Our weekly roundup of links we hope you’ll find interesting and useful.

The big news this week is the Amazon/Macmillan face-off that is, as of this writing, still in progress. In short: because Amazon and Macmillan failed to agree on the pricing of ebooks, Amazon pulled the “buy direct” links of every print and ebook Macmillan book in their inventory. Two days later, Amazon announced it would capitulate to Macmillan’s pricing wishes — except that most of the “buy direct” links have still not been restored.
 
Every aspiring writer needs to be current on this issue: writers are being hurt, and the outcome of this wrestling match — whatever it is — will affect everything from your book contract to your marketing and royalties.

• If you are unfamiliar with the situation, here’s the background.
• If you’re not sure how this hurts writers, John Scalzi explains here, and then reflects further on the ongoing drama here.
• And Mike Shatzkin examines the business implications.

Start with these posts, and follow links from there for a variety of viewpoints and a lot of great information on the potential consequences to publishers and writers.

And meanwhile...

• Publishers are also struggling to respond to the financial consequences of book piracy. Read the confessions of a book pirate for a window into how and why people steal books.
• What do writers struggle with when we’re not worrying about the money? Overwriting….
• … and all those small but important final-check details (thanks to Marty for the link).
• Then it’s time to pitch your book. Get face time with agents, acquiring editors and lots of great writers via this generous scholarship offer to the Backspace Writers Conference.
• When you get the word that your book will be published, celebrate! And then start thinking about publicity. Make sure to read the comments conversations for great information and tips.

If you have a link of interest to writers that you’d like to see in a roundup, please email us or leave a comment.

Posted by: Kelley