Tag: book

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self Publishing Book Review of the Week: The College Survival Guide

The College Survival Guide

by Karven, Mobeir & Howe

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Susan Bethany of Midwest Book Review:

College is a time of survival, just not from one traditionally needs to survive. “The College Survival Guide: Beer Games, Hangover Remedies, and Much More!” is a guide for the future alcoholics of America just getting their start in College and the joys of drinking. Filled with fun ideas for activities involving America’s favorite beverage, “The College Survival Guide” is a read that anyone college drinker should consider.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/collegesurvivalguide


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Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self Publishing Book Review of the Week: The Bare Melcessities

The Bare Melcessities

by Melanie Lutz

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Susan Bethany of Midwest Book Review:

Living under the cover of one’s own insecurities is no way to live. “The Bare Melcessities: A Self-Portrait” is an inspirational memoir where author Melanie Lutz encourages readers to find themselves and bring out their truth to the forefront, and bare it all to the world for a lighter burden. “The Bare Melcessities” is a fascinating and motivational read that should not be overlooked.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/thebaremelcessities


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Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self Publishing Book Review of the Week: Murder with a French Accent

Murder with a French Accent

by Janet Hannah

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Shelley Glodowski of Midwest Book Review:

Janet Hannah was born in Toronto, Canada. She earned a Ph.D. in Rutgers University. MURDER WITH A FRENCH ACCENT is the follow-up to her first Alex Kertesz mystery, THE WISH TO KILL, which was well received. She currently lives in Jerusalem.

 

Alex Kertesz has been tapped by his department at the University of Jerusalem to journey to a small French company who has acquired the rights to an organism for commercial development. Located in Toulouse, France, Alex arrives to a somewhat hostile atmosphere and little to be done on the surface of things. But an explosion in the lab; snide comments; and finally his own kidnapping convince him that all is not well at Agrogenie:

 

“‘I have to catch a plane,’ he said, extricating himself from her grasp, but the large man he now thought of as Boris appeared at his other side, pressing him toward the open door of a parked car. He spun around to make a dash for it, but Francoise blocked the way, and something hard and heavy smashed into the back of his head.”

 

Writing about something as complicated as biochemistry is not an easy task, particularly when the intended audience is mystery readers. But Janet Hannah pulls it off with aplomb, breaking complicated theory down into pedestrian language when the occasion calls for it. Dr. Alex is a reluctant traveler and hero in this whodunit, and Hannah has to spend quite of bit of the book putting everything into context for the reader.

 

But when Hannah gets around to the murder, she totally changes gears to create mayhem as Dr. Alex finds himself pulled into the vortex of a situation he hardly understands. It’s lucky that he is fluent in so many languages and that he has kept himself in good shape. He is called upon to perform stunts worthy of James Bond, and that’s where the real fun of the novel lies.

MURDER WITH A FRENCH ACCENT is a nicely wrought International mystery.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/murderwithafrenchaccent


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Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self Publishing Book Review of the Week: Looking for Closure

Looking for Closure

by Maria Stewart

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Mary Cowper of Midwest Book Review:

When you aren’t satisfied with the answer, the only response is to dig deeper. “Looking for Closure: The Therasa Ferrara Story” is a niece’s journey to find out the truth of what truly happened to her aunt over two decades ago. With a suspicious comment when she last saw her, Maria Stewart does not buy the simple homicide verdict she was given by the police, and offers a true crime drama that has to be read to be believed. “Looking for Closure” is a solid and recommended read that should not be missed by true crime readers.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/lookingforclosure


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Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self Publishing Book Review of the Week: Tales of Wordishure

Tales of Wordishure

by Mick McArt

This self-published book was recently reviewed by Michael J. Carson of Midwest Book Review:

A good bedtime story is invaluable and can impart values. “Tales of Wordishure” Is a collection of stories aimed to be read to young children at bedtime to better impart Christian wisdom and values to them. With much to stimulate the imagination, these tales make “Tales of Wordishure” very much worth picking up for parents who want to mix in faith at bedtime.

For more information or to order the book, visit the author’s webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/talesofwordishure


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Book Promotion

Using Newspapers to Promote your Self-Published Book

There are two diverse tactics for promoting your self-published book:

1) Paying for advertising
2) Acquiring free advertising through press

Well, a subset to that second option is this: create press for yourself.

How? By writing for the newspaper.

Newspapers are in constant need for fresh content on a daily or weekly basis. Most general interest articles can be written by anyone, anywhere, and you don’t even need to live in the area where the paper is distributed (although it certainly helps as you get your feet wet).

Writing freelance articles for newspapers is an effective way to get your book “out there” because your byline will always be included with your article, and your book will always be mentioned in your byline.

Many freelance writers concentrate solely on contributing to magazines or websites, but you will be missing out on thousands of great markets if you ignore newspapers.

How do you get started? You can easily find information about newspapers, including contact information and addresses, by going online to www.usnpl.com or www.newspapers24.com

Have fun and keep writing.

Book Reviews

Getting your self-published book reviewed

A standard procedure for book promotion is mailing copies of your book out for book reviews. You can conduct a search on Google for “freelance book reviewers” to find reviewers, sometimes categorized by subject. Freelance reviewers often have writing assignments for larger media venues and it is often more successful to contact them directly than through larger magazines or newspapers.

As you seek out reviews on your own, remember that some magazines are more inclined to only review books that have not yet been published while others will want the chance to review it immediately after publication, so it is in your best interest to start this part of the process right away.

If you are serious about getting book reviews, you should send out copies to these publications sooner rather than later.

Also, ask yourself what the specific market is for YOUR book. Once you know your answer, ask yourself what sort of magazines, newspapers, websites, or periodicals those people read.  The more you narrow down your audience, the more efficient and cost effective your book marketing campaign will be.  Send a review copy to every magazine, newspaper, website, blog, or newsletter your potential audience may read.

When you send out a book for review, always include a complimentary copy of the book, a professional cover letter, and a sales sheet and/or a press release.

To get you started, here is contact information for a syndicated book reviewer who is known to write reviews for self published books:

Gary Roen

Syndicated Reviewer

1600 Hull Circle

Orlando, FL  32806