reported by Allan Fark, FictionFanatic.com

As authors navigate the complicated business of book publishing, they often feel adrift and alone in hostile waters. Linn Literary Group, LLC, conceived by authors for authors, represents a paradigm shift from the normal "big house" mode of operation.

"Almost every member of our staff has experienced the same frustrations as other authors out there, from the initial rejections and extensive writing and re-writing, to having their labor of love dumped unceremoniously in an editor's slush pile," said Sharon Linn, Owner of Linn Literary Group. "We believe in giving a new author with a fresh voice a solid chance in this tougher-than-tough business."

Created in 2006, Linn Literary Group is the parent company of three companies: Callanish Press, the trade publication department; Smart POD Press, which offers print-on-demand options; and Linn Promotions, which works with authors to sell their work.

Each year, Callanish Press releases five to 15 titles in the fiction genres of psychological horror, fantasy, mystery and suspense. Staffers study authors' prospective markets, scrutinize potential projects and assess return- on-investment models as well as an author's promotional capabilities in order to gain the highest degree of book sales.

Smart POD Press compensates authors for the financial risk and hard work involved in self-publishing by only charging for the custom design of book covers, editing and/or preparation services as necessary and book layout. All of the revenue from book sales goes to authors. "This practice represents a paradigm and 'author-centric' shift away from the industry's print-on-demand operation models," said Ms. Linn. "It's considered radical by most of the print-on-demand industry, but it results in fair treatment for authors and their pocketbooks."

The third company, Linn Promotions, was created with the sole intent of providing the author the necessary information, opportunity, and guidance for selling their work. Scalable promotional packages provide authors with expert direction and accommodate different styles of promoting so that authors can use the promotion methods that suit them best.

"Without the author's self-promotion and marketing, a book is likely to die on the printing vine," said Linn. "We once worked with an author who published his book without taking advantage of promotions and marketing. His sales had been dismal and most bookstores wouldn't even consider a book- signing, much less carrying his books on their shelves. After agreeing to a limited marketing and promotion program with Linn Promotions, the author experienced a 100 percent increase in sales over the following six months."

For more information about the Linn Literary Group family of companies or for submission guidelines, visit http://www.linnliterarygroup.com

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

1) 2006 Guide To Literary Agents (Guide to Literary Agents)(Revised & Updated 15th Annual Edition)

2) Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent's Eye by Katharine Sands

3) How To Agent Your Agent by Nancy Rainford