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Infinity Publishing leads the industry in boutique indie publishing, working alongside every self-published author we partner with. Every author can enjoy the publishing process.

Finding the Right Book Editor

by John F. Harnish

 

Just like writers have different styles of writing, so do copyeditors have different approaches to editing. The ideal copyeditor works with a delicate touch fixing grammatical goofs, correcting typos and generally cleaning things up to make the author look better while carefully retaining the author’s expressive voice. Certain rules of grammar and for proper spelling must be adhered to in order to achieve professional standards. There is, however, a bit of latitude regarding some possible changes and word substitution. 

1123441 98665034 sxc Zsuzsanna Kilian resized 600Back in the eons of time I was assigned apublishing house editor who was making rather arbitrary decisions and meaningless word substitutions. In my opinion, my original word was just as fitting as the editor substituted word – in some cases my words were even more befitting in keeping with the tone and flow of my writing. I boldly confronted the editor with charges of him totally wrecking my work with all his pointless changes. Why was he doing this? I was totally shocked when he agreed that most of the changes were just being made for the sake of change. Besides, he added, he had to do something to justify his job! Bummer – his justifying was trashing my hard work! As it was back then, when a publisher assigned an editor to a project they were on it from start to finish. Not so today with commercial publishers, with downsizing and mergers an author could experience working with a variety of editors in the course o f completing a project. Each brings different editing skills, experience and talent to the table. Thusly some editors will be easier to work with than others. Hopefully you won’t encounter someone more concerned with job security than professionally editing your manuscript. 

Another editor I was honored to work with was Nancy Jackson, also known as Mason. She had a gift when it came to editing the hard parts – you know, like when you know what the piece needs to convey but it just isn’t doing it – close, but no cigar. She was a master at cutting and switching phrases from here to there that created crystal clarity with fabulous flow. I learned more from her about editing styles and techniques than I ever did in the many classes and workshops I’ve attended. She explained her role as an editor as working with the author to make their work sparkle, and do it in such a way that doesn’t even show the tender touch of her finger tips upon the completed piece. Leaving no marks is indeed the trademark of a skillful and talented editor. 

However, don't try to break all the rules and pass it off as developing your signature style as a writer – the only thing your style will show are your shortcomings! First-time authors seem to have an urgent need to establish a distinctive writing voice and mistakenly use those crude attempts at style to disregard the rules of effective writing. Then they get bummed when a copyeditor corrects their many errors. Too many times the telling of the story gets lost in the quest for an elusive style.

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Photo courtesy of Zsuzsanna Kilian.

 

 

Top 5 Reasons to Write a Book

by Brittany Lavin

 

write a bookI’ll be the first to tell you that writing a book isn’t easy. It’s anything but easy. Writing a book is time consuming and challenging. There’s character development, plot points, and denouement…oh my! Not to mention extensivecritiquing and editing. It’s physically, emotionally, and mentally draining.

 

It’s also one of the most fulfilling feelings I have ever experienced.

 

It’s my belief that everyone has a writing itch. There’s always that moment where a person says “Hey, that’d be a pretty good story.” It’s time to do just that!

 

Here are just some of the reasons you should write a book:

 

  1. Nowadays, finding a job you really love is difficult. If you love to write- make it your job! There’s nothing like waking up and being excited to start your day doing something you love.

     

  2. “I’ve written a book.” It will become your favorite thing to say!

     

  3. It will help you realize your ideas. Perhaps you never thought you were capable of writing (or finishing) a book. Prove yourself wrong! Take that idea that has been stewing your brain and put it on paper.

     

  4. Writing your first book may just lead to another, and another, and another! Before you know it a job you love could become a career you love.

     

  5. Writing a book is like showing the world who you really are. Whether you write fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or self-help- it’s bringing your true self to light.

     

Perhaps you have already finished a book. Perhaps you are just starting. Either way, consider yourself a very accomplished individual!

 

However, your work isn’t over when your book is complete. If anything, it should be just beginning as you take the next step from writer to published author.

 

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Photo by: Lidal-K. 

 

 

 

 

 

Abridgement: What It Can Mean for Your Book

by Dave Giorgio

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Abridgment is the one of the least understood aspects of publishing that I have come across. While many people view abridgment as a work of the devil, I will happily play devil's advocate on this subject. I will do this simply to provide greater insight into a form of editing that is not the devil's tool, but rather, can provide a potentially heavenly outcome for some books.

 

So what is book abridgment? It is the process of taking your book and editing it down to get a lower word count. Many times, this is for the sake of releasing an audio book.

 

In other cases, abridged versions of books serve as a "young readers" series. For example, my daughter and I once read an abridged version of “Treasure Island” when she was just starting to read chapter books. It was a great way for us to experience a classic story in a form that was digestible for her.

 

And you know what? Though I've read the original many times, and have even listened to the audio version of that book, I didn't miss anything from the original. That tells me that the abridgment was done particularly well.

 

In most other cases, abridgment works best for prescriptive non-fiction, which are books that fall into the how-to, self-help categories. In the case of a streamlined audio product, an abridged version will give the listener the most essential aspects of the book.

 

So what does the author gain? Aside from the publishing costs being reduced (which is a worthy subject unto itself), many authors enjoy the process of rendering their book down to its most vital parts. Some even consider abridgment a healthy aspect of the writing process, putting the author on the spot by asking: "Is this the most concise book I can write? Have I gotten to the point or have I danced around the main point of what I am saying?"

 

Whether for a non-fiction book, a children's book, or just for yourself, abridgment can provide a great deal of opportunity for the author.

 

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Photo courtesy of dazmac.

Abridgement: The Benefits for Authors

by Dave Giorgio

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Last week I wrote a little about abridgementto give you a taste of what it is. Today, I will focus on how it can benefit an authorpublishing a book

 

First, abridgment is usually something asked for by a book publisher when the publisher feels a lengthy book can be shortened to make it practical to publish as an audio book. Put that way, it sounds like something pushed for by the book publisher and a situation where the author gets short changed. After all, most authors consider their book to be ideal, as written.

 

But there's much more to this than meets that first glance. In some cases, a publisher just can't swing the cost of creating the audio version of a long title. So it may come down to doing the audio version or not. If the publisher owns the audio rights, then the audio book might not be feasible; and there may be no option left for the author.

And if the audio version never gets released, that could be a serious blow to both the author and the publisher. How serious a blow? Consider that audio rights are extremely coveted by publishers; that audio book publishers are scrambling to acquire audio book rights every single day in order to publish audio versions of titles, even back lists.

 

So when abridgment is the only option, we embrace it. But not only because it may be the vehicle that gets the book into audio format. One of the beautiful things about abridgment is the straight forward nature with which a book can be re-rendered. The stark nature of the result is akin to the beauty of black and white photography. Yes, there is less color. And somehow the subject is enhanced.

 

And for writers who embrace the abridgment process with a positive outlook, many are able to view their work with new eyes and enjoy the process. There is a challenge involved with streamlining your own work. But those who do so and enjoy the process find that it makes them better writers in the long run.

 

And when that abridged audio book hits the streets, earns sales on its own, and then drives sales for the full length, printed version, the success acquired makes it all worthwhile. 

 

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Photo coutesy of Zsuzsanna Kilian

Promote Your Book at Your Next Reunion!

by John F. Harnish

 

In 2006, I had the good fortune to attend the 45th reunion of my ’61 graduating class.

 

533027 58505780 sxc Mary Gober resized 600A friend suggested I put copies of my books on each table as prizes for my classmates – perhaps one book for the person at each table with the closest birthday, and the other to the class member  who traveled the greatest distance to attend the reunion.  This was much better than my original idea of just displaying copies of my published books on a table with other books authored by my class members.

 

I called the reunion organizers to ask if this would be possible. She liked the idea of giving my books away as prizes, but first she needed committee approval. There were over 500 in my graduating class, and I figured about 120 would be attending – based on the attendance at the 40th reunion. That would mean 12 round tables with 10 class members and spouses at each table.

 

The organizer called several days before the event to let me know there would be 180 attending, seated at 18 round tables.  Thusly, just before the start of the banquet, I placed books on each of the tables.  When the emcees were doing the raffle drawing, they also announced that my books were table prizes and that I’d be available to sign them throughout the evening.  Alas, I forgot the one essential item absolutely necessary for every book signing – a good pen!

 

For a few brief, magical hours, I felt like a Rock Star, and I didn’t even have to sing – I just had to sign my books.  It was way cool being the only author there with books to give out and sign. This clearly wasn’t a selling books situation – like crass salespersons pitching and passing out their cards at purely social events. This was all about bringing a smile to my classmates by giving books as gifts, and yes, with hopes for some word-of-mouth benefits. But most of all, it was just a lot of fun!

 

Consider attending your next high school or college reunion.  Contact the organizers well ahead of time to get their okay for your special table prizes, and be prepared to wait until the committee has a chance to discuss your generous offer.  If you can’t attend, perhaps you can make arrangements with the organizer to give copies of your book out as door prizes as a gift to the class with your regrets that you can’t be there – assuring them you’ll be there in spirit.

 

You don’t have to put a book on each table – you could tape your author business cards randomly under a half-dozen chair seats and the lucky people sitting in those chairs wins a copy of your book.  Order your books in time to receive them a week before the event – and order a few extra to have on hand just in case someone wants to buy an extra copy to give to a friend.  If you’re traveling to another city for your reunion, your books can be sent directly to the hotel, but make sure to have the correct address for UPS deliveries and include your check-in arrival date.

 

Once all this busy work is done, go ahead and enjoy your evening. Dress up in some sharp duds, put on your dancing shoes, and wear a proud smile! After all, you’re a bit of a celebrity now – you’re a published author. And oh, don’t forget to bring your pen!

 

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Photo courtesy of Mary Gober.

Market Your Book Like it’s Prime Property!

by LinDee Rochelle

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Just like a prime piece of real estate, whether virtual or physical, marketing venues for your book should be based on location … location … location.

 

If you’re published or in the pseudo-downtime of proof production, next to a marketing plan(with a comprehensive editorial calendar), establishing unique marketing opportunities should be at the top of your to-do list.

 

Yes, you still want a print book, and it should be available for bookstore ordering. And yes, of course, you must have an accompanying website and blog. However, “getting out there” and meeting your reading public is still the most effective way to drive sales—and get those tweets flowing about your book.

 

Where to go, what to do? Don’t sell just your book … sell you

 

Be daring. Be adventurous. Live a little!

 

Determine a few key elements about your book that might have their own public interest events and establish yourself as an expert, who just happens to have a book for sale.

 

I did that last weekend with only ARC editions in hand (Advance Reading Copy) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at a vinyl record show, with my upcoming book, Blast from Your Past! Rock-n-Roll Radio DJs who ROCKED Your World! 1954-1979, Vol. I (soon to be released by Infinity). And you can do it, too.

 

Not to overdo the word, but what a blast! While there are many sides to the BFYP book, and though it’s about radio DJs, vinyl records obviously drove the era; so when an established monthly record show approached me to appear, I jumped at the chance.

 

Themed trade shows are not like a home & garden show or bridal show where people come to “get ideas” and may not let go of a thin, silver dime!

 

These shows focus on a specific area of interest and attendees come expecting to spend dollars to enhance their hobby or learn something new about it, or—buy—an interesting book that features it. And I was the only author in the room. Niiiice.

 

Unleash the expert within.

 

What’s your book about, where is it set, or is there a unique element to its backstory? Infinity author, Will Hutchison, writes historical novels; his most recent, The Gettysburg Conspiracyled him to unique selling experiences. He discovered the miniature military figures events (yes! there are shows for that), where sales are brisk and he learns even more about his subject, to write more books! But other theme-oriented ideas come to mind.

 

Does your murder mystery protagonist play a saxophone? John D. Wolf’s does (Benny Plays the Blues, Infinity), so a good venue for him might be a solo appearance at one of the laid-back vintage record shops, where he speaks about the intricacies of the Blues—and sells his book.

 

Anyone out there with a focus on comic books? Welllllll, you might get a tad overwhelmed atComic-Con, the granddaddy of all themed trade shows; it’s a pretty pricey event. Look instead, for small special interest trading shows that might stem from a collecting organization—like the Keystone Record Collectors that contacted me for the Pennsylvania Music Expo.   

      

L’s Seven Suggestions … for establishing your book’s location, location, location.

 

♪ List 3 elements of your book that you are now very knowledgeable in (or can easily enhance your knowledge of); i.e., a travel destination—think travel shows, etc.

♪ Search the ‘Net for community and national organizations that focus on those elements

♪ Review their event calendars for related shows

♪ Look for publications, virtual and print, that cater to special interest topics

♪ Hint: they too, will have event lists and perhaps an ad or two

♪ Have you thought about college or university events specializing in a specific academic topic?

♪  Are you homebound? Create a virtual event—make no mistake, it will take every bit as much energy and time as a terrestrial show, but you won’t have to go anywhere.

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And remember, though it’s the best scenario, you don’t always have to come out ahead of the financial game at an event of this type—think of the networking with attendees and other dealers / vendors, exposure for your book, and future marketing opportunities—and chalk it up to business expenses at the end of the year.

 

Most importantly, have fun—while there, I was treated to dinner by a friend, at Lancaster’s Horse Inn—it’s hidden in an alley and once served as a horse stable, then a speakeasy! Cool.

 

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Photo courtesy of Aaron Murphy.

Enjoy a Book Vacation - For Fun and Profit and Feedback

by John F. Harnish

 

Everyone looks forward to going away on vacation. Perhaps you’re planning a trip to the beach or maybe to the cool scenic beauty of the mountains. Then too, you might be taking the kids to enjoy the many thrills of Disney World. Whatever form of get-away you’re arranging, plan on taking copies of your book with you.

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You might be thinking, “Are you crazy?? I don’t need to take my book on vacation with me!!!” But if you leave your book at home, you’ll miss a golden opportunity to do some easypromotions and maybe even sell several copies. After all, who couldn’t use a few extras bucks in their pocket to help fund vacation fun? Making a few direct sales to folks you meet on vacation can make it a most profitable time for you.

 

Take a few copies of your book with you so when someone says, “Oh, you’re an author – what have you written???” you’ll have a book close at hand to do an easy show-and-tell for them. A book in hand is a surer sale than the interested party promising to order a copy from Amazon.com when they return home – odds are they’ll forget to order. If everyone who said they’d order a book actually followed through with their intentions, we’d all sell a lot more books. Sadly, they usually don’t do it, even though you gave them a bookmark, postcard or business card with complete ordering information for your book. Out of sight, out of mind, and you missed a sale.

 

Some resorts have an activities director who plans and coordinates events for guests to participate in during their stay. Get in touch with this person as soon as you’ve checked in and are settled in your room. Let them know you’re a vacationing author and you’d be delighted to do a reading and autograph copies of your book for their guests. Be flexible with your availability and express your willingness to fill in at the last minute if they suddenly have an open slot in their events schedule. Most likely you’ll be the only author there with a book to sell to a captive audience – much better than competing will all the other books in a bookstore.

 

If you have enough lead time, you could contact the resort activity director to schedule a reading during your stay.  In terms of the post-event benefits, you’ll see and talk with fellow guests who, after attending the reading, will give you feedback. Plus, they’ll have time to read your book – after all, they’re on vacation, too! Naturally, you’ll enjoy a rush when you see folks sitting around the pool reading your book. Be prepared for them to engage you in conversation about your book. Don’t be shy – ask them to write a review

 

Remember your loyal fans while you’re on vacation. Take a dozen or so names and addresses harvested from your website and send them a postcard with a brief personal note related to your book and the joys of being on vacation. Your investment of an hour, along with a few dollars for postcards and postage, will yield a tremendous amount of goodwill with your fans. Of course, some of them will call their friends and say, “You’ll never guess who I just got a postcard from!”

 

Yes, in this digital age of email and ecards, an actual postcard delivered at the door is something to talk about and the buzz about your book will continue. If there’s an independent bookstore close to where you’re staying, do indeed stop by for a brief visit and introduce yourself as a vacationing author. Give the owner/manager a complimentary copy of your book. Don’t waste your time or a book on any of the bookstore chains – they’re only authorized to order books with a local connection or by authors living in the area. Instead, take the time to visit the local library; they often have a summer reading circle of library patrons who would probably be thrilled to have a visiting author do a reading – they might even allow you to sell copies of your book.

 

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Photo by: markcbrennan

All About You, Your Book, and the Economy

by John F. Harnish

 

It isn’t news that the once booming economy of the United States is in dire straits. These trying times have touched our lives in a multitude of financially-challenged afflictions. Of special interest to authors is the detrimental impact this depressed economy is having on the book publishing industry.

1037536 14362243 sxc Dani Simmonds resized 600The remaining mainstream book publishing houses have had more layoffs and down-sizing by dropping several well known house imprints. There is a major reduction in the number of purchased manuscripts being acquired and eventually published.

 

Slashed advertising budgets are being allocated to launch books by eminent and long established authors – they’re putting their bets on what has sold well, book after book. Corporate mandates make it mission critical for every published book to produce their projected numbers. Staffing cuts have reduced several publishing services – such ascopyediting and rights verification – traditionally done by the mainstream houses.

 

All things considered, this is not the time to invest your time attempting to attract the interest of a major house in publishing your book. Sometimes knowing what not to do is just as valuable as knowing what to do. Now is the time to renew your

efforts to promote your book to people who will perhaps buy a copy of your book. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. 

 

Print media is struggling to retain a dwindling subscriber base that’s essential for justifying ever increasing advertising rates. Once highly valued column inches devoted to reviewing new releases have been dropped or drastically reduced in several leading daily and monthly printed publications. Ads for new books in many of these publications have been reduced in size and frequency, because these costly advertisements aren’t producing expected book sales in this depressed economy. In troubled times, advertising budgets are usually the first to be trimmed.

 

Reach out to family, friends and associates who have read your book and ask them to write and post online reviews or blurbs – every bit of exposure for your book is a benefit. Make it easy by doing a Google search for websites, sites where the info about your book would be of interest to visitors, and send your potential reviewers the link, so they can put up what they think about your book. Be patient, as it may take awhile for them to write a blurb and post or send it to you.

 

If you haven’t invested your time and a little bit of money in creating a website for your published book, now is the time to do it.  Keep the design of your website simple, and focused entirely on your book and you, the author. Don’t mess around with setting up a shopping cart to do direct sales – you want to do a brief show-and-tell to make the sale, and then direct the buyer to www.buybooksontheweb.com and to your book page, place their book order.

 

What kind of books are selling in these turbulent times??? How-to and do-it-yourself books are popular because they often include things you can do yourself to save money. Almost any book that will help readers save time and money is worthy of promoting in targeted markets where the benefits are easy to relate with. Self-improvement books also sell well.

 

Books expanding on health issues and developing healthy attitudes and habits are popular as well as inspirational books that offer positive encouragement.

All types of novels telling interesting and compelling stories are perfect for escaping into. Popular fiction sells in depressed times, but you need to use your creativity to hook potential readers on the escapism qualities of your novel.

 

One of the ways for generating a new revenue flow is to make your published content available for sale in different versions such as eBooks and audio books.

 

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Photo courtesy of Dani Simmonds.

A Brief History of Audio Books

by Dave Giorgio

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You might think that audio books have only been around for a very short time. This is understandable, as the popularity of audio books as a consumer format has only blossomed (and mightily) since the advent of digital downloads and media players such as the iPod.

 

However, audio books have been in existence since as early as 1931, when the U.S. Congress established the Talking-Book program. It was intended to help the blind who were unable read and was called the Books for the Adult Blind project.

 

In 1933, anthropologist JP Harrington sought to capture the oral storytelling of Native American tribes using aluminum disks and a car battery-powered turntable.  In 1935, Congress approved the free mailings of audio books to blind citizens.

 

More recently, in 1992, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically challenged distributed hundreds of thousands of recorded books to physically challenged listeners.

 

The greatest boon for audio books as a consumer format really came in 2001 with the launch of the iPod. Millions were sold and the demand for digital content became very high. Audio books were the perfect fit for the ipod, as many books are quite a few hours in length, and the ipod is able to store hundreds of hours of audio.

 

The iTunes Store and Audible.com both sell downloadable versions of audio books. These digital audio books have been encrypted with technology to prevent the downloadable content from being distributed to or listened to by anyone who is not the original purchaser of the book.

 

So its been over the past ten years that many people have gotten turned on to audio books, and for good reason. An audio book is like a companion that is with you on long drives, when working out, on the bus, train or plane, or even in bed.

 

I am an audio book producer, narrator, and listener. There's even more fascinating history behind the story. But perhaps most fascinating will be the next book I listen to.

 

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Photo courtesy of Shawn Himmelberger.

Authors: How Do You Measure the Success of Your Book?

by John F. Harnish

 

What is success? Posing that question to different people will result in different answers. It’s an achievement, certainly, but achievements are subjective; to a published author, “success” may be defined as selling a single book; to another, “success” may be getting their name on the bestseller list. Everyone has an idea about what success looks likes for them. But the “looks” of success are as fleeting as fashion trends. Milestones marking the accomplishments of others are often imposed as a solid mark of successes. But those markers should only serve as guidelines, for success varies from person to person.

 

1192445 51095811 sxc sanja gjenero resized 600Authors frequently ask how many books have to sell to be considered a bestseller. If you define success as receiving a return on your investment, then when you cross the breakeven-point you’ve succeeded in earning a profit. Lasting success can come from informative books that were written to improve the quality of life with practical insight focused on helping to fix real world problems. There’s a special sense of satisfaction in knowing that your book provides the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of your readers.

 

Success in publishing isn’t always measured by numbers of books sold. The most important thing about success is that it is defined as you need your success to be. The touch-stones of your successes are more omnipotent than the worn milestones marking the past achievements of others. For some authors, having their books selling consistently month-after-month is more important than having a brief moment as a bestseller. Other authors are happy with the success of selling a few hundred copies to family and friends.

 

Some authors feel successful when their published book is the springboard that propels them into a lucrative contract with a mainstream publishing house. Others know the security of a different kind of success when their book goes out-of-print with a traditional publisher and the author is able to continue to benefit from their efforts by re-releasing the book through Infinity Publishing.

 

Everyone has a different notion of what sweet success tastes like to them. Your publishing accomplishments depend entirely on how you envision success and your ability to do the ongoing work in order to bring your success to fruition. Sometimes the very best measurement of success comes with that warm feeling deep inside when you know you’vedone good!!!

 

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Photo courtesy of Sanja Gjenero.

Book Marketing Conferences Help You Think Ahead

by LinDee Rochelle

 

book marketingI am a champion of small, intimate authors’ events. Not that the big and bold don’t have their attractions. In this age of social networking with a bazillion friends and associates we often gather in slick, iso lating virtual events, frequently mirrored by manic metropolitan conferences.

 

There’s something to be said however, for meeting with a publishing expert in a quiet corner, or chatting up a new author friend who recently discovered a great book marketingtechnique they’re eager to share. These scenarios happen easily in a friendly venue outside the burgs of hectic humanity. Bonus: small conferences help you slow down and strategically contemplate the road ahead.

 

Infinity’s 11th annual conference in Valley Forge, PA, the last weekend in September, offered great insights on every level of book promotion, as any good marketing event should. A bonus for attendees though, was time to meet privately with publishing and marketing gurus like Dan Poynter and Brian Jud, and opportunities to network one-on-one, as opposed to a chance elevator stand-up routine.

 

Smaller conferences also mean the ability to hear every word and nuance without having to sit in the first three rows. But more than that you’re able to connect with the principles of the event and establish a more meaningful personal association than is possible with virtual meetings, or as you sit in a room of hundreds, gazing up at a podium speaker 50 feet away.

 

Generous with their time, the experts at Infinity’s “Express Yourself … “ Gathering of Authors were available throughout the weekend at intimate meals and pre-dinner social hours (remember those?). I was fortunate to share several panels with them and though “in the biz” for years, still listened and learned:

 

Dan Poynter: If you’re not “connected” fire up your social skills and follow his lead. (Twitter, Google Alerts, Facebook, YouTube, and do you have a website/blog yet?!)

 

Marc Schulman: We’re only in the infancy stage of electronics and their impact on books. Stay aware of major innovations and adjust your marketing accordingly.

 

Brian Jud:We’re selling content, not books. Make sure your promotions include AIDA: Attention, Interest, Desire and Action.

 

Melanie Rigney: Are you ready for the “big time”? Professional editing must precede publication, which will make your marketing easier and your sales brisker.

 

Jeniffer Thompson: What are you selling – you or your book? Hint: you! And does your website funnel readers from page to page? Don’t let your website stagnate.

 

Tonya Evans: Literary laws are changing daily. There is no longer a “general standard” for anything. Protect yourself! Be safe rather than sorry when using others’ works and brand names.

 

L’s Seven Suggestions … book marketing strategies for Thinking Ahead:

  1. Begin your book marketing before it has even cleared the proof book phase (earlier, if you have a finished cover). Create buzz through your website, blog, and other social networking circles.

     

  2. Create a marketing calendar that begins today through no less than the next 18 months.

     

  3. Even if you don’t plan to advertise, request ad / editorial calendars from your local newspapers (virtual & print), radio and TV, for the appropriate section or shows; review what upcoming topics are planned to feature – add to your calendar and query at least 2 months prior, if possible – 6 months ahead for major holidays.

     

  4. Mark your calendar with special “national” days that you can capitalize on – have a cookbook? Do you know January 21st is Rid the World of Fad Diets and Gimmicks Day? (http://www.adsources.com/IDEAS/Cal/01jan.htm) Start your promotion NOW.*
  5. Scour the news for topics related to your book – yes, even fiction – what’s happening that your protagonist endured, too? In what major location is your book set – is it in the news today?

     

  6. Are there other authors in your area who share your book’s topic? Create an “authors’ day” event at your local library about this subject (http://www.publiclibraries.com/).  Book no less than 6 months in advance; sell your topic and you, but have your book available. (Make sure your publisher distributes to libraries – Infinity does.)

     

  7. Always Think Ahead! Memorize your next 6 months of book marketing appearances and events. This strategy may leave you foggy on what day today is, but you’ll confidently rattle off your next important dates.

 

 

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Photo by:  Oquendo

Audio Books – What Makes a Man Smile

by Dave Giorgio

 

Recently, I was responding to an author’s email when he asked me to google his book. I did, and found some intriguing semi-book-related content. I told him that it looked interesting. He then asked if I had read his book. I had not.

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It was at that moment that I realized that since I have been a book publisher, I don’t choose the books I read anymore. I only read books that come my way due to my work. In a sense, you could say that I don’t choose them, they choose me.

 

That’s not a bad thing, mind you. Sure, super geeked out sci-fi isn’t my first choice, but the authors I work for are all good writers and it’s a pretty cool gig.

 

So let me tell you about the most recent book that I have “read.” It’s by Dan Poynter of parapub.com. He is the world’s foremost expert on self publishing. I am an audio book producer and director, and I got to work with Dan in our studio recording a 1-Hour Audio version of one of his recent books.

 

As you can imagine, I have worked on all sorts of titles from many places. Books originally published by Random House, Simon and Schuster, Grand Central, 12 Books, FaithWords, etc. So the books that I get to work on are all pretty good.

 

Which leads me back to my recent session with Dan Poynter. I am not usually compelled to blog about specific books or authors. But this guy is a winner. For several hours in the studio, Dan read his book as I read along, doing my usual directing and recording gig.

 

Dan’s written over 127 books and has lectured and taught virtually everywhere. So I could see how an author like this could be so together with his writing. The bottom line was that I walked away from the recording session totally impressed with what he wrote. That doesn’t happen often.

 

It goes back to something I wrote in one of my earlier blogs, about how good content can be the driving factor in the success of an audio book. And in this case, I was certain that what I was hearing and reading was great content. I know this book will be successful. I know that the reason why will be the great content written by the author.

 

So the point is to make it great. Put everything you have into your writing. Read the classics for inspiration and guidance, research everything possible, including books on writing, have the book edited, etc.

 

And as you’re finishing up your excellent book, think about some handsome and talented guy sitting in a recording studio, listening to your book, smiling. Well, I’m the guy sitting next to him, also smiling. :-)

 

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Photo courtesy of Robert Aichinger.

What is an Author Advocate? Your Best Friend in Publishing

by LinDee Rochelle

 

Advocate, according to my trusty Webster’s New College Dictionary, is “1. One who supports or defends a cause,” and “2. publishingOne who pleads in another’s behalf.” We take this dual role very seriously. Even if an author request is outside our standard policies purview, but is logically stated and has some validity, we often take the query to management for consideration.

 

As Advocates we try to make ourselves knowledgeable in a variety of publishing subjects in addition to our own company services, and provide well-rounded information. What we cannot comment on though, is your book’s content.

 

When making inquiries to publishing professionals, the author should consider their role and present themselves professionally as well, in order to establish their own credibility as a serious author. Of course, you have questions as a first-time author; or perhaps you’re an established author inquiring of a new publishing route.

 

You should ask questions! We encourage it. Your book will benefit and better books sell better.

 

Although your Advocate likely has a publisher affiliation (like Infinity Publishing), as a professional, they should be somewhat impartial to the “who” of publishing. Their focus best serves the author by determining their needs and assisting the author on the “how” of publishing, to establish the most advantageous avenue.

 

Often though, an author turns to me and also asks my opinion on the “what” – and that’s where I must draw an imaginary line. Since the “what” or content of your book is so subjective, not only in its version of a topic, but how it’s presented, you must be the deciding factor in the development and content of your book.

 

We encourage you to welcome critiques from author friends and to network with writing professionals; if you feel indecisive about your book’s focus or structure, consult a Content Editor. But when you come to an Advocate or other representative of the publishing field, know the difference between a writing question and a publishing question. You will benefit so much more.

 

L’s Seven Suggestions for asking publishing questions of your Advocate:

  1. DO ask if you keep your rights; and ask why you should care, if you don’t know (and clarify all offered services)
  2. DO inquire as to the breakeven point of publishing your book
  3. DO clarify a publisher’s submission requirements (follow their guidelines to quicker publishing and they should be able to answer basic technical questions)
  4. DO ask general writing and publishing questions, like what are the 3 major elements of a successfully selling book (great title; superb back cover copy; outstanding cover design)
  5. DON’T ask an Advocate’s suggestion for a title; who will you blame if your book doesn’t meet expectations?!
  6. DON’T ask your Advocate to review or help write your bio, synopsis, or other book promotion materials – better idea – query your editor
  7. DON’T hesitate to ask for references to outsourced assistance not available with your publisher; who better to know?

 

And extraneous No. 8 – a DO and DON’T combo – do ask the publisher if there are any new services not yet noted in their literature. But don’t ask which publisher is best – them or Miscellaneous Publisher – that is your decision based on your due diligence. And if you’ve asked the right questions you’ll know which publisher is right for you and your book. Trust your instincts. Happy writing.

 

Writers & Authors - Learn from the Best!

by Brittany Lavin

 

Nowadays, there are so many resources open to writers to better their craft. You can take writing courses, read books on the subject, have daily writing tips sent via email, and even subscribe to blogs! A person’s writing style changes and grows with them and there are various forums open to them as they develop. However, there is one simple forum that I always found to be very effective.

Namely- learn from the best.

authors

When I first started writing, my greatest influences were always my favorite authors.  They were the ones I grew up reading and who, ultimately, inspired me to write. At first, with imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, I tried to mimic their style in my own work. This is good for someone just starting out, but it is important to find your own style as your writing develops.

 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- reading is probably the best way to develop yourwriting. And don’t just read the genres you are interested in. Read EVERYTHING. Styles vary. The way a mystery author writes will be vastly different than the way a romance or sci-fi author writes. Open up to these different styles and you may find your perspective changed for the better.

 

As a writer who is still growing and developing, my greatest influences are William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Meg Cabot. Who are your greatest writing influences?

 

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Photo by: Markus Rödder

Best Ways for Authors to “Expose” Their Books

by John F. Harnish

 

The first three rules of real estate are location, location, and location. The first three rules for successfully promoting your book are exposure, more exposure, and even more exposure. The more exposure authors can generate for their books, the more successfully the books will sell. It’s very difficult to sell a book that no one knows a thing about.

 

1261069 33905979 sxc Mateusz Stachowski resized 600The most effective way to get exposure for your book is by word-of-mouth. Getting folks talking about your book is often the most cost-effective way to stimulate grass-root interest in your book. Sometimes, all it takes is one person telling a friend about your book and then they tell another, and another, and so on. This is your attainable goal – creating this buzz ultimately gets exposure for your book.

 

Exposure is best when spread at a slow but steady pace. Trying to chase a passing fad has you positioned behind the rest of the pack. The leaders of the pack get their prolonged 15-minutes of fame in the media spotlight. Some milk fame for all the fickle lady is worth and double dip for more exposure. For others, there’s the fleeting fame of a has-been being a one-book, one-song wonder forever resting in the tattered nest of long-gone yesteryears. Passing time has left them voiceless.

 

When the focus of the spotlight is ever-changing, it is the creative outrider, riding beyond the pack, who benefits from the fringes of the illumination. The glare is less bright, but the light is continuous. Steady exposure produces the benefit of extended exposure – better than a once-and-done buzz. The key to sustaining an effective buzz is in the benefits.

 

It’s often said that there’s no such thing as bad publicity because it adds to the buzz of exposure and exposure is a good thing. Bad publicity frequently causes a need for prompt damage control to try to spin negative press into a positive plus of some sorts. That can be difficult because we are a society that thrives on negative news complete with all the yucky gore. The somebody-donesomebody-wrong song plays higher in the ratings than reporting that somebody is doing good. Bad publicity can be made good when it provides a platform for the object of the bad PR to truthfully correct the misperceptions. Sadly, this is easier said than done.

 

What’s easier is taking advantage of exposure opportunities available at no cost to you. I once talked with an author who didn’t want her book available through Amazon.com. I’m accustomed to authors wanting their just-released book posted to Amazon.com as soon as possible. So I asked why???!!! Simple, she explained, the impact of the deep-discount will cut her royalty and her highest royalty is earned on books sold through our on-line bookstore www.BuyBooksOnTheWeb.com and that’s where she wanted her book to be available for sale. I can’t fault her logic for going for the higher royalty, but there is the value of credibility and wider exposure that comes with an Amazon listing.

 

There’s also positive exposure that comes from those websites with the search-inside-the-book features. This allows potential customers the browsing opportunity like they’d have in a brick-and-mortar store. This is free exposure that provides a customer benefit – it’s foolish to think that this type of exposure cuts into sales.

 

Your book gets worldwide exposure when it’s listed in Books-In-Print. Once listed, it’s fair game for any online vendor to list your book as part of their virtual inventory. They might even show a fictitious number of copies they claim to have on hand. The truth is they don’t have a single copy of your book because their inventory is totally virtual – until a customer orders your book. At that time, the virtual vendor orders a single copy so they can fill the just-received order. Shameless exposure is acceptable. However, don’t become a pest like the proverbial insurance salesman!

 

When there’s an opportunity in the normal flow of conversation, make mention of your book – better yet, if someone else engaged in the dialogue brings to light the fact that your book has just been published, go for it, but know that you’ll have only about 30 seconds to hook them with your pitch!

 

Think about what makes your book unique and seek out those places for exposure where your book will provide a real benefit to the readers. Build upon the small successes you have achieved with the firm belief that slow but steady exposure really does sell more books than a brief splash in the media. Consistent efforts will generate the exposure that successfully sells books.

 

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Photo courtesy of Mateusz Stachowski.

The Benefits of a Bad Book Review

Article originally posted on the Infinity Publishing Blog. 

 

by John F. Harnish

 

Thumbs downThere’s no such thing as bad publicity, but there are poor book reviews. Bad publicity is common in today’s media because negative news stories improve ratings that increase the bottom line. Everybody seems to be more interested in bad news than in good news, unless of course, the good news is about them or someone they know. Poor book reviews that are professionally written and based on an objective evaluation by a knowledgeable reviewer, who actually read the book, could be experienced as bad news for the author.

 

The good news is that many of the professional review services give the author the option of not publishing the unfavorable review to various websites that feature book reviews. This provides the author with control over if or when the review will be released for publication. However, reviews that truly reflect the shortcomings of the book benefit the serious author by objectively showing what needs to be fixed so the author can make their book into a good read. It might come as a bit of a shock for the author to learn from a professional that their book isn’t all that great – especially after hearing from family and friends just how wonderful the book is. Hearing how great their book is, is exactly what every author wants to hear!

 

Beware of subjective comments about your book that are based only on personal opinions. It’s amazing how everyone will suddenly have an opinion about your expressive efforts. One person might say your opening to Chapter 3 seems weak, another might say they like your lead into Chapter 3 and how you built upon it, and another might not even comment about Chapter 3. Don’t put yourself in a position of doing a hasty knee-jerk rewrite by changing this and that and something else in response to subjective remarks. Trying to rewrite to please everybody will drive you crazy!

 

An objective review points out grammatical faults that, when corrected, improves the readability of the book. It will also focus on what you have written that works well to convey your thoughts to the reader. Now this isn’t a line-by-line edit of your book, but is instead an overview about how your wordsmithing efforts will most likely be perceived. This insight becomes valuable to the author when working with a professional editor to improve the quality of your book.

 

Don’t allow a bad book review to keep your book from being all that it can be! Think positive by using this objective overview as a springboard to make your book into a really good read. Let go of that ego stuff about your wonderfully self-expressive writing style being uniquely you – there’s nothing wonderful about your readers having a difficult time understanding the story you’re telling. Remember, the first essential quality of a good book is that it be readable.

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Image courtesy of Simon Howden.