Category: Jodee Speaks

Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

The Importance of a Dynamic Back Cover Copy

You’ve finally finished your self-published book, and you can’t wait to share it with readers. But how do you convince them that your book is worth reading? One of the most powerful ways to lure in readers is the back cover synopsis.

Think about when you visit a bookstore. You might be searching in a particular genre or just browsing the entire store for something that catches your attention when the title or cover of a book catches your interest. What do you do next? Most likely, you turn over the book and read the synopsis on the back cover. What is written there influences whether or not you purchase the book.

Now, think about when you are shopping for books online. You probably enter keywords in the search engine. A list of books pop up. The results are based on the keywords found in the book’s title, the author’s name, and the product description. Again, a title or cover catch your attention. What do you do next?

You probably click on the book and read the description. This description is usually the same as the text that appears on the back cover of the book. Just like when you were shopping in a store, this text influences whether or not you decide to purchase the book.

Just as you are influenced by the back cover synopsis when purchasing books, so are your readers. Therefore, it is essential that you take the time to write a compelling, professional back cover synopsis for your self-published book. For more information on writing a great back cover synopsis, check out these posts:

Is Your Back Cover Copy Driving Away Potential Readers?

Five Tips for a Great Synopsis

Copywriting Services in Self-publishing

I’d love to know, how much does the back cover influence your book purchases?

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

Are Self-Published Authors Successful?

I’ve heard many writers ask, “Are self-published authors actually successful?” My answer is always the same: Yes! But let me explain further…

What is success?

According the dictionary, success is defined as the accomplishment of one’s goals. This means that the definition of success is personal and depends on each individual’s goals. While one author may define success has earning a certain income, another author may define success as something entirely different. 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

Self-published authors are capable of doing all of the things on that list.

How do you define success?

In order to be successful, you need to figure out how you define success. What do you want to accomplish by publishing your book? Are you looking to earn an income? Improve your professional career? Simply finish the manuscript you’ve been working on and see it in print? Share a story with your children?

Now, set your goals based on your definition of success. For instance, if earning an income is your ultimate goal, set goals to market and promote your book. Aside from writing and publishing a great book, you will need to focus on how you’re going to sell your book.

Earning money and gaining fame are not easy tasks, but they are possible. There are plenty of successful self-published authors who have proven this. For more information on becoming a successful self-published author, check out this great book: The Highly Effective Habits of 5 Successful Authors. Available at http://tinyurl.com/heho5sa

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 25 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Director 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

Self-Publishing Takes Patience

One of the many benefits of self-publishing is the turnaround time. Self-published books can often be printed much quicker than traditionally published books. That said, successful self-published authors understand that publishing a quality book takes patience. Here is why.

1. Your manuscript should be near flawless.

Before self-publishing your book, you want to make sure you spend plenty of time revising and editing. For some authors, a developmental editor could be extremely beneficial, and for all writers, hiring a professional copyeditor is a must. While no book is completely flawless, readers expect quality books to be close to perfect. If you want your book to be successful, you need to have the patience to go through the editing process.

2. The cover is extremely important.

Despite the cliché “don’t choose a book by its cover,” most readers are highly influenced by the front and back cover of your book. Take the time to design a quality, personalized front cover that depicts the essence of your book. Also, spend time writing professional back cover copy and author bio, and don’t forget to have this copy edited and proofread.

3. Plan, plan, and plan some more.

Even the most well-crafted book can’t be successful if readers don’t know it exists. Successful self-published authors understand the importance of a great marketing and promotion plan. Take time to figure out who your target market is and how you are going to reach them. Some possibilities include setting up and maintaining social media pages, contacting local media, and scheduling book signings.

Remember, patience is a virtue. While you are excited to finally see your book in print, don’t be in such a rush that you skip over important steps in the self-publishing process. Being patient now will pay off in the long run.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 25 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Director 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

The Importance of Author Copies

Whether you are in the process of self-publishing or you have already published your book, it is smart to consider the importance of author copies. Author copies are simply copies of your book that you purchase (or receive for free from you self-publishing company). These copies can be used in a variety of ways to help promote your book and platform.

Popular uses include:

  • Donating to local libraries or schools
  • Sending to book reviewers
  • Selling at events such as book signings or public speaking events
  • Promotional giveaways

Author copies are essential to authors who use their book to promote their business or platform since they can be sold at events and/or business location. Customers love the convenience of purchasing right then instead of having to go online or to a store to purchase.

Author copies are also great marketing tools. They are used in various promotional efforts such as contests and giveaways.

To learn more about purchasing author copies, contact your self-publishing company.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 25 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Director 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

Top 5 Reasons to Self Publish in July

Been looking for the perfect time to self-publish your book? Well, July is an ideal time to take the leap! Here are five reasons why.

1. Celebrate Freedom.

July is when Americans celebrate freedom.  Celebrate your freedom of speech, and share your writing by finally self-publishing that manuscript you’ve been holding on to.

2. Publishing is American.

Publishing books is a huge part of American culture. If you research bestselling authors or study literature, you’ll see that American authors have been, and continue to be, extremely influential.

3. Declare your independence!

You don’t need an agent or a traditional publisher.  Look to a full-service self-publishing company, and get your book published now.

4. Take advantage of longer days.

With summer comes longer days, which means more time to work on your manuscript. Take advantage of the extra hours by finally finishing your book.

5. Enjoy promotions.

Many self-publishing companies are offering great promotions this month. For instance, Outskirts Press is offering three times the free author copies to writers who self-publish in July. Don’t miss out on the great deals!

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 25 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Director 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.