Self-publishing Driven Book Selling

Self-publishing has seen some solid press over the past couple of weeks.

Once predominately considered vanity publishing, self-publishing 1.0 generally meant books were, produced, printed, and then sold to authors to sit in their garages or basements.

But with new information technology, distribution methods, and integrated marketing support self-publishing is rapidly finding its place in the industry with even newly pressed self-publishing authors finding write-ups in the New York Times.

Readers and consumers, publishers, and retailers are adapting. Now even brick and mortar bookstores are changing the way the see self-published books as a value to their customers. From our friends at Self-publishing Review came this cool new program at the legendary Boulder Book Store:

At the 20,000-square-foot Boulder Bookstore in Boulder Colorado, Arsen Kashkashian said self-published books are “definitely a growth market for us.” After getting “inundated” with local authors looking to sell their self-published books, the bookstore instituted a policy and fee structure loosely modeled on publishers’ co-op policies. Self-published books are taken on consignment, and authors are charged a basic one-time stocking fee of $25. The fee goes up from there for a book’s newsletter placement, website promotion, etc. There is also a fee for participation at events, which usually feature several authors who divide the cost. As long as the book looks professionally bound, Boulder Bookstore will accept it on consignment. By the end of the year, Boulder will stock about 100 self-published titles on its shelves.

Regardless of where you may be in the writing and publishing process, self-publishing is barreling ahead full steam. Research, know your options, and become as successful published author as you can be.


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The Vook? Yes, Vook.

There will likely be a good deal of hype this week about a cool new multimedia option called the Vook.

What will this do to the self-publishing industry, and will yours be the first independently published piece available?


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Author Value in Self-publishing

Self-publishing exists. It’s not right for everyone, and the only option for some. For many like former Yankee pitcher, Fritz Peterson, self-publishing is the way to go.

Peterson’s 2009 publication, Mickey Mantle is Going to Heaven recounts baseball and humor in a light applicable to readers of all generations. You may recall the rather shocking news Peterson and fellow pitcher Mike Kekich made in the early 70’s. Check out this interview in which Peterson discusses his desire to self-publish in order to keep 100% of his content rights and preserve the essence of his story and message.


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Marketing your Self-published Book: The Law of the Shovel

If you want to dig a big hole, you’ve got to know where you’re digging and stay in one place.

I work with many writers who come to me with a manuscript and say, “Publish this! It’s going to be a bestseller!” I celebrate confidence and enthusiasm. Indispensable characteristics in successfully marketing your self-published book.

The reality is, publishing what we often consider to be a bestseller is akin to winning the Heisman or starring across from Meryl Streep. That it is a bestseller makes any book exception to the rule. Something of such unique and timely nature that it just might appeal to everyone. But everyone cannot digest everything. Ask yourself this: who is, and where are the readers that will enjoy, benefit from, and share my book?

Once you’ve answered that, start digging. Try to dig in too many places, you’ll likely barely scratch the surface.


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Using Newspapers to Promote your Self-Published Book

There are two diverse tactics for promoting your self-published book:

1) Paying for advertising
2) Acquiring free advertising through press

Well, a subset to that second option is this: create press for yourself.

How? By writing for the newspaper.

Newspapers are in constant need for fresh content on a daily or weekly basis. Most general interest articles can be written by anyone, anywhere, and you don’t even need to live in the area where the paper is distributed (although it certainly helps as you get your feet wet).

Writing freelance articles for newspapers is an effective way to get your book “out there” because your byline will always be included with your article, and your book will always be mentioned in your byline.

Many freelance writers concentrate solely on contributing to magazines or websites, but you will be missing out on thousands of great markets if you ignore newspapers.

How do you get started? You can easily find information about newspapers, including contact information and addresses, by going online to www.usnpl.com or www.newspapers24.com

Have fun and keep writing.