If you’re a Wisconsin resident and live in or around LaCrosse, I want to invite you to the Wisconsin Writers Association Author Showcase. It runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will have over 20 authors there speaking and selling their books – me being one of them. I will be speaking on book cover designs. So come by and support your fellow writers!
Wisconsin Writers Association Author Showcase:
Saturday, May 3rd, 1914
8 am to 2 pm
Days Inn, French Island
LaCrosse, WI
I am trying to decide on the cover for my next historical fiction: Will the Real Carolyn Keene Please Stand Up.
It is a story about who created Nancy Drew. You would think that would be an easy answer but it’s not. In fact, in 1980 there was a lawsuit to answer just that question (plus who owned what rights to the Nancy) and there is still significant controversy even today. My book is currently in the hands of my betareaders, but after they are done with it and I make my appropriate changes from their comments, I’ll have it out for you-all to read – I’m hoping by July. But until then I have to decide about the cover.
My basic cover was created by SelfPubBookCovers.com. I worked with Rob – the creative director – and he was very helpful in giving the artist that they picked some examples of art of the era that I was looking for (the 50s), and the show I was basing my title off of (To Tell The Truth). I needed a custom cover, which cost a bit more, but they have lots of pre-made covers in many genres that you can pick from and tweak to your liking for cheap! That coupled with the excellent customer service, I’d recommend Self Pub Book Covers to anyone. Unfortunately for people like my brother (Earl Keleny), who do cover art for a living, they are some stiff competition. Though when you go to his site, you’ll see why he gets paid more for what he does.
Anyway, here are 4 different versions of the same cover. I’ve added a border to three of the four. You’ll have to look closely to see the difference between them. Let me know your preference.
Thanks!
Kristen Eckstein wrote this post on the Future of ink website and I think she made some very good points. I’ve done some of these very things, and I’m always coming across different local and state events (not necessarily just for books) that support local artists. I find that many artist events are willing to let self-published authors participate. Why not, we’re local, we are in on every aspect of the books creation (we don’t have to be the illustrator or editor to claim these things) and I personally think writing is an art. Ask anyone who loves to read but can’t write a good grocery list!
from qwentanner.com
I know I’ve posted information about ISBN’s before but Joel Friedlander on his website, The Book Designer, gives more detail than I’ve found in other blog posts before and is worth sharing if you’ve ever questioned whether you should accept that free ISBN from createspace or any other publisher. This post has information that should help you decide.
from williampaid.com
If you want to go the traditional publishing route, you have to know how the write a dynamite query letter. The below link from Bookbaby and Chris Robley will give you some pointers. I also would add mentioning your platform in your letter. That’s a big thing that agents and publishers are interested in – your followers, which equal your sales potential.
In addition, I would suggest you go the self-publishing route at the same time. This used to be a big no-no, but the list is growing every year of authors who self-published first and did so well that they attracted the attention of one of the big 5 (? – is that the correct number) publishers. And it a one way to build that platform that publishers like to see.
It also helps curb that itch to see your stuff in print (or on an ereader or both!) and frees up your energy to go onto your next masterpiece!
Do you use Google+? Kendra Leah has given those google+ writers out there some good tips. Thanks Kendra. Take a look!
from nonavarnado.com
This post by Randall Wood explains a lot when it comes to where to publish and why. And if he is correct ( haven’t read this any place else so I’m a wee-bit skeptical), he also explains why their additional distribution channels do little to actually sell more of your books. I don’t know where he got his figures from, but they are very interesting.
The only thing I would add is, I would print in one additional place – from a brick and mortar printer of your choice. Most do POD nowadays.
The reason?
Many Indie books stores do take self-published books (usually at a 40% discount) but since Createspace takes 50-55% anyway (I heard it was 50% if you published through createspace and 55% if you printed it yourself and you sell it on Amazon yourself), you’re way ahead in the profit category if the indie bookstore takes a book you had printed yourself.
What bookstores want….and why indie authors should learn to give it to them. Part II. |.
David Gaughran revisits some self-publishing myths. (And I looked it up – Astroturfing means sending out a message without revealing who is backing that message.)
Here is a post on Shewrites by Brooke Warner that lays out the various publishing options people have. I think it helps clear up some of the self-publishing confusion out there so I wanted to share it.
Keep in mind that places like createspace and ingram/lightening source are book printers (and distributors). You can also have a book printed at a brick and mortar printer near you. Most printers these days do print on demand (POD), meaning you can have one or one thousand books printed. The nice thing about brick and mortar printers is that the more you print (in one print run) the less it costs. I know for createspace, the printing cost is the same no matter how many books you have printed. I personally like to use brick and mortar printers because I like to see the books before they are sent out (to make sure the quality is what I want) and so I can sign the books and add a note asking for a review. I also like to work locally if I can – spread the love, so to speak. I may, as some point, also go with createspace but for now, I put my books on Amazon myself.
Something to think about.
CKBooks Publishing 