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 Sude Khanian on
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KAthy have you received amazon reviews on your book? I am looking for review swap partners. if you are interested let me know.
Also, if you are still struggling (i can see that this post is 3 months old) the bestselling novelist Ellen Maze has recently opened a facebook page where she offers free mentoring for Authors. I joined it myself and thought to share it with you. Here is the link http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Authors-Mentor/230159113681497
I will also share it in a separate post in case others are interested.
Bests,
S.
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Permalink Reply by Tracey Morait on
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I self-publish, so for me it's the cover!
I have no design skills whatsoever, so I have to rely on my husband who uses Photoshop. I was aiming for an April 2010 deadline to publish my new young adult book, 'Epiworld', but I've had to move it to May now, because he's designing a one piece (the first time we've done this) and he's not happy with the back, so he wants to rebuild it!
(It looks all right to me!)
The problem is he uses computers at work, so he's grumbling about neck ache, and he's busy with his Triumph Herald car restoration. My priorities are at the bottom of the pile!
I also hate having to proof read and edit, but I can't afford to employ a professional to do this for me. I didn't realise English was such a hard language before I started this! (You can spell 'realise' with an 's' in the UK btw!)
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Permalink Reply by Steve Roberts on
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Tracey, I have written a novel based a true story at the time of 1890's caravan circuses in the UK.
Any tips on people or UK organizations that might be interested in reviewing the book?
Steve Roberts
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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Isaacs on
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I'm new to the forum, so forgive me if I'm being redundant. I'm sure we all agree that the biggest challenge is generating enough excitement for your book that people are willing to buy it. I'm a single mother, two kids, and two jobs. My book is a YA fantasy/romance, and so my plan of attack is to find teenagers to review the book on their blog. (I'm amazed at how many teens have hundreds of followers). Also teens view anything main stream as a sell-out, and so they think it's cool that I didn't go the traditional publishing route. I'm also placing small displays in places other than bookstores. We have a few coffee shops/small boutiques in Lexington that cater to the young adult crowd, and they have offered to sell the books a few at a time. I'm starting there with the idea that if it is successful in the surrounding towns, I may pitch the idea to a national chain. Teens love to buy things that seem original, off the beaten path. What's more off the path than a book in a formal dress shop? Anyway, I know I'm just scratching the surface, but my plan of attack is to try and connect with the audience and learn as much as humanly possible in between jobs. At the moment, I have a power-to-the-people-stick-it-to-the-man attitude. I'll let you know if it works! :-)
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Permalink Reply by J. Steve Miller on
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Elizabeth,
I think you're ideas are great, especially going outside the normal channels and selling in small displays where teens hang out. I blogged about my process in marketing my latest book and talked some about the local angle here: http://jstevemiller.com/blog/?p=206 . Please let us know how it goes. My book on personal money management is geared to young people, ages 16-30, so I'm very interested in seeing what works with this age group.
J. Steve Miller
President, Legacy Educational Resources
Author of Enjoy Your Money! How to Make It, Save It, Invest It and Give It
"The money book for people who hate money books."
http://wisdomcreekpress.com/press_kits.html
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Permalink Reply by Curtiss Robinson on
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insightful!
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Bill,
My biggest challenge is getting the exposure needed to make sales. I use twitter, facebook, and google ads but my sales are reletively small compared to what I would like to see. I am confident that the book stands on its own merit, but getting the word out is challeging.
Curtiss
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Permalink Reply by Paradise on
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The proof is in the pudding, so to speak. The old ways of authorship are gone for all but a few of the best and well known authors. Modernization has given us all the opportunity to tell our story. The mass audiences is still reserved for a few even though we have more readers than ever, we also have many more writers. Everyone needs to rethink their reasons for writing and maybe conform to the times rather than trying to hold on to the old. I have stated my reasons for writing over the past thirty years more than once and none of those are to be recognized, make money or to get on the Morning Show. If what we all see in these comments of our struggling fellows as truth, why do we continue to beat ourselves against the pavement? Life is a great place to be and an even better place for us who write to leave part of ourselves to future generation. Nothing I have said here is meant to keep you from trying, hoping and working toward becoming number one. I just offer a simple reality check. I love writing and would be working on my present book if I did not stop to console my friends here.
Dr Robert E McGinnis of Paradise Books.
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On an encouraging note, there are still a lot of authors out there who sell a lot of books and make some decent money at it. They're not insanely wealthy like those who dominate the NY Times charts from year to year, but they love what they do, make a respectable living, and get regular, positive input from their readers.
But the vast majority of books don't sell many copies. I think it helps when we realize that we're part artist and part entrepreneur. Neither artists nor entrepreneurs have a high rate of success, but many of us relish the adventure of creating something and trying to market it.
I think the biggest problems come when we have unrealistic expectations. If someone writes his first bookand, without serious and intelligent promotion, expects to see that book sell more than a few copies, they're probably living in a fantasy world.
No matter how challenging it is, I still relish the challenge.
J. Steve Miller
President, Legacy Educational Resources
Author of Enjoy Your Money! How to Make It, Save It, Invest It and Give It
"The money book for people who hate money books."
http://wisdomcreekpress.com/press_kits.html
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Steve,
Well done and well said, reality comes in small bumps and bruises, but faith and a steadfast conquest often triumphs over greed and speed. We are sold the fantasy world by book publishing promoters, but many of us, including you, look beyond that and realize there is a vehicle being offered in which we can ride. Not exactly free, but at least it will get us there--- providing our personal goals match the world around us. I always enjoy your comments and even if I don't reply, I do enjoy being here. I think most of us realize that snake oil still abounds in the advertising market and we don't have to buy into their products.
Dr M
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Butland on
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I, too, relish the challenge, I just wish it didn't take up so much of my time lol
It seemed too easy in the beginning - I dreamed my whole life of being an author and I became one. When I became one I dreamed of becoming a best selling one and thought it would be the easier of the two accomplishments. How naive was I?
I know it'll happen and know it is going to happen when it's meant to but that doesn't mean I am not telling the universe I want it to happen now!
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Think of the joy you will be bringing into the world for your great great grandkids. You are immortalizing your life, what more could you ask for?
Dr M
PS
Don't you love these offers from your clothing store and the POD publishing companies, the more you spend, the more you save. Ha ha.
I honestly am not knocking the POD business, I think it is one of the greatest advents to mankind and will prove to be a landmark in time to come.
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