Happy Halloween!
I meet people all the time who tell me they have a great idea for a book, but don’t know where to get started. Here are a few ideas I have for where to get help writing your book:
A great place to start is to join a writing group. These are people just like you who want to write and share their ideas. You can look for groups at your local library or community center, but if you don’t find one, start one yourself! Just post a notice asking other writers if they’re free to meet on a regular basis, usually once a month.
You could also do online searches for how to get started. Search “how to write a book” and you’ll find plenty of sites that give tips on how to get started.
Something you might do is talk to friends. Even if your friends aren’t writers, they might have a good idea for you to get started. You might use them as a sounding board about your book idea, or they might read through what you’ve written and give you thoughtful feedback.
Don’t forget that it helps to read well-written books. You can get a feeling for what works and what doesn’t. You might also try writing a paragraph or two of your book in the style of different writers. Not only is imitation the sincerest form of flattery, it’s also good practice!
Good luck with your writing, and let me know what worked for you to get help with your book here or at http://www.jexbo.com/!
Showing posts with label free publicity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free publicity. Show all posts
Today at jexbo, we’re talking to Linda Hoagland, author of nine self-published or print-on-demand books. Here’s what she had to say:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
"Watch Out for Eddy" is a story about a fifteen-year-old named Eddy, whose life is forever changed when he, while riding a bicycle, collides with a car.
Eddy’s mother, Ellen, tells the story of her son’s survival as well as the survival of the family. While she was waiting for Eddy’s brain to heal, Ellen looked for help with handling the monster that the brain injury had created. The part of Eddy’s brain that was injured was the part that led to aggression and hatred. His brain seemed to be stuck in that mode. Her quiet, passive son changed to one that was determined to kill her and his younger brother.
Ellen needed help and wasn’t able to find it. It became her goal to write a book so others, who might be in her situation, could have whatever guidance she was able to offer.
"Watch Out for Eddy" is available at Amazon.com and from the author. It was published in 2009 by Henderson Publishing of Pounding Mill, Virginia.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I live in a rural area of Virginia where there are no national chain bookstores, no literary agents, or direct paths to the large publishing houses. The only way my words were going to be put on the printed page was by self-publishing and, of course, selling those books by personally presenting them to the public.
What were the biggest challenges to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The cost became my biggest challenge to getting this particular book published. It took a great deal of time to get the funds gathered to begin the process, but I couldn’t have been happier about the end product.
I wanted my book edited for spelling and grammar but I didn’t want the content changed in any other way because it was a true store and I wanted it to remain true.
Self-publishing allowed me to keep my story true and factual with only the names changed to protect Eddy.
What was the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
In order to get my books into the hands of the readers, I have to get out and meet the public, which I gladly do at every function where they allow me to set-up a table. Most of the time I get to talk one-on-one to people and tell them about my writing and how much a part of my life it has become.
I have discovered that because I self-publish or use print-on-demand, that I get a bigger portion of the profit than if I were published by one of the large publishing houses who limit the writer to a very small percentage of the profit for each book sale.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
If it is your desire to be the next John Grisham or Danielle Steel, then you should seek the services of a literary agent and pound away at the big publishing houses. But – if you want to see your words in print the way you wrote them, then self-publishing is the route to follow.
I would love national recognition for my writing, but I’m very realistic with my dreams. If my books are read by my friends, neighbors, and those I meet and greet at the fairs and festivals in my region of this wonderful country, I will be happy.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Keep writing – the more you write, the better you get.
I have eight other self-published or print-on-demand books available. They are:
FICTION:
Checking on the House, 2011
Death by Computer, 2010
The Backwards House, 2009
An Awfully Lonely Place, 2008
NONFICTION:
Quilted Memories, 2011
Living Life for Others, 2010
Just a Country Boy – Don Dunford, 2010, Edited
The Little Old Lady Next Door, 2006
They are available from the writer, Amazon.com, PublishAmerica, or local outlets in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
Arts Depot – Abingdon, VA
Holston Mountain Artisans – Abingdon, VA
Appalachian Arts Center – Richlands, VA
Historic Crab Order Museum – Tazewell, VA
Bubba’s Book Swap – Kingsport, TN
Hearthside Books – Bluefield, VA
Brainy Boston Bookstore – Princeton, WV
Thanks for the great information about self-publishing your books Linda! Good luck with more book sales!
For more information on self-publishing, visit http://www.jexbo.com/.
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
"Watch Out for Eddy" is a story about a fifteen-year-old named Eddy, whose life is forever changed when he, while riding a bicycle, collides with a car.
Eddy’s mother, Ellen, tells the story of her son’s survival as well as the survival of the family. While she was waiting for Eddy’s brain to heal, Ellen looked for help with handling the monster that the brain injury had created. The part of Eddy’s brain that was injured was the part that led to aggression and hatred. His brain seemed to be stuck in that mode. Her quiet, passive son changed to one that was determined to kill her and his younger brother.
Ellen needed help and wasn’t able to find it. It became her goal to write a book so others, who might be in her situation, could have whatever guidance she was able to offer.
"Watch Out for Eddy" is available at Amazon.com and from the author. It was published in 2009 by Henderson Publishing of Pounding Mill, Virginia.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I live in a rural area of Virginia where there are no national chain bookstores, no literary agents, or direct paths to the large publishing houses. The only way my words were going to be put on the printed page was by self-publishing and, of course, selling those books by personally presenting them to the public.
What were the biggest challenges to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The cost became my biggest challenge to getting this particular book published. It took a great deal of time to get the funds gathered to begin the process, but I couldn’t have been happier about the end product.
I wanted my book edited for spelling and grammar but I didn’t want the content changed in any other way because it was a true store and I wanted it to remain true.
Self-publishing allowed me to keep my story true and factual with only the names changed to protect Eddy.
What was the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
In order to get my books into the hands of the readers, I have to get out and meet the public, which I gladly do at every function where they allow me to set-up a table. Most of the time I get to talk one-on-one to people and tell them about my writing and how much a part of my life it has become.
I have discovered that because I self-publish or use print-on-demand, that I get a bigger portion of the profit than if I were published by one of the large publishing houses who limit the writer to a very small percentage of the profit for each book sale.
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
If it is your desire to be the next John Grisham or Danielle Steel, then you should seek the services of a literary agent and pound away at the big publishing houses. But – if you want to see your words in print the way you wrote them, then self-publishing is the route to follow.
I would love national recognition for my writing, but I’m very realistic with my dreams. If my books are read by my friends, neighbors, and those I meet and greet at the fairs and festivals in my region of this wonderful country, I will be happy.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Keep writing – the more you write, the better you get.
I have eight other self-published or print-on-demand books available. They are:
FICTION:
Checking on the House, 2011
Death by Computer, 2010
The Backwards House, 2009
An Awfully Lonely Place, 2008
NONFICTION:
Quilted Memories, 2011
Living Life for Others, 2010
Just a Country Boy – Don Dunford, 2010, Edited
The Little Old Lady Next Door, 2006
They are available from the writer, Amazon.com, PublishAmerica, or local outlets in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
Arts Depot – Abingdon, VA
Holston Mountain Artisans – Abingdon, VA
Appalachian Arts Center – Richlands, VA
Historic Crab Order Museum – Tazewell, VA
Bubba’s Book Swap – Kingsport, TN
Hearthside Books – Bluefield, VA
Brainy Boston Bookstore – Princeton, WV
Thanks for the great information about self-publishing your books Linda! Good luck with more book sales!
For more information on self-publishing, visit http://www.jexbo.com/.
Questions to Ask a Self-Publishing Firm Before You Give Them Any Money
I think self-publishing your book is a great idea, but there are a number of things to consider before you decide to pay a self-publisher to publish your book. First of all, how much you are willing to spend to have your book published? Once you know your limit, then you need to shop around for a publisher that will fit your budget.
It’s very important to understand what you’re paying for. Some publishers will merely print your book exactly as you give it to them. If you’re confident in your editing, this might be the best way to go. If you need some editing help, however, you might want to look for a publishing firm that includes it as part of their package. Then you’ll need to ask what does editing mean to that firm? Is it a basic editing such as a spell check, or something more thorough?
If your book needs cover art, will you have to supply it? Does the publisher have someone who will work with you to decide on the book cover? How much will it cost to have a cover designed for your book?
Other questions to consider include: Are there hidden charges, such as shipping and handling, that won’t show up in the basic package rate? If you’re using a print-on-demand service, what is the up-front charge?
Overwhelmingly, I hear positive comments from authors who self-publish their books, but these are some things you need to keep in mind when you’re deciding to self-publish your own book.
It’s very important to understand what you’re paying for. Some publishers will merely print your book exactly as you give it to them. If you’re confident in your editing, this might be the best way to go. If you need some editing help, however, you might want to look for a publishing firm that includes it as part of their package. Then you’ll need to ask what does editing mean to that firm? Is it a basic editing such as a spell check, or something more thorough?
If your book needs cover art, will you have to supply it? Does the publisher have someone who will work with you to decide on the book cover? How much will it cost to have a cover designed for your book?
Other questions to consider include: Are there hidden charges, such as shipping and handling, that won’t show up in the basic package rate? If you’re using a print-on-demand service, what is the up-front charge?
Overwhelmingly, I hear positive comments from authors who self-publish their books, but these are some things you need to keep in mind when you’re deciding to self-publish your own book.
Dealing with Tricky Customers
I would like to say that running a business is easy and fun all the time, but there are times when I have to deal with people I call “tricky customers.”
Overwhelmingly, I have emails and calls from positive, helpful people, but every once in awhile I get a message that knocks the wind out of my sails.
Here are some of the things I do when I have to deal with these negative customers:
I try to always respond with kindness. For all I know, that person has had a terrible day. And a problem on my website, or with one of the authors selling books on my website, is just the straw that broke the camel’s back to them. If I answer gently and fix the problem as fast as I can, I find that the tricky customer soon calms down.
If I have to research something for a tricky customer, I let them know how long it will take me to help them, what I am doing to help them, and when I have finished what I’m doing. This way, they aren’t left hanging wondering if I’ve even gotten around to reading their email.
For the worst-case scenario, make sure you have a good lawyer. I have never had to use my lawyer, but I update her quarterly with what I’m doing. This way, if I need her, she has current information about my company and customers.
Remember that the worst case almost never happens. And even the angriest customer usually calms down, and you don’t have to deal with them forever.
Remind yourself in the midst of a crisis of dealing with a tricky customer that whatever the problem is, it will pass. And you will likely have a satisfied customer in the end.
Got questions about being a new entrepreneur or selling a self-published book? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
Overwhelmingly, I have emails and calls from positive, helpful people, but every once in awhile I get a message that knocks the wind out of my sails.
Here are some of the things I do when I have to deal with these negative customers:
I try to always respond with kindness. For all I know, that person has had a terrible day. And a problem on my website, or with one of the authors selling books on my website, is just the straw that broke the camel’s back to them. If I answer gently and fix the problem as fast as I can, I find that the tricky customer soon calms down.
If I have to research something for a tricky customer, I let them know how long it will take me to help them, what I am doing to help them, and when I have finished what I’m doing. This way, they aren’t left hanging wondering if I’ve even gotten around to reading their email.
For the worst-case scenario, make sure you have a good lawyer. I have never had to use my lawyer, but I update her quarterly with what I’m doing. This way, if I need her, she has current information about my company and customers.
Remember that the worst case almost never happens. And even the angriest customer usually calms down, and you don’t have to deal with them forever.
Remind yourself in the midst of a crisis of dealing with a tricky customer that whatever the problem is, it will pass. And you will likely have a satisfied customer in the end.
Got questions about being a new entrepreneur or selling a self-published book? Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.
How Do You Get Book Publicity? – Interview with Melanie Rembrandt, author of “Simple Publicity”
Ever wondered how to get publicity for your book without spending a lot of money?
Well, Melanie Rembrandt, owner of Rembrandt Communications, http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/, and jexbo’s publicist, has summarized her extensive, publicity and SEO copywriting experience into a simple guide anyone can follow to build buzz.
Instead of spending a fortune on a big agency or service, you can do your own public relations with this simple and inexpensive book. Here’s what Melanie had to say:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
After spending years helping entrepreneurs who wasted time and money on public relations agencies and SEO scams, I decided to create a simple guide to help them do their own public relations. It’s called, “Simple Publicity – How to do your own public relations to boost sales, awareness and credibility fast… without spending a lot of money.”
Inside, you’ll learn the number one way to get press easily, what never to say or do during a media interview, the four big myths about getting publicity, and a lot more. There are easy guidelines for creating a press release, preparing a media kit, optimizing your site for the search engines, and more.
In a matter of hours, you’ll be able to start generating media attention for your book, business or organization – for less than $25.00!
“Simple Publicity” is available on my site at http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/, on jexbo at http://www.jexbo.com/items/211 and on Amazon at http://amzn.to/simplepublicity.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I wanted to share my simple, publicity tips with entrepreneurs as soon as possible. And self-publishing allowed me to get my message out fast.
In a matter of weeks, I was able to share the book with new buyers and my established audience (via my free newsletter and various blogs at StartupNation, PINK, Smallbiz America, and others).
By self-publishing “Simple Publicity,” I have complete control over the entire process including creative, editing, marketing, sales, and promotion.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The entire self-publishing process, including the writing, editing, research, and marketing, takes a lot of hard work. The biggest challenge was finding the time to finish the book while continuing to run my public relations and SEO copywriting business.
To overcome this challenge, I got up in the wee hours of morning to finish my “to do” list for the book. This process worked out well, and I was able to work on the self-publishing process before starting my “regular” workday.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part about the self-publishing process was being able to provide struggling entrepreneurs with the information they needed quickly to start publicizing their businesses.
All of the PR and marketing data out there can be overwhelming. And it was a real joy to simplify the publicity process and distribute the information to those who needed it as fast as possible. Now, instead of being overwhelmed and broke, entrepreneurs can learn how to do their own PR for the book cost of $19.99!
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Write down your goals, conduct research on the services available to help you with the process, set a schedule for writing and marketing, and then, stick to your schedule. By working on your book a little each day, you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a few weeks, and your book will be done before you know it.
Plus, there is a lot of great information available to help you succeed at http://www.jexbo.com/, http://www.selfpublishing.com/, http://www.copyright.gov/, http://www.bookmarket.com/ and more.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Writing a book and self-publishing are a lot of work. But you will enjoy complete control and the satisfaction of selling your book when, where and how you want! Go for it, and don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done!
And if you want some free information on how to build buzz for your books, please check out my site at http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/. I offer a free, weekly newsletter, reports, blog entries and a lot more.
Thanks for your inspiration and tips, Melanie. All the best with “Simple Publicity”
How about you? Do you need help selling your books online? Please let me know here, or visit http://www.jexbo.com/ to post your book for free and get some valuable information on self-publishing.
Well, Melanie Rembrandt, owner of Rembrandt Communications, http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/, and jexbo’s publicist, has summarized her extensive, publicity and SEO copywriting experience into a simple guide anyone can follow to build buzz.
Instead of spending a fortune on a big agency or service, you can do your own public relations with this simple and inexpensive book. Here’s what Melanie had to say:
Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.
After spending years helping entrepreneurs who wasted time and money on public relations agencies and SEO scams, I decided to create a simple guide to help them do their own public relations. It’s called, “Simple Publicity – How to do your own public relations to boost sales, awareness and credibility fast… without spending a lot of money.”
Inside, you’ll learn the number one way to get press easily, what never to say or do during a media interview, the four big myths about getting publicity, and a lot more. There are easy guidelines for creating a press release, preparing a media kit, optimizing your site for the search engines, and more.
In a matter of hours, you’ll be able to start generating media attention for your book, business or organization – for less than $25.00!
“Simple Publicity” is available on my site at http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/, on jexbo at http://www.jexbo.com/items/211 and on Amazon at http://amzn.to/simplepublicity.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I wanted to share my simple, publicity tips with entrepreneurs as soon as possible. And self-publishing allowed me to get my message out fast.
In a matter of weeks, I was able to share the book with new buyers and my established audience (via my free newsletter and various blogs at StartupNation, PINK, Smallbiz America, and others).
By self-publishing “Simple Publicity,” I have complete control over the entire process including creative, editing, marketing, sales, and promotion.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?
The entire self-publishing process, including the writing, editing, research, and marketing, takes a lot of hard work. The biggest challenge was finding the time to finish the book while continuing to run my public relations and SEO copywriting business.
To overcome this challenge, I got up in the wee hours of morning to finish my “to do” list for the book. This process worked out well, and I was able to work on the self-publishing process before starting my “regular” workday.
What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?
The best part about the self-publishing process was being able to provide struggling entrepreneurs with the information they needed quickly to start publicizing their businesses.
All of the PR and marketing data out there can be overwhelming. And it was a real joy to simplify the publicity process and distribute the information to those who needed it as fast as possible. Now, instead of being overwhelmed and broke, entrepreneurs can learn how to do their own PR for the book cost of $19.99!
What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?
Write down your goals, conduct research on the services available to help you with the process, set a schedule for writing and marketing, and then, stick to your schedule. By working on your book a little each day, you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a few weeks, and your book will be done before you know it.
Plus, there is a lot of great information available to help you succeed at http://www.jexbo.com/, http://www.selfpublishing.com/, http://www.copyright.gov/, http://www.bookmarket.com/ and more.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Writing a book and self-publishing are a lot of work. But you will enjoy complete control and the satisfaction of selling your book when, where and how you want! Go for it, and don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done!
And if you want some free information on how to build buzz for your books, please check out my site at http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/. I offer a free, weekly newsletter, reports, blog entries and a lot more.
Thanks for your inspiration and tips, Melanie. All the best with “Simple Publicity”
How about you? Do you need help selling your books online? Please let me know here, or visit http://www.jexbo.com/ to post your book for free and get some valuable information on self-publishing.
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