Birthing a book

A friend once told me that writing a novel is a lot like getting pregnant. First, if you wait until you're ready you'll never have one. Second, they cost a lot more than you ever expected. Third, the time spent during the gestation period doesn't hold a candle to after they are born.

Trying to put into place marketing tools, blogs, websites, facebook, myspace, twitter, ning networks, book signings, bio's, press releases, and shoe string book tours after the book has been published is a lot like going to the hospital with a bad stomach ache only to find that you're in labor.

Newby's (like myself) often think that creating the story is the challenge, but that's where we're wrong. In both cases, conception is the fun part, but then comes the work. Both marketing and children are time consuming, frustrating, fraught with insecurity, and extremely rewarding.

I have become obsessed of late; scouring every resource available to find answers I honestly should have had months ago.  I've discovered masters of the craft who are willing to share their knowledge to keep the industry at a high standard, and for that I am truly grateful.

In keeping with the spirit of giving, I have listed a few of my favorite sites (included are those used before and after publishing). If you're thinking about publishing, or you've taken the plunge, please remember that the only stupid question is one that is not asked. That being said, research before you comment. No need for redundancy! :-)

If you would like to share a site, please post it here. If I get enough feedback, I'll put a separate page on the blog with all of the info so it won't archive.

It's been nice to take a moment to myself and post, but now I have to feed the baby!
Take care, and comment when you can.
Elizabeth Isaacs

Great sites to follow:
http://dear-editor.com/
http://www.grammercop.com/blog/
http://accrispin.blogspot.com/
http://www.advicetowriters.com/
http://www.writersdigestshop.com/category/best-sellers
http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html
http://editorialanonymous.blogspot.com/
http://blog.marketingtipsforauthors.com/