Features

Articles, how-to’s, opinion and tips and tricks in the self-publishing arena

Why Self-Publishing Still Has Its Stigma

I don’t want to hold my tongue any longer. There’s a vibe in self-publishing that if it makes money, it’s OK. There’s also a desire on behalf of authors for self-publishing to lose its stigma. Unfortunately, point a is detracting from point b. Just because something is making money doesn’t mean it’s well-valued.

While many want to hold up self-publishing successes and declare “self-publishing has arrived” it is not entirely heartening to see the types of books that are becoming successful – any more than it is to see yet another Kim Kardashian story on my news homepage.

I’m well […]

2014-08-14T16:01:39+02:00August 14th, 2014|Categories: Features|

Self-Publishing Success Story: Barbara Freethy

Barbara FreethyBarbara Freethy is the author of such romantic novels as the Callaways series (On a Night Like This, So This Is Love) and the Wish series (A Secret Wish, Just a Wish Away, When Wishes Collide). Initially, her career flourished in a traditional publishing format, but in 2011, recognizing the potential for new development in electronic publishing, she began self-publishing with digital formats as a cornerstone as Fog City Publishing, and has continued to produce successful titles since.

What books has she written?

Freethy has written over 40 novels, with a focus on […]

2017-02-20T09:14:15+02:00August 14th, 2014|Categories: Features, Success Story|

Self-Publishing Success Story: Michael Bunker

michael-bunkerMichael Bunker describes himself as an “accidental Amish Sci-Fi writer.” His latest book, Pennsylvania Omnibus went to #10 earlier this month on Amazon’s bestseller chart. Engrossed in all things self-published, with “The Bunker Plan”, his own strategy for launching a book in place, Bunker’s website is one of the most inclusive and inspiring blogs out there for writers. His fans have been accused of being a cult, but his sales are proving that engagement with readers is key when promoting your work.

What books has he written?bunker_pennsylvania_omnibus_ebookedition
The Pennsylvania Omnibus is his biggest seller, but he’s written an immense amount […]

2017-02-20T09:14:26+02:00August 14th, 2014|Categories: Features, Success Story|

Self-Publishing Success Story: Deepak Chopra

Deepak ChopraDeepak Chopra is an Indian-American author and public speaker who rose to popularity due to his “new-age guru” teachings, which he has written on extensively in his published work. His break-out work, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, remained on The New York Times best-sellers’ list for 72 weeks in 1994.

What books has he written?
Chopra specializes in spiritual and self-help literature, exploring the ‘magic’ of the world with a warm, but scientific eye. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success in 1994 is considered one of his greatest works by readers, and the previous piece Ageless Body, Timeless […]

2017-02-20T09:14:39+02:00August 11th, 2014|Categories: Features, Success Story|

When Erotica Stops Being Erotic In Self-Published Books

This post contains graphic descriptions of a sexual nature. Because it needs to be written.

I am writing this post because something disturbing has been occurring in the world of self-publishing. I don’t know if it’s the male backlash to Fifty Shades of Grey, or if this has always happened, and it was just that before self-publishing was a possibility, certain books were turned away by agents and we never heard about them again, unpublished, hidden and secret, their words never to reflect in the eyes of readers, never to haunt and terrorize. What books are these? Let me […]

2014-08-08T14:27:11+02:00August 8th, 2014|Categories: Features|

Why Pay For A Book Review?

Book ReviewsCate Baum of Self-Publishing Review attempts to put some of the myths to bed about what it means to buy a book review.

I have seen too many forum posts where self-publishers vow to never pay for a book review. It’s still seen as sinister and icky, and somewhat dishonest. But there’s a touch of herdism about all of this naysaying. Let’s look at the facts.

There Are Two Types of Paid Review

There is a huge misunderstanding in the community about what paying for a review really means, and it’s about time the publishing community understood the differences. Not […]

2014-08-07T01:57:32+02:00August 7th, 2014|Categories: Features|

Top Ten Bugbears of a Self-Published Book Editor

It’s time again. Cate Baum, SPR Editor is back to enlighten writers everywhere on how not to drive their editors up the wall.

Here, I have listed my top bugbears uncovered editing self-published works from around the world. Enjoy, learn, share. If you want to find out more about our editing services tailored to the needs of self-published authors, have a look here.

1. The word “OK”/Ok/Okay

The most overused word in most books I see today, especially from American writers. The most common spelling it seems, for some unknown reason (I’m blaming texting and tweeting) is “Ok”. I have […]

2014-08-05T08:10:52+02:00August 5th, 2014|Categories: Features|

How Do You Develop and Use a List of Your Readers?

Build Your List

One of the pieces of information authors are finding invaluable is a list of their readers. If you want to announce a new release, a promotion or a giveaway, the instant access to a list of your readers is priceless. It could mean an instant jump in rankings and an increase in reviews both critical to the success of your book.

The reader list is being used to develop friendships and relationships far beyond the sale of your novels. Building a list is a lot like farming. You cultivate the field. You plant the seed. You watch it grow. Then […]

2019-02-18T12:06:01+02:00July 24th, 2014|Categories: Features|Tags: , |
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