Category Archives: Self-Publishing

Blog posts about Self-Publishing

Self Publishing Free PDF Ebooks – Two Tips For Improvement

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Distributing free ebooks is now an important part of the marketing mix for many new and established fiction authors.

For most self-publishing fiction writers, the quickest and easiest way to produce an ebook is to convert a manuscript to PDF (Portable Document Format.) This is the most accessible and versatile cross-platform (PC and Mac) format, which also provides the closest simulation of a printed work: retaining cover-art and page layout properties rather than being pure digital text. The audience for this format is greater too: almost all Internet users have access to a computer but, comparatively, only a few possess the financial resources to purchase a modern handheld ebook reading device.

Double trouble

Unfortunately, too many authors are distributing free PDF ebooks without considering the presentation of their pages. The most noticeable mistake being to double line-space (space between each line.) How many printed paperback novels have you read that are double line-spaced? This practice is based on a submission format requested by publishers for assessing draft manuscripts; it is not suitable for final output. One opinion as to why this practice arose is that it is easier for proofreaders to scrutinize each line when it is separated more effectively from those above and below. Apparently the space is also used for inserting notes and correction marks.

The problem occurs when, unwittingly, self-publishing fiction writers decide to convert their draft, double line-spaced, manuscript to PDF without considering the audience to which it will be delivered. While it is advisable to open up the lines by adding a couple of points to standard line-spacing, doubling the space affects readability by disturbing the natural flow of words from the end of a line to the beginning of the next. It also increases the size of the PDF file. Ensure people enjoy reading your work: avoid double line spacing!

Looking a little Ragged at the edges?

PDF ebooks can be formatted to look like the real thing, a printed book. So why do we see so many with text that is so difficult to read? Double line -spacing is hard on the eyes, but the wrong choice of text alignment can be equally detrimental.

Have you noticed how many PDF novels have text aligned left (ragged right)? Pick up any printed novel and you’ll notice that, apart from indents, both left and right sides of a page of text are aligned. They are flush. They are equal. They are Justified.

While left alignment is acceptable for short texts like articles and captions appearing in websites, magazines and brochures, it is not the most appropriate format for novels and other forms of lengthy prose.

OK, when you are self-publishing free ebooks, it might be easier and quicker to align left, and you’ll not have to worry about hyphenated words. But, besides being more aesthetically pleasing, justification makes text easier to read: there is a natural flow of words; the eye having a clearly defined limit at which it stops and moves to the next line. It must be harder for our brains to have to keep stopping at random points on shorter lines. Try it yourself, which is easier to read? Don’t give your readers eyestrain: justify your text!

If you are a self-publishing writer, ensure you create your PDF ebooks with the end-user, THE READER, in mind; resist the urge to copy the layout of other e-books and try to emulate the formatting of REAL printed books.

Enjoy watching your readership and fan base grow by spending more time on achieving the best possible presentation of your work.

Tim Johnson is writer liaison officer at free ebook publishing and distribution site http://www.obooko.com where he also gets to design book covers and mess about with all things technical. Did you know that writers can publish free of charge on obooko? And if you are a new fiction writer you can download Free Book Templates to help you get started: http://www.obooko.com/writers6.html

Author: Tim K Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Self Publishing Your Own eBooks Isn’t Too Difficult

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Self publishing books is easy to do these days. There is a ton of resources out there, from freeware, forums to excellent writers who are clamoring to go public. It’s amazing why there aren’t more people seeking to express their professional and creative juices through an eBook.

Not knowing what an eBook is is not surprising – it has not reached the prominence of its paper parent, but its fast gaining a reputation as a valid source of researched and professional information instead of a vehicle for virus or questionable content. An eBook is what email is to snail mail – it is paper books’ revolutionary counterpart. True, it can’t probably replace a good ol’ paperback with a warm cup of chocolate, but it can have an entirely different niche.

As with any written work, the key is proper targeting. You need to ensure that the language that you’re using is something that your chosen demographics can relate to. Knowing whom you’re talking to means that you can easily figure out what else they need to know. At almost any occasion, communicating with an expert varies greatly from talking to a newbie.

Being specific in your eBook, otherwise known as targeting, can be challenging for some. Fortunately, the internet is bountiful with places where individuals sharing the same interests can meet and engage in month or possibly year-long discussions.

Have a closer look into these websites or forums. Signing up in forums is most likely free, but if it isn’t, there’s probably a free version out there.

Next, check out the forums. You will discover a mix of experts and laymen on the topic. Figure out what these people want to know. The section with frequently asked questions in any website is heaven sent – as these questions will enable you to gain insight on what to write about. Exploring various sites can also provide you with ideas on what to put in your eBook. Be on the lookout for common questions, for these have to have a definite place in your eBook.

After you were able to figure out what to write about, focus on the next important thing: Good segmentation or subject breakdown. Doing this results to a flow of work that is easy to read. Of course, anything that is easy will sell more. Being consistent in selling eBooks that are comfortable and easy to read means that more and more people will flock to your store, visit your site, and possibly, purchase more.

eBooks are the wave of the future. To some extent, they don’t compete with their paper peers but enhance them, having a different role. Self publishing eBooks is absolutely a revolutionized way for internet marketers to make money.

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Earn $45.73 for every sale of the ultimate guide on writing and selling eBooks at [http://writeandsellebooksguide.com/affiliates.html] Simply send some traffic to the high converting sale page and you will receive your revenue through weekly direct deposits.

Author: Robert Boyd
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Distribute Your Self-Published Book – Part 1

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Where is your book now? With a distributor? In a book store? Or, did it already die an early death after a few months? New self-published authors often believe they need a distributor to sell a lot of books. They want to use Ingram or Baker & Taylor because they think they need to get their book into the “brick and mortar” bookstores like Barnes and Noble. Authors go through many hoops and snags to accomplish this– what I call the “traditional publishing nightmare” of inefficiency and lack of support for authors. Usually the author only gets around 10% royalties and has to pay back all promotion expenses such as book signings. So many hoops, some give up. So many authors I speak with who have gone this route still have hundreds, even thousands of unsold copies littering up storage space. Talk about discouragement. Distributors Can be Dangerous to Your Book’s Health and Your Wallet One author wrote, illustrated, and marketed six beautiful children’s books. Her books were well reviewed and received. For some time, the profits rolled in until her distributor went bankrupt, owing her $160,000. After she stopped crying, she decided to take her books on the road—to local fairs and talks where she could KEEP all the profits. Distributors take quite a chunk of money from the author’s profits too. They charge the author for storage, and when books are returned, the author loses those sales, and has to pay the distributor too. Authors lose from the bookstores because their payment is late or unreliable. Some authors wait way beyond 90 days. In fact, many just don’t get paid. Writers are not always good at collections either. These middlemen not only take most of the author’s profits, they cause much stress too. How Can Self-Published Authors Distribute? Self-published books include: print books (perfect bound, comb bound, print on demand or print quantity needed, or stapled) or eBooks (sent over Email through Word or Portable Document Files) Local Distribution. For each venue, make sure to include ordering information such as your Web site URL, your company address, your toll-free 800 number, your local phone number, and an order page to fill out for fax or phone orders. 1. Distribute through the Press. -Create a “Power Press Release” (include tips and how-to’s)
-Get a Feature Story from the Media
-Write a how-to article and submit 2. Distribute through a local Talk Show-Radio and TV or guest speak for another person’s teleclasses. Just a phone call away you can reach 100’s of people interested in your book’s topic. Do some research on www. teleclass. com [http://www. teleclass. com]. From my guesting with other experts every 2 months, new clients come; new book and teleclass sales increase to make up half my income. On the talk shows or the teleclasses, offer the audience a free report to capture their email addresses. You can also send it through your host and she will distribute that information to her large email list. Of course you include your sales-pulling signature file at the end. 3. Distribute at local talks to groups. Sell your print books at the back of the room. Take a clipboard and capture everyone’s email at the talk. These people become your dedicated sales force and tell others. Word of mouth takes up to one or two years, so be patient for results. Check your library for Clubs who need free speakers. Develop a selling two-sided flyer with testimonials, your book cover, excerpts, and an ordering coupon. Take books and flyers with you everywhere. Offer to all you meet, even your dentist! Authors need to be proactive in book promotion because publishers won’t do it for them. (Part 2 of this article is available)

Judy Cullins, 20-year book and Internet Marketing Coach, Author of 10 eBooks including “Write your eBook Fast,” and “How to Market your Business on the Internet,” she offers free help through her 2 monthly ezines, The Book Coach Says…and Business Tip of the Month at [http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml] and over 140 free articles. Email her at mailto:Judy@bookcoaching.com

Author: Judy Cullins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Self-Publish Books On the Amazon Publishing System

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Publishing you book as an independent publisher/author is so much simpler and cost effective than it was a decade ago. Even more amazing is the opportunity to market your product at a price that doesn’t require you to take out a second mortgage. Amazon publishing ventures now consists of a group of companies whose purpose is to work with indie publishers and authors to get them published and in stores as well as on the company website. Amazon’s Kindle needs content therefore; it’s in their best interest to groom authors for the venture.

Getting started with Amazon is just a matter of choosing your project and getting the research accomplished. Once you have your book completed and edited, log into your chosen Amazon publishing partner and begin the process of creating your new book. Select the format and the size.

You’ll need to have a book cover designed or let the folks at Amazon publishing department work on it. They have a menu of services that can get you up and running in short order. You’ll pay extra for these services so keep that in mind when you are looking to have work done. Amazon can even take care of the many of the tedious work that authors don’t want to do. They even have marketing teams ready to get your work noticed. Consider your budget on all these things before you get going because the cost can add up. Although Amazon offers better terms for novice writers that the big six publishing houses, you are not getting an advance.

Things to keep in mind when creating your first book
Although you are self-publishing your work, it is a good idea to ensure its success by building an audience first. That is what many young upstart authors have done to get their work noticed by big publishing houses. A blog with over 100,000 fans or an email list of half a million subscribers can put a book at the top of the Amazon book list quickly. Imagine building a foundation for your best seller as you write the book over a six to nine month period. That’s the power of advance marketing.

Easy tips to make your book more appealing to your audience
Amazon recognizes the explosive growth in electronic books and audiobooks as well. The Kindle is a bestseller for them since 2007 and is responsible for more ebook sales than hard and softcover products at this time. That does not mean that people are reducing their consumption of the latter, it means that the convenience factor and price point is making ebooks a very attractive buy.

The process has gotten simpler but there are still hurdles to overcome. Amazon publishing program has its good points but it can still be confusing and hard to follow if you are looking at navigating the best distribution deals and book rates. There are experienced mentors and coaches as well as consultants who can get you through the process successfully.

Would You Like To… Be A Published Author, Build Credibility In Your Niche, Rake In Recurring Income, And Best Of all…Let Amazon.com Do All The Work? Discover how, here: [http://amazonpublishingformula.com/r/]

Author: Tanner Larsson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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An Internet Business Can Get Your Past the Economic Downturn by Self Publishing Books

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Starting your own internet business will allow you to gain a little extra profit. It is not uncommon that a person might be looking for another source of income in these tough times. With massive lay offs many people need a steady income. The old hard day’s work is not what it used to be. You need to manage your work wisely.

Many of these new internet business put a focus on one niche. A lot of the time, selling certain products is not worth the investment or time that is put in. The internet eliminates this risk and some products do not even require an initial investment in a risky scheme.

Self publishing ebooks are one of the options.

Electronic books are just as they seem – a book published in a digital format. There are many different digital formats, ranging from a word document to PDFs; each one has its pros and cons. Trying to carry a thousand or two books around by oneself is almost impossible. Now imagine trying to sell these books as well within a small amount of time to gain profit.

If these were eBooks than all you would need is a DVD or flash drive. If the books are small enough or the drive is big enough, you could possibly carry up to a million. With this new found opportunity selling or publishing your own products is almost free to do.

Of course, the printed page will most likely never lose its customers, but many people love to replace everyday items with gadgets or electronics. With this new innovation people will be able to read anything they want anywhere they want; this is what people have wanted for their entire lives instead of carrying around books.

If you want it explained plain and simple to you, this allows for easily made profits. Your consumers are everyone who browses the internet who have money to spend. If they want to take a break from something or just need a quick reference then you might be able to fulfill their needs.

Making money is as easy as can be this way.

There is no production costs, one digital book can be sold to as many people as possible. There is no need for printing multiple copies or shipping costs so a single eBook could make you a big profit if advertised well. This is a great opportunity and it involves little risk because there is almost no investment needed, even if you hire others to help you write.

Today the economy is not what most want it to be so you will need to take your chances and put in the time to make some profit. This means that you need to take advantage of the good opportunities. This also means that you could potentially make just as much money as you did in that cubicle. Of course, this will require working a lot of hours and management skills, but running an internet business by selling ebooks is a great opportunity to make money.

Brand new, and FREE, guide that will walk you through starting your own internet business so you can start watching the cash roll in a month from today. Click Starting Internet Business [http://www.writeandsellebooksguide.com/squeeze.html] to get your free copy now.

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Author: Robert Boyd
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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