Publishing Basics... for the self publisher

The Printed Book is Here to Stay – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Ohio

Ron Pramschufer — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:33:53 +0000

As many of you know, I have been a bit “under wraps” since this time last year. Over that year, there have been quite a few technology changes … all seemingly pointing to the demise of the printed book. Within a few short days and about 5 hours hanging around airports, I’m convinced that the printed book is here to stay.

What’s an Amazon Five-Star Review Worth? Pervasive Fraud Devalues Praise, Tars Honest Authors with Same “Cheater” Brush

Peter Bowerman — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:21:15 +0000

I attended college at the University of Virginia, one of a relatively small group of schools (including all the military academies) with an honor code, and one of the very few whose code is totally student-administered. Professors would hand out tests, hang around for 5-10 minutes to answer any clarifying questions, and then take off. And no one cheated. When you finished your test (or handed in a term paper), you wrote on the front, “On my honor as a student, I have neither given or received aid on this exam.”

Do You Know Your Non-Fiction Book’s Best Target Audience?

Judy Cullins — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:58:53 +0000

One question I ask emerging authors is, "Who is your primary audience (target market)?" They often say, "Everyone needs my message." They have an idea and just start writing. They don't think ahead with a marketing point of view, so sadly their books and their services don't sell well. My answer is, "I know you have something to say, but before you outline those chapters or write one, take some time to make your message strategic." You can brand yourself in your book and chapter titles, so your primary audience knows you'll write what they need and want to know. Anyway, how will you contact everyone?

Eight Brilliant Examples of Cover Design

Michael Heath — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:01:38 +0000

When you choose to publish and print with www.SelfPublishing.com, you have the opportunity to work with professional editors and designers. You also have the opportunity to learn a lot about the processes that go into a successful publishing solution. The more you know about editing, design, and printing, the more likely you’ll be to reach the destination that you’ve identified for your published project. If it were possible, would you attend a Master’s Class lecture about book design given by one of Alfred A. Knopf’s premier jacket designers if you could? Here’s your chance.

Writing & Publishing Books Today

Gini Graham Scott Ph.D. — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:01:33 +0000

The last year has been filled with uncertainty because of all the transitions in the publishing industry. As a result, many writers have been searching for new directions with the collapse of the economy and transition in the publishing industry to high-profile celebrity authors. Meanwhile, things have gotten worse and worse for most writers. With the growth of e-books and reduced sales of books generally, royalties and advances from traditional publishers have gone down.

Mastering Theme in Storytelling

Rebecca Berto — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:01:22 +0000

This article is a continuation of my “Best advice I’ve learned” series. You can catch up on my other posts by clicking the links below. The competencies I cover here are my interpretation from my favourite fiction-writing book: Story Engineering by Larry Brooks. Today’s focus is “Theme.” And since I’m being honest, I’m going to admit straight-up that this was the section I looked forward to least.

Infants, Tots, and Toddlers?

Phil Whitmarsh — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:01:04 +0000

Welcome to the Coach’s Corner! If you’ve talked with me live, you’ve probably heard me say, “your book is your baby!” Most everyone agrees when I suggest that you need to let a manuscript gestate as long as it needs to gel into a well-put-together book. “You can’t rush that baby!” Whether it’s professional editing or design, I’ve encouraged you proud authors to do your best to give your book the greatest chance for success in the marketplace. The better you plan for your book’s success, the more likely it will reach the goals you have for it.

ASK RON: “How in the world do I know what a good price range is when considering publishing options for my book? So far the cost has been between $550-$2000.”

Ron Pramschufer — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:39:14 +0000

This is probably the most common question I’m asked by new authors wanting to self-publish. How much? The answer to this lies somewhere between “How much is a car?” and “How much is your $14.95 muffler?” Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of what you are going to find on the Internet falls into the later. Before [...]

“I Hate My Editor!”

Carolyn Madison — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:05:49 +0000

Do you writers seriously think your editor doesn’t know how you really feel about him or her? Oh sure, most of you are polite enough when interacting directly with editors. But I’m not delusional. I know what you’re really thinking when it’s you and your heavily marked-up manuscript that you’ve just received. Many writers who have had their work edited have thought, muttered, or yelled, “I hate my editor!”—or a similar sentiment not fit to include here.

The Corporate Kiss

LaMont Wright — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:05:48 +0000

Again I stand on the verge of a familiar milestone with an unfamiliar wisdom. Feverishly I type away the midnight oil with the sounds of tapping on laptop keys. “The End” will bless the final page of my second novel and I cannot help but to dwell on the journey before this one. I cannot help but to think about the insightful dialogue I’ve had with www.selfpublishing.com a year earlier. I cannot help but dwell on what I could possibly do better this year. Since my first novel, I’ve paid a lot of attention to the psyche of the consumer. I discovered quickly that in the business of selling books, music or anything else, there is a common thread that makes a product hot enough to fly off of the shelves. It is the illusion of success, and it is the appearance of stability, consistency and quality.