Tip of the Month:
If you need books for re-sale during the holidays, allow extra
time for printing, and extra time for shipping. The period from
November 15 to December 15 is traditionally the busiest time of
the year for printers, rushing books to market for the holidays.
Likewise, shippers like UPS and *especially* the USPS often get
swamped with holiday shipments, slowing delivery times.
In the dark economic climate of late 2008, the holiday crunch
may be less serious -- we are getting sad reports that printers
are starving for work and shipping out orders promptly. Just
the same, it's wise to allow an extra week or two during this
traditionally busy season.
Lead Story: An ATM for Books?
In-bookstore printing of books continues to advance with the
release of a new "edition" of the Espresso Book Machine 2.0,
according to an excellent article by Wade Hemsworth:
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/465769
The 2.0 machine is cheaper, faster and smaller than earlier
versions.
Imagine a bookstore where 100,000 book titles are "on file" in
digital form, but not on the shelves. At your request, any
one of them can be printed in a matter of minutes, at a
reasonable price. This includes rare and hard to find old
books rarely stocked by conventional stores.
Imagine a bookstore where no book is out-of-print or
out-of-stock, a store where readers can get more than just
trendy new bestsellers.
Imagine having YOUR book on file, allowing you to print
single copies as needed -- for about six cents per page,
no shipping charges, and delivery in minutes.
It's all getting closer. Stay tuned to "The Savvy Self-
Publisher" for updates.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Additional Stories for December 2008 - January 2009
U-Publish.com Featured
In September, "The Writer's Edge" Blog featured U-Publish.com as
an antidote to doldrums from the weakening world economy:
http://writersedgeinfo.blogspot.com/2008/11/your-dream-can-come-true.html
From a recent press release:
"Survey after survey shows American broadband quality and access
falling perilously behind countries in Europe and Asia. Getting
everyone connected to an open Internet should be a national
priority." FMI:
http://internetforeveryone.org
Love Your Librarian
In November, Dan Snow had a question about upcoming appointments
in Washington. On a whim, he decided to try the "Ask a Librarian"
link at the Library of Congress:
http://www.loc.gov/rr/askalib/
A day later, he received a detailed response from Reference
Specialist Judith Gray. It was not a form letter; it was not
a useless cut-and-paste reply, or a set of instructions to
look for answers somewhere else. It was a real answer from
a real person. How rare these days, and how refreshing! How
good to see public funds delivering real benefits to real
taxpayers! Hats off to librarians everywhere ...
Amazon Reader Reviews:
OK, we've all heard the rumors about authors who write glowing
reviews of their own books at Amazon.
The following link will direct you to a long chain of discussion
about an alleged case like this, which is somehow both humorous
and sad at the same time:
http://www.u-publish.com/links.htm
Please note: we have not read the book(s) in question, nor any of
the reviews. We are not taking sides.
Instead, our point is to illustrate that reader reviews are simply
not reliable sources of literary criticism. Amazon does post
real reviews by professional reviewers, such as Jim Cox of the
Midwest Book Review, who regularly reviews self-published books.
Please read our book for more tips on getting real book reviews
and other media coverage, which are more credible (and free!)
sources of exposure for your book.
Please feel free to forward copies of this newsletter to your
fellow authors and publishers. This is a fre@ resource that is
available to anyone in the book world upon request. We don't
accept paid advertising, endorse or guarantee products or
services, nor accept fees for mentioning them without full
disclosure. See http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm to join.
Reader Survey
Danny O. Snow will present a panel titled "The Convergence of
Print and Digital Content" at the 2009 Publishing Business
Conference, March 23-25 at the New York Marriott.
Snow wants input from subscribers to this newsletter who sell
their books in both printed AND digital form:
-- If you sell e-Books, what is the best outlet for them?
Your own Web site or Blog? A third-party service provider?
A mainstream online bookseller?
-- Do you use the e-Book (or a preview) as a sales tool for
the tree-Book? If so, where and how?
-- What is the best way to use a 'Blog or social networking
sites like MySpace and Facebook to promote books?
-- Where do most readers read your e-Books? On a desktop or
laptop computer? Palm pilot or other PDA? A dedicated device
like the Kindle or e-Reader? An iPhone or other G3 device?
Please send comments to
newsdesk@u-publish.com with the phrase
"Reader Survey" in the subject line. Those who respond will
get a free pass to the panel, and a transcript.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
Our newsletter links:
Read excerpts online:
http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Get full issue by e-mail:
http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
Please Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers by sending a message to
writersdig@fwpubs.com with
"101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Reminder: News to Use:
The Small Publishers Ass'n of North America (SPAN) has published
a good primer on how you can use Facebook to promote your book:
http://www.spannet.org/article-applequist-facebook.htm
(Ad) You can also join SPAN with a *huge* "new member discount"
courtesy of U-Publish.com. To get the discount, you must apply
using the following link:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
Reminder: Eric Hoffer Book Award
$1500 grand prize, $45 entry fee, many categories. Deadline
January 15, 2009. FMI:
http://www.hofferaward.com
Quotation of the Month:
"Habits in writing as in life are only useful if they are broken
as soon as they cease to be advantageous."
-- W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965)
In September, "The Writer's Edge" Blog featured U-Publish.com as
an antidote to doldrums from the weakening world economy:
http://writersedgeinfo.blogspot.com/2008/11/your-dream-can-come-true.html
From a recent press release:
"Survey after survey shows American broadband quality and access
falling perilously behind countries in Europe and Asia. Getting
everyone connected to an open Internet should be a national
priority." FMI:
http://internetforeveryone.org
Love Your Librarian
In November, Dan Snow had a question about upcoming appointments
in Washington. On a whim, he decided to try the "Ask a Librarian"
link at the Library of Congress:
http://www.loc.gov/rr/askalib/
A day later, he received a detailed response from Reference
Specialist Judith Gray. It was not a form letter; it was not
a useless cut-and-paste reply, or a set of instructions to
look for answers somewhere else. It was a real answer from
a real person. How rare these days, and how refreshing! How
good to see public funds delivering real benefits to real
taxpayers! Hats off to librarians everywhere ...
Amazon Reader Reviews:
OK, we've all heard the rumors about authors who write glowing
reviews of their own books at Amazon.
The following link will direct you to a long chain of discussion
about an alleged case like this, which is somehow both humorous
and sad at the same time:
http://www.u-publish.com/links.htm
Please note: we have not read the book(s) in question, nor any of
the reviews. We are not taking sides.
Instead, our point is to illustrate that reader reviews are simply
not reliable sources of literary criticism. Amazon does post
real reviews by professional reviewers, such as Jim Cox of the
Midwest Book Review, who regularly reviews self-published books.
Please read our book for more tips on getting real book reviews
and other media coverage, which are more credible (and free!)
sources of exposure for your book.
Please feel free to forward copies of this newsletter to your
fellow authors and publishers. This is a fre@ resource that is
available to anyone in the book world upon request. We don't
accept paid advertising, endorse or guarantee products or
services, nor accept fees for mentioning them without full
disclosure. See http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm to join.
Reader Survey
Danny O. Snow will present a panel titled "The Convergence of
Print and Digital Content" at the 2009 Publishing Business
Conference, March 23-25 at the New York Marriott.
Snow wants input from subscribers to this newsletter who sell
their books in both printed AND digital form:
-- If you sell e-Books, what is the best outlet for them?
Your own Web site or Blog? A third-party service provider?
A mainstream online bookseller?
-- Do you use the e-Book (or a preview) as a sales tool for
the tree-Book? If so, where and how?
-- What is the best way to use a 'Blog or social networking
sites like MySpace and Facebook to promote books?
-- Where do most readers read your e-Books? On a desktop or
laptop computer? Palm pilot or other PDA? A dedicated device
like the Kindle or e-Reader? An iPhone or other G3 device?
Please send comments to
newsdesk@u-publish.com with the phrase
"Reader Survey" in the subject line. Those who respond will
get a free pass to the panel, and a transcript.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
Our newsletter links:
Read excerpts online:
http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Get full issue by e-mail:
http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
Please Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers by sending a message to
writersdig@fwpubs.com with
"101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Reminder: News to Use:
The Small Publishers Ass'n of North America (SPAN) has published
a good primer on how you can use Facebook to promote your book:
http://www.spannet.org/article-applequist-facebook.htm
(Ad) You can also join SPAN with a *huge* "new member discount"
courtesy of U-Publish.com. To get the discount, you must apply
using the following link:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
Reminder: Eric Hoffer Book Award
$1500 grand prize, $45 entry fee, many categories. Deadline
January 15, 2009. FMI:
http://www.hofferaward.com
Quotation of the Month:
"Habits in writing as in life are only useful if they are broken
as soon as they cease to be advantageous."
-- W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965)
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Savvy Self-Publisher, November-December 2008
Tip of the Month:
Just in: an e-mail post that reads "The International Library
of Poetry has just announced that over 1,175 prizes, totaling
$58,000.00, will be awarded in the International Open Amateur
Poetry Contest. The contest is open to everyone, and entry is
free."
Contests like this could be legit... but if you enter, beware
of follow-ups that notify you that your poem has been chosen
not for a cash prize but for inclusion in a book -- that you
must buy for $50 -- or an invitation to attend an upcoming
awards ceremony... at your own expense.
Lead Story: Google Pays $34 M to Seed "Book Rights Registry"
The good folks at Google have settled a lawsuit brought by
the equally good folks at The Authors Guild and the AAP,
opening the door to make millions of books available online
forever. FMI:
http://books.google.com/booksrightsholders
and
http://www.reuters.com/article/email/idUSTRE49R71K20081028
Paul Aiken, executive director of the Authors Guild, called
the settlement "the biggest book deal in U.S. publishing
history." He added that a "vast repository of books --
millions upon millions of out-of-print books and many in-print
books -- will find a new home and new readers online."
The new "Book Rights Registry" will be open to self-publishing
authors as well as big publishers.
This is positive, historic news for everyone in the book world.
Please stay tuned to future issues of this bulletin for updates!
Just in: an e-mail post that reads "The International Library
of Poetry has just announced that over 1,175 prizes, totaling
$58,000.00, will be awarded in the International Open Amateur
Poetry Contest. The contest is open to everyone, and entry is
free."
Contests like this could be legit... but if you enter, beware
of follow-ups that notify you that your poem has been chosen
not for a cash prize but for inclusion in a book -- that you
must buy for $50 -- or an invitation to attend an upcoming
awards ceremony... at your own expense.
Lead Story: Google Pays $34 M to Seed "Book Rights Registry"
The good folks at Google have settled a lawsuit brought by
the equally good folks at The Authors Guild and the AAP,
opening the door to make millions of books available online
forever. FMI:
http://books.google.com/booksrightsholders
and
http://www.reuters.com/article/email/idUSTRE49R71K20081028
Paul Aiken, executive director of the Authors Guild, called
the settlement "the biggest book deal in U.S. publishing
history." He added that a "vast repository of books --
millions upon millions of out-of-print books and many in-print
books -- will find a new home and new readers online."
The new "Book Rights Registry" will be open to self-publishing
authors as well as big publishers.
This is positive, historic news for everyone in the book world.
Please stay tuned to future issues of this bulletin for updates!
Additional Stories for November-December 2008
November 1:
Co-author Danny O. Snow will be interviewed at Carol Denbow's
"A Book Inside" 'Blog on November 1, with Q and A sessions
over the next few days. Please join us:
http://abookinside.blogspot.com
News to Use:
The Small Publishers Ass'n of North America (SPAN) has published
a good primer on how you can use Facebook to promote your book:
www.spannet.org/article-applequist-facebook.htm
(Ad) You can also join SPAN with a huge "new member discount"
courtesy of U-Publish.com. To get the special discount, you must apply
using the following link:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
More News to Use:
Self-publishing authors can now use Google Book Search to embed
easy-to-navigate previews of their books on a Web site or blog,
(like uTube videos) which can lead to more orders:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/16478
How does this differ from Amazon's "Look Inside" feature?
Danny O. Snow remarks:
-- It's free.
-- Readers can order directly from you, for more income.
-- It's an open platform, not a proprietary system that holds
readers and writers captives of a single bookseller.
For an example, click the "Free Preview" link in the
right-hand column of this page.
The announcement from Google gives authors and publishers an
alternative way to let readers "look inside" their books in
a more open environment.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
Barnes & Noble has introduced its answer to Shelfari, Goodreads
and other social networking sites for books:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/17590
Likewise, Lulu.com has struck a deal with http://www.WeRead.com
that benefits authors who self-publish their books at Lulu.
(Ad) Get a free advertising package courtesy of U-Publish.com
when you self-publish a book at Lulu:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
Please Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers. Send a message to writersdig@fwpubs.com
with "101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Quotation of the Month:
"The writer who neglects punctuation, or mispunctuates, is
liable to be misunderstood.... For the want of merely a comma,
it often occurs that an axiom appears a paradox, or that a
sarcasm is converted into a sermonoid."
-- Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1845)
================================================================
Co-author Danny O. Snow will be interviewed at Carol Denbow's
"A Book Inside" 'Blog on November 1, with Q and A sessions
over the next few days. Please join us:
http://abookinside.blogspot.com
News to Use:
The Small Publishers Ass'n of North America (SPAN) has published
a good primer on how you can use Facebook to promote your book:
www.spannet.org/article-applequist-facebook.htm
(Ad) You can also join SPAN with a huge "new member discount"
courtesy of U-Publish.com. To get the special discount, you must apply
using the following link:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
More News to Use:
Self-publishing authors can now use Google Book Search to embed
easy-to-navigate previews of their books on a Web site or blog,
(like uTube videos) which can lead to more orders:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/16478
How does this differ from Amazon's "Look Inside" feature?
Danny O. Snow remarks:
-- It's free.
-- Readers can order directly from you, for more income.
-- It's an open platform, not a proprietary system that holds
readers and writers captives of a single bookseller.
For an example, click the "Free Preview" link in the
right-hand column of this page.
The announcement from Google gives authors and publishers an
alternative way to let readers "look inside" their books in
a more open environment.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
Barnes & Noble has introduced its answer to Shelfari, Goodreads
and other social networking sites for books:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/17590
Likewise, Lulu.com has struck a deal with http://www.WeRead.com
that benefits authors who self-publish their books at Lulu.
(Ad) Get a free advertising package courtesy of U-Publish.com
when you self-publish a book at Lulu:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
Please Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers. Send a message to writersdig@fwpubs.com
with "101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Quotation of the Month:
"The writer who neglects punctuation, or mispunctuates, is
liable to be misunderstood.... For the want of merely a comma,
it often occurs that an axiom appears a paradox, or that a
sarcasm is converted into a sermonoid."
-- Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1845)
================================================================
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Savvy Self-Publisher, October-November 2008
Tip of the Month
As we approach the holiday season in Oct-Nov-Dec, be cautious
about requests for free review copies -- other than those from
working journalists. Some so-called "book reviewers" may be
unethical scammers, trolling for free books from unsuspecting
authors to use as gifts. It may be an urban myth, but one
anecdotal report claims that a self-proclaimed "reviewer" asked
a small press for review copies of a dozen different books --
concluding, "And would you gift-wrap them, please?"
Lead Story:
Keeping Readers in a Time of Crisis
In the aftermath of 9/11, some 4,500 small U.S. publishers went
out of business when the American economy faltered. In late
2008, the economic horizon appears infinitely darker.
How will authors and publishers survive such a downturn? Or
can we survive at all?
Aside from academic texts ("required reading"), books are often
considered discretionary purchases by the public; simply put,
when money is tight, people buy fewer books.
Some more exceptions might include books that help readers save
money in a time of belt-tightening, like (ahem!) U-Publish.com
and The Self-Publishing Manual. Or books that help people earn
money.
But even a garden variety novel can be marketed as an economical
alternative to other forms of entertainment, such as movies, music
and video games.
Another way to wring more revenue from your writing is to make
your book available in multiple formats for readers with special
needs. You've probably spent many months -- even years --
writing the book... with today's technologies, it's relatively
easy to add an e-Book, large print edition, or even a talking
book for busy commuters who don't have time to "read."
Most of all, authors can get more actively involved in the
promotion of their own books. There are many, many ways to
build a grassroots audience at little expense, other than your
time. To cite just one quick example: nearly every author
should set up a "news alert" at Google that prompts you when
there is breaking news on topics related to your book. Then
you can post your expert commentary, signing "John Doe, author
of 'Book Title,' www.yourbook.com" in the closing.
Please read the 2007 edition of U-Publish.com for more tips
about gaining exposure for your book at a minimum of expense.
It takes creativity and diligence to promote a book, but it
isn't rocket science. Thousands of self-publishing authors
have already proven that it's possible. You can be one of them!
As we approach the holiday season in Oct-Nov-Dec, be cautious
about requests for free review copies -- other than those from
working journalists. Some so-called "book reviewers" may be
unethical scammers, trolling for free books from unsuspecting
authors to use as gifts. It may be an urban myth, but one
anecdotal report claims that a self-proclaimed "reviewer" asked
a small press for review copies of a dozen different books --
concluding, "And would you gift-wrap them, please?"
Lead Story:
Keeping Readers in a Time of Crisis
In the aftermath of 9/11, some 4,500 small U.S. publishers went
out of business when the American economy faltered. In late
2008, the economic horizon appears infinitely darker.
How will authors and publishers survive such a downturn? Or
can we survive at all?
Aside from academic texts ("required reading"), books are often
considered discretionary purchases by the public; simply put,
when money is tight, people buy fewer books.
Some more exceptions might include books that help readers save
money in a time of belt-tightening, like (ahem!) U-Publish.com
and The Self-Publishing Manual. Or books that help people earn
money.
But even a garden variety novel can be marketed as an economical
alternative to other forms of entertainment, such as movies, music
and video games.
Another way to wring more revenue from your writing is to make
your book available in multiple formats for readers with special
needs. You've probably spent many months -- even years --
writing the book... with today's technologies, it's relatively
easy to add an e-Book, large print edition, or even a talking
book for busy commuters who don't have time to "read."
Most of all, authors can get more actively involved in the
promotion of their own books. There are many, many ways to
build a grassroots audience at little expense, other than your
time. To cite just one quick example: nearly every author
should set up a "news alert" at Google that prompts you when
there is breaking news on topics related to your book. Then
you can post your expert commentary, signing "John Doe, author
of 'Book Title,' www.yourbook.com" in the closing.
Please read the 2007 edition of U-Publish.com for more tips
about gaining exposure for your book at a minimum of expense.
It takes creativity and diligence to promote a book, but it
isn't rocket science. Thousands of self-publishing authors
have already proven that it's possible. You can be one of them!
Additional Stories for October-November 2008
To Blurb or Not to Blurb?
A recent article by William Leith discusses the pros and cons
of putting "blurbs" (endorsements) on the cover of your book:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/sep/22/advertising
Danny O. Snow adds that blurbs DO make a difference when the
endorsement comes from a recognized expert in your field, a
celebrity with name recognition, or a dash of humor. Jim
Cox of Midwest Book Review once wrote "I'd review Dan Poynter's
laundry list if he were to publish it!" A witty phrase like
this is almost certain to attract readers:
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/jimcox/may_05.htm
Bill Tancer says that "How to write a book" is the 62nd most
frequently asked how-to question on the Internet:
http://www.borders.com/online/store/ArticleView_click
Tools for Agent-Hunting:
Jim Duxbury (http://www.lulu.com/cdbooks) recommends:
http://www.agentquery.com
Dan Snow adds:
http://www.everyonewhosanyone.com
Remember that you can self-publish while you are looking for an
agent... or a conventional publisher. Use early book reviews to
demonstrate the book's appeal. More importantly, use your sales
records to prove public demand; NOTHING attracts agents (and the
publishers they approach) like objective proof of commercial
potential. If you get a good offer, sell out. If not, you're
already in print with a growing readership.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
A Book Inside
For a nice complement to U-Publish.com (book and newsletter),
visit Carol Denbow's blog:
http://abookinside.blogspot.com
Danny O. Snow will be interviewed by Carol on November 1.
Please tune in!
News to Use:
Record a video of yourself defining a word that holds special
meaning to you. Then upload it to:
http://wordia.com
Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers by sending a message to
writersdig@fwpubs.com with
"101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Quotation of the Month: The ultimate bad book review!
"The covers of this book are too far apart."
-- Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)
A recent article by William Leith discusses the pros and cons
of putting "blurbs" (endorsements) on the cover of your book:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/sep/22/advertising
Danny O. Snow adds that blurbs DO make a difference when the
endorsement comes from a recognized expert in your field, a
celebrity with name recognition, or a dash of humor. Jim
Cox of Midwest Book Review once wrote "I'd review Dan Poynter's
laundry list if he were to publish it!" A witty phrase like
this is almost certain to attract readers:
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/jimcox/may_05.htm
Bill Tancer says that "How to write a book" is the 62nd most
frequently asked how-to question on the Internet:
http://www.borders.com/online/store/ArticleView_click
Tools for Agent-Hunting:
Jim Duxbury (http://www.lulu.com/cdbooks) recommends:
http://www.agentquery.com
Dan Snow adds:
http://www.everyonewhosanyone.com
Remember that you can self-publish while you are looking for an
agent... or a conventional publisher. Use early book reviews to
demonstrate the book's appeal. More importantly, use your sales
records to prove public demand; NOTHING attracts agents (and the
publishers they approach) like objective proof of commercial
potential. If you get a good offer, sell out. If not, you're
already in print with a growing readership.
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
A Book Inside
For a nice complement to U-Publish.com (book and newsletter),
visit Carol Denbow's blog:
http://abookinside.blogspot.com
Danny O. Snow will be interviewed by Carol on November 1.
Please tune in!
News to Use:
Record a video of yourself defining a word that holds special
meaning to you. Then upload it to:
http://wordia.com
Vote for Our Site!
Please help get U-Publish.com back in the top 101 sites for
writers by sending a message to
writersdig@fwpubs.com with
"101 Best Websites" in the subject line. Thanks!
Quotation of the Month: The ultimate bad book review!
"The covers of this book are too far apart."
-- Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Savvy Self-Publisher, September-October 2008
Tip of the Month
If you have a book in production during October, November or
December, use a 2009 Copyright date rather than 2008. This way,
in January your book won't appear as if it's "last year's" book
when it's actually still fresh and new.
Lead Story:
Booker Prize by Phone: a Lesson for the Future
Britain's oldest and most prestigious literary award will be
posting extracts of leading books to cell phones starting
September 9. Both text and audio will be available. FMI:
http://www.booktrade.info/index.php/showarticle/16085
Why is this important to writers? Because it's the wave of
the future! We all love traditional tree-Books made of paper
and ink... but e-Books made of bits and bytes are here to
stay. Moreover, we predict a growing trend toward reading
on multipurpose, handheld devices. Why?
-- Who wants to sit in front of a desktop computer for hours,
reading a book?
-- Laptops are portable, but most are fragile and weigh more
than a book.
-- The mighty iPod can now display text, but the screen is
tiny.
-- Will millions of people pay $200 to $300 (plus the cost
of books) for single purpose devices, and books in formats
that don't work elsewhere?
Enter the iPhone and its ilk: it's a phone, a PDA, an
e-mail device, a Web browser, a TV... and now an e-Book
reader.
Fictionwise has released eReader 1.1, the first of several
upgrades of the eReader software for the trendy iPhone:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6587044.html
Last year, half of Japan's top ten sellers were "cell
phone novels" meant to be read as text messages:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_novel
If the staid, traditional old Booker Prize recognizes
the trend, so should we. For years, Poynter and Snow
have held that e-Books are virtually guaranteed to play
a growing role in the book world, and that portable,
multi-purpose devices will prevail as the leading
vehicle for delivering them.
Freebies and Discounts
Thanks to the popularity of our book and Web site, we are
now pleased to offer a growing number of free and discounted
services, exclusively for U-Publish.com readers:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
Please check back periodically for new specials, coming soon!
If you have a book in production during October, November or
December, use a 2009 Copyright date rather than 2008. This way,
in January your book won't appear as if it's "last year's" book
when it's actually still fresh and new.
Lead Story:
Booker Prize by Phone: a Lesson for the Future
Britain's oldest and most prestigious literary award will be
posting extracts of leading books to cell phones starting
September 9. Both text and audio will be available. FMI:
http://www.booktrade.info/index.php/showarticle/16085
Why is this important to writers? Because it's the wave of
the future! We all love traditional tree-Books made of paper
and ink... but e-Books made of bits and bytes are here to
stay. Moreover, we predict a growing trend toward reading
on multipurpose, handheld devices. Why?
-- Who wants to sit in front of a desktop computer for hours,
reading a book?
-- Laptops are portable, but most are fragile and weigh more
than a book.
-- The mighty iPod can now display text, but the screen is
tiny.
-- Will millions of people pay $200 to $300 (plus the cost
of books) for single purpose devices, and books in formats
that don't work elsewhere?
Enter the iPhone and its ilk: it's a phone, a PDA, an
e-mail device, a Web browser, a TV... and now an e-Book
reader.
Fictionwise has released eReader 1.1, the first of several
upgrades of the eReader software for the trendy iPhone:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6587044.html
Last year, half of Japan's top ten sellers were "cell
phone novels" meant to be read as text messages:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_novel
If the staid, traditional old Booker Prize recognizes
the trend, so should we. For years, Poynter and Snow
have held that e-Books are virtually guaranteed to play
a growing role in the book world, and that portable,
multi-purpose devices will prevail as the leading
vehicle for delivering them.
Freebies and Discounts
Thanks to the popularity of our book and Web site, we are
now pleased to offer a growing number of free and discounted
services, exclusively for U-Publish.com readers:
http://www.u-publish.com/services.htm
Please check back periodically for new specials, coming soon!
Additional Stories for September-October 2008
The Problem - And the Solution
In the article below, Richard Laermer explains why he believes that traditional
book publishing is dead. But as Poynter and Snow explain in our book, using new technologies to slash costs, and using grassroots marketing methods to reach readers more directly, still works!
Recommended reading:
http://tinyurl.com/5h8yfx
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
PMA now IBPA
The Publishers Marketing Association has changed its name to
the Independent Book Publishers Association... new name, same
great benefits for members. Join IBPA, SPAN and SPAWN whether
you are new to publishing or a veteran:
http://www.ibpa-online.org
Reminder: The Writer's "Secret Weapon" Arrives
Is "there" or "their" or "they're" the right word?
New software takes over where Word's spell checker stops:
http://stores.lulu.com/cdbooks
Money back guarantee. Reviews from early adopters wanted at
http://u-publish.blogspot.com where you can share ideas with
fellow authors and publishers.
News to Use
Good advice on getting published from Judith Kelman:
http://www.jkelman.com/publish
Please feel free to forward copies of this bulletin to your
fellow authors and publishers. This is a fre@ resource that is
available to anyone in the book world upon request. We don't
accept paid advertising, endorse or guarantee products or
services, nor accept fees for mentioning them without full
disclosure. Please visit http://www.u-publish.com to subscribe.
e-Rights v. tree-Rights
A new article by intellectual property lawyer Ivan Hoffman
discusses the difference between print rights and electronic
rights, a subject of growing importance to writers in the 21st
century:
http://www.ivanhoffman.com/collective.html
DIY Book Festival Contest
Deadline: Oct. 25, 2008. Grand Prize $1500. Entry fee $50.
Many catagories. Details:
http://www.diyconvention.com
Quotation of the Month
"Writing ought either to be the manufacture of stories for which
there is a market demand - a business as safe and commendable as
making soap or breakfast foods - or it should be an art, which
is always a search for something for which there is no market
demand, something new and untried, where the values are intrinsic
and have nothing to do with standardized values."
-- Willa Cather, 1876–1947
Our Newsletter Links:
Browse excerpts:
http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Get FULL newsletter by e-mail:
http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
In the article below, Richard Laermer explains why he believes that traditional
book publishing is dead. But as Poynter and Snow explain in our book, using new technologies to slash costs, and using grassroots marketing methods to reach readers more directly, still works!
Recommended reading:
http://tinyurl.com/5h8yfx
Ad: Prove Your Market Before Printing in Bulk
Special services for U-Publish.com visitors help you prove the
market for your book BEFORE you invest in bulk printing:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
Don't get stuck with a garage full of unsold books! Test your
book's public appeal at little or no cost before placing big
print orders.
PMA now IBPA
The Publishers Marketing Association has changed its name to
the Independent Book Publishers Association... new name, same
great benefits for members. Join IBPA, SPAN and SPAWN whether
you are new to publishing or a veteran:
http://www.ibpa-online.org
Reminder: The Writer's "Secret Weapon" Arrives
Is "there" or "their" or "they're" the right word?
New software takes over where Word's spell checker stops:
http://stores.lulu.com/cdbooks
Money back guarantee. Reviews from early adopters wanted at
http://u-publish.blogspot.com where you can share ideas with
fellow authors and publishers.
News to Use
Good advice on getting published from Judith Kelman:
http://www.jkelman.com/publish
Please feel free to forward copies of this bulletin to your
fellow authors and publishers. This is a fre@ resource that is
available to anyone in the book world upon request. We don't
accept paid advertising, endorse or guarantee products or
services, nor accept fees for mentioning them without full
disclosure. Please visit http://www.u-publish.com to subscribe.
e-Rights v. tree-Rights
A new article by intellectual property lawyer Ivan Hoffman
discusses the difference between print rights and electronic
rights, a subject of growing importance to writers in the 21st
century:
http://www.ivanhoffman.com/collective.html
DIY Book Festival Contest
Deadline: Oct. 25, 2008. Grand Prize $1500. Entry fee $50.
Many catagories. Details:
http://www.diyconvention.com
Quotation of the Month
"Writing ought either to be the manufacture of stories for which
there is a market demand - a business as safe and commendable as
making soap or breakfast foods - or it should be an art, which
is always a search for something for which there is no market
demand, something new and untried, where the values are intrinsic
and have nothing to do with standardized values."
-- Willa Cather, 1876–1947
Our Newsletter Links:
Browse excerpts:
http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Get FULL newsletter by e-mail:
http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Savvy Self-Publisher, August-September 2008
Lead Story: Book Title Tips and Tricks
As explained in "Writing Nonfiction" by Dan Poynter, choosing
an effective title for your book is a BIG key to success.
Think of it in terms of a company name listed in a phone book:
suppose you run a veterinary clinic in San Francisco... would
you name it "San Francisco Pet Hospital" or "Pet Hospital of
San Francisco" instead? The latter choice is better, because
your prospective customers are MUCH more likely to look in the
phone book under "Pets" than "San Francisco."
The same is true for books. When people search online for a
book, they may not know a specific title or author... but they
do know the subject of the book they want to buy. For this
reason the subject MUST be part of your book's title for best
results.
Dan Poynter's book "Writing Nonfiction" practices what it
preaches: it's almost always shelved correctly in bookstores,
and is the #1 listing for Google Book Search when readers
search "writing nonfiction" or "nonfiction writing." Use
Poynter's success as your guide, and pick a title for your
book that readers will find, even if they don't know your
name or book title!
The Writer's "Secret Weapon" Arrives
Is "there" or "their" or "they're" the right word you need now?
New software takes over where Word's spell checker stops:
http://stores.lulu.com/cdbooks
Money back guarantee. Reviews from authors wanted.
How We Become Writers
If you are hesitant about becoming a published author because
you fear that you are not qualified, you should read about how
other writers got started. Writers become writers in some
strange ways. One noted animal writer, for example, was helped
by the divorce of a famous actress. Another writer got his
start when he applied for a job he was totally unqualified to
get. "How We Became Writers" tells how writers, some well-known
and others not well-known yet, got published for the first time:
http://www.howwebecamewriters.com
Our newsletter links:
Read excerpts online: http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Get full issue by e-mail: http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
Post your comments: http://u-publish.blogspot.com
Guest Column
Bookstore Distribution: Self-Publisher's Dream Come True?
Or "The Emporer's New Clothes?"
by Ron Pramschufer of BooksJustBooks.com
http://www.u-publish.com/bjb.htm
Mainstream booksellers return unsold books to you for a refund
on a regular basis. There are better outlets!
Self-Published Authors in Action -- Success Story
Hal Runkel, author of SCREAMFREE PARENTING self-published his
book. He invested $25,000 in media outreach with Planned
Television Arts. PTA got him 60 radio interviews, lots of local
tour media and a regular gig on TV's The Daily Buzz, which led
him to a deal with Random House and a $500,000 advance. FMI:
http://www.PlannedTVArts.com/?u-pub
Quotation of the Month
"No passion in the world is equal to the urge to alter someone
else's writing."
-- H. G. Wells
(re-worded by D.O. Snow)
When will the e-Book World Learn from Music?
Amazon is rumored to have a new version of the Kindle e-Book
reader ready to ship as early as October. Meanwhile, the buzz
over growth of e-Books continues:
http://www.bookbusinessmag.com/story/story.bsp?sid=113971&var=story
Our predictions:
Single purpose devices won't prevail. Already there are real,
full featured computers like the ASUS that are the same size
and same price... but do much, much more.
Another battle will be fought between proprietary formats like
Amazon's Mobipocket versus cross-platform formats like PDF.
From music, we already know that copy protection won't work.
Amazon and Sony are trying to keep a captive market, while
music sites are now selling freely copyable MP3 downloads at
low prices.
From the success of iTunes we know that consumers will pay for
legal downloads if they're reasonably priced. And they want
files that work on different devices, without technical hassles.
When will e-Book leaders learn the lessons of history?
As explained in "Writing Nonfiction" by Dan Poynter, choosing
an effective title for your book is a BIG key to success.
Think of it in terms of a company name listed in a phone book:
suppose you run a veterinary clinic in San Francisco... would
you name it "San Francisco Pet Hospital" or "Pet Hospital of
San Francisco" instead? The latter choice is better, because
your prospective customers are MUCH more likely to look in the
phone book under "Pets" than "San Francisco."
The same is true for books. When people search online for a
book, they may not know a specific title or author... but they
do know the subject of the book they want to buy. For this
reason the subject MUST be part of your book's title for best
results.
Dan Poynter's book "Writing Nonfiction" practices what it
preaches: it's almost always shelved correctly in bookstores,
and is the #1 listing for Google Book Search when readers
search "writing nonfiction" or "nonfiction writing." Use
Poynter's success as your guide, and pick a title for your
book that readers will find, even if they don't know your
name or book title!
The Writer's "Secret Weapon" Arrives
Is "there" or "their" or "they're" the right word you need now?
New software takes over where Word's spell checker stops:
http://stores.lulu.com/cdbooks
Money back guarantee. Reviews from authors wanted.
How We Become Writers
If you are hesitant about becoming a published author because
you fear that you are not qualified, you should read about how
other writers got started. Writers become writers in some
strange ways. One noted animal writer, for example, was helped
by the divorce of a famous actress. Another writer got his
start when he applied for a job he was totally unqualified to
get. "How We Became Writers" tells how writers, some well-known
and others not well-known yet, got published for the first time:
http://www.howwebecamewriters.com
Our newsletter links:
Read excerpts online: http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Get full issue by e-mail: http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
Post your comments: http://u-publish.blogspot.com
Guest Column
Bookstore Distribution: Self-Publisher's Dream Come True?
Or "The Emporer's New Clothes?"
by Ron Pramschufer of BooksJustBooks.com
http://www.u-publish.com/bjb.htm
Mainstream booksellers return unsold books to you for a refund
on a regular basis. There are better outlets!
Self-Published Authors in Action -- Success Story
Hal Runkel, author of SCREAMFREE PARENTING self-published his
book. He invested $25,000 in media outreach with Planned
Television Arts. PTA got him 60 radio interviews, lots of local
tour media and a regular gig on TV's The Daily Buzz, which led
him to a deal with Random House and a $500,000 advance. FMI:
http://www.PlannedTVArts.com/?u-pub
Quotation of the Month
"No passion in the world is equal to the urge to alter someone
else's writing."
-- H. G. Wells
(re-worded by D.O. Snow)
When will the e-Book World Learn from Music?
Amazon is rumored to have a new version of the Kindle e-Book
reader ready to ship as early as October. Meanwhile, the buzz
over growth of e-Books continues:
http://www.bookbusinessmag.com/story/story.bsp?sid=113971&var=story
Our predictions:
Single purpose devices won't prevail. Already there are real,
full featured computers like the ASUS that are the same size
and same price... but do much, much more.
Another battle will be fought between proprietary formats like
Amazon's Mobipocket versus cross-platform formats like PDF.
From music, we already know that copy protection won't work.
Amazon and Sony are trying to keep a captive market, while
music sites are now selling freely copyable MP3 downloads at
low prices.
From the success of iTunes we know that consumers will pay for
legal downloads if they're reasonably priced. And they want
files that work on different devices, without technical hassles.
When will e-Book leaders learn the lessons of history?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Savvy Self-Publisher, June-July 2008
Lead Story: IN-STORE POD -- DREAM BECOMES REALITY
Blackwell's, a leading British bookseller, will soon start
printing books on demand in its stores while customers wait:
http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,2286818,00.html
The Espresso Book Machine can store up to 400,000 titles in
digital form, whether or not the books are on the shelves.
Compare this to a "Superstore" with 100,000 to 200,000 books
in stock.
When a customer requests an EBM title, the device prints a book at
a speed of 40-80 pages per minute while the buyer waits, perhaps
browsing books on the shelves or enjoying a cup of coffee.
This isn't just good business; it has profound implications on
the future of bookselling. Most notably, Blackwell's stores
will be able to offer vast numbers of books that would otherwise
be out-of-print or out-of-stock. This relieves today's unhealthy
pressure to stock only hot new titles -- often at the expense of
books with legitimate literary merit but less commercial appeal.
Until now, POD has relied on a few remote printing facilities
that ship books to stores a day or two after they are ordered.
This is much better than filling warehouses with mountains of
unsold books in the vague hope that someone will buy them --
but it lacks the power of instant gratification afforded by
the EBM's partnership with a major bookseller like Blackwell's.
As early as 1999, when POD was in its infancy, Poynter and
Snow predicted that in-store POD could one day become the
"silver bullet" that combines the best of both worlds: the
huge economic advantage of avoiding unsold inventory, in
combination with instant, in-store availability.
Imagine a world where every worthwhile book ever written
is available in minutes at your local bookstore! This
dream is now an important step closer to real life,
following this possibly historic announcement. FMI:
http://www.ondemandbooks.com/?u-pub
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/15364
Blackwell's, a leading British bookseller, will soon start
printing books on demand in its stores while customers wait:
http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,2286818,00.html
The Espresso Book Machine can store up to 400,000 titles in
digital form, whether or not the books are on the shelves.
Compare this to a "Superstore" with 100,000 to 200,000 books
in stock.
When a customer requests an EBM title, the device prints a book at
a speed of 40-80 pages per minute while the buyer waits, perhaps
browsing books on the shelves or enjoying a cup of coffee.
This isn't just good business; it has profound implications on
the future of bookselling. Most notably, Blackwell's stores
will be able to offer vast numbers of books that would otherwise
be out-of-print or out-of-stock. This relieves today's unhealthy
pressure to stock only hot new titles -- often at the expense of
books with legitimate literary merit but less commercial appeal.
Until now, POD has relied on a few remote printing facilities
that ship books to stores a day or two after they are ordered.
This is much better than filling warehouses with mountains of
unsold books in the vague hope that someone will buy them --
but it lacks the power of instant gratification afforded by
the EBM's partnership with a major bookseller like Blackwell's.
As early as 1999, when POD was in its infancy, Poynter and
Snow predicted that in-store POD could one day become the
"silver bullet" that combines the best of both worlds: the
huge economic advantage of avoiding unsold inventory, in
combination with instant, in-store availability.
Imagine a world where every worthwhile book ever written
is available in minutes at your local bookstore! This
dream is now an important step closer to real life,
following this possibly historic announcement. FMI:
http://www.ondemandbooks.com/?u-pub
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/15364
Additional News for June-July 2008
Big Freebies -- Exclusively for U-Publish.com Readers!
Upload your book for printing in paperback or hardback via the
link below and get $45 in FRE-E search engine ads, courtesy of
Lulu.com:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
At the location above you can also join the Small Publishers
Association of North America at 70% below the standard $115
membership fee. That's a full year for just $34.50. SPAN's
"members only" resources are easily worth MANY TIMES the
reduced enrollment fee, exclusively for U-Publish.com readers.
ABA Launches New Web Site
A new Web site, IndieBound.org, will serve as a gateway for
independent booksellers, writers, publishers and more. It
features The Indie Next List ("Great Reads From Booksellers
You Trust") and the Indie Bestseller List. Just opened, it
will add more content and community-building features in the
coming months.
e-Book News
Simon & Schuster has become the latest publisher to sign on with
LibreDigital to provide digital distribution of its books:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/15413
Pacific Crest analyst Steve Weinstein argues that global e-book
sales at Amazon could reach $2.5 billion by the year 2012:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/15396
Bulk Sales of Your Book
Premium Book Company sells non-fiction books to non-bookstore
buyers - on a commission-only, non-returnable basis. PBC will
place your book in a catalog that goes to 1800 sales people who
sell to corporations, associations, schools, etc. The set-up fee
is $200 for the first title. PBC buys books from you 1,000 or
more at a time at 60% off the list price to fill orders. The
deadline for inclusion in the catalog is July 11:
http://www.premiumbookcompany.com/signup.asp
Bonus: use the promotional code "SNOW" and get a $25 discount
on the setup fee, while we get a commission!
Please feel free to forward copies of this bulletin to your
fellow authors and publishers. This is a fre@ resource that is
available to anyone in the book world upon request. We don't
accept paid advertising, endorse or guarantee products or
services, nor accept fees for mentioning them without full
disclosure. Please visit http://www.u-publish.com to subscribe.
Read this issue online: http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Receive by e-mail: http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
Post your comments: http://u-publish.blogspot.com
Snow Interviewed by Mainstreet.com:
U-Publish.com co-author Danny O. Snow was interviewed by Amanda
Beals at MainStreet.com on June 20 about takeover news between
Microsoft, Yahoo and Google:
http://www.u-publish.com/media.htm
"Automatic Writing" excerpted from The EducationGuardian.co.uk:
When a professor invents a machine that writes books, and then
uses that machine to write more than 200,000 different books,
there arises the question, "Why?"
Philip M. Parker, a professor of management science at Insead,
the international business school based in Fontainebleau, France,
patented what he calls a "method and apparatus for automated
authoring and marketing". Turn to page 16 of his patent, and
you will see him answer the "Why?" question.
Parker quotes a 1999 complaint by the Economist that publishing
"has continued essentially unchanged since Gutenberg. Letters
are still written, books bound, newspapers printed and
distributed much as they ever were."
"Therefore," says Parker, "there is a need for a method and
apparatus for authoring, marketing, and/or distributing title
materials automatically by a computer."
The book-writing machine works simply, at least in principle.
First, one feeds it a recipe for writing a particular genre of
book - a tome about crossword puzzles, say, or a market outlook
for products. Then hook the computer up to a big database full
of info about crossword puzzles or market information. The
computer uses the recipe to select data from the database and
write and format it into book form.
Nothing but the title need actually exist until somebody orders
a copy. At that point, a computer assembles the book's content
and prints up a single copy.
Among Parker's bestselling books (as ranked by Amazon.co.uk)
one finds surprises.
His fifth-best seller is Webster's Albanian to English
Crossword Puzzles: Level 1.
No 21: The 2007 Import and Export Market for Seaweeds and
Other Algae in France.
The 2007-2012 Outlook for Chinese Prawn Crackers in Japan
is Parker's 66th-best seller.
Full story and related links:
http://education.guardian.co.uk
Upload your book for printing in paperback or hardback via the
link below and get $45 in FRE-E search engine ads, courtesy of
Lulu.com:
http://www.u-publish.com/special.htm
At the location above you can also join the Small Publishers
Association of North America at 70% below the standard $115
membership fee. That's a full year for just $34.50. SPAN's
"members only" resources are easily worth MANY TIMES the
reduced enrollment fee, exclusively for U-Publish.com readers.
ABA Launches New Web Site
A new Web site, IndieBound.org, will serve as a gateway for
independent booksellers, writers, publishers and more. It
features The Indie Next List ("Great Reads From Booksellers
You Trust") and the Indie Bestseller List. Just opened, it
will add more content and community-building features in the
coming months.
e-Book News
Simon & Schuster has become the latest publisher to sign on with
LibreDigital to provide digital distribution of its books:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/15413
Pacific Crest analyst Steve Weinstein argues that global e-book
sales at Amazon could reach $2.5 billion by the year 2012:
http://www.booktrade.info/i.php/15396
Bulk Sales of Your Book
Premium Book Company sells non-fiction books to non-bookstore
buyers - on a commission-only, non-returnable basis. PBC will
place your book in a catalog that goes to 1800 sales people who
sell to corporations, associations, schools, etc. The set-up fee
is $200 for the first title. PBC buys books from you 1,000 or
more at a time at 60% off the list price to fill orders. The
deadline for inclusion in the catalog is July 11:
http://www.premiumbookcompany.com/signup.asp
Bonus: use the promotional code "SNOW" and get a $25 discount
on the setup fee, while we get a commission!
Please feel free to forward copies of this bulletin to your
fellow authors and publishers. This is a fre@ resource that is
available to anyone in the book world upon request. We don't
accept paid advertising, endorse or guarantee products or
services, nor accept fees for mentioning them without full
disclosure. Please visit http://www.u-publish.com to subscribe.
Read this issue online: http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Receive by e-mail: http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
Post your comments: http://u-publish.blogspot.com
Snow Interviewed by Mainstreet.com:
U-Publish.com co-author Danny O. Snow was interviewed by Amanda
Beals at MainStreet.com on June 20 about takeover news between
Microsoft, Yahoo and Google:
http://www.u-publish.com/media.htm
"Automatic Writing" excerpted from The EducationGuardian.co.uk:
When a professor invents a machine that writes books, and then
uses that machine to write more than 200,000 different books,
there arises the question, "Why?"
Philip M. Parker, a professor of management science at Insead,
the international business school based in Fontainebleau, France,
patented what he calls a "method and apparatus for automated
authoring and marketing". Turn to page 16 of his patent, and
you will see him answer the "Why?" question.
Parker quotes a 1999 complaint by the Economist that publishing
"has continued essentially unchanged since Gutenberg. Letters
are still written, books bound, newspapers printed and
distributed much as they ever were."
"Therefore," says Parker, "there is a need for a method and
apparatus for authoring, marketing, and/or distributing title
materials automatically by a computer."
The book-writing machine works simply, at least in principle.
First, one feeds it a recipe for writing a particular genre of
book - a tome about crossword puzzles, say, or a market outlook
for products. Then hook the computer up to a big database full
of info about crossword puzzles or market information. The
computer uses the recipe to select data from the database and
write and format it into book form.
Nothing but the title need actually exist until somebody orders
a copy. At that point, a computer assembles the book's content
and prints up a single copy.
Among Parker's bestselling books (as ranked by Amazon.co.uk)
one finds surprises.
His fifth-best seller is Webster's Albanian to English
Crossword Puzzles: Level 1.
No 21: The 2007 Import and Export Market for Seaweeds and
Other Algae in France.
The 2007-2012 Outlook for Chinese Prawn Crackers in Japan
is Parker's 66th-best seller.
Full story and related links:
http://education.guardian.co.uk
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Savvy Self-Publisher, May-June 2008
Lead Story: AMAZON BUZZ BUILDS... BUT WHY?
Rumors of proposed anti-trust lawsuits, boycotts and even hacker attacks against Amazon have been circulating for weeks, since the online bookseller announced that it would discontinue carrying POD books from its competitors.
But why should Amazon matter so much to self-publishing authors? For years, Poynter and Snow have repeatedly admonished writers that conventional bookstores are the LAST places to sell books, online or offline. Mainstream booksellers demand huge discounts, pay slowly, and often require the right to return unsold books for a full refund. On the other hand, when authors sell books from their OWN sites or at live events, they retain far more income, get paid much faster, and see fewer (if any) returns.
For some reason, first-time authors often feel that it's "sexy" to boast that their books are available at Amazon. But in today's world almost anyone can get a book on Amazon, whether it holds any real public appeal or not. The truth is that 99% of self-publishers are better off focusing on other outlets.
For the other 1%, outlets like Borders.com and BN.com can fill the void left by Amazon. Barnes & Noble already has its own affiliate program. Very soon, Borders.com will be entirely independent of Amazon. In many cases, self-publishers can simply link from their own sites to BN or Borders.com instead of Amazon, and keep their books available without much fuss... while enjoying better earnings.
Rumors of proposed anti-trust lawsuits, boycotts and even hacker attacks against Amazon have been circulating for weeks, since the online bookseller announced that it would discontinue carrying POD books from its competitors.
But why should Amazon matter so much to self-publishing authors? For years, Poynter and Snow have repeatedly admonished writers that conventional bookstores are the LAST places to sell books, online or offline. Mainstream booksellers demand huge discounts, pay slowly, and often require the right to return unsold books for a full refund. On the other hand, when authors sell books from their OWN sites or at live events, they retain far more income, get paid much faster, and see fewer (if any) returns.
For some reason, first-time authors often feel that it's "sexy" to boast that their books are available at Amazon. But in today's world almost anyone can get a book on Amazon, whether it holds any real public appeal or not. The truth is that 99% of self-publishers are better off focusing on other outlets.
For the other 1%, outlets like Borders.com and BN.com can fill the void left by Amazon. Barnes & Noble already has its own affiliate program. Very soon, Borders.com will be entirely independent of Amazon. In many cases, self-publishers can simply link from their own sites to BN or Borders.com instead of Amazon, and keep their books available without much fuss... while enjoying better earnings.
Additional Stories from April-May 2008
Microsoft Closes "Live Book Search"
On May 23, Microsoft announced that its alternative to Google
Book Search is closing:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6563730.html
Meanwhile, our friends at Google are continuing their quest to
digitize every book ever published, to the true benefit of
readers and writers everywhere.
In spite of grumbling from some larger publishers, GBS is a
great thing for humanity... and a great alternative to Amazon
and its ilk for the little guy.
PBA Contest Deadline August 15
$500 grand prize, many categories, POD and self published books
welcome. $50 entry fee:
http://premierbookawards.com
New Blog on Special Sales
In the publishing world, we call book club deals, customized
editions for bulk buyers, and other ways of selling books in
large numbers to a single buyer "special sales." And they really
ARE special: just a single book club deal can move thousands of
copies; a customized special edition for a corporate sponsor
can dwarf one-at-a-time orders from Amazon and its ilk.
A new blog from Brian Jud discusses the ins-and-outs:
http://blog.bookmarketing.com
Barnes and Noble Going Digital?
In February, Borders made a bold move to update its business model,
with the announcement that it would open slick new "Digital Centers"
in as many as 20 stores during 2008:
http://www.u-publish.com/borders.htm
Now Barnes and Noble has jumped on the bandwagon with a new Web-
based wiki for the hot "How-to" market:
http://mashable.com/2008/03/24/barnes-and-qumut
Please feel free to forward copies of this bulletin to your
fellow authors and publishers. This is a fre@ resource that is
available to anyone in the book world upon request. We don't
accept paid advertising, endorse or guarantee products or
services, nor accept fees for mentioning them without full
disclosure. Please visit http://www.u-publish.com to subscribe.
Imitation = Flattery?
A new site named (ahem) "YouPublish.com" appears to be the latest
DIY book publishing service to appear, following Lulu, Wordclay,
Cafe Press, CreateSpace, etc.
Reviews of their services from U-Publish.com subscribers are
welcome at http://u-publish.blogspot.com where you can share
your feedback with fellow authors and independent publishers.
We're flattered by their choice of names... But please remember
that the 'real' U-Publish.com has been serving self-publishers
since 1999!
"Live" Appearance ???
Co-author Danny O. Snow joined a panel discussion about Amazon
at SecondLife.com on April 26 as an animated character:
http://www.u-publish.com/2ndlife.htm
Snow enjoyed his visit to SL immensely (especially the flying
lessons) and recommends the experience highly to others:
http://www.secondlife.com
AuthorNation Founded
At a new "Online Community for Authors, Writers, Poets and their
Readers" you can create a profile that includes a bio, reviews,
photos, videos, abstracts, poems, stories and a link to sell
your book through the retailer of your choice:
http://www.AuthorNation.com
Reviews of AuthorNation from U-Publish.com subscribers are
welcome at http://u-publish.blogspot.com
-- Tip courtesy of Brian Jud, www.bookmarketing.com
Read newsletter online: http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Receive by e-mail: http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
Post your comments: http://u-publish.blogspot.com
================================================================
On May 23, Microsoft announced that its alternative to Google
Book Search is closing:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6563730.html
Meanwhile, our friends at Google are continuing their quest to
digitize every book ever published, to the true benefit of
readers and writers everywhere.
In spite of grumbling from some larger publishers, GBS is a
great thing for humanity... and a great alternative to Amazon
and its ilk for the little guy.
PBA Contest Deadline August 15
$500 grand prize, many categories, POD and self published books
welcome. $50 entry fee:
http://premierbookawards.com
New Blog on Special Sales
In the publishing world, we call book club deals, customized
editions for bulk buyers, and other ways of selling books in
large numbers to a single buyer "special sales." And they really
ARE special: just a single book club deal can move thousands of
copies; a customized special edition for a corporate sponsor
can dwarf one-at-a-time orders from Amazon and its ilk.
A new blog from Brian Jud discusses the ins-and-outs:
http://blog.bookmarketing.com
Barnes and Noble Going Digital?
In February, Borders made a bold move to update its business model,
with the announcement that it would open slick new "Digital Centers"
in as many as 20 stores during 2008:
http://www.u-publish.com/borders.htm
Now Barnes and Noble has jumped on the bandwagon with a new Web-
based wiki for the hot "How-to" market:
http://mashable.com/2008/03/24/barnes-and-qumut
Please feel free to forward copies of this bulletin to your
fellow authors and publishers. This is a fre@ resource that is
available to anyone in the book world upon request. We don't
accept paid advertising, endorse or guarantee products or
services, nor accept fees for mentioning them without full
disclosure. Please visit http://www.u-publish.com to subscribe.
Imitation = Flattery?
A new site named (ahem) "YouPublish.com" appears to be the latest
DIY book publishing service to appear, following Lulu, Wordclay,
Cafe Press, CreateSpace, etc.
Reviews of their services from U-Publish.com subscribers are
welcome at http://u-publish.blogspot.com where you can share
your feedback with fellow authors and independent publishers.
We're flattered by their choice of names... But please remember
that the 'real' U-Publish.com has been serving self-publishers
since 1999!
"Live" Appearance ???
Co-author Danny O. Snow joined a panel discussion about Amazon
at SecondLife.com on April 26 as an animated character:
http://www.u-publish.com/2ndlife.htm
Snow enjoyed his visit to SL immensely (especially the flying
lessons) and recommends the experience highly to others:
http://www.secondlife.com
AuthorNation Founded
At a new "Online Community for Authors, Writers, Poets and their
Readers" you can create a profile that includes a bio, reviews,
photos, videos, abstracts, poems, stories and a link to sell
your book through the retailer of your choice:
http://www.AuthorNation.com
Reviews of AuthorNation from U-Publish.com subscribers are
welcome at http://u-publish.blogspot.com
-- Tip courtesy of Brian Jud, www.bookmarketing.com
Read newsletter online: http://www.u-publish.com/monthly.htm
Receive by e-mail: http://www.u-publish.com/enroll.htm
Post your comments: http://u-publish.blogspot.com
================================================================
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