Page Forward

Self-Published Authors Know Your Business.

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:18:00 +0000

Why Don't Many Self-Published Authors Know What a Book Distributor Is?

Irene Watson

Last week , while working on our next edition of First Chapter Plus e-Catalog to send to librarians and independent store owners, we spent an incredible amount of time explaining to authors that Amazon.com ISN'T a distributor. (It ceases to amaze me that an author wouldn't know what a distributor is when their intent is to sell their books to sellers, libraries, and book stores. Isn't getting our book into these places every author's dream? Gosh, it sure was for me.

However, it's not only authors that don't know. We even had a publicist tell us her client's distributor was Amazon.com. Now, that's a real scary thought considering she is probably being paid $3000 per month over a 3-month period to promote the book. I have my doubts that the local B & N will go to Amazon.com to buy her author's book to stock on their shelves.

We've also had authors tell us that Lightning Source or CreateSpace is their distributor. Not.

Okay, for those that don't know this is the deal:

Distributor - gets your book into wholesalers and bookstores (See list of top independent book distributors. Distributors may sell to wholesalers but not vice-versa. Distributors have sales reps, wholesalers don't (they just wait for the phone to ring). Distributors need 60 to 75% discount. For wholesalers, typically 55% is standard.

Wholesaler - takes orders from bookstores and libraries unless they are a distributor themselves (Ingram, Baker & Taylor, etc.)

Lightning Source - this is neither a distributor nor wholesaler. They are a printer of print-on-demand (POD) books. However, their parent company, Ingram Book Company, distributes books that are printed through them.

Amazon.com - this is a seller of books, no different than your local B & N. They sell to the general public - the reader. They do not distribute or wholesale books.

So, is it important to have a distributor? It's one of those "it depends" answers. It depends on your ultimate goal. Working with a distributor gives you the advantage of having your book accessible to multiple stores and libraries across the country. Certain corporate bookstores such as Barnes & Noble require that all their stores order only through a book distributor rather than dealing with individual authors. Other stores may just prefer to order only from a distributor because it’s easier to pay one vendor than keep track of invoices for fifty individual authors. If you want your book in a major bookstore chain or in some libraries, you’ll need a distributor. (Some libraries do order direct from the author or Amazon.com but not all of them. Some librarians have a credit card they can order directly, but in most cases they don't. Don't count on it.)

The major distributors to choose from are Ingram, and Baker & Taylor, but smaller distributors exist that handle only specific regions , specialize in distributing specific types of books, or handle smaller quantities. Do a little research online and talk to your local bookstores to find out which distributors they use and what they would recommend.

Great resource if you're looking for ways to get your book reviewed!

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:30:00 +0000

So how do you find a good blog on books? That is the question that perhaps has been entered into the Google search engine millions of times in some form or fashion. I tried a Google search on this topic and came across a blog that is dedicated to provided links to other great book blogs.

Another great tip about book blogs is that the creator of the blog will often post their availability to do book reviews. If you are a new author, check out the blog link below and use it as a resource to find other book blogs to get reviews for your book. As an author this is more than great and an excellent way to get an honest review of your book for Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com.

Thanks to Fyrefly's Book Blog for the effort put into creating the list of 1200 book blogs for all of us new authors looking to get book reviews, read new books or just find out what books are set to release.

Link to the Fyrefly's book blog:
http://fyreflybooks.wordpress.com/about/book-blogs-search/

Blog Book Tours: Blog Tips to Consider

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:32:00 +0000

Blog Book Tours: Blog Tips to Consider

The Sankofa Literary Society Review - Lists the Top 100 Books for 1st Quarter 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 01:52:00 +0000

Repost from the Sankofa Literary Website:

The Sankofa Literary Society Review is focused on the issues and lifestyles that define the avid American Reader — what they read, what they want out of their careers, how they connect to each other, what motivates them and how they feel about the community as a whole. Many have stated, “There is no African American village…it’s dead,” we don’t feel that way. The Village is here, the village in now! Expand your horizons! We are a community of 10 bookclubs, 4 social networks and 20 nurses who want to enrich our community with books and the written word. Listed below are the books we have read from traditional publishers and self-published authors. Join us today to add your voice and experiences to our union.

While highlighting our heritage, our experiences and delivering our voice–we remain anchored to the spiritual, emotional and practical realities of our entire global community, supporting all races. We are not limited solely to African American (AA) authors; we hope to educate our readers by offering a variety of literature and resources. We are offering you the best in literature period, from our perspective. Come on in and join this movement to Give the Gift of Knowledge!

Listed below are a few of the best books representing the literary world and the arts. Each book created an impact for readers and the Sankofa Literary Society network. Our literary hallmarks indicate excellence in writing. Here are the books we want to showcase to the world. Please take your time and expand your reading territory by saluting the literary greats and leaders listed below. The books are NOT listed in any order pertaining to the quality of the literature—they are all 4-5 star reads. Spreads the word...share this listing with at least 10 people!

Click Here to See Which Books Made the List!

A Love Hate Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:16:00 +0000

This is something I wrote for a contest that I never entered.

A Love hate Relationship
By Marian L. Thomas

I love you but hate you when you take my heart in your hands and refuse to give it back
I love you but hate you when you walk into my life but walk out of the door that wants forever
I love when you stroke my face but hate you when you refuse to wipe the tears away
I love you when I close my eyes
I hate you when reality forces me to open them and see you for who you are
Not mine
My love for you soothes me
My hate for you fuels me
I find that I can breathe off my love for you
Live off my hate for you
As long as there exist the possibility of eternity
If only in my mind

Count the Cost!

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:51:00 +0000

Often when at a book signing I am asked about publishing versus self-publishing. To this question comes varied responses as I try to base them on what the person is "really" asking. Most would like to know how to find a publisher, be a publisher or just how to write a book that can be published.

To those considering the self-publishing route, I give you three words- "Count the Cost". Now, I am not really referring to money but, rather to the emotional journey that self-publishing can take you on. Know that there will be sleepless nights, days of extreme smiles, low-downs, streams of tears and everything else in between. In essence, when you decide to self-publish, you take on everything a large publishing company tackles with a much larger budget and yet somehow you have to figure out how to do what they do-on your budget.

This fact is not to discourage you but to encourage you to "count the cost" and don't forget to throw in all the emotional stuff as well.

Five Things I've Learned the Hard Way

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Wed, 26 May 2010 03:48:00 +0000

1. It's okay to start over
2. It's okay to not get it right the first time as long as you tried and got it right the second time
3. It's okay to laugh
4. It's okay to smile
5. It's okay to cry

On our journey to authorship, we fall short of expectations, have to start over and even prehaps shed a tear or two. Yet, we stay focused and continue to put forth the effort to move forward on our journey to publication. The day will come, the journey will yield a reward and the hardwork will begin to help you to page forward your writing thoughts!

Meet the Author Jennifer 'JE' Wilford

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:07:00 +0000

Introduce Yourself to Author Jennifer 'JE' Wilford

Visit Author: Website

Featured in Newbie's Magazine:

February 15, 2010

Read the Feature: Click Here

1. Introduce yourself by telling us something unique about you? One that is more public is that I own my own freelance graphic company, Je’Designs, where I am the main designer. I have never really completed a lot of courses in graphic design.

2. What was your inspiration for picking up a pen? Tragedy. Writing was my way to escape my pain. I tried consulting with doctors, friends and some family, but I still felt no one really understood what I was going through. I was literally about to lose my mind. I enjoy talking to people and giving advice from my person life experiences. I knew that my story could help someone out there.

3. What obstacles did you face on your journey to authorship? I had to endure the loss of my parents. They both died within 1o months of each other. My dad and I were close but my mom was my best friend. That devastated me and changed my life. It scared me so bad I gave up the only life I knew as a lesbian after nearly 20 years. Nothing and no one was worth me not seeing my parents again. That was worth the sacrifice.
4. How did you overcome them? I put all my feelings on paper. I wrote every tear that I shed, and every thought that crossed my mind during that time. Readers have never been given the opportunity to really see visual images from the author. There are moments that actually will take your breath away.

5. How did writing change your outlook on life? I no longer saw life in Black and White but in color. Things that we take for granted on a daily basis, are seen in black and white; such as our parents, food and water. But when reality sets in, that is the clear picture of HDTV Color. The reality would be that we should never take anyone for granted. Nothing is guaranteed in life; only death. I walked away from being a lesbian.

6. There are many young females looking to tell their story….how much of their real-life experiences do you feel they should include? I feel that they should tell the reader exactly what they want them to know. A true reader loves true words. You can reveal what you want them to know and even allow them to draw their own conclusions. The only difference is that you know the truth, they readers guess. Speak from the heart and let the readers embrace your words. Let it be a mystery too. It’s up to you to bring your story alive.

7. How long did it take you to decide to tell the world your story? After my mom died, I would say it was about 4 months. But I could not begin to write the book until I left the lesbian lifestyle.

8. What impact did you want it to make? I want people to realize the value of life. The ones we love can be here today and gone tomorrow. I lost my mother within 3wks of her being diagnosed with cancer. Sometimes, if the audience feels the story is personal, they can relate and will be open to change. I feel this book can and will be that change. After you read this story, if you never had a relationship with your parents before, you will after reading this book. I wouldn’t want to see people wait until a tragedy arrives in their lives before they decide to walk away from certain things. Nothing and no one is more important that the love and respect of your parents. Unfortunately, I can honestly say that if my parents had not passed away, I would more than likely still be in the gay life. I just hope to touch the lives of those that take time out to read about my journey. Everyone has all kinds of struggles in all walks of life.

9. Describe what it was like to hold your published book for the first time? It was a sense of accomplishment. I was very proud of myself. I still couldn’t believe it was me. I immediately signed the first copy and dedicated it to my mom and dad and placed it on my memory table for them.

10. If you could change one thing on your journey to becoming an Author, what would it be? I wouldn’t change anything because if you did, it would change the uniqueness of your story. If you change the uniqueness, then you change the story and if you change the story, that changes everything!

L.B Publishing Announces The Color Me Jazzmyne "15 hr Amazing Grab Bag" Blast-April 13,2010

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:33:00 +0000

Welcome to The Color Me Jazzmyne "15hr Amazing Grab Bag" Blast Event!

Did you know that April is the official National Child Abuse Prevention Month?

Read on to see how you can help, have a blast and win amazing prizes!

We Are Putting Color Me Jazzmyne on Blast!

-April 13, 2010! Every purchase of Color Me Jazzmyne made on Amazon.com will receive 10 Bonus Gifts worth over $1200. -Free!!

-April 13, 2010, you will receive a blast of freebies within minutes of your purchase. Each of the 10 bonus gifts are a precious resource–yours Free– if you do just one thing.......

Purchase (1) Copy of Color Me Jazzmyne on Amazon.com-April 13, 2010...

Read On... or Just Click the Link Below:

http://www.thecolormejazzmyneblastdaypromotion.com/

Need more reasons to purchase just (1) copy of Color Me Jazzmyne on April 13, 2010?

We will give you 15 Amazing Reasons!

Our "15hr Amazing Grab Bag"

On April 13, 2010 every purchase of Color Me Jazzmyne made on Amazon.com will be entered into our drawing to win great and amazing gifts from our Amazing Grab Bag.

Prizes include: $50 TjMaxx gift card, Jewelry, Gift Certificates, Author Interviews, Guest Appearances, Bestselling Books, Avon, Mary Kay and more!

Here's the link:

http://www.thecolormejazzmyneblastdaypromotion.com/

We've Made Entering As Easy as 1, 2, 3

Step 1. Make Your Purchase

Step 2. Get Your Bonus Gifts Worth Over $1200

Step 3. Check the Winner's List Each Hour to See if You Are a Winner!

Go Ahead- Click The Link Below and Have a Blast!

http://www.thecolormejazzmyneblastdaypromotion.com/

But there are BIGGER reasons why you should make a purchase on April 13, 2010!

15%of the proceeds made on April 13, 2010 via Amazon.com for Color Me Jazzmyne will be contributed to the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy.-Helping Children Heal. Get the wonderful satisfaction that your purchase helped a child who has suffered abuse.-Priceless!!!

Do you need the link again?

Here you go: http://www.thecolormejazzmyneblastdaypromotion.com/

Let's Have A Blast and Help a Great Center!

Meet the Author: Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:28:00 +0000

Meet Author T.E. Best

BIO:
Born and raised in Stamford, CT; she attended the public school system where her love of books helped to create an escape from her every day trials. That love of reading developed into a love for writing. At a young age she began to pen poetry and thought up short stories with happy endings. At seventeen she began working on her first book entitled Secret Survivor (Her-Story) which would be the first step in her healing.

Links:
Visit Author Website: http://www.authortebest.com/
Featured in Newbie's Magazine: December 2009-Page 13
Read Feature: http://www.myebook.com/ebook_viewer.php?ebookId=22947

Meet the Author

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:25:00 +0000

Meet the Author: Darine Davis

Newbie's Feature Month: November 2009

Page 10

Author's Website:
http://www.dniceone.com/

Read Feature in Newbie's Magazine:
http://www.editionduo.com/publication/?i=26339

Step into the Bayou Drama

Synopsis: Many stories of love and drama fill the Bayou City's air. Bayou Drama is a collection of short but intense stories told in five different points of view.

Who is your favorite character?

- I would have to say it would be Roger from TAKE CARE OF HOUSE AND HOME. He reminds me of myself and the characteristics I portray at times.

What was your inspiration for the story?

- Believe it or not I would write short stories while working the third shift at JP Morgan Chase and send them as I completed them to my co-workers. They were so eager in looking for the next chapter I got into the swing of it and couldn't stop.

What’s special about your book?

- My subject matter involves all races, creed, color, and is not gender specific. I believe anyone can pick up one of my books and relate to the character after the first chapter. I also believe that life is filled with drama no matter what the relationship.We each determine how we handle that drama.

Meet the Authors : Week 1

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:39:00 +0000

These next two months will be dedicated to the authors who have been featured in Newbie's Magazine, a digital online publication that is focused on connecting passionate authors with passionate readers, like you!

We will post one author each week and hope that you will visit their website, purchase their books and spread the word.

Meet Author Julia Dudek

Newbie's Magazine Feature Month: December 15, 2010 pg. 5

Author Website: http://www.juliadudek.com/

See Feature Story of Author in Newbie's Magazine:

http://www.myebook.com/ebook_viewer.php?ebookId=22947

Newbie's: Give us a 360 degree look into the story?

Julia: I like to say, “Pieces is not your grandma’s cozy murder mystery…”

With equal parts mystery, suspense, and romance, Pieces is the story of a beautiful young medical student named Angelique who goes to desperate lengths to retrieve the lost memory of the man that killed her best friend right before her eyes. When Angelique unexpectedly discovers that being in danger helps to bring back a piece of the murderer’s identity, she goes looking for trouble in the worst areas of the city. Yet, she is well aware that she needs to survive in order to complete the puzzle—to help bring the murderer to justice—so she develops a unique and deadly weapon that her victims never see coming. To add to Angelique’s storm of emotional torment, she wrestles with an unwelcome feeling—falling in love with the detective assigned to her best friend’s murder case. And things couldn’t become more complicated when Angelique discovers that Detective Ben Marsden is also on the case of the city’s mysterious new serial killer that he doesn’t realize is right under his nose.

This edgy psychological thriller blurs the line between good and evil—justice and vengeance—and gives a profound look into the tormented mind of a grieving young woman. And in the midst of uncertainty and peril, Angelique, a damsel who refuses to admit distress, meets her knight in shining armor. Pieces may be of interest to readers who enjoy edge-of-your-seat mysteries in the style of a character-driven narrative that encompass the essential elements of life, truth, friendship, and romance.

Looking at "The Big Picture" -Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:30:00 +0000

First, I know we are way behind with this post. My apologies.

Here we are taking a final look at the concept behind looking at “the big picture” and trying to determine how the term might help us to page forward our writing thoughts in 2010. However, please understand that making application of the term, requires more than a general observation of what we think is ahead for us but, rather requires each of us to have a keen and steady focus on our journey to Authorship. We must stay focused on the big picture.

Pride is something that doesn't have to be haughty and can be sincere when displayed correctly. As you begin to write your story, take pride in your characters, their journeys and their obstacles. Why? Have you ever listened to an author talk about the characters in their book and you wonder if they even like them? They seem to have no sizzle, no zeal and are rather boring. Where is the pride in their character development? Pride in your story and the way in which you developed your characters will help others get into your written page even over the radio.

Innovation is something that you don't often here in the author community but so very important. Innovation calls for uniqueness. Is your story innovative? If not, look for ways to put a spin or twist on your plot. Innovation keeps the reader wanting more and that helps sell more books.

Creativity can come in so many forms when writing. Be creative in your book cover design, in your pitch and even in the way you market yourself. Think out of the box most times and in the box when the situation calls for it. There is something to say for experience (in the box). Creativity has it place, know when to use it.

True to oneself is a must do for all authors, but we still must remember that staying true to oneself doesn't mean that you don't accept suggestions, advice or even help when needed.

Upbeat and ready to go should always be your personality when talking about your book. Smile to yourself every time you mention your title or a character, this will come through the telephone during a radio interview. It will also help you to show that you have pride in your work.

Reachable is what an author must be with their readers. Do you have a website, a blog or ways in which readers can reach out and connect with you? If not, get going.

Engage yourself in group discussions (get connected to author groups), in networking, author book events, community events and in doing the leg work that must be done on a consistent basis.

Well that is the end of our discussion of looking at "the big picture". We hope you found some points that you can use that will help you to page forward your writing thoughts in 2010!

Looking at The Big Picture : Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:15:00 +0000

Looking at "The Big Picture" is what can keep any author moving toward page forwarding their writing thoughts. It can be the difference between having a dream and living a dream. In this post, we are going to look at the word "Big" and see how each of us might make the application.

Bring your all to the table. When it comes to publishing a book don't bring it half-way and then expect full results. Be willing to give it your all from the start. People can tell if you're only half-way in the game as they say and if that's the case then you can guess what they will give you in return.

Imagination doesn't end when you say "the end" to your story. In fact, imagination is just beginning. Think out of the box as they say when it comes to how you will market your book. Be creative. Look at hair salons if you are targeting women. How many times (if you're a female Author) have you walked into a hair salon and seen most of the women under the dryer reading a book? Why then, can't that book be yours? Imagination.

Gift yourself. This might sound strange but very important. When you get your very first proof copy, sign it to yourself. Write down all the emotions that made that moment so special. Try to do this immediately so later when you go to read it, it has the impact needed. Whenever, when you find yourself feeling depressed or doubtfull, pull it out and read it, this just might be the thing you need to get back to page forwarding your writing thoughts.

That's it for this week, we are behind so we will try to publish "Picture" by Tuesday. Thanks for taking the time to consider this information and I hope that it helps you to page forward your writing thoughts in 2010.

Looking At "The Big Picture" Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 05:10:00 +0000

We have all had someone tell us that sometimes you just have to take a step back and look at "the big picture". The fact of the matter is that our journey to authorship requires that we do so.

Truth is something that we must tell to everyone, including ourselves. Be honest about your expectations when looking for an agent to represent you. Be candid with the publishing company that wants to represent your book and by all means let your publicist know that you expect them to work just as hard as you do.

Help is something that we might hesitate to admit needing but don't shy away from it. Ask for help from others before its too late to make a difference. Becoming an author won't happen without it.

Engage in working your plan to becoming an author everyday. Do something even if it is just sending off one email or query letter. The more you stay engaged the more you will stay on track. Pebbles can make ripples which can soon lead to waves.

Sorry we're going to end it there this week but check back next week for the discussion of "Big"-Part 2

Page Forward Your Writing in 2010: Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 01:28:00 +0000

Is this the year our dreams become more than just mere thoughts in our heads? Answer yourself back with a strong and sound, yes! 2010 will be the year we Page Forward our writing thoughts. Here's how...

Focus is not just a term, concept or fancy word to throw around every now and then. Rather, it means that we must write down our vision but with a task. Without a task a vision is nothing more than a dream that will never happen. Focus on the task and you will move closer to living your dream.

Organization is extremely important. Get organized by making a checklist of the tasks you need to accomplish now that the ball is rolling in the forward direction. Make sure you also indicate the timeline in which you need to accomplish each task. No timeline means the task will always sit there, unfinished and we are back to step one again.

Reasons are what we write down as a personal note to ourselves. Some call them reminders of why we decided to get on the path to a published novel in the first place. Pull them out when you need to go back to step one.

Write out a marketing plan. This might sound strange at this stage but so important. Writing out your marketing plan gets you "pumped" up as they say. The mind begins to work and the idea that you can actually make your dream happen slowly begins to sink in for the first time. Now you feel like you are moving toward the road of published Author and this is how you are going to help others to see you that way.

Application of positive advice given by other published Authors is something that will help you limit mistakes. They will be made, but how many you make depends on how well you apply the positive advice from others who have made them and learned how to correct them. We learn, we apply and we move forward.

Readiness and willingness to roll up your sleeves and hang in there for even the rough spots is vital! Publishing a novel is exciting, thrilling and satisfying but it's not a world of chocolate either. Some times the road will be bitter with rejection. Keep page forward!

Determination is what will keep you in the writing "game" as they say. If you find yourself losing it, go back to step one--focus!

Are you ready to Page Forward your writing in 2010 and become a published Author! Answer yourself back with a strong, determined and focused-yes!

Page Forward: Turning Your Thoughts into a Published Page in 2010-Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:30:00 +0000

It's a new year, and for many that means looking for ways to turn their thoughts of publishing into a reality. Here's a new term to keep in mind—page forward. It means everything to a new author.

Purpose is a term we hear often but to a new author it means not "why" you write but "what" you want your readers to get out of your story. If you don't have a purpose to your story, your reader won't find one either.

Attention to detail. This is something that can be difficult to master in the beginning of a writing career but the more you keep working on it, the better you become at providing the details that your reader needs to grasp, understand and relate to your story.

Gravitate is what all writers hope readers will do when they see their published work. This can be tricky but not so much so that it becomes impossible to accomplish. This is not the time to think like an author! We must put ourselves in a readers mind and remember what made us gravitate toward a particular book we just had to purchase. Was it the bookcover? Was it the story that was told on the back of the book? Was it the title of the book? Whatever it was, remember that someone out there is just like you, so whatever made you choose one book over the other could likely be the same process for someone else.

Evolve is something we want to take place within our story and within our characters. How we do this often depends on us. Developing a story line is not something we woke up one morning and suddenly understood how to accomplish. For some, perhaps it did. But for the majority of us, it's something that takes place as we get our minds engaged in the story, we see the character come to life in our minds eye and we do our best to capture all that detail onto a written page. When writing a chapter, take a few notes. Nothing major but enough that helps you stay on track of where you see the character heading further into the story. What does the character need to do next? How will that impact the story later on? What impact might it have on other characters?

There are lots of elements to the written page, these four represent mere suggestions to help you focus your writing this year and help your thoughts, concepts and ideas become something more than images in your head but rather, I hope that these four suggestions will help you bring them…page forward.

We hope you will check back next week for Part 2.

Newbie's Magazine

How to Get A LCCN for Your Book

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:29:00 +0000

Have you ever walked into a library and wondered how so many books find their way on the shelves of libraries around the world? Ever thought about what it would be like to see your book on one? Some might think that getting your book on a library shelf is beyond the impossible when you decide to self-publish. It is difficult but certainly not impossible.

There are four very important letters one must have in their book to even start the process, they are LCCN.

LCCN stands for Library of Congress Control Number. Many self-publishing companies charge you a fee for obtaining this number but unlike an ISBN, getting a LCCN for your book costs you nothing but could mean the difference in even having the potential of getting your book in libraries or not.

What is a LCCN number?

It is a unique identification number used to assign titles that will be acquired by the Library of Congress.

How important is a LCCN Number?

For Librarians an LCCN provides a way to access any associated Bibliographic record for any book in the Library of Congress database it also helps them to obtain information on thousands of book titles in other databases.

What does a LCCN Number look like and where does it go in your book once received?

Once you receive your LCCN number it would be placed on the back of your title page in the following manner: "Library of Congress Control Number: 2001121234."

There are some requirements to obtaining a LCCN and this article doesn't permit us to list them all so please visit: http://pcn.loc.gov/pcn/pcn006.html

Key points to remember:

1. Complete your application to participate in the program for a LCCN 3-5 weeks prior to publication.
Note: It will take about 2-3 weeks to get your account and password. Use this link to apply: http://pcn.loc.gov/pcn/pcn007.html

2. Don't forget that you must send in a "best-edition" of your book for which the LCCN was pre-assigned.

3. The "best-edition" must be the retail version of your book in either hardcover or paperback.

4. Only U.S. publishing companies are eligible to apply.

5. Make sure that you have listed on the title page or copyright page a U.S. place of publication.

Hope this article helps anyone considering self-publishing their book and ensuring that they have given their book all the potential it deserves.

Self-Publishing Your Book Tips and Tricks

noreply@blogger.com (Marian L. Thomas) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Type in "self publishing a book" in your favorite search engine and out comes an array of resources that seem to take over your monitor. There is no doubt that taking on this journey can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. You will have lots of questions and know that there will be lots of sites with what they deem as the answers to all your publishing dreams.

However before you hit the "self-publish my book" key on any site...make sure you count the cost! There are more expenses that go into self-publishing a book than what you might see in the "package" displayed.

Here's an example:

Professional Editing- Is it included? Probably not. The cost associated with having your manuscript edited by someone who has been trained to do so and has the experience and references to prove it will mean $$-$$$.

Marketing-This is one that most of us who are dreaming of seeing our books on the bookshelf of bookstores around the world tend to leave out of the dream. Don't. In fact, marketing your book is going to rest on your shoulders when you self-publish. Fact of the matter is that even if you do go the traditional route and get a publisher, a marketing plan is not only something to have, it is demanded now by more and more publishing companies. So, do some research and come up with a marketing budget.

Review Copies-Here's one expense that some how manages to miss the budget line when in creation. Put it in. While many self-publishing companies offer a certain amount of books "free" in your package, you will need more. Aim for anywhere from 10-15 reviews for your book and count the cost for any additional books needed to meet that goal.

Here's a trick- Use an online resource like http://www.myebook.com. Why? You can create your book as an EBook-a digital online version that will also include your cover. Using this method allows you to give reviewers free access to your EBook and the great thing is that it doesn't require a special EBook reader. You can "password" protect your EBook so that only those whom you give it to will be able to see it so make sure that when you create your EBook that you make it private to only those with the password (you create and put in when creating your settings for your EBook). There are others options so simply pick the one that works best for you.

Well, those are the tips and tricks from Newbie's Magazine today. Hope they helped you in some way.

Newbie's