Posts filed under 'Behind the Scenes'
Real Writers Make Their Own Luck: Self-Promoting Your Book Sees Real Returns
“Let every eye negotiate for itself
And trust no agent.”
Much Ado about Nothing, Act 2
Some writers will be fortunate enough to fall into a lucrative writing career without much application beyond their natural talent, but let’s be realistic about the odds. With the publishing industry growing and changing, more and more people are actively participating in the market.
A colleague of mine, who works directly with emerging authors, actively reminds them not to expect full-time pay from their writing unless they are willing to put in full-time hours and effort. This is obvious, but surprisingly, many of writers are caught off-guard by this statement. Everyone would like to discover their “Golden Ticket,” however if a book is published in the woods and nobody is around to hear it, truth is it probably won’t make a dime in royalties.
That said, it’s important to adapt to the changing environment of the book marketplace. Those other authors out there are competing in the same market as you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should work against them. Ask both the writers who employ literary agents and the ones who don’t – both will tell you that ultimately they are their own representatives.
As a former manager in a retail bookstore, trust me when I say that there were several instances during which famous authors would get booked for a signing at our store and wind up sitting quietly by themselves in the café area. That is until our staff approached the author, asked for their autograph and encouraged them to keep at their promotion.
Those authors were often from major publishing houses with a team of marketers working the area. Even in the best case scenario, there is still a chance that working hard won’t guarantee a title or author bestselling status. There is, however, almost no chance that an author who isn’t working to draw attention to their efforts (whether through local media, public appearances or hosting big release parties) will be able to rest on their own laurels or retire on royalties.
Most self-publishing authors already know first-hand that personal investment is what got you this far. The good news is that the more you focus on your projects (prior to and after their completion), the better acquainted you will become with the market and the general response to your work. The more you put into your promotion, the more you are likely to get out of it.
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
-William Shakespeare
1 comment August 7, 2008
Good Vibes, Great Books at the Harlem Book Fair
Harlem Book Fair '08
Although the weather channel reported “baking hot” conditions in Harlem, NY for the 10th annual Harlem Book Fair, even Mother Nature couldn’t burn the phenomenal success of this event. Saturday, July 19 was the long awaited fair, a date clearly marked on the calendars of authors, publishers and vendors galore. Booklovers flocked to Harlem by the thousands to experience the thrill and energy of this celebration of literature and culture, myself included.
We were there to help launch HBF Publishers, a publishing company born from a partnership with the Harlem Book Fair and QBR The Black Book Review organizations and Author Solutions Inc., parent company of Wordclay, AuthorHouse and iUniverse. Officially launching at the fair, HBF Publishers is an ideal marriage of literary passion and state-of-the-art publishing technology.
“[HBF Publishers'] fundamental mission is to provide a unique and simple opportunity for African American authors to share their stories with the world. It’s that easy,” says Max Rodriguez, founder and president of the Harlem Book Fair and (more…)
1 comment July 31, 2008
Blog Announcement: Beloved Wordclay Blogger Passes the Publishing & Book Marketing Torch
Greetings, Earthlings,
Wordbot here, and today Wordclay has authorized the publishing announcement of our new blogger, 1000 Chimps.
Unfortunately, with a saddened bio-mechanical heart, this robot regrets to report that Jenn must step down as a Wordclay blogger. Of course, her posts on book formating and her interesting publishing scoops will be missed.
But things aren’t all bad – we’ve managed to recruit another Wordclay employee to take her place. Matt and his crew of 1000 Monkeys at 1000 keyboards will be accepting the torch this coming Thursday. So be sure to look for design tips and publishing news from him in the future.
This publishing robot had a chance to visit the hardworking monkey at their desks, pecking away at their computers. When asked if they were excited about posting on the Wordclay blog, they simply turned and quoted Shakespeare’s Love’s Labor’s Lost, saying, “I post from love…”
Please join me in thanking Jenn for all her wonderful blogging insights, and give a warm welcome to Matt and his 1000 Monkeys, who are certain to provide some valuable publishing tips and marketing advice.
Wordbot upload completed. Transmission ended.
1 comment July 23, 2008
The Wordclay Contest Winner’s Circle: Meet the Writers Who Wowed Our Judges
If you’re as curious as this blogger, then the announcement of the Single Short Story contest winners may have piqued your interest enough to visit Wordclay’s Contest Connection page and read excerpts from their stories.
But a simple read doesn’t always cut it – sometimes we want to know the writers behind the story. That said, I contacted them personally and asked for some background information to share with our readers.
So without further ado, meet Samantha Weiss (Grand Prize Winner) and Benjamin Solomon (Runner-up):
Samantha Weiss just graduated from MIT with a Bachelor’s degree in creative writing and chemical engineering. She completed Odyssey in the summer of 2007, one of the most highly respected workshops for writers of speculative fiction. She participates in Codex, a professional-level writers group, and is editing a book about professional athletes written by an author who coaches Olympic, all-pro NFL and NCAA athletes. This story, “Simulated in Black and White,” was part of the thesis work for her writing degree. At the moment, she is working as a chemical engineer in India.
What does Weiss have to say about Wordclay?
“I was introduced to Wordclay at a writers’ convention in New York, and was drawn to its reputation for being an unusually easy and affordable self-publishing option, and for having a capable and knowledgeable staff.”
Benjamin Solomon Lives in Atlanta, where he edits The Open Face Sandwich.
What does Solomon have to say about Wordclay?
“I have found Wordclay to be an excellent resource for DIY writers eager to take publication into their own hands.”
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Have a question for the winners about their writing process or inspiration? Submit your comment below, and I’m happy to forward your query onto them.
This is Justin, blogcasting from Wordclay, signing off.
Add comment July 15, 2008
Short Story Contest Announcement Delay: Two Weeks & Counting Down
Due to the amount of submissions within both Wordclay’s Single Short Story and Short Story Collection contests, announcements of the winners will be delayed for approximately two weeks.
In order to ensure every entry is read carefully and given serious consideration, our judges need just a little more time. We know you’re waiting with bated breath, and we apologize for making all you participants wait longer, but unfortunately, it’s necessary.
Take it from me – reading more than 2,000 single submissions and a hundred complete story collections, written by authors all over the world, is no easy task. Our judges are definitely burning the midnight oil, and as soon as we have the winners and finalists selected, we’ll update our Web site and blog immediately. All those who entered should also receive an e-mail alert as soon as the winning spreadsheet arrives in my Inbox.
Check back in two weeks for a contest update and links to the complete list of finalists within Wordclay’s Contest Connection.
Thanks again for your patience, and feel free to ask questions (or simply vent) with comments below.
This is Justin, blogcasting from Wordclay, signing off.
4 comments July 1, 2008
We’ve Got Company: Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels Visits Author Solutions, Leader in Self-Publishing
Greetings, Earthlings.
Wordbot here, reporting on a wonderfully busy day at Wordclay, located in the Author Solutions‘ Bloomington, Ind. headquarters. Last Thursday, June 5, 2008, employees of Author Solutions Inc. bustled about in preparation of a most important announcement to a group of esteemed visitors: the members of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation chaired by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. CEO Kevin Weiss announced at the press conference that ASI plans to consolidate its Shanghai, China operations into its Bloomington, Ind. headquarters.
“We are so glad that this idea was born in our state, and that it is growing and thriving here,” Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels said of the growing self-publishing company.
Just read the press release distributed for a sense of the enthusiasm of those receiving the news:
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels Visits Author Solutions Headquarters; “Self-Publishing Capital of the World”
Author Solutions Announces Consolidation of China Operations into Bloomington, Ind. Headquarters
Bloomingtion, Ind. June 10, 2008 — Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and Kevin Weiss, Author Solutions president and chief executive officer, announced jointly last Thursday the consolidation of ASI’s China operations into the company’s (more…)
Add comment June 10, 2008
Behind the Publishing Scenes: Wordclay at BookExpo America
Justin here, giving you a peek behind the scenes of Wordclay at BookExpo America.
For those of you who don’t know about BookExpo America (or BEA), it’s only the biggest gathering of book distributors, publishers and authors in the United States. Those attending get a sneak peek into the publishing industry and the future of book printing. In addition to the tradeshow floor where publishers exhibit their fall titles as well as manuscript submission information, BEA hosts education and information sessions, author breakfasts and lunches, as well as other special events. Not only is BEA the perfect opportunity to network with booksellers, publishers and other emerging writers, but it’s an insightful experience of the ever-growing publishing world as well.
Our parent company, Author Solutions Inc. , had a booth at BEA and represented all of the ASI brands including Wordclay. Unfortunately, this blogger was unable to attend, holding down home base here at Wordclay. But Sandra Powell, one of Wordclay’s fearless leaders and ambassador, womanned the booth.
Just take a look at some of the pictures.
Also in attendance were such organizations as WritingRoom.com, WOW! , Gather.com, American Heroes, Shelfari, among others. Just imagine everyone in the publishing industry crammed into one building, frequenting conference after conference for three days straight.
Now, even upon Sandy’s return, we’ve got our work cut out for us. Partnerships and new communities will emerge, and we’ve got inside information on them all. Keep an eye out for announcements and listings of all the information the Wordclay crew was able to gather from authors and book publishing professionals. You wouldn’t want to be left behind in this exciting time of online author networks and budding publishing technology like Kindle and AuthorCrossing.
If you were at BEA and would like to share your experience with us, please feel free to post a comment here. If not, don’t be shy. Post a question about the conference, and maybe even arrange for a booth at next year’s BookExpo America, scheduled May 28 - May 31, 2009, at the Jacob K. Javits Center, in New York City.
This is Justin Dimos, blogcasting from Wordclay, signing off.
Add comment June 3, 2008
A Publishing Company Planting Trees? It Ain’t Easy Being Green
Justin here, and today I’m announcing that our partnership with Trees for the Future has resulted in more than 500 trees planted in Moja Garena, Ethiopia, an area devastated by deforestation.
As you might recall, we pledged to plant a tree for every Wordclay book published in April, and two trees for books published on Earth Day, April 22. Fortunately, we published quite a few authors last month, and we were to make good on our word.
In honor of this achievement, Wordclay and our authors (notified via e-mail) received a snazzy certificate, but the real satisfaction comes from the locations and the people these trees help. The certificate is posted here, but you can view a copy on the Wordclay Bookstore Spotlight.
Just watch Trees for the Future documentary video with founder, Dave Deppner, if you’re curious about the settings your publication indirectly helped by our donation.
Truth be told, it’s difficult to conceive of an environmentally friendly publishing company without imagining a futuristic coffeehouse, where are the students are reading from their handheld digital books, paper now obsolete. You can definitely see movement toward these paperless technologies with print-on-demand virtual inventories and Amazon’s new wireless reading device Kindle, but we can hardly deny the substantial paper consumption by publishing and printing companies alike.
Wordclay understands its paper consumption and carbon emission shortcomings, but we also want to ensure the future of our planet’s health as well as the future of book publishing. (more…)
Add comment May 30, 2008
Wordbot Reports: AuthorTreeHouse Book Marketing Community Is No Hoax!
Greetings, Earthlings,
Wordbot here, and today I’m visiting AuthorTreeHouse, the book marketing company blog upgrade by AuthorTree. For those of you newcomers who haven’t updated your data logs or RSS feeds, here’s some input about AuthorTree, an organization designed specifically to help authors promote their publications.
Got AuthorTree?
Growing from a conceptual seed for the past three year, AuthorTree has become an innovative marketing tool for authors of all walks. Now, with AuthorTree, you can register at no cost and build your free author Web site, where you can upload images, post relevant publishing blogs, showcase interesting reviews about your book, announce your upcoming signing or reading events and maximize your search engine optimization (SEO) by populating your site with thematic keywords.
Got AuthorTreeHouse?
AuthorTreeHouse is the skyward hangout for authors who have questions or general curiosities about online book marketing as well as the traditional methods of promoting titles. Employing a team of publicity professionals, including an elderly owl name Professor Willard Wisely and a skeptical woodpecker named Doubting Thomas, AuthorTreeHouse has answers for devoted authors and readers alike.
In addition to the upcoming articles on topics ranging from search engine optimization (SEO) to book trailers to syndicated radio interviews, their marketing bloggers manage a marketing forum called AuthorNest, where anyone can post questions about book promotion strategies and techniques. They also manage “spolight contests” for authors to showcase their AuthorTree Web sites. Plus, every week, on the AuthorTreeHouse tree trunk (the blog sidebar), the bloggers post basic marketing tips about blogging, images, social networking, hyperlinks, book reviews, placing advertisements, all which can be employed on any author’s free AuthorTree Web page.
But that’s not all. Every month, you can submit marketing resources of your own, which AuthorTreeHouse will link from the trunk. You can also enter your personal AuthorTree author site in the spotlight competition, which can earn you a presence on the blog for more than a month.
What is AuthorTreeHouse, really?
Being a robot and an artificial life form, my central processor skipped a few beats as I climbed the ladder leading to AuthorTreeHouse, where I assumed the promotion gurus and native marketing birds would shun me immediately. (more…)
Add comment May 27, 2008
Book Bloggers: We’re Here! We’re Viral! Get Used To It!
It’s no secret that writing and publishing company blogs are the marketing wave of the future. In addition to increasing your SEO (search engine optimization) with fresh content, blogs are also the perfect platform to actually engage interested readers.
That’s the reason it’s important that author bloggers keep a running list of publishing discussion boards and other similar Weblogs. With your list, you can visit each Web site, read up on the latest developments in your marketing field and even post a comment referring to articles that you’ve written and posted to your blog.
But how can you hope to manage the colossal list of publishing and writing blogs while searching the Internet for new, relevant ones as well?
What is Comment Sniper?
Comment Sniper is a free blog monitoring software that allows anyone to track recent updates to leading blogs within select industries in order to maximize your exposure by being the first to comment. Once downloaded, users can cull specific blogs from WordPress, Blogger, Live Spaces and Google by searching for the keywords that best suit their marketing needs and goals. It’s really an amazing developement in blog tracking and networking strategies. By simply selecting those blogs that interest you most, you can give premium updates on your blog or Web site within relevant articles and associate your Web site with prime Internet real estate.
Here’s How This Simple Proven Strategy Works…
(from Comment Sniper hompage)
Download this easy-to-use, innovative blog monitoring software today, and start marketing your new book by selecting the blogs that will provide the exposure you deserve.
Like I said, downloading the software is free, and there’s no hidden charge for working within their program. If you can spare five minutes, then you can begin your journey down a manageable, lucrative book marketing blog campaign.
This is Justin, blogcasting from Wordclay, signing off.
2 comments June 17, 2008