Finding a printer is easy. Finding a cost effective Book Printer who wants to deal with the small publisher is a bit harder. Most printers can print books. Few printers are book printers. Few book printers want to work with the first time publisher. But there is hope. Aside from not falling for the “we can assign you an ISBN” myth of the … [Read more...]

My printer tells me that the price of paper is increasing so my printing cost is going to rise. Is that true? There is only one industry that I enjoy “ragging on” as much as the Vanity Presses and that is the paper industry. The short answer is, yes, paper prices are increasing. I have been in the printing industry for well over 30 years. In … [Read more...]

For more than a decade, the Annual Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards has celebrated and rewarded self-published authors for their finest work. This year’s competition is now accepting entries, and authors are invited to enter for the chance to win $3,000 cash and national exposure for their books. There will be more than … [Read more...]

Whether you’re trying to get a literary agent and need what agents and publishers call a national ‘platform,’ or you’re self-publishing your books and just looking for increased sales, one of the most effective things you can do is to create a national association. Creating a national association quickly positions you as the expert in a … [Read more...]

A marketing plan is a document that outlines the ways in which your marketing activities may be implemented to reach your company’s goals. Traditionally, a plan is divided into two sections. The first is the Strategic Plan that outlines your general marketing strategies, and the second part is the Tactical Plan listing more specific actions. Most … [Read more...]

It’s a scary world out there, where people with a bit of marketing sense can call themselves whatever they wish. Think about it—you create a Web page, print up some business cards, and BOOM! you are established. The publishing world is the same. Service providers in the publishing arena come and go like the tide. Anyone in this business … [Read more...]

The book business is a billion dollar industry; however, grabbing your slice of the pie will require skills far beyond simply writing well and conveying your message clearly. So, if you're thinking about becoming a published author read this before you power up the PC and prepare to pen a masterpiece. There are a 17 landmines that I've found to … [Read more...]