How to publish independently with little or no money.
A page to help the independently published. I will be sharing my trials and triumphs as I publish my books on Lulu.com, and try to market them.
Table of Contents
What's on the lens:
- The Game Plan
- How to format a book for self-publishing
- How to advertise yourself as an Author
- Some Marketing Tips
- A Word on Website Design.
- A Sell Sheet
- Social Networking
- SITES SPECIFICALLY FOR WRITERS:
- Review Sites
- Helpful Link List
- Opinions and Questions
- Amazon Book Spotlight
- An Apology.
- Independently Published Books on Amazon
- List of Author Websites (Plexo)
- Blog Posts from Google
- My Del.icio.us bookmarks
- My Stuff on CafePress
- Books by A. F. Stewart
The Game Plan
Your First Step
You have to have some sort of plan once you intend to publish your book, and start out on the road to marketing and promotion. It is a good idea to start early, even before you publish and build momentum for the upcoming book.
I decide to start small by publishing several smaller books, to introduce my writing to the reading public.
Now I'm working on a novella, then on to publishing my novels.
Starting with the smaller books was actually quite helpful, as it allowed me to work out all the kinks with my marketing and promotion strategies.
This lens deals with my experiences publishing at Lulu.com, but much of what is here can be used by any independently published author.
I decide to start small by publishing several smaller books, to introduce my writing to the reading public.
Now I'm working on a novella, then on to publishing my novels.
Starting with the smaller books was actually quite helpful, as it allowed me to work out all the kinks with my marketing and promotion strategies.
This lens deals with my experiences publishing at Lulu.com, but much of what is here can be used by any independently published author.
How to format a book for self-publishing
6x9 trade paperback format
A quick guide for self-formatting a book for publishing. This guide uses the 6x9 inch size, but it should work for any size. (Just change the page size, of course.)
First Step: Format the margins and page size.
- Margins should be at least 0.5". Left Gutter settings should be set at 0.2" to 0.3".
- Other settings should be: Mirror Margins, Whole Document.
- Page size should of course be 6 x 9 inches, or 15.24 x 22.86 cm.
Second step: Font size and Line Spacing.
- Font should be 10-point or 12-point, preferably in a "serif" font such as Times New Roman, Garamond, Century, Palatino, etc. (unless this is to be an ebook, then use a "sans serif" font, such as Arial or Verdana)
- Line Spacing should be set at 1.5.
- Don't forget to embed the fonts
Third Step: Required Layout Pages.
- Title page: should include the book title, and any subtitle, your name or pen name, and the name of your publishing company, if you have one. This should be on an odd numbered page, such as 1 or 3. (If you are using the 3rd page as your title page, you can: 1) leave your first page and second page blank, or 2) put reviews, previous books, plot blurb, etc. on the first page, and leave the second page blank.)
- Copyright page: Should include a basic copyright notice, and the "all rights reserved" notice. Also be sure to include a notice about restricting permissions (check the copyright notice in any book for a guideline). Put your copyright on an even numbered page (2 or 4) immediately after the title page.
- Dedications (if any): Should be put on the page following the copyright,(Page 3 or 5). If you don't have a dedication, you may wish to leave this blank, or put a list of your previous books here. Note: depending on your layout and the length of your table of contents (if you have one) you may wish to leave the next page blank
- Table of Contents (if any): This follows the dedications, and depending on the layout may be preceded by and/or followed by a blank page.
- Body of Work: You will have to decide whether you want the main body of work to start on an even numbered page or an odd numbered page; an even numbered page will start your work on the left side of the book, the odd numbered page will start it on the right side. Blank pages may be needed to achieve your layout.
(The layout step may sound complicated, but using a published book as a layout guide can help.)
First Step: Format the margins and page size.
- Margins should be at least 0.5". Left Gutter settings should be set at 0.2" to 0.3".
- Other settings should be: Mirror Margins, Whole Document.
- Page size should of course be 6 x 9 inches, or 15.24 x 22.86 cm.
Second step: Font size and Line Spacing.
- Font should be 10-point or 12-point, preferably in a "serif" font such as Times New Roman, Garamond, Century, Palatino, etc. (unless this is to be an ebook, then use a "sans serif" font, such as Arial or Verdana)
- Line Spacing should be set at 1.5.
- Don't forget to embed the fonts
Third Step: Required Layout Pages.
- Title page: should include the book title, and any subtitle, your name or pen name, and the name of your publishing company, if you have one. This should be on an odd numbered page, such as 1 or 3. (If you are using the 3rd page as your title page, you can: 1) leave your first page and second page blank, or 2) put reviews, previous books, plot blurb, etc. on the first page, and leave the second page blank.)
- Copyright page: Should include a basic copyright notice, and the "all rights reserved" notice. Also be sure to include a notice about restricting permissions (check the copyright notice in any book for a guideline). Put your copyright on an even numbered page (2 or 4) immediately after the title page.
- Dedications (if any): Should be put on the page following the copyright,(Page 3 or 5). If you don't have a dedication, you may wish to leave this blank, or put a list of your previous books here. Note: depending on your layout and the length of your table of contents (if you have one) you may wish to leave the next page blank
- Table of Contents (if any): This follows the dedications, and depending on the layout may be preceded by and/or followed by a blank page.
- Body of Work: You will have to decide whether you want the main body of work to start on an even numbered page or an odd numbered page; an even numbered page will start your work on the left side of the book, the odd numbered page will start it on the right side. Blank pages may be needed to achieve your layout.
(The layout step may sound complicated, but using a published book as a layout guide can help.)
How to advertise yourself as an Author
My experiences at self-marketing.
I recently tired of beating my head against the wall of traditional publishing, and decided to try out self-publishing. I did some research (Google is awonderful invention) and compared the top-rated self-publishing companies. And found out they are expense. Not overly so, but enough to give me second thoughts.
Then I found Lulu.com. Its basic publishing service is free, which I liked, and the optional distribution packages reasonably priced; I did not like the fact Lulu does not offer editing or marketing services.
But I thought, why not give it a try? There wasn't anything to lose if I went with the free service. So I published a book of my Poetry after carefully studying the guidelines for formatting, book design, cover art, all supplied at Lulu.com.
I was happy. The book formatting took some work, but it wasn't difficult. The cover art wasn't a problem because I used some of the artwork supplied by Lulu. I made a Lulu storefront, and presto I was a published author.
Then came the marketing, and I realised I had very little idea how to market a book. As advised by Lulu, I posted the book up on my websites and did some press releases (free ones, as this was basically a publishing test run).
Then I ran out of ideas. So I returned to the ever helpful Google, and found there are dozens of helpful places on the internet willing to impart their marketing wisdom for free. (And dozens more that will sell it to you.)
So here are my free or cheap marketing wisdoms for marketing a book online:
1. Get a Website: An essential selling tool. You can sell your books directly from the site via links, or you can set up a store of your own. (It can be done, there are helpful sites that show you how).
There are plenty of free, or inexpensive hosting sites that you can use for your site. I went with Bravenet.com; you get some nice free website add-ons, such as hit counter, guestbook, email forms, etc. If you would like a look at my site here it is: Afallon Website
2. Get an Online Press Kit: You need to sell yourself and your book. This is an excellent way to do it. Create a bio, book list, post your reviews, press releases and any other promotional stuff. For an example of a kit, see mine: My Press Kit
3. Join the online social networking: Get your presence as an author out on the World Wide Web. Join Squidoo, MySpace, Facebook, Gather.com, AuthorsDen, or any other writing form that suits your needs.
4. Promotional freebies: It is not to difficult to create your own brochures or flyers that you can make available for a free download. And a definite must is a downloadable Media Kit for your book.
5. Book Trailer: You can get a professionally done book trailer, (if you look there are inexpensive options) or do your own. Windows Movie Maker can be use to make an interesting promo with some imagination.
6. Write Articles: Excellent way to spread your name as a writer. There are plenty of places to post them for free.
7. Get a Blog: Write your opinions, your experiences, post excerpts from your books, write online stories, whatever.
Trying to market your books, and make a name for yourself as an author can be tough, especially if you self-publish. And it can be expensive, if you listen to all the big marketing companies. They are loads of sites that try to sell you on their new and improved, breakthrough system, guaranteed to get you sales or bring traffic to your website. Maybe they can, but they usually cost hundreds of dollars.
So, I went looking for free advertising. And, yes you can find it, but you get what you pay for. I tried some of the free classifieds, the ads where you put code in your website, places where you can add banners, the advertising forums; basically a waste of time. Skip the freebie advertising.
Now for the free stuff that does seem to work.
Advertising your Website:
1. Put the URL in as many places as you can: on your blog, social networking sites, press releases, emails, media kits, website guestbooks, generally anything that goes public. And don't forget to put it in your books.
2. Get in the search engines. Submit to Google, Yahoo, DMOZ, etc. Submit manually or use free search engine submission. Just keep in mind the free search engine submission sites also have pay versions and will try to sell you on those. Free bulk submission is easier, but I have found free manual submissions work better.
3. Get indexed by Google and Yahoo. You have to be indexed to use their helpful website monitoring tools.
4. Get Links. One useful way is link exchange. Link Market is an excellent free link exchange site, and you can pick and choose who goes on your site. And do not put just any link on your website, make sure they relate to your site in some way.
5. Submit your URL to free directories. You will have to this manually, but get it out there. Do a Search, and find those directories. There are several niche directories to which you can add your website.
6. Advertise your website with a free press release. Tell the world that you exist, and what you are all about. If you would like to see an example, my press release can be viewed here: Press Release
7. Hold a contest. I created a contest to choose artwork for the cover of one of my books, and then posted it on Grandma Jam's Sweepstakes Guide. I got interest, and website traffic.
My Contest Page
8. Join webrings. Find rings that pertain to your website and join. It gets you on Google.
9. Join one of those online bookmark sites, and add your own website. I joined del.icio.us.
And if you have a special site, or preview page, for your book, make certain to list it in the directories and search engines as well. Also add to your online bookmarks.
Some Marketing Tips
Here's what I've learned (the hard way).
A quick how-to guide on book marketing, for those who have no funds for professionals.
The Must Have Items:
1. A Website
2. A Press Kit (online and/or for mailing out)
3. A Media Kit for individual books
4. A Press Release
* A Website:
Find a webhost. There are free hosts out there, (Geocities and Bravenet, for instance, and of course Squidoo), as well as inexpensive ones. Just make sure they are reputable.
You will have to know Basic HTML. (If you don't, just Google the words "Basic HTML", there are a lot of tutorials out there). Also you can use an HTML editor; some webhosts provide one.
Use a website template. It will make creating a website far easier. Some webhosts provide you with free templates, but there are other places to find them as well.
Meta tags. Use them: title, description, keywords. They can be useful for search engines, and they don't hurt.
Add webtools. Whether you get from your webhost or another source, they are handy things. You can add a newsletter, forms (for surveys, contest entries, etc.), a guestbook, a message forum, polls.
Add your books to your site. Post pictures and weblinks so people can see and buy your books. Also add any links to reviews or other sites that have your book info. If your publisher has widgets that link to your books, add them. Put book excerpts on your site, plus any book freebies such as brochures, flyers, media kits, etc. And list any future books; you never know who will be interested.
A link page. Now you can add one or not, but I've found a lot of free directories want a reciprocal link, and it makes it easier if your links are on one page. Also, you may wish to offer a link exchange with other writing sites, or other authors.
To see what I've done go here:
Afallon Website
Enter Afallon
* A Press Kit:
This is for promoting yourself as an author. You will need:
* A short Biography of yourself, written in the third person.
* A good quality photo of yourself. (Although I did use an icon in my online press kit.)
* A list of your books, with all their information and a good synopsis. Also including any good reviews won't hurt.
* A list of any awards or accolades, if you have any.
* A list of your writer's groups
* A contact list; email, websites. (If you are mailing a press kit, you may wish to include a phone number.)
* For an online press kit, add a link to your blog.
* Freebies such as flyers, brochures. (Hard copy for mailing , downloadable for the online kit). And if you are mailing your kits out, throw in a business card.
To see what I've done go here:
My Press Kit
* A Media Kit:
I use this as a press kit for each book. I include:
* A fancy cover page. A pretty design, with the name of the book, my name, the date and where I published.
* A cover sheet. It includes a short descriptive blurb about the book, and a list of the media kit's contents.
* A photo of the book cover
* A fact sheet on the book. It includes a description of the book, the publisher, where it is available, the price and the product details. (such as copyright, page length, binding, etc.)
* Any book reviews
* An Excerpt from the book
* An sample author interview, in the form of a Q and A. (This is only for the online version.)
* The book's press release
You can find my media kits on my website or at my online press kit.
* A Press Release:
I use the free online press release services like Sanepr and PRlog. You will need a press release for each book, and you can also send out releases for book events, the launch of your website, for winning awards, etc.
For a how-to on writing a press release go here:
Press release tips
OR
Write a proper press release
The Must Have Items:
1. A Website
2. A Press Kit (online and/or for mailing out)
3. A Media Kit for individual books
4. A Press Release
* A Website:
Find a webhost. There are free hosts out there, (Geocities and Bravenet, for instance, and of course Squidoo), as well as inexpensive ones. Just make sure they are reputable.
You will have to know Basic HTML. (If you don't, just Google the words "Basic HTML", there are a lot of tutorials out there). Also you can use an HTML editor; some webhosts provide one.
Use a website template. It will make creating a website far easier. Some webhosts provide you with free templates, but there are other places to find them as well.
Meta tags. Use them: title, description, keywords. They can be useful for search engines, and they don't hurt.
Add webtools. Whether you get from your webhost or another source, they are handy things. You can add a newsletter, forms (for surveys, contest entries, etc.), a guestbook, a message forum, polls.
Add your books to your site. Post pictures and weblinks so people can see and buy your books. Also add any links to reviews or other sites that have your book info. If your publisher has widgets that link to your books, add them. Put book excerpts on your site, plus any book freebies such as brochures, flyers, media kits, etc. And list any future books; you never know who will be interested.
A link page. Now you can add one or not, but I've found a lot of free directories want a reciprocal link, and it makes it easier if your links are on one page. Also, you may wish to offer a link exchange with other writing sites, or other authors.
To see what I've done go here:
Afallon Website
Enter Afallon
* A Press Kit:
This is for promoting yourself as an author. You will need:
* A short Biography of yourself, written in the third person.
* A good quality photo of yourself. (Although I did use an icon in my online press kit.)
* A list of your books, with all their information and a good synopsis. Also including any good reviews won't hurt.
* A list of any awards or accolades, if you have any.
* A list of your writer's groups
* A contact list; email, websites. (If you are mailing a press kit, you may wish to include a phone number.)
* For an online press kit, add a link to your blog.
* Freebies such as flyers, brochures. (Hard copy for mailing , downloadable for the online kit). And if you are mailing your kits out, throw in a business card.
To see what I've done go here:
My Press Kit
* A Media Kit:
I use this as a press kit for each book. I include:
* A fancy cover page. A pretty design, with the name of the book, my name, the date and where I published.
* A cover sheet. It includes a short descriptive blurb about the book, and a list of the media kit's contents.
* A photo of the book cover
* A fact sheet on the book. It includes a description of the book, the publisher, where it is available, the price and the product details. (such as copyright, page length, binding, etc.)
* Any book reviews
* An Excerpt from the book
* An sample author interview, in the form of a Q and A. (This is only for the online version.)
* The book's press release
You can find my media kits on my website or at my online press kit.
* A Press Release:
I use the free online press release services like Sanepr and PRlog. You will need a press release for each book, and you can also send out releases for book events, the launch of your website, for winning awards, etc.
For a how-to on writing a press release go here:
Press release tips
OR
Write a proper press release
A Word on Website Design.
Do it yourself or go professional?
Getting your website designed professionally is the best thing to do, if you can afford it. There are reasonably priced designers out there, so if it is in the budget, go pro. Just make sure who you choose is reputable, and not a fly-by-night scam artist.
If you can't afford the cost, you can, with time and patience, design your own. The best way to go, unless you are a computer whiz, is a free website template. There are lots of sites that provide them, available in HTML or CSS versions. (I started out using HTML, but recently switched to CSS; they are more streamlined and, I think, more professional looking.)
Once you have your template just fill in your information, code, and hyperlinks where you want them in the template. You should open the template in a browser, so you can check your changes as you edit.
After you finish, and uploaded the site, check it with a website validation service. (Note: if your site is hosted on a free site, a validation service will show error codes for the ads. You can still check the rest of the site for code errors though.)
If you are confused or unfamiliar with HTML and CSS, there are many tutorials on the net that can help you.
Free CSS Templates
Free CSS.com
If you can't afford the cost, you can, with time and patience, design your own. The best way to go, unless you are a computer whiz, is a free website template. There are lots of sites that provide them, available in HTML or CSS versions. (I started out using HTML, but recently switched to CSS; they are more streamlined and, I think, more professional looking.)
Once you have your template just fill in your information, code, and hyperlinks where you want them in the template. You should open the template in a browser, so you can check your changes as you edit.
After you finish, and uploaded the site, check it with a website validation service. (Note: if your site is hosted on a free site, a validation service will show error codes for the ads. You can still check the rest of the site for code errors though.)
If you are confused or unfamiliar with HTML and CSS, there are many tutorials on the net that can help you.
Free CSS Templates
Free CSS.com
A Sell Sheet
(also called a tip sheet)
A sell sheet is a cross between a flyer and a fact sheet. It is usually one page, designed to catch the eye and promote your product, in this case your book.
It can be used for promotion at events, sent to bookstores/libraries, or added to press kits.
It most often consists of:
The book title and book cover thumbnail
Book Facts
Book Synopsis
Reviews
Marketing strategy such as book tours, appearances, book signings, advertising, etc.
Contact and buying information
Author Biography
The iUniverse website has a nice article on how to make a sell sheet.
Here's the Link: Make a Sell Sheet
You can have your sell sheet designed for you, or you can attempt your own using Microsoft Word or Powerpoint. I recommend using Microsoft Office Powerpoint.
It can be used for promotion at events, sent to bookstores/libraries, or added to press kits.
It most often consists of:
The book title and book cover thumbnail
Book Facts
Book Synopsis
Reviews
Marketing strategy such as book tours, appearances, book signings, advertising, etc.
Contact and buying information
Author Biography
The iUniverse website has a nice article on how to make a sell sheet.
Here's the Link: Make a Sell Sheet
You can have your sell sheet designed for you, or you can attempt your own using Microsoft Word or Powerpoint. I recommend using Microsoft Office Powerpoint.
Social Networking
Comparing the merits of three social networking sites, and their uses for writers.
I'm going to compare the three social sites I have joined, (Squidoo is not included, because we all know it is just wonderful), and list the most useful aspects I've found.
1- MySpace:
THE GOOD:
-Lets you categorize both your page and your blog posts under a writing category.
-Comes with a blog that can be used for promotion or posting online writing, or both.
-Fairly easy to post links, banners, widgets and other promotional tools to your page.
-Excellent place to connect with other writers, editors, writing services, etc. Just beware of scams(that is a hazard on any social networking site).
-Easy to find new friends and contacts, and groups; their search is excellent.
-Easy to maintain, without annoyance.
THE BAD:
-Spam mail. My advice just delete it.
-Occasional glitches in the profile editor.
-They have had problems with profile hacking (although I have never had a problem)
2- Gather.com:
THE GOOD:
-Easy set up and has a nice profile page.
-Promotes publishing articles, pictures, videos, and your articles get on Google.
-Excellent network of authors, unpublished writers, and writers who are dabbling. You can give and get useful feedback and advice.
-Great place to establish a list of articles, and get a voice on the internet, or do a little shameless promotion.
-Great writing groups you can join.
THE BAD:
-glitches in the article editor
-occasional lack of interest in articles. My advice: send email to you Gather friends telling them when you post an article.
-Not the greatest help section; if you can't find it, do a search on the site. Someone may have written an article.
3- Facebook:
THE GOOD:
-Allows you to post links to your books or sites, and there are many widgets you can add to your page.
- Many writing groups to join, or create your own.
THE BAD:
-Annoying applications
-Not easy to find new friends, or preview profiles.
-Glitches galore
-Cannot realistically post articles or stories.
1- MySpace:
THE GOOD:
-Lets you categorize both your page and your blog posts under a writing category.
-Comes with a blog that can be used for promotion or posting online writing, or both.
-Fairly easy to post links, banners, widgets and other promotional tools to your page.
-Excellent place to connect with other writers, editors, writing services, etc. Just beware of scams(that is a hazard on any social networking site).
-Easy to find new friends and contacts, and groups; their search is excellent.
-Easy to maintain, without annoyance.
THE BAD:
-Spam mail. My advice just delete it.
-Occasional glitches in the profile editor.
-They have had problems with profile hacking (although I have never had a problem)
2- Gather.com:
THE GOOD:
-Easy set up and has a nice profile page.
-Promotes publishing articles, pictures, videos, and your articles get on Google.
-Excellent network of authors, unpublished writers, and writers who are dabbling. You can give and get useful feedback and advice.
-Great place to establish a list of articles, and get a voice on the internet, or do a little shameless promotion.
-Great writing groups you can join.
THE BAD:
-glitches in the article editor
-occasional lack of interest in articles. My advice: send email to you Gather friends telling them when you post an article.
-Not the greatest help section; if you can't find it, do a search on the site. Someone may have written an article.
3- Facebook:
THE GOOD:
-Allows you to post links to your books or sites, and there are many widgets you can add to your page.
- Many writing groups to join, or create your own.
THE BAD:
-Annoying applications
-Not easy to find new friends, or preview profiles.
-Glitches galore
-Cannot realistically post articles or stories.
SITES SPECIFICALLY FOR WRITERS:
A list of websites designed to showcase authors and writers
Here is a list of good sites where writers and authors can publish profiles, samples of their work, and their books.
1- AuthorsDen:
An excellent place to put your author profile and post books; it gets you a link on Google.
Features both a free subscription and a paid upgraded subscription. The free subscription is limited, but not overly and the paid upgrade has three levels; the Bronze being quite reasonable at $40/yr.
2- WritersCafe: A wonderful site for writers to post their books, writing samples and their profile. They encourage feedback between their members, and it's free to join.
3- WritersNet: It's free to join, and you can post a profile and your books. The site also lists editors, agents, publishers and writing resources.
4- Nothing Binding: It's free to join, and you get a personal profile page. There are also writer's groups you can join, and media add-ons you can purchase.
5- Ebooks Cafe: It's free to join. It allows you to post a short profile and your books to the site.
6- Self Publishers Place: A relatively new site where self published authors can post their book information. Free to use, and there is a writers discussion forum.
All these sites are list in the Helpful Link List.
1- AuthorsDen:
An excellent place to put your author profile and post books; it gets you a link on Google.
Features both a free subscription and a paid upgraded subscription. The free subscription is limited, but not overly and the paid upgrade has three levels; the Bronze being quite reasonable at $40/yr.
2- WritersCafe: A wonderful site for writers to post their books, writing samples and their profile. They encourage feedback between their members, and it's free to join.
3- WritersNet: It's free to join, and you can post a profile and your books. The site also lists editors, agents, publishers and writing resources.
4- Nothing Binding: It's free to join, and you get a personal profile page. There are also writer's groups you can join, and media add-ons you can purchase.
5- Ebooks Cafe: It's free to join. It allows you to post a short profile and your books to the site.
6- Self Publishers Place: A relatively new site where self published authors can post their book information. Free to use, and there is a writers discussion forum.
All these sites are list in the Helpful Link List.
Review Sites
A list of book review sites. Many list independently or small press published books, and some offer promotional or editing services.
- Rebecca's Reads
- A book review and publicity service serving the reading audience, authors, publishers, publicists and buyers/sellers.
- The Compulsive Reader
- Reviews of books by some of the hottest writers working today, exclusive author interviews, literary news and criticism.
- The Midwest Book Review
- The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. The Midwest Book Review gives priority consideration to small press publishers, self-published authors, and academic presses.
- The Muse Book Reviews
- The Muse Book Reviews reviews a variety of books and accepts books from self-published authors, traditional or POD published authors.
- Armchair Interviews
- Features book reviews and author interviews, with helpful articles and links.
- Bitten by Books
- A site featuring paranormal fiction. Has reviews, interviews, contests, etc.
- Welcome to Scribe & Quill ~ The site for all writers!
- Writer's resource that includes articles for writers, writing courses, book reviews and news and information for writers of all genres.
- Reader Views
- Book reviews of all genres. Also provide editing and publicity services, literary awards, contests and book giveaway.
- New Mystery Reader Magazine
- Introducing a new mystery magazine featuring information on new mystery releases. Includes mystery book reviews of new mystery releases, mystery short stories, and recommendations.
- Road to Romance
- Romantic and Women's Fiction: For Readers and Writers of Romantic and Women's Fiction Books
- BookLoons
- Your corner bookstore in the global village with book reviews across genres, columns and contests, and sections for teen books and children's books.
Helpful Link List
Useful sites with ideas for writers.
A list of websites with practical information for authors in search of writing, marketing and promotion help.
- Promoting Your Writing
- A wonderful list of articles for promotion, book reviews, press kits and press releases, media appearances and more.
- How to write a Fantasy Novel
- Do you want to know the inner workings of the mind of a Fantasy writer? Well, all will be revealed. I'll be disclosing all the hard work, shortcuts and secrets on how to write fantasy novels.
- Author Insider
- Author Insider is a source for book marketing articles and ideas. Learn the tricks of the trade that insiders use to make their books stand out.
- AuthorsDen
- Where Authors & Readers come together.
- WritersCafe.org
- The online community for writers.
- WritersNet
- Writing resources, news and discussion for authors/writers, editors, publishers and agents.
- Nothing Binding
- Nothing Binding is an online community for writers. Now featuring over 1,000 independent writers!
- Ebooks Cafe
- Bringing you a wide variety of quality fiction and non-fiction ebooks and POD books, and providing authors with the opportunity to promote and sell books worldwide.
- Self Publishers Place
- A place for authors, readers and book lovers.
- 15 Ways to Make Nice with the Media
- Publishing Alternatives:
Vanity Publishing, Self-Publishing, P.O.D., or Traditional Publishing. An Interview with John Kreme - Author & Book Promotions
- A resource directory for authors -- comprised of articles, marketing tips, and resources on book promotion.
- Authors Tour the World with Virtual Book Tours « The Dark Phantom Review
- A how-to of virtual book tours
- Murder by 4: Amazon to force POD publishers to use Booksurge
- Saturday, March 29, 2008
Amazon to force POD publishers to use Booksurge. Whether you are an established published author or aspiring to have your work published in the near future, you need to take note of this week's event. - Media Mensch: Amazon to Force POD Publishers to Use BookSurge
- Friday, March 28, 2008
Amazon to Force POD Publishers to Use BookSurge
This move sounds horrid. It's going to hurt small publishers and authors. - More than you wanted to know about Book Design
- Professional cover and interior book design.
- Self Publishing - Lulu.com- Book Formatting
- Book Formatting FAQ from Lulu.com.
This page is for formatting books to publish on Lulu.com, but the basic layout facts can apply for formatting any book.
Lulu.com lets you publish and sell print-on-demand books and e-books, online music and images, custom calendars and books. Free self-publishing. - Murder by 4: Developing Your Author's Website
- Advice on how to design an author website.
- Murder by 4: Self-Promotion Isn't A Four-Letter Word
- Good self-promotion tips.
- Murder by 4: How to impress an editor (or at the very least this editor)
- The dos and don'ts of manuscript submission and working with editors.
- Publishing Basics: Don't Let This Happen to You! - From The Vault of Publishing Horror Stories
- Helpful advice on avoiding editing and manuscript errors, with emphasis for self-publishers.
Opinions and Questions
Please post your comments, opinions, or any questions about the content.
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qlcoach
Excellent information here. I started out on Lulu.Com myself. Writers and authors need to hear about your information. Please consider interacting with our club: Posted July 12, 2008 |
Gretchen Lee Bourquin
Thanks for all the great suggestions!
Posted June 27, 2008
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privateInvestigation
Wonderful information, actually i want to become a good author and I think your is more useful to me. Posted June 19, 2008 |
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Allison_Whitehead
Welcome to my group! Great lens - congratulations! 5 stars, Posted February 22, 2008 |
Amazon Book Spotlight
I will be spotlighting deserving books.
Starsight
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $14.95
An excellent new fantasy novel.
Release Date: 12/31/1969
Usually ships in 24 hours
An Apology.
Some books listed here on this lens are or may soon be no longer available to buy on Amazon. This is due to Amazon's new policy of disabling buying options for self-published authors that do not use Amazon BookSurge.
I am sorry if this is an inconvenience to my readers, and all these authors have my sympathies.
I am sorry if this is an inconvenience to my readers, and all these authors have my sympathies.
Independently Published Books on Amazon
These books deserve a read.
From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successfully Create and Market Your Book by Theresa Chaze
From Blank Page to Book Shelves--How to Successful more...1 point
Orphan: A True Story of Abandonment, Abuse, and Redemption by Roger Dean Kiser
This author is brilliant, and heartbreaking. His more...0 points
Ghost to Coast by Rhetta Akamatsu
Stroll through shadowy streets and peer into eerie more...0 points
Chess Puzzles for the Casual Player, Volume 1 by Kevin, Houston
Excellent and helpful for the amateur chess player more...0 points
Tremolo: cry of the loon by Aaron Paul Lazar
In this coming-of-age mystery set in the Belgrade more...0 points
The Liar's Diary by Patry Francis
The Liar's Diary is an excellent story of secrets more...0 points
TAU 4 by V. J. Waks
On a distant planet of the Homeworld Alliance, Dr. more...0 points
The Long-Timers by G.M. Lupo
This is the story of Victoria Wells, a woman who g more...0 points
The Father of Hollywood: The True Story by Gaelyn Keith
From the earliest silent films made by pioneering more...0 points
Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy
In a Victorian London where titles are based on th more...0 points
Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy
Lady Jasmina was in a world of trouble. A simple s more...0 points
List of Author Websites (Plexo)
Some of my favourite Author websites.
Theresa Chaze
If you enjoy a good magical fantasy in the style o more...1 point
Roger Kiser's Storefront - Lulu.com
In the vein of Mark Twain, Roger Dean Kiser's coll more...0 points
Patry Francis - The Official Site
Home of the author of Liar's Diary0 points
Home, april robins, robin falls children's stories
Robin Falls Children's stories is a family group o more...0 points
Afallon Website, home of fantasy author A. F. Stewart
A website for fantasy author A. F. Stewart. Featur more...0 points
A. F. Stewart's Blog
The blog of a struggling writer. Take pity.0 points
Website of author Gretchen Lee Bourquin
A personal website dedicated to Gretchen Lee Bourq more...0 points
Blog Posts from Google
- Self publishing - it’s not for everyone!
- Okay, before you throw daggers in my direction, I know that self-publishing isn't always a sell-ou...
- The Four Letter Word: "SELF" Publishing
- I recently came across an article in the Artella newsletter: Self Publishing Without Shame. I was th...
- Internet Book Self-Publishing Service Not Liable for Defamation in ...
- But the court in Sandler held that these sorts of Internet self-publishing services are not liable,...
- Internet Book Self-Publishing Service Not Liable for Defamation in ...
- So holds Sandler v. Calcagni, a federal district court decision from last week; the court applied Ma...
My Del.icio.us bookmarks
Helpful sites for the self-published author.
My Stuff on CafePress
My book tie-in products.
Undead T-Shirt
Promotional T-shirt for the book Chronicles of the Undead.
White T-Shirt
Price: 18.99
Chronicles of the Undead Keepsake Box
Keepsake box. A Promotion item for the soon-to-be-released book Chronicles of the Undead.
Keepsake Box
Price: 23.00
Vampire Sticker (Bumper)
Gothic bumper sticker
Sticker (Bumper)
Price: 3.50
Inside Realms Postcards (Package of 8)
Promotional postcards for the book Inside Realms
Postcards (Package of 8)
Price: 6.99
Tears of Poetry Journal
Promotional item for the book Tears of Poetry.
Journal
Price: 9.49
"Dark Rider of a Storm.
Nighthawk above the streetlights."
Books by A. F. Stewart
A list of my published books
- Tears of Poetry
- A compilation of free verse inspired by interests in history, Celtic culture and mythology. It is dark, moody and thought provoking.
- The Incomplete List of Action Movie Clichés
- A book for all those who love Action Movies, but secretly laugh at their plot absurdities. This book details the most prevalent clichés that infuse these films. Read, laugh, enjoy. Come and read The List.
- Inside Realms
- A fantasy short story collection. A compilation of six short stories, telling the tales of wizards, magic and vampires. Plus a sneak peek at the upcoming novella Chronicles of the Undead.