Monthly Archives: August 2012

Here’s a tip for the indie-published (self-published) author. Think Virtual Book Tour. You just put you labor of love and sweat into your book, spent time and money editing, and have a great cover. With luck you found a quality print source. There are several good choices for print-on-demand services. The best part of choosing print-on-demand means you don’t need to lay out huge sums of money until there is a need for copies.

The next step is often a daunting one for an author, the marketing challenge. What do you do after you have sold copies of your book to family, moved on to friends, and “encouraged” co-workers to buy a copy?

Making cold calls on bookstore owners can be excruciatingly painful when first starting. It gets better with practice. And, there is always the fear that local bookstores and bookstore owners are becoming a vanishing breed.

You may have tried setting up a table at a book fair and book signings. It’s true when asked how to sell a book. The answer is “one book at a time.” That said, book fairs and book signings are labor intensive and far too often result in disappointing sales. That is if you have a name like mine, unknown to the reading world. It really blows when the temperature is too hot or too cold, it’s raining or snowing, and the crowds are not in the book-buying mood.

It comes down to being an unknown, an indie-published author with scarce financial resources for marketing. The very thought of a book tour is laughable at best. Who cares whether an unknown author is signing books at the local bookstore? Not many, it turns out unless you put time and money in promoting each one.

Getting newspapers to review indie-published authors is hit or miss and mostly miss. The bad reputation of self-publishing is a reputation we all have to face down. Until then most newspapers turn up their nose at anyone other than traditional publishers.

How to get exposure and reviews then, especially with a limited budget? Without the money to cover the expense of a book tour I was intrigued when I heard about Virtual Book Tours. Was it a way to take virtual advantage and save the cost of air fare, hotels and meals, not to mention the emotional cost?

If you want to find out what virtual book tours are and were they are all about you will quickly recognize their merit. There are articles and instructions on how to organize a virtual book tour (VBT) but for many we soon realize the technology required may be beyond the reach of patience and time. Why should one do it alone when there are companies to set you up for a Virtual Boot Tour and do the leg work. The cost is within reach for those of us on a limited budget. There are some, but Pump up Your Book.com is a good place to start your investigation

It takes stamina and organization to tour when you are bombarded with requests for interviews and asked to do guest posting for bloggers who review your book.

The exposure I realized is invaluable. To have your book each reviewed by some blog stops on your tour, to see Q & A interviews displayed, you will enjoy the exposure when you see guest blogs posted. When you start to feel overwhelmed you can sit back, knowing your are in the good hands of your tour operator at Pump up your Book.com, or what ever VBT service you select.

I urge other indie-published authors to give serious consideration for this great way of letting the world hear about your new book.

Whatever the form of your VBT, self-organized or in the hands of a professional, the best of luck and enjoy the ride.

As an independent author and publisher, I have learned some valuable lessons through trial and error. If you are considering self-publishing I hope you find the encouragement you need to take control of your publishing destiny. Welcome to the Indie Book Rebellion.

In addition to my own writing I am proud to be a partner at a new service in the support of independent authors, a place where you can expect editorial, cover design, and support in developing your marketing strategy. Visit http://www.canamauthorservices.com

You are invited to visit my website at http://www.writebyme.ca

Chuck Waldron,
Kitchener, Ontario

Author: Chuck Waldron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Regarding digital publishing…all thanks should be given to Larry Kirshbaum, former agent of LJK Literary Management recently described as ‘Amazon’s hired Hit Man’ by Brad Stone, writer for Business Week for being the new group leader on changing the world of publishing into a whole new digital playing field? Kirshbaum was hired to run Amazon Publishing, to jump-start a flailing imprint that desires to publish books on the bestseller list by large-scale authors. Amazon began rubbing the noses of the Big Six – Random House, Simon & Schuster (CBS), Harper Collins, Penguin (PSO), Hachette (MMB:FP) and Macmillan – in muck in November, 2007 when Jeffrey P. Bezos, founder, president, chief executive officer (CEO), and chairman of the board of Amazon.com unveiled the Kindle and proclaimed to these Big Six publishers that Amazon would sell their big-name authors’ titles as ebooks for $9.99, a highly discounted price from most top-selling hardcover books.

Barnes & Noble has also tossed their digital hat into the ring, they bought Sterling Publishing in 2003 and has since also entered the world of ebooks with the NOOK eReader and tablet with their form of vengeance. They taught a digital library of 2.5 million titles themselves and in November of 2011, they launched NOOK Digital Shops in 40 store to showcase NOOK applications, books and digital products. The shops focus on the presentation of digital reading in grand fashion. The digital shops offer 2000 square feet tailored by-product displays and large light boxed digital screens that play like a giant screened NOOK to engage readers into the new technology world of ebooks. Barnes & Noble is hoping to focus on their big advantage over Amazon and Apple, they’re the last freestanding physical, premium bookstore, who can physically engage shoppers into their digital world of publishing.

Apple has also played a hand in changing the digital landscape with the introduction of digital songs for 99¢ in their iTunes music store, which harshly stagnated the growth of the compact disc, and expedited the dissolution of music retailers like Tower Records. The power of digital monopoly began the launch of Apple’s market growth beyond the world of PC, creating new landscape for their digital products like iPods, iPhones and the world of iPad, launching their profitability into digital hemispheres.

Lastly, Mark Coker, an angel investor well versed in the world of Public Relations and technology startup companies, launched Smashwords, Inc., in 2008. Smashwords is a distribution platform designed to publish ebooks for authors and publishers as self-publishers. The Smashwords service actually converts Microsoft Word files into many e-book formats for a vast array of e-book reading devices. Also Smashwords does not use any Digital Rights Management (DRM) so books are for sale on the Internet at whatever price that is set by the author. No DRM is a major advantage for the self-publishers and a factor that was fought and haggled over between the Big Six publishers and Amazon.

As the many digital publishers, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Smashwords, etc., hash out the new world of digital publishing, no one expert is quite clear on how the landscape will look in two-three years, in five years, let alone 10 years from now. Will Amazon capture the world of ebooks, like Apple did with the many new forms of music and Internet media like Podcasts? It’s anybody’s guess about what the future holds and what new media will unfold to drive the world of readers into a whole new frontier of technology to experience the wonderful world of storytelling and story sharing.

Get the latest info on the world of ebooks, eReaders, iPads & tablets
Visit: http://mckessonbooksellers.com
Riley Rose McKesson
McKesson BookSellers, Division of McKesson Marketing Company
info@mckessonmarketing.com

Author: Riley Rose McKesson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Alternative energy

Writing a book and selling a book goes from easy to hard, harder, and hardest.

Anonymous once said, “the beginning is easy, what happens next is much harder.”

For me, it all started with a short story and ended with three novels. Between the beginning and the end of a novel comes what I call writer’s sweaty time. You have your own version of a writing journey. We share that certain feeling; the time spent staring at a blank page, waiting for exactly the right word. We know what it is like when the story finally comes to life, and the struggle to find our way to the end, often surprised when we actually make it there.

Writing seems like hard work, right?

Looking back, writing was the fun part of the journey for me and, in retrospect, turned out to be the easy part. When I finished my first novel I sat back with a smile of celebration, unprepared for the next steps. Those next steps included editing, cover design and the choice of a printer.

EDITING

I have a hard time doing my own editing. I keep missing the same mistakes over and over. I need a good editor, someone who understands the grammar and spelling, but also follows the story flow. Whew! That was my reaction when I realized how much it would cost. How many of us have a limitless budget to pay for editorial services? I certainly didn’t. Whether we are on a fixed income in retirement, or carefully balancing time between family, working and writing, the real cost of editing can be daunting. The cost of not editing, however, can be disastrous.

It was my good fortune to discover an editor that was talented and reasonably priced.

COVER DESIGN

I’m not proud of the look of my first two books. There are some OK cover templates on the market, but they tend to look bland, and frankly like templates. If you want to make a book stand out in the crowd you need a cover that will do your book proud. I tried the generic cover templates, and while nice, as in OK, they lacked a look that would have someone reaching for them on a crowded shelf in a bookstore. But I was fortunate to find someone who could design an outstanding cover, and at a price I could afford.

How lucky was I? I ended up with an outstanding designer, someone who translated my novels into a graphic design, the covers looking great, each hinting at the story between the covers.

PRINTING

Today, writers have several good printing options to choose from. Independent authors can pick from a variety of companies serving the self-publishing community, and easily found using your favorite search engine. I use one that offers a menu of print options, but allows me to take advantage of print-on-demand (POD) technology. I don’t need to use my garage or closet as a warehouse, and the cost of printing a large number. I can use the POD computer. When I have an order for a novel I go online and my computer/warehouse springs into action and shipping takes care of the rest.

I have learned to look carefully at the internet ads offering self-publishing services. Unfortunately there are some scoundrels lurking on the internet, waiting to take advantage of a writer’s ego. It pays to ask around and make sure you check references.

Once the books are written and printed comes the hardest part.

THE HARDEST PART

In Julius Caesar Brutus made what was called the unkindest cut of all. To borrow that phrase, from a writer’s point of view, marketing is the hardest part of all. Few of us have the knowledge of, and talent for, marketing. Yet, as writers, we are expected to market our novel, like actors thrust on stage, actors without a script.

I can tell you from experience how much courage it took to walk into a bookstore for the first time, not to buy a book, but to ask them to sell mine.

I thought I had a grasp of what it would take to market my novels, but learned by trial and error, and ended with a portfolio of ideas for low-cost, do-it-yourself marketing. I have learned to embrace the saying that we sell books one-at-a-time, the old-fashioned way.

Not everyone has the stomach to be a relentless self-promoter, but that is what it takes. There is no magic that will turn my novel into a best-seller and all the fame that goes with it. I am learning to sell one book at a time, the old-fashioned way.

BUT WAIT, THERE IS HELP

Are you thinking about becoming an indie author and taking control of your publishing destiny?

Welcome to the Indie Publishing Revolution. There are resources for writers just like you. You can find help that will provide you with a triptych, a guide to you as an emerging author, one who is considering self-publishing. Their goal is your book in print, as a book you can be proud of.

I use Createspace, an Amazon publishing arm, but there are others that offer similar services; Bookstand Publishing, IUniverse, Lulu, etc. They all provide a menu of service allowing you to pick and choose that which is right for you.

There is a review of self-publishing I found most informative. Check it out at http://reviews.cnet.com/self-publishing/. It is a helpful, unbiased review.

I found an editor, a designer, and became an “accidental marketeer” committed to offering affordable, good reads. Then the magic happens. My readers make the vote that counts, reading and liking what they read. I have weathered the trial and error storm of writing and publishing and now stand ready to share that experience with others who are considering the independent choice.

I wish you good luck with your writing and encourage you to consider becoming an Indie Author

Chuck Waldron is an indie author of three novels. His website is www.writebyme.ca and he welcomes your questions and comments.

I grew up listening to my grandfather, an Ozark Mountain story teller, spinning tales of the caves on his farm, describing them as hiding places once used by Jesse & Frank James’ gang. It didn’t matter if the stories were true or not. Those legends set fire to my imagination, creating images that emerged slowly over the years, finally igniting as my short stories and novels.

Now, thirty-plus short stories and three novels later, ideas keep coming, with novel number four well underway. Do they share anything in common? Each has its own unique voice and tale to tell, some in the old style and some in the flavors of Chunky Monkey and Marshmallow-Cherry swirl. Yet, at their heart, my stories tell a tale of the human condition – the good, the bad and the ugly.

My literary roots, planted in the American Midwest, thrived when transplanted – over thirty-nine years ago – to the rich, cultural soil of Ontario. Warmed by a Florida sun, I now divide my winters between Port St. Lucie and Port St. Joe. Those roots have grown to become the life I’ve always dreamed of having: writer, dreamer and storyteller. Who could ask for more?

Author: Chuck Waldron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Digital publishing or electronic publishing is a way to distribute written and artistic works quickly and globally without investing a lot of time and resources into their publication. There are advantages in publishing digitally because it is environmentally superior to using paper and ink production that uses up natural resources and water.

When works are produced electronically they can be easily searched and edited and changes are not costly to make at any point during production. Works can be uploaded to the Internet or sent out on CDs and DVDs. This makes this method of publishing ideal for the scientific community because they can publish current research without the timely delays normally occurring with printed publications.

Many works are found on the Internet and sold as e-books. New technology has developed e-book readers that are portable and eliminate the need for a computer set up. Online anyone can publish whatever they want to simply by creating a website or uploading their work to another website for viewing.

Making money with digital publishing may be slightly more difficult than with traditional publishing. There could be a higher profit potential however because there are virtually no natural resources like paper involved. Once created, the digital product only needs to be marketed and delivered electronically. There are no production costs, binding, packaging or mailing costs involved unless a person is selling their product on CDs or DVDs.

Digital publishing offers anyone the opportunity to create intellectual works and sell them without going through traditional publishing channels. It also offers writers the opportunity to freelance and ghost write for others. Electronic publishing can greatly broaden the reach for digital books and manuals. These works can be sold worldwide at the touch of an electronic button. Delivery is instantaneous and payments likewise are faster to the author.

Books that are published and recorded digitally are never out of print and can be accessed through digital libraries and outlets such as Amazon and other online booksellers. There are many digital publishers who would purchase electronic submissions. Digital journals, e-magazines, e-books, online newspapers and magazines and podcasts are all types of digital publishing.

For authors who want speedy results and faster payments using digital publishing for their works is an alternative to going through the very time consuming process of selling their works through traditional outlets such as print magazines and book publishers. They can even sell their works directly by placing ads up on auction websites such as eBay.

Delivering the product following receipt of payment is just a mouse click and delivery is instant to the purchaser.

One problem that may occur with digital publishing is the ease with which written works can be plagiarized and copied. There is very little to stop this activity even with protective devices such as CopyScape services that will show if a piece has been published on the Internet previously.

Digital publishing has brought speed and distribution reach to the publishing industry unlike any other method. It is usable and accessible to anyone with a computer and can bring great written works to any remote area of the world.

Martin Alan enjoys writing on subjects such as literature, digital publishing, digital magazine, publishing software and self publishing. He also enjoys keeping up-to-date with the latest developments and innovations in technology and online marketing.

Author: Martin Alan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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