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.

Yes! Unfortunately this is an Encore presentation of an article I originally wrote for the July 2004 newsletter. Different date, same story.

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.

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.

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 people can’t wait to start selling their books, so they skip Part One.

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 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.