Cheri Speaks

Top 6 Quick Tips for Creating a “Publish-able” Manuscript

While preparing your manuscript for publication, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your publisher’s/your own life a bit easier when book design time comes. Here are my top 6:

1. Run Spell check
2. Run Grammar check (keep in mind – neither of these checks can substitute for the expertise of a professional copyeditor)
3. Turn on Formatting marks to see odd areas where spacing may be off such as missing spaces causing a word to look misspelled, or too many spaces (2 instead of 1 or 3 instead of 1).
4. Only use Hard Returns at the end of a paragraph, NOT the end of each line like a typewriter.
5. Quick margin and page setting to book trim size, for example if your file is letter size then change settings to book sizes you’re interested in and view how the text shifts and moves. If you have a specific idea of text placement, this will identify any problem areas.
6. Do not use Spaces or Tabs to indicate an indented paragraph; change paragraph settings to first line hanging .25″.

Do you have any other tips you’d like to share?

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

Publishing a Book to Enhance Your Credibility

How can I get A client? How can I get MORE clients? What coach or consultant doesn’t want to know how to keep a steady stream of work flowing into their practice? After all – the more work you do, the more money you earn (in most cases, anyway). Why are we talking about this on a publishing blog, though? The reason is quite simple, actually. The best way to get new clients is to “show them the money”. In other words, you need to show them what you know. There are many ways to showcase your expertise – blogging, writing articles, etc. The most effective, though, is publishing a book.

Imagine the respect your clients will have for you once they find out you are a published author – or better yet, a bestselling author. This could significantly change your visibility and credibility amongst the clients you serve. Do you remember the last time you needed help with a particular issue? Wouldn’t you feel even more comfortable trusting the opinion of an “expert” if they have published a book on that very topic? After all, we don’t go to the podiatrist when we have a toothache. That’s not to discredit the podiatrist, but we are seeking someone who is an EXPERT to guide us through our issue. While a podiatrist is a doctor, they don’t have the same specialized experience as a dentist when it comes to toothaches.

Let your clients get to know you as an expert before they speak even one word to you. That way – they will be much more open to trusting you. Once they trust you, it’s easier for them to invest in your services with confidence.

Are you a coach or consultant who has seen a boost in business after publishing your own book?

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.
Book Marketing, Kelly Speaks

5 Ways to Promote Your Book in July

Summer is here and temperatures are high!  While you’re sitting by the pool or at the beach, don’t forget about the importance of marketing your book.  Here are five ideas for promoting your book this month:

  1. Fourth of July.  If your book is about America, patriotism, US government or a similar topic, you may have lots of opportunities to promote your book to people over this holiday weekend.  Get involved in a local parade or book fair.  Check your newspaper for local events.
  2. Speaking of local, do you have a niche book?  Think about local shops whose clientele might be interested in your book.  Can you put a copy in their waiting area?  Would they be interested in selling copies in their shop?  Prepare a pitch and contact them.  You’ll never know until you ask.
  3. Going on vacation this month?  Be sure to carry business cards with you at all times so you can hand them out when you meet new people and have an opportunity to mention your book.
  4. Create a Facebook Page for your book.  You can do this in 6 easy steps.
  5. Start thinking about the Beijing and Frankfurt Book Fairs coming up.  Now is the time to register.

DISCUSSION: How are you planning to promote YOUR book this month?

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT:
Kelly Schuknecht works as the Vice President of Outskirts Press.  In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com.
Social Media Marketing

Top 5 Ways Self-Publishing Authors Can Take Advantage of Social Media Day

Today is Social Media Day. All around the world people are celebrating the birth of social media and its impact on society. Did you know that self-publishing authors can use this day to their advantage? Today is a perfect day to get involved in social media if you haven’t already.

Here are some of the top 5 ways that you can get involved on social media sites and take advantage of Social Media Day:

1. Create a social media account (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN, or any other account that may suit your fancy).

2. Re-activate your social media accounts so that you can reconnect with long lost friends.

3. Go to a local Social Media Day event and meet some new people.

4. Post helpful, non-promotional messages on your social media profiles. Vow not to promote your book for the entire day.

5. Start planning a social media party (Twitter parties are the most common) for your book or just for fun!

Keep in mind – the purpose of social media is to connect with others and have a good time. As long as you maintain a certain level of authenticity across your profiles, relationships and possibly new people who are interested in your book may result from your efforts.

So, get out there and enjoy Social Media Day 2011!