Where are the Newbies?

[Diane]

Now, I know there are lots of new and/or aspiring writers on this site. Where are the questions? Let's get this forum moving! This is the place to ask questions and share your experiences.

[Gwen Harmon]

Hi Newbies!
Just published my first novel in early June...how do you get over feeling like it could have been better? This is driving me crazy!!

[904Diva]

So glad you invited.. cause I'm going crazy. I had this book idea in my head so sat down and wrote it. Of course it wasn't that easy and it took a lot longer than I thought it would, but I finally finished it only to wonder, now what? I have internet overload on the brain... traditionally publish or self publish, pray for an agent to accept me or try straight to the publishers?

Here are my questions... I don't have a huge bank account and self publishing seems to cost a lot... what do you all think is an "normal" cost for self publishing, i.e., editing, printing, design the cover. And if I do self publish, how do I get my book into the book stores.. contact them? What about sites like Amazon.com... do they work with self publishers? I hear print on demand is the way to go... how does that work? Do you have to order a certain amount of books (1000, 5000, etc). I've heard to stay away from Publish America but was told IUniverse and Lulu were pretty good.

You asked for them... is that enough questios for you, lol!!!

[904Diva]

LLLOOOOLLLL!!!!! We are so on the same page!!! I know just what you mean. I see one thing, then I read another and they both make sense. My manuscript is also complete (I was told to call it a manuscript, not a book). But looking at self publishing, my concern is more with the expense of printing, cover design and proofing. I can handle the marketing because that's my background.

I put my first chapter over in the Critique room, just to get a feel of what other people thought.

Who is Diane and where can I find her video/blog?

[Olivia Brooks-Scrivanich]

I just self published and the budget was an issue. I did alot of research and decided to go with Booksurge. They are actually owned by Amazon.com. What I liked about them is I could purchase their services ala-carte. The company was started by authors who wanted to help new authors (like myself) get their work out there. I also liked the fact that I could use my own artist...but they have a great stable of artists as well. I had a staff of professionals who took me through every phase of the publishing arena. They have a fluent seamless system. And yes...they list you on Amazon.com. Let me know if you'd like more information. I'm happy to help...I KNOW how overwhelming it can be. All the best...Olivia

[PC Marks]

I published Broken Family Ties back in December 2006, shopped it out to AA Stores, got one hit from C & B Book Distributions and was so dissapointed.

I called and called, never receiving a call back. I wrote several letters that went ignored. Then got contacted by Dorrance Book Publishing. I was elated until I read further. The bottom line- they wanted 8,000 american dollars! We know the dollar isn't worth much these days but 8,000 is a whole lot of nothing.

So I went with a print on demand service, (www.lulu.com) It cost me less than $20.00 dollars and a little bit of time to see my work in fruition.

Unfortunately, my budget for this project is slim and sometimes non-existant so word of mouth, internet, local library and giving out a few free copies is helping me find my way.

'Hope this helps some of you out there and maybe you can share some ideas with me as well.

Official site: www.pcpcmarks.com
Order: http://www.lulu.com/content/583716

[904Diva]

Did you mean $20? What did you get for $20? What about book cover design?

[PC Marks]

Yes I meant $20.00. The cover was part of the deal, go to lulu.com and see for yourself. I would recommend it to everyone.

[Cee Brooks]

I have a question... I decieded to self publish... I think that's what I'm doing w/ a publisher I found on this site. Everything is going GREAT!!! The payment plan we agreed on works well for me. The only thing that is freaking me out is the marketing part. How do I get my book into book stores? Do I just go up to any book store and introduce myself? Do I call? And how do I find reading clubs? This is mind blowing.... Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

[Diane]

This is the hardest part of your writing journey. You must treat this as a part time business and create a marketing plan. Ask your publisher if they have any distributors or book stores that they favor. Also ask if they have any advice for you.

Who is your market? Who are you trying to sell to? Is your book non-fiction or fiction? Answer these questions so you can direct your book to the people that want to buy it.

Here is only one way of promoting your book (and there are many - that's why you need a plan):
Once you know this information, look for local bookstores that carry books of your genre. Send them a one page sell sheet and order form along with the press release and other collateral that you have created for promotions. Let them know in your cover letter that you are available for in-store events and will supply posters, bookmarks, etc.

Another way is to market totally online using virtual book tours, interviews, blogs, Amazon, and sites such as this one.

This is way too much to put into one reply. Keep your eyes open for the upcoming 'One Write Thing' online workshops on promoting and marketing your book.

[Cee Brooks]

Thankx for the information.

[Shonda]

It's a little intimidating when I read about people having books published, signings... I have a small tingle of, "Seems like these people all already on their way." I understand that they too have been where I am at one point or another. My question is where does one begin? How do I get started? I like to write poetry, or inspirational things.. Copy rights I believe would be first, but how/what/where...

[Minister 8-Ball]

I am presently working on a manuscript for a book tentatively entitled ADVISORS TO THE KING (OR QUEEN). This book will address how to build a business advisory team and the six positions of an "entrepreneur's cabinet". For seven years, I've researched a number of black businesses and read numerous books that address why a number of black businesses fail to evolve beyond the mom-and-pop level. This book will hopefully help aspiring entrepreneurs to begin building a business advisory team that will provide wise counsel.