BY KATHI KAMEN GOLDMARK AND SAM BARRY

The Author Enablers are here to answer your questions about writing and publishing. Together, Kathi and Sam have more than 25 years of experience in book publishing. Kathi is an author, radio producer and former publicist; Sam is a marketing manager at a major publishing company and a freelance editor. They are also proud members of the Rock Bottom Remainders, the all-author rock band founded by Kathi in 1992.

Degrees of difference

Dear Author Enablers,

I know about the play "Six Degrees of Separation" by John Guare. There is also a new TV show called "Six Degrees" based on that premise. It is a fascinating concept and would make a great novel. I'm wondering if anyone has attempted it.

Karen Levy
Yardley, Pennsylvania

Six degrees of separation is the theory that any person can be connected to any other through a chain of acquaintances. Frigyes Karinthy proposed this concept in a 1929 short story called "Chains." John Guare based his play on a real incident, and the television drama is about six individuals living apparently separate lives without realizing their impact on one another. These are three variations on a theme. And there is no reason why you can't contribute a fourth. It's all about imagination and the quality of your writing. We hear Shakespeare borrowed a few plots, and Hollywood apparently does little else. So go for it!

Dear Author Enablers,

My co-author James A. Benson and I recently released the first volume in a four-novel series. Beneath the Shadows has been getting fantastic reviews. We chose to work with Cold Tree Press, an excellent print-on-demand publisher, to test-market the story. We have had a tough time getting in the chains despite positive reviews. The good news is we have gotten into locally owned bookstores. Recently we sent out two agent packages because we feel that we have no alternative but to pursue traditional publishing. Do you have any suggestions?

Lee Ann Newton
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

From a bookseller's perspective, independently published books come without the marketing support and return policies offered by traditional publishers. But the book industry is changing—more writers are publishing themselves, and while this route has disadvantages, print-on-demand technology offers opportunities for authors who might not otherwise be published. Novels present a special challenge, however, because their sales are generally driven by reviews and word-of-mouth among librarians, booksellers and readers. If books aren't in stores and no one hears about them, how can they find an audience?

Apparently you've reached a point where your book needs exposure to get to the next level. We agree that finding an agent is your best route—ideally someone with experience representing books similar to yours. Failing that, you should look for agents who are hungry and love your book. (But make sure they don't eat it.)

Dear Author Enablers,

Your response in the November 2006 issue to Dan in Dayton, who complained that you lead all writers to believe they will get published if they persevere, was perfect. I have been writing all my life. I write articles for organizations to which I belong, sentiments for the greeting cards I make, and skits for the puppet ministry at my church. Long ago, I recognized that I would never have a book published. The audience for my writing is limited, and that is fine with me. I write for my pleasure; if someone else enjoys my words that is good but not necessary.

Dees Thompson
Kettering, Ohio

You've said it better than we could—writing is something we should do first and foremost because we love it. And where can we see one of your puppet shows?

Thanks for writing,
THE AUTHOR ENABLERS

Limerick Contest

To promote the great art of poetry, we at Author Enablers World Headquarters are announcing our First Annual World Limerick Contest. The contest will be judged by a special guest poet and, of course, the Author Enablers themselves, according to standards to be determined over beer. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a limerick is a "light, humorous, nonsensical, or bawdy verse of five anapestic lines usually with the rhyme scheme aabba." The grand prize winner will receive a Rock Bottom Remainders T-shirt signed by several of the band members. Submit your entry by February 2, Groundhog Day—the winner will be announced on April Fool's Day. (We have no idea what "anapestic" means.)

To enter the Limerick Contest, or to submit questions about writing and publishing, e-mail publishing pros Kathi Kamen Goldmark and Sam Barry at AuthorEnabler@aol.com. Please include your full name, city and state.