Tag: marketing

Cheri Speaks

Espresso Book Machine

The Espresso Book Machine® (the “EBM”), which Time Magazine named an “Invention of the Year,” provides a revolutionary direct-to-consumer distribution model for books. Put simply, the EBM is an automated book-making machine. The operator selects a title to print, and within a few minutes a book emerges, with a full-color cover, trimmed to an exact size, and indistinguishable from the publisher’s version. As we say, “Hot off the press!”

Currently, Espresso Book Machines have been set-up in select universities and libraries including:

  • New York Public Library
  • University of Michigan Library
  • World Bank InfoShop, Washington
  • New Orleans Public Library
  • San Francisco Internet Archive
  • Manchester Center Northshire Bookstore
  • University of Alberta
  • McMaster University Bookstore
  • London Newsstand UK
  • Library of Alexandria, Egypt
  • Melbourne, Australia Angus & Robertson Bookstore

New locations are constantly being added. The EBM is a great opportunity for self-published authors. Some self-publishing companies, such as Outskirts Press, offer this marketing option. By purchasing this option, your book will be available to be ordered, printed, and sold at every current and future Espresso Book Machine location. To learn more about this option, contact your self-publishing company.

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

Top Five New Year’s Resolutions for Writers

As you say good-bye to 2011 and welcome in 2012, you may be creating a list of New Year’s Resolutions. The beginning of the year is a great time to make small improvements and take steps towards achieving your dreams. Here are the top five New Year’s resolutions for writers.

1) Write Every Day

I’m sure you’ve heard this advice before, but do you actually follow it? Writers write. Some days, it is only a few sentences. Some days, it is a few pages. But real writers don’t just talk about writing. They actually do it. If you want to get closer to achieving your dreams and improve your writing make an effort to write something every day.

2) Start a Blog

You may be reluctant to start a blog, but social media is a great way to market yourself and your books. A blog gives you a chance to gain a readership before you even publish your book. You can share samples for your work, get feedback from readers or just write about being a writer. In addition to marketing, this is a great way to connect with other writers.

3) Join a Writers’ Group

Writing groups are a great place to get inspiration and feedback. Creative minds often feed off of each other, so reading other people’s work can improve your own. You will also get unbiased advice on what works and what doesn’t in your writing. You can find a group in your area or join one online.

4) Read Tons of Books

The best writers are often avid readers. Read books in your genre as well as books from other genres. Also, look for books and articles about writing, editing and publishing.

5) Publish Your Book

Every writer dreams of publication. Make this the year you do it. Whether you choose to follow the tradition publishing route or pick a self-publishing company, 2012 can be the year you make your dreams come true.

Happy new year!

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.
Cheri Speaks

3 Tips for Authors Self Publishing in November

It is hard to believe, but the end of 2011 is almost here. As the weather turns chilly and stores become Christmas factories, you might be wondering if now is the right time to self publish your book. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind if you are working on self publishing your book this November.

1) Change your copyright year to 2012 so the book appears new even if it publishes before 12/31/11. Readers like to feel like they are reading the newest version of books.

2) If you’re interested in publishing to market for the holidays, it’s time to get moving and finish up before the end of November. As the holiday approaches, more people are buying and shipping, so it may take a bit longer to print and ship. While you don’t want to rush the creation of your interior and cover proofs, the holidays are an ideal time to market. Also, keep in mind that the general reader doesn’t see the book as the author does; for example, an author keeps checking the spelling and grammar, rewriting sentences, and tweaking the cover image. If you’ve carefully reviewed the chapters to make sure they are error free and have carefully reviewed the design at least 2-3 times, then let it go and move on to the next steps.

3) If you’re signing up just to publish by year-end or for Christmas sales, you need a reality check. There is the possibility that your book won’t be finished before the year’s end or that your marketing efforts won’t generate a large  number of holiday sales because you didn’t spend enough time marketing your book. (Think about how early retail stores begin marketing for Christmas. You can’t throw together a book and expect to sell dozens of copies a few weeks before Christmas.) Instead of obsessing over holiday sales and the end of the year, focus on starting the new year off with a bang. Publishing a book is a great way to start off a new year, and you will have more time to plan for success if you consider all of 2012 instead of the few weeks left in 2011.

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.
Cheri Speaks, Choosing a Publisher, Self-Publishing

Self Publishing Expectations

Self publishing a book is like delivering a baby. You must spend time nurturing and preparing for the birth to ensure a healthy child. If you rush the  process, you could potentially harm the child. The same is true for publishing. Many authors have a deadline in mind when they decide to self publish their books. While deadlines can provide positive motivation, they can also be detrimental to the success of your book. Great books take time to complete, just like healthy babies take nine months to be born. Here are a few ideas to make sure you don’t rush the self-publishing process.

1) Don’t schedule marketing events until you have your completed book in hand. There is nothing worse than canceling marketing events because your book isn’t complete.

2) Do your homework. Research the self-publishing company you plan to use. Ask questions. Read the website. Learn everything you can about the publication process and the cost. Also, express your expectations. Find out what types of author support are available, and find out what they expect from their authors.

3) Take the time to submit a manuscript that is error free. (A professional edit is usually a good idea.)

4) Review proofs carefully. Make sure corrections are done properly.

5) Enjoy the process. Publishing a book is a major accomplishment. Instead of rushing it, take the time to savor each moment.

 

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.
Book Marketing, Kelly Speaks

Amanda Hocking’s Road to Success with Indie Publishing

Today’s post is by book marketing industry expert, Kelly Schuknecht.

Amanda Hocking has become an indie and digital publishing super star.  The author of 17 books, she began self-publishing them as e-books in April 2010, and what a year it has been!  She has earned over a million dollars in royalties and landed a traditional publishing contract for her next series.

How did she do it?  Amanda writes young adult paranormal romance, and prices her books with a marketing strategy in mind.  She published the first book in each series with a price of just $.99 to encourage sales.  Once readers were hooked, the price of her second book in the series was just $2.99.  She would set the price of the final book in the series at about $8.99.  When readers would purchase all of the books in the series, Amanda would make “a pretty decent profit.”

Hear about Amanda’s road to success in her own words in this Associated Press video:

 

DISCUSSION: How do you use marketing strategy when you set your pricing?

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT:
Kelly Schuknecht works as the Director of Author Support for 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.