Tag Archive | self-publishing

Types of Publishing – And you thought there were only two.

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.

http://www.shewrites.com/profiles/blogs/new-era-of-publishing?inf_contact_key=66d8ad1f0f2711e2116bf3517d23010004ac39af63b49f6751a9963ae33914f6

Online Conference Around Self-publishing – IndieReCon

Feb18

It is the second (and I would guess, annual) IndieReCon Feb 25 – 27, starting at 10 a.m. EST. If you are an self-published author or you’re looking to go that route, I would recommend tuning in – besides, it’s Free! Here is a description from their website:

What is it? IndieReCon is a FREE, ONLINE conference designed to help any writer or author who is curious about the ins and outs of Indie publishing. Are you curious about Indie publishing, but don’t know where to start? Or are you already a published Indie author looking to boost your sales or expand your reach?

They have lots of good speakers (Berry Eisler, JA Konrath, Rachel Aaron, Chelsea Fine and Chelsea Cameron…) and giveaways including a Grandprize giveaway for your ebook submission. Here is the schedule if you want to check it out. And the link for the home page: http://www.indierecon.org/

Who knows, you might learn a thing or two!

Self Publishing A Book: 7 Mistakes Of Indie Authors and How you can fix them | The Creative Penn

Feb9

If you aren’t familiar with Joanna Penn, let me introduce you to her. She is a great resource for people who write and want to publish.

Self Publishing A Book: 7 Mistakes Of Indie Authors and How you can fix them | The Creative Penn.

Proofreading Explained

Nov4

Good post! Explains a confusing concept. As someone who does both for a living, it’s distressing to see the word proofreading use for copy editing. They are similar in some respects but not the same. Thanks Catherine!

Book Cover Design – Judging a Book by Its Cover

Oct4

My last post was on the back of the book. This one is on the very important front cover.

Some very good advice from Dave Bricker about designing book covers. Things to think about when you want to do it yourself, or when you are evaluating what your hired designer has done for you.

Note: If you hire a designer, make sure they get a synopsis of your book. Most don’t have time to read a whole book, but they should have a good idea of what’s going on in your story so they can design around it.

Book Cover Design – Judging a Book by Its Cover.

Cost of Self-publishing Laid Out

Aug12

Have you always wanted to know what the going rate was for services related to self-publishing? Below are two resources I have come across recently that might help you out. The Bibliocrunch info is what most people need to know, The Writer’s Market piece by Lynn Wasnak is written for people in the publishing/writing business so it has more information than most authors need, but it will give you a good idea of the high and low costs for various services. I don’t know how old Lynn’s information is. There is no date on the piece.

http://bibliocrunch.com/pricing-guidelines/

http://www.writersmarket.com/assets/pdf/How_Much_Should_I_Charge.pdf

Simple Steps to Market Your Book

Jul24

One person’s marketing success story. Do you have one, too?

Publishers' Graphics Blog

Most authors would agree that after writing a book, the biggest challenge is how to market the book. Competing for publicity and media attention is difficult and time consuming, often with little to show for your efforts.

That’s NOT true in Sabrina Penn’s case! Her efforts have yielded video reviews at two large metro TV stations.

Sabrina Penn’s children’s book, “A Cowgirl Named Pammy” was just printed, and within a two week period, she landed two TV interviews. Morning anchors at TV stations in Chicago and Denver promoted the book during their AM programs and provided information on where to purchase the book.

Illustrated by Michael Sein-Colon, “A Cowgirl Named Pammy” tells the story of Pam Grier, the first African-American woman super hero in Hollywood action movies. Sabrina said, “The key to my success with the media was simple: I created a brief summary of my book and emailed it to select media outlets. Since Pam Grier had lived in Colorado, I knew there would…

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Do You Know What a Book Publicist Does?

Jul22

From Clarie McKinney on Publishers Weekly website and my contact, Jennifer, on linkedin: Do You Know What a Book Publicist Does?.

Not that I’ll ever be able to afford a publicist, it’s still good information to know (just in case). Maybe you and I will need or meet one one day!

Barnes and Noble as Library – can it work?

Jul19

Serendipity and Samples Can Save Barnes & Noble – Bloomberg.

I don’t think Virginia’s idea of a Barnes and Noble book warehouse/membership house would work. Sounds like a library to me. But it is a good question whether B & N can survive. Smaller stores might be a better idea. If they go under, my guess is the indie bookstores that have managed to stay afloat will still be around and can fill in the gap.

I am no fan of B & N since they make it very difficult (if not impossible) for indie authors to put their books in their stores (unlike the sadly defunct Borders), but I do buy from them on occasion.

As with most things, time, and the pocket book, will tell.

Beta Reader, what’s that?

Jun19

This is a little (and I mean little) post on beta readers. If you don’t know what a beta reader is, don’t worry. I have used them but didn’t know the chic, book-world term I was supposed to call them. If you click on the Bibliocrunch link below, you’ll learn all about them. What you will also see is a bit better link to a blog by Belinda Pollard. His post will discuss what makes a good beta reader. I particularly like her comment of finding someone who knows the difference in “proper” English and the writers voice. They are not always the same thing. When you do find a good beta reader, be nice to them, very nice to them! They are wonderful people and a must have for any writer whether if you are going to self-publish or go the traditional route.

BiblioCrunch | Self Publishing Blog.