Category: Self-Publishing

Self-Publishing

Self-publishing Advice Blog

Organization is key to getting your writing into a published book, and with that it may be helpful for authors to look at the book publishing process as occurring in 3 chronological phases:

  • Preparation or pre-production
  • Production & Proofing
  • Publication and Marketing

Understanding these phases, creating goals, and researching publishing options best suited to those goals is a valuable practice for authors, especially those heading into the often advantageous aspects of self-publishing. Throughout the second half of this year, Self-publishing Advice will be breaking each of these down, no matter where you are in the process we’ll be devoting time to exploring information and resources helpful from the start of the process all the way through to the sales and marketing push. It will look something like this…

Mondays – Phase I: pre-production
Tuesdays – Guest post
Wednesdays – A look at phase II information: Book Production
Thursdays – Current events
Fridays – Phase 3 information: Publication, Marketing & Sales

Stay tuned


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Self-Publishing

Guest Post: Ask the Book Doctor

Self-publishing Advice Guest Post – “Ask the Book Doctor”

Q: I am in the process of writing a book about [subject removed]. I am looking for people who will share their stories to be published in this book. Do I need to get signed permission to use their stories? How would I go about this process?

A: Yes, even if people voluntarily send in their stories, you need their signed permission to use the stories and need to exchange something of value in return, either money or at least one free copy of the book. The issue is a legal one, though, so check with an entertainment attorney or get your hands on the agreements used by such series as A Cup of Comfort and Chicken Soup for the Soul.


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Bobbie Christmas is a book doctor, author of Write In Style (Union Square Publishing), and owner of Zebra Communications, and she will answer your questions, too. Send them to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com. Read more “Ask the Book Doctor” questions and answers at http://www.zebraeditor.com.

Book Marketing, Choosing a Publisher, Self-Publishing

Progressive Book Marketing for Authors

The industry is learning that sales and marketing efforts are perhaps as much an effort in getting books to readers as good content. Now, progressive self-publishing options are beginning to provide them for authors regardless of where you have published. Or, if you’ve yet to initiate the publishing process, it’s never to early to begin looking and learning about marketing tactics like…

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Amazon Keyword Tagging
• Celebrity Endorsements
• “Search inside the book” options with major retailers
• Even Personal Marketing Assistance

Now that the information is in your hands and resources at your fingertips, how many readers will your book find?


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Book Reviews, Self-Publishing, Uncategorized

Self-published Book Review of the Week

Lucifer Rising

Self-publishing Review of the Week – Lucifer Rising

The author shows the power a religious cult can have over an individual’s life. Elsa Eldridge works for the local paper in Daytona, Beach Florida. Her assignment by her editor is to profile the head of a local faction of a holy group. She begins to find that she is mesmerized by this man and that she will do anything for him. The novel shows the frightening hold groups like this have on people, no matter what their level of education is. The novel is a warning that should be heeded.


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Book Marketing, Self-Publishing

Self-publishing and finding your market

Self-publishing books to make money may be, as Seth points out, a lot like hanging out at the singles bar looking to get married. It’s true, you can make money publishing your work, but isn’t it better to write because you love to write, and be proud to share it with people who care?

Of course making money isn’t bad. I’m not going to say making money will solve any problems. I’m confident poverty will not. In considering your long term marketing and sales direction, it may be helpful to know that the output of published titles shot up 87% from 2008 to 2009, according to R.R. Bowker. That means nearly ½ million new titles entered the market in the span of a year. The good news is that online communities, forums, and organizations allow you to find niche markets where you can promote your work to people who care. But do understand this type of marketing involves investment in participation.



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