Guest Post – Ask the Book Doctor: Self-publishing

Q: When you spoke at a conference recently, I heard you refer to self-publishing. Isn’t “independent publishing” the correct term now?

A: Yes and no. An independent publisher is a small publisher that may or may not publish the works of the owner, but it always publishes the works of other authors, as well. When you publish only your own books, you are self-publishing. I know the distinction is vague; in either case you have to set up a company and be a publisher, but an independent publishing house accepts the works of others, as well as the works of the owner.

Also, when you use a firm that helps you publish, so that you don’t have to set up your own company, you are a self-published author, as opposed to a traditionally published author.

In the end, we are simply talking semantics. If you spend any money at all toward the printing of your book, you are self-published. Being self-published used to carry a stigma, and perhaps that’s why some people don’t want to use the term, but the market has changed over the years, and people’s attitudes have changed with it. At a time when selling a book to a traditional publisher is almost impossible, yet printing your own book has become easier than ever, self-publishing has taken on a whole new character and lost much of its prior poor image. Nowadays the only stigma comes from a poorly written or unedited self-published book. If the book looks good, reads well, is thoroughly edited, and sells well, who cares who paid for the printing?

Bobbie Christmas is a book doctor, author of Write In Style (Union Square Publishing), and owner of Zebra Communications, and she will answer your questions, too. Send them to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com. Read more “Ask the Book Doctor” questions and answers at http://www.zebraeditor.com.

Choosing a Publisher

A Few Tips for the Self-Publishing Author

From literary fiction and poetry genres to self-help and how-to, self-published books are finding their way into reader’s hands on a consistently increasing rate. Of course it follows that custom self-publishing companies are growing in number and service options to meet that demand. Here are a few points to consider when determining the best direction for your book:

1. Keep all of your rights and more of the profits

The intellectual property and copyright of your book is very valuable. You should always retain all your rights. When considering a publisher, be sure that you retain all rights to your work and that their contract does not tie you down for ANY amount of time and does not penalize you for leaving early (many do). It’s your book and your future.

2. Set your own pricing

Would you rather control your retail price or leave that in the hands of the publisher? How about the best of both worlds? The publisher should recommend a price based upon market knowledge, but leave the final decision up to you. Look for a publisher that provides this flexibility. A few publishers even provide online calculator to help you estimate and even set your own book pricing.

3. Full-service distribution and flexible print runs

Ingram and Baker & Taylor are the two largest book wholesalers in the United States. Many publishers only submit your book to one or the other. Few publishers distribute through both. Look for one that does. Ideally, your book could sell 50 copies, or 50,000 copies. In either case, you should never have to pay additional out-of-pocket printing costs or manage fulfillment. But do also look for a publisher that allows you to purchase copies at low base prices in small quantities so you can manage an inventory of books on your own for things like book signings and events.

Once you have found the self-publisher that fits your direction and goals let the fun begin!

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

Self-Publishing

Christopher Meeks talks self-publishing and the AWP

The annual AWP conference is here in Denver this week, with a number of heavy hitters at the event including Sapphire, and a keynote address by Pulitzer winning author, Michael Chabon.

This event recalls an insightful blog published several months ago by this year’s AWP panel moderator and author, Christopher Meeks – a nice contribution to the dialogue surrounding self-publishing and the publishing industry. While I don’t necessarily encourage practicality, Meeks’ thoughts are certainly worth a few minutes of your day.

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The Book Doctor on BIG WORDS: Advice for the self-publishing writer

Q: I started writing books this summer, when family problems started. My books are interesting, or so say my friends, but I feel they lack something, like maybe they are weakly written. I know “big” words make a book seem like the author is intelligent, but it makes it harder for ten- to fifteen-year-olds to understand. So I ask, how do I make my book more interesting without using “big” words?

A: You pose an interesting question; should you write to impress your readers or entertain them? Do you want your readers to think highly of you or of your books? Today’s books entertain, rather than impress. You’re already on the right track to avoid words that others may have to look up in a dictionary.

Big words don’t make a book interesting; conflict and tension do. Fascinating characters do. Realistic dialogue that moves the story forward does. Unique plot turns and unusual situations help, too.

Because you just started writing books this summer, don’t despair. Most writers spend years honing their craft. At least you have begun. Not only do you need good ideas and a strong desire to write, you also have to learn as you go. Besides reading books about how to write a good story, spend time reading or rereading books by authors you admire. Analyze what makes you like that person’s writing and why you enjoyed reading the story. Apply those techniques (but not the story ideas) to your writing.

Also, know the market you want to write for. If you are writing for young adults, read the books young adults are buying and analyze what makes those stories interesting.

Above all, don’t get discouraged. Join writers groups and discuss your issues and learn from others. Do not, however, discuss your story lines. Talking about them not only gives your ideas away but also drains energy from the ideas. Instead, use that energy to write down your ideas and turn them into books.

Bobbie Christmas, book doctor, author of Write In Style (Union Square Publishing), and owner of Zebra Communications, will answer your questions, too. Send them to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com. Read more “Ask the Book Doctor” questions and answers at http://www.zebraeditor.com

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Tales of Wordishure

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