FAQ's

GENERAL

Why did you start yet another writers' group?

We could not find a group that sufficiently met the needs of indie writers in two main areas: promotional support services and quality control (e.g. editing and beta reading).

Why is it called Suckers Guild?

Because lollipop was taken.

MEMBERSHIP

What will I get if I join?

You will get out of the Guild as much as you put into it. What exactly you get will depend on what you need. Guild members exchange a variety of services with each other, mostly in the areas of editing and book promotion. Also, if you are the author of a novel that conforms to our strict quality guidelines, it will be eligible for the Suckers Guild Seal of Approval.

How much does it cost to be a Suckers Guild member?

Membership is free. We will never ask you for money. You only need to remain active by using your time and skills to help your fellow members.

Do you have any hidden fees or charges?

No. We will never charge you money.

Can fiction authors join?

Yes! Fiction authors are welcome to join. That's what we're here for.

Can non-fiction authors join?

Only if they also write fiction. Suckers Guild is for fiction writers.

Can poets join?

In order to ensure we help all members, we have to focus on a select group. Currently we are focusing on writers of genre short stories and novels. If you are a poet looking for a group we are more than happy to assist you in setting up your own group.

Can just anybody join or do I have to qualify?

Anyone can apply for membership. However, a group that accepts everyone can offer only limited assistance. Suckers Guild aims to provide detailed one-on-one support to our members. Therefore, we will only admit a select group of members.

What are the responsibilities of membership?

Membership is strictly quid-pro-quo. If you want someone to beta read your book, agree to beta read another member's work. If you want line editing, line edit for another member. If you want promotion assistance, help promote the work of other members. Or, depending on your skills, the service you give may be different from the one you receive (e.g. artwork in exchange for formatting). The important thing is that you will get out of the Guild as much as you put into it.

If I join, will all the other members retweet me? Will I be forced to retweet other people?

Retweeting is not our focus, especially 'buy my book' links. If you are looking for a retweet support group, the best one is Author Social Media Support Group.  Our focus is on a different sort of marketing.

My book isn't finished yet. Can I still join?

Yes. Our focus is not only to help you with marketing; it is also to help writers make their work stronger and more professional. We can also provide assistance with getting your book finished.

Eventually, my goal is to get published by one of the big houses. Can I still join?

Yes. Nothing would make us prouder than having our members become successful. The more successful you become the better it is for the Guild.

What if I have a problem with another Guild member or another member has a complaint about me?

All disagreements between guild members should be brought to the attention of one of the founding members (Joe Murphy or Jae Blakney). One of them will deal with the matter. Under no circumstances are members to fight with each other. This is counterproductive and hurts the Guild.

BOOK PROMOTION

If I join, will I get a page on your site where I can promote my books?

We will assist you in setting up blogs, facebook pages, twitter accounts, etc. Members will also be featured on our website.

I don't want to join. Can I still promote my book on your website?

No. However, the Guild will, at its discretion, promote high-quality, independent books as guidelines or examples of strong fiction.

Can you help me with book promotion?

Absolutely. That is one of main focuses of our group.

GUILD BOOKS

Are you a book publisher?

No.

What is the difference between Guild books and non-Guild books by Guild members?

Guild members are not required to put every book through the Guild. However, we will promote only the books that go through our process.

What requirements does a book have to meet to receive the Suckers Guild seal of approval?

Books must meet a set standard of quality before gaining the Suckers Guild seal of approval. This means it must be free of grammar and spelling errors. The work must also have a strong, well-constructed story. However, we are here to help you. If we feel your story needs work, we'll help you get there.

EDITING

What if I'm not very good at editing?

We assume most new members will not be expert editors. However, the only way to improve your editing is practice. The best way to practice is on other people's work. The better you get at finding the errors other people make, the better you will get at finding those mistakes in your own work.

Can you find me an editor for free?

No. Suckers Guild will only edit your book in exchange for work you provide to other members.