Tag: Self-Publishing

Choosing a Publisher, Self-Publishing

Importance of Book Cover Copy in Self-Publishing

Readers really do judge books by their covers. That is what your cover is designed to do – communicate the value of all of the great material in between. Keep this in mind when developing your back cover copy and make sure it’s professionally drafted by your self-publishing provider – this is marketing writing; artistic writing.

The BACK COVER COPY is restricted by the size of the book’s back cover.   Ideally, the size of the cover should be taken into account when composing the back cover copy to ensure the ultimate balance between font size and aesthetics. You don’t want too much copy so as to require an illegibly small font. You also don’t want too little copy, leaving big empty spaces on the back cover.   There are three main components to the back cover copy: 1) the headline, 2) the synopsis or marketing copy, and 3) the author biography.  There may also be quotes, cover blurbs, or other testimonials about either the book or the author. In some cases, these cover blurbs may justify more exposure than the summary of the book. Ultimately, the entire back copy should be composed with the goal of getting a browser to become a buyer.  Bullet point and numbered lists are good, effective elements of back cover copy for non-fiction books.  Cover copy for fiction books should demonstrate highly effective prose.

Have fun and keep writing.

– Karl Schroeder

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self Published Book Review of the Week: Vineyard Days

Vineyard Days

by Gene Pisasale

This self-published book was recently reviewed by www.midwestbookreview.com:

There are worse things to lose than one’s money. “Vineyard Days” is the story of murder in Martha’s Vineyard set in the frenzy of last year’s market collapse. But Jim and Martha soon find out there are those who have lost more than their fortune when a grisly double murder is found on a nearby yacht. Not how they expected to spend their vacation, they find themselves entwined in the investigation. “Vineyard Days” is a fine and well crafted story that uses recent events as creative fuel for the fire.

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


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Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self Published Book Review of the Week: A Complete Guide to Public Speaking

A Complete Guide to Public Speaking

by Joseph A. Grippo

This self-published book was recently reviewed by www.midwestbookreview.com:

This is a great resource for anyone who is not accustomed to making a public speech. The author gives many tricks to get over stage fright to make a decent speech. You do not need to have taken a speech course to learn the different simple things one can learn.

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


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Book Promotion, Choosing a Publisher, Networking, Self-Publishing, Viral Marketing

Self-publishing – know your market and have a plan.

The reason books sell has little to do with content quality. At least initially. Just like any other product on the retail market, books sell because readers know about them.

Some books have the advantage of author platform, or industry applicability, and can hit strong out of the gate. The more nebulous quality of fiction can result in a slower start, but a much longer shelf-life.

The point is this, know your market and leverage your resources to meet those potential readers. Outline a marketing plan with your self-publisher that takes advantage of internet marketing and retail resources like Amazon who has pre-qualified readers based on profiles and virtual book pairings.

Work smarter. Work harder. Become a successful self-published author.


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Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Self-Published Book Review of the Week: Aurora of the Northern Lights

Aurora of the Northern Lights

by Holly Hardin

This self-published book was recently reviewed by www.midwestbookreview.com:

“Aurora of the Northern Lights” is a Christmas tale of an orphan girl born of a mixed marriage of human father, William, and a Northern Fey mother, Mistletoe. Though Aurora is rejected by the townsfolk after her parents die of illness, a witch gives her a beautiful crystal charm to protect her, and tells her to seek her home and destiny in the forest. In the forest Aurora meets the Woodland Fey, who also reject her as not like them, but their queen directs Aurora to the far north and gives her a warm woolen cloak and an oaken staff. Aurora trudges northward into the frozen cold white and she finds a miraculous castle. Inside she is welcomed by Santa Claus to the Great Elf Hall, where she finds a woman with dazzling white hair who remembers her mother, Mistletoe. The great white elf lady is Aurora’s grandmother, and she welcomes Aurora to a whole new world and a new life. The touching story of Aurora is told in extended verse, and the lush, contrasting dark and light paintings illustrate the story perfectly. Themes of prejudice, intolerance of difference, and courage and strength in adversity are explored. A paperback also available in ebook form, “Aurora of the Northern Lights” has extended appeal to elementary age children (8-13).

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


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