L is for Learning

This might explain why writing workshops are so helpful, they get you to try what they teach!

As a writer I'm always learning, sometimes I stumble across gems of information on the craft and sometimes it's from making mistakes. But to make sure I'm constantly learning, I actively seek out lessons in the craft and life of writing. This week I attended a seminar at Queensland Writers Centre on the Business of Writing. This seminar consisted of a panel of experts on the topics of copyright, contracts and self-publishing. Here's some things I learned:

• Self-publishers CAN have their Indie books distributed through bookstores by hiring a distributor (and of course there are a lot more variables that will decide if this is successful).
• Royalties can be negotiated in lieu of an advance. The standard in Australia is 10%.
• You should negotiate royalties on RRP and not Net Income. Otherwise publishers can offer huge discounts which takes from your pocket.
• You can copyright your story, but not the idea. Anyone can write a story about a vampire teen love story, it just has to be in your own words with your own characters.
• If you want to be taken seriously as a writer you need to act as a professional. This is a business, your business, treat it, your product and yourself with respect.  

There was lots more, but you get the idea. Did you learn anything new about writing this week?