For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers
What's Your Biggest Challenge with Your Book?
I'd be interested to learn what authors/publishers on this network think their biggest challenges are with their book. I wonder if there's any common, pervasive challenge we all face.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joel Friedlander on
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Steve,
I'm starting a private workshop called the Publish Your Book Workshop in San Anselmo, California (just north of SF) on November 11. It will run for 4 weeks and attempt to get people to the point they can confidently go forward with their publishing plans.
I've taught many workshops over the years, but never through a writer's group. Were you a member of the association when you pitched it to them?
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Permalink Reply by J. Steve Miller on
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I'll reply to your private e-mail, since others may not be interested.
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Since you're teaching on publishing, were you aware that Amazon now has another POD option besides Booksurge? I happened upon it the other day and didn't know how widely known it was. https://www.createspace.com . Apparently, it's more "do it yourself" than Booksurge, and thus cheaper, at least in some cases. But being tied in with Amazon does have its benefits for certain books.
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Yes, I have clients who've used CreateSpace, it's specifically aimed at the single book self publisher. BookSurge is intended more for publisher use, since so many multi-book publishers are using print on demand now to reduce warehousing and inventory costs.
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Permalink Reply by albertasequeira on
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Hi Phiiip,
Authors have to be seen. Don't depend on family or other friends to become known, it won't happen. Blogs and other website are a help but you need networking and contact. Call your local radio station and ask for an interview. Call your local newspaper and ask if they would do a write-up about you. Go to the local library and bookstores to see if you can get booked for book signings and introduce yourself. All this is "free!"
Bring a copy of your book, an excerpt, a bio about yourself, and information on where your book can be bought, price, publisher,etc.
This is a starting point for you. If you fear the public, small steps will take the fear out.
Good Luck!
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Permalink Reply by Philip Nork on
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Thanks for the tips.
I have done most of these already and have seen some success. I have been written up in small local newspapers and magazines. The library in my town carries my book, along with the "brick and mortar" booksellers. Slowly I see myself listed on other people's blogs, and sites like this help. All in all, after 3 months of being on the market, I have sold 1500 books, so I guess I am doing something right. My biggest challenge is talking about myself...but am working on that at airports when I travel (3 weeks a month) getting used to handing out information cards and bookmarks to those already reading. At first it was hard to approach, but it's getting easier.
Thanks again!
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Philip,
Selling 1500 books in your first three months is remarkable. Can you say where you have sold these books? Amazon? Have you sold them yourself at events? It would be terrific if you could give us some more detail on how you obtained these sales, thanks!
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Most (1000) were bought by a man I met on a plane trip from Las Vegas to New Mexico. He was listening to me talk to the lady sitting in between us about the book I was reading (yes, it was mine), and approached me after the flight. He was a buyer for a string of small gift shops (some on cruise ships) and he bought for all the stores he represented. Sometimes luck is better than skill!
I sold 100 to my dentist and he sells them in his waiting room.
I am assuming that most of the others came from my facebook friends and their word of mouth.
Any tips as other place to look at.
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Philip,
Sounds like I need to start reading my book more often in public places!
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Philip,
What an unbelievable story! Talk about luck. I also had my book with me on a flight....no one approached me. Good for you!
I've had some good headlines in three local newspapers today about my upcoming public talk on "The Affects of Alcoholism on the Whole Family" the 22nd this month at the Lakeville Public Library in Lakeville, MA. It's from 6pm-8pm. Hope they pull people to the event.
This will be my first "public" talk. I've gone private ones at rehabs and halfway homes.
Again, I'm so happy for you. That's what an author needs; a break and luck!
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Permalink Reply by Cynthia Clampitt on
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Reaching the people most likely to buy the book. When people do buy it, they love it, but I need to find a way to get the book in front of more people.
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Permalink Reply by Sharon Roberts on
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hi Cynthia,
I found marketing to be my biggest challenge as well. My books are for tween and teen readers on equine therapy, a very limited genre. I created a successful website www.horse-books-pony-stories.com
Now I have decided to expand to other genres www.coalition-independent-authors.com
I do offer free advertising as well as paid advertising. sharon
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