Are You a Top Notch Author?

Competition in the publishing industry is more fierce now than ever. New books are being released at record rates, thanks to authors being able to publish their books in seconds to the Kindle, Nook and other ebook readers. So what does that mean for you? Three words: Step It Up.
You have to be top notch in order to succeed in the publishing game. So how do you step it up? How do you get people to notice you and your book(s)?

Do more than write books! You can't just write books. You have to do other things to get your name, and your brand out in front of your potential readers. For some authors, this will mean hosting events such as workshops and seminars, and book parties. For others, it can mean doing speaking engagements. Find a creative outlet and use it to promote yourself and your book(s).

So many authors live with the misconception that all that need to do is write and people will buy their books. Why would you think that? Your goal is to set yourself apart from the rest.

Top notch authors are authors who understand that it takes more than writing to get ahead of the game. A prime example of an author that exudes top notchness is Miasha. She is not only an author, but a brand.

It's time to look at yourself. What kind author are you? Are you the author that sits back, doing nothing, expecting book sales to just ooze in with no effort being made on your part? Or, are you an author that makes big waves, makes major power moves and gets noticed?

That's for you to decide.

Until next time,

~Sandra~

Is the Book Market Getting too Crowded?

There are millions of books being published on a monthly if not weekly basis. The advent of ebook publishing has only allowed for this number to increase dramatically. So what does this say about the book publishing industry?

I myself am a self published author. I did it because I had tried to traditional route and because at the time I didn't understand how to query properly, I was rejected. This was a process I began when I was eighteen years old. After some research, I learned that you could publish a book on your own and if you marketed it right, it could help land you a traditional book publishing deal. I wanted to be a writer. It was in my blood.

Fast forward some fifteen years later. I still am a writer. I love it. But now, I find myself not feeling as special about having this gift as I did back then. Why? Because now, many people are not writing and publishing books out of a love and a passion for the gift that is writing, instead, they are doing it all for the money.

I felt really sad the other day when I read the first few pages of a book written by a young man I had come into contact with. It was a prime example of someone who said "everybody is doing it, I will too."

What people fail to realize is that writing books is much like putting together a music cd. If you don't make good music, you will easily become a one hit wonder. Same with a book. If you only write one book, hoping to hit the big leagues, you may be in for a rude awakening.

Even if you do strike it big and score a traditional publishing deal after you self publish, the publisher will expect you to be able to write atleast two books for them, known as a two book deal. Some companies want you to write more. And you have to produce.

So, this blog post is going to ask a question: are you writing a book out of love, or are you doing it just because?

Until next time,

~Sandra~

Tamika Newhouse: A Self-Publishing Success Story

**Editors Note: It was hoped that I could feature all of the authors on the page 'Success Stories', however, due to a technicality, those authors will be featured  as a post on the blog. The 'Success Stories' Page will simply tell how to be featured. Thank you, ~Sandra~

Tamika Newhouse, June's Self-Publishing Success Story.

Tamika encompasses the fact that you can live your dreams and be successful at self-publishing.

About Tamika: Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author. Founder of Delphine Publications, at the age of 21, Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards. Along with Delphine Publications, Tamika is the founder and
President of African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) - an online book club and radio show catering to avid readers across the nation. With future projects in the works from short films, stage plays and much more, Tamika is a young woman on a mission. Tamika presently tours the country speaking about
overcoming her teen pregnancy to fulfill her dream, as well as teaching aspiring writers the publishing ropes. She has hosted her own internet radio show (AAMBC) for over three years and continues to expand her brand. She is currently living in San Antonio with her husband son, and daughter. She is currently working on her fourth novel Cookie: A Fort Worth Story.

Synopsis:
Born Latoya James, when starting high school, Cookie believes this is her time to stand out from underneath her sister’s shadow. Always declared the odd one, she makes it her mission to be noticed by anyone who will pay attention. Reality starts to settle in when she realizes life isn’t always peaches and cream. After witnessing the rape of her best friend, and then the death of one of her classmates, she starts to believe life isn’t what she thought it would be.

 Sex, drugs, catering to her new demons, and hanging out with the older crowd become her escape and not even her high school sweetheart can steer her straight. It isn’t until she realizes everyone around her is not who they seem to be when she decides to change her life. But when she experiences an unwanted pregnancy and the death of her mother, Cookie is left to wonder if this is the way her life will always be.

Based on a true story, Cookie is a gripping tale of a teen girl who had to grow up sooner than later. Taking place in one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Fort Worth, witness the life of Cookie and her quest to be loved, appreciated, and wanted. You will soon discover life is never what it seems.

 Excerpt:

 Prologue

 
    Let me first introduce myself. My name is Latoya James but everyone calls me Cookie. This story I want to tell you is a personal journey of mines. Not everyone goes to High School becomes Valedictorian and goes off to a University out of state and lives happily ever after. This isn’t that type of story. I know at some point in your life when you were young and dumb you did some things you can’t believe you did. Well I can relate. I can remember as far back as seven years old when I struggled with being happy. I can remember my love for writing and my love for being alone and off to myself. That was me then. Now I am grown and living life on my own and can no one take credit for the wrong I do or the good I do in life.
    Wonder why people called me cookie. I can’t remember but as far as back I can remember that was my identity. As I tell you my story I will reminisce and wish I could take it back and re do it. I wish I could take away the tears I cried or the moments I was weak and did something I would regret. I would think that after my mother taught me the word of the bible and sent me to church five days a week that I would know what not to do. But I was a kid; we do trial and error our whole child hood. It doesn’t matter what you were taught or what was told you will still make the final decision whether it’s good or bad. Did I make the right decisions in life? Could I talk to mama now and she say, Girl now you know better. It doesn’t matter who agrees with me or not as I tell this story because the fact is this is how I felt. This is what happened in my eyes. Believe it or not but I wasn’t always happy. But now I can say look at me now. Look at who I am today. But my journey here was not an easy one.

Purchase at www.delphinepublications.com
Visit author at www.tamikanewhouse.comFollow on twitter at www.twitter.com/tamikanewhouse
--
~a woman with a vision
www.tamikanewhouse.com
www.twitter.com/tamikanewhouse

Are You Giving Away Too Much?

As authors, we often feel that in order to get people to read what we have written that we have to give away the whole cow. But haven't you heard the old saying, "why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?" This doesn't just apply to relationships, it applies to your book and your business as well.

Yes, in this business you will find yourself giving away a few books in order to increase your readership. But there are other things that you can give to your readers that will be just as valuable, and will make them want to buy your book.

One thing you can give is advice. New authors are always seeking advice from those who have already published a book. You can give advice, but don't be taken advantage of. Just like you had to learn it, you should require some work to be done on behalf of the one seeking the advice. If they ask you for help, offer to give it with the stipulation that they do something in return. Have them email you their questions, or join you on facebook, or follow you on twitter. Don't just give, qualify everyone that comes to you to ensure that they are not just using you for your information. Truth be told, these people that come to you for free advice, will nine times out of ten, turn around and charge someone to give them this same advice. Be wise.

You can share your knowledge in classes and workshops that center around the subjects of writing and publishing, but charge a small fee, or investment as it is often called in the business world. Investments often separate the real from the fake. It will let you know who is serious and who is just out to waste your time.

If you are going to give away some books, be sure that it is for a good reason. For instance, if you contact a book club, offer to send the owner a free book. This way, you have only lost money on the one book should the club decide to decline on reading the book, versus trying to butter up the group by giving free copies to every member and have them decide not to read it. I have heard of authors that have done this and have been hurt in the end when the book was not even a chosen read for the club.

You can offer free gifts with purchase, which in turn will encourage people to purchase your book. Don't just give away books for the sake of doing so. You can't make money that way. Though you may be passionate about the craft, isn't it nice to earn money while doing something you love?

The bottom line is: be wise in the information that you share with others, especially when it comes to you and the product that you sell, be it books, Avon, whatever. You have to decide when to give of yourself, and how much to give. Being wise will keep you from getting burned in the end.

Until next time,

~Sandra~

Planning Your Book Promotion

 By L. Cross

With more than 1 million new books published each year, every book needs help to find its market. Part of your job as an author is to market and promote your book.

Book marketing involves:

* Defining your reader

What does your book offer readers? What distinguishes your book from others on the topic? Who would read your book?

* Reaching your potential reader

Where are your potential readers? What magazines and newspapers do they read, where do they shop, which blogs do they visit, what television programs do they watch, which radio programs and podcasts do they listen to, and what social media sites do they frequent?

* Developing a strategy to convince your potential readership to buy your book

The three main components of book marketing are advertising, promotions, and publicity. Advertising is expensive and not particularly effective for selling books. Promotions - such as discounts, promotional materials (postcards, bookmarks, etc.), and co-op funds offered to booksellers - are provided by your publisher if your book is traditionally published. If you are self-published, promotions are not essential for your marketing plan. Publicity is the most effective and least expensive form of book marketing.

Publicity - obtaining media coverage for your book - is like free advertising. It adds legitimacy by way of a third-party endorsing your book. Garnering the right media coverage can have a valuable impact on book sales. Here are seven ways to begin to effectively plan publicity for your book:

1. Stay aware of current events to determine how your topic may be relevant and think of ways to pitch print, television, radio, and online media
2. Watch talk shows and news programs to determine how your book may appeal to a show's producer
3. Research publications and newspapers you can approach to author articles or a column
4. Listen to radio programs (online and offline) and podcasts - to learn which hosts or shows may be interested in your subject or expertise
5. Locate blogs that are synergistic with your topic and begin to comment on posts and create a relationship with the blogger
6. Join LinkedIn, FaceBook, and Twitter groups that your potentials readers follow and begin to participate in the discussion and offer advice based on your expertise and subject matter
7. Make a list of print media that may be interested in excerpts (such as Top 10 lists or questionnaires) from your book

STRATEGY-IN-ACTION ASSIGNMENT

1. Develop your book publicity strategy
2. Select one item from your plan and implement it this week!

You may reprint this article as long as you include all of the following information:
Laura Cross is a business strategist, author, and professional ghostwriter. She provides business, publishing, and platform strategies to help entrepreneurs get known as the go-to experts in their field, become published authors, attract high-paying clients, garner major media, and earn more money with less effort by packaging their expertise. Grab a copy of the Free Audio CD "How to Establish Your Expertise, Become a Published Author, and Leverage Your Knowledge for More Profits, More Prospects, and Major Media" at http://www.RockYourExpertise.com.
Copyright © 2011 All Rights Reserved

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._Cross

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5935766

Do This Before You Self Publish

There is one step in preparing to become a self-published author that if avoided can end up costing you book sales, fans and credibility in the publishing industry. In fact, failure to take this step led to one author sharing her book title with that of an Essence bestselling author—and losing tons of sales in the process. This one step takes less than five minutes to perform and can save you from heartache and pain: Make sure that your book does not share a title with anyone else.

In order to research your title, it is a good idea to start with amazon.com. Type in the title you are thinking of using and see what other books come up in your search with that same title. If your book will be sharing the name of another book, you may want to consider revising the title or changing it all together. You can also do a Google search, by typing in the title you are thinking of using.

It may be difficult to find a title that no one is using, but if you are so in love with a title and your book will be sharing its name with too many other books, you are playing Russian roulette with your book sales.

• If you are thinking of using a pen name, research that as well. You don’t want to be stealing someone else’s spotlight or find yourself having to share yours.

This step is referred to as an overlooked step because it is not one that you will hear about often. While it is important to research your titles and pen names, it is also imperative that you also research your character’s occupations and actual events that occur in your story to be sure that it is accurate. Otherwise, your book will not be believable and that will defeat the purpose of writing a book in the first place. The latter of the research may take a bit longer to do, but hey, isn’t your book and your good name as an author worth every minute?

The bottom line: research is the key to success not only in the publishing industry, but in any industry. Make sure that you are putting your best foot forward. You know what they say: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure you are doing everything right the first time around and there will be no need for a second.

Be sure to get your copy of 'Foolish', the ebook from Sandra Peoples for your Nook, Pc or other reading device. (Also available for Kindle)

 

Want more information about the self publishing process? Get your copy of 'The Truth About Self Publishing Manual' for your Nook, PC, Kindle or other reading device.

Four Free or Inexpensive Ways to Grow Your Business

Every entrepreneur wants to know how they can gain new customers in order to grow their business. This goes double for the author trying to get their books into the hands of their readers. Customers are key components to the success of any business. Without customers, which provide much needed finances to help your business to thrive, your business is destined for failure. So the burning question on any entrepreneur`s mind would be how to grow their business in order to continue to please their current clients while consistently gaining new ones. This article will show three tools you can successfully use to grow your business.
1. Create a Facebook business or fan page. Facebook can be a very valuable tool when it comes to growing your business. Your page will allow you to reach out to not only local people, but people from all over the world.
2. Put up a website. Creating a web presence for your business allows you to be global, which with the right marketing and promotion could spell big clients for your business.
3. Start a Twitter account. You can use twitter to announce specials and discounts exclusive to followers, which will encourage people to follow you.
4. Create a newsletter or e-zine. Creating a newsletter, whether online or off, can result in an increase of customer traffic. An e-zine, which is a magazine that is published an distributed online, usually via email , could also drive customers to your door or websites to purchase your product.
In order to grow your business, it is imperative that you be creative. It may mean taking advantage of tools you may have otherwise never thought of considering. You have to be willing to do some very big things in order to achieve some very big results.

No is Not the Final Answer

In the publishing industry, as with any industry, you have to have tough skin. Many authors write and publish books with the belief that everyone will read what they have written, and when they realize that not everyone is going to do that, they quit writing altogether, or develop a negative attitude towards those whose books are getting read. You have to understand that not everyone is going to like your work, and there are those who will eat you alive simply because of misconceptions they have about authors who self-publish. One common complaint from the self published author is that the bookstores won't carry their book. Well, look at it like this: there are more places where you can market and sell your book besides in bookstores. You just have to get creative, get out there, and keep working. No is not the final answer; and it most definitely is not a sign of defeat or failure. No is simply a roadblock to your yes. Your job is to find a way around that no. If one person won't buy your book, okay. If a bookclub turns your book down, okay. Keep pushing until you get to those book buyers and clubs that will welcome your book with open arms.

Until next time,

~Sandra~
Be sure to order your copy of 'Foolish' in Paperback or ebook

How to Obtain the Copyright for your Book

This question comes up in numerous forums across the web where aspiring authors and self-publishers gather: "How do I get the copyright for my book?" This post will explain what the copyright is and how to get it for your own book.

What is the copyright?

The Copyright is a law that gives you ownership over the things you create, whether it be a painting, a photograph, a poem or a novel, if you created it, you own it and it’s the copyright law itself that assures that ownership. The ownership that copyright law grants comes with several rights that you, as the owner, have exclusively. Those rights include:

• The right to reproduce the work
• to prepare derivative works
• to distribute copies
• to perform the work
• and to display the work publicly

These are your rights and your rights alone. Unless you willingly give them up (EX: A Creative Commons License), no one can violate them legally. This means that, unless you say otherwise, no one can perform a piece written by you or make copies of it, even with attribution, unless you give the OK.
Inversely, if you’re looking for material to use or reuse, you should not do any of these things without either asking permission or confirming that the work is in the public domain, which means that the copyright has expired and all of the above rights have been forfeited. Simply put, if the work isn’t in the public domain and you don’t have permission to use a piece, you put yourself in risk of legal action, regardless of your intentions.
Because, beyond fair use and parody (issues for later essays), the holder of a copyrighted piece has near carte blanche to do what they want with their work. It’s no different than owning a car, a house or a pen. One can lend it out to a friend, sell it, modify it or even destroy it. In short, if you own the copyright to something, you have the same rights that you do with anything else and, in some instances, even more. After all, you did create it. It only makes sense that you would own the fruits of your labor. That’s what copyright law is all about.
 The moment you create your work, it is protected by copyright law, and you don't have to register it with the Library of Congress. However, having your work copyrighted with the Library of Congress protects you should the question of ownership ever come up in court.
The poor man's copyright is not a legitimate copyright and holds no merit. Save the postage. If you can't invest the fee it costs ($35.00 online, $65.00 for print application) to file for your copyright then that says you don't believe in your work enough to protect it the right way.

 How Can I Get My Work Copyrighted?

You can either print and mail your from by going to http://www.copyright.gov and downloading the form there, or you can apply online. To get started on your application, click here.

Until next time,
~Sandra~

Sources:
http://www.plagiarismtoday.com/stopping-internet-plagiarism/your-copyrights-online/1-what-is-a-copyright/
http://www.copyright.gov

Did You Really Self-Publish?

Today's blog is a video I created which I hope will further spell out the truth about self-publishing. Did you really self-publish your book, or did you fall victim to a vanity publishing house? Click the photo to watch the video.

How to Self-Publish

'The Truth About Self-Publishing' By Sandra Peoples

Until next time,

~Sandra~