Today, we talk to self-published author, Robert M. de la Torre, author of "Six Great Short Stories." Here are Robert’s tips:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
My self pubished book is: "Six Great Short Stories" and it's available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and other, online bookstores.
Why did you self-publish your book?
I chose to self-publish because of the time factor. I wanted to get my work out there uninterrupted and within a timeframe that was suitable for me.
I also wanted to have my work published as a manuscript, without the editing and formatting of mass produced literature so that people would actually be able to read the work that I have done, as if I were speaking the way I usually do.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
My biggest challenge was to learn how to use the tools that self-published authors face… learning the techniques and how to develop them. Also, I wanted to get my art work on the cover of the book, sometimes tracking down the artists who created them and getting their permission. Although, I do most of my art work myself, as I am an abstract artist and love to paint.
The best part of self-publishing was the feeling that I was in control all the way through. I didn't have to meet deadlines, and I could feel free to to back and change what I thought was necessary, and also embellish later the things that I left out.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
My advice to those who want to go the self-publish route is not to be afraid to get creative. After all, think of it as a project that will reward you and others later on. Before you decide that the work you have created is what you want others to see, have some people you know read it and critique, then go at it and get it done. Don't put yourself on a time table, take it easy all the way through.
In addition, take a look at what others have accomplished. You'll be surprised how much you get out of it and how it will assist you in making decisions. Also, think of your creation as a work of art, after all that's what it is.
Great insights Robert! Thanks! All the best with your self-published book.
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!
Self-Published Author Interview Series – Colleen Rae
In today’s self-published interview series, we caught up briefly with self-published author, Colleen Rae about her book, “Mohave Mambo.” Here’s what Colleen had to say:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
“Mohave Mambo” is an adventure, suspense novel about exotic dancer, Lola Raines from Las Vegas, who witnesses a murder and must flee for her life. She hides out in a small town in AZ, meets a cowboy, falls in love and begins a new life, unaware that a killer is on her trail.
The book is available in three book stores locally; Tree House Books and Readers World Books in Holland, MI and Saugatuck Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck, MI. Also, it is available on my website; www.colleenraesnovels.com.
Why did you self-publish your book?
I decided to publish after I had tried for two years to attract an agent or small publisher without success.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
My biggest challenge with self-publishing is the marketing end of it. I find it very difficult even though I do readings/book signings and try to consign my books to different bookstores.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
I would advise other writers who wish to self-publish to go for it, but have a marketing plan in place, if possible.
Thanks for your quick tips Colleen, and we wish you all the best with your self-published book!
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 www.jexbo.com or send me a note. I can help!
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
“Mohave Mambo” is an adventure, suspense novel about exotic dancer, Lola Raines from Las Vegas, who witnesses a murder and must flee for her life. She hides out in a small town in AZ, meets a cowboy, falls in love and begins a new life, unaware that a killer is on her trail.
The book is available in three book stores locally; Tree House Books and Readers World Books in Holland, MI and Saugatuck Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck, MI. Also, it is available on my website; www.colleenraesnovels.com.
Why did you self-publish your book?
I decided to publish after I had tried for two years to attract an agent or small publisher without success.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
My biggest challenge with self-publishing is the marketing end of it. I find it very difficult even though I do readings/book signings and try to consign my books to different bookstores.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
I would advise other writers who wish to self-publish to go for it, but have a marketing plan in place, if possible.
Thanks for your quick tips Colleen, and we wish you all the best with your self-published book!
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 www.jexbo.com or send me a note. I can help!
Self-Published Author Interview Series – Angeline Boyer
Today, we have the pleasure of discovering about the self-publishing experience from Angeline Boyer, author of a series of self-published books called the “Missing Peace.” Here’s what Angeline had to say:
Tell us about your self-published book.
I have created a series called the Missing Peace, which includes over 10 different books that help improve lives through yoga techniques. These books are targeted to a variety of different audiences with topics ranging from Yoga Techniques to Help You Sleep Better to Improve Your Golf With Yoga Techniques. They are all available on Amazon.com and by special order in all major bookstores. I have self-published all of these books through my publishing company, Princeton Design Group, Inc.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
Many authors are reluctant to go through the process of “traditional” publishing as it takes a significant amount of time to send query letters to publishing houses in the hopes that the book is right for the house.
On the contrary, my primary concern was that I wanted to remain in complete control on the creative, publishing, and marketing aspects of my book. I had a specific goal for each of my books, and I did not want the publishing house to decide what needs to be changed in regards to the content of the books. I have a passion to convey certain messages to the readers and I wanted to maintain that.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your books?
Self-publishing a book involves a significant investment in time and money. It is important to stay focused and maintain the willpower to keep going as a self-publisher and overcome the hurdles that come your way. In spite of my initial inexperience and difficulties in the industry, I kept my determination to face the challenges.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I was able to overcome these challenges through patience, hard work, and perseverance. The success I experienced as each of my books were published motivated me to continue.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your books?
The best part is my sense of accomplishment I experienced after publishing my first book. I have used my previous experience to perfect the process, and it has ultimately created the opportunity for me to be able to publish more material at anytime in the future.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their books?
As an author, it is important to conduct a thorough and careful review of your objectives before you begin the self-publishing process. Fully research your publishable materials, chalk out a publishing plan and be flexible enough to tweak it as you go along. Do not be driven by simply the success of completion. Take it step by step. Fulfill your passion of writing and publishing and your success shall follow.
Is there anything else?
Please visit www.amazon.com or my web site (http://thevitalbreath.com/) for more information.
Thanks for your insights Angeline, and we wish you all the best with your future book sales!
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 www.jexbo.com or send me a note. I can help!
Thanks!
Tell us about your self-published book.
I have created a series called the Missing Peace, which includes over 10 different books that help improve lives through yoga techniques. These books are targeted to a variety of different audiences with topics ranging from Yoga Techniques to Help You Sleep Better to Improve Your Golf With Yoga Techniques. They are all available on Amazon.com and by special order in all major bookstores. I have self-published all of these books through my publishing company, Princeton Design Group, Inc.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
Many authors are reluctant to go through the process of “traditional” publishing as it takes a significant amount of time to send query letters to publishing houses in the hopes that the book is right for the house.
On the contrary, my primary concern was that I wanted to remain in complete control on the creative, publishing, and marketing aspects of my book. I had a specific goal for each of my books, and I did not want the publishing house to decide what needs to be changed in regards to the content of the books. I have a passion to convey certain messages to the readers and I wanted to maintain that.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your books?
Self-publishing a book involves a significant investment in time and money. It is important to stay focused and maintain the willpower to keep going as a self-publisher and overcome the hurdles that come your way. In spite of my initial inexperience and difficulties in the industry, I kept my determination to face the challenges.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I was able to overcome these challenges through patience, hard work, and perseverance. The success I experienced as each of my books were published motivated me to continue.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your books?
The best part is my sense of accomplishment I experienced after publishing my first book. I have used my previous experience to perfect the process, and it has ultimately created the opportunity for me to be able to publish more material at anytime in the future.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their books?
As an author, it is important to conduct a thorough and careful review of your objectives before you begin the self-publishing process. Fully research your publishable materials, chalk out a publishing plan and be flexible enough to tweak it as you go along. Do not be driven by simply the success of completion. Take it step by step. Fulfill your passion of writing and publishing and your success shall follow.
Is there anything else?
Please visit www.amazon.com or my web site (http://thevitalbreath.com/) for more information.
Thanks for your insights Angeline, and we wish you all the best with your future book sales!
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 www.jexbo.com or send me a note. I can help!
Thanks!
Self-Published Author Interview Series – Beverly Barna
I hope all of you had a great holiday! Today for our self-published interview series, we talk to Beverly Barna, author of “Infertility Sucks! Keeping it all together when sperm and egg stubbornly remain apart,” and “The Daughter of Dreams.”
Tell us about your self-published books.
I have two self-published books: Infertility Sucks! Keeping it all together when sperm and egg stubbornly remain apart and The Daughter of Dreams
Both are widely available online and at select bookstores. “Infertility Sucks!” has been around longer and has turned up in retail sites around the world.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
The short answer in both cases is that I was ready and going through conventional channels felt like it would take too long. In the case of “Infertility Sucks!,” I was on a mission to change the way people thought about and talked about infertility. I wanted to be a trailblazer and shake things up and just wasn't finding an agent or publisher who "got it." So I gave myself a deadline, shopped the self-publishing market and went for it.
In the case of “The Daughter of Dreams,” I found a nearby small self-publishing house who had an illustrator, David White, whose work knocked me out. His style was exactly what I had in mind for my story, so off we went.
Again, in both cases, I felt that the market had room for the message and approach I wanted to present to the world.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
I would have to say the biggest challenge has been marketing, and increasingly, getting through the all the noise and clutter in today's media. It's a totally different world of communication. On the one hand, the technology puts everything at everyone's fingertips. On the other hand, it's harder than ever to get heard. It can also be hard to find the time to do all the things I'd like to do and to do it well.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part for both has been seeing the books, holding the books, reading the books. For “Infertility Sucks!,” I have achieved a lot of what I set out to do. The public perception of infertility and the dialogue about it has changed completely. The book, along with National Infertility Survival Day ™, which I founded, have contributed to that. I still get great feedback on the book, and it has outsold books that were published through traditional channels. So there!
For “The Daughter of Dreams,” which I wrote for my daughter, whom my husband and I adopted in China in 2001, the best part is the pride she takes in the book, herself, and her mom. I also -- and this will sound corny, but it's true -- feel very strongly that this book will change the way people think about adoption. It's a children's book, but it's also a book that adults can appreciate as literature. It's a book about adoption, but the story is universal. It's a writer's book, but it's also a work of art, thanks to gorgeous illustrations.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Own the process. It was long ago impressed upon me how important it is to present clean, correct and highly professional writing to gain credibility. Since self-published authors may face prejudice regarding their legitimacy, it's crucial that we not feed that perception by presenting our work and ourselves as anything less than competent at a minimum. Edit copy; insist on perfection to the extent it's attainable; and make them eat your words -- and be glad they did.
Once published, force yourself outside of your comfort zone to promote your work and yourself as an author. Every time one pushes the parameters, something is learned and therefore gained. Have fun. Be proud. As I tell myself at least once a week: There is not much joy in being celebrated posthumously.
Thanks for your tips Beverly. Your books sound very interesting.
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 here. Thanks.
Tell us about your self-published books.
I have two self-published books: Infertility Sucks! Keeping it all together when sperm and egg stubbornly remain apart and The Daughter of Dreams
Both are widely available online and at select bookstores. “Infertility Sucks!” has been around longer and has turned up in retail sites around the world.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
The short answer in both cases is that I was ready and going through conventional channels felt like it would take too long. In the case of “Infertility Sucks!,” I was on a mission to change the way people thought about and talked about infertility. I wanted to be a trailblazer and shake things up and just wasn't finding an agent or publisher who "got it." So I gave myself a deadline, shopped the self-publishing market and went for it.
In the case of “The Daughter of Dreams,” I found a nearby small self-publishing house who had an illustrator, David White, whose work knocked me out. His style was exactly what I had in mind for my story, so off we went.
Again, in both cases, I felt that the market had room for the message and approach I wanted to present to the world.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
I would have to say the biggest challenge has been marketing, and increasingly, getting through the all the noise and clutter in today's media. It's a totally different world of communication. On the one hand, the technology puts everything at everyone's fingertips. On the other hand, it's harder than ever to get heard. It can also be hard to find the time to do all the things I'd like to do and to do it well.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part for both has been seeing the books, holding the books, reading the books. For “Infertility Sucks!,” I have achieved a lot of what I set out to do. The public perception of infertility and the dialogue about it has changed completely. The book, along with National Infertility Survival Day ™, which I founded, have contributed to that. I still get great feedback on the book, and it has outsold books that were published through traditional channels. So there!
For “The Daughter of Dreams,” which I wrote for my daughter, whom my husband and I adopted in China in 2001, the best part is the pride she takes in the book, herself, and her mom. I also -- and this will sound corny, but it's true -- feel very strongly that this book will change the way people think about adoption. It's a children's book, but it's also a book that adults can appreciate as literature. It's a book about adoption, but the story is universal. It's a writer's book, but it's also a work of art, thanks to gorgeous illustrations.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Own the process. It was long ago impressed upon me how important it is to present clean, correct and highly professional writing to gain credibility. Since self-published authors may face prejudice regarding their legitimacy, it's crucial that we not feed that perception by presenting our work and ourselves as anything less than competent at a minimum. Edit copy; insist on perfection to the extent it's attainable; and make them eat your words -- and be glad they did.
Once published, force yourself outside of your comfort zone to promote your work and yourself as an author. Every time one pushes the parameters, something is learned and therefore gained. Have fun. Be proud. As I tell myself at least once a week: There is not much joy in being celebrated posthumously.
Thanks for your tips Beverly. Your books sound very interesting.
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 here. Thanks.
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