As part of the jexbo, Self-Published Author Series, today we hear from Gary Patterson of FiscalDoctor, Inc., www.FiscalDoctor.com. He is the author of “Stick Out Your Balance Sheet and Cough: Best Practices for Long-Term Business Health.”
Tell us about your self-published book.
Sticking our your balance sheet and coughing gets you what you need to know in time for needed procedures which can mean the difference between life and death, in your product, business, department, life, or job.
Too many leaders are taking far greater risks than they may be aware of. Posing the million-dollar-question, “What is the cost of what you don’t know,” this book alerts you to hidden risks that may be lurking inside your departments and even companies.
Sticking out your balance sheet is no more comfortable than a visit to your doctor, but it’s every bit as important. Even if it’s bad news (maybe especially), you need to know.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
1. Could ensure my message was delivered.
2. Knew my book would come out on time, and not be moved back a year at the whim of a publisher.
3. Quality of my book and its appearance is superior to the commercial standards.
4. Can use or repurpose content.
5. The dollars and % offered was so low, in the present economy.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?
Continually raising the bar as more experts and leaders supported me on writing the book and praising its practical USABLE content approach.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?
How much better my message is presented in terms of clarity, focus and audience benefits. Business leaders and even enterprise risk management (ERM) experts say my common sense readable overview fills a void with highly technical dense versions on this crucial topic, which many outside the filed perceive as dull, boring, even painful to read.
What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?
Read Dan Poynter’s book on researching your topic, writing, publishing, and marketing your book early in your process.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Videos are available on keynote, book and the FiscalClinic at http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=ermadvocate&aq=f. I love helping others with speeches on the related topics of risk management, risk analysis, corporate governance, leadership, and the bottom-line impact of going green.
Thanks for the information Gary and wise adviser for self-published authors and business owners.
Do you have questions about marketing, selling and publicizing your book? Please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Self Publish Author Series – Interview with Dorothy Pitsch
For today’s self-published author series, we talk to Michigan author Dorothy Pitch. Dorothy wrote “When the Raven Knocks…Comforting Those Who Mourn,” available at http://www.jexbo.com/items/68. Here are Dorothy’s insights:
Tell us about your self-published book and where we can find it on jexbo.
My self-published book titled, “When the Raven Knocks . . . Comforting Those Who Mourn,” was written for everyone who has ever lost a loved one or knows someone that has. It is filled with first-person stories, suggestions, prayers, poems, and advice from those who have been there. You can find it on jexbo listed under “Religious Books.”
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish because I knew this would be the fastest way to get my message out to people in need of compassion, understanding and help.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?
The biggest challenge that I had to overcome in self-publishing this book was the nightmare of my publisher closing down in the middle of the night and going bankrupt on seventy of us self-publishing authors. This was worse than a nightmare because it was reality!
The publication company was a member of the Better Business Bureau. I met with him several times before signing a contract; including upfront payments. He seemed honest and legitimate. What more could I have done?
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?
The best part about self-publishing my book was the fact that I got to meet so many wonderful people during book-signings, and promotional events. I was able to help so many people who were going through terrible tragedies in their lives. The word of my book spread far and wide.
The most memorable “thank you” came from an Amish grandmother who was gifted a copy of my book when her grand-daughter was killed in the horrid Amish school shooting in Pennsylvania. She felt like my book stood out above all the rest that she had received during the tragedy.
What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?
The advice that I would like to share with other writers and self-publishing authors is to never stop writing. Even while reading other articles or books consider it to be a writing-observation lesson. Write what comes from your heart putting your compassion into written words.
Gather as much information as you possibly can in choosing a publisher. Hopefully, you will never run into the scenario that I did with the publishing company going bankrupt.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Writing and self-publishing a book is much like preparing for a new child in the family. You nourish it for many months, your thoughts are on it continuously, you dream about it, share your excitement with others, and wait in expectation for the great event of a beautiful newly delivered gift. Seeing your name on the cover and reading through the finished product for the very first time is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Thanks for your great tips and inspiration Dorothy. To discover more about Dorothy’s book, visit http://www.jexbo.com/items/68. And if you have questions about self-publishing and selling your books online, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’m happy to help.
Tell us about your self-published book and where we can find it on jexbo.
My self-published book titled, “When the Raven Knocks . . . Comforting Those Who Mourn,” was written for everyone who has ever lost a loved one or knows someone that has. It is filled with first-person stories, suggestions, prayers, poems, and advice from those who have been there. You can find it on jexbo listed under “Religious Books.”
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish because I knew this would be the fastest way to get my message out to people in need of compassion, understanding and help.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?
The biggest challenge that I had to overcome in self-publishing this book was the nightmare of my publisher closing down in the middle of the night and going bankrupt on seventy of us self-publishing authors. This was worse than a nightmare because it was reality!
The publication company was a member of the Better Business Bureau. I met with him several times before signing a contract; including upfront payments. He seemed honest and legitimate. What more could I have done?
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?
The best part about self-publishing my book was the fact that I got to meet so many wonderful people during book-signings, and promotional events. I was able to help so many people who were going through terrible tragedies in their lives. The word of my book spread far and wide.
The most memorable “thank you” came from an Amish grandmother who was gifted a copy of my book when her grand-daughter was killed in the horrid Amish school shooting in Pennsylvania. She felt like my book stood out above all the rest that she had received during the tragedy.
What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?
The advice that I would like to share with other writers and self-publishing authors is to never stop writing. Even while reading other articles or books consider it to be a writing-observation lesson. Write what comes from your heart putting your compassion into written words.
Gather as much information as you possibly can in choosing a publisher. Hopefully, you will never run into the scenario that I did with the publishing company going bankrupt.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Writing and self-publishing a book is much like preparing for a new child in the family. You nourish it for many months, your thoughts are on it continuously, you dream about it, share your excitement with others, and wait in expectation for the great event of a beautiful newly delivered gift. Seeing your name on the cover and reading through the finished product for the very first time is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Thanks for your great tips and inspiration Dorothy. To discover more about Dorothy’s book, visit http://www.jexbo.com/items/68. And if you have questions about self-publishing and selling your books online, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’m happy to help.
Self Publish Author Series – Interview with M.J. Macie
As part of the jexbo self-published author series, today we speak to M.J. Macie. As a mystery writer, M.J. has three self-published books available on jexbo.com in the “Mysteries and Thriller” section at http://www.jexbo.com/categories/150/subcategories/176.
Here is what M.J. had to say:
Tell us about your self-published books.
The Devil’s Pawn is the story of Robin Wilder, a novelist and creative writing instructor who struggles to heal from a tragedy that traumatized her life and compelled her to flee her hometown. She settles in the quaint town of Heritage, SC, and spends the next four years living the pretense of an ordinary life as a novelist and creative writing instructor. However, Robin's facade unravels when someone murders her fiancé then begins threatening her life. After a student's warning leads to the young woman's murder, Robin realizes she must confront her past and find the killer before she, or someone else she cares about, becomes the next victim.
The Palmetto Connection is the story of Anne Corey, a Literature professor living under the Witness Security Program. After years of running, she decides to settle down only to discover the enemies she thought she’d eluded were close to finding her and killing the people she cares about. Moreover, when she sought aid she discovered the only person who could help her, the link between her former identity and her new, was dead. Anne Corey finds herself alone, unable to share her secret, and too frightened to trust anyone. Now she must either flee from the home and friends she loves, or confront her enemies; risking her life and the lives of those about whom she cares.
A Cruel Legacy is the story of Caressa Cruel, a television newscaster who returns to historic downtown Charleston, SC to comfort her dying father only to have him reveal a shocking secret. A confession that not only verifies her life is in danger, but also rouses agonizing memories of her troubled past. When her father dies before revealing a vital piece of information, he leaves Caressa to search for the answers that would reveal the identity of a killer. Caressa’s dilemma intensifies when she discovers the body of a loved one, murdered. Now she is left heartbroken and without answers. Will she be able to decipher the details of her father’s confession? Can she uncover the truth and expose the killer before he catches her?
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish because I felt the traditional method was taking too long. Also, I knew with self-publishing I would not only maintain the rights to the novels, but I’d have full control over the writing and publishing process.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?
I felt the biggest challenge I had to overcome in self-publishing was figuring out a marketing plan, which by way of the Internet, has turned out to be more rewarding than a challenge. I've also created a blog at http://m-j-macie.blogspot.com.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?
The best part about self-publishing my novels is the ease of publishing and the instant availability of the books to the public. I chose the POD (print-on-demand) method, and as soon as the novel is uploaded to the publishing site, it is available for me to check over a first draft.
Once I approve the draft, customers can begin purchasing the books. The internet and book sellers such as jexbo.com make that possible.
What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?
The advice I would give to other potential writers and self-published authors is to take the editing process seriously. We have self-published authors who haven’t put the time and energy into editing their books properly, or having a professional edit them, and the outcome is a self-published book that gives the industry a bad reputation.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Finally, I’d like to add that all self-published authors should be active on the Internet marketing and promoting their novels. The Internet provides many wonderful avenues for promoting novels. Websites, blogs, and agent and author sites offer great advice to published and aspiring authors and answer many writers’ questions. They also provide contests and other promotions to help get the word out on new authors or an author’s current novel.
Thanks for your great tips and insights M.J.! To find out more about M.J.’s novels, visit http://www.jexbo.com/categories/150/subcategories/176 or http://www.mj-macie-mysterybooks.com.
And for help with self-publishing and selling your books online, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks!
Here is what M.J. had to say:
Tell us about your self-published books.
The Devil’s Pawn is the story of Robin Wilder, a novelist and creative writing instructor who struggles to heal from a tragedy that traumatized her life and compelled her to flee her hometown. She settles in the quaint town of Heritage, SC, and spends the next four years living the pretense of an ordinary life as a novelist and creative writing instructor. However, Robin's facade unravels when someone murders her fiancé then begins threatening her life. After a student's warning leads to the young woman's murder, Robin realizes she must confront her past and find the killer before she, or someone else she cares about, becomes the next victim.
The Palmetto Connection is the story of Anne Corey, a Literature professor living under the Witness Security Program. After years of running, she decides to settle down only to discover the enemies she thought she’d eluded were close to finding her and killing the people she cares about. Moreover, when she sought aid she discovered the only person who could help her, the link between her former identity and her new, was dead. Anne Corey finds herself alone, unable to share her secret, and too frightened to trust anyone. Now she must either flee from the home and friends she loves, or confront her enemies; risking her life and the lives of those about whom she cares.
A Cruel Legacy is the story of Caressa Cruel, a television newscaster who returns to historic downtown Charleston, SC to comfort her dying father only to have him reveal a shocking secret. A confession that not only verifies her life is in danger, but also rouses agonizing memories of her troubled past. When her father dies before revealing a vital piece of information, he leaves Caressa to search for the answers that would reveal the identity of a killer. Caressa’s dilemma intensifies when she discovers the body of a loved one, murdered. Now she is left heartbroken and without answers. Will she be able to decipher the details of her father’s confession? Can she uncover the truth and expose the killer before he catches her?
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish because I felt the traditional method was taking too long. Also, I knew with self-publishing I would not only maintain the rights to the novels, but I’d have full control over the writing and publishing process.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?
I felt the biggest challenge I had to overcome in self-publishing was figuring out a marketing plan, which by way of the Internet, has turned out to be more rewarding than a challenge. I've also created a blog at http://m-j-macie.blogspot.com.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?
The best part about self-publishing my novels is the ease of publishing and the instant availability of the books to the public. I chose the POD (print-on-demand) method, and as soon as the novel is uploaded to the publishing site, it is available for me to check over a first draft.
Once I approve the draft, customers can begin purchasing the books. The internet and book sellers such as jexbo.com make that possible.
What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?
The advice I would give to other potential writers and self-published authors is to take the editing process seriously. We have self-published authors who haven’t put the time and energy into editing their books properly, or having a professional edit them, and the outcome is a self-published book that gives the industry a bad reputation.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Finally, I’d like to add that all self-published authors should be active on the Internet marketing and promoting their novels. The Internet provides many wonderful avenues for promoting novels. Websites, blogs, and agent and author sites offer great advice to published and aspiring authors and answer many writers’ questions. They also provide contests and other promotions to help get the word out on new authors or an author’s current novel.
Thanks for your great tips and insights M.J.! To find out more about M.J.’s novels, visit http://www.jexbo.com/categories/150/subcategories/176 or http://www.mj-macie-mysterybooks.com.
And for help with self-publishing and selling your books online, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks!
Self-Published Author Series – Interview with Christopher Hudson
As part of our self-publish author series, today, we interview Christopher Hudson, author of “Northern Cross.”
“Northern Cross” is an adventure thriller about a pilot who “piles betrayal upon betrayal in order to reclaim his life, only to discover that to win it all, he must be willing to risk everything.” It is available on jexbo.com at http://www.jexbo.com/items/58.
Tell us a little about your background and why you decided to write.
I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Detroit. I lived for several years in northern Michigan, where I developed a deep love for the natural beauty of the region, which is reflected in the novel. Better job opportunities lured me back to the metropolitan Detroit area where I became an "on-and-off denizen of cubeville."
I worked for several major training and marketing firms, producing scores of industrial videos and training programs. After my last lay-off, I devoted my time to creative writing, resulting in “Northern Cross,” a second book, “Headwind,” three screenplays, and several short stories.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?
After several years of trying to find a publisher for my book, I finally stumbled onto a print-on-demand (POD) publisher who was interested in my manuscript. They were honest and forthcoming about their business and there were no upfront costs, so I signed with them. Nice people. Good editors. And the end product was great ... I generally get good reviews from everyone who has read it.
So what's the problem here, you're asking? Well, they told me when I signed that they depended on the author to help with marketing. I knew that marketing was not my strong suit, but I figured I could do a few things, so I had no problem with that.
But what I didn't understand was that, other than creating a listing on Amazon, there would be absolutely no marketing on their end ... no advance copies to reviewers, no press releases ... zip, zero, zilch. ALL marketing efforts were left to me.
I guess I didn't really understand that POD is just another name for self-publishing ... and when you self-publish; you are on your own ... totally and utterly. That may not be a problem for people who are naturally inclined to market themselves and their stuff, but I'm not one of them. In fact, I may be the world's worst self-promoter.
It's not that I haven't tried. I've sent out several web-based press releases ... I created a website (www.northerncrossonline), I've done some book signings, and I've listed NC with all the search tools I can find.
What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?
Now, I didn't expect to set the world on fire with my first novel, but I must admit that I was looking for a little more recognition. Of course, I can't blame the POD publisher. They never made any promises, but I didn't really understand that by “helping with marketing” they meant “You sell it ... period.” With this experience, I've now schooled myself on the process. I bought a couple of books on self-publishing and did research on the Net.
But in the end, there is really no great mystery. If you want to get your product noticed, you better not be shy. You’ve got to pound the pavement, seek publicity, and not be sensitive to rejection ... 'cause there will be plenty of that.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
With what I've learned, would I self-publish again? Probably, because in the end, it was the only avenue open to me, and I'm proud of the book. But at least now I'd know what to expect. And that is, if you don't promote it, it ain't gonna be promoted.
Thanks for your personal insights and tips Christopher! To read more about his book, “Northern Cross,” please visit http://www.jexbo.com/items/58.
And if you need help marketing and promoting your self-published book, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’m here to help! Thanks!
“Northern Cross” is an adventure thriller about a pilot who “piles betrayal upon betrayal in order to reclaim his life, only to discover that to win it all, he must be willing to risk everything.” It is available on jexbo.com at http://www.jexbo.com/items/58.
Tell us a little about your background and why you decided to write.
I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Detroit. I lived for several years in northern Michigan, where I developed a deep love for the natural beauty of the region, which is reflected in the novel. Better job opportunities lured me back to the metropolitan Detroit area where I became an "on-and-off denizen of cubeville."
I worked for several major training and marketing firms, producing scores of industrial videos and training programs. After my last lay-off, I devoted my time to creative writing, resulting in “Northern Cross,” a second book, “Headwind,” three screenplays, and several short stories.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?
After several years of trying to find a publisher for my book, I finally stumbled onto a print-on-demand (POD) publisher who was interested in my manuscript. They were honest and forthcoming about their business and there were no upfront costs, so I signed with them. Nice people. Good editors. And the end product was great ... I generally get good reviews from everyone who has read it.
So what's the problem here, you're asking? Well, they told me when I signed that they depended on the author to help with marketing. I knew that marketing was not my strong suit, but I figured I could do a few things, so I had no problem with that.
But what I didn't understand was that, other than creating a listing on Amazon, there would be absolutely no marketing on their end ... no advance copies to reviewers, no press releases ... zip, zero, zilch. ALL marketing efforts were left to me.
I guess I didn't really understand that POD is just another name for self-publishing ... and when you self-publish; you are on your own ... totally and utterly. That may not be a problem for people who are naturally inclined to market themselves and their stuff, but I'm not one of them. In fact, I may be the world's worst self-promoter.
It's not that I haven't tried. I've sent out several web-based press releases ... I created a website (www.northerncrossonline), I've done some book signings, and I've listed NC with all the search tools I can find.
What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?
Now, I didn't expect to set the world on fire with my first novel, but I must admit that I was looking for a little more recognition. Of course, I can't blame the POD publisher. They never made any promises, but I didn't really understand that by “helping with marketing” they meant “You sell it ... period.” With this experience, I've now schooled myself on the process. I bought a couple of books on self-publishing and did research on the Net.
But in the end, there is really no great mystery. If you want to get your product noticed, you better not be shy. You’ve got to pound the pavement, seek publicity, and not be sensitive to rejection ... 'cause there will be plenty of that.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
With what I've learned, would I self-publish again? Probably, because in the end, it was the only avenue open to me, and I'm proud of the book. But at least now I'd know what to expect. And that is, if you don't promote it, it ain't gonna be promoted.
Thanks for your personal insights and tips Christopher! To read more about his book, “Northern Cross,” please visit http://www.jexbo.com/items/58.
And if you need help marketing and promoting your self-published book, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’m here to help! Thanks!
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