National Association of Independent Writers & Editors
Member Benefit #15
If you have published a book, you may mail autographed copies to NAIWE headquarters. When new members sign up to support a member, they will receive a copy of a member’s book, along with a request that they post a review online. This is a great way to build your book’s audience and reviews!
Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.
We wanted to get to know Karin Beery (NAIWE’s Fiction Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.
Do beta readers define themselves by genres?
It can be helpful to find beta readers in your genre, but it’s not necessary. If you know which questions to ask, you can assist anyone to become a useful beta reader.
Do you suggest working with more than one beta reader on the same project?
Absolutely. Even if you’re working with an experienced beta reader, everyone has personal preference. I recommend at least three: if one person doesn’t like something, that could be taste; if two people don’t like it, there might be a problem with the writing.
At what point do you begin to work with beta readers?
After you’ve finished editing and revising your first draft.
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Beta readers can help authors clean up and strengthen their manuscripts without hiring an editor, but like editors, not all beta readers are the same. In this webinar, find out what to expect from beta readers, how to find good ones, and how you can help them help you polish your manuscript.
You can join in this conversation on May 20 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on turning your friends and family into beta readers. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!
Karin Beery is a published author and editor with experience in traditional and self-publishing, freelance editing, and editing for publishers. She is an active member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, as well as a PEN Institute instructor. Her specialty is substantive fiction editing with an emphasis in romance and women’s fiction.
Author: Jason Fisher
When a couple gets married and makes the commitment until death do us part, they often imagine that the parting will occur many years later, likely when they are old and have had a long life together. However, that is not what happened to Jason Fisher.
In his memoir, To Where You Are, Jason Fisher opens the book with only 15 minutes before an early morning conference call. He helps his daughter with breakfast and then to the playroom, and his wife to their bed to rest after experiencing back pain.
By 9:15 am, Jason is calling an ambulance, and a few hours later his wife is dead.
The introduction to this novel was very compelling and powerful, allowing the reader to feel the roller coaster that the author was on that fateful day. Before the reader can catch their breath, Jason takes them to the days when he and his wife met, their dreams, and their short marriage together.
The Fishers had dreams of having three children and a dog. They were excited by the news that they were pregnant and thought it would be best to move back to Alabama to be close to family. Sadly, compilations arose, forcing their baby girl to be born at 27 weeks via emergency C-section weighing a mere 1 ½ pounds. Their daughter, Mackenzie, would spend the next four months in NICU and face many challenges, including being born with a brain bleed and later being diagnosed with a rare syndrome.
Jason Fisher writes about the love and heartache that filled his life for nearly a decade and how he created a new path in life with his nonverbal daughter.
To Where You Are emphasizes that one can find the strength and the reason to continue living in the midst of shattered dreams and without the love and support of a spouse.
Congratulations, Jason Fisher’s To Where You Are for being a NAIWE 2023 Book Award winner!
April 28 – May 4: Small Business Week. Small businesses account for half of America’s workforce, and more new jobs come from small business than any other source.
May: National Get Caught Reading Month. Wherever you go, the campaign challenges you to get caught reading.
May 1: National Mother Goose Day. This day honors Mother Goose, the imaginary author of a collection of fairy tales and nursery rhymes we loved as children and also as adults.
May 12: National Limerick Day. Celebrate the birthday of English artist, illustrator, author, and poet Edward Lear who wrote A Book of Nonsense.
May 16: National Biographer’s Day. Commemorate the anniversary of the first meeting of Samuel Johnson and his biographer James Boswell in 1763 by honoring biographers.
May 30: National Creativity Day. Celebrate you and your creative pursuit!
May 31: National Speak in Complete Sentences Day. This day is dedicated to using proper sentence structure while speaking.
NAIWE and its members agree to adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior in all publishing and business transactions.
We will:
In addition, NAIWE will:
In addition, NAIWE members will:
NAIWE and its members are bound by the NAIWE Code of Ethics. We commit to working with each other, our clients, and our agents, editors, and publishers with honesty and integrity. NAIWE invites you to join us and let the world know these are also the values that you live and work by and that you believe that business ethics and business success can work together for the good of the publishing community!
April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.
She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.
Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).
April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.
Member Benefit #14
Because your professional affiliations are part of your résumé, a “Member of NAIWE” badge image is provided so that you can add it to your social media profiles or other websites you own. And when someone clicks on the link from your page and joins NAIWE, you earn 10% of their initial dues payment. It’s NAIWE’s way of saying, “Thank you for posting your NAIWE affiliation.”
Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.
We wanted to get to know Marcia Rosen (NAIWE’s Public Relations and Book Marketing Expert) better, so last month we sat down with her. Here are some thoughts she shared with us.
What is a characteristic of a detective that will aid in developing a memoir?
Persistent, determined, willing to ask questions to anyone who might have answers to knowing the truth. A good detective needs to be tenacious, patient, look at the truths of a situation and ask questions that get to the heart of the matter. These qualities are exactly what is needed to write a good memoir. How do you search for clues about your history and their impact on your life?
Are there characteristics or situations for a detective that do not align with developing a memoir?
Of course, being involved in murder cases for example. Putting your life in danger when working on a case.
Is there a particular detective skill that is essential in the prep work for a memoir?
Willingness to spend time searching for answers to your questions about your life and history. Asking serious questions about your life.
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A good detective needs to be tenacious and patient. A good detective needs to look at the truths of a situation and ask questions that get to the heart of the matter. Those same skills are needed to write a good memoir. How do you search for clues about your history and their impact on your life?
You can join in this conversation on April 30 at 7:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on becoming the detective for your novel. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!
Marcia Rosen (aka M. Glenda Rosen) is an award-winning author of eleven books including her newest one, An Agatha, Raymond, Sherlock and Me Mystery: Murder at the Zoo plus The Senior Sleuths, Dying To Be Beautiful Mystery Series, and The Gourmet Gangster: Mysteries and Menus (menus by her son Jory Rosen). She is also author of The Woman’s Business Therapist and award-winning My Memoir Workbook and has given memoir writing presentations and classes for close to 20 years. She has assisted many authors in developing, writing, publishing, and promoting their books. For 25 years, she was the owner of a successful national marketing and public relations agency. Marcia has frequently been a speaker or program moderator at organization meetings and conferences, bookstores, libraries, and Zoom programs. Topics she has taught and presented over the past 20 years include Encouraging the Writer Within You, Marketing for Authors, Writing Mysteries…Not A Mystery, Writing Your Memoir, and recently Anatomy of Writing a Murder. Many articles on these topics have been published on mystery reader blogs and in newsletters and magazines and her newest articles include Location, Location, Location: Murders Have Their Places; Hearing Voices of Past Famous Detectives: Their Impact and Influences; and Writing Mysteries at a Zoo: With Caution. She is a member of Sisters in Crime National and New Mexico (Croak & Dagger), Southwest Writers, New Mexico Book Association, Women Writing the West, Public Safety Writer’s Association, Women’s National Book Association, and National Association of Independent Writers and Editors.
Today’s podcast episode is a Book Chat episode, where we get to know one of the books that has been published by a fellow NAIWE member.
Our guest today is Karin Beery.
Karin Beery is a published author and editor with experience in traditional and self-publishing, freelance editing, and editing for publishers. She is an active member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, as well as a PEN Institute instructor. Her specialty is substantive fiction editing with an emphasis in romance and women’s fiction.
Here is a sneak peak of what we discussed.
Q: When did you first have the idea for this book? And what inspired you to actually write this book?
I started this book several years ago after watching many seasons of Dancing with the Stars with my special needs aunt, who lived with us at the time. I’d finished writing a novel and was ready to start a new one. After seeing how much my aunt loved that show and living with her for several years, I wanted to include a dance competition in my book as well as a tribute to my aunt.
Q: Please describe one of your favorite characters from your book.
I love the women of Pathways, a fictional home for special needs women. Many special needs adults (like my aunt) are capable of so much more than people expect. I let my aunt and the women she used to live with inspire the women in this book.
Q: What did you learn while working on this book? And what were some challenges you faced during the writing or publication of this book?
I learned quite a bit about ballroom dancing and football, but many aspects of this book (from working with special needs people to having two sisters) mirror my own life, so I tapped into a lot of personal experiences. My biggest challenge is always me: making time to write (and letting it be a priority).
To learn more about Karin Beery and her new book Finally Forever, listen to the podcast episode.
April: English Language Month. A month-long celebration of the uniqueness of the English language and all the learners working hard to master it.
April: National Poetry Month. Spend time this month writing, reading, and studying poetry.
April: National Volunteer Month. In the United States, volunteerism is instilled at a young age. Most organizations in small towns, rural counties, and the largest cities would not function without volunteers.
April: Records and Information Management Month. This event celebrates good record keeping and information management and emphasizes the importance of having organized records.
April: Stress Awareness Month. This month, we are all challenged to keep our stress levels low, and our peace levels high.
April 1-7: National Public Health Week. The week focuses on prevention and reducing unhealthy activities.
April 4: National Hug a Newsperson Day. Say thank you and send a hug to your local newsperson.
April 4: National School Librarian Day. School librarians spend long hours keeping the library organized, helping our children find the resources they need to encourage learning, and are dedicated to creating an environment children can learn in every day of the year. Set aside some time to honor school librarians.
April 7: National No Housework Day. Freelancers working from home sometimes choose to be distracted by housework rather than work on a challenging project. On this day, it is not allowed, so find something else to distract you–or rather, sit down and work on that challenging project.
April 7-13: National Library Week. Visit your local library in person or online, and give your library card a workout.
April 8: National All Is Ours Day. This is a day to appreciate everything we have, rather than dwelling on what we don’t have.
April 9: National Library Workers Day. Library workers do so much more than keep track of the books we can borrow nearly any time of the day or night. Today, library workers are masters of research.
April 10: National Encourage a Young Writer Day. Do you know a young person who has a vivid imagination, maybe someone who likes to tell stories and reads a lot of books? Encourage them to pursue their goals and develop their writing skills.
April 10: National Bookmobile Day. Honor the access to information and resources our nation’s bookmobiles make available to our communities and the professionals who work diligently to provide these services.
April 14: National Reach as High as You Can Day. Review and plan your goals for the upcoming quarter or the rest of the year as you reach for your dreams or goals.
April 14: Look Up at the Sky Day. Look for inspirations and beauty by looking up at the sky.
April 15: National Rubber Eraser Day. Celebrate the invention of erasers by acknowledging that we all make mistakes.
April 16: National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day. Let go of the stress of deciding what to wear for a day by wearing your pajamas to work.
April 17: National Haiku Poetry Day. Try your hand at this creative form by writing about what you see outside.
April 18: National High Five Day. Spend a moment on social media, and give a virtual high five to someone who has recently helped you out.
April 18: Get to Know Your Customers Day. Select a customer and get to know them a little better.
April 21-27: Administrative Professionals Week. Celebrate the administrative professionals and secretaries who keep businesses going.
April 21-27: National Volunteer Week. Provide support by offering your services to a local organization you feel passionate about.
April 24: National Administrative Professionals Day. Some freelancers have virtual assistants, and we didn’t want you to miss this day! Celebrate your VA and show how much you appreciate this person.
April 25: National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Take some time to mentor your sons and daughters and aspire their writing to new heights!
April 27: National Tell a Story Day. Share a story with fellow word lovers.
April 28: National Great Poetry Reading Day. Celebrate distinguished poetry and the notable poets who wrote them.
April 29: National Poem in Your Pocket Day. Memorize a poem or two to share with the people you meet throughout the day.
Author: David W. Berner
The author, David W. Berner, has an excellent handle on the English language. He quickly captures the moment with life on an island off the coast of Ireland, connecting the reader with the characters and leaving the reader not wanting to depart from the characters’ lives as the book ends.
The main character Seamus is a man who lives alone on an island, although people do visit the island to have picnics or to take hikes. While Seamus would not describe himself as a recluse, he does like to spend time alone. In the early morning, he rises before the sun to enjoy the beauty of first light “over the bay and the mainland, and the evening sun fall across the sea.” He spends his time writing, mostly poetry.
As a young man, Seamus was married and he fathered a child, Aiden. Due to Seamus’s indiscretions and his word-focused life, his relationship with his son is strained. Aiden is now married with two daughters, and he believes that his father has forgotten important family events such as their birthdays.
Aiden, who lives on the mainland across from the island, finds himself forced to speak with, and even care for, his father when his father’s untreated diabetes causes his father to fall into a state of unconsciousness.
In the entire novel, there are only a handful of characters in the entire novel. However, every single character is dynamic, exploring new ideas and gaining realizations by the end of the novel.
This book is an excellent read, one that helps the reader grow in their own relationships with others.
Congratulations, David W. Berner’s The Islander for being a NAIWE 2023 Book Award winner!
To Where You Are