Showing posts with label self-publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-publishing. Show all posts

Friday, May 25, 2018

"Self Publish Now" by E. Van Lowe


GUEST POST and EXCERPT
Self Publish Now:
The Underground Playbook to Get You Writing, Finishing, and Self-Published NOW
by E. Van Lowe

Self-Publish Now: The Underground Playbook to Get You Writing, Finishing, and Self-Published NOW  by E. Van Lowe

This book blitz for Self Publish Now by E. Van Lowe is organized by Bewitching Book Tours. You can read an excerpt from the book and a guest post by the author. Please make sure you visit the other participating blogs as well.


For more books by this author, please check out my blog post on the Falling Angels Saga.

Description
Do you have a book you’d like to get published … or are you thinking of writing a book? Great! This tiny book contains my step-by-step, easy to follow system for getting your book written and self-published NOW. It’s probably the most complete, no-nonsense guide to self-publishing available.
I take you on my personal journey, from an abject failure living in the Bronx with no future to speak of to becoming the writer I always dreamed of being - writing bestselling books, movies, and hit TV shows. I tell you how I went from dreamer to having money in the bank and fans around the world.
I tell you in my straightforward style what’s holding you back from writing success, and give you the kick in the butt, plus all the tools you need to self-publish NOW. I tell you how I got where I am, but more importantly, how you can get there, too. This book contains:
*Expert instruction from a bestselling self-published author
*PDFs for you to download and study
*VIP access into my author success group
*Links to free video training that teaches how James Patterson and other bestselling authors write their bestsellers
*How to choose an editor
*Video instruction on how to create a beautiful book cover - free
*A list building guide showing you step-by-step how to grow your fanbase
*The most important modules from my paid VIP self-publishing program
Plus so much more …
Do Not be fooled by its size. This tiny book contains everything, literally EVERYTHING you need to get your book written and self-published NOW.
What are you waiting for? The time for excuses is over. You want to get published? You want fans around the world? You want money in the bank? Get this book. It’s time to self-publish NOW!

Excerpt
It was 7:30 a.m. Monday morning. The alarm clock had gone off half an hour ago, yet no matter what I told myself, I just couldn’t get out of bed. I should have gotten up and started getting ready for work as soon as the clock went off.  That was normally how I did it.
Something was wrong.
As I lay there, I took inventory of myself. I wasn’t sick. It wasn’t a hangover. Truth is, I wasn’t actually tired, although every muscle in my body seemed wracked with fatigue.  I was sweating.
I thought back to Sunday morning.  I felt great when I got up on Sunday.  I was up early.  I read the paper, I played with my son, and we all went to church. 
We had brunch in Manhattan after church, and spent the warm afternoon in Central Park near the Merry-go-round.  My son loved to go to the merry-go-round. He didn’t like to ride it. He said it made him dizzy, but he loved being in the presence of all the energy exuded by the kids. He feasted on it.
Around 4 p.m. I started feeling a bit sluggish.  It increased gradually, and by bedtime, I was exhausted. I had developed flu like symptoms.
As I lay there that Monday morning, I realized it was around 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon when I started thinking about my job.  On Sunday evening as I prepared my route for the following day, I started feeling a sense of dread. 
I quickly diagnosed myself with a malaise felt by millions nationwide. My illness was that I dreaded going to work. I hated my job.
I asked myself “how did this happen?”  I had a dream job.  At least it was a dream job for a guy from where I’m from. I was the envy of all my friends. I was both proud and excited when I landed the job a few years earlier.  Back then, I couldn’t wait to go out into the field. WHAT had changed?
Hi, my name is Ehrich Van Lowe (pronounced Eric. My friends call me E.) and I am a writer. I’ve spent most of my working career writing professionally, and loving it.  I’ve written for big publishers, small publishers and I’ve self-published. I’ve written blog posts and articles in magazines.
I’ve written for the theater, I’ve written poetry, and I’ve written for TV and film. I’ve won many writing awards including being nominated for the Emmy Award and the Oscar, all for my writing.  I have written bestselling novels and hit TV shows. I am a working writer who has had, and still enjoys a wonderful and rewarding career.
But on that morning, a long time ago, I was a twenty-three year-old nobody who had abandoned my dreams.
If you are a writer trying to figure it all out, or a failed writer, or a would be writer, I wrote this book for you. I hope you will read it from beginning to end. There are a few things I’d like to tell you that I believe can help launch your writing career, and keep you from years of not realizing your dream.
Much of what you are about to read in this book you have never heard before.  Some of it you have, but not from me. The purpose of this book is to get you comfortable with the idea that you, yes YOU, can actually become a published author and make money. It’s also to give you some tools you can use to get your writing career going, and not just going, but going quickly and successfully.
[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]


Praise for the Book
“No nonsense. No blather. This guy had what I thought were the most creative notions I'd ever heard ... He gave me the ideas that changed my life.” ~ John Klawitter, Author, screenwriter
“You not only get solid advice you can use but you hear firsthand how E. Van Lowe helped other very successful people.” ~ Kindle Customer
“Trust me, if you want to self-publish successfully you need to read this book.” ~ Roxanne Rhoads, CEO-Bewitching Book Tours
“I LOVE IT! My favorite line is ‘One of the great secrets we writers harbor is the secret dream that we can actually have careers as writers.’ I have a draft of a book that I started 20 years ago...” ~ Peggy
“Ohhhh my gosh!!! This book really touched me!! I have been struggling to change my life plan. I pursued a career and even obtained my doctorate but I hate my job. You described my every day struggle to go to work. I loved your book.” ~ Natalia Martinez, Non-writer
“Step-by-step guide to self-publishing that works!” ~ Marie Weiss, Mother, Grandmother, Writer
“As I was reading, your A to Z steps became so clear I visualized my book completed and published. This book have erased all my reservations and fears about self publishing.” ~ Stephen Sweeney
“A must read for any new author! This book is bursting at the seams with information; from how to get your email list going too how to format your book to upload. But it doesn't stop there!” ~ Debbie Browdy, New author
“The Author states it is only for beginners but I have been an author and book doctor for 21 years and I still found new principles to use.” ~ Dr. Opal, Director of Santa Barbara Christian Writers Conference

Guest Post by the Author
The Stigma of Self-Publishing
I’m going to be honest here. It was the stigma attached to self-publishing that kept me from self-publishing for many years. I got enamored with self-publishing back in 2011 when Amanda Hocking became the poster child for self-publishing by earning a million dollars from 99 cent ebooks.
Even though I was enamored with the possibility of earning big money, I was afraid to try. I heard all the negative voices, especially the really loud one that kept repeating: “the only people who self-publish are those who can’t get published by a REAL publisher.”
You’ve heard that nagging little sucker, haven’t you?
Even though I had traditionally published a fairly successful book - Never Slow Dance With A Zombie was a selection of the Scholastic Book club, putting it in virtually every school in America - I allowed the voice to persuade me. Despite a large initial order (my editor told me it was one of the largest initial orders ever for the publisher at that time), and the fact that I made me zero dollars beyond the small advance, I allowed the negative voice to keep me from giving self-publishing a shot.
Despite being a super-successful writer and entrepreneur (I’ve earned millions, mostly from my writing), I allowed that negative voice to hold me back. Truth is, it’s that nagging, negative voice that keeps most people from pursuing their success. As I say in my new book, Self Publish Now, we make up all kinds of very convincing excuses as to why we’re not pursuing our dreams, but at the end of the day, it’s the fear that negativity allows in that keeps us from our dreams.
So, here’s the thing, I didn’t make any real money from my books until I gave up traditional publishing. I didn’t build my incredibly wonderful and supportive fan base until I gave up the traditional (legacy) way of doing things.
Now, I admit, self-publishing is not for everyone. But I believe everyone should try it. If all you do publish is a 10-page short story you wrote over the weekend, you should give self-publishing a try. You’ve got nothing to lose, aside from that nagging negative voice, and possibly everything to gain.
I also believe it should always be the author’s choice (or anyone’s choice, really) to take their lives into their own hands. If you think self-publishing could possibly work for you, please check out my new book. It contains every tool you need to self-publish a book spending little or no money.
But whether you decide to self-publish or not (perhaps you’re already self-published; perhaps you’re not a writer), recognize the voice of negativity when it starts chirping in your ear. You best successes will come when you can put that voice to rest.
Please visit my new blog I created to inspire, educate and motivate authors.

About the Author
E. Van Lowe
Ehrich Van Lowe, aka E. Van Lowe is an award-winning television writer, screenwriter, bestselling novelist, and writing coach with over 30 years earning his living as a writer. He is a six-figure author, and a seven-figure entrepreneur. He knows how to be successful. He has taken clients from having no knowledge of the business, to earning a living, to becoming bestselling authors.






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Tuesday, May 15, 2018

5 Ways to Pay Less for a Professional Book Cover by Martin Cavannagh


GUEST POST
5 Ways to Pay Less for a Professional Book Cover
by Martin Cavannagh

5 Ways to Pay Less for a Professional Book Cover  by Martin Cavannagh

Working with a professional book cover designer is one of the best uses of money for a self-publishing author. However, as the person who has to pay for the design work, you should be approaching it with your “publisher’s hat” and looking for ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.

When you’re on the hunt for an experienced pro to create your dream book cover design, these five tips will help you get the most bang for your buck.

1. Improve the quality of your brief
If designers feel that you are a sensible collaborator with an exciting project, there’s a greater chance they’ll want to work with you at a reasonable price. At the most basic level, you need a well-written brief with no spelling and grammar errors. Just a few minutes spent rewriting and proofreading your brief could reduce your quotes significantly.

2. Don’t ask for bespoke photography or original illustrations

Screen capture via Shutterstock.com/Razorbill

If you’re on a tight budget, let your designer show you what they can do without expensive photo shoots and bespoke illustrations. Most books from top publishers will have designs created by manipulating library images, and this should certainly be your first consideration - unless you write in a genre (epic fantasy) where most of the covers are illustrated.

3. Be flexible with your timescale
As the old maxim goes, you can pick only two out of three: good, cheap, and fast. This is true of all aspects of publishing - from ghostwriting to cover design. Don’t leave your cover design to the last minute; if you ask a designer to create a cover by the end of the week, you will sacrifice quality or end up paying more for the rush job.

4. Take into account your designer’s level of experience
Talent and creativity are hard to quantify. However, someone's experience is pretty easy to see - especially on a platform like Reedsy’s. As designer Lauren Harms puts it: “The designer's quote will hopefully give you a clear picture of the experience you will get working with them.”

image via Reedsy

If you’re setting your sights on a more affordable cover, home in on designers who aren’t ten-year veterans of HarperCollins. So long as they have a proven track record in your genre, you may find someone perfect with just a few years under their belt.

5. Consider how many concept rounds and iterations you need
Discuss with your designer how many concepts they’ll be creating for you, as well as the number of iterations they expect for your project. Some designers may be happy to reduce their quote if you don’t require as many initial concepts and design rounds. Bear in mind that this leaves little room for error. Any additional work you need will have to be paid for at a rate negotiated with your designer.

With a bit of knowledge, clear communication, and good planning, almost every author can be able to afford the cover of their dream – so do your homework, and you’re halfway there. See you on the bestsellers lists!
_______________
Martin Cavannagh is a writer and a member of the team at Reedsy. The world’s largest marketplace of experienced publishing professionals, Reedsy has helped thousands of authors create great books work with the help of top editors, marketers and, of course, book designers.

About Reedsy
Reedsy
Reedsy is an award-winning community of over 100,000 book publishing professionals: authors, freelancers, and publishing houses. Their objective is to help publishers create high-quality books by connecting them with the world's best editors, designers, marketers, or ghostwriters.
Reedsy is based in London and joined Seedcamp, Europe's #1 startup accelerator, in June 2014. The company won the Bookseller award of the best publishing startup of 2015 and the Quantum Innovation Award in 2016 during the London Book Fair.

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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

"Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours" by Roxanne Rhoads

REVIEW and EXCERPT
Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours
(Quick Tips for Authors Guide 1)
by Roxanne Rhoads


Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours is currently on tour with Bewitching Book Tours. The tour stops here today for my review, an excerpt, a guest post by the author, and a giveaway. The book is also ON SALE for only $0.99 to 28 March (on Amazon). Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.


Description
Are you considering a virtual book tour?
Not sure where to start or exactly what an online tour will entail?
Roxanne Rhoads, book publicist and owner of Bewitching Book Tours, shares her virtual tour expertise in this Quick Tips for Authors Guide.
Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours will guide you in utilizing the best marketing tool available - a virtual book tour, which can create online exposure for your book, jumpstart your book sales, help build your author brand, and expand your network.
In this guide you’ll learn:
  • what you should do before a tour
  • the components of a great author website
  • the best social media outlets for authors to utilize
  • tips for building your author brand
  • how to write great guest blogs
  • what to expect from an online book tour
  • the secrets of successful book tours
  • how to schedule your own virtual book tour
And you’ll receive in-depth details about what to do during a virtual book tour to guarantee success.

Excerpt
The world of publishing is continuously evolving thanks to technology and the Internet. It is now easier than ever to publish a book. But with the growing number of new books being released every day it is also harder than ever to get your book noticed in the crowd.
If your line of thinking includes - "If I publish it, people will buy it," think again.
Indie publishing requires a dedication to self-promotion. Gone are the days an author hermits them self away to write, then hands the book to the publisher who does all the leg work for promotion. Even NYT Bestselling authors and those with contracts through the big publishers still have to do a certain amount of self-promotion.
There are many ways to promote:  social media, advertising on popular websites and blogs, print advertising in trade magazines, attending reader oriented conventions and events … but one of the best ways to get your book out there and build name recognition as an author is through a virtual book tour.
In this Quick Tips for Authors Guide, you will learn why a virtual book tour can be an author’s most effective marketing tool.
[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]


Praise for the Book
"This book may be brief, but it is jam-packed with useful tips that had me scrambling for my calendar. And the conciseness is frankly another selling point for a busy authorpreneur. Who has time to wade through a bunch of fluff? Not me. And Roxanne doesn't waste our time with that - she gets straight to the business of book tours. Want to run your own tour? No problem. The book provides advice on DIY'ers as well. From lists of blog ideas (skewed toward paranormal authors, natch) to the legal in's and out's of using images, Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours has something for novices and old hands like myself. And I believe her branding advice was spot on." ~ Kirsten Weiss
"I highly suggest this book to all authors. There are many great ideas in this book that can help brand you as an author as well as get your books noticed. There are so many books out there. It is absolutely necessary for an author to promote themselves. As a blogger, Roxanne Rhoads does an exceptional job mentioning the things we look for. As a reader, one of the things I look at when discovering a new author/book is the information I find on the web. This book will give you all the tools you need to establish yourself." ~ Diane Lynch
"This book is packed with information on how to not only promote your book but also promote yourself as an author. It's a quick and easy read with useful information." ~ Bonnie
"This is a must have for any author planning to do a virtual book tour. Most of us wouldn't even think of half this stuff. Roxanne's advice is golden." ~ Serena Synn

My Review


By Lynda Dickson
In this era of self-publishing, an author needs to do as much as they can to get themselves noticed. Enter the virtual book tour, a tour of blogs on the Internet - as opposed to visiting book stores - with the aim of increasing an author's online presence and ultimately increasing book sales. Roxanne Rhoads guides you through the dos and don'ts of virtual book tours, with great advice on providing fresh material for each tour stop. She covers both tours run by established tour companies and tours you plan yourself, and she includes a list of sites where you can find book bloggers to contact. She also gives you some great advice about setting up your online and social media presence, as well as social media mistakes to avoid.
Roxanne Rhoads is the guru behind Bewitching Book Tours, the first book tour company I ever signed up with. If you're interested in a well-organized blog tour, be sure to check out Bewitching Book Tours. As Roxanne states, "Publication is only the beginning of the process ... promotion is the road to success."
An excellent quick guide for all authors.


Guest Post by the Author
Ten Reasons Authors Should Go On A Virtual Book Tour
Going on a virtual tour can help you network with bloggers, readers, reviewers, other authors and publishing professionals. You can build a professional network of contacts through a tour.
A virtual book tour can help build your author brand and platform.
An online tour can vastly expand your online presence and visibility as an author. The more you and your book are mentioned online, the more hits readers will find when they Google you.
You can target niche reader markets. Does your book feature food, crafts, or secondary topic that can be built upon for marketing purposes? Make sure that in addition to the normal book blogs and genre blogs that several of your tour stops are on targeted blogs for food, recipes, crafts or a side market that fits your niche. For instance, Juliette Blackwell’s Witchcraft Mysteries could be featured on sites that cater to vintage clothing or San Francisco because both of those feature heavily in her cozy mystery series. Melissa Bourbon’s Dressmaking Mystery Series could be featured on a sewing blog. Find your niche and target it.
A tour can build your mailing list and increase your social media following. Include links to your newsletter sign up page and all of your social media profiles so readers can easily follow you.
A virtual tour can direct traffic to your website. Make sure your website is up to date and full of content for readers to explore.
Expose your book to readers around the world. Many tour companies have book bloggers in numerous countries. Your book can be showcased around the world 24/7.
You will have the chance to interact directly with readers via live chats, Facebook events, and comments on blogs and websites.
Most blogs archive their content; this means it does not get deleted. Your tour stop will remain online indefinitely for readers to find.
A virtual book tour can increase book sales.

About the Author
Roxanne Rhoads has been working in the world of online book promotion since 2005. She has worked as a freelance writer, author, book reviewer, book blogger, editor, self-publisher and book publicist. She has a unique advantage of knowing how multiple sides of book publishing and promotion operate.
Roxanne understands how book bloggers work and what they want to make their jobs easier while also understanding that authors need promotion to be streamlined, easy, and less time consuming.
Roxanne shares some of her knowledge in her latest release, Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours.

Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a Bewitching Book Tours' Release Day Blitz or Cover Reveal (winner's choice) OR an ebook copy of Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours.

Plus, enter the Goodreads giveaway for a chance to win a paperback copy of Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours (US only, ends 28 March).



Goodreads Book Giveaway


Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours by Roxanne Rhoads

Secrets of Successful Virtual Book Tours

by Roxanne Rhoads


Giveaway ends March 28, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.


Enter Giveaway


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