Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self-Publishing Weekly Book Review: Adventures in Political Theory

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if they don’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review by Midwest Book Review:

Adventures in Political Theory

Norman Patrick Peritore

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 1432750194

Reviewer: Clark Isaacs

Throughout history, there have been many great thinkers who have challenged our thoughts. “Adventures in Political Theory” is Norman Patrick’s walk through the many thoughts in history and how they have shaped our history. From Socrates to the raging modern political debate, there have been many people who have changed the way people think. These leaders form the basis of our intellectual future. “Adventures in Political Theory” is worth considering for its wide reaching history. It is highly recommended.

Cheri Speaks

Copyright 101

As a writer, you have heard the term copyright. After all, you want your book to be copyrighted to protect your hard work, but you aren’t always sure how to use other people’s copyrighted work. Don’t worry, many authors feel the same way. Copyright laws can be confusing, but you can protect yourself from possible infringements; the easiest way to do so is to learn copyright basics. Here are a few pointers to get you started.

In publishing, there is no such thing as fair use.

When it comes to copyright laws, you have probably heard the term fair use. Well, this term does not apply to the publishing industry. Fair use is only applicable in education and nonprofit settings. If you write for profit (aka publish and sell a book), you are not protected under the fair use clause.

There is no magic number.

Some authors think they can use a small portion of text or a piece of a photograph without worrying about copyright laws. Unfortunately, there is no magic number that determines a copyright infringement. Even one line from a poem requires permission from the author.

Recognition and permission are not the same thing.

Many authors think that including the copyright owner’s name after a quote or photograph is adequate recognition. However, to avoid a copyright infringement you need written permission from the copyright owner. Recognition prevents you from being accused of plagiarism, but it does not clear you of copyright infringements.

Song lyrics are protected.

If you quote song lyrics, you need the copyright owner’s permission. However, if you simply reference the song, you do not permission.

If you find copyright law confusing, consider consulting a professional. Also, check out the links below for more information on copyright laws.

United States Copyright Office

Copyright Law Video

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING:
Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.
Wendy Speaks

The Importance of the Publishing Package

How much an author chooses to invest in the publishing of his or her manuscript is a very personal decision. Most of us are on a budget, and in today’s economic climate, such an investment needs to be given careful consideration.

All self-publishing companies offer different packages that accommodate your budget. When choosing a publishing company and picking a package, it is important to consider both the price and the services included. You need to pick a package that is affordable but still offers the services you want and need. To get started, here is an overview of the packages available at Outskirts Press. 

At Outskirts Press, packages prices range from $199.00 to $4,979.00. I rarely recommend our lowest priced package; The Emerald ($199.00) does not include an ISBN number. An ISBN number is a requirement for distribution in the publishing community. The One-Click Publishing Package ($4,979.00) is designed specifically for professional authors that want it all with the push of a button. Authors that want a full color interior publish with the Pearl Package for $1099.00. That leaves the Diamond ($999.00), the Ruby ($699.00) or the Sapphire ($399.00) for authors that have black and white interiors. The difference between these packages involves the amount of flexibility that is allowed in book sizes and cover choices as well as the options that are included.

Beyond the flexibility and options, it is important for authors to understand how the mathematics work. I regularly advise authors to decide when and how they want to spend their hard-earned money. Diamond authors, compared to Ruby or Sapphire authors, pay the most initially;however, their royalties are $1.00 more per book sold than a Ruby author and $2.00 more per book sold than a Sapphire author. Additionally, a Diamond author pays $1.00 less for a copy of his or her own book compared to a Ruby author and $2.00 less than  a Sapphire author.

 Authors need to decide if they want to spend less on the front-end and more on the back-end verses spending more on the front-end and less on the back-end. I always recommend the second option. Most authors are investing in their manuscript in the hope of selling lots of books. Logically, one would want the highest royalty and lowest per book cost.

Regardless of your budget or needs, there is a package that will make your publishing dreams come true.

 

ABOUT WENDY STETINA:
Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.

 

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self-Publishing Weekly Book Review: Digging Deep

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if they don’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review by Midwest Book Review:

Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages

Boyd Lemon

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432768461

Genre: Autobiography

Review: Michael J. Carson

Boyd Lemon’s autobiography, “Digging Deep,” shares insight about his three marriages and his perspective on their failures. Each of Boyd’s wives shared a unique place in his life.

Growing up as an only child, Lemon did not have to compete for attention with siblings. His mother was slender, and he tried to find women who emulated her physically.

Each of the marriages had the same problem, which was finances. He was a successful attorney who had a penchant for spending, and his wives were no better with their buying habits. Furniture, houses, and animals were his anathema. He was constantly trying to pay his bills, forcing him to work long hours, and his personal life suffered.

Lemon desired to live a lifestyle near the water but felt it necessary to sacrifice what he wanted in his early relationships in order to live within his means. He acknowledged that in order for him to cope with his relationships at home, he would drink far too much so that he could block out discussing with his wives how to resolve their problems.

This book also delves into his sexuality and at times gets to be more specific than necessary. Lemon used this book as a cathartic diary written after events occurred. At times, he rambled on in an apparent attempt to resolve old problems.

Some of the anecdotal material is quite interesting. Especially, when he described his last marriage and how he had gotten into raising racehorses. The last wife seems to have been his real nemeses with her love of animals to Boyd’s total detriment with regard to finances. One of the key themes he describes with regard to raising horses is that it was fortunate to break even when breeding or racing. One of their horses won a race, so they invested in quality training, veterinarian fees, and boarding. After ten years, Boyd and his wife invested one million dollars for the luxury of winning a minimal number of races.

When you read this autobiography, keep in mind that the problems he describes are one-sided. Boyd Lemon is giving his viewpoint with regard to how the marriages ended. A collaborative effort by both Boyd Lemon and his three ex-wives would have made this a more meaningful expose’. Each could have given their insight from either a male or a female point of view, which would have given a more interesting storyline.

This is an interesting perspective of Lemon’s life as he experienced it through three failed marriages. This is a two star book.

 

Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Promotion Strategy, Cheri Speaks, Marketing Your Self-Published Book, Self-Publishing

How to Get Your Self-Published Book in a Library

You have an ISBN. You have a LCCN. So libraries should be able to find your book, and therefore, will purchase your book, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, libraries rarely “order” self-published books. This doesn’t mean they don’t house self-published books and that they won’t stock your book. It simply means you need to do a little work to get on their radar. Here are a few ways to get your book in a library.

  • Donate a copy (or several copies) of your book to the library. Be sure to go through the proper donation channels.
  • Host a book reading at your library. This will not only introduce the library to your book but also introduce your book to potential readers.
  • If your book is geared towards children, give a school presentation on your book’s subject. School libraries are always looking for new books.
  • Connect with librarians via social networks. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are powerful ways to network.
  • Send promotional materials such as flyers and letters to local libraries. Be sure to include of the essential information about your book such as subject, genre, audience and purchasing information.
  • Try to get a book review in a local publication. This will bring positive attention to your book and encourage libraries to buy it.

Libraries are a powerful part of your book promotion strategy. Creative marketing tactics can increase your chances of a library stocking your book. They can also lead to great relationships with librarians and readers. The best way to find out what your local library wants is to talk to the librarians. Work on building an honest relationship, and you may just find one your book’s best promoters.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING:
Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.