"Notes from An Alien" Author Interview

Today we’re talking to Alexander M Zoltai, author of “Notes from An Alien.” Here’s what he has to say:

Tell us about your self-published book and where it is available.

• Start with a 500-year InterWorld War.
• Continue through ecological disaster and the decimation of populations. 
• Follow the institution of a Worlds’ government, bringing a glimmer of hope.
• Discover the challenges and failures of unifying three very different Worlds.
• Explore what it takes to give birth to a lasting peace.

This is what reading Notes from An Alien promises.

And: This Story Could Help Earth…

You can read it online, get a free digital copy, plus buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble and for the iPad by going here: http://notesfromanalien.yolasite.com/contact-us.php

Why did you decide to self-publish?

First, because Notes from An Alien is a radical “niche” novel.

Second, because I don't “trust” the mainstream publishing process.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

Taking on the never-ending job of self-promotion.

Why? Because, even on the Internet, I'm quite the Introvert :-)

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

The best part of self-publishing is that the book is out there, available, and I'm controlling the promotion.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

Make absolutely sure you get as many eyeballs on the manuscript as possible.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I have a forum for discussing the issues raised in the story here: http://notesfromanalien.yolasite.com/forum.php#/

Plus, I spend at least 20 hours a week in the virtual world, Second Life, attending to various levels of self-promotion...

Thanks for the information about your book Alexander, and good luck with book sales!

For help with your self-publishing efforts, please write to me here or at 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!

Quick Tips to Promote Book Sales 3-7-11

Here are some quick tips to promote book sales:

• Set up Twitter and Facebook accounts for your book.

Both of these are free and can really help you get the word out that you have a book for sale… and inform readers where they can purchase a copy. Once you have accounts set up, then you need to regularly update them to keep things current.

For instance, you could include a sentence from your book one day. Then, the next day, write something about yourself. Then, the following day, mention where the book can be purchased. Make sure the content changes so your followers and friends are always reading something new from you.

• Get in touch with blog-talk radio hosts who interview authors.

You could use a search engine to find an interviewer. Then, send an email introducing yourself and your book and ask to be put on their schedule of interviews.

If you can bring a fresh perspective each time, you could be interviewed more than once on a show. For instance, in one interview talk about how you wrote your book. In another, talk about yourself, and in another, give your tips for writers.

• Have a contest for your friends and family.

Ask them to help promote your book, and take the first one to sell ten copies of your book out to lunch. This lets you reach a large group of people fairly quickly.

Do you have any tips to promote books sales? I’d love to hear them! Please let me know here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.

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!

Tips for Running a Business and Self-Publishing a Book While Raising a Family

As the New Year approaches, I thought I’d share some of my tips with you on running a business, self-publishing a book and raising a family at the time. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating:
Be organized and work ahead as much as possible.

Something I love are the free, printable calendars available from a number of websites (search “free printable calendar” and you’ll find a number to choose from). When I need to have a day organized carefully, I print off a calendar with everything for that day in set blocks of time so I can follow it closely.

Most of the time, I just need a weekly calendar-page printed with the jobs I have to do, and I print off one copy to keep next to my computer and one copy to keep in my purse. I check it every night to be sure I know exactly what I need to do for the upcoming day.

With the school calendar, I need to change some of my schedule to include carpooling, after-school practice times, and additional school and church activities. For me, this means back to working early in the morning, rather than in the middle of the day. For you, it might mean working later in the evening.

Finally, be sure you set yourself some sort of schedule to follow, even if it’s as simple as doing laundry on Mondays, sending e-mails at 8:30 am, or writing 3,000 words per day. It’s easy to let time slip away if you don’t have a goal to reach each day, but it’s also just as easy to accomplish something if you put your mind to it.

Do you have questions and need help with writing and marketing your self-published book? Please contact me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.

Happy 2011!

How to Thank the People Who've Helped You with Your Writing Career

Actually, writing a book may be a job you do alone, but nearly everyone has help along they way. You might not have someone who does research for you, or who types as you dictate, but you more than likely had a friend or two read through your book as you wrote it, or perhaps someone stopped by with dinner so wouldn’t have to stop working one night.

There are several things you can do to thank them for their help, and to let them know you appreciate what they did for you.

First of all, consider including them in a dedication or “with special thanks” section at the front of your book. Just as it’s thrilling for you to see your name on your book, it’s thrilling for your friends to be included.

Second, think about something special you could do for your friends who helped. It doesn’t have to be expensive – maybe just invite everyone over for a book launch/thank you party and order pizza for them.

Finally, don’t forget the best and simplest way to thank someone – just tell them. Say how much you appreciate their help and friendship and let them know how much it meant to you while you were working on your book.

Do you have questions about self-publishing or finding the perfect gift? Please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/.

Interview with Self-Published Author and Motivational Speaker Daryl Wizelman

Today, you are in for a treat because we are talking to Daryl Wizelman. Daryl is a leadership, corporate culture, emotional intelligence, life planning and work/life balance motivational speaker who consults with companies, associations, professional athletes, sports teams and individuals all over the world. Here’s what Daryl had to say about his self-published book:


Tell us about your self-published book.

“Heart Leader: A Personal Journey to the Heart of Business and Life,” combines inspirational stories and valuable lessons learned from 20 years of business leadership. Published in April 2010, Heart Leader contains numerous practical tools that can be immediately implemented by readers to improve their careers, businesses, relationships and lives. My personal journey, recollected in the book, is a roller-coaster of success, failure, joy and pain, and serves as an inspiration for my readers.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

Self publishing gave me the artistic freedom to write what I wanted to write and choose the book cover art that I wanted.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book and why?

Not having a traditional publisher meant that I would have to secure my own press opportunities through a PR firm. The firm I hired JS2 has done a great job for me as a first time writer who isn't a celebrity.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book and why?

I got to write and published exactly what I wanted the reader to read.

What advice do you have for other writers who are self-publishing their book?

If you can afford to hire a PR firm, then it is a must to get the book out to media. There is an organic element but I believe that fire is started through PR.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Writing is liberating and cathartic. If you have something to say, say it with pride.

Thanks for your words of wisdom Daryl. To find our more about Daryl and his book, visit http://www.darylwizelman.com/.


And if you have questions about self-publishing, or want your book featured on this blog, please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks.

Self-Publish Author Series – Interview with Chris Wager

In today’s self-published author interview, we talk to Chris Wager, author of “101 Helpful Painting Hints” available on jexbo at http://www.jexbo.com/items/106. Here’s what Chris had to say about creating his self-published book:

Tell us about your self-published book.

My title, “101 Helpful Painting Hints,” is in a question and answer format in order to make it easy for everyone to get the information they need quickly about their projects.

It covers 101 basic questions do-it-yourselfers have about preparing and painting on their homes. And to help them decide if painting is right for them. Also included is information for those wishing to hire a contractor but don’t know where to start.

It also includes information about what to expect and advice on how to get the work done right and on time. “101 Helpful Painting Hints” is designed to be a “go-to guide” again and again as folks tackle different projects around their home.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I choose to self-publish because it allowed me total literary freedom to include the information I felt important to make the title a true value.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?

My biggest challenge was deciding the structure of the content to present it in a manner with the reader in mind.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?

The best part has been providing a title that has met my expectations of meeting the needs of the first-time do-it-yourselfers with real and useful information.

What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?

My advice would be to work hard, and listen to folks like Jill Exler and Melanie Rembrandt who provide information to self-published authors via jexbo.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to add, don’t judge the success of a title in dollars and cents. Rather, judge in the fact that you, the writer, had the courage and self-determination to blaze your own path.

Thanks for your great words of inspiration Chris! Are you in the process of writing your self-published book? If you have questions about selling books online and self-publishing, please contact us here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Self-Published Author Series - Interview with Gary Patterson

As part of the jexbo, Self-Published Author Series, today we hear from Gary Patterson of FiscalDoctor, Inc., www.FiscalDoctor.com. He is the author of “Stick Out Your Balance Sheet and Cough: Best Practices for Long-Term Business Health.”

Tell us about your self-published book.


Sticking our your balance sheet and coughing gets you what you need to know in time for needed procedures which can mean the difference between life and death, in your product, business, department, life, or job.

Too many leaders are taking far greater risks than they may be aware of. Posing the million-dollar-question, “What is the cost of what you don’t know,” this book alerts you to hidden risks that may be lurking inside your departments and even companies.

Sticking out your balance sheet is no more comfortable than a visit to your doctor, but it’s every bit as important. Even if it’s bad news (maybe especially), you need to know.

Why did you decide to self-publish?


1. Could ensure my message was delivered.
2. Knew my book would come out on time, and not be moved back a year at the whim of a publisher.
3. Quality of my book and its appearance is superior to the commercial standards.
4. Can use or repurpose content.
5. The dollars and % offered was so low, in the present economy.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?


Continually raising the bar as more experts and leaders supported me on writing the book and praising its practical USABLE content approach.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?


How much better my message is presented in terms of clarity, focus and audience benefits. Business leaders and even enterprise risk management (ERM) experts say my common sense readable overview fills a void with highly technical dense versions on this crucial topic, which many outside the filed perceive as dull, boring, even painful to read.

What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?


Read Dan Poynter’s book on researching your topic, writing, publishing, and marketing your book early in your process.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Videos are available on keynote, book and the FiscalClinic at http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=ermadvocate&aq=f. I love helping others with speeches on the related topics of risk management, risk analysis, corporate governance, leadership, and the bottom-line impact of going green.

Thanks for the information Gary and wise adviser for self-published authors and business owners.

Do you have questions about marketing, selling and publicizing your book? Please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Self Publish Author Series – Interview with M.J. Macie

As part of the jexbo self-published author series, today we speak to M.J. Macie. As a mystery writer, M.J. has three self-published books available on jexbo.com in the “Mysteries and Thriller” section at http://www.jexbo.com/categories/150/subcategories/176.

Here is what M.J. had to say:

Tell us about your self-published books.

The Devil’s Pawn is the story of Robin Wilder, a novelist and creative writing instructor who struggles to heal from a tragedy that traumatized her life and compelled her to flee her hometown. She settles in the quaint town of Heritage, SC, and spends the next four years living the pretense of an ordinary life as a novelist and creative writing instructor. However, Robin's facade unravels when someone murders her fiancé then begins threatening her life. After a student's warning leads to the young woman's murder, Robin realizes she must confront her past and find the killer before she, or someone else she cares about, becomes the next victim.

The Palmetto Connection is the story of Anne Corey, a Literature professor living under the Witness Security Program. After years of running, she decides to settle down only to discover the enemies she thought she’d eluded were close to finding her and killing the people she cares about. Moreover, when she sought aid she discovered the only person who could help her, the link between her former identity and her new, was dead. Anne Corey finds herself alone, unable to share her secret, and too frightened to trust anyone. Now she must either flee from the home and friends she loves, or confront her enemies; risking her life and the lives of those about whom she cares.

A Cruel Legacy is the story of Caressa Cruel, a television newscaster who returns to historic downtown Charleston, SC to comfort her dying father only to have him reveal a shocking secret. A confession that not only verifies her life is in danger, but also rouses agonizing memories of her troubled past. When her father dies before revealing a vital piece of information, he leaves Caressa to search for the answers that would reveal the identity of a killer. Caressa’s dilemma intensifies when she discovers the body of a loved one, murdered. Now she is left heartbroken and without answers. Will she be able to decipher the details of her father’s confession? Can she uncover the truth and expose the killer before he catches her?

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I decided to self-publish because I felt the traditional method was taking too long. Also, I knew with self-publishing I would not only maintain the rights to the novels, but I’d have full control over the writing and publishing process.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?

I felt the biggest challenge I had to overcome in self-publishing was figuring out a marketing plan, which by way of the Internet, has turned out to be more rewarding than a challenge. I've also created a blog at http://m-j-macie.blogspot.com.

What has been the best part about self-publishing your book?

The best part about self-publishing my novels is the ease of publishing and the instant availability of the books to the public. I chose the POD (print-on-demand) method, and as soon as the novel is uploaded to the publishing site, it is available for me to check over a first draft.

Once I approve the draft, customers can begin purchasing the books. The internet and book sellers such as jexbo.com make that possible.

What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?

The advice I would give to other potential writers and self-published authors is to take the editing process seriously. We have self-published authors who haven’t put the time and energy into editing their books properly, or having a professional edit them, and the outcome is a self-published book that gives the industry a bad reputation.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Finally, I’d like to add that all self-published authors should be active on the Internet marketing and promoting their novels. The Internet provides many wonderful avenues for promoting novels. Websites, blogs, and agent and author sites offer great advice to published and aspiring authors and answer many writers’ questions. They also provide contests and other promotions to help get the word out on new authors or an author’s current novel.

Thanks for your great tips and insights M.J.! To find out more about M.J.’s novels, visit http://www.jexbo.com/categories/150/subcategories/176 or http://www.mj-macie-mysterybooks.com.

And for help with self-publishing and selling your books online, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks!

Self-Published Author Series – Interview with Christopher Hudson

As part of our self-publish author series, today, we interview Christopher Hudson, author of “Northern Cross.”

“Northern Cross” is an adventure thriller about a pilot who “piles betrayal upon betrayal in order to reclaim his life, only to discover that to win it all, he must be willing to risk everything.” It is available on jexbo.com at http://www.jexbo.com/items/58.

Tell us a little about your background and why you decided to write.

I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Detroit. I lived for several years in northern Michigan, where I developed a deep love for the natural beauty of the region, which is reflected in the novel. Better job opportunities lured me back to the metropolitan Detroit area where I became an "on-and-off denizen of cubeville."

I worked for several major training and marketing firms, producing scores of industrial videos and training programs. After my last lay-off, I devoted my time to creative writing, resulting in “Northern Cross,” a second book, “Headwind,” three screenplays, and several short stories.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome in self-publishing your book?

After several years of trying to find a publisher for my book, I finally stumbled onto a print-on-demand (POD) publisher who was interested in my manuscript. They were honest and forthcoming about their business and there were no upfront costs, so I signed with them. Nice people. Good editors. And the end product was great ... I generally get good reviews from everyone who has read it.

So what's the problem here, you're asking? Well, they told me when I signed that they depended on the author to help with marketing. I knew that marketing was not my strong suit, but I figured I could do a few things, so I had no problem with that.

But what I didn't understand was that, other than creating a listing on Amazon, there would be absolutely no marketing on their end ... no advance copies to reviewers, no press releases ... zip, zero, zilch. ALL marketing efforts were left to me.

I guess I didn't really understand that POD is just another name for self-publishing ... and when you self-publish; you are on your own ... totally and utterly. That may not be a problem for people who are naturally inclined to market themselves and their stuff, but I'm not one of them. In fact, I may be the world's worst self-promoter.

It's not that I haven't tried. I've sent out several web-based press releases ... I created a website (www.northerncrossonline), I've done some book signings, and I've listed NC with all the search tools I can find.

What advice do you have for other potential writers and self-published authors?


Now, I didn't expect to set the world on fire with my first novel, but I must admit that I was looking for a little more recognition. Of course, I can't blame the POD publisher. They never made any promises, but I didn't really understand that by “helping with marketing” they meant “You sell it ... period.” With this experience, I've now schooled myself on the process. I bought a couple of books on self-publishing and did research on the Net.

But in the end, there is really no great mystery. If you want to get your product noticed, you better not be shy. You’ve got to pound the pavement, seek publicity, and not be sensitive to rejection ... 'cause there will be plenty of that.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

With what I've learned, would I self-publish again? Probably, because in the end, it was the only avenue open to me, and I'm proud of the book. But at least now I'd know what to expect. And that is, if you don't promote it, it ain't gonna be promoted.

Thanks for your personal insights and tips Christopher! To read more about his book, “Northern Cross,” please visit http://www.jexbo.com/items/58.

And if you need help marketing and promoting your self-published book, please write to me here or at www.jexbo.com. I’m here to help! Thanks!

Self-Publishing Author Series: Interview with Sara Morgan

Today, we are interviewing self-published author Sara Morgan, author of “No Limits,” http://www.nolimitsthebook.com/nolimits/Default.aspx.

• Tell us about your self-published book.
The name of my book is “No Limits: How I escaped the clutches of Corporate America to live the self-employed life of my dreams". You can probably guess what it is about from the title, but it is not just a memoir. In fact, it is a cross between a business how to book and an inspirational self-help book.

I not only included my story on how I became self-employed, but to prepare for the book, I interviewed seven other people, who were also independent or small business owners. At the time I wrote the book, my experience was as an independent web consultant, but I wanted to represent other situations, such as small business owners with employees and from various industries. I think that makes the book well rounded and all the reviewers have agreed.

The book includes practical advice, but it also helps someone to decide if self-employment is even right for them. I spend a whole chapter discussing the kind of traits someone should possess. I also inform the reader of considerations, such as insurance, taxes, and creating a web presence. The one chapter everyone seems to love the most is the one on “Letting go.” I talk about letting go of the things that so often hold us back, like blaming other people for our problems or giving into a fear of failure.

• Why did you decide to self-publish?
This is not my first book. In fact, it is my seventh. The other six were published with traditional publishers, and they were technical in nature. I decided to self-publish this book for two main reasons. One, I knew the material was timely, and I also knew the publishers would slow the process down way too much. I was able to write and produce the book in only three months. No publisher could have done that.

The second reason I chose to self-publish is because I wanted to retain full control over what the book included and how it was marketed. These days, even if you use a publisher, the only way your book truly has a chance of succeeding is if you take on a lot of the responsibility for promoting it yourself. If I was going to do most of the work anyway, I wanted to get more than a tiny portion of the profits.

• What has been your biggest reward in self-publishing your book?
The control has been the best part. I hated having to give in to a publisher’s demands, when the decisions were based on what was good for business and not what was best for the book. Publishing is a business and the publishers do not care about you. It is nothing personal, but they don't. They just care about making money. For me, this was about so much more than making money.

• What has been the most challenging part of self-publishing your book?The hardest part has been the promotion. I am a web developer by profession and very left-brained. I have never been a social butterfly, but I have certainly emerged from my cocoon as a result of all this. I have learned how to be personable and interesting in order to get people to pay attention to me. It has been a huge challenge but a ton of fun. I am having the best time of my life and learning so much every day.

• What advice do you have for other self-published authors?
Never give up and write a good book. If your book is good and you dedicate yourself to it, you can succeed. You just need to hang in there and keep working your leads and changing your strategy, if necessary. Just do not give up, because too many people do and their books never succeed because of it.

• Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want everyone to know that they are completely in control of their life, even if they don't feel like it sometimes. Stay positive and believe in yourself, and there really are no limits in life. Just always remember to Work, Live and Have Fun.

Thanks for your inspiration Sara!

Do you have questions on how to sell your book and self-publishing? Please let me know here, at www.jexbo.com, or at http://www.jexbo.blogspot.com/. I’m here to help!

Interview with BtoB Writer Mark Amtower

Today, we get a rare treat… an interview with one of the top, B to B communicators in the country, Mark Amtower. Mark is known as “The Godfather of Government Marketing.” He is a consultant, self-published author, speaker, social media and CEO coach, and a radio host. (To find out more about Mark, visit his various sites at www.FederalDirect.com, www.GovernmentExpress.com, www.GovernmentMarketMaster.com, and www.EpiphanyBook.com.
Here’s what Mark had to say:

• Tell us about your self-published books.

“Government Marketing Best Practices” (Jan, 2005) is about marketing to the government. It is a book version of a seminar I developed in 2002. The seminar was on the road and delivered in over twelve cities around the U.S. over forty times. This book went through five printings and sold over 9,000 copies.

“Why Epiphanies Never Occur to Couch Potatoes” (Nov 2007) started as a lunch speech at a business conference. Originally titled, “Amtower's Laws on Survival and Success,” one person who was at the original speech described it as “what happens when Stephen Covey meets Conan the Barbarian.” It is a straightforward look at the business and life rules I have developed and have chosen to live by.

• Why did you decide to self-publish your books?

The first book was self-published because I was in a hurry to get it out. The book was already written and ready to go, and the submission process seemed very slow. I also had little desire to be edited by anyone not familiar with the government market.

When I was ready for the second book, I had established relationships with my printer/publisher and again, decided I did not need editing.

• What have been the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing?

Advantages are you completely control content. Disadvantages are you have to pay for everything.

• How have you marketed your self-published books successfully?

I generate lots of publicity for myself (quoted in over 200 publications since 1995; guest on over 50 radio stations around the country since 2006). I make certain key people in the press and on the web (bloggers, web radio hosts, etc) get copies of my books with a "one-sheet." I also send copies to people I know who have large followings (enewsletter, social media, etc). For “Government Marketing Best Practices,” I also identified three bulk buyers (a conference, a government agency and a major government contractor.)

• What advice do you have for authors who are considering self-publishing their books?

First, make certain the book is really ready to go when you submit it. Have it edited by others for clarity, grammar, etc.

Second, be prepared and able to do your own publicity. If you publish it, no one will come unless they know it is there and there is a compelling reason to purchase it. Make certain all local press (local to you and pertinent to your title) get copies.

Third, start with a short run - no more than 2,500 copies. It is easier to print more than to pay for storage of too many copies.

Fourth, do not count on it being a profit center. Very few books generate serious income for authors, even if you are with a major publisher.

Fifth, select a printer that can do distribution as well. The printer needs to be able to support Amazon and the other online bookstores as well as any brick and mortar bookstores that want to carry your title.

Sixth, the title and the cover are the most important elements. Make certain your cover is designed to attract attention. Pay the cost and get it professionally done. For the title, take a pad of paper and go into a bookstore and start writing down the titles of books that get your attention. Look at the titles of books in your category that sell well. This is one area where emulation of others is a really good thing

• Is there anything else you would like to add?

If it is a business book, think of it as a great way to introduce yourself to prospective clients. If you want it to sell, be prepared to work hard - and smart- to get it out there.

Thanks for your excellent advice Mark!

Do you need help selling and promoting your self-published books? Please let me know here, at www.jexbo.com, or at http://www.jexbo.blogspot.com/. I’m here to help! Thanks!

How to Sell Your Self-Published Book Fast

Once you’ve written and published your book, you’ll want to start selling as quickly as possible. There are a lot of options for you, and you should take advantage of as many of them as possible.

Obviously, I’ll recommend using my site, http://www.jexbo.com/, as a place to sell your books first. There is no fee to list your book, you’ll be able to print off bookmarks that say, “Buy my book on http://www.jexbo.com/”, and there’s just a 5% charge of whatever you’ve sold each month.

Also, consider printing business cards with information about your book and passing them out. It’s much easier to carry around a pocket full of cards than several copies of your book.

Check out local community centers that have bulletin boards where you can pin up a copy of your card so people know how to get in touch with you about buying your book.

A slightly more expensive idea is find a book publicist who would promote your book for you. Make sure you agree in advance about the details though and ask questions like:

• Will the publicist receive a monthly fee or a percentage of the sales?
• Will the publicist arrange interviews for you?
• Will the publicist just do the publicity part, or will s/he also take care of selling the book for you?

Take the time to look at all the options available and your budget. Then, take action! When it all comes down to it, it’s going to be up to you to spread the word and sell your book!

For more tips and information on selling your self-published books, please write to me here or at http://www.jexbo.com/. I’m here to help!

3 Quick Tips to Prepare for the Holidays Now

Do you like to work ahead as much as possible in everything, including preparing for the holidays? If so, here are a few tips to help get you started, because the more you have done ahead of time, the less stress you’ll feel during the holidays.

• Make a list of everyone you need to buy presents for, and do your shopping early.

Then, once you purchase the presents, wrap them and put labels on them immediately. I set aside a container for presents and keep the list taped to it, so I know at a glance what I still have to do.

• Make a meal list in advance.

If you’re going to be hosting a meal, put together a folder with the recipes you’ll need and a corresponding grocery list. Then, when it’s time to go shopping for the ingredients, you’ll be able to see exactly what you have to purchase.

If you don’t want the bother of making everything from scratch, keep a list of restaurants and companies that do a “take-out” meal service you can pick up the morning of your party - anything from your local Boston Market to a catering company you’ve enjoyed in the past.

• Start a “master schedule.”

Write down everything you need to do throughout the holidays, and keep this schedule handy in a central place, such as on the refrigerator. If you’re invited to someone’s house, include all the details on the schedule. This way if you have to cancel, you won’t have to look for the invitation to find a phone number.

The holidays can be a very stressful time of year, but the more you have done in advance, the more time you’ll have to relax and enjoy the festivities!

And if you are looking for a unique, holiday gift, check out all the great books at www.jexbo.com!