News

Via Writer Beware comes this news: embattled vanity press Publish America is trying to make people forget its past by changing their name to America Star. It is perhaps in reaction to stories like this:

Plaintiffs allege breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraud, violations of the California Business and Professions Code (for untrue advertising), violations of the California Unfair Competition Law (for unlawful business acts and practices, unfair business acts and practices, and fraudulent business acts and practices), and deceptive acts and practices under New York General Business Law.

The allegations of fraud, unjust enrichment, and breach of contract

The Homeric Writers’ Retreat & Workshop invites participants to their very own private odyssey on the island of Ithaca—a retreat focused on riveting one’s writing through an immersive and intimate Homeric journey. This much-anticipated event will take place August 1-7, 2014.

Ithaca remains unspoiled by the modern world. Even in the height of summer you can find a secluded beach or a rustic corner to contemplate your thoughts. On Ithaca you’ll discover the island’s rich culture and the reason why it holds such a special place in the hearts of those who have visited its shores – truly a writer’s […]

Frankly, the results of this unscientific poll are unsurprising. In a 2014 Author Survey, these were the results:

Despite the rise of self-publishing and the enthusiasm with which self-published authors celebrate its ascendance, overall, the authors surveyed are more interested in traditionally publishing their next book. The greatest preference for traditionally publishing was reported by traditionally published authors (87.2%) followed by not-yet-published authors (76.8%). Among authors who have self-published, more than half hoped to publish with traditional publishers—53.5% of self-published authors and 57.8% of hybrid authors.

Profits aside, when people are given the choice between:

1. Someone else paying […]

After looking nearly like a 90’s site for many years, Smashwords has unveiled a redesign throughout the entire site. Though some on the SW blog are complaining that it’s merely cosmetic, these cosmetic features strike me as a major leap forward. Rather than looking like a site where writers upload books to never be seen again, the site looks like a place where readers might actually buy books. This alone in the upper right corner is a major improvement:

Reviews are also more prominent on book pages, giving it a more Amazonian feel.

Other improvements:

Among the highlights of the

An interesting case of a traditionally best-selling writer going the self-publishing route AND getting a movie deal at the same time. Via Entertainment Weekly: Allison Winn Scotch to self-publish fifth novel with Jennifer Garner’s production company attached to film

Time of My Life author Allison Winn Scotch’s first venture into self-publishing comes with her fifth novel The Theory of Opposites, cover art above. “The book industry is constantly changing, and at this time in my professional life, I’m committed to taking greater risks,” Scotch said in a statement. “I won’t deny that it’s overwhelming to venture out on

As the DIY approach gains more and more writers and readers, traditional publishers must reinvent themselves, writes Alison Baverstock at The Guardian.

After a boom year in self-publishing the headlines are getting a little predictable. Most feature a doughty author who quickly builds demand for her work and is rewarded with a large contract from the traditional industry. But in our rush to admire, there’s a risk we overlook the wider cultural significance of what is going on. As publishers from all over the world prepare for next week’s London book fair, here are 10 changes that they ignore