me after a week of sad and unexpected losses within our family

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Ever Considered Self-Publishing?

  I have to admit, I have had my reservations about self publishing in the past.  I am one for mainstream publishing and still are; however, I am starting to realise that if you have a book concept you are certain has a place out in the big wide world of book sales and cannot crack it in getting published, then perhaps all is not lost, and all is not about spending lots of $$$ to make it happen.

My second rejection through the last publisher I sent my manuscript to provided some very positive feedback and as such I don't like saying it was rejected.  My manuscript atleast made it to their publishing meeting and then was dileberated over (which must mean it holds some potential)?  All is not lost and there will be no giving up, so if it doesn't make it through mainstream publishing then Publish-Me might be the answer.  Check it out!

Quote Of the Week

" Listen to everything everyone says about your work,

then ignore 80% of it."

Okay, do I really believe this?  Umm...

Children's books on centre stage

Came across an article about this year's Ballarat Writers and Illustrators Festival 2011.  With a focus on writer's, illustrators and publishers for children's and YA books, the festival will showcase the theme of Words and Pictures. It is said that "Illustrator's, picture book writers, poets and writers of books for older children and YA's will find plenty to be excited about."  As for aspiring writers and illustrators, there will be plenty for you too - especially being introduced to how the industry works and what publishers and editors are looking for.

Get your pens and imaginations warmed up, because festival attendees are invited to submit the first page of their unpublished work for critique by representatives of three publishers of children and YA books.
For more Info. visit http://www.ballaratwriters.com/, or click on post title.