I really want to get into writing online, Dave. Can you offer up some tips and tricks for me to break into this area and get some visibility? Thanks!...

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I'm writing an instructional book (almost done) and I would like it to be "for dummies". My question is about using the "for dummies" thing in my book title (and also this geek on every "for dummies book...) Can I just do it or do I need to ask permission from someone or pay someone? I understand that you went through this process and I would like to hear what you have to say about...

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I would like your opinion regarding a book contract: I currently have a contract with "Publisher X" to publish a book on search applications. I have been very happy with the editors at Publisher X, but have run into a problem with no compete. Specifically, I wrote a book about Text Mining with "Publisher Y" and even though there is minimal overlap between the two books, the no compete is an issue. Publisher Y...

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I am looking to write a book for the first time. i need a publisher, but need some direction as to how to select one. first, how do i protect my writings until they are published? do i pay a retainer or does the publisher issue me an advancement? should i retain an attorney before i go to a publisher? my book is a collection of personal anecdotes on life. thank you for your help....

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It's one of the most common questions that I hear as a writer, and just about every group of writers endlessly debates the topic: what's the purpose of an agent? Different agents have different views of what they do, and certainly authors vary in their ability to work with an agent or agency, but fundamentally, it can be a tricky business to pin down exactly how an agent should be helping a writer succeed. This...

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Okay, I just saw that the new Harry Potter book's title has been announced, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, but I'm a bit baffled: what's a "hallow"?...

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I'm only 9 years old but me and my friends, we wrote a book so we wanted to know if a publisher could look at it and maybe type it up!...

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How do I find out how many editions a book has? I am looking for a book and it seems all the editions have the same ISBN. It’s out of print. The book is Perspective Drawing: A Directed Study (ISBN: 0136603572, by Jane H. James I actually bought a 1980 version last night for $9.50 and I found them from that price up to $500. The 1981 edition is over $1,000. So I’m curious how...

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Hi, I am wondering how to actually get the work copywrited before you send it in to a publisher. The book is not yet finished, does that matter?...

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I'm trying to set a retail price for a 600 page computer book. Is there a formula or guideline for determining a fair retail price that generates the best profit?...

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