Francine Craft

Things of Beauty

You may think I’m skipping steps here, but first-rate marketing is one of the first things you need to begin to master when you have a book to publish, and long before. You really need to think deeply, study and know what audience you want to reach even before you begin to write.  But if you’ve already got your book done, it’s not too late.

Ther’re a lot of companies out there that will help you self-publish and will do a bang-up job with it.  Far fewer are able to do a creditable job of helping you to market your book.  But just as certain companies specialize in self-publishing, so others specialize in helping you market.

Get used to the idea that the load is going to be yours to carry, no matter who you get or how much you pay, and you can pay plenty.  I no longer take the time to put websites and info in my blogs.  I tell you to google.  They’re better at it than I am.  But a word of caution: learn to phrase your questions carefully.  It can mean the difference between getting the answer you want and something that makes you cry.   And Google can be wrong.  From time to time, check other sources.

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Splendor In The Sky

As I said last week, self-publishing is the wave of the future and there are good reasons. Prices are variable and some are affordable.  Others are pricier, but offer more, sometimes much more.  Publishers now demand that you not  only write a best seller, but that you get out there are push it for all you’re worth.  And more than a few good writers have decided if they’re going to give it all they’ve got,they might as well keep a bigger share of the profits.

If you’re interested in self-publishing, please check out Felecia Trotter’s letter from my last blog.  She’s high on self publishing. And don’t forget to check out what she says about Wagfest and the link that takes you to it.  Wagest ought to be required membership all over the country, but trust Atlanta to be there with it.

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Self publishing is now heralded as the wave of the future. In the beginning, it often turned out to be a shoddy, unsatisfactory affair and more expensive than you wanted it to be. Now with print on demand (POD) and many new and good companies coming into place, things are looking up. Quality of work is excellent and there is a variety of prices to fit your pocketbook.

Xlibris, BookSurge and Lulu are three I’ve heard good things about, and yes, a few complaints. I would advise that you check your contract with anyone with a fine-tooth comb. Get a lawyer to check it over. There are legal aid societies in every city or larger town. Or get someone in the law school of your local college. I’ve found them particularly helpful.

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