Monday, November 26, 2012

Why self publishing?


Are you planning to get your idea into a printed book? Do you think that it is one of the greatest achievements in your lifetime? Certainly, in this endeavor to publish a book, a publishing company can be an astonishing partner. The publisher contributes important role in targeting the perfect work and markets with the writer on writing the best book possible.
Today, more writers are turning to self-publishing. Due to its multiple benefits people now prefer to self-publish. Many times, self-publishers do not wish to give up control of their book at all. Publishers are interested in a say in the final draft of the book, from a book’s cover to an editorial standpoint. When thought of a business approach, publishers also wish to put forth control over the pricing, sales plan, marketing and distribution of book for maximizing their profit. Majority writers select to control their work themselves, on both the business and artistic sides of publishing a book.
Besides the control issue, a writer prefers to self-publish a book for the benefits listed below:
        To maintain direct control of the customer list.
        To make the most of the earnings the book brings in. Authors who are contracted to publishers can get 10 to 15 %, whereas an author who publishes books on his own can make up to 70percent of sales of books
        To Lower publishing cost.
        To market to a particular, small demographic of readers.
        Every writer is interested in every aspect associated with his or her book. That is why many writers want to try the publishing business and get their book into the market.
        Many writers prefer to publish work on their own.
Self-publishing is getting popularity, as it has gotten easier, and the success stories clearly speak about its benefits. It is essential to understand the concept clearly. Do invest time in any research and learn the pros and cons of self-publishing.
Why Self-Publishing?
Many writers prefer self publishing as it is fast and easy to do. Further, it is within your budget. If you try to publish your book with the help of a big publishing company, then definitely it is a time consuming process for getting a deal up, you need to spend a lot. You need to have more than fundamental knowledge of the business along with all its rules and regulations.
Rather than taking the step into the shadows of real publishing, many writers select the option of self-publish their masterpieces. As a self publisher, you will have a total control of what happens along with its pricing, distribution, marketing, etc. Of course, you can hire an expert with anything involved in the self-publishing deal; however, you have to pay additional costs for it.
How to become a Self-publishing Bestseller?
If you dream big to become the next bestselling author around the world, then it is essential to understand the process clearly. Many writers jump in this endeavor without having any knowledge about self publishing and they simply end up in the sales stats showing no sales of the book.
Keep in mind that the real world is much harder than you think. You can publish your book easily making it available to every soul on the internet. However, it does not mean that you will be the best seller. Bear this in mind clearly. This will make your publishing endeavor comparatively easy and less painful.
Self-Publishing- what it can Do for You?
If you want to self publish a book, you can string your texts together with the help of a program available. Will this type of self published book get the success? Unfortunately, it will not. On the other hand, your name and reputation will be related to low quality work. Rather think about it carefully. Do the research. Plan the book and collect the needed material. Write well and present it in an appropriate format. While doing all this work, quality should be your main focus.
You will find numerous sites online that specialize in self-publishing. Different reputed self publishing sites like Createspace, iUniverse, etc. offer you all the services essential to succeed in your self-publishing endeavor.


©2012-2013 Claretta Taylor Pam, Innovative Publishers Media Group & Innovative Publishers. All Rights Reserved

Monday, November 19, 2012

Become a published author with iUniverse


  
So, finally you have decided to self publish. Obviously, your next focus will be self publishing services. There are many self publishing companies offering such services. However, it is essential to choose the company wisely. Here, we will discuss ‘iUniverse’ self publishing company that will make your venture easy.

iUniverse offers a wide array of DIY self publishing services. That is why; they call it as a "guided self-publishing". The company features a staff of publishing industry experts that help writers through the entire self publishing process from the editorial processes to design, printing, production, marketing, distribution, and publicity like a traditional publisher. At every stage, the attention on your book greatly depends upon your budget. It is suggested that before writing your check, please understand what you are getting exactly. However, if you are interested to have your book available both in e-book and print formats, you may need to spend for the privilege. You should therefore understand the features of the iUniverse self-publishing services including 

  • Design Services - iUniverse team outlines the books and then custom designs covers for each. The package includes printing of up to 25 black and white images.
  • Editorial Services – This is the least expensive package that avails editorial evaluation of titles to be self-published. iUniverse then recommends editorial work needed by your book. For instance, the additional or optional services, line editing, developmental editing, copyediting, etc. add costs. You can also select ‘cover copy polish’ package that is slightly more expensive with additional features.
  • Formats – The Company prints perfect-bound books in both softcover and hardcover format in a wide array of sizes. You can choose from a cream or white colored paper. They never comb bound or print spiral-bound books. Like a traditional publisher, iUniverse makes your book available in e-book formats for a wide range of e-book readers along with the print versions.
  • Pricing/Cost – For publishing a book, you may need to pay initial up-front costs ranging from $599 to $4200. You can invest less for the stripped-down "Select" package. Whereas you can spend $4200 for "Book Launch Premier Pro" that covers email marketing campaign, author website set-up, etc. if you want express publishing, then services are available at additional expenses.
  • Publicity and Marketing – You can avail book marketing and publicity services in the iUniverse higher-priced self-publishing packages. However, by paying some additional charges, you can add up one or more of a set of services.
  • Proprietary Benefits- iUniverse registers all books with ISBN numbers that are essential for bookstores and sets its books up for retail sale. With the editorial evaluation process in the higher tier packages assign powerfully written titles having sales potential. For star program, these titles are important. This allows a more robust level of sales representation along with promotion to booksellers.
Being a hardworking writer, you must be wishing to see your book in print and you do have the right to a positive publishing experience. Self publishing your book with the support of iUniverse is certainly a smart decision. It is a fast, easy, professional and affordable way to publish your book. As compared to publishing it on your own, you can enjoy a hassle free and inexpensive process. Off course you may need to give up control of some aspects of the publishing process. iUniverse experts with book-publishing skills will guide and help you through the complete process for a reasonable price. With a supported self publishing, you can check your marketing capabilities. You will get an opportunity to learn about the publicity process devoid of emptying your bank account. You also need not to invest lots of time for it. Further, you can control the rights to your book.
Self publishing a book on your own needs you to take on all the responsibilities, generally managed by the team at a publishing house. Various jobs including acquiring an ISBN , designing the book's cover and interior, editing the manuscript, finding a printer, warehousing, hiring a distributor, etc. need to be handled carefully. For your self- publishing venture, you need to invest time, money and efforts. When you choose a reliable company like iUniverse, you can make this task simple while succeeding in your venture.


©2012-2013 Claretta Taylor Pam, Innovative Publishers Media Group & Innovative Publishers. All Rights Reserved

Monday, November 12, 2012

Writing Tips For New Writers




Rules govern everything we do in life. It is true that these rules are of the unwritten kind but we abide by them. We also expect other people to follow the same and writing is not at all exception for it. Rules are the basis for good writing. If you want to explore your best, here are some tips that will help you out.

Things you need to know before you begin.

·         Have your own style-

Yes, be yourself. Do not imitate someone else’s style. You might admire some writers and their styles, but never copy them. Write from the head, heart or the gut. It may depend upon the sort of writing. Try to come up with your own unique style.

·         Know Your Interest-

Write on topics you know about. Some people publish articles even when they have very little idea about the subject matter. This sort of writing clearly appears unconvincing, thin and limp. Aim for writing something good which has substance. Write after doing a thorough research. Internet, library, etc. can be good source to explore lots of information. There is no point in foisting a thin, poorly researched article on your readers. Know your interest and write keenly after researching over that topic. Writing about things which interest you may help you come up with something that will influence all. If you are not interested in the chosen subject matter, you might not come up with your best and your efforts will fail to catch reader’s interest. In some cases you might need to write on such topics. In this case, try to find an original angle and think from different perspective. This could not only stimulate you but your readers too. Spark an interest in your subject. This will avoid flat and boring write ups.

·         Grammar and punctuation- core of your writing-

Just having good matter to write of your interest even though with thorough research is not at all sufficient if you do not know grammar rules and punctuation. Punctuation matters a lot. Can you read something without commas and full stops? The answer is obviously not. You have to put in dots and commas in the right places. Without punctuation, your writing will be difficult to read and it will not make any sense. One good thing about the grammar rules is that they don’t keep changing. Once you get command over the rules, they will definitely stand you in good state for your entire writing career. Grammar and punctuation makes your writing readable, interesting and sensible.

·         Spell well

Grammar and punctuation is important but spelling is like the brick, which will build your house. It is true that today’s software applications help you check spellings. However, it is only a program trying to guess what word you have scrambled. Use dictionary and always keep reading to increase your vocabulary and spell power. Find out the correct meaning of words and place them correctly.

·         Stick to the point-

Do not add unnecessary or irrelevant details in your writing. Stick to the subject and your title. Remember, the reader first reads the topic/title and then decides to read complete write-up/novel.  If the body of your work is not relevant to the title, then the reader will feel tricked. Surely, he or she will move on to read somebody else he or she can trust.

·         Read and revise-

Sounds boring? It is essential. Writers enjoy the writing process; however most of them do not like to read the end product over and over and revise it. You may have numerous ideas blubbing up in your mind for your next work. However, you have to read, make drafts and revise again. While writing over a long period, you are more likely to make mistakes. So, it is better if you revise it again. Always give your readers a polished piece of writing.

So, always write well. Believe in your strengths. Get ready to create adventures with your words with all above tips.

 
©2012-2013 Claretta Taylor Pam, Innovative Publishers Media Group & Innovative Publishers. All Rights Reserved