tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post5451454203813322974..comments2023-11-03T09:37:18.738-04:00Comments on Deana Barnhart: I Just had to Ask...Week 1 of BlogfestDeanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-29060169833375603792011-07-07T22:23:29.075-04:002011-07-07T22:23:29.075-04:00I worked at a newspaper for almost five years, and...I worked at a newspaper for almost five years, and we always did single spacing. Now it sometimes looks like there's too much space when I see a double space. I use a single space after and before a quotation mark, but I still use double spacing after a regular period, from force of habit.Carrie-Annehttp://carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-20206541051390223372011-07-07T21:53:35.538-04:002011-07-07T21:53:35.538-04:00you guys have helped me so much and made me feel s...you guys have helped me so much and made me feel so old at the same time:)<br /><br />McKenzie, have fun at summer camp and hope you can make it back for the other fun!<br /><br />Marcie - you ask a very good question. I wish I new what the answer was:)Deanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-33968085911347599492011-07-07T12:19:50.327-04:002011-07-07T12:19:50.327-04:00Okay, so can I ask a question that builds on your ...Okay, so can I ask a question that builds on your question? ;)<br /><br />Platform is important, we know that. But if you are doing a non-fic, should you build your platform on the subject area? Or just do a platform that is all about writing in general?marcie_annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05131450262211112888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-25118565488769104352011-07-07T11:54:23.696-04:002011-07-07T11:54:23.696-04:00In regards to the second question. I think it'...In regards to the second question. I think it's very important to develop a fan base. The more you are out there the more marketable you are :)<br /><br />As far the first question... that's what an editor is for ;) my answer to everything lol<br /><br />p.s. love you, hate captchaBook Loverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01603875800187858633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-15132416527633994252011-07-07T08:55:48.196-04:002011-07-07T08:55:48.196-04:00The one space rule was hard to get used to. I endu...The one space rule was hard to get used to. I endured scoffing from my teaching colleagues when I broke the news to them. Some are still in denial.<br /><br />To me the online platform is as much a learning piece as it is a marketing piece.Leslie S. Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17122865337924270039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-51416737696904379212011-07-07T08:51:52.806-04:002011-07-07T08:51:52.806-04:00I'm feeling a little miffed right now. My moth...I'm feeling a little miffed right now. My mother's been at it again. She's Obi Wan, waving her hand in front of my face, but instead of saying: "These aren't the droids you're looking for", she's saying: "You must place two spaces after each period, everyone knows that."<br /><br />Lol, now I get to respectfully tell her I was right (for once). Don't get me wrong, my mom is awesome-part of the reason I believe everything she says. :P<br /><br />In regard to the platform quandary. I figure getting yourself out there can only help. I read somewhere that publishers are on tighter budgets these days and that many published authors are having to help with self promotion.lindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02715499969607564911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-15490299079903793372011-07-07T05:12:43.359-04:002011-07-07T05:12:43.359-04:00I find the one space so hard! But I guess that ju...I find the one space so hard! But I guess that just shows my age... I'm so used to the 2 spaces, I just go and find/replace after I'm done. I find it easier to read with 2.<br /><br />Platform is important, but more so if you're writing non-fiction. As a fiction writer, focusing on writing is the most important thing. Platform can come later. But if you're the kind of person who likes that kind of thing, and you have time, by al means, go for it!Kate Larkindalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06202347563426692610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-58911820342078441072011-07-07T00:42:21.234-04:002011-07-07T00:42:21.234-04:00Hi, Deana,
I think the double periods have gone b...Hi, Deana,<br /><br />I think the double periods have gone by the wayside; in my day job I'm an editor who's worked for several organizations (my husband is former military, and we've moved a lot!), and each place I've been has asked for just one period, please.<br /><br />I've just started shopping my first YA ms, and I'm concerned I've waited too long to start building my platform, but I wanted to make sure I could write something worthy of shopping before rolling out my marketing plan. From what I've read, agents and editors ideally want to see that you can build an online following before they offer a contract, so I think we're on the right track. :)<br /><br />Thank you again for hosting an incredible blogfest; you're the best!<br /><br />MichelleMichelle Fayardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05323853315988838877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-26307183435773817222011-07-07T00:23:35.108-04:002011-07-07T00:23:35.108-04:00Oh, also, Deana, please don't include me in th...Oh, also, Deana, please don't include me in the story chain. I'll be away at summer camp without internet.McKenzie McCannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11707799179783394809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-85860536430422717432011-07-06T22:57:31.750-04:002011-07-06T22:57:31.750-04:00TWO spaces after the period? O.O I hope not. If so...TWO spaces after the period? O.O I hope not. If so, that's news to me. I don't put two spaces after my periods, if that makes a difference. <br /><br />As for your second question, well, I don't have an official book deal yet, but I social network. I'm pretty sure Pk Hzero (sorry if that might be spelled wrong) doesn't have a deal, but she's a blogging and commenting maniac. <br />I don't think it's ever too early to blog, but you might be boring until things get moving.McKenzie McCannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11707799179783394809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-21099398666257748612011-07-06T22:04:07.147-04:002011-07-06T22:04:07.147-04:001. Yes--I thought about saying no just to be funny...1. Yes--I thought about saying no just to be funny, but that didn't seem helpful :)<br /><br />2. I've heard differing opinions on this. It seems a little cart before the horse to worry about a huge online following before you are even published. I know plenty of authors in the last year who didn't have any online presence until after they were published.<br /><br />I think if you have an amazing book an agent won't care how many followers you have.Angela Cothranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09243582290698922119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-87546034752938785262011-07-06T21:17:39.016-04:002011-07-06T21:17:39.016-04:001. Yes, the one space is now the standard EXCEPT A...1. Yes, the one space is now the standard EXCEPT APA style has not adopted that. I am in school and we use the APA style so I have not retrained my brain. I will stick with the two spaces as long as I can, gosh dangit!<br /><br />2. Build your platform before. I firmly believe that. You might write a great book that is "discovered" by millions on its own, but not likely. Marketing yourself before hand will help make your great book be discovered more easily. My blog is all about building yourself as an author and I invite anyone to check it out: laurabwriter.blogspot.comLaura Barneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04237841462234396752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-76438134248860336082011-07-06T20:49:06.882-04:002011-07-06T20:49:06.882-04:00I don't know about the period then the double ...I don't know about the period then the double space - all I know is that *I* don't use double spaces, and never have either. ;)Trishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16927558937796802496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-23699237646562455432011-07-06T20:30:31.049-04:002011-07-06T20:30:31.049-04:00One space is correct, but you know that by now. I ...One space is correct, but you know that by now. I am late to the party as usual. As to building a platform, I believe we can use every advantage we can get so yes, I do think it is important.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04218651886143284455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-71831258410785177142011-07-06T19:49:25.840-04:002011-07-06T19:49:25.840-04:00I have heard it's one period after a space. An...I have heard it's one period after a space. And I am a firm believer of building a platform before the book is out. Thanks for hosting.Kristi's Book Nookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08497641900551707387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-87043931109300931182011-07-06T19:44:52.625-04:002011-07-06T19:44:52.625-04:00Following Time 4 Mommy. Hope you return the follow...Following Time 4 Mommy. Hope you return the follow.<br /><br />www.dudsordeals4moms.comThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00270341004096428793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-37586806488302502702011-07-06T19:07:50.180-04:002011-07-06T19:07:50.180-04:001. That is true! I read it somewhere on an agent b...1. That is true! I read it somewhere on an agent blog.<br /><br />2. I'm not convinced blogging or building a platform will hugely increase potential sales, but it WILL make me happier talking with fellow writers who are as passionate as I am about writing. I'd want to build my platform now b/c this is when I will have more time lol.Lori M. Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04858438789496971734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-55395819116074189022011-07-06T18:37:40.928-04:002011-07-06T18:37:40.928-04:00Yes, one space after the period, so many new rules...Yes, one space after the period, so many new rules!<br /><br />I hear debates on the platform issue coming up more and more. I really think it's an important and useful tool to network these days. One of my critique partners landed her agent through a blog "pitch fest", and another crit. partner got a few full requests from blogging. That being said, I think we have to watch going overboard with time spent online versus time spent actually writing ;-))Christina Mercerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09938707461943582486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-11741690684064414602011-07-06T18:06:08.004-04:002011-07-06T18:06:08.004-04:00Definitely one space after a period (I know they t...Definitely one space after a period (I know they try to confuse us). <br />I think building a platform is key. Not only can you meet published authors, agents and publishers, you can meet other writers who can support and help with anything you need. <br />Thanks.Christine Danekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00979611961825725350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-46309098818721458212011-07-06T17:31:36.115-04:002011-07-06T17:31:36.115-04:00I've known for about a year about one space, I...I've known for about a year about one space, I think someone should have put a note out on FB lol.<br /><br />I think we'll be surprised at how much there is to do at publication time, a headstart now can't be a bad thing.Catherine Johnsonhttp://catherinemjohnson.wordress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-60559856261541593352011-07-06T17:04:51.038-04:002011-07-06T17:04:51.038-04:00Yes, only one space after a period. I have no idea...Yes, only one space after a period. I have no idea people used to use two. That I found fascinating. <br /><br />As for numero dos: a platform is that extra step to reach your audience. The ultimate goal is to have your readers spread the word--and, hopefully, increase sales--but you should never rely on it. In the end, it is the quality of the work that will stand out, as well as many other factors, including its genre, target audience, writing, publishing climate and, of course, luck. <br /><br />Likewise, you don't need a platform to get a book deal. Many new and emerging bloggers started blogging after it. However, it has been proven that promoting your work on writing blogs DOES help spread the word, and hopefully boost sales. Either way, having a platform before the book deal depends on your personal taste. Some people are naturally adept at social media, while some prefer to deal with it after the fact (when they have a reason to).T.D. McFrosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12923335522993845076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-38554100051577172692011-07-06T17:01:30.477-04:002011-07-06T17:01:30.477-04:00I've heard about the no double-space rule also...I've heard about the no double-space rule also. But I'm so used to doing it!<br /><br />I think it's better to build it beforehand. Better to have hundreds of followers than ten when a book is coming out, right? And if you're doing a blog tour, it helps to have relationships with other bloggers beforehand.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-36791331924968755142011-07-06T17:00:02.887-04:002011-07-06T17:00:02.887-04:00Ooh, glad you asked that spacing question! I was t...Ooh, glad you asked that spacing question! I was taught two spaces as well. And darn it, I'm not sure if I do it or not...I think I do. Funny how you do things out of habit and are not always aware you're doing it. ;)<br /><br />As for your second question: it can't hurt to build your platform before hand, right? I mean it's that much less work you have to do after getting a book deal. It's awesome to have a support group and like minded individuals who can help or sympathize during your writing journey. And if/when your book is published you already have a community of writer's who will be happy to help promote your book. ☺Amanda Milnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07582468814920761586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-60100186553661825642011-07-06T16:11:45.772-04:002011-07-06T16:11:45.772-04:00Good to know Shelly!
I've got to say (as fo...Good to know Shelly! <br /><br />I've got to say (as for question 1) that this fest has been great practice for one space instead of two after a period.Deanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-49875368288208061232011-07-06T16:05:57.410-04:002011-07-06T16:05:57.410-04:001. I learned this about a month after starting my ...1. I learned this about a month after starting my manuscript (it helps to have a husband who's a writer) and I am still cleaning them out of my work.<br /><br />2. I made the assumption when I started social networking a couple of months ago that agents (who told me to start these platforms) just wanted to see that I am capable of handling the technology. <br /><br />But there was a nagging doubt in the back of my mind so I emailed my friend who is in marketing for a publishing house. She told me that when she goes to show a book to buyers, that one of the first things they do is look the person up. If they have a lot of followers they take more interest in the book. She does both non-fiction and fiction.Small Town Shelly Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13535247595352753415noreply@blogger.com