Idea Generator

The World of Web 2.0 - Joan Vinall-Cox

[Update, May 9, 2008 - My apologies to Joan for calling her "June" - again!]

I first introduced you to Joan Vinall-Cox in the post, "Want to write more? Get out more!" I got out last month, to a PWAC Toronto seminar, and that's where I met Joan.

She's a writing coach, editor and Web 2.0 consultant, and has a special touch for demystifying the world of Web 2.0.

I was delighted that we could set up a time to chat, and Joan graciously agreed to let me record our conversation as my latest Expert Interview.

You'll hear more about Joan's PhD thesis, "Moving from technophobia to technophilia," based on her own transformation, and why she recommends http://del.icio.us as the best place to dip your feet into the Web 2.0 pool.

Joan is available for speaking and consultations, and you can reach her via her online portfolio at http://joanvinallcox.wordpress.com/my-e-portfolio/.

Publishing Your Article in a Print Magazine - An Expert Interview with Sharon Crawford, freelance writer, editor and writing instructor

Sharon Crawford and I met at an evening seminar presented by the Toronto chapter of the Professional Writers Association of Canada. I've really been enjoying these events, and I appreciate the work that Sharon and the rest of the PWAC Toronto executive put into them! 

I asked Sharon if we could get together for a chat about print magazines. It's a subject that came up in a survey of my readers awhile back - and I suspect that more than one of you are curious about it.

We talked briefly about her early days in the business - I was curious about the first story idea she ever pitched to an editor. It was scary, she said, but it went so well that she drew up the courage to pitch a second one right there on the spot - and he took that, too!

Sharon provided some wonderful details and tips about "hooking" an editor with a good query. I've put these together in a separate post, "Publishing Your Article in a Print Magazine - Anatomy of a Winning Query" (coming soon).

Listen to my interview with Sharon below:

To find out more about Sharon, please visit her website at www.samcraw.com.

Publishing Your Print Book - An Interview with Linda Horowitz, Professional Author's Assistant

Last week I had the chance to sit down with Linda Horowitz, Professional Author's Assistant. We spoke about what she does to support authors, and some important things authors should think about.

Here are three key points I took away:

1. If you're aiming to publish your book in print format, the book should be at least 25,000 words long (approximately 100 pages, if you're working with a 12-point font and about 250 words-per-page).

2. If you're using quotes in your book, it is your responsibility as the author to make sure you have permission to publish them. Linda has a system for contacting and following up with the appropriate people and/or organizations.

3. There are a lot of jobs that need to be done in publishing your book - whether you're preparing to submit it to a traditional publisher or whether you plan to self-publish. Linda suggests you focus on writing and let her take care of the rest!

Listen to our interview here:

Contact Linda Horowitz, Professional Author's Assistant, via her website, Neville Park Business Solutions, or see this flyer about her Author's Assistant services.

Are you on Ezine Articles yet?

I've been a Platinum expert author at Ezine Articles since March 2005. In that time, my articles have generated a combined total of over 100,000 page views. It also led to more website traffic and newsletter subscribers.

I interviewed Chris Knight, the owner of Ezine Articles, to find out more about what makes this site such a useful tool for business owners. He also has a list of benefits on the site.

When I "Google" my own name, I also get to see just how far and wide my ideas have spread. My articles have been reprinted on countless other websites and in other newsletters (both print and online).

I also created a "Google Alert" for my own name, so I can see when my articles are published in new places.

Submit your first article to Ezine Articles now. If you've done that, great! Make sure to keep up with it. You won't be promoted to Platinum Author status until 10 of your articles have been accepted.