The Telemachus Press Blog


Self-Publishing

11
Book Review Tips (the quick version)

1.     Find reviewer appropriate for your book’s genre/category.

2.     Check your reviewer’s qualifications.

3.     Avoid paying for review services.

4.     Send your book.

5.     Follow up!

6.     Follow up again!

7.     Review each review you receive.

8.     Select the reviews you would like to showcase.

9.     Post your selected reviews to websites.

10.  Repeat the steps for each review.


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Posted in: Self-Publishing
06
Publish Your Book... NOW

Professionally Publish Your Book…NOW!

The End, those two words that give every author a sense of relief, accomplishment and an opportunity to relax—not so fast.

There are at least three universal truths about becoming a successful author:

·      Writing a book is hard.

·      Getting the book published is harder.

·      Telling the world about your book is the hardest.

Fortunately you can do much of the work yourself and if you don’t have the time or skills required, there is professional help available for every step of the way. 

As a partner in a successful publishing/author services company, I speak with authors every day. Most authors tell me that their story had been rattling around in their head for many years before they actually found the time to write it down. Once their story was out, they felt a sense of relief. The pain and agony of “giving birth” to their book was over and they were ready to sit back and review offers from all of the agents and publishers they contacted. But for most authors, those offers never came and the harsh reality of how difficult it is to break into the world of traditional publishing began to set in.

“It’s not your book that’s the problem…it's the system.”

Book agents receive numerous manuscripts every month and must sort through them based on several filters they have established for themselves. The rejection of your book isn’t necessarily a personal comment from their perspective. It is simply a business decision. They can only process so many books and they must select those that best meet their “formula for success.” Unfortunately based on their initial review, your book apparently didn’t meet those criteria. The problem is not necessarily your book. It may be ready for publishing. The problem is that the system is letting you down. Your thoughts now turn to self-publishing. 

While some (usually those within the traditional publishing industry) continue to feel self-publishing is a less than desirable way to publish, nothing could be farther from the truth. Self-publishing has many advantages:

·      Make more money per book.

·      Opportunity to establish a track record of sales.

·      Better control over your book (pre- and post-publishing).

But like anything that is worth doing, it takes hard work…lots of it.

“Reader’s expect a professional presentation of your work.”

I doubt that the book-consuming public cares or knows who published your book. Quality of the writing, reviews/recommendations, book synopsis, cover (yes, I know you can’t judge a book by its cover, but it happens), price/value and familiarity with the author are factors that I consider when purchasing a book. The publisher’s name is not really on my list.

Readers do, however, expect to see a professional presentation of your work. That's where following these best practices come into focus.

1.     Have your manuscript edited by a professional.

2.     Arm yourselves with the right tools to do the complete job.

3.     Choose your publishing partners wisely.

 “If you start with a better manuscript,

you will end with a better book.”

1. Professional editing is critical.

If you start the publishing process with a better manuscript, you will end with a better book. But it is difficult (or impossible) to edit your own work. Editing is hard work, takes time and requires specialized skills.  If you are not paying editors for their services, they may not be as diligent as necessary in their review of your manuscript as you need them to be. Hire a professional editor, verify their credentials and ask for samples of their work. They should welcome your participation and interaction in the process. It is your book; make sure it is edited according to your wishes along with commonly accepted standards for grammar, punctuation and clarity. Remember to specify if you are looking for content editing (story line, character development overall accuracy/consistency of events) or copy editing (grammar, punctuation and spelling).

“Acquire the tools and skills to do it right.”

2. Arm yourself with the proper tools.

Just like any project your undertake, if you want to do a professional job you must acquire the tools and skills to do it right. Fortunately the tools for publishing a book are not as extensive as the tools necessary for many other endeavors. Basically, you need a word processing software such as MS Word for simple documents or Adobe InDesign for more complicated manuscripts, a cover development tool such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator and for a truly professional look to your books, tools/ability to convert your finished manuscript into the popular eReader formats. With these tools, you can begin to format your book, design the cover and convert it into the formats for publishing.

Proper book interior formatting is critical. For eBooks, it is best to keep the formatting somewhat simple so that it converts properly and looks good on the maximum number of eReader devices. Stick to one font (like Times New Roman) and use Bolding, Italics and indentation (although it is best to limit indentation to a maximum .5) to show emphasis. Keep the font sizes between 10 pts. to 16 pts. and use MS Word’s Normal Style. Automatic bulleting and other styles can also cause problems with eBook conversions. If you want a special font or graphic element, convert those to images and insert them in the MS Word document.

For print book formats, you can use a variety of fonts, font sizes and images to achieve the desired look and feel. Be sure to leave sufficient space in the gutter so that all of the text can be easily read when the book is opened. 

When designing the cover, be sure to use materials that you own or have been properly licensed for use in commercial ventures such as book publishing. Items taken from the Internet are not necessarily properly licensed for use in book publishing even if the are listed as “Royalty Free.” When in doubt, contact the site owner and get permission specifically for book publishing in all formats. It is best to stick to the established sites for images such as iStock Photo, ShutterStock or similar sites. While the licenses for images from these sites are not exclusive, often you can combine several images into a unique cover. Lastly, be sure to list these images on the copyright page according to the owner’s license agreement requirements.

3. Choose your publishing partner wisely.

There are many good options for publishing the print and eBook versions of your book. Creating publishing accounts on these sites is relatively easy and straightforward. And the best news is that they will pay you the full amount of the royalty due, directly to you. Here are the most popular but by no means the only options. Each site has features that may be a better fit with your particular needs so I encourage you to visit each site and conduct your own assessment.

CreateSpace – This is the Amazon-owned option for publishing your print book. They can publish your soft cover print books in all popular sizes, with a B&W or color interior and distribute them through Amazon.com and/or other retailers. CreateSpace does not currently offer hard cover books.

Lightning Source Inc. – This is the digital print division of Ingram Content Group. It has options for both soft and hard cover print books and eBooks, includes all popular book sizes and can print in B&W or has three options for color printing. Most authors will qualify for their Ingram Spark program that is specifically designed for smaller publishers.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing – As its name says, this is the place to publish the Kindle version of your eBook for sale on Amazon. You can upload a formatted MS Word document or create your own mobi file for uploading (recommended).

Nook Press – The eBook publishing site for Barnes and Noble. You can upload a formatted MS Word document or an ePub file.

Apple iTunes Connect – The special site to publish eBooks directly on Apple iBooks through iTunes Producer and iTunes Connect. You can upload an ePub document to this site.

Smashwords – Not only a retailer of eBooks in a variety of formats, but Smashwords will also wholesale your eBook to other retailers such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple iBook, Kobo, Baker and Taylor and several other retailers. This is a very simple way to get your eBooks on all sites without having to create accounts on each site.

“The cheapest option may not always be the best.”

If you elect to hire a professional to create the formatted interior files, create the interior and convert the eBook files, selection of the right partner is critical. A poor decision can significantly impact your ability to control your own destiny and may result in a less than acceptable look for your book. There are many options available for formatting, converting and publishing your book. And the cheapest option may not always be the best.

Here are my thoughts about selecting a qualified partner to perform these services:

·      Check credentials of the prospective partner looking not only at their relevant experience, reviewing their website and asking for samples of their work but also by calling references.

·      Have any agreements reviewed by a professional. Be sure the agreement specifies the exact type of services that will be performed and the fees for those services. Also ensure that you understand if the partner is performing “work for hire services” or if they will be retaining some portion of the rights and royalties to your manuscript—or possibly future works. Work for hire services mean that they are being paid to do work for you and that after completion, you own all the rights to the work.

·      Always ask the prospective partner one question, “Who pays the royalty to me?” If the publishing partner collects the royalties and then pays you, investigate further to determine the portion of your rights or royalties that they will be keeping. While there may be value in this type of relationship, be sure that the value is commensurate with the portion of your rights and royalties retained.

·      Choose a partner who allows you to actively participate in the process. This is your book and you should be actively involved in its creation. If you hire an editor (recommended), talk to the editor and help them understand your original intent. This will allow your editor to “get inside your head” and will assist them in making suggested changes. Work with the formatter to ensure the book interior has your desired look and feel.  And stay close to your cover designer so that the most important advertising piece for your book is created the way you envisioned it.

·      Be sure to let your partners do their work and listen to their advice.  If you have selected the right partners, they have done this before and will help you avoid some common mistakes.

Respectively submitted,

Steven Himes

Steven Himes is a principal in the innovative independent publishing and author services company, Telemachus Press. www.telemachuspress.com


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Posted in: Self-Publishing
08
Leave Me Alone!

Leave me alone

Just for the record, I would like all telemarketers to note that: 

• Next time adjust your headset before calling me, not after I pick up; 
• I do not want to consolidate my student loans…in fact I don’t remember having any student loans; 
• Since I am pretty sure I have never stayed at your resort, how could I possibly have won a free 3-day stay for being a repeat customer; and 
• For the love of God, just let my vehicle warranty expire. I don’t care. With all the “clutter” how does an author who is legitimately trying to let the world know about their book reach their target audience? 

Here are a few ideas: 
• Target Audience – Don’t start writing until you know who you are writing for and what you were trying to say to them. Know everything about them and how to reach them. 
• Plan your Attack – A series of well-planned actions are much better than the random, “flavor of the day” approach. 
• Spend Money Wisely – There are plenty of economical (read cheap) ways to reach your target audience without necessarily taking out a quarter page ad in the NYTimes. Be sure to explore and use them. 
• Get Reviews (they are free!) – Readers often rely on reviews during their purchasing process. Ask everyone who reads the book to leave a review (hopefully a positive one) on each of the popular Internet sales sites. 
• Never Give Up! – You never know which of your marketing tools will resonate with your target audience. A multifaceted, but coordinated approach is best. If one path comes to a dead end, choose another. 

Remember, except for family and friends, no one is waiting for your book to hit the shelves… unless you create some interest through marketing. So get out there and make some noise!

Contact Telemachus Press today for a free conversation about your book. info@telemachuspress.com 

An informed author chooses Telemachus Press.


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29

Rule 14 by William Blackwell

Drifting from one failed relationship and apartment to another, down-on-her-luck protagonist Dana Vilner decides a peaceful home in the country is exactly what she needs to turn things around. So, along with boyfriend Jackson LaPrairie, she packs up her two young daughters and rents what appears to be a paradise on Earth.

But it isn't long before terrible things start happening; the landlord's son begins stalking and threatening them; the landlords start behaving oddly and aggressively, and events escalate to the point they fear for their lives and sanity.

Paradise rapidly transforms into a living hell.

As events spiral out of control, Dana knows it's only a matter of time before someone becomes seriously injured or winds up dead.

A chilling exploration of the fight-or-flight response, Rule 14 ushers you deep inside the minds of those who process information through a twisted and psychotic lens.

Available through Amazon in eBook and paperback.


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Posted in: Self-Publishing
29

The Strap by William Blackwell

When Gray Eagleson remembers the strap, it brings back horrific images of pain, suffering and humiliation in the public school system. When he thinks of money, he realizes how little of it he has since getting laid off from a public relations job. When he thinks of relationships, the painful memory of how his long-time girlfriend cheated on him with his so-called best friend surfaces.

His confidence at an all-time low, he decides a trip to Ecuador, the most bio-diverse country on the planet, is exactly what he needs to take his mind off his problems. Before departing, he connects with Adriana Enrique on an internet dating site, promising to meet her on his arrival. He also helps his best friend Derrick Richmond evict some biker tenants involved in a marijuana grow-operation in one of Derrick's rental properties. During the eviction, one of the bikers, Stuart Treblecoch, aka The Strap, threatens to kill Gray for tossing biker belongings into a blazing backyard inferno.

Arriving in Ecuador, he soon discovers the idyllic vacation has turned into a life-and-death struggle. The Strap is hunting him down, Adriana's behavior casts a black shadow of doubt over his optimistic expectations and he meets a Canadian woman, Abby Taylor, who wants his help evicting violent squatters who have overrun a hotel she purchased in the beach town of Atacames.

As the nail-biting tension and violence ratchet up, Gray believes a visit with a shaman and an experience with the mind-altering and spiritually enlightening drug ayuahuasca is his only hope for salvation.

The Strap ushers you full-throttle deep inside the exotic sights and culture of Ecuador while also exposing the very real dangers that exist. Through Gray's harrowing journey for personal redemption, survival and sanity, we discover the frailties and insecurities of the human condition and the ever-present need for companionship at the root of human nature.

Available on Amazon now!


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Posted in: Self-Publishing
05

The Hellfire Complex by Michael Ummarino

History has called them demi-gods, witches, sorcerers, and aberrations. Today, science calls them Genetians; humans born with seemingly supernatural abilities as much a part of their DNA as the color of their eyes. Since the dawn of time they have been here, helping to shape the course of humanity and living openly among them. Just because they have always existed, however, does not mean they have always been accepted. Tensions in the United States steadied until ten-year-old pyrokinetic Nathan DiSario obeyed his inner demon and assaulted his classmates. While the nation grappled with the implications, Nathan was quietly hidden away. Now, after years of suffering in foster homes and hospitals, America’s leading Genetian rights advocate is giving him an opportunity. The offer is simple: join the exclusive Hero’s Program at Adirondack University and be reintegrated into society as a reformed and productive member. No strings attached. A perfect offer, however, does not mean a perfect ending. While Nathan is eager to leave his past behind, he finds it not as simple for others, or himself, to forget. It is clear that Nathan cannot make the journey alone as classes refer to his assault, classmates hold grudges, and social situations prove to be challenging. Worse yet, the demon is whispering again, whispering of freedom and fire.

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Posted in: Self-Publishing
07

The Dark Side of Glory by Richard McMahon

In this mystery/suspense novel set during the Korean War, Matthew Clark, the biographer of a respected and highly decorated Army general, learns that there is a hidden side to his life, involving a brutal, covered-up murder, a secret mistress, and an abandoned illegitimate daughter. As he delves deeper, Matthew discovers an baffling mystery and a tragic love, in a world of surprises where nothing is at it seems. 

Tracing the general's earlier career during the occupation of Japan and through the early days of the Korean War, Matthew follows the lives of four principle characters: Philip Coursen, who appears to be the perfect Army officer, but with a disturbing dark side, Miriam Coursen, equally perfect Army wife, who may hide a secret agenda, Calvin Carter, an idealistic young West Pointer, beset with guilt as a result of his clandestine affair with another officer's wife, and Samantha Winstead, the beautiful, vivacious cause of Calvin Carter's discomfort. The biography takes a personal turn for Matthew, as he finds himself drawn into the story when he falls in love with the young woman who claims to be Coursen's daughter.

Available from this and other online retailers:

Amazon


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Posted in: Self-Publishing
07

A Complete Guide to Military Ribbons of the United States Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine 1861 to 2014  by Col. Frank C. Foster (US Army, Ret)

This is the single most complete and authentic guide to United States military ribbons ever produced. Published in full color it displays the complete history of all United States Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and Coast Guard ribbon since the Civil War. As an additional bonus it displays all currently authorized United Nations ribbons for United States forces. Merchant Marine ribbons dating back to World War II also have a display. Each branch of the service as a full-color ribbon display from World War II to present presenting the ribbons in correct order of predecessor from the medal of honor to currently authorized foreign awards. Under each ribbon is displayed the authorized attachments for each ribbon. A detailed section describes each ribbons attachment and the correct method for mounting attachments is diagram for all five of the military services. It is the most complete full-color reference of United States military ribbons ever published and is the product of over seven years of extensive research. Especially useful are the only charts showing the correct order of Protestant people wearing multiservice ribbons in each of the five military branches. An invaluable reference to all veterans, veterans families, members of the Armed Forces and reserves.

Available from this and other online retailers:

Amazon 


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Posted in: Self-Publishing
07

See Here Private Foley! By The Foley’s LLC

See Here, Private Foley! is a collection of love letters between a young deployed World War II soldier and the love of his life. Ken and Patricia Foley have both passed away and left their correspondence to be discovered by their children and grandchildren. We are happy to share with others their passion and humor revealed in this journey taken by a young couple while separated during the war. Kenneth M. Foley was born in 1915 in Washington, DC. After he was born, his parents divorced and his blind grandmother raised him along with seven other grandchildren. He had a very difficult time growing up and attended several high schools. Ken apprenticed with an electrical company and was acknowledged for his commitment and work ethic with a promotion to become a foreman. By 1940, he was overseeing the electronic installations in the new barracks on Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. During which time, he met Patricia Lawrence who was raised in Washington, DC and attended George Washington University and was in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She worked as a stenographer for the War Production Board in DC after college. They were married in 1941 and lived in a small apartment (#522) which was referred to in the letters as their "522". Shortly thereafter, Ken answered his nations call to arms by enlisting in the United States Army to support and defend our country during World War II. A young man fought in a war where he experienced events and saw sights that he would have never thought possible. His wife lovingly supported him from home where she bore him his first child. The two grew up quickly in a world where the written word was all they had to comfort one another. The beauty and romance that an era knew as their only form of communication have since been replaced by text messages and emails. Follow along as a witness to their unbelievable journey throughout a deployment during World War II.

Available for purchase at this and other online retailers:

Amazon

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Posted in: Self-Publishing
07

Captured! The POW Saga of Frank Battle Bob Corbin with Alexander Doyle

Frank Battle, a forward observer for Allied troops in WWII, is captured by German forces. Unfortunately for Frank, one of his SS interrogators decides it would be quite an accomplishment to break Frank Battle and convince him that the Axis of Evil is the right way and he will stop at nothing to do so. But as a member of the Greatest Generation, Frank will have none of it and is sent to Stalag 13.

Frank's hope and faith are tested throughout his captivity. Then, hope begins to rise as US forces storm the compound in a bold attempt to free the captives. Unfortunately their escape attempt is thwarted by German forces and Frank and his two comrades are given the choice of fighting it out with the Germans, being recaptured or slipping into the dark German night in one last dash for freedom. Will they make it?

Join Frank and his fellow POW's as they struggle to survive the hardships of imprisonment, the brutally harsh winter and the physical and mental anguish of a deadly game of hide and seek with German troops.

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Posted in: Self-Publishing
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