One tip to help you promote your self-published book is find a book reviewer who blogs about books online, and get your book mentioned on that person’s blog. When I did a search for “self-published book review blog” I found more than 30 million results! You can narrow your search by searching for the type of book you’ve written, or by a location if you want a local reviewer to read your book.
Check out what sort of reviews someone writes before you decide to send them a copy of your book to review, then ask the reviewer some questions. Do they write harsh reviews? Do they have a large audience? If you send them a copy of your book, does that guarantee they will review it?
Many people believe all publicity, negative or positive, is good, but some do not. If you don’t want a negative review, be sure the blogger knows that and will not include your book on his or her blog if he doesn’t have anything good to say about your book.
Or ask if you could read the review before it’s posted on the blog. If you do have a negative review on a blog, find out if you can write a comment at the end of the article and tell what you think of the review.
Getting your book reviewed by a blogger is a great way to generate publicity for your book, and a great way for readers to find a book they might be interested in!
Do you have questions about being a self-published author? Please write to me here or at info@jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!
How to Organize Your Workspace
Although I am a fairly, well-organized person, I think it’s a good idea to at least once a year completely reorganize my workspace. Some of the things I do to help myself might also work for you.
I sort through my files completely once a year, and I keep a shredder nearby to use when I throw anything away from my files. If you don’t have a shredder, you can buy an inexpensive one from an office supply store, or you might check your local library to see if they have one available for the public to use.
I keep my in- and out-boxes up to date. At the very least, once a month file what needs to be saved in a binder or folder. It will be one less thing to search for when you start to prepare your taxes. I also keep a 3-hole punch next to my inbox and I immediately punch holes in documents I print off from the computer.
I keep a number of directories and address books on shelves next to my computer. Check to see if you are using current directories, and not wasting space by storing out-of-date books when you only need the most recent issue.
Make a space for printer ink cartridges and extra paper and keep them next to your printer. If you can see at a glance that you’re running low on supplies, it means there’s less chance of running out of things in the middle of printing something.
Staying organized is an ongoing job, but you should annually go through your workspace to be sure you have the room to work without holding on to clutter.
Do you have questions about being a self-published author? Please write to me here or at info@jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!
I sort through my files completely once a year, and I keep a shredder nearby to use when I throw anything away from my files. If you don’t have a shredder, you can buy an inexpensive one from an office supply store, or you might check your local library to see if they have one available for the public to use.
I keep my in- and out-boxes up to date. At the very least, once a month file what needs to be saved in a binder or folder. It will be one less thing to search for when you start to prepare your taxes. I also keep a 3-hole punch next to my inbox and I immediately punch holes in documents I print off from the computer.
I keep a number of directories and address books on shelves next to my computer. Check to see if you are using current directories, and not wasting space by storing out-of-date books when you only need the most recent issue.
Make a space for printer ink cartridges and extra paper and keep them next to your printer. If you can see at a glance that you’re running low on supplies, it means there’s less chance of running out of things in the middle of printing something.
Staying organized is an ongoing job, but you should annually go through your workspace to be sure you have the room to work without holding on to clutter.
Do you have questions about being a self-published author? Please write to me here or at info@jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!
How to Write While on Vacation-1-17-11
I travel a lot, and I know it can be hard to bring work along when you’re on vacation, but there are some things you can do that will make it easier for you.
I always travel with a Netbook. It’s smaller than a normal laptop (not to mention cheaper!), and I am still able to access documents I need and connect to the Internet when I have a chance. Many restaurants and coffee shops have free Internet connections available, and it’s a great way to break up travel by stopping for a bite to eat and spending some time working.
Try to fit writing in with sightseeing. Will there be a train or bus ride to your destination? Count that as extra time to get work done before you get to the attraction. Will you be spending time at the beach or pool? Take along a notebook and jot down ideas while you relax.
If you’re on vacation in a city, find a local library and check it out. Some libraries have writing groups that meet there and you would probably be more than welcome to sit in with the regulars. It’s a new audience for you, and a chance to learn something different.
While you’re taking pictures, write down impressions and ideas about what you’re photographing. You might use the information in your writing later, and it will help you look at the places with different eyes if you’re documenting it as you go along.
Got questions about self-publishing? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
I always travel with a Netbook. It’s smaller than a normal laptop (not to mention cheaper!), and I am still able to access documents I need and connect to the Internet when I have a chance. Many restaurants and coffee shops have free Internet connections available, and it’s a great way to break up travel by stopping for a bite to eat and spending some time working.
Try to fit writing in with sightseeing. Will there be a train or bus ride to your destination? Count that as extra time to get work done before you get to the attraction. Will you be spending time at the beach or pool? Take along a notebook and jot down ideas while you relax.
If you’re on vacation in a city, find a local library and check it out. Some libraries have writing groups that meet there and you would probably be more than welcome to sit in with the regulars. It’s a new audience for you, and a chance to learn something different.
While you’re taking pictures, write down impressions and ideas about what you’re photographing. You might use the information in your writing later, and it will help you look at the places with different eyes if you’re documenting it as you go along.
Got questions about self-publishing? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
3 Tips to Jumpstart Your Writing
Sometimes, writing can become routine and uninspiring, or sometimes you just suffer from burnout or writer’s block. That’s a good time to try to shake things up a little to re-energize yourself and find some fresh ideas to write about.
First of all, try writing at a different time than you normally write. If you’re someone who gets up early to work, try sleeping in and writing at night. It’s a different atmosphere in the house and you might find it’s a better fit for you.
Second, try writing in a different place. If you always sit in front of your computer, try a day or two working on a laptop while sitting on the sofa. Or, get out of the house and write in the park or at the library.
Third, try writing a different way altogether. If you normally type on a computer, grab a pen and paper and try writing things out longhand. You might find that even as you scribble things out, you can connect with what you’re writing in a different way.
These tips might not be something you use every day, but it’s a good idea to fit a little change into your routine, and you might find you work better in a way you’d never thought to try!
Got questions about self-publishing? Please let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!
First of all, try writing at a different time than you normally write. If you’re someone who gets up early to work, try sleeping in and writing at night. It’s a different atmosphere in the house and you might find it’s a better fit for you.
Second, try writing in a different place. If you always sit in front of your computer, try a day or two working on a laptop while sitting on the sofa. Or, get out of the house and write in the park or at the library.
Third, try writing a different way altogether. If you normally type on a computer, grab a pen and paper and try writing things out longhand. You might find that even as you scribble things out, you can connect with what you’re writing in a different way.
These tips might not be something you use every day, but it’s a good idea to fit a little change into your routine, and you might find you work better in a way you’d never thought to try!
Got questions about self-publishing? Please let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!
Author Helps Son with Self-Published Books and Publishing Company
Today, we talk to self-published author, David Beshears. As the author of several books, he has some great information to share.
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
I’ve published a number of titles, but the one that sent me down the self-publishing path is called “Climb the Mountain”. It’s the story of my son and our struggle to overcome severe traumatic brain injury following an IED blast in Afghanistan. It’s a very personal, very intimate story.
All my books are available at Greybeard Publishing (www.greybeardpublishing.com), and I’ve recently begun placing them on the jexbo site as well. In addition to “Climb the Mountain,” there’s science fiction, fantasy, epics and novellas, how-to and cookbooks, and even some really great games.
Why did you self-publish your book?
Our son was severely hurt in Afghanistan, suffering extensive physical injuries and severe traumatic brain injury. Over the next several years, as we sought treatment for him, we found that what he needed was scattered all over the northwest, was difficult to find and access, and in many cases, was simply too far away.
I resolved to design and develop a non-profit facility that would bring everything together in one location that would serve the needs of people with disabilities and their families.
How would I finance such a thing? Greybeard Publishing was born. All proceeds from all titles, including my own production costs, go into the fund for the community center, which I hope to have up and running in 2011.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
I found two major challenges to self-publishing: editing and marketing.
Editing your own writing can only take you so far, whether it be finding typos or realizing that a paragraph doesn’t work. Your mind’s eye sees what it expects to see and it’s very difficult to be objective about a scene. You’ll always be too close.
As for marketing, that is such a specialized field, and even if you know what you’re doing, it really takes time and money, so they say. And you know, I really am pretty good at a number of things, but marketing ain’t one of ‘em.
How did you overcome that challenge?
Finding friends and family to read your book isn’t the best way to edit it. You’re likely to get complements, and maybe “you spelled buffalo wrong on page 222”. However, I wasn’t in a position to hire an editor in-house or send my manuscripts out. I was fortunate in that I am acquainted with someone who is both a voracious reader, has a critical eye, and was willing to let me know what worked and what didn’t.
The marketing challenge is still one that I’m working on. I’ve taken it on as a second job, and I’m approaching from a number of angles. I’ve established a marketing department within my one-person company, and this department develops marketing campaigns. I’ve also taken several classes, online and at a local community college.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Be organized, be structured, and be professional in all that you do.
If you’re self-publishing, you’re not just a writer anymore. You’re a publisher. As a publisher, your company has a number of tasks and you’re responsible for all of them. Make the time, set the time and do the time. Keep each activity separate. If you’re not good at one of those jobs, either get good at it or farm it out.
That being said, don’t forget to keep writing. If you’re self-publishing, then by definition you’re publishing your own stuff. That means the writing is what got you into this mess to begin with. Don’t lose sight of that. The work of being a publisher will want to take all your time, so set aside writing time and don’t let anything else get in the way of it.
Thanks for your great insights David!
For more information about self-publishing, please contact me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
I’ve published a number of titles, but the one that sent me down the self-publishing path is called “Climb the Mountain”. It’s the story of my son and our struggle to overcome severe traumatic brain injury following an IED blast in Afghanistan. It’s a very personal, very intimate story.
All my books are available at Greybeard Publishing (www.greybeardpublishing.com), and I’ve recently begun placing them on the jexbo site as well. In addition to “Climb the Mountain,” there’s science fiction, fantasy, epics and novellas, how-to and cookbooks, and even some really great games.
Why did you self-publish your book?
Our son was severely hurt in Afghanistan, suffering extensive physical injuries and severe traumatic brain injury. Over the next several years, as we sought treatment for him, we found that what he needed was scattered all over the northwest, was difficult to find and access, and in many cases, was simply too far away.
I resolved to design and develop a non-profit facility that would bring everything together in one location that would serve the needs of people with disabilities and their families.
How would I finance such a thing? Greybeard Publishing was born. All proceeds from all titles, including my own production costs, go into the fund for the community center, which I hope to have up and running in 2011.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
I found two major challenges to self-publishing: editing and marketing.
Editing your own writing can only take you so far, whether it be finding typos or realizing that a paragraph doesn’t work. Your mind’s eye sees what it expects to see and it’s very difficult to be objective about a scene. You’ll always be too close.
As for marketing, that is such a specialized field, and even if you know what you’re doing, it really takes time and money, so they say. And you know, I really am pretty good at a number of things, but marketing ain’t one of ‘em.
How did you overcome that challenge?
Finding friends and family to read your book isn’t the best way to edit it. You’re likely to get complements, and maybe “you spelled buffalo wrong on page 222”. However, I wasn’t in a position to hire an editor in-house or send my manuscripts out. I was fortunate in that I am acquainted with someone who is both a voracious reader, has a critical eye, and was willing to let me know what worked and what didn’t.
The marketing challenge is still one that I’m working on. I’ve taken it on as a second job, and I’m approaching from a number of angles. I’ve established a marketing department within my one-person company, and this department develops marketing campaigns. I’ve also taken several classes, online and at a local community college.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Be organized, be structured, and be professional in all that you do.
If you’re self-publishing, you’re not just a writer anymore. You’re a publisher. As a publisher, your company has a number of tasks and you’re responsible for all of them. Make the time, set the time and do the time. Keep each activity separate. If you’re not good at one of those jobs, either get good at it or farm it out.
That being said, don’t forget to keep writing. If you’re self-publishing, then by definition you’re publishing your own stuff. That means the writing is what got you into this mess to begin with. Don’t lose sight of that. The work of being a publisher will want to take all your time, so set aside writing time and don’t let anything else get in the way of it.
Thanks for your great insights David!
For more information about self-publishing, please contact me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
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