Tip of the Month:
Just in: an e-mail post that reads "The International Library
of Poetry has just announced that over 1,175 prizes, totaling
$58,000.00, will be awarded in the International Open Amateur
Poetry Contest. The contest is open to everyone, and entry is
free."
Contests like this could be legit... but if you enter, beware
of follow-ups that notify you that your poem has been chosen
not for a cash prize but for inclusion in a book -- that you
must buy for $50 -- or an invitation to attend an upcoming
awards ceremony... at your own expense.
Lead Story: Google Pays $125 M to Seed "Book Rights Registry"
The good folks at Google have settled a lawsuit brought by
the equally good folks at The Authors Guild and the AAP,
opening the door to make millions of books available online
forever. FMI:
http://books.google.com/booksrightsholders
and
http://www.reuters.com/article/email/idUSTRE49R71K20081028
Paul Aiken, executive director of the Authors Guild, called
the settlement "the biggest book deal in U.S. publishing
history." He added that a "vast repository of books --
millions upon millions of out-of-print books and many in-print
books -- will find a new home and new readers online."
The new "Book Rights Registry" will be open to self-publishing
authors as well as big publishers.
This is positive, historic news for everyone in the book world.
Please stay tuned to future issues of this bulletin for updates!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Additional Stories for November-December 2008
November 1:
Co-author Danny O. Snow will be interviewed at Carol Denbow's
"A Book Inside" 'Blog on November 1, with Q and A sessions
over the next few days. Please join us:
http://abookinside.blogspot.com
News to Use:
The Small Publishers Ass'n of North America (SPAN) has published
a good primer on how you can use Facebook to promote your book:
www.spannet.org/article-applequist-facebook.htm
(Ad) You can also join SPAN with a huge "new member discount"
courtesy of U-Publish.com. To get the special discount, you must apply
using the following link:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
More News to Use:
Self-publishing authors can now use Google Book Search to embed
easy-to-navigate previews of their books on a Web site or blog,
(like uTube videos) which can lead to more orders:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/16478
How does this differ from Amazon's "Look Inside" feature?
Danny O. Snow remarks:
-- It's free.
-- Readers can order directly from you, for more income.
-- It's an open platform, not a proprietary system that holds
readers and writers captives of a single bookseller.
For an example, click the "Free Preview" link in the
right-hand column of this page.
The announcement from Google gives authors and publishers an
alternative way to let readers "look inside" their books in
a more open environment.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
Barnes & Noble has introduced its answer to Shelfari, Goodreads
and other social networking sites for books:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/17590
Likewise, Lulu.com has struck a deal with http://www.WeRead.com
that benefits authors who self-publish their books at Lulu.
(Ad) Get a free advertising package courtesy of U-Publish.com
when you self-publish a book at Lulu:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
Please Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers. Send a message to writersdig@fwpubs.com
with "101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Quotation of the Month:
"The writer who neglects punctuation, or mispunctuates, is
liable to be misunderstood.... For the want of merely a comma,
it often occurs that an axiom appears a paradox, or that a
sarcasm is converted into a sermonoid."
-- Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1845)
================================================================
Co-author Danny O. Snow will be interviewed at Carol Denbow's
"A Book Inside" 'Blog on November 1, with Q and A sessions
over the next few days. Please join us:
http://abookinside.blogspot.com
News to Use:
The Small Publishers Ass'n of North America (SPAN) has published
a good primer on how you can use Facebook to promote your book:
www.spannet.org/article-applequist-facebook.htm
(Ad) You can also join SPAN with a huge "new member discount"
courtesy of U-Publish.com. To get the special discount, you must apply
using the following link:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
More News to Use:
Self-publishing authors can now use Google Book Search to embed
easy-to-navigate previews of their books on a Web site or blog,
(like uTube videos) which can lead to more orders:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/16478
How does this differ from Amazon's "Look Inside" feature?
Danny O. Snow remarks:
-- It's free.
-- Readers can order directly from you, for more income.
-- It's an open platform, not a proprietary system that holds
readers and writers captives of a single bookseller.
For an example, click the "Free Preview" link in the
right-hand column of this page.
The announcement from Google gives authors and publishers an
alternative way to let readers "look inside" their books in
a more open environment.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
Barnes & Noble has introduced its answer to Shelfari, Goodreads
and other social networking sites for books:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/17590
Likewise, Lulu.com has struck a deal with http://www.WeRead.com
that benefits authors who self-publish their books at Lulu.
(Ad) Get a free advertising package courtesy of U-Publish.com
when you self-publish a book at Lulu:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
Please Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers. Send a message to writersdig@fwpubs.com
with "101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Quotation of the Month:
"The writer who neglects punctuation, or mispunctuates, is
liable to be misunderstood.... For the want of merely a comma,
it often occurs that an axiom appears a paradox, or that a
sarcasm is converted into a sermonoid."
-- Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1845)
================================================================
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Savvy Self-Publisher, October-November 2008
Tip of the Month
As we approach the holiday season in Oct-Nov-Dec, be cautious
about requests for free review copies -- other than those from
working journalists. Some so-called "book reviewers" may be
unethical scammers, trolling for free books from unsuspecting
authors to use as gifts. It may be an urban myth, but one
anecdotal report claims that a self-proclaimed "reviewer" asked
a small press for review copies of a dozen different books --
concluding, "And would you gift-wrap them, please?"
Lead Story:
Keeping Readers in a Time of Crisis
In the aftermath of 9/11, some 4,500 small U.S. publishers went
out of business when the American economy faltered. In late
2008, the economic horizon appears infinitely darker.
How will authors and publishers survive such a downturn? Or
can we survive at all?
Aside from academic texts ("required reading"), books are often
considered discretionary purchases by the public; simply put,
when money is tight, people buy fewer books.
Some more exceptions might include books that help readers save
money in a time of belt-tightening, like (ahem!) U-Publish.com
and The Self-Publishing Manual. Or books that help people earn
money.
But even a garden variety novel can be marketed as an economical
alternative to other forms of entertainment, such as movies, music
and video games.
Another way to wring more revenue from your writing is to make
your book available in multiple formats for readers with special
needs. You've probably spent many months -- even years --
writing the book... with today's technologies, it's relatively
easy to add an e-Book, large print edition, or even a talking
book for busy commuters who don't have time to "read."
Most of all, authors can get more actively involved in the
promotion of their own books. There are many, many ways to
build a grassroots audience at little expense, other than your
time. To cite just one quick example: nearly every author
should set up a "news alert" at Google that prompts you when
there is breaking news on topics related to your book. Then
you can post your expert commentary, signing "John Doe, author
of 'Book Title,' www.yourbook.com" in the closing.
Please read the 2007 edition of U-Publish.com for more tips
about gaining exposure for your book at a minimum of expense.
It takes creativity and diligence to promote a book, but it
isn't rocket science. Thousands of self-publishing authors
have already proven that it's possible. You can be one of them!
As we approach the holiday season in Oct-Nov-Dec, be cautious
about requests for free review copies -- other than those from
working journalists. Some so-called "book reviewers" may be
unethical scammers, trolling for free books from unsuspecting
authors to use as gifts. It may be an urban myth, but one
anecdotal report claims that a self-proclaimed "reviewer" asked
a small press for review copies of a dozen different books --
concluding, "And would you gift-wrap them, please?"
Lead Story:
Keeping Readers in a Time of Crisis
In the aftermath of 9/11, some 4,500 small U.S. publishers went
out of business when the American economy faltered. In late
2008, the economic horizon appears infinitely darker.
How will authors and publishers survive such a downturn? Or
can we survive at all?
Aside from academic texts ("required reading"), books are often
considered discretionary purchases by the public; simply put,
when money is tight, people buy fewer books.
Some more exceptions might include books that help readers save
money in a time of belt-tightening, like (ahem!) U-Publish.com
and The Self-Publishing Manual. Or books that help people earn
money.
But even a garden variety novel can be marketed as an economical
alternative to other forms of entertainment, such as movies, music
and video games.
Another way to wring more revenue from your writing is to make
your book available in multiple formats for readers with special
needs. You've probably spent many months -- even years --
writing the book... with today's technologies, it's relatively
easy to add an e-Book, large print edition, or even a talking
book for busy commuters who don't have time to "read."
Most of all, authors can get more actively involved in the
promotion of their own books. There are many, many ways to
build a grassroots audience at little expense, other than your
time. To cite just one quick example: nearly every author
should set up a "news alert" at Google that prompts you when
there is breaking news on topics related to your book. Then
you can post your expert commentary, signing "John Doe, author
of 'Book Title,' www.yourbook.com" in the closing.
Please read the 2007 edition of U-Publish.com for more tips
about gaining exposure for your book at a minimum of expense.
It takes creativity and diligence to promote a book, but it
isn't rocket science. Thousands of self-publishing authors
have already proven that it's possible. You can be one of them!
Additional Stories for October-November 2008
To Blurb or Not to Blurb?
A recent article by William Leith discusses the pros and cons
of putting "blurbs" (endorsements) on the cover of your book:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/sep/22/advertising
Danny O. Snow adds that blurbs DO make a difference when the
endorsement comes from a recognized expert in your field, a
celebrity with name recognition, or a dash of humor. Jim
Cox of Midwest Book Review once wrote "I'd review Dan Poynter's
laundry list if he were to publish it!" A witty phrase like
this is almost certain to attract readers:
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/jimcox/may_05.htm
Bill Tancer says that "How to write a book" is the 62nd most
frequently asked how-to question on the Internet:
http://www.borders.com/online/store/ArticleView_click
Tools for Agent-Hunting:
Jim Duxbury (http://www.lulu.com/cdbooks) recommends:
http://www.agentquery.com
Dan Snow adds:
http://www.everyonewhosanyone.com
Remember that you can self-publish while you are looking for an
agent... or a conventional publisher. Use early book reviews to
demonstrate the book's appeal. More importantly, use your sales
records to prove public demand; NOTHING attracts agents (and the
publishers they approach) like objective proof of commercial
potential. If you get a good offer, sell out. If not, you're
already in print with a growing readership.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
A Book Inside
For a nice complement to U-Publish.com (book and newsletter),
visit Carol Denbow's blog:
http://abookinside.blogspot.com
Danny O. Snow will be interviewed by Carol on November 1.
Please tune in!
News to Use:
Record a video of yourself defining a word that holds special
meaning to you. Then upload it to:
http://wordia.com
Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers by sending a message to
writersdig@fwpubs.com with
"101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Quotation of the Month: The ultimate bad book review!
"The covers of this book are too far apart."
-- Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)
A recent article by William Leith discusses the pros and cons
of putting "blurbs" (endorsements) on the cover of your book:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/sep/22/advertising
Danny O. Snow adds that blurbs DO make a difference when the
endorsement comes from a recognized expert in your field, a
celebrity with name recognition, or a dash of humor. Jim
Cox of Midwest Book Review once wrote "I'd review Dan Poynter's
laundry list if he were to publish it!" A witty phrase like
this is almost certain to attract readers:
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/jimcox/may_05.htm
Bill Tancer says that "How to write a book" is the 62nd most
frequently asked how-to question on the Internet:
http://www.borders.com/online/store/ArticleView_click
Tools for Agent-Hunting:
Jim Duxbury (http://www.lulu.com/cdbooks) recommends:
http://www.agentquery.com
Dan Snow adds:
http://www.everyonewhosanyone.com
Remember that you can self-publish while you are looking for an
agent... or a conventional publisher. Use early book reviews to
demonstrate the book's appeal. More importantly, use your sales
records to prove public demand; NOTHING attracts agents (and the
publishers they approach) like objective proof of commercial
potential. If you get a good offer, sell out. If not, you're
already in print with a growing readership.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
A Book Inside
For a nice complement to U-Publish.com (book and newsletter),
visit Carol Denbow's blog:
http://abookinside.blogspot.com
Danny O. Snow will be interviewed by Carol on November 1.
Please tune in!
News to Use:
Record a video of yourself defining a word that holds special
meaning to you. Then upload it to:
http://wordia.com
Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers by sending a message to
writersdig@fwpubs.com with
"101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Quotation of the Month: The ultimate bad book review!
"The covers of this book are too far apart."
-- Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)
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