Tag: Self-Publishing

Cheri Speaks

5 Things You Need to Know About the Interior Design of Your Book

As you prepare for publication, you probably have a vision of what you want your book to look like as a finished product. This is especially important for certain genres such as poetry, children’s books and cookbooks. One of the most common complaints among new authors is that they are dissatisfied with the interior design of their book. Here are five things you need to know so you will love your book once it is published.

1) Know Your Vision – Before you select a publisher, spend some time thinking about how you envision your book. What aspects are important to you? Don’t assume your publisher will read your mind. You need to have a clear vision before you tell a publisher what you want.

2) Review Other Books – Go to a bookstore or library and browse other books in your genre. Make note of the different types of layouts and designs. Compare this information to your vision. You may discover that your original vision needs some tweaking. Let yourself be inspired and innovative.

3) Look at Your Options – Before you choose a publisher, look at the interior design options available. Are they able to accommodate your requests? Do they offer specific templates you must choose from?

4) Ask Questions – Talk to the publisher about the interior design process. Tell them exactly what you want your book to look. Make sure you ask about any additional costs your design might require, and find out if you will get to review the gallery proofs prior to printing. Also, ask if the gallery proofs are an exact representation of how your book will look printed.

5) Make an Informed Decision – After you have considered your goals and reviewed your options, you need to make a decision. This includes choosing a publisher and a design package. Always be clear about your needs and goals. Don’t wait until your book is printed to decide what you want your book to look like.

Happy publishing!

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

5 Reasons to Self Publish in November

As the end of 2011 approaches, you may be wondering if now is the right time to self publish your book. Well, here are five reasons why November is a great time to self publish.

1) End of year promotions – Many self publishing companies are getting in the holiday spirit by offering great deals on publishing packages and marketing options.

2) An early 2012 release – If you start the publication process now, your book will probably be complete in early 2012. The beginning of a new year is a great time to begin marketing a book.

3) The calm after the storm – For most people, November and December means rushing around to decorate, shop and entertain, but January and February are typically slow months. If you are start the publishing process now, you can take advantage of the after-the-holidays-calm and use the slow months to perfect your book.

4) Get an early start on your 2012 resolution list – Publishing a book is a common task on the New Year’s resolution list. By self publishing in November, you can get a jump start on your to-do list, and enjoy the satisfaction of completing a resolution in the beginning of the year.

5) An early Christmas gift for yourself – When we write and publish, we often think about the reader, but at the end of the day, publishing is also about the writer. It is a major achievement to write and publish a book. Give yourself the priceless gift of seeing your book in print this 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.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Publishing Book Review: Deceit

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if they don’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review by Midwest Book Review:

Deceit

John Austin Sletten

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432771683

Power corrupts, and the FBI has plenty of power to corrupt itself with. “Deceit: A Novel of Lies, Duplicity, & Fraud” is a novel that author John Austin Sletten claims is a true expose behind the FBI and how he turned from his bright-eyed hopes and dreams to make a difference in the world by exposing the stark corruption of the  FBI. Speaking on much of what he saw, “Deceit” tells a story of a corruption that grows stronger and that may be too powerful to be challenged.

 

Cheri Speaks

LOC Acronyms Explained

If you are an aspiring author, you’ve probably heard the terms LOC, LCCN, CIP and PCN. But what do this acronyms mean, and which ones are important? Read on to find out.

LOC – Library of Congress. It is the largest library in the world, and its mission is “to support the Congress in fulfilling its constitutional duties and to further the progress of knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people.” To learn more about the LOC, visit loc.gov.

LCCN- Library of Congress Control Number. This number is similar to an ISBN. It can be helpful when marketing your book to libraries, but it not necessary for publication. To learn more about this number, read Who Needs a LCCN?.

CIP – Cataloguing in Publication. This program creates a bibliographic record that is printed on the verso of the title page. This program is not available to self-published authors.

PCN – Preassigned Control Number. This is the self publishing alternative to a CIP. This program creates a LCCN prior to publication. Self publishing  companies provide authors with this service.

I’d love to hear your questions or concerns about LOC acronyms. Feel free to leave comments, and I will try to address you questions directly or in future posts.

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

The Self-Publishing Book Expo is Happening Today

Today, the third annual Self-Publishing Book Expo is taking place at the Sheraton New York Hotel in New York City. The event is perfect for published and aspiring authors. Attendees will gain access to important information about self-publishing and book marketing. Industry professionals will offer a variety of workshops and seminars. Here are some of the most popular events that will be taking place at the expo.

Pitch Your Book to Real Editors and Agents at What’s Your Story?

Get Instant Feedback on Your Manuscript During a One-on-One Manuscript Evaluation Session

Enter to Win Free Book Marketing Services

If you attend the Self-Publishing Book Expo, we would love to hear about your experience, so be sure to leave us some comments.

 

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.