This is kind of a long post, but if you stick with it (or skip) toward the end, Kristine gives writers something serious to think about – the value of you work in the future – your IP, your intellectual property.
Being 60 something, my husband and I redid our wills recently, and I made sure I willed my books/IP to my kids. It may not be worth much but then again, it might. One never knows.
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In writing about the Las Vegas Licensing Expo, held in May, I spent a lot of time discussing how writers should think about their intellectual property. In short, writers should consider their IP a…
When I was working in my other job (before I started publishing), I had extra funds, so I hired a wonderful narrator (Adam Seeger) and used a local production company run by the incomparable Jake Johnson (Paradyme Productions) to create an audio book for my first book “Rosebloom.” (A few of the Links: Apple, Nook, scribd,Kobo)
That was about 10 years ago and the only option was to publish it on Audible, which I did. I didn’t choose the “exclusive” option because I don’t like anything that restricts my freedom. I sold very few audio books on audible over those 10 years, and I wonder because I didn’t choose their exclusive policy if I got less exposure (but that’s just a guess).
About six weeks ago I moved my audio book from Audible to Findaway Voices and I don’t regret it one bit. I have already sold 3 books without any advertising. And they have 45 different distributors (including Audible and some library distributors. Note: your audiobook may not be eligible for all 45). So I’m not sure why someone would not choose Findaway Voices. I’m still waiting to find a downside but haven’t seen it yet. (Anyone out there know any downside?).
Meanwhile, audible seems to have given indie authors another reason to choose someone else. Read David’s post below.
By David Kudler – Perhaps you have seen grumbling on social media and across the internet about #Audiblegate and Audible’s return policy. In case you haven’t been following the controversy, let me
I think most authors know that they don’t have to register their work through the government copyright office, it’s still a question, perhaps, why they should still do it.
Liani Kotcher came to Jane Friedmann’s website to answer that question.
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Though registration with the Copyright Office is no longer required for protection, there are still many reasons why it’s important.
Rebecca Langley lays out a specific list of to-do tasks to try and get your book into libraries. It’s not for the marketing faint of heart, but if you can get in, libraries are all over this country.
Getting into your local library is probably easier than what she describes. Knowing your librarians and finding out what they might be looking for for their patrons is helpful. Just ask. Rebecca is right, it’s all about getting patrons in the door.
She doesn’t mention audio books. Having your book as an audio book is also another plus. Findaway voices is a new service that puts your audio book on multiple formats (including audible).
And look at that list of reviewers (Library Journal, Kirkus, PW, Booklist…) early in your writing process. Many free reviews require the book 3 months before publication. You can send them an ARC (advanced reader copy), so that is helpful. But you’ll have to plan ahead. I know once your book is done, you really want to get it out, but getting your book reviewed by a few of these companies can go a long way in selling more books. I know I wish I had done this for a couple of my books.
And speaking of reviews, you’ll want a decent number (10-20+?) of reviews on Amazon before you do any marketing. Librarians look at Amazon too.
Best of luck!
Stay safe! Christine
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Library books have a longer shelf life than in bookstores, and they get more action, because there’s no financial risk for the inquisitive reader.
The current, though admittedly, very abnormal situation illustrates how having your book as an ebook, as well as print, is a good idea.
Let’s be honest. No one ever HAD to have that book they ordered next day delivered. Frankly, even before this pandemic, I thought Amazon should give the Prime buyer the option of not shipping something next day. It would help all those overworked delivery services. And those who have the ability (car, health, money), once this thing is over, shouldn’t we be going to stores and buying our books if we can? You know, support your local bookstore, maybe even a local author!
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Amazon has announced via Seller Central that they will be slowing book delivery to prioritize medical and food delivery in the US and EU. What does that mean for authors and book sales during the COVID-19 crisis?
No one can see the future, but here is the opinion of some “experts” about trends for 2020. It’s worth a read.
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We’ve talked to experts, self-published authors and done our own research to bring you the top ten publishing trends that will change the industry in 2020.
Smashwords today unveiled Smashwords Presales, a new book launch tool that will thrill your readers.
Smashwords Presales leverages patent-pending technology to enable the creation, management and merchandising of ebook presales. An ebook presale allows readers to purchase and read a new book before the public release date.
Presales are different than preorders.
Click on the link below to find out the details. Mark also talks about a new Smashwords feature: Global Coupons. Basically, it allows you to create a coupon on multiple titles at once, if I’m understanding it correctly. Not exactly sure how that is a significant help, but I’ll have to think on it a bit more.
This is kind of a long post, but if you stick with it (or skip) toward the end, Kristine gives writers something serious to think about – the value of you work in the future – your IP, your intellectual property.
CKBooks Publishing 