Palmer Higgs Publishing | Self Published Books & eBooks | eBook Distribution

Author bloggers wanted

phadmin — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 03:02:29 +0000

In our last newsletter we asked for contributions to our new author blog section. We were very happy to receive several blogs and a special thanks to Cathie Whitmore, Alec Lucke and Karen Turner for sharing their experiences.

Publishing for Indies can sometimes be a lonely experience full of uncertainties. We see our new blog for authors as being one way to share knowledge and experience with others. When presenting your blog we would like to encourage a sharing of experiences backed up with some helpful advice. For example If you are writing a blog on your first radio interview you might like to discuss what you will do differently the second time around; to improve your pitch or perhaps, you might also like to think of ways to get the interviewer to ask the questions that you want to answer, you may have been really nervous and next time you’ll take a bottle of water to help lubricate a dry mouth.

We hope to provide our authors with a resource to improve knowledge in all areas of the publishing process. As our content grows we intend creating a searchable database of ideas, tips and information for specific areas within the publishing process.

We would like to encourage all authors to contribute to our blog. If you would like to submit a blog for publication please contact Lisa by email lisa@palmerhiggs.com or use the form below.

Homecountry by TW Lawless

Jennifer Deaves — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 02:57:06 +0000

Homecountry by TW Lawless shows the strength of this Australian writers ability to produce a novel that not only captivates but puts you in a place of reality. TW Lawless entertains with humor, drama, love and a little bit of country lunacy.

Born and raised in North Queensland but currently living in Melbourne Victoria TW Lawless has combined his life experiences in both parts of Australia into one book. He has created a work of fiction that makes Australians feel at home and brings those overseas to Australia. There is truth in his characters as they represent the culture of Australia and the life of the outback.

Primarily set in 1987 Homecountry takes you on a journey into the life of Peter Clancy, a hard-drinking Melbourne Truth journalist. Returning to his hometown of Clarke’s Flat to bury his mother and settle the estate Peter Clancy’s short two day stay is soon stretched to eight as he is drawn back into the past and the secrets the town beholds.

Peter is convinced by his childhood mate David Tindall, who is now a police constable, to use his journalistic skills and contacts to help him uncover the truth behind the 1960’s ‘suicide’ of David’s father and another man. With Aboriginal Sam Saturday supporting David, Peter is soon convinced that things are not as they seemed.

TW Lawless writes with an easy to read flow that draws you in and captivates you, throwing in a little humor from time to time that has you snickering and grinning from ear to ear. My initial thoughts after reading two pages of Homecountry was that this was definitely a man’s book, but how wrong I was. Homecountry is a book that suits both sexes and a vast age range. The content is manly do a degree but it soon had a woman like myself wanting to turn the page to find out more.

Homecountry is a thriller that leaves you asking questions and wondering about the plans and motives of those around you. What is going on in your town? Is Clarke’s Flat possibly an example of country towns within Australia?

On his site TW Lawless states that Homecountry is an idea he has carried in his head for twenty years. In the early 1990’s he sat down and wrote a book in longhand, had it typed and sent it to several publishers. After receiving rejection letters he soon became discouraged saving the publishing of his first book until he became older, wiser and more determined. Readers will be thankful that he eventually found that little place within himself that gave him the courage to take the leap into publishing.

TW Lawless is currently working on his second book Thornydevils which should see a publication date of early 2014 . As he says “Thats what writers do. There’s no time to sit on your hands when a great idea is developing in your head. It will take you over anyway.”

TW Lawless is a storyteller who leaves you breathless with anticipation. Homecountry has definitely left me wanting more and wondering what is being created in the mind of this Australian author. I await book two with anticipation.

Book Review by Jennifer Douglas

Good Gabble Book Reviews

In The Beginning! - Cathie Whitmore

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 04:28:02 +0000

In 2007, as a children’s writer, with many a story to tell, I never really went down the road of sending manuscripts anywhere and everywhere, with a view to publication. In 2007, a consultation with a very honest and reputable manuscript consultant organized for me by The Byron Bay Writer’s Centre, left me feeling proud of my work, but opened my eyes to the difficulties associated with finding a mainstream publisher. This particular consultant loved my work and said it was something he would enjoy reading to his grandchildren, but then he brought me back to reality hearing his words “you are a very small fish in a huge publishing sea and I would strongly advise you to self publish in order to keep control of your work, as publishers are not passionate about books the way we are.” Instantly, those words brought back to me a quote from another reliable source in the industry, who told me that only one in 30,000 manuscripts are accepted for publication by well known publishing houses. Consequently, at that moment, I felt my chances of being picked up by a mainstream publisher, were like winning the lottery and not worth the heartache.

With the illustrations well underway by this stage, my text being brought to life with the delightful illustrations of Cathy McCulloch, driven by passionate determination and the encouragement of family and friends, I embarked on a quest to self publish. After spending endless hours researching children’s books in bookstores and libraries, I knew exactly what I wanted my book to look like, but no idea how to actually make it happen. ISBN BARCODE CIP were meaningless words to me and a somewhat overwhelming task to reckon with for an author with no experience in the publishing industry, winging her way through the publishing process, surrounded by doubt and indecision. Consequently, the background work required to get a book ready for print, at times left me bewildered and uncertain. Finally, after asking lots of questions of lots of people and of course Google, I eventually gathered all the information I needed and took the plunge to make my dream a reality. Together, Cathy McCulloch and I created Twinkle the Christmas Star from start to finish, assisted only by a proofreader, as Cathy being experienced in graphic design, also did the book cover and layout ready for print.

However, anxiously waiting for eight long weeks in anticipation of the arrival of 5,000 copies to land on my doorstep, became the hardest part of the entire self publishing process. Many restless nights, desperate to stop the “what if syndrome” from consuming me as I lay awake wondering if I had managed to create a professional and marketable product. Whatever it turned out to be…it was all mine…and I was stuck with it regardless.

Now, four years down the track and four self published books later, I am often asked for advice on self publishing. I am always happy to help other authors, as I know how much easier it would have been having someone to show me the ropes, but in saying this, I have to admit, there is a lot of background work involved in getting a book ready for print and authors have to be prepared to put in the hard yards. Consequently, my advice is always the same. If an author wants to risk a lot of money to print off shore in bulk, i.e. a minimum of 3,000 copies, then it’s worth the effort. For me, a very exciting, yet at times exasperating journey, but nevertheless in the end, a rewarding experience I will never forget. On the other hand, if an author is wanting to print on a much smaller scale, without hesitation, I refer them to Palmer Higgs as I know they offer a hassle free service and look after their authors very well. In fact, had I know about Palmer Higgs four years back, I could have saved myself a lot of expense and worry and my husband would definitely have a lot more room in his garage.

Cathie's

Visit my website

http://atomchildrensbooks.com.au/

My Book Launch formula - Alec Lucke

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 04:16:39 +0000

An aspiring author customarily spends some years crafting his manuscript for publication. The book launch, another step along that pathway, presents an opportunity for an original literary creation to showcase the author's own unique talent and style before the focus shifts to promotion and distribution. Authors need to grasp the moment and passionately express their individuality as once the minefield of promotion and distribution starts, their book and its message risks being submerged by the legions of others competing for space and sales.

Factors influencing how you prepare for your book launch.

In my own case, the following factors were taken into account.

I was born in Gladstone and had lived most of my life at nearby Mt Larcom. I had a public profile as a regional businessman, an environmental campaigner and social activist. Although we had moved to New South Wales almost six years earlier, Mt Larcom's proximity and focus on Gladstone's adverse industrial impacts and ongoing harbour dredging controversy meant Gladstone remained the obvious venue. My entrepreneurial spirit and background experiences dictated if I was to remain consistent with past endeavours, my book launch party must at least attempt to make a decent splash.

Approach to a sponsor.

Because my manuscript rails against discriminatory political practices and corporate exploitation of its community and environment, my book was always destined to be potentially controversial. I therefore distributed ten preview copies to diverse contacts and asked for their honest assessment. Among those preview readers was David French, CEO of Capricorn Investment Partners, Rockhampton (my superannuation fund managers) whom I approached for sponsorship, “provided you do not find my material too intimidating.” I got feedback from most but not all previewers. The previewers did not concur with my opinion that the book would have only limited appeal and to the contrary predicted wide readability.

Polishing the manuscript

David gave an immediate commitment and encouraged me to obtain the services of an editor, “to make the book as good as you can get it.” This was excellent advice. After a false start with a freelance editor, I contacted former close friend Claire Mitchell, who owns a family printing business in Gladstone and entered into a productive collaboration with Claire as proof reader and editor. Technically, Claire is not an editor but never-the-less is very competent and because of her long association with the printing industry she has many valued contacts and is a regular font of information. Along the way, Gladstone Printing Services agreed to become joint sponsors of my book launch party and the whole staff (about ten) became emotionally involved. One of the girls in the office took the cover photograph and another came up with the book's title. When I suggested to Claire that she launch the book, she initially demurred but then took up the challenge and joined Toastmasters to improve her public speaking ability!

The sponsorship deal

Capricorn Investment Partners put up sufficient money to hire the salubrious Gladstone Art Gallery; professional caterer; i.e. finger food, soft drinks, fruit juices and bottled water; professional video operator; musician; bush poet and various prizes. Claire's contacts, local knowledge and supervision of printed invitations, business cards, posters, participation in pre-event publicity that included a front page story in the Gladstone Observer coupled with other media coverage and attention to organisational details meant nothing was left to chance.

The Book Launch Party

Although the function was open to the public, most of the eighty odd people who attended were invitees. Among them were dignitaries Hon Liz Cunningham MP, Gladstone Mayor Gail Sellers, some councillors, author Therese Creed and an investigative journalist named Ali Phillips of Washington DC publication Think Progress. Apologies were received from China, Tasmania and Cairns from valued technical experts who had acted as consultants to the East End Mine Action Group.

Well connected close friend and long term East End Mine Action Chairman Peter Brady acted as Master of Ceremonies while other speakers were David French of Capricorn Investment Partners, Hon Liz Cunningham, Claire Mitchell, Ali Phillips and author Alec Lucke.

That this potentially controversial book should attract sponsorship demonstrated the sponsors' convictions that the book's important message should be aired. It was a great credit to them that they were not intimidated and gave unqualified support. Reinforced by a powerful array of documents, the contents of Road to Exploitation, three months after the book launch, still remains unchallenged.

The formal part of proceedings with speeches and drawing of spot prizes took about one hour. The food, drinks and entertainment coupled with the book signings went for a bit longer with family and EEMAG members receiving complimentary copies. The highly successful social event fulfilled expectations, came within budget and was enjoyed by all and culminated in a six and a half minute book launch video of Road to Exploitation on Youtube. The whole exercise had flow-on synergistic benefits not only for me as an author but for the sponsors as well and we were all pleased by the outcome.

Matching product and sponsor

Authors seeking sponsorship should try to match their manuscript with a reliable sponsor where there may be a mutual benefit. Offer them involvement with a decent product. Demonstrate organisational ability, keep the lines of communication open and value your sponsors. Send out invitations. Had my book been a work of fiction, it might have been more challenging to so readily find a sponsor and it may have been necessary to have approached the task with the appropriate level of care and diligence.

Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVZ4vMiASvM

Karen Turner - Writers who read

Karen Turner — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 23:58:48 +0000

Writers love to read!

It's a fact that we're often voracious in our appetite for words and we'll read anything we can get our hands on.

But when it comes to our writing, one of the best lessons I was ever taught was to read what you plan to write.

For example, if you're a mystery writer - read mystery novels. If you're a children's writer - read children's fiction.

I work part time writing financial articles and technical material, and while some may find these topics make rather boring reading, I need to stay up to date with current affairs and financial legislation so I read the industry mags and papers.

However, my preferred genre is history with a dash of romance stirred through. I love it!

So after I put aside my serious corporate hat, I can't wait to settle in with a well-researched historical drama. Throw in some suspense, a few twists and turns and a passionate love affair, and I'm in heaven.

Think: Diana Gabaldon, Pamela Belle, Philippa Gregory - these are my favourites! These ladies know their stuff. They are well researched and historically factual - and boy do they know how to write! The quality of their writing is not easy to come by these days.

These ladies challenge me in my thinking and their individual talents spur me to greatness. And just when I think I've nailed something, I'm reminded that you can never know too much about the genre in which you write. So I read some more.

Here's a secret: I set myself a goal to produce the most well researched, historical fiction I possibly can. It will be entertaining to the reader, the language realistic, the characters unforgettable, their stories haunting and their behaviours faithful to their time.

I would like to arouse in my readers the kind of enthusiasm for my genre that my favourite writers arouse in me.

With the realease of my novel Torn, due out in the next few weeks, I hope my readers will say that I've achieved my goal.

And really, whether I have or haven't, as a writer I know I can only give it my best shot and continue learning as I go.

So, with that in mind, the moral of my story, is to read what you would write! Allow those writers you admire to inspire you to brilliance. Let them challenge you and stoke that fire in you.

And at the very least you'll get to read your favourite books.

Who are your favourite writers and why? Tell me how they have influenced your own writing.

Oh - and before I go - check out this pic of me with my cat Katie. We adopted her from a shelter about three years ago and she's adorable!

Until next time - keep writing!

www.karenturner.com.au

Blog Contributors Wanted

phadmin — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 02:07:50 +0000

We are looking for authors to contribute to our blog. The purpose of the blog is for authors to share their publishing experiences with their fellow writers. Please find a list of subjects below to get the ball rolling. The list will evolve over time and we value your feedback and suggestions for other writing/publishing related topics.

If you would like to write a blog please contact Lisa by completing the form below and indicating the subject that you would like to write about. All blog submissions will be considered and published depending on their suitability.

Is Your Cover Helping Create Sales

Jennifer Deaves — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 01:21:17 +0000

The Front Cover

The cover of a book is the first thing a reader sees. It is the initial introduction to your book. All too often the cover can make a difference to whether the reader picks it up or skims past it on the shelf. Your book cover is the single most important marketing tool for your book. Here I look at the front cover from the consumers point of view. This relates to paperback books as opposed to e-books which are a whole different visual experience.

So what does your front cover tell your reader about your book? Does it give them a visual clue to the topic, the plot and the meaning? Does it call them and entice them to open the book? Is it eye catching and invigorating? Is it pleasurable to the senses?

These are only some of the things an author needs to question when they are designing their front cover. Whether we like it or not people do judge a book by its cover, after all it is usually the first thing they see. It is the calling point of your book. A poorly designed book cover will indicate to a reader that you do not care enough to put time and effort into your book and may seek them to question your ability to put together worthwhile content.

I will be the first to admit that as soon as a book arrives in my office and I pull it out of its packaging I browse the cover and form an opinion. Second to that is the way the book feels in my hand, is it smooth or rough, firm or soft. To myself the cover is an overall sensual experience which is followed by the reading experience.

When designing book covers most think it is as simple as finding an artist and asking them to design you a cover. Yes having an artist does help but there is way more to it than that. Knowing the material within the book is one of the most important consideration for cover design. As mentioned earlier your cover is what is going to give the reader the initial insight into the book topic, and if it invites them they will look further. Nothing is worse than buying a book you did not want as you were mislead by the cover. This can lead you to no longer trusting the author and walking past any other books they may write. Even worse you may anger readers which will lead them to blasting anger all over the internet, ruining your future reputation and sales.

You, the author, are the one who knows your content best. You know the personality of your book and are in the best position to set the mood and character of your book. Your input in the design of the cover is of utter importance. The final decision should lay with you. You need to feel comfortable with the impression the cover gives.

The introduction of the e-book has changed the way books are not only read but presented. One thing a paperback book has that an e-book will never has is the sale point of on shelf presentation. With the paper book an author is able to produce a product that calls, invites and has more of a physical presence in the life of the reader compared to an e-book. Your paper book is going to sit on the shelf and invite all who visit the readers house to pick it up and browse. Once your cover has drawn attention discussion is sure to follow which will hopefully set your book firmly in the mind for purchase. A memorable cover will stick with the consumer and jolt brain cells when they next see it on a shelf in the store. Traditional books not only look amazing but are beautiful objects people want to pick up and display at home. For those who collect books the cover could be all that is needed to produce a sale.

The way books are being purchased has also changed with more and more books being sold online. Consideration needs to be given to how your book cover attracts in thumbnail view online. This view is your virtual bookshelf. Your cover is the colour and zest on the sales page that is going to give the first visual message of your book. It is only then that the potential reader is likely to read the blurb about the book. Again this leads back to the cover relating to the content and story. If it misleads the reader at first glance or does not entice they are not likely to look for more, especially if they have to scroll down.

To write a book is an uplifting and invigorating experience but it is only the start of your journey. Success is equal parts talent and marketing. You can’t just write a great book and expect readers to know it is great. You have to lead them to it and make them want it.

Your book is your baby, your business, your future. Give it the time and nurturing that is deserves and it will reward you in the long run.

Next: The back blurb

written by Jennifer Deaves
http://goodgabblebookreviews.blogspot.com

Bountiful Broome

barry smith — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 06:48:23 +0000

Just coming down from a high-no not the Grand final-but a very successful books promotion and sales in Broome. I did watch the football in a rowdy pub, after my market session and even managed to sell two books at half time to a Hawks supporter from Albury.

What a difference a place makes-one of the key marketing “Ps” no doubt. It started with my arrival in the Broome public library where the usual wary response to my saying “I am a travelling author….” was met with the sort of greeting Leichardt would have received had he returned from the dead. “We have been trying to get your books in response to reader requests”. I readily responded with a quick sale. It seems some of my trans-north marketing had preceded me. The Library Services Manager, Jean Indermauer, was both welcoming and supportive but more importantly she read most of my first novel and gave me fabulously insightful feedback of a type and depth I had not received anywhere else. This led to my attending a delightful author presentation evening by Noelene Bloomfield, up from Perth promoting her book-Almost a French Australia- about how the French had so many near misses and mishaps in competing with the English for control of Australia. The evening afforded me other contacts and possible attendees at my forthcoming talk at the Kimberley Society in Perth on November 6. Also it cemented my contact with Nicola Kalmar, a journalist from the Broome Advertiser, who gave up her Saturday morning sleep-in to interview me at my market stall-hopefully, a foot into the News limited stable of papers?

Thanks to effervescent Vanessa Mills who hosts the ABC Kimberley morning show for the chance to speak to people across my novels back-yard and place of inspiration, about the Kimberley Trilogy and how I came to write it. The first three customers at the Saturday market had heard me on the radio.

To hear the interview go to the following link http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2013/10/04/3862600.htm

At 2100 hours at their Broome base, Norforce officers and men seemed bemused at my visit but in typically adaptive style stumped up a cold beer and warmed to my story as I told them about the books and left them with two free copies. I hope they didn’t feel my stories sold them short. I was pleased to hear they were up at Kalumburu mission (scene of the fictitious Japanese landing in Battle for the North) this week to erect a memorial to the Superior and people who were killed by a Japanese bombing raid in September 1942. I can testify to how hard it can be to drive there soon after the wet because my researches took me there and it is a consolation to hear that at times (in very rough terrain) even the Norforce vehicles can get bogged. My only regret on this visit was that the tides were not conducive to my wading out to pay my respects to the Dutch refugees who died in the bombed flying boats. Their wreckage is still visible and visitable at low tide.

At 6am on another warm Broome Sunday morning the warbling birds entertain and I am suitably grounded by the need to break camp, load up my uncomplaining Forester to the roof and head south with cooler weather and Perth in my sights.

Thank you Broome. You will be long and fondly remembered.

How Many Books Will I Sell?

Paul Higgs — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 04:07:54 +0000

This is one question that I am constantly asked and it’s one that is only unanswerable if the market that you hope to sell into hasn’t been thoroughly researched. Of course, the answer is never an absolute but it is possible to produce a reasonable estimate.

Forecasting anything is difficult but I when I put together a sales plan I concentrate on what I consider to be the three main determining factors; marketing, distribution and the size of the market. It is important to give equal consideration to all three elements as they relate and depend on each other. You may have identified a potentially lucrative market for your book and you may also have a terrific marketing plan, however if you have a poor distribution plan in place the book will be difficult for potential purchasers to find and therefore difficult to order. Balance is the most important thing to remember, in this case “two out of three is not so good”

The market

Try and put a number on the total market that you addressing, this is not the number of books that you hope to sell but the number of potential purchasers in the market. Once you have a number that you are satisfied with you then need to estimate the percentage that will purchase your book. Doesn’t make the mistake of overestimating, it is very unlikely that 50% or even 10% will by a copy of your book. In larger samples it is likely to be well below 5%. Smaller samples or niche markets will generally generate a larger percentage.

Marketing

Margins on book sales are very slim and you therefore need to get as much bang for your buck as you can. Free publicity is the best option if you have the get up and go to promote to the media. Start with the local press as they will be more willing to support local talent and it’s a great way to practice your story before approaching larger media outlets. Always remember that everybody is looking for free publicity so make sure you have a strong story that will appeal to the readers of the media outlet that you are targeting.

Distribution

The secret to effective distribution is to make sure that your book can be easily found, it is therefore important to make your book visible wherever your prospective customers are. Distribution costs range between 35% and 75% of the recommended retail price so make sure that your publicity drives enquiries to your most profitable outlets.

For more ideas on marketing have click here to purchase a copy of The Self Publisher’s Marketing Guide

Why authors should join Goodreads

Palmer Higgs — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 04:22:24 +0000

Book promotion for self-published authors can be expensive, time-consuming and frustrating, so it makes sense to use a wonderful site like Goodreads that does a lot of the hard work for you.

What is Goodreads?

Goodreads is the largest site for readers and book recommendations in the world. We have more than 14,000,000 members who have added more than 460,000,000 books to their shelves. A home for casual readers and bona-fide bookworms alike, Goodreads users recommend books, compare what they are reading, keep track of what they've read and would like to read, find their next favourite book, form book clubs and much more. Goodreads was launched in January 2007.

How it works

Most book recommendation websites work by listing random people’s reviews. On Goodreads, when a person adds a book to the site, all their friends can see what they thought of it. It’s commonsense - people are more likely to get excited about a book their friend recommends than a suggestion from a stranger. We even created an amazing algorithm that looks at your books and ratings, and helps you find other books based on what fellow Goodreads members with similar tastes enjoyed. Ultimately, it’s all based on our foundation of true-blue readers. Our members also create trivia about books, lists of the best books, post their own writing and form groups and book clubs.

Benefits for Authors

IT’S FREE
All you have to do is sign up http://www.goodreads.com/ and then join the author program.
PROMOTE YOUR BOOK
Join the author program http://www.goodreads.com/help/show/180-how-do-i-join-the-author-program to promote your book. It’s designed to help you reach your target audience with a range of marketing tools.
SELL YOUR BOOK
You can create links back to the sites where your book is listed for sale. Don’t forget to include a direct link to your page on the Palmer Higgs Book Store.
ORGANISE AND KEEP TRACK OF BOOKS YOU’VE READ
You’ll receive three default bookshelves for read, currently reading and to read books. You can also customize your bookshelves by sort books into categories and featuring your favourites.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Hear about great books your friends have read or recommend a good book yourself.
REVIEWS
Reviews help new readers discover your book because the more reviews you have, the more visible your book will be as they used on sites like Google Books, Sony Ebook Store, Alibris, USA Today, Kobo, Better World Books, Powell’s Books and more.
LINK TO YOUR BLOG
You can either host a blog directly on the Goodreads site or link it to your existing blog so that your posts show up there.

CREATE AND PUBLICISE EVENTS
Use this feature when you’re having a book launch, signing, speaking engagement etc.
HAVE A GIVEAWAY
A giveaway is a great way to get publicity and reviews for your book.
DRIVE TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE OR BLOG
You can create links to your website or blog under your author profile.
JOIN OR CREATE A GROUP
There are hundreds of groups with different interests where you can add books to the groups shelves, invite other members and join discussions.