Writers’ Roundup: April 8

End of the week — Time for links!

• The easiest and cheapest way to self-publish, from MediaShift. Agree?

• Awesome post from literary agent Jenny Bent on the democratization of publishing.

• I’ve raved before about Peter Gostelow’s blog; he’s cycling across Africa. This week had posted one of his best stories yet, about traveling on the Congo River.

• Nieman Lab brings us a Q&A with Isabel Wilkerson about how she nailed the story structure for her (fabulous yet long) book, The Warmth of Other Sons. I was dying to ask Isabel these questions myself after I read the book, so I was psyched to see this interview.

• Author Jody Hedlund on making the writing schedule work.

• YA writer Kate Hart makes her first appearance in the roundup with a flowchart on how to get published.

• OregonLive.com gives us the inside scoop on Rebecca Skloot’s busy life as an author. (She deserves it; The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a fabulous read.)

• At The Awl, authors chime in on covers and blurbs and what really makes readers buy.

• FundsforWriters editor Hope Clark reminds us that the less we spread ourselves, the better our work. (Remind me this again next week.)

• How to pitch Mashable, a Q&A at PRTini, includes some great tips for pitching anyone.

• At editor Alan Rinzler’s blog, advice for Amanda Hocking (self-published diva who landed a traditional book deal) from authors and agents

• And for a laugh — because this one made me laugh so hard I CRIED — Damn You, Auto Correct!

Enjoy your weekend!