18. News items on writing & publishing

Series on travel writers debuts Jan. 30 on OLN

TORONTO Jan 8, 2008 - As glamorous as it might seem, the life of a travel writer is often beset by mundane occupational hazards.
The new Canadian TV series "Word Travels," premiering Jan. 30 on OLN, follows freelance journalist Robin Esrock and travel columnist Julia Dimon "as they battle deadlines, jet lag, culture shock - and each other," says a news release.
The 13-part series of half-hour episodes, produced by Vancouver-based Omni Film Productions Ltd., is filmed in 12 countries, including Bolivia, Ethiopia, Venezuela and Jordan.
Along the way Esrock and Dimon deal with cancelled flights, antiquated Internet access, language barriers, strange local cuisines, homesickness and living out of a suitcase.
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Giving writers a break

Waterloo Record Jan 8-2008-- So, you'd like to be an author, but you realize you're not about to write the great Canadian novel. Still, you have a burning desire to write some fascinating fiction or to share insights or tips about a pet project, pastime, hobby, experience or whatever. But you're held back because you reckon it's just not possible.
Well, in fact, it's become even more than possible thanks to the advancing electronic age of the Internet and new printing technologies and publishing practices. Indeed, an Associated Press report notes there is a new type of "on-demand publishing" service that doesn't have to cost writers a penny.
Different online companies, like Lulu.com, offer various packages and deals. But the basic gist is to forgo the traditional method of self-publishing in which aspiring authors pay to have their books run on presses. Instead, the publishers produce books only after they've been ordered and paid for by the public, which eliminates overruns and the need for warehousing.
Some will help to sell your book online or through different marketing methods and, in return for their effort, they simply charge for printing or take a certain percentage of sales.
The trend seems to be catching on. For instance, Lulu.com has churned out 236,000 paperbacks since it opened in 2002.
For most serious authors, a book deal with a major publishing house is the ideal. The house has the resources to promote authors on a national and international scale and to get titles in major bookstores. It also has professional editors to polish the copy.
But the emerging "on-demand" publishing phenomenon at least opens the door in a modest, practical way to budding writers.
Some critics say this could lead to a deluge of mediocre books. But they will only sell if there is a demand. And if it means a book gets out by a talented author who is otherwise dismissed by the major houses or can't pay up front, then everyone is well served.