Resources

Link to me!

If you have a website related to book publishing, writing, marketing, or any of the categories you see above and would like to see it listed here, contact me. I’m always seeking new resources, tips, and information for my authors and will be pleased to provide you with a link. And if you see your site here and would like to add a more detailed summary of your services, just let me know.

I also invite you to add a link on your site to mine if you feel it would be helpful to your own endeavours. Please inform me of the URL where you’ve posted the link, and use the following linking information:

PenUltimate Editorial Services
www.penultimateword.com
info@penultimateword.com

Here’s a blurb you can post on your site:

With over a dozen years of experience and 150 edited manuscripts to her credit, Arlene Prunkl of PenUltimate Editorial Services provides top-calibre professional freelance editing, proofreading, manuscript consultation, and other editorial services to both self-publishing authors and those seeking traditional publication. With my guidance and expertise, you’ll have the smoothest editing experience possible. Together, we’ll make your words sparkle! (Bonus: I’m very gentle with authors.)

Let’s create opportunities together!

Agents (literary)​

Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent
I sell. I negotiate. I coach. I brainstorm. I advocate. I talk authors off ledges. I build careers. I am your partner in the publishing journey. As a literary agent, I’ve negotiated 200+ contracts with more than 20 publishers, and worked with more than 100 authors to bring their books to publication and build their careers.

Trident Media Group (TMG) is a prominent literary agency located in New York City. TMG represents over 1,000 bestselling and emerging authors in a range of genres of fiction and nonfiction, many of whom have appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers Lists and have won major awards and prizes. Contact agent Mark Gottlieb for submissions at MGottlieb@tridentmediagroup.com.

Associations • Writing courses • Business connections

Alliance of Independent Authors – ALLi’s always up-to-date book, Choosing a Self-Publishing Service, is an excellent, unbiased resource for new self-publishing authors.

American Society of Journalists and Authors

Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders, and Indexers (Ireland)

Canadian Association of Professional Speakers

Canadian Authors Association

Contract Counsel – Legal advice on book contracts from lawyer and author David Vandagriff.

Editorial Freelancers Association (USA)

Editors Canada (Editors’ Association of Canada)

Federation of BC Writers

Institute of Professional Editors Limited (Australia)

Romance Writers of America

Romance Writers of America – Greater Vancouver Chapter

Ryerson University – The Chang School’s Publishing Program

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America

Small Publishers, Artists, and Writers Network

Society for Editors and Proofreaders (United Kingdom)

Writers Union of Canada

Writers Guild of America

Simon Fraser University’s Writing and Publishing Program

The University of British Columbia Writing Centre

Writer BewareHighly recommended for new authors
Writer Beware ® is the public face of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America’s Committee on Writing Scams. SFWA and Mystery Writers of America are concerned not just with issues that affect professional authors, but with the problems and pitfalls that face aspiring writers.

Blogroll

The Alliance of Independent Authors blog
A wide variety of advice on self-publishing.

Beyond Paper Editing
Carla Douglas and Corina MacLeod provide excellent tips for writers wrestling with their words, with a focus on e-books and the new digital world of publishing.

Big Bad Book Blog
Greenleaf Book Group’s blog designed to educate and entertain the writing and publishing community with useful insights and fun commentaries.

The BookBaby blog
E-publisher BookBaby gives advice on how to write, self-publish, and market your e-book.

Copyediting.com
Language in the digital age.

The Creative Penn
Joanna Penn’s blog with resources to help you write, publish, and market your book.

David Gaughran’s blog
David’s blog contains a wealth of information about the pitfalls, perils, and pleasures of self-publishing and e-publishing.

Grammar Girl
Mignon Fogarty’s popular, well-known blog is the go-to place for answers to any and all grammar questions. “Your friendly guide to the world of grammar, punctuation, usage, and fun developments in the English language.”

Independent Book Marketing Group
Blogs written by authors and marketing professionals who are dedicated to helping authors sell more books.

Jane Friedman’s blog
Writing, reading, and publishing in the digital age.

Joel Friedlander’s blog
Book designer Joel Friedlander gives practical advice on how to build better books.

A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing
Highly respected thriller author Joe Konrath blogs about the publishing industry and genre fiction.

The Passive Voice
David Vandagriff’s blog on writers, writing, self-publishing, disruptive innovation, and the universe.

Preditors & EditorsHighly recommended for new authors. Industry watchdog, scam alerts, and guide to publishers and publishing services for serious writers since 1997. Check here for a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of recommended and not-recommended publishers.

The Proofreader’s Parlour
Proofreader Louise Harnby’s blog for editors and proofreaders. Louise aims to provide information, advice, opinion, comment, resources, tips and knowledge sharing related to the business of editorial freelancing.

Rachelle Gardner’s blog
Rachelle is a literary agent who provides balanced, sensible views and advice on what to expect if you’re planning on going the traditional publishing route and seeking an agent. Please note: I’m not personally connected with Rachelle and can’t help with submissions.

The Savvy Book Marketer
Book marketing expert Dana Lynn Smith gives you tools you need to sell more books.

Writer Beware blogHighly recommended for new authors
Writer Beware ® is the public face of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America’s Committee on Writing Scams. SFWA and Mystery Writers of America are concerned not just with issues that affect professional authors, but with the problems and pitfalls that face aspiring writers.

Book designers

1106 Book Design
1106 Design is a Phoenix-based company that works with authors, publishers, business pros, coaches, consultants, speakers…anyone who wants a beautiful book, meticulously prepared to industry standards. We offer top-quality cover design, beautifully designed and typeset interiors, manuscript editing, indexing, title consulting, and expert self-publishing advice.

Budget Book Design
Services available include, book cover design, casewrap design, book jacket design, text layout, barcodes, image scanning as well as design services for marketing materials such as posters, postcards, bookmarks and brochures.

Book Cover Design
99 Designs connects self-published and indie authors with freelance designers to create a professional-looking book or magazine cover. Set your budget, describe your ideas, and choose from proposals by 10+ designers.

Book Design by Linda Parke
Worry-free book design for authors worldwide. Cover design and interior page design. We enjoy working with first-time authors who are self-publishing, as well as established publishers. We can also help you manage every stage of your publishing project from finished MS to finding a printer.

Joel Friedlander Book Design
Practical advice to help build better books. Download his free guide, 10 Things You Need to Know about Self-Publishing. Joel also provides exquisite, affordable book design templates (see below).

Stephen Tiano Book Design
Stephen’s first and only rule in book design is to make pages that convey the author’s words, not overshadow them.

Book design templates for MS Word – By designers Joel Friedlander and Tracy Atkins. Professional-looking designs for the do-it-yourselfer.

Turn your blog into an ebook – Ebook preparation from start to finish.

Create your own book cover – Design a professional book cover in minutes! Personalize our easy-to-customize templates to create your own book cover.

Book marketing​

Bookmarket.com
Marketing tips for authors, including updates, tips, and 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. John Kremer’s much-visited site includes lists of book publishers and independent bookstores, as well as seminars and news reports.

Book Marketing Works
Brian Jud’s Book Marketing Works provides high quality marketing resources and services that enhance clients’ efforts to sell more books in non-bookstore markets.

Go-Publish-Yourself.com
Giving aspiring authors a refreshing splash of self-publishing insight. This site provides a growing number of quality articles, tips, interviews, and advice from proven experts. Free newsletter provides tips and resources for self-publishers.

Greenleaf Book Group
A publisher and distributor that specializes in the development of independent authors and the growth of small presses by offering industry guidance, business development, and unmatched production, distribution, and marketing services.

Ink Tree Marketing Ltd.
A book marketing firm founded by four women with decades of experience in all areas of the publishing industry. Book coaching, marketing kits, informative free articles, and more.

JC Book Coaching
Judy Cullins is a book writing, print, and e-book publishing and marketing coach. Providing help with completing your book to create more business, more lifetime income, and in making a difference in people’s lives. Many articles on book development, web marketing, and online promotion.

NetGalley
NetGalley helps readers of influence discover and recommend new books to their audiences. NetGalley is an innovative and easy-to-use online service and connection point for book publishers, reviewers, media, librarians, booksellers, bloggers and educators.

NetGalley delivers digital galleys, often called advance reading copies, or ARCs, to professional readers and helps promote new and upcoming titles. Professional readers – reviewers, media, journalists, bloggers, librarians, booksellers and educators – can join and use NetGalley at no cost. Sign up now for free!

Self-Publishing in Canada
A book by Suzanne Anderson. A complete guide to designing, printing, and selling your book.

Words Worth Reading Ltd.
Finished writing your manuscript? WWR offers a package of services including synopsis, cover letter, and bio with which to approach publishers.

Access Copyright – Canadian copyright licensing agency provides access to copyright-protected works.

Barcode Graphics – ISBN barcodes and digital barcodes online for US$10.00.

Business Development Centre – Canada – Visit the intellectual property office, order the e-guide, and learn how to register copyright in Canada.

CIP Data (Canada) – Library and Archives Canada information includes FAQs, a user’s guide and online application forms for CIP data.

CIP / LOC Data (United States) – Library of Congress services for publishers includes information about CIP data, ISSN numbers, and PCN numbers.

ISBN – Canada – Library and Archives Canada ISBN information.

ISBN – U.S. – Bowker is the only place to apply online for ISBNs, SANs, and ISMNs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Links to Australian and international ISBN agencies. Also includes links to Bowker’s Books in print and barcode suppliers.

ISBN Q&A: Everything You Need to Know about ISBNs.

U.S. Copyright Office – Information on copyright laws and policy, how to register your work, and search for specific copyrights.

E-book publishers and resources​

52 Novels – publisher

Apple Pages – exports ePUB files

BookBaby – publisher

Calibre – free conversion tool

E-Book Creation: A Guide for Writers – free guide by LJ Cohen

eBookPartnership  – publisher

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Amazon – publisher

Lulu – publisher

PressBooks  – free formatting tool using WordPress

Scrivener – exports EPUB files, not free

Sigil – free formatting/creation tool

Smashwords – publisher

Editor Jane Friedman has an extensive list of resources for e-book authors on her website. To learn more, visit her website here: http://janefriedman.com/2013/04/21/how-to-publish-an-ebook/

Illustrators

Begoña True BeCreations
I have mostly done children’s books but as I am also a painter and paint landscapes, urban architecture, portraits and magical realism I can easily do illustrations for other ages.

Soizick Meister
Soizick’s brilliant book and writing-related artistry is appealing to anyone who loves books. But her imaginative scope goes far beyond the subject of literature. View her delightfully diverse portfolio, with more conceptual illustrations related to education, business, and surrealism here.

Indexing services​

Lucie Milosz Haskins is highly experienced indexer who makes the difference between a book and a good book.

Newsletters and magazines​

The Bookseller – Online magazine featuring a variety of up-to-date news from the publishing world.

BC Bookworld – Canada’s largest-circulation independent publication about literature.

ForeWord Magazine – independent book reviews.

Independent Publisher – leading the world of bookselling in new directions.

Marion Street Press, Inc. – essential books for writers and journalists.

Publishers Weekly – print and online magazine with news, reviews, and information on the publishing industry in North America.

Publishing Basics – articles for the independent self-publisher.

Quill & Quire – Canada’s magazine of book news and reviews.

Roundtable Reviews – book reviews and author interviews for and by book addicts.

The Writer’s Life – an online interactive writing and writing resource magazine.

Writer’s Digest – online guide to the writing life.

WriterAdvice – Read author interviews and much more in this e-zine for writers.

Writers Write – information about books, writing and publishing.

Printers

BlitzprintRecommended
Blitzprint is a one-stop book printing solution, both digital and offset. Blitzprint can help you get your book published without the up-front fees and royalty system of a publishing services company.

BooksJustBooks.com
A group of printing professionals offering a combination of equipment, personnel, and financial strength that would equal one of the top ten printers in the US. With a focus on first-time authors. Sign up for our newsletter, Publishing Basics.

FriesensRecommended
One of Canada’s 50 best-managed companies. Specializing in affordable, high-quality book manufacturing and printing.

IngramRecommended
Ingram Content Group Inc. is the world’s largest and most trusted printer and distributor of physical and digital content.

Walsworth Print Solutions
Walsworth Publishing Company is one of the 50 largest printing companies in the US (and one of the top 10 book printers). We provide high quality print jobs and an experienced, knowledgeable customer service team.

Publicists

Author Marketing Experts
Successful author and publicist Penny Sansevieri will provide you with expert support and coaching for all your media relations, promotion, and publicity needs to get your book out there—and selling. Whether you need an entire campaign or just some great tips, she’ll have your literary needs covered.

David J. Litvak, a publicist, writer, and broadcaster, established Cascadia Publicity to provide exposure and generate publicity for creative endeavours of all kinds. Giving his clients wider visibility and a higher profile in the marketplace for their projects is his main objective.

JC Book Coaching
Judy Cullins is a book writing, print and e-book publishing and marketing coach. Help with completing your book to create more business, more lifetime income, and assist you in making a difference in people’s lives. Many articles on book development, web marketing, and online promotion.

S.J. Miller Communications
Leverage traditional publicity tools with exciting new online opportunities that maximize your chances of securing the widest possible coverage for your book. A full-service book publicity firm with two decades of experience in promoting trade books in all genres.

Publishers

Alliance of Independent Authors – ALLi’s up-to-date book, Choosing a Publishing Service 2013, is an excellent, unbiased resource for new authors.

Baker & Taylornot a publisher but a distributor
Baker & Taylor is a leading distributor of books, videos, and music products to libraries, institutions, and retailers.

Beckham Publications Grouppublishing services company
One of the Internet’s leading sources of multicultural and cutting-edge titles, focusing on joint-venture publishing and self-publishing assistance.

Bowker’s website for self-publishing authors
Offering tools, advice, and resources to help you through the publishing process. Bowker is the official ISBN agency in the US.

Callawind Book Publishing – Highly recommended
For 19 years, Callawind Book Publishing has produced beautiful, bookstore-calibre cookbooks, children’s books, and more—for self-publishing authors, businesses, and organizations.

Granville Island Publishingpublishing services company
Providing you—individuals, corporations, and other organizations—with the services you need to produce the book you want.

Greenleaf Book Grouppublishing services company
Greenleaf Book Group is a publisher and distributor that specializes in the development of independent authors and the growth of small presses by offering industry guidance, business development, and unmatched production, distribution, and marketing services.

Harbour Publishing/Douglas & McIntyre – specializing in books from the Pacific Northwest.

Infinity Publishingpublishing services company
We bring quality books to market. We provide great author support, offer superior bookstore terms, provide marketing help for authors, and have the best direct-sales website around. Your book will be available worldwide, and have real potential to be the vehicle for your success.

Lightning Source
Provides hard- and softcover print, distribution, and digital (e-book) fulfillment services. Highly reputable.

Poseidon Books publishing services company
We offer a complete range of services to authors who wish to publish their own book including editing and print-on-demand services. Poseidon Books will do as much or as little as you would like.

Raincoast Books
A Canadian publisher and distributor based in Vancouver, BC. Raincoast Publishing, which includes the Polestar imprint and key titles from Press Gang Publishers, produces a wide range of fiction and nonfiction titles for adults and children.

UBC Press
The University of British Columbia’s academic press.

Wheatmark Publishing publishing services company
Wheatmark can help you write, edit, design, publish, and distribute an exceptional book or e-book.

Translators

Nordic International Ltd.
At Nordic International we are your Nordic/Scandinavian business communication specialists.

Professional Spanish Translation – Leader in Spanish translation services and multilingual translations. Proven quality at the best prices.

Professional Russian translation services. E-mail John Puckett at john_puckett@hotmail.com.

Used books and textbooks​

AbeBooks – The world’s biggest online used bookstore. Find almost any used, rare, or out-of-print book in the world. As of July 2008, Abebooks listed more than 100 million books on sale from 13,200 booksellers in 57 countries.

New and Used Textbooks – Biblio has millions of college and high school textbooks at an average of 40% less than retail textbook prices.

Web designers​

Kelowna Website Design
Kelowna Website Design is an affordable, creative website development company with a positive, “we can do it” attitude. A good choice for custom WordPress websites, wherever you live.

WebsiteSetup will give writers who have zero technical knowledge the ability to create their own beautiful website in a fast and simple way. Having a beautiful website will give writers an online platform from where they can share their best work (i.e., books they’ve written) with their audience as well as have an online base from where they can update their fans with whatever they are working on. At one time, thousands of dollars were needed to get a professional website up and running, but with this guide you can get exactly what you want for almost nothing.

Alandale Training has been providing computer training in Vancouver and throughout BC since 1995. Their hands-on, instructor-led courses stress shortcuts and features that will help participants improve their productivity.

Contact FullTech certified consultants for Mac help in Vancouver, ranging from in-home setup, troubleshooting, and tutoring to more extensive networking, integration, and other solutions for business Macintosh users.

Words about words​

The Apostrophe Protection Society

Banned for Life – Tom Mangan’s collection of reviled news media clichés. Send your submissions of hackneyed words and phrases.

The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest – home of the world’s worst fiction.

Grammar Help

History of the English Language

The Literature Network – searchable online literature for the student, educator, or enthusiast.

Luciferous Logolepsy – a collection of over 9,000 obscure English words.

Maledicta Press – the journal of uncensored language (caveat surfor!).

Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary

Merriam Webster’s Word of the Day

Mrs. Byrne’s Dictionary of Unusual, Obscure, and Preposterous Words. Hours of fun reading a dictionary!

The Oxford Dictionary Online – the world’s most venerable, venerated dictionary.

The Phrase Finder – an index of phrases, sayings, quotes and clichés.

Project Gutenberg – the oldest producer of free electronic books on the Internet.

Rhetorical Terms – the University of Kentucky’s exhaustive glossary of rhetorical terms, with examples.

Richard Lederer’s Verbivore – the web site woven for wordaholics, logolepts and verbivores.

Spellchecker.net – online spelling and grammar checker

Wiktionary – a collaborative multi-language dictionary project.

Wikipedia – a free-content encyclopedia in many languages.

Wise Old Sayings: Words to Live By – The Ultimate Grammar Resource Guide

The Word Detective – words and language in a humorous vein on the Web since 1995.

WordWizard – a site devoted to English word or phrase origins.

World Wide Words – writing about international English from a British viewpoint.

Your Dictionary – a quick online dictionary and thesaurus lookup.