Ebooks and Print Publishing: How to Choose What is Right for Your Book
With all the publishing options available, writers need to fully understand their goals and needs before deciding on a publish venue and a specific publisher to entrust their literary baby. The Print on demand advancements that have been made in the printing process and desktop publishing have made easier than ever before for authors to be published. However, this new opportunity as also created new predators. Although there are very ethical publishers out there, there are an equal share of those who don't know the definition of the word.
Currently there are two format options: ebook and print books. Ebooks are easier and cheaper to publish. Once a book has been typeset and the cover created, it is converted into a PDF file, which can be sold and download an infinite number of times without additional cost. However, ebooks have been slow to find wide acceptance.
Print books are further broken down into Vanity, traditional, small press and subsidy. Vanity publishing is still the ego stroking of the author. The entire process is paid for by the author; in addition, the author is expected to purchase a set number of books and resell them in order to make a profit. Traditional houses are those publishers that control the whole process. They invest more up front in the books so they are more supportive with the marketing and promotion. The author is still expected to do her or his share; however, they are supported by the publisher’s professional staff. The only difference between the small press and traditional are the size of the company budget. Small presses rely more on the author for the marketing and promotions. They are also more specialized. They target their audience more and usually already have an established target audience. Subsidy publisher are a cross between the small presses and the vanity. The author pays a fee to the publisher who will usually typeset, create a cover and list it with a distributor, but will do little else. The author is totally responsible for the promotions and marketing.
The first question authors must ask themselves is what kind of publishing experience do they seek. Are they targeting a specific group or trying to reach the general reading audience. Technological advancement has made printing a single copy of a book affordable. This same equipment has opened the doors to small publishing houses to offer books that are comparable to the larger houses. No longer to printers have to run larger numbers of copies to make process cost effect, nor to publishers have to warehouse books in order to have the readily available. Many authors want only a traditional publisher are unwilling to look beyond the big name traditional publishers. But in doing so they limit their publishing possibilities. There are hundreds POD available who offer different services at different price ranges and services. However, when there is money to be made there are those who will attempt to take advantage in order to make a cheap profit.
For those who are not seeking to find placement in brick and mortar stores, there are other low cost publishing options. There are publishers who will make your book available in print for little or no cost, but they offer little to no distribution opportunities.
* www.lulu.com
* www.cafepress.com
If you intend to buy and resell the books, both companies would serve your purpose. The difference between them is that Lulu provides a limited usage ISBN number, while Cafepress does not. Neither offer discounts off the cover price, but they do give a small discount for bulk purchases.
However if the goal is to sell the book on the open market, you will need to look elsewhere With the number of publishers available rapidly increasing, an author needs to really read the small print of the contract before signing it. It is easier to get into a contract than it is to get out of one.
* read all the small print and ask questions about their service. Know specifically what each party is responsibilities are.
* Make sure that you have legal remedies if they publisher doesn’t fulfill their obligations. There are publishers who not only deliberately misrepresent their services, but also attempt to manipulate the author into paying for services or products they don’t need.
* Research the publisher not only with other authors through online services such as Predators and Editors, but back check their other authors’ work. Are the books available in the stores the publisher claimed and how difficult is it to order the books through stores. Ask for the contact information for their other authors. However, you need to be specific. Don’t let the chose for you. They will naturally only tell you about those who like their work, not the ones with complaints.
* One of the major issues with small publishers has been receiving royalty payments. Make sure you have a way to receive a fair accounting and a payment guarantee. Most distributors have automated systems that will tell how many of a particular ISBN number has been bought through them.
Knowing the criteria use when they choose the books they place on their shelves should also factor into what publisher you choose. Although most bookstore are easily persuaded to list books on their online sites, they are more discriminating when it comes to their brick and mortar stores
* Quality books
* Returnability
* At least 50% discount off cover price
* A good cover price
Writing the book is the easy part of the process; the real work starts after it has been published. Marketing and promotions are the most time, money and energy consuming part of the process. Most traditional marketing methods are expensive.
* Media ads--print and broadcasting
* Book signing tours
* Book shows
* doing interviews in person
What are the marketing strategies that are successful and inexpensive?
* Website--actively promote by listing it on search engines, leave on topic comments on guest books (spamming would only reflect badly on yourself), use free gifts as away to draw traffic, and put a PDF excerpt on your site are only a few examples
* blogs--actively promote using search engine optimization words, listing with blog marketing sites such a Technorati, join blog rolls and write on topic comments on similar blogs (spamming them will only reflect badly on yourself)
* write articles on topic to give credibility
* join groups both on and off line that target your audience
* give lectures in the community
* do interviews both on an off line
* Cold contacting bookstores through fax, email and phone calls
* Networking sites like Myspace
* Burn CD's with excerpts and your bio that bookstores could give away
* Create book trailers promoting your novels for sites like YouTube
* Publish newsletters or ezines that show case your work and/or causes that you are involved with
Valkyrie Publishing was created in professional self-defense. I had been taken advantage of by two publishers that made great promises but who were ethically challenged when it came to paying royalties. I spend hundred of dollars and hours, in publishing and promotional costs only never to be paid for the books that were sold. I couldn't understand why the author is the last to be paid, when it is her or his hard work that is the source of the product. It was this frustration that prompted me to research publishing, book distribution and typesetting. What I learned surprised me. It is not as expensive or difficult as the publishers were making it appear.
The technical aspects, I had been doing for over a year with my free ezine, Messages From the Universe. Since 2003 when my first novel came out, I was actively involved in marketing; in fact, with the publishers I was involved with, I was the only one promoting my work. As I became more involved with online writings groups, not only did I make really good connections, but I also learned how to use new venues that were effective and inexpensive.
Technorati Tags:
ebook, e-publishing, publishing, Theresa Chaze, marketing, book promotions, best selling novel, writing, author, writing tips,
Showing posts with label print on demand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label print on demand. Show all posts
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Direct Marketing to Independent Bookstores
Direct Marketing to Independent Bookstores
By
Theresa Chaze
Active book promotion and marketing is important to every book's success, especially when it comes to the beginning writer. Contacting independent bookstores is a direct marketing method that is not only cost effective but a successful way for the authors to bring their work to the attention of buyers. With the technological advancements of email, fax and unlimited long distance, it is easier and cheaper than ever before for authors to promote their work to brick and mortar stores.
In the past, authors used direct mailings and industry advertisements to gain the attention of independent bookstore owners. It was a costly and slow process. Not only was it expensive to print full color flyers, but the increasing postage rates made snail mail direct marketing cost prohibitive. Placing ad in trade magazines is effective only if the ad is well placed and designed. Yet even then, the message would only reach those stores that subscribed to the magazine or service.
The internet has opened the door to direct marketing to bookstores by making it cheaper, easier and quicker. Most stores have websites, which contain their contact information as well as accurate descriptions of the books they sell. It is an easy way for the author to reach their target audience by approaching only the stores who carry their genre. By searching the net, an author can find stores by state or specialty. However, compiling list of bookstores can be very time consuming and frustrating. There is no master site that lists bookstores. Instead, the search must be done by location or genre.
If an author is wise, she or he will create a list of the bookstores as they are contacted, not only to check back with them but for future use. However, there are short cuts that an author can take. There are sites that do sell lists of bookstores; however, they are very expensive and have been assembled by non writers. Valkyrie Publishing is offering the list it uses to promote their books. This list has contact information for over 2000 independent bookstores. Most of them have not only the contact information, but also details about the store itself. Below are examples of what the list contains.
Auburn University Bookstore
1360 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: (334)844-1365
Fax: (334)844-1697
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: Auburn University Bookstore
Alabama Booksmith
2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-4242
Fax: (205)870-4302
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Malcolm's Reading Room
404 17th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205)563-4846
Fax: (205)802-2240
Page & Palette Inc.
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251)928-5295
Fax: (251)928-2550
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: For over 30 years we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore.
Little Professor Book Center
2717 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-7461
Fax: (205)879-7563
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Accepts Book Sense Gift Cards
Description: Besides having an impressive assortment of books, we also have a wonderfully delicious cafe and one of the largest selections of magazines in Birmingham!
The stores are organized by state with additional listings for new age and fantasy stores. The list costs $20.00 payable through paypal only. It is found at www.theresachaze.com.
By
Theresa Chaze
Active book promotion and marketing is important to every book's success, especially when it comes to the beginning writer. Contacting independent bookstores is a direct marketing method that is not only cost effective but a successful way for the authors to bring their work to the attention of buyers. With the technological advancements of email, fax and unlimited long distance, it is easier and cheaper than ever before for authors to promote their work to brick and mortar stores.
In the past, authors used direct mailings and industry advertisements to gain the attention of independent bookstore owners. It was a costly and slow process. Not only was it expensive to print full color flyers, but the increasing postage rates made snail mail direct marketing cost prohibitive. Placing ad in trade magazines is effective only if the ad is well placed and designed. Yet even then, the message would only reach those stores that subscribed to the magazine or service.
The internet has opened the door to direct marketing to bookstores by making it cheaper, easier and quicker. Most stores have websites, which contain their contact information as well as accurate descriptions of the books they sell. It is an easy way for the author to reach their target audience by approaching only the stores who carry their genre. By searching the net, an author can find stores by state or specialty. However, compiling list of bookstores can be very time consuming and frustrating. There is no master site that lists bookstores. Instead, the search must be done by location or genre.
If an author is wise, she or he will create a list of the bookstores as they are contacted, not only to check back with them but for future use. However, there are short cuts that an author can take. There are sites that do sell lists of bookstores; however, they are very expensive and have been assembled by non writers. Valkyrie Publishing is offering the list it uses to promote their books. This list has contact information for over 2000 independent bookstores. Most of them have not only the contact information, but also details about the store itself. Below are examples of what the list contains.
Auburn University Bookstore
1360 Haley Center, Auburn, AL 36849
Phone: (334)844-1365
Fax: (334)844-1697
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: Auburn University Bookstore
Alabama Booksmith
2626 19th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-4242
Fax: (205)870-4302
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Malcolm's Reading Room
404 17th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205)563-4846
Fax: (205)802-2240
Page & Palette Inc.
32 South Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251)928-5295
Fax: (251)928-2550
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Description: For over 30 years we have been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore.
Little Professor Book Center
2717 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205)870-7461
Fax: (205)879-7563
Type of Books Sold: Primarily New
Accepts Book Sense Gift Cards
Description: Besides having an impressive assortment of books, we also have a wonderfully delicious cafe and one of the largest selections of magazines in Birmingham!
The stores are organized by state with additional listings for new age and fantasy stores. The list costs $20.00 payable through paypal only. It is found at www.theresachaze.com.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Free Spiritually Incorrect Ezine--Messages From The Universe November Issue
Greetings,
Here is the November issue of Messages From the Universe. As always it has the Tarot Energy reading for the month along with articles by Rev. Marci Drewy, Bruce Seah, Moriah Marston and many others. Although you are welcome to share the ezine as a whole, the individual articles remain the property of the authors.
The address is below. You may have to cut and paste it into your browser.
http://us.share.geocities.com/tirgana/MessagesNov2007.pdf
If you would like to insure you receive Messages From the Universe every month, please join the free Yahoo group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MessagesFromtheUniverse/
Here is the November issue of Messages From the Universe. As always it has the Tarot Energy reading for the month along with articles by Rev. Marci Drewy, Bruce Seah, Moriah Marston and many others. Although you are welcome to share the ezine as a whole, the individual articles remain the property of the authors.
The address is below. You may have to cut and paste it into your browser.
http://us.share.geocities.com/tirgana/MessagesNov2007.pdf
If you would like to insure you receive Messages From the Universe every month, please join the free Yahoo group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MessagesFromtheUniverse/
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Six Simple Steps For Successfull Publishing
Doing a simple search on the net for predators and editors, it is easy to discover how many individuals and companies are waiting to take advantage of writers. Making grandiose promises of making their book a best seller, they con unsuspecting writers out of the money, talent and royalties. Even those writers who do the research can find that they have been taken advantage, However, with the new technological advances in computers and in printing, writers no long have to depend on others to make their publishing dream come true. Print on demand opens the door for authors to not only maintain creative control, but also retain all of the profits from their work. There are six simple steps to getting your book successfully published and distributed.
1. Write your book, making sure that it is properly edited.
Not only does you book have to be creative and interesting, but it has to be readable. Meaning that you need to do more than run it through the spell checker. Punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors will detract from the content and discredit the author. Although mistakes can even be found best selling books, they are rare and quickly fixed in the next edition. First time authors especially need to make sure the work reaches the highest standard possible.
2. Format you book so that it is easy to read and looks professional with an eye catching cover and enticing back cover blurb.
Formatting your book not only is resizing it to fit the appropriate book size, but it is also making sure the typesetting gives the pages a professional appearance. Margins need to be justified to give the pages a clean look. In most cases, book covers should be kept simple and uncomplicated; the graphics need to lure the reader to pick it up. The back cover blurb needs to tempt the reader into reading a few pages. The pages within should persuade the reader the book is worth the money.
3. Find a printer who can produce quality books at a cost effective price.
The list of POD printers is rapidly growing. By Googling the “print on demand printers”, the writer can find an impressive of list that varies not only in price but also in services. Some POD printers provide printing services without set up fees; however, they have limited distribution, which will also reduce the number brick and mortar stores who will be willing to carry the books. However, if an author only needs a few copies or intends to sell solely online, theses services are inexpensive ways to get a book in print. Most POD printers charge set up fees, but they also provide other printing options for book size, colors, and binding.
4. Make you book financially attractive to bookstores.
New authors have be realistic about their profit margins. In order for bookstores to be interested, the books have to be reasonably priced with at least a 50% discount off the cover price. However, the current standard discount is 55% off. In addition, making the books returnable is a must. Very few bookstores will risk their money and shelf space on a book by an unknown author if it isn’t returnable. When setting the cover price all three factors must be considered in along with a royalty fee. Never forget to pay yourself for your work, but don’t forget that the higher the cost of the book, the few copies that will be sold.
5. List your book with a distributor who is widely used.
Ingram is one of the widest know distributors in the country. However, they will not work with publishing houses that have less than ten titles in print. For a new publishing house, this can be a temporary obstacle. They do however have a list of associated distributors who will represent books from smaller publishers. The site address for the list is http://www.ingrambook.com/new/distributors.asp. Each of these distributors has their own standards and genres that they represent. Some of which require an exclusive contract for each book.
6. Promoted and market you book 24/7
Whether traditional or POD, a beginning author does nearly all of the marketing and promotions. In order to be effective, the author has to not only find a niche market, but has to create brand name for her or himself. The niche market is the target market that you are seeking according to genre, age, gender and readership. Creating a brand name is process where an author creates a strong connection with the target audience. In the past, traditional publishers placed ads and arranged for reviews. These are both still important venues; however, the internet has opened up many different options. Blogs, vblogs, and homepages are only three opportunities to attract readers, which cost little or no money. Online groups, chat rooms, and message boards are not only places to promote your work, but it is a great way to make connections with like minds.
No longer costing thousands of dollars to get their books in print, more authors are starting their own publishing houses and going out on their own. By doing it themselves, an author can published and distributed to the public for less than three hundred dollars.
Valkyrie Publishing is a consulting service, which helps authors create their dream without risking their royalties or answering to another. It is their job to make the publishing experience as simple and inexpensive as possible. For authors who are not technologically savvy or would just like help with the process, they are an excellent resource and beneficial asset.
1. Write your book, making sure that it is properly edited.
Not only does you book have to be creative and interesting, but it has to be readable. Meaning that you need to do more than run it through the spell checker. Punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors will detract from the content and discredit the author. Although mistakes can even be found best selling books, they are rare and quickly fixed in the next edition. First time authors especially need to make sure the work reaches the highest standard possible.
2. Format you book so that it is easy to read and looks professional with an eye catching cover and enticing back cover blurb.
Formatting your book not only is resizing it to fit the appropriate book size, but it is also making sure the typesetting gives the pages a professional appearance. Margins need to be justified to give the pages a clean look. In most cases, book covers should be kept simple and uncomplicated; the graphics need to lure the reader to pick it up. The back cover blurb needs to tempt the reader into reading a few pages. The pages within should persuade the reader the book is worth the money.
3. Find a printer who can produce quality books at a cost effective price.
The list of POD printers is rapidly growing. By Googling the “print on demand printers”, the writer can find an impressive of list that varies not only in price but also in services. Some POD printers provide printing services without set up fees; however, they have limited distribution, which will also reduce the number brick and mortar stores who will be willing to carry the books. However, if an author only needs a few copies or intends to sell solely online, theses services are inexpensive ways to get a book in print. Most POD printers charge set up fees, but they also provide other printing options for book size, colors, and binding.
4. Make you book financially attractive to bookstores.
New authors have be realistic about their profit margins. In order for bookstores to be interested, the books have to be reasonably priced with at least a 50% discount off the cover price. However, the current standard discount is 55% off. In addition, making the books returnable is a must. Very few bookstores will risk their money and shelf space on a book by an unknown author if it isn’t returnable. When setting the cover price all three factors must be considered in along with a royalty fee. Never forget to pay yourself for your work, but don’t forget that the higher the cost of the book, the few copies that will be sold.
5. List your book with a distributor who is widely used.
Ingram is one of the widest know distributors in the country. However, they will not work with publishing houses that have less than ten titles in print. For a new publishing house, this can be a temporary obstacle. They do however have a list of associated distributors who will represent books from smaller publishers. The site address for the list is http://www.ingrambook.com/new/distributors.asp. Each of these distributors has their own standards and genres that they represent. Some of which require an exclusive contract for each book.
6. Promoted and market you book 24/7
Whether traditional or POD, a beginning author does nearly all of the marketing and promotions. In order to be effective, the author has to not only find a niche market, but has to create brand name for her or himself. The niche market is the target market that you are seeking according to genre, age, gender and readership. Creating a brand name is process where an author creates a strong connection with the target audience. In the past, traditional publishers placed ads and arranged for reviews. These are both still important venues; however, the internet has opened up many different options. Blogs, vblogs, and homepages are only three opportunities to attract readers, which cost little or no money. Online groups, chat rooms, and message boards are not only places to promote your work, but it is a great way to make connections with like minds.
No longer costing thousands of dollars to get their books in print, more authors are starting their own publishing houses and going out on their own. By doing it themselves, an author can published and distributed to the public for less than three hundred dollars.
Valkyrie Publishing is a consulting service, which helps authors create their dream without risking their royalties or answering to another. It is their job to make the publishing experience as simple and inexpensive as possible. For authors who are not technologically savvy or would just like help with the process, they are an excellent resource and beneficial asset.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Print on Demand Opens Options for Writers
Print on Demand Opens Options for Writers
By
Theresa Chaze
The Print on Demand technology has given writers the freedom to take total control of their work. No long bound to publishers’ demands and limited expectations, writers can affordably publish their own work, circumventing both traditional and POD publishers all together. With the willingness of distributors to widen their standards, smaller publishers now have access to brick and mortar stores as well as the online shops. The internet not only makes marketing and promotion accessible and affordable, but it gives authors and readers greater access to each other.
Print on Demand or POD is the printing process that is capable of producing one book at a time for a relatively reasonable price. The printing process opens alternative options for authors to not only get their work into print, but to control the business end. By becoming their own publisher, the writer is able to manage the pricing and discounts of their work as well as maintain creative discretion. No longer do the private tastes of an editor stand between the author and the reading public.
Ingram is one of the widest know distributors in the country. However, they will not work with a publishing house that has less than ten titles in print. For a new publishing house, this can be a temporary obstacle. They do however have a list of associated distributors who will represent books from smaller publishers. The site address for the list is:
http://www.ingrambook.com/new/distributors.asp. Each of these distributors have their own standards and genres that they represent. Some of which require an exclusive contract for each book. For a fee, these distributors also provide a wide range of services from editing, promotions and marketing advisors.
Whereas there are limited amounts of distributors, the list of POD printers is rapidly growing. By Googling the “print on demand printers”, the writer can find an impress of list that varies not only in price but also in services. Lulu Publishing (www.Lulu.com) provides printing services without set up fees; however, their distribution is does not have the availability of Ingram, so it is more difficult to get into brick and mortar stores. Cafepress (www.cafepress.com) provides a similar service with equal distribution issues. However, if an author only needs a few copies or intends to sell solely online, both of theses services are inexpensive ways to get a book in print. Other POD printers are also available. The difference is that they not only charge set up fees, but they also provide other printing options. Lightning Press (www.lightning-press.com) is only one such printer who will provide professional printing services for reasonable prices.
No matter which printer is chosen, the author will have to provide all their materials print ready. The cover needs to be at least 300 DPI and be formatted correctly to include the full cover including the spine. The text will have to be typeset for the for the appropriate size and margin settings. In addition, the author will have to provide his or her own ISBN number. The ISBN is the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally, however the standard has been update to a 13-digit number. No matter what some publishing house advertise, ISBN numbers cannot be legally transferred or sold to individuals. The number is permanently connected to the publishing house. However, there is an option to buy individual numbers. For those authors who are planning to publish multiple books the cheapest option is to buy a block. Ranging from 10 to 10,000, the cost per number radically drops as the quantity increases. When a writer provides the ISBN number, it remains consistent no matter which printer or distributor works with the book. R. R. Bowker (www.isbn.org) is the exclusive US source of publisher prefixes and accompanying ranges of ISBN numbers for eligible publishers. They will also create barcodes for a fee. There are also barcode generator programs available; in addition, by doing a search on the net, the writer can find sites that will create the barcode for free.
Bookstores and chains are looking for quality books that are reasonably priced, with a good discount, and are returnable. These four qualities make it easier for a new author to find shelve space, which increases the probability for sales. Although online sales are increasing, the majority of book sales are still made in brick and mortar stores. Making the book returnable will not guarantee placement, but it will increase the number of stores who will be take a risk on a new author.
Whether traditional or POD, a beginning author does nearly all of the marketing and promotions. In order to be effective, the author has to not only find a niche market, but has to create brand name for her or himself. The niche market is the target market that you are seeking according to genre, age, gender and interest of the readership. Creating a brand name is creating a strong connection between the author and the target audience. In the past, traditional publishers placed ads and arranged for reviews. These are both still important venues; however, the internet has opened up many different options. Blogs, vblogs, and homepages are only three opportunities to attract readers. Online groups, chat rooms, and message boards are not only places to promote your work, but it is a great way to make connections with like minds. To just jump in to just do an ad, will annoy people. However, if you participate in the conversations, you will not only meet interesting people but allow them to see the author behind the words thereby creating an interest in you work. By creating cooperatives, such as blog rolls, you help other writers while increasing you readership. Dorothy Thompson of Pump Up Your Book Promotions (http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/) is a full service online book promotion agency who can show you how to sell books without leaving the comfort of your home. They specialize in virtual book tours and video book trailers.
Valkyrie Publishing provides the technical support for authors who decide they want to publish their own work. Their services include typesetting and the creation of custom book covers. The author maintains all right and profits from the work. Valkyrie Publishing only provides the technical service to make the work printer ready. For more information, email Valkyrie@theresachaze.com.
By
Theresa Chaze
The Print on Demand technology has given writers the freedom to take total control of their work. No long bound to publishers’ demands and limited expectations, writers can affordably publish their own work, circumventing both traditional and POD publishers all together. With the willingness of distributors to widen their standards, smaller publishers now have access to brick and mortar stores as well as the online shops. The internet not only makes marketing and promotion accessible and affordable, but it gives authors and readers greater access to each other.
Print on Demand or POD is the printing process that is capable of producing one book at a time for a relatively reasonable price. The printing process opens alternative options for authors to not only get their work into print, but to control the business end. By becoming their own publisher, the writer is able to manage the pricing and discounts of their work as well as maintain creative discretion. No longer do the private tastes of an editor stand between the author and the reading public.
Ingram is one of the widest know distributors in the country. However, they will not work with a publishing house that has less than ten titles in print. For a new publishing house, this can be a temporary obstacle. They do however have a list of associated distributors who will represent books from smaller publishers. The site address for the list is:
http://www.ingrambook.com/new/distributors.asp. Each of these distributors have their own standards and genres that they represent. Some of which require an exclusive contract for each book. For a fee, these distributors also provide a wide range of services from editing, promotions and marketing advisors.
Whereas there are limited amounts of distributors, the list of POD printers is rapidly growing. By Googling the “print on demand printers”, the writer can find an impress of list that varies not only in price but also in services. Lulu Publishing (www.Lulu.com) provides printing services without set up fees; however, their distribution is does not have the availability of Ingram, so it is more difficult to get into brick and mortar stores. Cafepress (www.cafepress.com) provides a similar service with equal distribution issues. However, if an author only needs a few copies or intends to sell solely online, both of theses services are inexpensive ways to get a book in print. Other POD printers are also available. The difference is that they not only charge set up fees, but they also provide other printing options. Lightning Press (www.lightning-press.com) is only one such printer who will provide professional printing services for reasonable prices.
No matter which printer is chosen, the author will have to provide all their materials print ready. The cover needs to be at least 300 DPI and be formatted correctly to include the full cover including the spine. The text will have to be typeset for the for the appropriate size and margin settings. In addition, the author will have to provide his or her own ISBN number. The ISBN is the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally, however the standard has been update to a 13-digit number. No matter what some publishing house advertise, ISBN numbers cannot be legally transferred or sold to individuals. The number is permanently connected to the publishing house. However, there is an option to buy individual numbers. For those authors who are planning to publish multiple books the cheapest option is to buy a block. Ranging from 10 to 10,000, the cost per number radically drops as the quantity increases. When a writer provides the ISBN number, it remains consistent no matter which printer or distributor works with the book. R. R. Bowker (www.isbn.org) is the exclusive US source of publisher prefixes and accompanying ranges of ISBN numbers for eligible publishers. They will also create barcodes for a fee. There are also barcode generator programs available; in addition, by doing a search on the net, the writer can find sites that will create the barcode for free.
Bookstores and chains are looking for quality books that are reasonably priced, with a good discount, and are returnable. These four qualities make it easier for a new author to find shelve space, which increases the probability for sales. Although online sales are increasing, the majority of book sales are still made in brick and mortar stores. Making the book returnable will not guarantee placement, but it will increase the number of stores who will be take a risk on a new author.
Whether traditional or POD, a beginning author does nearly all of the marketing and promotions. In order to be effective, the author has to not only find a niche market, but has to create brand name for her or himself. The niche market is the target market that you are seeking according to genre, age, gender and interest of the readership. Creating a brand name is creating a strong connection between the author and the target audience. In the past, traditional publishers placed ads and arranged for reviews. These are both still important venues; however, the internet has opened up many different options. Blogs, vblogs, and homepages are only three opportunities to attract readers. Online groups, chat rooms, and message boards are not only places to promote your work, but it is a great way to make connections with like minds. To just jump in to just do an ad, will annoy people. However, if you participate in the conversations, you will not only meet interesting people but allow them to see the author behind the words thereby creating an interest in you work. By creating cooperatives, such as blog rolls, you help other writers while increasing you readership. Dorothy Thompson of Pump Up Your Book Promotions (http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com/) is a full service online book promotion agency who can show you how to sell books without leaving the comfort of your home. They specialize in virtual book tours and video book trailers.
Valkyrie Publishing provides the technical support for authors who decide they want to publish their own work. Their services include typesetting and the creation of custom book covers. The author maintains all right and profits from the work. Valkyrie Publishing only provides the technical service to make the work printer ready. For more information, email Valkyrie@theresachaze.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)