Tag: publishing

Self-Publishing

Self-publishing versus…well, nothing

It sometimes seems that we, collectively, find difficulty in escaping the conversational vein of traditional publishing versus self-publishing as if the two were completely polarized. News, blogs, articles online and off have swarmed the topic for some time now, and its easy to get pulled into the polemics of strong ideas and outside interests. Change can be difficult to embrace because there is uncertainty. But there is also opportunity.

Self versus Traditional publishing. Is this really one versus they other? Of course not. The value of publishing comes through the course of sharing valuable, entertaining, and relevant information with others in a certain medium.

What is true is that the publishing industry has been fundamentally altered by the connections offered by the internet, from the production, publication, distribution, and marketing of your book. Not just a little different as we are finding out, but completely rebuilt. This is true not just in publishing but across the way we live. In entertainment, recreation, and business.

Publishing a book is a business – your business. Knowing what you know how will you approach the publishing and marketing options available to you?

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Self-Publishing

Self-Publishing Advice Update: Google Book Settlement

To opt in or out? With court developments arising last week, the implications, at least as they stood, may be moot.

The AP released an article last week noting the Justice Department’s, deem of the current agreement as a threat to give Google the power to increase book prices and discourage competition, though it said a renegotiated settlement might obey U.S. copyright and antitrust laws.

In his subsequent adjournment order, US District Judge Denny Chin noted that “the current settlement agreement raises significant issues, demonstrated not only by the number of objections, but also by the fact that the objectors include countries, states, nonprofit organizations, and prominent authors and law professors.” However, “the proposed settlement would offer many benefits to society, as recognized by supporters of the settlement as well as DOJ…if a fair and reasonable settlement can be struck, the public would benefit.”

If you’re published and chose to opt-in. Still writing and have this topic on the radar, this is good news. While the settlement probably won’t affect any of us directly, that we are taking the democratization of important materials into collective is a step in the right direction.

Have fun and keep writing

– Karl



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Choosing a Publisher, Networking, Self-Publishing

Self-publising top 10: Advantage 1

1 – Authors are required one-time only upfront investment…

Yes, quality self-publishing services will require a one-time upfront investment. While not as important as your book pricing structure, distribution, and royalties on the back-end. Upfront service prices deserve a quick look.

Here are a couple of red flags.

1. HUGE DISCOUNTS! PUBLISH NOW AND SAVE XX%!!!
There are more than enough self-publishers offering HUGE savings. Always. That usually indicates that the savings aren’t real. Instead, packages and/or services are artificially inflated. This is true in any business across every industry. You’ve worked hard. You deserve what you pay for. I was born in Vegas. Ever been? Be wary of the bright, flashing lights.

2. GET PUBLISHED FOR FREE!!! (the opposite end of the spectrum)

Business 101. Nothing is free. It’s worth taking a look at the contract and asking, what am I really getting here. Not a good time to fall to instant gratification. You’ve worked hard and deserve a publisher that works for you in return. Again, make sure your get what you pay for. Well worth it is the time researching a publisher that will partner with you to publish your book as successfully as possible.

A quality self-publisher will value you, and upfront prices will stand by that.

– Karl


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have fun and keep writing…

Choosing a Publisher, Self-Publishing

Self-publishing Advantages – Fill in the Blank…

I sat down today to a quick brainstorm outlining the advantages of partnering with a top notch custom self-publisher, but came up just shy of double digits. Help!

Self-publishing Advantages top 10 list:

1 – Authors are required one-time only upfront investment…

2 – Authors only have to purchase books they know will sell…

3 – Authors have the control to set their own book profit or royalty percentages…

4 – Authors set their custom wholesale book pricing…

5 – Authors set their book’s retail price…

6 – Authors can work with a design team on their unique custom book cover…

7 – Authors are in control of the editing and proof process, publishing nothing they don’t expressly approve…

8 – Books don’t see print caps and never go out of print…

9 – Authors keep exclusive rights to their work

10 –

– Karl



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Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Reviews, Networking, Self-Publishing, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

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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Have fun and keep writing.