| Helping First-Time Writers Become Published Authors |
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Diane O'Connell
Editorial Director |
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From the Blog 5 Steps to Become Your Own Best Editor Embracing Ugly Drafts Decoding the Rejection Letter 5 Steps to Clutter-Free Writing |
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Diane O'Connell interviews Jeffrey A. Friedberg, former private eye and author of the critically acclaimed paranormal
thriller, Black Road 2012.
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| About Diane O'Connell |
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Some authors know they want to be writers from the time they can hold a book in their hands. Others come to writing after many twists and turns in their lives. Diane O’Connell is in the latter group. She understands the often circuitous routes that writers take, she understands the desire to follow our own dreams, and she understands the entrepreneurial drive to create our own destiny, on our own terms. |
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After attending college, she decided to listen to her heart and pursue her true dream of becoming an actress. She was accepted into the world-famous Neighborhood Playhouse, then spent six years pounding the pavements in New York City, eventually getting her Actors Equity card. |
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To make ends meet, she did temp work landing at Random House. After working there for a week, she had an epiphany: she not only had a talent for editing, she loved doing it. When she was offered a permanent job, she jumped at the chance. |
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A Life in Publishing |
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She stayed at Random House for six years, editing and acquiring fiction and non-fiction books. The best part
of her job was discovering previously unpublished writers and working intensely with them to become successful
authors. Meanwhile, she attended night classes at Hunter College, earning a degree in Media Studies and English Literature. |
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When Harlequin Books asked her to be an editor for their new Intrigue line, she jumped at the opportunity. There, she brought on board new authors, working closely with them to develop books for this innovative imprint. |
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Wanting to broaden her publishing experience, Diane took a job as senior editor at Sesame Street Magazine and its newly created Parents’ Guide. This position led to the opportunity help develop Family Life magazine. Diane took the challenge and saw this successful magazine through its launch and first few issues. |
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A New Direction |
| After 12 years working as a staff editor, Diane was at a crossroads. She could either continue working for others, or she could try to forge her own path. Here again, she listened to her heart and decided to make her own way in the publishing world. |
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She quickly developed a niche in health, writing over 200 magazine articles for such national publications as Woman’s World, Good Housekeeping, Parents, Bride’s, Inside MS, and First for Women. Her writing and editing earned her awards from the Educational Press Award for Excellence in Journalism, the National Health Information Silver Award, and the National Writer’s Voice New Voice Award in Fiction. She is also a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. |
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Eventually, Diane returned to her first love: books. To date, she is the author or co-author of five books (see right-hand column). Her co-authored book, Divorced Dads:Shattering The Myths, landed her a coveted segment on 20/20. |
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In 1999, Diane founded Diane O’Connell Literary Services, with her primary goal of helping first-time authors succeed in the publishing world. In addition to her work individually with authors, she has traveled the country speaking at writers’ conferences, and teaches a number of successful on-line writing courses. |
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After becoming involved with a number of networking organizations, Diane saw the need to expand her services to help entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. With that in mind, she launched Write to Sell Your Book. |
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Diane continues to pursue her creative desires, singing in a choir and as a cantor for her parish. She is also an emerging artist in the new medium of digital art. |
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Diane lives in New York City, with her husband, Larry; their Golden Retriever, Palmer; and their cat, Mozart. |
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Diane brings all these passions and the belief that all dreams are attainable to her work with authors. It is her mission to help her clients find their voice in order to achieve their dreams of publication. |
| BOOKS & ARTICLES BY DIANE O'CONNELL |
| Books |
| Articles |
| Is It an MS Attack—or Not? |
| Six Tips to Get Your Child Motivated |
| As They Grow | pregnancy Hints for Healthy Travel |
| A Conversation With... Benjamin Spock |
| Phone: 718-268-9282 |
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© 2012 Write to Sell Your Book™ - All Rights Reserved created by Speak to the Geek Ltd. |
Strong Force: The Story of Physicist Shirley Ann Jackson. This biography is part of the
Women’s Adventures in Science series, sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and published
by Scholastic and Joseph Henry Press.
People Person: The Story of Sociologist Marta Tienda. This biography is part of the
Women’s Adventures in Science series, sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences and published
by Scholastic and Joseph Henry Press.
Divorced Dads: Shattering the Myths, published by Tarcher/Putnam. This groundbreaking
book,which Diane co-authored with researcher, Sanford L. Braver, PhD, became the subject of a 20/20
report by John Stossel.
Decorative Paint & Faux Finishes, published by Sunset Books. Diane collaborated with painter Justina Jorrin Barnard on this bestselling book.
Your Two-Year-Old: The Trusted Resource to Help Your Child Advance, Achieve, Succeed. Part of the Parents Picks series, this book was published by St. Martin’s Press.