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Have you heard that books-on-paper are dead and e-books now dominate? Don't believe it, Keith Cronin writes in a list of ten writing myths: "One of the latest industry studies showed that ebooks made up only 11% of the book market in 2012. Granted, that percentage has been rising yearly, and I'm eager to see the numbers for 2013. But the reality is that paper books are still the bread and butter of the book market." More from Business Insider.

It's good business for writers to do speeches, says Joanna Penn, author of Public Speaking for Authors, Creatives and Other Introverts: "Speaking enables you to connect directly with people, and they are more likely to become fans of your creative work through seeing your face and hearing your voice. If people listen to you and see you in action, they get to know you better. They can ask you questions and you can demonstrate your knowledge."

When was the last time you backed up your computer? That task is on Keith Cronin's list of resolutions for writers. "Write more than you Tweet" is another: "While I've heard many writers complain about feeling obligated to be active in social media, the reality is that this stuff can become a diversion that is entertaining to the point of addictiveness … it's important to take a look at just how much time – and writing energy – you are devoting to these activities."

A book's cover is the face it shows the world and an important part of its marketing, designer Kimberly Glyder says in an interview with author Therese Walsh about the cover for Walsh's novel The Moon Sisters: "My job is to be more evocative rather than specific," Glyder says. "We’re trying to get book buyers to pick up a book in a store or 'click' on the book online. What may work as a literal interpretation of the writing is sometimes not commercially viable."

Joanna Penn discusses the etiquette of severing your ties with a literary agent, and points out the pitfalls that can arise from a messy breakup: "There are stories of acrimonious break-ups that still involve money many years later. Earlier this year, Harper Lee sued her agent for depriving her of royalties." Penn also links to tips on selecting agents and reviewing their performance, and explains why you may not even need an agent in the age of independent publishing.

Jane Friedman offers a series of tips for getting the word out about your book — from working with bookstores to strategic giveaways of free copies: "Remember that a comprehensive book-marketing campaign uses a combination of tactics to reach readers. It would be unusual to focus solely on social media, or solely on events, to generate word of mouth. The best approach combines online and offline components, and if done right, each amplifies and strengthens the other."

The traditional ways of acquiring new clients for her consulting business still work, Denise Graveline reports, but her two blogs have become her most important tools: "Most of my business comes from referrals, but these days, the referrals come through my blogs as often as from satisfied clients. I easily get 50 percent and often more of my business from my blog readers. Even when a prospective client comes in via a contact, she has usually read either or both blogs."

Authors don't need a fastball, Joel Friedlander writes, but they do need a different kind of "pitch" — a short book summary timed to the length of an elevator ride: "Your book pitch has to accomplish a number of things at the same time, and do them quickly and efficiently. It has to give a good idea of the book’s genre, main hook or distinctive angle, qualifications of the author, comparable books, and why it’s different, exciting, or ground-breaking in some way."

The National Association of Science Writers is pleased to offer a new benefit to its members. "The Fine Print" is a searchable database of writing and editing contracts, donated by members, for other members to read, compare and cite. Members can search the database by type of work, medium, and client category, and for clauses dealing with copyright, warranties, and other provisions. For all rewards of NASW membership, see our member benefits page.

Only the biggest stars get their publisher's help in arranging a book tour these days, so here's Midge Raymond with some tips for arranging your own. For example, it can be hard to get into a bookstore during the holidays, so it pays to look for alternatives: "Always be thinking beyond the bookstore. Libraries, for example, are always open to author events, particularly if the author is local and there’s an educational component to your book or presentation."