Jodee Speaks – Page 6 – Self Publishing Advisor

Copyright Basics, Part II: What works are and are not protected?

One of the most confusing parts of publishing for many authors is copyright laws. To address the common copyright questions I am often asked, I will be writing a copyright basics series every week for the month of September. See the end of the post for links past posts you may missed, and be sure to check back each week for answers to more of your copyright questions.

What works are protected?

Copyright protects “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a tangible form of expression. Copyrightable works include the following categories:

literary works
musical works, including any accompanying words
dramatic works, including any accompanying music
pantomimes and choreographic works
pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
motion pictures and other audiovisual works
sound recordings
architectural works

These categories should be viewed broadly. For example, computer programs and most “compilations” may be registered as “literary works”. Likewise, maps and architectural plans may be registered as “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.”

What works are not protected?

Several categories of material are generally not eligible for federal copyright protection. These include:

works that have not been fixed in a tangible form of expression, meaning they have not been recorded in some way
titles, names, short phrases, and slogans
familiar symbol or designs
mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering, or coloring
mere listings of ingredients or contents
ideas, procedures, methods, systems, processes, concepts, principles, discoveries, or devices, as distinguished from a description, explanation, or illustration
works consisting entirely of information that is common property and containing no original authorship, such as standard calendars, height and weight charts, tape measures and rulers, and lists or tables taken from public documents or other common sources

To learn more about copyright law, visit copyright.gov. Also, be sure to check back next week for part II of this series: What works are and are not protected?

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Copyright Basics, Part I: What is Copyright and Who can Claim Copyright?

One of the most confusing parts of publishing for many authors is copyright laws. To address the common copyright questions I am often asked, I will be writing a copyright basics series every week for the month of September. Be sure to check back each week for answers to more of your copyright questions. This week I’ll address what is copyright and who can claim copy copyright:

What Is Copyright?

Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. The laws generally give the owner of copyright the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following:

• reproduce the work in copies or phonorecords

• prepare derivative works based upon the work

• distribute copies or phonorecords of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending

• perform the work publicly

• display the work publicly

Who Can Claim Copyright?

Copyright protection subsists from the time the work is created in fixed form. The copyright immediately becomes the property of the author who created the work. Only the author or those deriving their rights through the author can rightfully claim copyright. The authors of a joint work are co-owners of the copyright in the work, unless there is an agreement to the contrary, and in the case of works made for hire, the employer and not the employee is considered to be the author.

To learn more about copyright law, visit copyright.gov. Also, be sure to check back next week for part II of this series: What works are and are not protected?

Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book?

Many authors ask, “How much does it cost to self-publish a book?” The question should be “How much should an author invest in their project based on their marketing goals?” Most authors self-publish in hopes of selling their book, but not every author has the same goals. It is important to consider your definition of success.

If earning money from your book is a priority, a solid marketing plan, in addition to an appealing book and quality content, is essential to selling to your book.

I always recommend professional copyediting and a custom cover to all authors who are serious about sales. Potential buyers typically spend approximately eight seconds deciding if they like the cover enough to consider purchasing the book. Therefore, the cover needs to be unique and eye-catching. In addition, nothing will “kill” a sale faster than a manuscript that is riddled with typographical errors or bad grammar. This is especially important for non-fiction books that are positioning the author as a credible expert.

Self-publishing should be looked at from a business perspective. All businesses must budget for advertising. I typically estimate that $2,500.00 is the average self-publishing budget. In this estimate, I have allotted $1,500.00 to the actual production of the book. The additional $1,000.00 should be used for marketing services. The cost for professional copyediting is not included in this amount, but I do recommend investing in professional copyediting.

Although many people spend more or less than this amount, I believe this is a good estimate for self-publishing authors. However, it comes down to each individual’s goals and reason for publishing. For more advice on creating your self-publishing budget, contact your self-publishing company.

Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

What Not to Do When Self-Publishing

There are a few things that separate successful self-publishing authors and could-have-been-successful self-published authors. If you want your book to succeed, avoid these common mistakes.

1. Formatting

There are specific requirements for properly formatting your book. Authors who try to do the formatting themselves may be disappointed with how their book turns out. To ensure your book is formatted properly, enlist the help of your self-publishing company. They will tell you exactly what to do and provide assistance to make sure the formatting is done right.

2. Front Cover

You may be tempted to save money by using a template cover. This can be very costly to your success. Despite the cliché “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover,” most readers do! You want a unique, professionally designed cover that captures the essence of your book and encourages readers to buy it.

3. Editing

Another area authors often try to save money is editing. They think that self-editing is the best option, but even the best writers can’t rely on self-editing. It’s just not possible to catch all of the mistakes and issues when you are so attached to the project. Always have a professional editor review your manuscript before publishing to ensure your book is the best it can be. Too many mistakes can be costly to your reputation as a professional author.

4. Back Cover

The back cover is just as important as the front cover! Do not rush through this step. The back cover helps hook the reader and plays a role in online search results. A professional copywriter and editor can help make your back cover copy great.

5. Time

Do not rush! I know self-publishing is exciting and I know it’s important to many authors to have their books published by a certain date, but successful authors know the importance of taking their time to do it right. Spend time revising your manuscript. Put a lot of thought into the title and cover art. Be patient enough to allow an editor to review your book. Spend time planning your marketing strategy. While I don’t want you to get so caught up in making everything perfect that you never finish your project, I don’t want you to rush the process and regret the quality of the book you produced.

Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

How Much Do Self-Publishing Authors Earn?

How much do self-publishing authors earn?

There is no one size fits all answer.

What an author earns varies greatly. Income is based on a variety of factors, including the author’s goals, intended market, and marketing strategy.

One of the main reasons author income varies so greatly is because many authors don’t self-publish to make money. They never intend to market and promote their book, so they earn very little. For these authors, success is not defined by the amount of money they make or the number of books they sell. Instead, it is simply based on whether or not they accomplished their goals. Some common definitions of success among self-published authors include:

Sharing their story with family and friends
Reaching a niche market
Finishing and publishing their manuscript, regardless of how many books they sell
Gaining fame
Earning an income
Increasing their business
Building their following of readers
Adding to their resume
Getting picked up by a traditional publisher
And many, many more

I assume you ARE interested in earning money if you asked this question. For those of you who want to make a profit, here is what you need to know:

Depending on the trade discount set by you or your publisher, you can expect to earn royalties on average of $2-$7.
Some self-publishing companies offer more flexibility in setting pricing and royalties, so it is important to select a company that meets your needs.
Marketing is key to financial success! If you want to earn money from your book, be prepared to dedicate your time, money, and effort to marketing and promoting your self-published book.
Quality is also extremely important. You must offer readers a professional, well-written book.
A dynamic cover and professional editing are a must.

A great way to learn more about how much self-publishing authors earn and how they define success is studying other authors. Read interviews and books by successful authors. Network with writer’s in your area. Join professional writing groups. Talk to people who have self-published. Learn about the industry. All of this research will not only give you an idea of how much self-publishing authors earn, but will also offer excellent tips and advice for making your book successful.

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