Exploring Affiliate Options in Self-publishing

With the inevitable, ongoing explosion of print-on-demand, there are more authors than ever before dipping their feet into the self-publishing game. In fact, the term dipping feet may be an understatement considering the volume of new, developing, and somewhat esoteric information involved in self-publishing. Some authors come from the traditional arena and have a degree of knowledge and understanding corresponding with their experience. Other authors may have independently published books in the past, consider themselves savvy, and are now seeking the advantages that come from joining forces with a full-service print-on-demand self publisher.

The great majority, however, are new authors, anxious to learn, but not possessing much history or background in the industry. They often rely upon the information they read on the internet, hear from friends/associates, or receive from their publisher. In fact, the term self-publishing has expanded in scope to include publishing content in blogs, forums, online newsletters, even videos.

You may find yourself somewhere along that continuum or in the process of researching publishing options for your own material. Have you considered that your expertise can benefit other writers while at the same time earning you additional income? The process is called Affiliate Marketing and a great opportunity offered through various self-publishing leaders.

Affiliates can often earn up to 10% or more for each author they refer. Here are the nuts and bolts:

It’s perhaps the easiest and fastest way to share your knowledge as an industry thought leader while at the same time expanding your own platform and earning extra income in the home based internet business, and you do not have to develop your own service. Instead, generate revenue by simply referring authors to recognized, professional custom self-publishing services through the credibility your experience provides. What’s more, you get to see the investment that comes from seeing authors reach their publishing goals.

– Karl



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Self-publishing Book Promotion Tip

It’s no secret that self-publishing involves some elbow grease on your behalf as author to promote your work. The control available in that area may be either boon or bane. Ultimately, it’s your choice, and as our real American hero states so poignantly, knowing is half the battle. Tip #1:

Understanding how to conduct an advanced Internet search yielding applicable promotional and review results is very important. Luckily, it’s also very easy.

For example, go to the Google website here http://www.google.com

Then, use access defined search criteria by clicking on the link that reading “Advanced Search” in small type next to the “Search” button.

You will find a page that enables you to fine-tune your search.

For example, search for the words “freelance” or “book reviewer” to find many places to begin with book promotion.

– Karl



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Self-publishing: The Control Game

Among the many advantages self-publishing presents authors over the traditional model is content control. Case study. I spoke with a published author at a recent conference about her experience with her traditional publisher. She handed me her book and paused. “You see my name’s on the cover,” she said. “But none of that is mine.”

Aside from changing even the title, the published pulled a full two-thirds of the submitted content for final publication. Talk about an incarcerating publishing experience.

We throw around the term non-exclusive quite about when talking about self-publishing contracts. A non-exclusive contract, in short, means that one person is in charge of the book – the author. Most self-publishing options hold non-exclusive contracts, but not all.

I was working to help one author transition publishers recently, and found this in his contract:

“While Section Six (6) of your Publishing Agreements states, ‘If I cancel, <publishing company> will have the non-exclusive right to produce, market, and sell my Title for one year following receipt of my cancellation notice,” <publishing company> has chosen not to exercise this right.”

This self-publisher’s contract maintains the right to sell your book without paying you, but then they tell you it’s not good enough to do that. Talk about insult to injury. But be sure to carefully read and understand your contract. Ask your publishing consultant if you have questions.

In the meantime, have fun and keep writing.

– Karl



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The Do’s of Pitching Your Self-Published Book to Producers

Here are 5 things to do when composing a letter to a radio producer to promote your self-published book:

1 – Do keep your letter short. No more than one page.
2 – Do include your hook. This is a 5-10 word sentence or phrase that should attract everyone’s attention about you or your book.
3 – Do format your letter so it’s easy to skim. Use bullet points.
4 – Do write your letter with the producer’s point of view. Re-read it as if you were the producer. Is it clear what you want and what value you offer to the radio listeners?
5 – Do be available to respond to interest immediately. These people are often on deadline and if you are the easiest solution to their problem, you’ll get the call.

Karl Schroeder


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The Dont’s of Pitching Your Self-Published Book to Producers

After your book is published, here are 5 things to avoid when pitching to a radio or television producer:

1 – Don’t pitch your book. Pitch an idea for a show.
2 – Don’t over promise. Be able to deliver what you say.
3 – Don’t be dull. Your letter has to communicate how vivacious you are.
4 – Don’t hide your message. Make sure it’s clear what you are suggesting.
5 – Don’t be annoying. Producers are busy. Bombarding the with correspondence or emails will hinder your chances for success.

– Karl Scrhoeder



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