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Public Radio Delmarva – Writers Edition celebrates “The Delmarva Review” and “How to Publish”

24 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, Maryland, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing and publishing today

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Bill Gourgey, Creative Nonfiction, Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Fiction, George Merrill, Jamie Brown, Literary Journals, Neal Gillen, Poetry, Publishing, Self-publishing, The Delmarva Review, Virginia, Wendy Mitman Clarke, Writing

Taping at WSDL 90.7 public radio celebrating the 8th edition of The Delmarva Review

Taping at WSDL 90.7 studio celebrating the 8th edition of The Delmarva Review – (left to right) poet Wendy Mitman Clarke, host and fiction editor Harold O. Wilson, nonfiction editor George Merrill, and author Jamie Brown

Tune in at 9 a.m., Friday (Nov. 27) to Delmarva Public Radio WSDL 90.7, or listen to the podcast link on their website, after the broadcast:  http: //delmarvapublicradio.net/programs/delmarva-today-wsdl

A special one-hour Writers Edition on Delmarva Public Radio features two subjects: first, a celebration of the 8th issue of The Delmarva Review, a highly regarded literary journal. Host Harold Wilson interviews Wendy Mitman Clarke, on poetry, George Merrill, on essays, Jamie Brown, on fiction, and executive editor Wilson Wyatt about the new issue featuring 35 authors. The Review’s submissions period is open now to March 31, 2016. All authors of literary work are welcome, regardless of residence. Submissions are competitive (see the website http://www.delmarvareview.com).

Part 2 of the broadcast gives writers “how-to” information and tips on “publishing your own book.” Harold Wilson moderates the discussion with authors Neal Gillen (an authority on print-on-demand publishing), Bill Gourgey, managing editor of The Delmarva Review, and Wilson Wyatt, the Review’s executive editor. All have published books using the latest print-on-demand and digital technology.

Taping "How to Publish Your Book" at Delmarva Public Radio

Taping “How to Publish Your Book” at Delmarva Public Radio – (left to right) author Neal Gillen, radio host and author Harold O. Wilson, Bill Gourgey, author and managing editor of The Delmarva Review, and Wilson Wyatt, author and executive editor of the Review.

The Delmarva Review…so many choices. So many talented writers.

24 Monday Mar 2014

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Writing

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Creative Nonfiction, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Fiction, Inspiration, Literary Review, Poetry, Prose, Publishing, Submissions, The Delmarva Review, Volume 7, Writers

Choices come with the weight of decision and responsibility, never to be taken lightly. That is what we feel as editors of The Delmarva Review.  It’s decision time.

Cover - The Delmarva Review, Volume 6

Cover – The Delmarva Review, Volume 6

While our literary journal is young, at seven years, submissions are beyond expectations.  Over 1,000 writers submitted poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction for the coming issue.

We created the Review as a new publishing opportunity for literary work in print, offering writers permanence and readership beyond borders.  Standards are high as we welcome all authors.  Our goals are to select writing that inspires and encourages writers to create their finest work.  Literary writing is often considered the far end of the writing spectrum, reserved for the most skillfully created prose and poetry.  Through the journey comes discovery, giving significance to the pursuit. . .for literature and for the writer.

As editors, we will do our best to make thoughtful decisions, knowing we can only publish a sample of the work submitted.

Editors will finalize selections over the next few weeks and contact the authors. Publication of Volume 7 is October 2014.  On behalf of the publisher, the Eastern Shore Writers Association, we thank all the authors who have considered The Delmarva Review for publication.

This is a privilege.  We do not take it lightly.

The Delmarva Review is published annually in print.  A downloadable digital edition is available at Amazon.com. Website: www.delmarvareview.com.

 

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Today’s book signing…the final stretch of publishing

09 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, CHESAPEAKE VIEWS - CATCHING THE LIGHT, Photography, Writing

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Book Signing, Chesapeake Bay, Delmarva Peninsula, Easton, Maryland, Photography, Publishing, Writers, Writing

Book signings are akin to opening night at the theatre. Theatre is involved, with a few opening lines…and there is a set, of sorts: a draped table with one’s books spread out for viewing, a pen, and there is a simple wooden chair for the author. Props are sparse.

Author-photographer Wilson Wyatt at a book signing for "Chesapeake Views - Catching the Light," at The News Center, in Easton, MD. Photo by Katie Wyatt

Author-photographer Wilson Wyatt, Jr. at a book signing for “Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light,” 2013, at The News Center, in Easton, MD. – Photo by Katie Wyatt

The real likeness to theatre comes when the curtain is raised. For the first time, the book is presented to the public. All the hard work of writing…or photographing, in my case…the editing, proofs, design, printing, and finally the promotion and distribution, it’s all done, waiting for the first public viewing. The author sits at the table waiting for the audience. Imagine what actors feel, that tumbling in the gut, before the lights. Will they engage their audience?

Yet, when the curtain is raised and the lights are turned on, the energy transforms us. It’s a special feeling. The hour has arrived.

Today was that special time. The audience trailed in, composed of friends and strangers, alike. They picked up the books, opened the pages and sampled my photography. Some read the descriptive narrative. We talked about the unique qualities of the book and how the images were taken. Then, the magic words…I want your book. Will you sign it for me? 

It was a good day for an opening. I take a bow to all who bought my book and hope you enjoy Chesapeake Views-Catching the Light. Its 82 images are from my interpretation to your imagination, now and for years to come. Thank you.

Signing "Chesapeake Views - Catching the Light" - Photo by Katie Wyatt

Signing “Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light,” 2013 – Photo by Katie Wyatt

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Celebrating “The Delmarva Review’s” sixth year

02 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Writing, Writing and publishing today

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

All Writers, Amazon.com, Amy Abrams, Anne Colwell, Book Reviews, Celebration, Compelling Writing, Digital Edition, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Fiction, Harold Wilson, Kimberly Bushey, Margot Miller, Nonfiction, Poetry, Print Edition, Prose, Publishing, Sue Ellen Thompson, The Delmarva Review, The News Center, William Peak, www.delmarvareview.com

The Delmarva Review

The Delmarva Review, Volumes 1 – 6

Writers gathered on the Eastern Shore for poetry readings and a special thank you to the 135 authors published in The Delmarva Review over six years. As executive editor, I was pleased to announce the official opening of the submission period for the 2014 issue, Volume 7 (see the website to submit work: www.delmarvareview.com).

Last night’s festive crowd of writers met the editors and the publisher, representatives of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, at a public reception held at The News Center bookstore, in Easton, Maryland.

All of us at the Review believe the best writing has no borders. We have published compelling new literary prose and poetry from 135 authors over the first six years. In all, writers have come from 23 states, the District of Columbia, and eight other countries. About two-thirds are from the Delmarva and Chesapeake region. Twenty-four have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Primed with cider, light refreshments, and home-baked cookies, the audience was treated to readings from the Review’s Poetry Editor, Anne Colwell, from Milton, Delaware, and poet William Peak, of Easton, one of the contributing authors to the 2013 issue. It was a delightful way to start the new writing season.

The literary journal is published in print and digital editions. The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6, downloadable edition is now available on Amazon.com. The link is: http://www.amazon.com/The-Delmarva-Review-Vol-6-ebook/dp/B00G390V0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383423047&sr=8-1&keywords=the+delmarva+review+vol.+6

For those who could not attend the celebration, I’ll share some photos by my photographer wife Katie Wyatt:

Poetry Editor Anne Colwell reading at the Review's Sixth Annual Celebration

Poetry Editor Anne Colwell reading at the Review’s celebration of six years of publishing – click on photo for larger image

Author William Peak reading his poetry in Vol. 6, The Delmarva Review

Author William Peak reading his poetry in Vol. 6, The Delmarva Review – click on photo for larger image

Co-Fiction Editors Margot Miller and Harold Wilson discuss the current Issue of the Review

Co-Fiction Editors Margot Miller and Harold Wilson discuss the new issue of the Review    – click on photo for larger image

Co-Fiction Editor Amy Abrams talks to poet Sue Ellen Thompson, a contributing author to the Review

Co-Fiction Editor Amy Abrams, left, talks to poet Sue Ellen Thompson, a contributing author to past issues of Review – click on photo for larger image

Editorial Advisor Gerald Sweeney, president of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, welcomes writers to the event

Editorial Advisor Gerald Sweeney, President of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, welcomes writers to the event – click on photo for larger image

Executive Editor Wilson Wyatt with Kimberly Bushey, Manager of The News Center bookstore

The Review’s Executive Editor Wilson Wyatt with Kimberly Bushey, Manager of The News Center bookstore – click on photo for larger image

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The value of a “writing community”…transcending borders

07 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

≈ 2 Comments

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Books, Borders, Combat Veterans, Delmarva Peninsula, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Healing, Maryland, Novels, Personal Essay, Poetry, Public Radio Delmarva, Publishing, Ron Capps, Salisbury, Veteran's Writing Project, veteranswriting.org, War, Writers, Writing Community, WSDL, www.delmarvapublicradio.net

Hal Wilson, of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, interviews Ron Capps in Public Radio Delmarva’s studio (WSDL, Salisbury). - Photographed by Wilson Wyatt

Hal Wilson, left, of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, interviews Ron Capps in Public Radio Delmarva’s studio (WSDL-FM, Salisbury). – Photographed by Wilson Wyatt

Several friends are currently publishing their literary work. With each, a writing community contributes to the achievement.

I think of this from time to time. Why do I volunteer to help other writers? Does a writers’ community really benefit writers?

The answers are powerful affirmations.

A writer once told me of a desire to publish more work in local publications, but opportunities were diminishing. Does that sound familiar?  I asked why he was thinking locally when he could consider a much larger universe…beyond local borders.  A little nudging, and assurances from a larger community of writers, expanded his vision and potential. His determination was fueled for the hard work to complete and publish books capable of reaching a vastly greater audience…now a major accomplishment for the author.

Another example is about a combat veteran of five wars, Ron Capps.  Parts of his story have been told in the national media and are still being unveiled.

As a very capable writer, Ron decided to use writing to apply his experiences to three new and meaningful purposes.  First, writing enabled him to face and manage the horrors of combat that were relived in his mind daily.  It was a means of confronting and healing.  Appreciating this strength, he initiated a major project to teach other combat veterans, and their families, writing techniques for their healing and expression.

He recognized the value to show the rest of the world, through veterans’ writing, that there were other costs of war we don’t think about, that aren’t reported by the daily media. Only one percent of Americans are engaged in military duty today. Combat veterans, through writing, can “bear witness” for us to comprehend the personal impact of combat and war. As a society, we can become better informed before making decisions about going to war.

This week, two of us from the Eastern Shore Writers Association, hosted  Ron at the Public Radio Delmarva station (WSDL-FM) in Salisbury, Maryland, to record a special radio segment, “The Writer’s Edition,” about his experiences and inspiration to create the Veteran’s Writing Project, veteranswriting.org.  It will air on June 28, contributing his message to a new audience.

Ron Capps also wrote a powerful personal essay that will be published in The Delmarva Review’s sixth edition, in October, expanding the reach of his story among literary readers (www.delmarvareview.com).

These stories “bear witness” to a writing community helping writers in their work while contributing something meaningful to a far greater audience.  The value of a writing community transcends us…it transcends borders.

Self-publishing today…dependable truths

11 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in The Future, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing and publishing today

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Agents, Amazon, Author's Platform, Authors, Book Design, Books, Distribution, Editing, Empowerment, Good Writing, Hybrid Authors, Marketing, Metadata, New Agents, Publishing, Readers, Self-publishing, Social Media, Traditional Publishing, Writer's Digest Conference East, Writing

 
Writer's Digest Conference East, New York

Writer’s Digest Conference East 2013 – New York, NY

Finding dependable “truths” from the turbulent publishing world is like trying to catch a bird from a roller coaster.  By the time you reach up, publishing has flown by, in new directions.  The best advice may be to climb aboard, enjoy the ride, and focus on the track ahead.

I just returned from the annual Writer’s Digest Conference (WD), in NYC, which included an entire day devoted to self-publishing, during the three-day event.  It’s surprising how the publishing world has changed in one year.  From the growth of  “metadata” techniques to the successes of a new category of “hybrid writers” (those who combine self-publishing with traditional publishing) to an evolving role for “nimble” agents, a vanguard few who are transforming from traditional agent to “change agent”…so much valuable information for writers.

It was interesting, as well, to see that in the midst of all this dazzling change, some basic things remain the same. I’ll elaborate below.

Here are a few highlights gleaned from the presentations. I think they are accurate or representative of the publishing marketplace, at the moment.

  • 70% of traditionally published authors who have also self-published, prefer to self-publish their books. The author is empowered. (WD survey of 5,000 authors)
  • Ironically, 68% of self-published authors still want to be traditionally published, a lingering “prestige” factor. (WD survey)
  • A new category of “hybrid authors” is emerging, those who combine self-publishing and traditional publishing for the same book project.
  • “Hybrid authors” sell more books, on average, and receive 38% more book revenue than either traditional or self-published authors, and they are more aggressive in marketing.
  • Marketing is up to the author, regardless of traditional or self-publishing.  While not new, many writers still think publishers do the marketing.  That’s not the case.
  • The one key advantage of traditional publishers is they assign an experienced project editor to the author, guiding the book from beginning to completion (content, line, and proofreading editing).  Self-published authors must do the same, on their own.   However, a traditional publisher controls the content, design, and keeps the book rights, paying the author only 15% of sales.  Advances have almost disappeared, except for major authors.
  • The democratization of marketing online is what is new and essential, not the author’s platform.  “Authors have a load of work to do,” said Joe Fine, of Amazon.com.
  • Word-of-mouth is still the best way to reach readers, based on a recent survey.
  • Distribution is king. When selecting your publishing imprint, think how it can be distributed as far as possible. Some self-publishing houses are proprietary, limiting distribution.
  • Know your audience, first.  Define the audience in detail. Then plan marketing accordingly, including who is on your launch team.
  • The “author’s page,” as an online site, is the critical place to sell your book.
  • While self-publishing is no longer a stigma, some traditional writers and agents still hold onto remnants of the past.  Why? Unfortunately, many self-published books are not written well or carefully edited.
  •  “If you write a good book and it develops a following, believe me, the agents will find you.” – Keith Ogorek, of Author Solutions, Inc.
  • New agent’s role can be additive to sales, bringing the knowledge of many publishing options to the author.  The “new agent” (only a few, so far) can help link the author to markets and accelerate sales.  This is a growing field: “change agents.”
  • Understand the “metadata” and check it frequently as your book travels through the distribution pipeline.  This is more important as we move toward an open source Web, worldwide (Web 3.0).  If data can’t speak to each other, a book’s availability becomes limited in a worldwide marketplace.  Good data results in more sales.  This is a growing topic.
  • Book design is more important than ever, for e-books and print.  In short, consider paying for a professional book designer who knows the current marketplace, including the technology necessary for your audience to find your book.  The cover art and layout is critical.  Don’t rely on your best friend’s artwork…if you want readership.
  • While authors are more empowered by self-publishing, readers are also more empowered…by online distribution.  They have far more choices for books to read.

What remains the same:

  • Marketing is still marketing.  The basics are not new.  Only the delivery systems have changed.  Social media is only a means, among many.  It’s good to keep up with social media and online techniques, but it’s far better to spend most of your time writing a good book and knowing your audience.
  • Good writing!  Nothing is more important than a well-written book.  It trumps clever marketing ideas and establishes your reputation among readers.
  • Editing.  Nothing turns off a discerning reader faster than poor editing.
  • Readership determines sales.

These are only a few highlights from a huge array of detailed information.  If you want to know more, let me know.  I’ll probably post again on this subject in the days ahead.

If you are genuinely interested in self-publishing, you can attend the “Publish Now” seminar for writers, all day on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at The Writer’s Center, in Bethesda, Maryland. This is an annual “how-to-do-it” event that will speed your way to publishing your work. You’ll learn what to do and avoid many of the common errors, all from a dependable, independent source. Check their website for details: http://www.writer.org or call: (301) 654-8664.

In the meantime, we can all enjoy writing, writing, and rewriting…as well as reading a great book.  It’s a good ride.

The Value of a Literary Review…along the road to good writing

07 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in The Delmarva Review, Writing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Fiction, Literary Arts, Literary Writing, Nonfiction, Paul Soderberg, Poetry, Publishing, Secret World of Literary Reviews, The Delmarva Review, Writing

The Delmarva Review, vol.5 – 27 authors, nine states, D.C., and three other countries

The Delmarva Review published its fifth annual edition of prose and poetry this week, rising competently at the far end of the writing spectrum, known to discerning readers as literary writing.  I say the “far end” of the spectrum, because it is the place reserved for literature as an art.  This is the place where art and craft combine in the writer’s quest for excellence…aspired to by many, but attained by few.

That sounds intimidating, and perhaps it is to some writers.  But to others it is a rewarding journey.  A literary journal like The Delmarva Review attracts hundreds and hundreds of submissions for the few that are finally published.  Of course, there are space limitations.  For the aspiring and persevering writer, publication in the review is a well-deserved achievement.  Even the best writers receive rejections, but selection for publication is always an occasion to be celebrated.

The Delmarva Review is one of some 3,300 literary reviews around the world.  That sounds like a lot.  But, when you consider there are over 200,000 commercial magazines in production, literary reviews are, indeed, at the small end of the spectrum. It’s interesting that they are growing in numbers, not diminishing.

For those who would like to know more about literary reviews, their purpose and history, I recommend an excellent article by an experienced editor-writer, Paul Soderberg, “The Secret World of Literary Journals,” available to read online at: http://thefeatheredflounder.com/2012/05/the-secret-world-of-literary-journals/

Today, as I and my talented editorial associates stuff envelopes with copies of  The Delmarva Review, to be on their way to readers, this concludes a year of difficult work. “Difficult” because it has been a year of choosing the final stories, essays, and poetry to publish in our fifth edition.  However, like for the authors, it is an occasion to celebrate.  The reward is treating our writers with the respect they deserve and producing a literary journal of quality for readers with high expectations.

We will now wait…and wait…for the comments…for our own critical review.  For you see, even the editors can face rejection.

Of interest to writers, the submission period for the sixth issue of the Review is from November 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013. We publish a print edition as well as a downloadable digital edition, available at Amazon.com. You can see the website for copies, guidelines and a submission link: www.delmarvareview.com

As executive editor of The Delmarva Review, I am thankful for the remarkable talent and generous spirit of all the people who worked on this edition.  All contributed as volunteers.  They include fiction editors Margot Miller and Harold Wilson, nonfiction editor George Merrill, poetry editors Amanda Newell and the late John Elsberg, managing editor Mala Burt, designer Laura Ambler,  copyeditor Jeanne Pinault, and our prose readers, who help to discover the best work. Thank you, as well, to our publisher, the Eastern Shore Writers Association, a nonprofit organization that supports and believes in the literary arts.

Back and front cover – The Delmarva Review, vol. 5  (Click on image to enlarge)

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