In Between Ink Posts

Sorry I haven't posting recently!  I'm on the brink of finishing the follow-up to "Burden of Proof" and haven't had much time to focus on The Ink Spot.  I will be back very soon with posts detailing more on the writing and publishing process.  Let me know some topics you're interested in.  I plan on focusing on Press Releases next week.  Thanks for reading!  Adele

Book Review: Christian Encounters Winston Churchill

Thomas Nelson Publishers recently started a new series of biographies entitled "Christian Encounters." This series profiles a wide-range of historical figures from authors to scientists to church and world leaders. The books focus in on biographical history of the subjects lives and how they were influenced by their Christian faith.

Through the Thomas Nelson Book Sneeze Program I was able to preview a new biography by John Perry on Winston Churchill, which offers a concise and well-thought history of the wartime Prime Minister. As a fan of Sir Winston Churchill's life, writings and leadership during World War II I would highly suggest reading this book. It is well-written and engaging.

The biography is sectioned off into twelve chapters highlighting key points in Churchill's life. Perry recounts Churchill's life from in a personable way from his childhood to his leadership during the tumultuous World War II. Despite the strength of the ever-rising Nazi army, bombing in London and uncertainty amidst the chaos, Churchill kept hope alive for the English and helped to lead the Allies to win the war. Along the way, Perry also focuses in on times in Churchill's life when his Christian faith stabilized him and offered insight into his life's purpose.

This biography helped me form an even greater opinion of Churchill. Perry shows Churchill to be a man with both flaws and quality traits. He learned through many trials and experiences early in his life, which would have caused many to give up, but he kept faith that those trials were simply lessons for his future fate. Churchill was first introduced to his faith as a Christian by Elizabeth Everest, or "Woomy," Winston's nurse and constant in his early life. Although Churchill did not attend church regularly in critical times in his life he turned to his faith in God and it was this faith, which gave him that fighting spirit and hope, which made him the leader we know and recognize today.

This book offers lots of documentation, well-written fact and Christian nuances to make this a must-read for those looking for an introduction on Sir Winston Churchill. It is short and highlights aspects of his life and faith, an excellent introduction before reading more detailed works on Churchill's life.

Christian Encounters: Winston Churchill by John Perry

Frustrating writing day

Do you ever have days when writing makes you crazy.  You have writers block or can't see clearly to read through a manuscript you are editing?  I'm there today! 

So what are some good ways to clear your head and refocus on writing?

Sometimes I have to take a break and either work on another project unrelated to my writing project(s) and/or just get out of the house.

On the other hand it could be helpful to try to write through the writers block, which can get your brain going.

I make lots of brainstorming lists, which sometimes helps.  What works for you?  Think of ways that you can refocus after a frustrating day (or week) of writing and editing....

Writing Resources for Authors

Every few weeks I will try to profile books and websites, which I believe to be useful to becoming a better author and/or expanding one's knowledge of publishing.  Here are three books, which are musts for any writer:

Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White: It's the book you hated in high school and college English, but it is a must have for any writer.  This book explains the fundamentals of the English language in a clear and precise way.  A resource for even the most astute and knowledgeable writers.

Eat Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynn Truss: I received this book as a Christmas book several years ago and it has greatly helped me better my technical writing.

The Writer's Market: A must have for anyone looking to break into publishing.  It gives you a list of Agents, How to Write a Query Letter, Publishers, and Magazines to sell short stories or feature articles.

I'll post more books and add in websites to our discussion every few weeks!  

Book Signing Tips

Book Signings and Book Readings are excellent ways to entice new readers to pick up a copy of your book, and interact with those who have already read it!   In order for your signing to be a success I've enclosed a list of tips I've learned, which will help your signing become a success.

Planning the Event:  Many times Authors want to coincide a Book Tour with the release of their book.  This is excellent if you are able to afford the time off from work and family life to do so.  However for many Independent Authors embarking on a multi-city tour might not be feasible.  If this is the case,  what I suggest is starting small and working your way up to larger book events, venues and extended touring.  

First pull out a calendar and a map of the region you'd first like to tackle. For instance, I live in Bozeman Montana and I know my book is being released on February 1st.  There are five major and independent bookstores in Bozeman, which I hope will carry my book.  I know I'd like to have one to three book signings in the area between February and March.  I look at the calendar and figure out a list of possible signing book event dates and possible locations to have the event.  I then politely phone the store or library to inquire about the possibility of having a signing and list possible dates in which to schedule the event.  

Once a book event date is settled upon it will then be up to the bookseller whether or not they prefer that books are sold on consignment (I.E. It's your responsibility to order the copies from the printer, and bring them to the book signing.  The Book Store will then take a 40-55% commission off the retail price, and you receive the wholesale price, minus printing costs as a profit).  If you are listed with Ingram or Baker and Taylor and allow returns, the bookstore may opt to order books into the store.  The copies, which don't sell are sent back to your printer/distributor and you pay the refund to the store.  

For "Burden of Proof" I opted to schedule several small events in the Bozeman area, first at the town library and then at a local bookstore.  I learned a lot from both experiences about what to do and what not to do at a booksigning.

So Tip #1: Start off on a regional basis, scheduling events in your hometown at a local library, book or grocery store (yes believe it or not many grocery stores host book signings) and depending on your genre you can also work to schedule book events at schools, book clubs/rotary clubs, the local Y, Church, etc...get creative and constantly be conscious of your key demographic and genre of book.

Once you've done a few signings I recommend setting a goal of how many signings you want to do in a month or six month period.  Be realistic - if you work all the time or can't leave the kids, think small, but efficient.  Maybe aim for one event a month in a nearby town that the kids enjoy going to or a place you are going on vacation...If you have the time (and yes money - for gas and hotel, which you are responsible for while on tour) then think on a larger regional basis.  For example, I'm aiming for a multi-city tour in Montana and Washington State for two weeks in June...I look for locations that are on a certain path to make getting from one event to the other stress-free and easy.

Tip #2: Promotion - Book Signings at a busy book store often get unexpected foot traffic, but I can guarantee that the more you promote your book and publicize the event the better, especially in your hometown.  Send out email or postal invitations to friends and family to attend your event.  Send a Press Release regarding your book and linking it to the event in a local paper.  Supply the bookstore or library hosting the event with ample promotional supplies such as posters, postcards, bookmarks, etc...It doesn't have to be expensive ads, just a catchy flyer printed and copied from your home printer will be effective.  Print out synopsis sheets and book information to hand out around town...anything to help get the word out about the Book Signing event.

Tip #3: Just before a Book Signing:  Be sure to call the event venue several days before the signing to double check to make sure everything is set for your event.  As them what time you need to be there, what you should bring, and any other questions you might have about set-up.  I learned too that if you are supplying the books directly to the store on consignment versus a distributor - ask them about pricing and make sure the book is in their system  I ran across this problem at my book signing today, where I have an Ingram book, but it wasn't priced in the system and it caused a delay in the signing.  

Make sure you know where the venue is, if it's in a new city or part of town you aren't familiar with.  Print out Map Quest directions and double check to ensure you have the correct address with the venue manager.

Tip # 4: Personal Prep for a book signing can include figuring out how you want to display your books, getting all of your on-site promotional items (i.e. posters, business cards, etc...) organized.  Think about what you want to wear.  You want to look professional and I recommend a dress or suit, either casual or more formal depending on event venue.  

Tip # 5: Arrive early and be courteous to the venue employees. I know this is common sense, but just something that will help your signing/event go smoother.  If you rush to make the event you might come across as abrupt in attitude to potential readers or feel anxious about the event.  

Tip # 6: Setting up your signing table: Usually the venue will have the table set up and possibly a rack to display books.  When setting up your table think of ways to attract customers to your book.  It doesn't have to be fancy - just figure out ways to appropriately set-up your table, whether it's a poster board, cut-out, etc... Also don't forget to bring a couple of Sharpie pens - so you can in fact sign your books.

Things that really draw a reader to your book at a signing:

- Books - Display your books so that the title is easily read and books are easily available for customers to pick up and browse...

- Postcards, pamphlets, bookmarks:  I printed out 4 X 6 postcards with Next Day Fliers and keep them at my table.  They have a book description, ISBN #, ordering and contact information.  That way if Customers aren't sure if they want the book right now, they can opt to purchase it later.  You can also sign these postcards in lieu of books if someone wishes.  

- Promotion: This isn't a must, but I often have a small prize, such as a bookstore gift card for $20 or a copy of a book or DVD, which consumers who purchase the book at the signing can enter to win. It's a perk for them and a way I can thank my readers for purchasing the novel.  

- Email sign-up: Keep a Guest Log at your table, where readers can sign up for email updates regarding your book and also post a comment about your book.

- Don't have so much at the table, that you detract from the book itself, just enough to add to the reader's enjoyment of the book signing and invite curious customers to investigate what your book is all about.

Tip # 7: Always be friendly and outgoing to those who stop by your table.  Be informed about your book, you wrote it after all - so confidently tell the potential reader what it's about and why they might like it!  Greet passerby and smile at other store customers.  You don't want to nag someone to come over to hear about your book, but when you sense someone might be interested start up a conversation about your novel....Also if someone brushes you off or is rude don't worry about it- many people are in a hurry or just don't have social skills, don't let it make you mad, especially sense the person who was rude hasn't even thought about it or how it affected you - why let it bother you when it doesn't bother them?

I'll post more tips later on...those are just a few on my head today after hosting a book signing in town! 

Kindle, Smashwords and e-Book Publishing:

So your manuscript is complete, polished and ready for publishing, then it's time for you to consider making your work available for e-Readers via Amazon Kindle and Smashwords.  

Amazon Kindle: An e-reading platform available through Amazon.com, which allows readers to digitally download your manuscript to their Kindle device, PC, or cell phone.

Smash words: This is a website, which allows Independent Authors and Publishers to publish their books in a variety of digital formats including, but not limited to: P.D.F. , Kindle (in mobi format), E Pub, Sony Reader, HTML.  Premium Publishing on Smash words requires better e-book formatting, but will gain you access into the Nook and Sony stores.

How to Sell on Kindle?

Step 1: Publishing your e-Book on Kindle is free to set-up - a big plus for small publishers and Independent Authors.  To get the Kindle publishing process started go to

http://www.dtp.amazon.com

You can sign in via your Amazon screen name, which you use for purchasing items off the Amazon site.  After signing in you will be sent to the DTP or Digital Text Platform Dashboard. Your DTP Dashboard is your entry point into Kindle publishing.  From here you can set up your book (known as a 'Title'), edit and republish you work(s) when corrections are made, check your royalty reports, and set up direct deposit for payments, etc...

Looking at your dashboard you'll see several things.  At the top of the browser:

My Shelf - This is where you set up titles, and monitor existing titles.

My Reports - Where you click to check royalties.

My Account: Your Account info.

Step #2: Setting up Titles:

If you want to to set your book title, click the "My Shelf" Button on your dashboard.  In the upper left hand corner you'll see a button that says: "Add a New Item."  Click the icon and you'll be able to set up a new Title.  The process to set up the Title comes in four, fairly easy steps which I'll go through in detail below via steps 3-6.

Step # 3 Enter Product Details: This is the first step in the title set-up.  You will be asked to list and detail the following information: 

Title: What's the title of your work.  Example: my book is "Burden of Proof."

Description: Write a one to two paragraph description detailing your book's plot synopsis.  I have heard from consumers that a more detailed synopsis is better.  Don't give away plot twists or give the entire plot away, but try to give the consumer a good feel for what the book is about, key themes, characters and why they should read it.  For examples on how to write a product description try going through the top Kindle sellers and emulate a similar method in your description.  (*Note Product Description has 4000 characters Max)

 
Authors: List Author(s) and any other contributors to the project (I.E. Editor) here.

Publisher: List name of Publisher.  If you are self-publishing and are not with Create Space (Amazon's self-publishing platform for paperback books) then list the name of your publishing company (For example, I own Lone Mountain Press - I came up with this name because I love mountains.  Pick a Publishing House name that works for your image as an author/publisher)

 
ISBN: If you have an ISBN number type it here.  This ISBN number costs $150 through Bowker and can be used for digital books and traditional paperback and hardcover books.

 
Language * Pub Date: What language is the book in?  What is the date it was published.  

Keywords/ 
Categories: List the genre your book is in or keywords to identify it.  I.E. with "Burden of Proof" I put keywords such as 'espionage' 'suspense' 'thriller'

Product Image: Upload a J P.E.G. or TIFF of your book cover.  

- Digital Rights Management - can be enabled.  This is a way to stop Internet Piracy on your e-Book.  As someone with an Intellectual Property background I recommend enabling DRM.  For more info on Digital Rights Management and whether or not to use it: DRM

Step #4: Confirm Content Rights - Here you will need to confirm that you have sole right to publish you work (I.E. you own copyright and distribution rights).  Select which region you are legally allowed to distribute.  If you own sole distribution rights then opt for Worldwide Rights.

Step # 5:  Upload and Preview Book:  Before you reach this step, be sure to make sure your Kindle book is formatting correctly.  If you can a Word Document you might just want to delete blank pages at the top of the document before uploading.  For more on formatting check out the Amazon Guide. 

Here you can upload your digital file.  DO NOT USE PDF FILE!  For some reason Amazon Kindle is not set up for PDF and a Acrobat file will not lead to a poor quality Kindle book.  I recommend exporting a Word or PDF document to HTML or simply uploading an MS Word Document.  

Once you've uploaded the file, you can click the preview button to make sure that it reads properly in the Kindle format.  

Step # 6: Set Suggested Price - You have to set the price at a minimum of .99 cents per Kindle book.  I suggest a starting price of $1.99.  I know that seems a little low, but I've had a lot more luck with sales at that price.  If you want to set your book as a free e-book, you have to work this out with Amazon directly.

Step # 7: Click Publish - Make sure the Content Rights have been approved and then click published.  Your book will typically be 'Live' in the Kindle Store within 48 hours.

Other Issues regarding Kindle:

Royalties: You're in this primarily because you want people to enjoy your book, but any author/publisher who is working to be in print wants their efforts to pay off in a royalty check.  At this juncture you don't have any say in what royalties you receive or what discount is given to the distributor.  This is a bit annoying as Amazon requires 65% percent of the profit be reverted to them and 35% go to the author and publisher.  This option will open up this summer when Amazon will give authors/publishers a 70% royalty option, in which Amazon will receive 30% of profit and A/P - 70%.  If the 70% royalty option is chosen, Amazon will charge a fee per KB downloaded per sale and then configure the 70% rate after the KB deduction is made.  

So if you have a book priced at $1.99 you'll make .70 cents.  It's not much, and you may be tempted to price higher, but speaking from experience stay under $4 (and preferably $2) - you'll make more money by selling in bulk, as more readers are willing to purchase you book right away if it's cheaper in price.

Returns: Kindle users have seven days to return a book.  This will just be deducted from your royalty report and unlike paperback returns - you owe no money, you just lose the royalty you already received and sense you are paid 60 days after the end of the monthly report - you'll take no direct loss.

Tips:

- Make sure that you have a typo free and well-formatted Kindle book as Amazon Kindle users will vehemently write in a negative review if they find a typo or formatting issue.  The good news is you can upload a new manuscript as many times as you need to for no fee - there is just a 36 hour lay-over before the new version is live.  With my paperback book re-uploads with LSI it's a $40 fee...

Smashwords: is another great site for Authors/Independent Publishers to promote and sell their work.  With Smashwords you can reach a lot of different e-Book formats and you receive a higher royalty than Amazon (80% A/P Royalty).  I recommend being on both Kindle and Smashwords

To get your book listed on Smashwords is easy.  Once you set-up an account you can upload titles simply by importing your MS Word or HTML file to the site.  For more info check out this link: http://www.smashwords.com/about

More on E-Book Promotion Soon!

If you're interested in checking out "Burden of Proof": Kindle 

*Note - New Version now Availble on Kindle for only $1.99

E-Reading Devices

In the past several years more and more devices to promote e-reading for the public at large have come into play.  These devices include Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook and the Sony Reader.  Apple is now coming into the mix with the highly advanced Apple I Pad coming out late this Spring.  More and more consumers are turning to digital books y via the e-reading devices or P.D.F. files  The new digital e-reading revolution affords an excellent opportunity for Independent (and Traditional) authors and publishers to promote their books and further sales.

In this post I'll briefly go over the major digital reading devices.  In a subsequent post I'll go into how to sell your e-book via Smashwords and Amazon Kindle

Devices:

Kindle: Amazon's best-selling e-reading device, which debuted in November of 2007 and is the forerunner of it's predecessors.  It is sold exclusively through Amazon and sells roughly for $259.  It is currently available in North America and Australia, but not in the European Market.  Three hardware devices, known as "Kindle," "Kindle 2," and "Kindle D.X." support this platform. Kindle software applications exist for Windows, i Phone OS, and Black Berry, with a Mac OS X version in development.   Amazon has released Kindle for PC free of charge, allowing users to read Kindle books on a Windows PC.  Kindle owners can download e-books for their Kindle.  The advantage of the Kindle is that you in theory can save money on books, as e-books are typically priced less.  The main advantage of Kindle or other e-reader devices is the portability.  You can carry up to 1500 books in one device - instead of lugging paperback and hardbacks around.  This is perfect for flights and trips.  Books for Amazon Kindle mostly must be purchased through the Amazon Kindle store, however other websites such as Smashwords offer alternatives to this.

Barnes and Noble Nook:  In an effort to cut into Amazon's e-book sales and buffer the Brick and Mortar chain's sales (Amazon is big competition for B&N and cuts into about 40% of their potential revenue margin), B&N opted to develop it's only device called 'Nook,' which is very similar to Kindle in design.  The main difference of course is the fact that the only place you can purchase e-books for your Nook is via Barnes and Noble's on-line store.  I've heard both positive and negative reviews of the Nook.  Some prefer Kindle and others Nook.  

Sony Reader: Borders sells this device in store, however Sony Reader isn't limited by one store format.  It supports P.D.F.'S, e-pub, and Sony e-book store downloads.  It looks similar to both the Amazon Kindle and Nook...I have heard a lot of people say they like the Sony Reader because you can easily read P.D.F.'S and they Sony Store offers a good selection of books.  Over all it depends on your personal preference in model make-up and downloading options.

I Pad:  The Apple I Pad will come out this spring.  I am a Mac user and love Mac products so I'm sure the quality will be excellent.  However I want to point out some key differences between the I Pad and other e-reading devices.  From what I've read the I Pad offers a platform for e-reading, but the device acts more like a mini computer with Internet Browsing, Documents, Applications, and other non e-reading capabilities not offered via Kindle, Nook or Sony.  Therefore Mac will appeal to both those looking for a computer smaller than a laptop, and e-readers have the Apple Book option.  

The price is steep at $499 compared to other e-readers, but given the fact that it is more of a mini-computer that makes sense.  I'm not sure Apple will cut into Nook and Amazon sales as much as economists project.  I think Amazon, much like Apple with the I Pod set the standard with the Kindle and many people who don't want the excess features on the I Pad will opt for the cheaper Kindle.  The main question will be the pricing wars, which are beginning to ensue.  I'll broach th pricing wars in a later post. 

PC or Online HTML viewing: Several e-book stores allow you to download the file to your computer to read in P.D.F. or Online HTML form, which allows even more opportunities for readers to download e-books and read them on the computer.  Cell-phone carriers also are allowing e-reading on phones.

If you are interested in learning about how to sell you book in e-Book form, follow me to the next entry...