Many books go through a number of working titles. Most titles are what the author comes up with while writing, but sometimes a whole book is built around a title the writer thinks of even before starting the book. Then there are some titles that are changed by editors or friends who read through manuscripts while the work is in progress.
One thing I think you should keep in mind is open-mindedness. Try to not be so attached to a book title that you don’t listen to what others are saying. Is the title you came up with too long? Does it not relate to what you’ve written? Is it confusing?
When you’re choosing a title for your book, try to choose something that will grab the readers’ attention. They might be browsing through a long list of books, and you want your book to hold them long enough to check it out.
Also consider your book category. Are you writing for young children? Teens? Adults? Is your book science fiction? Is it a biography? Think about how you could use the title to market your book to those groups. You might even consider rounding up a group of people and giving them a list of possible titles and have them choose the one that sounds most intriguing to them.
How did you come up with your book title? I'd love to know!
Do you need help creating your self-published book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
Self-Published Author Ken Spoerl
Today at jexbo we’re talking to author Ken Spoerl. This is what he had to say:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
My fictional book is the story of a man, who because of a strange set of circumstances faces accusations of embezzlement and grand theft. The story follows him on a quest to prove in innocence as he and his lawyer build a case for his defense.
Matthew Scott left his place of employment one afternoon with company funds that were entrusted into his care to deposit into the firm’s corporate account. That was the last anyone saw of him. He seemingly vanished from the face of the earth until one year later he returned with a bizarre explanation for his disappearance. He was taken into custody and charged with embezzlement of company funds. He ultimately ends up in a court of law where a jury must decide his fate.
The title of my book is “The Return of Matthew Scott” by Kenneth Spoerl. It is available at Iuniverse.com (click on the book store tab), amazon.com and barnes&noble.com.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish after contacting numerous traditional publishers. Although almost all of them told me that my book sounded interesting and the story line captured their attention, the response to my query was consistent. They were either not taking on new clients or they did not want to look at work from new unpublished authors.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The biggest challenge for me in self-publishing was, and still is, book promotion. I work a full time job so I had to find time to contact newspapers and radio stations for interviews to promote my book. I also have to visit bookstore owners in the hope that they will stock my book on their shelves.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part of self-publishing is that I have total control over everything involved with the book from selling price to promotion. Also the publishing process is much faster than it would be with a traditional publisher.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their books?
My advice to others about self-publishing is, do your homework. There are a lot of self-publishing companies out there. Investigate these companies and weed out the ones that don’t offer a book evaluation and a personal representative to guide you through the publishing process. Although it is completely up to the author whether or not he or she wants to use the evaluation to make changes to their work, the evaluation can be a useful took in writing a quality book. It may be hard to hear that your work isn’t perfect but it is important to realize that constructive criticism can be very beneficial in the long run.
Thanks for sharing this information with us Ken, and good luck with book sales!
Do you have questions about self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
My fictional book is the story of a man, who because of a strange set of circumstances faces accusations of embezzlement and grand theft. The story follows him on a quest to prove in innocence as he and his lawyer build a case for his defense.
Matthew Scott left his place of employment one afternoon with company funds that were entrusted into his care to deposit into the firm’s corporate account. That was the last anyone saw of him. He seemingly vanished from the face of the earth until one year later he returned with a bizarre explanation for his disappearance. He was taken into custody and charged with embezzlement of company funds. He ultimately ends up in a court of law where a jury must decide his fate.
The title of my book is “The Return of Matthew Scott” by Kenneth Spoerl. It is available at Iuniverse.com (click on the book store tab), amazon.com and barnes&noble.com.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I decided to self-publish after contacting numerous traditional publishers. Although almost all of them told me that my book sounded interesting and the story line captured their attention, the response to my query was consistent. They were either not taking on new clients or they did not want to look at work from new unpublished authors.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The biggest challenge for me in self-publishing was, and still is, book promotion. I work a full time job so I had to find time to contact newspapers and radio stations for interviews to promote my book. I also have to visit bookstore owners in the hope that they will stock my book on their shelves.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part of self-publishing is that I have total control over everything involved with the book from selling price to promotion. Also the publishing process is much faster than it would be with a traditional publisher.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their books?
My advice to others about self-publishing is, do your homework. There are a lot of self-publishing companies out there. Investigate these companies and weed out the ones that don’t offer a book evaluation and a personal representative to guide you through the publishing process. Although it is completely up to the author whether or not he or she wants to use the evaluation to make changes to their work, the evaluation can be a useful took in writing a quality book. It may be hard to hear that your work isn’t perfect but it is important to realize that constructive criticism can be very beneficial in the long run.
Thanks for sharing this information with us Ken, and good luck with book sales!
Do you have questions about self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. Thanks!
Interview with PoetTree
Today at jexbo we’re talking to Thomas A. Stanton, aka PoetTree. Let’s hear what he has to say:
Tell us about your self-published book.
'Rhyme with Reason: Poettrees Galleries ’ is fiction & non-fiction, Inspirational, Emotional, Real Adventures, children’s poems, Adult poems (clean), internet, philosophy etc. Based on past experiences and others, I wanted to reach out to the public with my poetry to find ways to help inspire people pertaining to their everyday lives. Family mishaps, sports enthusiasts, child abuse, nature lovers, love & romance, the love and loss of pets, devoted friendships, spiritual dreams and heartaches. Through my discoveries with this book I have discovered that truly their is something in 'Rhyme and Reason' for anyone.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
Through years of writing poetry and hand creating art, I decided among family and friends that I have a message, a way of reaching to people through my words. Publishing my work was my best alternative to reach out to others in ways to help people with my writing.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
Honestly, it was the challenge of what the cost would be, along with the details that would best fit my book based on the price.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part is easy, holding the final copy of your own book within your hands. This gives you such a complete feeling.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
When in search for the right method and cost of self-publishing, my suggesting would be to take your time and weigh your sources. Do not take the first one that falls on your lap. There are many competitors out there and I have found that the more options that a publisher can offer us, the more advantages we have as a writer.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Author House..(This is the only site that has the E-Book)
Publisher Site: Hardcopy, Softcopy, E-Book
http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookSearchResults.aspx?Search=poettree
Amazon: Hardcopy, Softcopy
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=poettree&x=16&y=18
Barnes and Noble: Hardcopy, Softcopy
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Rhyme-with-Reason/Poettree/e/9781414046778/?itm=6&USRI=rhyme+with+reason
E-Bay: Hardcopy, Softcopy
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rhyme-Reason-PoetTrees-Galleries-Volume-I-Poet-/380324528530
ecampus.com: Hardcopy, Softcopy
http://www.ecampus.com/rhyme-reason-poettrees-galleries-volume-i/bk/9781414046785
Thanks for the information Tom, and good luck with book sales!
Do you need help with self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/!
Tell us about your self-published book.
'Rhyme with Reason: Poettrees Galleries ’ is fiction & non-fiction, Inspirational, Emotional, Real Adventures, children’s poems, Adult poems (clean), internet, philosophy etc. Based on past experiences and others, I wanted to reach out to the public with my poetry to find ways to help inspire people pertaining to their everyday lives. Family mishaps, sports enthusiasts, child abuse, nature lovers, love & romance, the love and loss of pets, devoted friendships, spiritual dreams and heartaches. Through my discoveries with this book I have discovered that truly their is something in 'Rhyme and Reason' for anyone.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
Through years of writing poetry and hand creating art, I decided among family and friends that I have a message, a way of reaching to people through my words. Publishing my work was my best alternative to reach out to others in ways to help people with my writing.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
Honestly, it was the challenge of what the cost would be, along with the details that would best fit my book based on the price.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part is easy, holding the final copy of your own book within your hands. This gives you such a complete feeling.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
When in search for the right method and cost of self-publishing, my suggesting would be to take your time and weigh your sources. Do not take the first one that falls on your lap. There are many competitors out there and I have found that the more options that a publisher can offer us, the more advantages we have as a writer.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Author House..(This is the only site that has the E-Book)
Publisher Site: Hardcopy, Softcopy, E-Book
http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookSearchResults.aspx?Search=poettree
Amazon: Hardcopy, Softcopy
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=poettree&x=16&y=18
Barnes and Noble: Hardcopy, Softcopy
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Rhyme-with-Reason/Poettree/e/9781414046778/?itm=6&USRI=rhyme+with+reason
E-Bay: Hardcopy, Softcopy
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rhyme-Reason-PoetTrees-Galleries-Volume-I-Poet-/380324528530
ecampus.com: Hardcopy, Softcopy
http://www.ecampus.com/rhyme-reason-poettrees-galleries-volume-i/bk/9781414046785
Thanks for the information Tom, and good luck with book sales!
Do you need help with self-publishing your book? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/!
Interview with "The Immigrants' Daughter" Author, Mary Terzian
Today, we’re talking to Mary Terzian, author of “The Immigrants’ Daughter.” Here’s what she has to say:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
My book, “The Immigrants’ Daughter,” a memoir about growing up in Egypt in the 1940’s, was published in 2005 by Booklocker.com. It is a story of triumph over destiny, breaking the chains of tradition by embracing freedom. It can be ordered from bookstores (distributed through Ingram), from Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and other online retailers, in E-format from Booklocker.com, and from digital shelves like Kindle, Ipad and Nook.
“The Immigrants’ Daughter” won the Best Books 2006 Award and placed as a finalist in the Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards, in nonfiction, under the “multicultural” subdivision. It has garnered fifteen five-star reviews on Amazon.com. At the 18th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition for self-published books it was given 4.5 points out of a possible 5.
Per the judge’s comments, “'The Immigrants’ Daughter' is a totally enjoyable read from start to finish . . . laced with the perfect mix of drama and humor, with some occasional sarcasm thrown in for good measure. She (Terzian) is also a master at sensory detail . . . so that readers are engaged in the surroundings without ever being overwhelmed. Women of all nationalities will be amazed at her strength and character as she takes them through her struggles to overcome Middle Eastern ideas regarding ‘a woman’s place’ in society in the 1940’s . . . The snappy chapter titles brought a smile to my face.”
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I tried a few agents and publishers. I must confess. I did not pursue this route long because I felt young editors will not fully appreciate the ambiance of the times and the struggles it took for women, especially in the Middle East, to overcome their secondary role. Also the book’s multicultural content and my foreign name might raise some concerns about it being a home-made recipe. I wrote it, of course, from the wider international perspective. Also self-publishing was the faster route to see the book in print. .
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
I was a closet poet in my teens, releasing my pent-up emotions via the pen. Eventually writing became a sideline because it gave me pleasure my regular jobs did not offer. I had quite a number of articles published in local and ethnic papers, first in Armenian and later in English.
Some of them are available online, at www.authorsden.com/maryterzian, or just by “googling” my name. Success and acceptance at Toastmasters’ and Writers’ Clubs boosted my self confidence to venture on my own. Beside the major decision of choosing a publisher, I had to cross over my regularly low profile to promote my book, to meet my audience, embrace my fans sometimes, attend discussions, and to keep up with an ever-changing technology. Marketing a book is a time-consuming occupation.
My two critique groups, and the two clubs I belonged to, California Writers’ Club and Writers’ Club of Whittier, were the testing grounds for my writing. I could not have succeeded without my fellow writers' encouragement, constructive criticism and kudos.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
My book proved to be a catharsis for me. It sort of cleansed my soul. It was an accomplishment I had opted for and it was carried out satisfactorily. It helped me shift my priorities from fame and fortune to the pleasure of self-actualization. I hope I influenced a lot of women, men too, to make the proper choices in the pursuit of their goals in life. I derived the greatest satisfaction from fans who have profusely thanked me for the impact my book has had on them. Bringing hope and joy to others has been a mission I did not anticipate but welcomed with open arms. When my fans ask for more articles I am “tickled pink.”
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
1. Have the book professionally edited.
2. Choose a cover that is compatible with the story within.
3. Have an attention catching title that will strike a chord with the readers.
4. Research web for information on comparative costs and services of self publishing companies. I found The Fine Print by Mike Levine very useful.
5. Be as careful in the choice of a publisher as in the selection of a lifetime partner.
6. Study the offers. All that glitters is not gold.
7. Review your contract carefully. Read between the lines. Are shipment costs spelled out. Is an ISBN included in the charges? Is the author’s royalty based on the list price (at which the books is sold) or at the net price (after all relative expenses have been deducted.)? Check on author discounts, free books etc.
8. Have a marketing plan. The onus of promoting the book is primarily the author’s responsibility.
9. If the idea of self promotion is alien to you, hire a publicist, use advertising or the social media, burn a house down (not really), learn to accept praise gracefully.
You need to develop your platform as soon as you start writing your book.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Write from the heart. If you are sincere the rewards will catch up with you. My most favorite motto is “the future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams.” Eventually your enthusiasm and determination will meet with success.
Thanks so much Mary, and good luck with book sales! For help with self-publishing your book, please write to me below or visit http://www.jexbo.com/!
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
My book, “The Immigrants’ Daughter,” a memoir about growing up in Egypt in the 1940’s, was published in 2005 by Booklocker.com. It is a story of triumph over destiny, breaking the chains of tradition by embracing freedom. It can be ordered from bookstores (distributed through Ingram), from Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and other online retailers, in E-format from Booklocker.com, and from digital shelves like Kindle, Ipad and Nook.
“The Immigrants’ Daughter” won the Best Books 2006 Award and placed as a finalist in the Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards, in nonfiction, under the “multicultural” subdivision. It has garnered fifteen five-star reviews on Amazon.com. At the 18th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition for self-published books it was given 4.5 points out of a possible 5.
Per the judge’s comments, “'The Immigrants’ Daughter' is a totally enjoyable read from start to finish . . . laced with the perfect mix of drama and humor, with some occasional sarcasm thrown in for good measure. She (Terzian) is also a master at sensory detail . . . so that readers are engaged in the surroundings without ever being overwhelmed. Women of all nationalities will be amazed at her strength and character as she takes them through her struggles to overcome Middle Eastern ideas regarding ‘a woman’s place’ in society in the 1940’s . . . The snappy chapter titles brought a smile to my face.”
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I tried a few agents and publishers. I must confess. I did not pursue this route long because I felt young editors will not fully appreciate the ambiance of the times and the struggles it took for women, especially in the Middle East, to overcome their secondary role. Also the book’s multicultural content and my foreign name might raise some concerns about it being a home-made recipe. I wrote it, of course, from the wider international perspective. Also self-publishing was the faster route to see the book in print. .
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
I was a closet poet in my teens, releasing my pent-up emotions via the pen. Eventually writing became a sideline because it gave me pleasure my regular jobs did not offer. I had quite a number of articles published in local and ethnic papers, first in Armenian and later in English.
Some of them are available online, at www.authorsden.com/maryterzian, or just by “googling” my name. Success and acceptance at Toastmasters’ and Writers’ Clubs boosted my self confidence to venture on my own. Beside the major decision of choosing a publisher, I had to cross over my regularly low profile to promote my book, to meet my audience, embrace my fans sometimes, attend discussions, and to keep up with an ever-changing technology. Marketing a book is a time-consuming occupation.
My two critique groups, and the two clubs I belonged to, California Writers’ Club and Writers’ Club of Whittier, were the testing grounds for my writing. I could not have succeeded without my fellow writers' encouragement, constructive criticism and kudos.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
My book proved to be a catharsis for me. It sort of cleansed my soul. It was an accomplishment I had opted for and it was carried out satisfactorily. It helped me shift my priorities from fame and fortune to the pleasure of self-actualization. I hope I influenced a lot of women, men too, to make the proper choices in the pursuit of their goals in life. I derived the greatest satisfaction from fans who have profusely thanked me for the impact my book has had on them. Bringing hope and joy to others has been a mission I did not anticipate but welcomed with open arms. When my fans ask for more articles I am “tickled pink.”
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
1. Have the book professionally edited.
2. Choose a cover that is compatible with the story within.
3. Have an attention catching title that will strike a chord with the readers.
4. Research web for information on comparative costs and services of self publishing companies. I found The Fine Print by Mike Levine very useful.
5. Be as careful in the choice of a publisher as in the selection of a lifetime partner.
6. Study the offers. All that glitters is not gold.
7. Review your contract carefully. Read between the lines. Are shipment costs spelled out. Is an ISBN included in the charges? Is the author’s royalty based on the list price (at which the books is sold) or at the net price (after all relative expenses have been deducted.)? Check on author discounts, free books etc.
8. Have a marketing plan. The onus of promoting the book is primarily the author’s responsibility.
9. If the idea of self promotion is alien to you, hire a publicist, use advertising or the social media, burn a house down (not really), learn to accept praise gracefully.
You need to develop your platform as soon as you start writing your book.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Write from the heart. If you are sincere the rewards will catch up with you. My most favorite motto is “the future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams.” Eventually your enthusiasm and determination will meet with success.
Thanks so much Mary, and good luck with book sales! For help with self-publishing your book, please write to me below or visit http://www.jexbo.com/!
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