Scribbles
Volume 05
By Emmet Robinson
Writer and Editor
Helping You Express Yourself More Effectively
emmetsemail@aol.com
610-647-4341
What’s New?
Hot Off the Press
The outdoor adventures of Bob, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Control officer, continue to make interesting, amusing and sometimes exciting reading. His well-crafted stories are easy to edit, just needing just an occasional minor touch-up.
His latest adventure involved saving a large dog that had fallen through the ice on a frozen lake. The details of how Bob prepared for the rescue, ventured forth on thin ice, and nearly needed rescuing himself, make an exciting read.
Bob’s growing collection of recollections of law and order in the great outdoors holds promise of becoming a slender book. Stay tuned.
Money Back
I had the opportunity to review a letter of complaint from a passenger to a major transportation company. It contained not only complaints but also recommendations. Our combined efforts in this approach paid off, as the passenger received a full refund. Ah, the power of the written word!
In the Works
I’ve been collaborating with a popular novelist as he writes his autobiography. From earliest recollections to his current success in the business world, I look forward to learning more about the man behind the stories. In the most recent submission, a “mystery man,” who hasn’t yet been formally introduced, becomes a major influence in the young man’s life. I look forward to finding out who he is, and learning more about him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I send you my story for editing?
A: It’s easy. Just send a Word® doc by email to emmetsemail@aol.com
Q: What will happen to my original story?
A: Your original work is preserved, unaltered. All editing is done on a copy, where suggestions are offered. A second, finished version with suggestions added will be returned to you for review. Your original remains safe, untouched.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: My standard hourly rate is $40.
Q: Will my work be safe with you?
A: Yes.
Q: How do I get my story published?
A: There are generally two approaches to having your story appear in print.
For articles, editorials and instructional materials, I’ve had very good luck with professional magazines in a variety of industries. A little Internet-based detective work on your part will help you find the professional associations. The rest can be done by phone. Call me at 610-647-4341 for free instruction on how to do that.
For stories, subscribe to Duo Trope for comprehensive listings of publishers and their editorial requirements. It’s a truly amazing resource.
For extended work such as books, I find two possibilities.
Option A – Follow the Crowd
For traditional publication by companies such as Random House, Harper Collins or Simon & Schuster you will require several things:
1. A terrific story
2. A literary agent to represent you.
3. A combination of tenacity and endless patience.
4. The ability to withstand endless rejection.
Let’s take a closer look at those points.
1. If you’ve done your homework, and read extensively, you probably already know what a terrific story looks like. If you truly feel that your work is equal in quality regarding subject matter, story line and execution, proceed to step #2.
2. Over the years, publishers have become increasingly cautious about considering work by unknown authors. It’s extremely rare for a writer to be able to reach a publisher directly. An established literary agent, however, will have the credibility and the contacts to be able to submit your work for consideration. If your agent thinks your work has merit, the publisher will be more likely to look it over. There are, of course, no guarantees.
When I sent my first book to a recommended agent, his response told me that he hadn’t actually read it. As I said, there are no guarantees.
3. When your agent submits your work for consideration, it will be just one of many – possibly thousands. If your literary effort doesn’t seem like a guaranteed best seller, it will be passed over and you and your agent will have to try someone new. All you can do is be patient and keep on trying.
4. If your work is not accepted by a publisher, they’re not rejecting you so don’t take it personally. Obviously that publisher lacks the vision and imagination to see the true value of your excellent writing.
Option B – The Road Less Taken
According to R.R. Bowker,1 approximately 563,019 traditionally published books were published in 2023. An additional 2.6 million books were self-published. Self-publishing increased by 7.2% while traditional decreased.
There’s an interesting parallel to this in the record industry. As the major record companies practiced caution while waiting for the next guaranteed million-seller, musicians began recording and selling their own work. At one point independently produced music sales had reached $50,000.000 per year.
Talent and ambition wait for no one, and self-publishing may be for you. There are approximately 400 companies available to you including Amazon Press, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books and many others. You provide a complete, edited, finalized manuscript, along with a credit card number, and they’ll do the rest. You’ll be offered many choices and options, so choose carefully.
My first book was published locally where I had hands-on control of production. Fascinated, I watched while the pages were being printed and bound in my custom-designed covers. After six years of part-time writing, when the first copy was handed to me, I was thrilled beyond all measure. How to Prosper in Business Regardless of the Economy ran just under 300 pages, sold nearly a thousand copies, and provided enough profit to publish the next book. I’m currently editing my fifth book, and plan on publication in the spring.
All of my work is reviewed by a professional editor prior to publication, and that will be a key issue for you. Don’t try to do this yourself. As writers, we do our best to polish our scribbles to perfection. However, after so many times through the text, we begin approving our mistakes – we just don’t see them any more. Use a professional, someone other than a family member – in fact, contact me. I can help.
1 Major authority on publishing, and provider of all ISBN numbers.
On the Blog
Look for Revising History, a short story with a science-fiction twist, in which the power of the mind has altered physical reality.
Also check out Reborn Again, a love story about a man who led three consecutive lives, one of them as a woman.
https://emmetrobinson.com/Reading-Room/
Books by Emmet Robinson
Non-fiction
How to Prosper in Business Regardless of the Economy $20
Coping with Competition: How to Tilt the Playing Field in Your Favor $20
Little Boy Found: One Man’s Search for Lost Self-Esteem $25
Fiction
The Adventures of Dave and Dani is a 220-page novella where a downsized accountant finds a new and different profession, a high school girl becomes a successful business owner and the two find each other.
Follow their exciting adventures as they deal with organized crime, a frivolous lawsuit, two mad bombers, a stalker, a winning lottery ticket, the FBI, a timely inheritance and an exciting new pastime!
Order Now!
For your personally autographed copy
Just $23.95 includes postage, handling and sales tax.
(The autograph is free)
Send cash or check to:
Emmet Robinson
P.O. Box 402
Malvern PA 19355-0402
