I follow several blogs because of their content, and when they go off-topic, it just seems like blither to me and I don’t read any further. I follow blogs that offer targeted information and perspectives that intrigue/inform me — like yours!

I used to blog irregularly, like you, “when I had something to say and when I had time to do it.” In the past months I’ve been blogging more often — I always have something to say! — and enjoying it tremendously. It may get in the way of the rest of my work, but it “is” my work in a significant way: my blog readers are my book audience, the media, and opportunities that would not have happened without my blog about sex and aging.

Please continue to keep the high level of your journal that we have come to respect, enjoy, and follow. Your posts are worth waiting for.

Joan Price

Author of Better Than I Ever Expected: Straight Talk about Sex After Sixty (http://www.joanprice.com/BetterThanExpected.htm)

Join us — we’re talking about ageless sexuality at http://www.betterthanieverexpected.blogspot.com

Thank you for your comment.

A few self-published books sometimes get picked up by traditional publishers, if they have a proven market. The first step would be to get an agent interested in your work. Of course, that’s easier said than done.

To narrow your search of agents, find ones that specialize in self-help books. Then, read their guidelines for submissions, check out what other books they handle (to see if your style and approach might fit their list), and then send a letter (with a self-addressed stamped envelop) describing your book and asking if they would like to see it.

It is very possible that you would also benefit from a good writers conference, to give you a clearer view of the publishing world and perhaps meet some agents.

Good luck, Sally

Thank you for the tips on selecting a writers conference and about approaching editors/publishers. I plan to read your journal entry as soon as I finish writing this note.

I need some advice and would appreaciate any help (leads) you could provide. I have written and self-published a set of 2 books (guide and workbook) dealing with grieving and healing after a life-altering loss. The books are formatted in a personal and easy-to-use style. They contain helpful guidelines and information pertaining to the various stages of healing as well as prompts, inspirational quotes and adequate space for the reader to write down their thoughts and feelings. The farewell page is followed by additional sections that encourage the reader to live in the present while discovering their passion and planning for the future.

A local bookstore is carrying them in their inventory and I am scheduled to do a book signing in a few days and workshops in the near future. My request for advice is the following, I’m interested in marketing my books to a wider audience and wondered if you had any suggestions. I would also like to submit copies of the books to editors/publishers/agents but am not sure how to go about it. Since the books have been published is the protocol different than it is for an unplubished manuscript?

Thank you very much for you time and interest. I would greatly appreciate a reply at your convenience.

Pauline