As part of today’s self-published-author interview series, we talk to Terri Sanchez, author of the fiction novel, “Mirrored Minds.”
Tell us about your self-published book.
My book is a fiction novel entitled “Mirrored Minds” and was written under the pen name of Terri Lee (my first and middle names). The book is currently available in independently owned bookstores in Grand Rapids and on my website at www.mirroredminds.com. It will soon be available at Borders, Waldenbooks and more through my distributor, Partners Book Distributing Inc., Holt Michigan.
The book’s main character is Madelyn Grayson who has lost her family as well as her memory in a tragic accident. Madelyn’s struggle with her unknown past ultimately forces her to make a choice - should she continue trying to recapture her former self or forge ahead with a new beginning? Her life unfolds within the text culminating in an unpredictable twist.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
My decision to self-publish came about through conversations with other writers on social networking sites and from reading blogs and articles appearing on the Internet. Furthermore, I felt the time it would take to query numerous agents would further delay getting my book out in the market, and I was anxious to place it in the hands of readers.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
I thought my biggest challenge came in educating myself in the processes of the publishing world, establishing resources I could trust to edit, provide cover art/photography, graphic design and print manufacturing while keeping my costs reasonable. Now, I believe my biggest challenge exists in changing the minds of the public who still seem to view self-published novels as a grade below books distributed through traditional publishing companies.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part of self-publishing has been the gratification I felt when I finally saw my words in print in an actual perfect bound book with my title, my name and artwork that I chose held in my hands.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Don’t cut corners just to get your book out there. Producing a quality book will bring about a greater satisfaction to both you and your readers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’d like to suggest to my peers a caution that I also remind myself of everyday as I move forward in the writing world. Have patience! It takes time for a book to take hold. Take pleasure in the small successes that come from the positive comments you receive from the readers that enjoy your book. Persevere!
Thanks so much for your inspirational words Terri! Good luck with your book sales!
Do need assistance marketing and selling your self-published book online? Check out the free marketing we offer self-published authors at www.jexbo.com or send me a note. I can help! Thanks!
Self-Published Author Interview Series - Author Corinne Frontiero
As part of today’s self-published-author interview series, we talk to Corinne Frontiero, author, presenter and facilitator. Corinne is the author of three relationship recovery e-books: "Moving Forward," "Project Teen Intervene" and the "Children’s Divorce Support Group," http://www.booksonrelationships.net/.
Tell us about your self-published book.
I have three relationship recovery books that are self-published. This interview will cover "Moving Forward."
"Moving Forward" is a love relationship and divorce recovery handbook. Its’ intent is to act as a guide on how not to repeat past relationship mistakes. It defines the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.
The book discusses family dynamics, and how they play into our unhealthy love relationships. It gives one an insight on how destructive parenting relationships have set us up for being eternal caregivers. The book shares the warning signs of unhealthy relationships such as the addictive relationship and the abusive relationship. Its’ goal is to help you examine “perpetual cycles” you play out.
The book could be considered a measurement of where one is and if they are in a healthy relationship. "Moving Forward" gives us the tools to understand what a healthy love relationship is and how to exist in one.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish in lieu of waiting for a publisher because that could be a very long waiting game.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The biggest challenge I had to overcome in self-publishing my book was building my website: www.booksonrelationships.net. I had little to no html experience. I constructed a profile on My Space simply to gain a higher understanding of how templates worked. Once I got my domain, I sat in front of the computer for about three weeks before the light finally came on. Thank goodness. After that, everything came naturally. It took me about a month-and-a-half to build the entire website.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
Through affiliations in self-publishing, I have also had the opportunity to utilize my facilitator skills by conducting workshops. Recent ones have included: Working Out Writer’s Block, Healthy Boundaries and Finding Time to Write, and Overcoming Social Anxiety and Public Speaking.
I was given my own radio show, “Reading, Writing and Relationships,” by the folks at Motown Writers Network on Blog Talk Radio which I really enjoy hosting. I have met some wonderful people through the MWN.
In addition, I have become both a national and local writer writing on divorce recovery and pets for Examiner.com.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Self-publishing is a long process but so is seeking out a publisher. Why not do both? While you are waiting to hear from a publisher, build your own website, download your books and try to sell them from there.
Don’t get discouraged. Everything takes time.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Make sure to have your work copyrighted through the National Library of Congress. Talk to others about computer tips and tricks as you go along. Learn how to use publishing tools by getting out there and writing or blogging.
Keep writing and try other genres, too.
What great advice Corinne! Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your self-publishing experience. We wish you all the best with your books and future engagements!
How about you? Do need assistance marketing and selling your self-published book online? Check out the free marketing we offer self-published authors at http://www.jexbo.com/ or send me a note. I can help! Thanks!
Tell us about your self-published book.
I have three relationship recovery books that are self-published. This interview will cover "Moving Forward."
"Moving Forward" is a love relationship and divorce recovery handbook. Its’ intent is to act as a guide on how not to repeat past relationship mistakes. It defines the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.
The book discusses family dynamics, and how they play into our unhealthy love relationships. It gives one an insight on how destructive parenting relationships have set us up for being eternal caregivers. The book shares the warning signs of unhealthy relationships such as the addictive relationship and the abusive relationship. Its’ goal is to help you examine “perpetual cycles” you play out.
The book could be considered a measurement of where one is and if they are in a healthy relationship. "Moving Forward" gives us the tools to understand what a healthy love relationship is and how to exist in one.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish in lieu of waiting for a publisher because that could be a very long waiting game.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The biggest challenge I had to overcome in self-publishing my book was building my website: www.booksonrelationships.net. I had little to no html experience. I constructed a profile on My Space simply to gain a higher understanding of how templates worked. Once I got my domain, I sat in front of the computer for about three weeks before the light finally came on. Thank goodness. After that, everything came naturally. It took me about a month-and-a-half to build the entire website.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
Through affiliations in self-publishing, I have also had the opportunity to utilize my facilitator skills by conducting workshops. Recent ones have included: Working Out Writer’s Block, Healthy Boundaries and Finding Time to Write, and Overcoming Social Anxiety and Public Speaking.
I was given my own radio show, “Reading, Writing and Relationships,” by the folks at Motown Writers Network on Blog Talk Radio which I really enjoy hosting. I have met some wonderful people through the MWN.
In addition, I have become both a national and local writer writing on divorce recovery and pets for Examiner.com.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Self-publishing is a long process but so is seeking out a publisher. Why not do both? While you are waiting to hear from a publisher, build your own website, download your books and try to sell them from there.
Don’t get discouraged. Everything takes time.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Make sure to have your work copyrighted through the National Library of Congress. Talk to others about computer tips and tricks as you go along. Learn how to use publishing tools by getting out there and writing or blogging.
Keep writing and try other genres, too.
What great advice Corinne! Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your self-publishing experience. We wish you all the best with your books and future engagements!
How about you? Do need assistance marketing and selling your self-published book online? Check out the free marketing we offer self-published authors at http://www.jexbo.com/ or send me a note. I can help! Thanks!
Self-Published Author Interview Series – Adrienne Graham
Today in our self-published-author interview series, we talk to Adrienne Graham, author of “Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers: The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking and the CEO of Empower Me! Corporation.
Tell us about your self-published book, Adrienne.
My book, “Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers: The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking” is available on my website www.goaheadtalktostrangers.com. The book was written to serve as a guide to women who are introverted, shy and unsure of their networking abilities. I drew from personal experiences in writing this book, which is a blend of personal experiences, anecdotes, advice and cautionary tales. It shows women how they can shed their shyness and blossom as a strategic networker.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I self-published mainly because I wanted to circumvent the traditional publishers and get my book out on the market in a timely manner without the hassle of third-party interference or restrictions.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?
The biggest challenge I faced was being secure in my abilities to not just finish the book, but also to bring it to market. I heard the many stories of people pouring their heart and soul into their books only to have them rejected by traditional publishers. Once I understood the self-publishing landscape, it was easier for me to get over my initial fears.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?
Control. I love the fact that I can write “unedited” and not have to worry about someone coming in and changing concepts, direction or tone of my book. And I didn’t have to commit to buying a large quantity of copies of the book. I used a publishing-on-demand service.
What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?
I would tell them to always market. When you self-publish, you are responsible for marketing and selling your book. With social media, the marketing process is easier than it was years ago. But just because we have social media, it doesn’t mean that the author can afford to slack on marketing. Also, if you can afford it, hire a publicist who specializes in authors. They can identify media opportunities on your behalf. I’d also recommend that they create a website for the book in addition to promoting it on their primary website.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Self-publishing doesn’t have to be a scary process. Even before the book is complete, you need to create a marketing and distribution strategy. It’s best to start promoting the book well before the release. You can use blogging as a great platform to release information about the book. Also, schedule book readings. These can be done locally or virtually. When I released my book, I hosted a webcast book reading complete with a Q & A session and it was very well received.
Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your self-publishing experience Adrienne. We wish you all the best with the sale of your book!
How about you? Do you need assistance marketing and selling your self-published book online? Please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I can help!
Tell us about your self-published book, Adrienne.
My book, “Go Ahead, Talk to Strangers: The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking” is available on my website www.goaheadtalktostrangers.com. The book was written to serve as a guide to women who are introverted, shy and unsure of their networking abilities. I drew from personal experiences in writing this book, which is a blend of personal experiences, anecdotes, advice and cautionary tales. It shows women how they can shed their shyness and blossom as a strategic networker.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I self-published mainly because I wanted to circumvent the traditional publishers and get my book out on the market in a timely manner without the hassle of third-party interference or restrictions.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?
The biggest challenge I faced was being secure in my abilities to not just finish the book, but also to bring it to market. I heard the many stories of people pouring their heart and soul into their books only to have them rejected by traditional publishers. Once I understood the self-publishing landscape, it was easier for me to get over my initial fears.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?
Control. I love the fact that I can write “unedited” and not have to worry about someone coming in and changing concepts, direction or tone of my book. And I didn’t have to commit to buying a large quantity of copies of the book. I used a publishing-on-demand service.
What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?
I would tell them to always market. When you self-publish, you are responsible for marketing and selling your book. With social media, the marketing process is easier than it was years ago. But just because we have social media, it doesn’t mean that the author can afford to slack on marketing. Also, if you can afford it, hire a publicist who specializes in authors. They can identify media opportunities on your behalf. I’d also recommend that they create a website for the book in addition to promoting it on their primary website.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Self-publishing doesn’t have to be a scary process. Even before the book is complete, you need to create a marketing and distribution strategy. It’s best to start promoting the book well before the release. You can use blogging as a great platform to release information about the book. Also, schedule book readings. These can be done locally or virtually. When I released my book, I hosted a webcast book reading complete with a Q & A session and it was very well received.
Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your self-publishing experience Adrienne. We wish you all the best with the sale of your book!
How about you? Do you need assistance marketing and selling your self-published book online? Please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I can help!
An Interview with Self-Published Author - Richard Todd
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
Raincloud is a mystery thriller that examines the juxtaposition between two Ontario communities: the dedicated First Nations settlement Sky Lake and a mainstream town called Scanlon Creek.
When First Nations youths begin turning up murdered in remote areas between the two communities, tensions rise to terrifying proportions within the violent criminal underworld of police corruption, drug dealing, and depravity. Hank Gillespie, a nightmare-ridden, mixed-race detective from Scanlon Creek, finds in own life in jeopardy as he attempts to find the murderer.
Raincloud is available online at Amazon, B&N, Chapters-Indigo, and through my website at www.richard-todd.com. It's also available at select bookstores in Toronto.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
Like many first-time Canadian authors, I was becoming stonewalled by the ever-evolving publishing industry. It's hard to get a big company to gamble on a relative unknown. I understand that it's a business. But I also believed in my story and decided that if the traditional publishers weren't interested I'd have to do it myself, lest my book sit on my hard drive, untouched by eyes other than my own. I did my research and found the best package for me.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
Being self-published, especially in fiction, carries a certain stigma to it. There's an industry attitude that the writer can't be any good if they had to self-publish. The unfortunate thing is that in many cases it's true and you're guilty by association.
Plus, retail bookshelves are getting smaller, catering more to the blockbusters than the potentially great unknowns. It's the same with large media book reviewers; they rarely cover a self-published book with the wealth of traditionally-published books they could cover.
Fortunately, we live in a digital age where authors can be more self-reliant. It's a lot of work to get noticed, but the rewards are as big as what you put in. Except that I won't be buying a swimming pool with the revenue anytime soon.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
Getting new readers, hearing great things from current readers and receiving glowing reviews from indie book reviewers. I booked a whole Chapters-Indigo tour in the Toronto area and appeared at various book festivals. I speak at schools and writers' groups. I've met so many supportive people I wouldn't have otherwise.
And I can honestly say I did it all myself. I made it happen. And when people tell me they are awaiting my next novel, The Orphans of the Creek, to be available, it makes all the effort worthwhile. And I've been able to give back too. I wrote a ten-part series called "Adventures in Self-Publishing" on my blog at raincloudbook.wordpress.com. I also interviewed other indie authors to help give them exposure. It's great to be part of a community.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Invest in pre-production editing. If you go with one of the self-publishing firms (as opposed to doing literally everything yourself) either go in with edited work or purchase their editing services. It sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many self-published authors skip this crucial step. And avoid the marketing packages these companies offer. They are ridiculously expensive and offer next to nothing in return. You can do much better on your own and for pennies in comparison.
Lastly, if you've worked hard on a manuscript, your dream is to get it on people's bookshelves. Self-publishing companies know this, especially if you're a first-timer. Live your dreams but don't let them cloud your thoughts. Choose wisely.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Like indie movies and record labels, it only seems logical that self-published books will be more prevalent as time progresses. And it's great that big business is starting to lose control over what we read. There are so many unheard voices out there that will hopefully be available to us all.
Thanks for your great insights and tips Richard! We wish you all the best with your current and future books!
Do you need help marketing and selling your self-published book? Please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I can help!
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