The Red Sofa Required Reading List is back

Now that Red Sofa Literary is back into the paces, post a busy leap into 2013, it’s time to return to the basics of building a writing reference library.

1. The Writer’s Yearbook 2013

You can guarantee this annual issue will be chock full of helpful information, especially as one starts the new year with fresh writing goals. This year’s issue includes helpful advice on finding an agent, in addition to a thorough review of publishing events and trends in 2012.  Christina Katz’s “50 Simple Ways to Build Your Platform in 5 Minutes a Day” is especially worth reading too.


2. THE ACCIDENTS OF STYLE: Good Advice On How to Not Write Badly – by Charles Harrington Elster

I remember Dara mentioning her book well before it was published. The goal was to provide a comprehensive guide to writers on the ins & outs of self-publishing. She accomplishes this goal and more.For anyone who cringes upon seeing the misuse of they’re, their, or there, this is the book to own. It can be read cover to cover, or intermittently – as Charles describes 350 common “accidents” in writing.  I especially appreciate the pre-test and post-test, along with the handy list of “101 Worn Out Words and Hackneyed Phrases That Wreckless Writers Should Avoid Like the Plague.” Side note, this would translate nicely into an app, instead of a Word-a-Day, I envision writing prompts focused on an Accident-of-Style-a-Day.


3. THE INDIE AUTHOR REVOLUTION: An Insider’s Guide to Self-Publishing – by Dara M. Beevas

For anyone looking to go this route, sage advice is provided on all the necessary steps, from the writing & editing to marketing & distribution. Dara emphasizes the need to set high standards throughout the process, while following the Three Es (enlightening, empowering & engaging readers). For anyone considering the route of self-publishing, read this book.


4. March 23, 2013 Blog Post: The Future of the Book is the Future of Society – by Bob Stein

For anyone who enjoys discussions on the book as an object, Bob pushes the envelope by looking at the book as a medium. Specifically a printed, conversational, and/or electronic medium; or all of above. Bob hints that the only way publishing and books are going to survive is by showing a willingness to evolve, to take new risks, to avoid falling back on the ways we’ve always viewed books and their presentation. This post plants many seeds, requiring a reread afterwards, due to its validity in today’s publishing climate. Bookmark it, read it, and reread it again. This is the type of post that should stir up many interesting conversations.


We’ll be back with more books in April, stay tuned!