Professionals and scholars often have to compete for valuable publishing space. Traditional publications such as journals and magazines can only publish so many papers in every edition. As such, they need to be quite selective in the works they publish. Additionally, traditional publishing companies are often quite judicious in the books they select for publication.…
Critics of self-publishing argue that self-published books lack quality. While it is true that some self-published books leave much to be desired, the truth is that many others are the result of years and hard work by their authors. In the academic world, there’s even more scrutiny. Critics often look down on self-published books, somehow…
Academic books can be quite challenging to publish. Mainly, new authors find it hard to get their foot in the door. Book agents often look for sure bets. This stacks the odds against most aspiring authors. As such, some authors turn to self-publishing as a means of getting their work out there. In general, self-publishing…
The core of great academic writing is research. Often, research can be a lengthy process. It can take weeks, months, or even years before the right materials emerge. There are times when a topic is so innovative that very little literature is available on the subject. This makes research just a little harder. Additionally, conducting…
When authors and publishers set their sights on writing academic-type books and materials, they may be uncertain about what to expect. Often, academic-type books aren’t like those papers in college or high school. In the self-publishing world writing a book on an academic topic requires a lot more focus and depth. In this article, we’ll…
Self-publishing a book is always a great alternative to the hoops and ladders of traditional publishing. Self-publishing offers an opportunity that very few writers and professionals get. This makes it a viable option for anyone who wants to get their message out to the world. There is no question that self-publishing provides writers and professionals…
Many aspiring writers get their start as bloggers. Experience has shown that blogs offer valuable insights that are not commonly found in mainstream media. More and more, bloggers are respected, especially when they offer the expertise that’s not easily found. As bloggers grow in popularity, more and more people consume their content. Over time, they…
The prospect of publishing a book is something on most professionals’ minds. After all, publishing a book is a milestone that virtually every professional looks to reach. Writing a book is a combination of time, knowledge, and dedication. Writing a book isn’t just a question of sitting at the computer and hammering away at the…
Building a personal brand often takes years of hard work and dedication. However, there may come a point where you need to boost your personal brand’s visibility. That’s where self-publishing can help you improve your personal brand’s positioning. Interviewer:, HwHw, Self-publishing is more than just writing a book on your area of expertise. It’s about…
For any professional, publishing a book in their area of expertise is the ultimate validation of their skills and experience. However, the coveted book deal can be quite elusive. That’s why plenty of professionals turn to self-publishing as an alternative to traditional publishing. Often, traditional publishers are reluctant to give new writers a chance. As…
Self-publishing is filled with myths. Unfortunately, these myths are simply unfounded. They are mainly the result of ignorance. That is why we are going to debunk the top three myths about self-publishing in this article. Myth #1: Self-publishing is easier than traditional publishing. Many folks believe that self-publishing is just about writing a book and…
Critics of self-publishing often point out the lack of quality in self-published content. This is an unfair criticism as traditional publishers have their fair share of low-quality materials. In this article, we’re going to discuss four reasons why self-published materials offer high-quality content. Self-Published Authors Are Passionate In the traditional publishing world, it’s common to…
Experienced publishers know that marketing is the backbone of a successful publishing company. After all, books don’t magically sell themselves. Even famous, well-established writers need to keep their nose to the grindstone. Large traditional publishers often have sizeable marketing budgets. This is something that virtually all self-publishers can’t compete with. That’s why we are going…
Publishers and Authors often rush to their medicine cabinet to fetch their stress tabs every time they get a bad review. Nevertheless, seasoned publishers know that a bad review is nothing to lose sleep over. In this article, we are going to take a look at four reasons why a bad review is not necessarily…
Publishing your first book is nothing short of miraculous. After all, how many people have you heard say they are writing a book? Yes, many folks out there claim to be writing a book, but very few actually finish it. Even fewer people publish one. Traditionally, getting published is considered the epitome of a writer’s…
When launching a new book, especially if it’s a personal brainchild, you need to have a coherent and articulated plan to help you make the most of your efforts. In this article, we are going to look at a 3-step plan that will help you get your book off the ground effectively. Step One: Pre-launch…
It is quite common to hear, “follow your heart” or “do what you love” when it comes to publishing. While this advice is certainly worth considering, it’s also important to consider the bottom line. Alas, authors and publishers need to make a living. As such, it’s important to focus on profitable niches. In this article,…
When starting in the publishing business, it can be difficult to determine how much you can earn from your releases. It’s important to note that some titles will sell better than others. Unfortunately, that’s the name of the game. In fact, you might find that some releases sell incredibly well, while others flop. But don’t…
When it comes to projecting sales, it can be easy to dream big. After all, who doesn’t want to earn five-digit or even six-digit monthly sales? However, reality might be a bit different. So, let’s take a look at how you can realistically calculate your book sales as you move forward. Control your expectations Perhaps…
In 2020, the pandemic set the tone for all marketing efforts in the publishing industry. With 2021 upon us, it appears that the pandemic will continue for the foreseeable future. So, it’s important to take this into account as you move your marketing efforts forward. In this article, we’re going to take a look at…
When talking about the future of books, lots of folks out there ask themselves, will books eventually disappear? Now, this question doesn’t mean to imply that people of the future will stop reading. What it implies is that books, as we know them, may disappear. This is certainly plausible when considering that the future may…
2020 has been a singular year. The current state of affairs shows that the world can indeed be paralyzed given a significant global concern. This year, many businesses were forced to shutter their doors and move their business to the online realm. For businesses unable to do this, their survival most assuredly has come into…
Lots of folks consistently ask themselves, what is the future of publishing? Is it print or digital? There are two answers to this question: a short one and a long one. In this article, we are going to explore both answers to this question. As such, we will determine the future of publishing based on…
There is no question that 2020 was quite the year. The pandemic gripping the world forced people and businesses to transform the way they do business regularly. While practically everyone is yearning for a return to the pre-pandemic status quo, the fact is that all bets are off. So, this leaves most people thinking, will…
When thinking about the publishing industry, we must consider the trends that currently shape it. On the whole, these trends make the publishing industry one of the most dynamic industries around. How so? The current trends in the market today have led the publishing industry to continue its transformation from a print model to a…
If you’re serious about producing audiobooks, then you most likely have Audible in your sights. After all, Audible is the largest platform dedicated to providing audiobooks. In this article, we are going to give you the lowdown on Audible, and why it’s become so popular in recent years. What Is Audible? Audible is a subscription…
Producing good audiobooks is easier now more than ever. While it’s not necessarily easy to produce an audiobook, it’s a far simpler process than it used to be. It’s a lot more straightforward now thanks to ACX. ACX is a platform you can use to produce quality audiobooks effectively. ACX is owned by Amazon. So,…
When you set out to produce high-quality audiobooks, it is logical to assume that you want them to be as successful as possible. That’s why you must ensure that your entire creative and production process reflects your commitment to the highest quality content possible. Naturally, successful audiobooks don’t grow on trees. That is why we…
Publishing an audiobook can be quite an exciting milestone. For some publishers, it’s a highly important one. After all, publishing an audiobook requires an entirely different skill set compared to a regular book. That’s why we’re going to consider five important things you need to know before you publish your first audiobook. So, stay tuned.…
Audiobooks have been around for a while. The difference is that modern technology has made it easier for both producers and consumers to access them. In the olden days, audiobooks were available on LPs or cassette tapes. While these formats worked well enough back in the day, they were cumbersome. You could only store a…
Making a profit in the publishing world depends on a number of factors. Naturally, great content is essential. However, great content alone is not enough to make a business profitable. So, you need to employ tactics that can help your readers find you. After all, it can be hard to find true gems amid the…
When most folks think about sales, they imagine piles of cash rolling in every day. While sales can certainly be like that, the truth is that money doesn’t always roll in. This is especially true when you aren’t familiar with the sales cycle of books. In this article, we are going to explore the sales…
In the publishing business, you’re only as good as the quality of your content. Needless to say, if your content is subpar, your sales and revenue will reflect this. As such, it’s crucial to find great fiction writers that you can feature on your publishing brand. There are two ways in which you can use…
Novice publishers believe that success is all about having a good book. While that is a fundamental element, it’s certainly not the only one. That is why you need to make sure that you have the right approach in mind. That way, you can avoid making the mistakes that we are going to outline in…
When it comes to publishing in the fiction domain, there are a plethora of subgenres to choose from. However, there is one question you need to answer before you even publish your first book, “what genre(s) do you want to specialize in?” Your answer to this question will determine the types of books you intend…
In the publishing world, there are two main genres, fiction, and non-fiction. Both genres have massive sub-genre categories. In fact, there are so many that they can be potentially endless. As such, it can be hard to figure out which is which. Nevertheless, there is a clear distinction when it comes to sales. Generally speaking,…
A common misconception is that marketing is about selling a product or service. However, it’s important to know that there is a clear difference between “marketing” and “sales.” Sales are the process by which you deliver a product or service to a customer in exchange for a payment. On the other hand, marketing is about…
Most publishers often mistake ads for marketing. Running ads is just one of the components of a successful marketing mix. As such, you must have a full toolkit that you can use to successfully sell a book. If you focus your sole marketing strategy on ads, then you are missing the big picture. Think about…
The publishing world seems to be obsessed with Amazon. There is good reason for that. Over 80% of the digital-book business goes through Amazon. As such, Amazon is the place to be. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be successful if you’re not on Amazon. In fact, there are highly successful authors and publishers who…
No discussion on sales would be completed without talking about social media. Social media is the place to be if you want to sell something. If you neglect a reasonable presence on social media, you’re missing out on the potential of your business. Thus, you need to be present on social media as much as…
Your choice of self-publishing company is critical to your success. By making the right call, you’ll give yourself a very good chance at success. However, the wrong call may cause you to waste time and effort. Needless to say, choosing the right company is a question of finding the right balance between cost and benefit.…
You might be surprised to find that self-publishing doesn’t necessarily require you to have a specific skill set, rather it can help you develop new ones. Indeed, self-publishing is not the type of endeavor you can get a college degree for. It’s the type of endeavor that requires experience and expertise but also helps you…
When you sign on with a self-publishing company, there is a specific set of features you can expect. If a self-publishing company does not offer these features, then you need to move on. In a manner of speaking, these are the bare-bones minimum you can expect. In this article, we are going to look at…
In the past, self-publishing meant writing a book and then coughing up the capital to print, distribute, and market. If you were lucky, brick-and-mortar bookstores would be kind enough to give you a corner of their shelves. After all, shelf space is a finite resource. So, it makes sense for bookstores to treat it with…
If you’ve ever tried to get a book published, you’ve surely run into a few unfriendly book agents. There is a reason why book agents are quick to dismiss manuscripts. Traditional publishers are always looking for books that are guaranteed sellers. Does that mean they always get it right? Hardly! In fact, most publishers flop.…
When you’re new to the self-publishing scene, the sea of books and topics may seem overwhelming. There is no question that there is a potentially infinite number of topics that you can choose from. This is why focusing on a niche is crucial to ensuring your success. In this article, we are going to focus…
Great books seldom get discovered on their own. The chances that your book will become an instant sensation are slim to none. You need to put some effort into marketing your materials. Otherwise, very few people will come into contact with your content. In this article, we are going to look at four great ways…
For lots of folks, the idea of financial freedom is nothing but a pipe dream. For others, it is a reality. Sure, there are several ways in which you can gain financial freedom. However, those ways may not be the best suited for you. So, if your heart is into writing and publishing, this article…
One of the biggest challenges that authors and publishers face is building a solid following. A following is a group of dedicated readers that consume material on a regular basis. These dedicated followers will comprise your core group of fans. This group is known as your “tribe.” Your tribe will provide you with the foundation…
The most crucial decision for a successful book happens even before a single word is written. This decision is based on defining a book topic appropriately. When you define a book topic effectively, you will be more than half to a successful book. When you define your book’s topic, you need to it right. Otherwise,…
The most successful authors and publishers have a knack for producing content that stands the test of time. This content does not fade away with time. It is the type of material that generation after generation can find the same type of pleasure. Some of these books are considered classics. Think of Shakespeare. His work…
Publishers and authors always ask themselves what the best niches are. Indeed, there is an unlimited number of niches. It’s virtually impossible to narrow the publishing world to a handful of niches. However, not all niches are created equal. As such, some sell more than others. It’s also worth noting that niches come and go.…
For every grand slam in the self-publishing space, there are hundreds of flops. This statement is not meant to demotivate you or convince you to give up. Instead, it’s meant to help you focus on the fact that not everyone is successful. So, the question we should be asking is, “why?” That’s right. We need…
Plenty of authors out there dream of writing the next, great bestseller. Some dream of fame and notoriety. Others dream of the financial windfall that this would represent. For others still, it’s just a question of making a lifelong dream come true. Regardless of what your intentions are, self-publishing can give you the opportunity you…
If you believe that publishing your own material is hard, think again. Nowadays, self-publishing has made the entire book publishing journey much easier. In particular, digital tools have enabled authors and publishers to find easy and stress-free ways of making their dreams a reality. Whether you’re looking to publish your first book or set up…
Whoever said that self-publishing was easy didn’t get the full picture. Self-publishing has many moving parts that it can be quite difficult at times to get everything working in sync properly. That’s why lots of folks try self-publishing a try but give up on it quite quickly. The reason for this is because they are…
Some of the most successful authors in history have made a killing through publishing a book series. Sagas like Game of Thrones and Twilight have enjoyed massive success throughout the world. These series tell a story that exceeds the scope of a single tome. That’s why the story needs to be split up into various…
KDP Select is a relatively new feature offered by the Kindle bookstore. It is a great option for those authors and publishers that are new to the scene or don’t publish very much. KDP Select is an optional service for any book that’s already in the Kindle Store. It is intended to help boost readership…
In today’s online publishing landscape, it’s a good idea to become familiar with all the options available to you. That’s why veteran authors and publishers have turned to IngramSpark to assist them with their publishing needs. So, what is IngramSpark? This is a print-to-order (POD) service that gives authors and publishers the opportunity to print…
No one likes a negative. That goes without saying. But they are inevitable. Even if we try our best to do a good job, there’s not much you can do to control what others think and write. If you try to stonewall the issue by blocking comments on your posts, you’ll just upset well-intended folks.…
When it comes to your book gaining traction, the biggest question mark lies in reader reviews. As such, you might ask yourself, “are reviews really that important?” The short answer is yes. Yes, reviews are really that important. Now, it should also be noted that they are not the end-all and be all. Just because…
Readers generally notice book covers first. They usually take in the visual stimulus that comes from the graphic elements of the cover. But what happens after that? Readers need to know more about a book before picking it up. Even if the book is free to read, there has to be something that compels them…
Books are like food. If it looks good, you’re tempted to try it. If it doesn’t look too good, you might pass. Now, that doesn’t mean that just because it looks good it will be good. What it means is that if you a bad look may turn folks off. That would lead them to…
When it comes to self-publishing, there are a number of options to choose from. If you thought that Amazon Kindle was your only choice, then you will be relieved to find that there are plenty of alternatives out there. The best part is that you don’t have to marry any of them. You can choose…
Thanks to the internet, authors are now able to publish their works easily, and cost-effectively, without having to rely on a publishing house. In the past, authors needed to get the green light from a publisher before their books could go into print. That is not the case anymore. Now, there are several ways in…
Going the audiobook route can open a brand-new revenue stream for your publishing business. After all, not everyone has the time to curl up with a good book these days. This is especially true if your target audience is based on generally busy individuals. As such, it’s important to give these folks the opportunity to…
If going the audiobook route is within your plans, then it makes sense to pick the best one you can find. After all, a good narrator can make a great book even better while a bad one can ruin a great book. Audiobooks have become increasingly popular as folks realize they can listen to content…
When you seek to publish on Amazon Kindle, your content will get placed amid a sea of many other titles and authors. As such, readers have an unlimited amount of options to choose from. That’s good for the reader but no so good for publishers. Often, this means that your content might get lost in…
For many folks, the idea of passive income seems like a pipe dream. After all, it seems unbelievable to think that you could make money while you don’t actually “work.” Indeed, passive income seems more like a fairy tale than a reality. However, you might be surprised to find that earning passive income is certainly…
Nowadays, social media is the place to be for publishers. If you don’t take advantage of social media, you practically have no presence in the world. Social media provides publishers and authors with a unique opportunity to get their message out there easily and effectively. In this article, we are going to look at five…
One of the hardest things any company can do is build a brand. Building a brand takes time, effort, and consistency. Moreover, a brand can be tarnished in a matter of seconds. That’s why it’s important to have a clear game place when building a brand. In essence, building a brand is about creating an…
One of the biggest reasons why folks get into self-publishing is because they have something to say to the world. Specifically, these are topics that hit close to home. Yet, there are times when established publishers may not be interested in such topics. Thus, self-publishing is the easiest way to get your message out there.…
Savvy publishers understand what their audience wants. So, they try their best to deliver the content that readers are looking for. Often, this means keeping up with the times. Publishers are always on the lookout for the latest trends based on searches and sales. After all, there is no point in publishing content that readers…
In the world of internet searches and algorithms, keywords play a crucial role in making your content visible. When you produce content, it’s important to include all relevant keywords. That way, search engines will have an easier time finding your material. If you fail to include relevant keywords, then your content will be harder to…
Earning passive income is nirvana for most people. For publishers, passive income is a reality. When hard work pays off, you are entitled to enjoy the fruits of your labor. While that doesn’t necessarily mean dedicating the rest of your life to leisure, it does mean making your earnings go as far as they can.…
In the world of publishing, it’s quite common for authors to use pen names. Often, the use of a pen name has practical purposes. Other times, authors may not feel comfortable putting forth certain ideas in their own name. Then, there are times when pennames become necessary due to the volume of books published. Yet,…
For publishers, translating books is a big step. When books are highly successful in one language, it makes sense to translate it into other languages. After all, the language barrier is often insurmountable for some readers. Generally speaking, successful books in English often get translated into multiple languages. Readers from around the world would be…
The holiday season is right around the corner. That means the biggest shopping season of the year is upon us. Also, it’s a time when most people take some time off. During this time off, people look to unwind and disconnect from their usual routine. So, what better way to unwind and relax than reading…
The old saying “never judge a book by its cover” doesn’t always hold up well. All too often, people do judge books by their cover. For some, a cover is reason enough to purchase the book. For others, a bad cover can drive them away.That is why a great cover is the cherry on top…
Passive income is a taxable revenue that you earn without actively working. This term loosely describes the various means of earning without needing a full-time job. It encompasses all money you make from investments, dividends, royalties, and other means. The IRS disagrees with the loose definition of passive income, so you should acquire a tax…
Financial freedom is a dream we all share, though our take on what that means is different. For some, financial freedom means buying everything you want, when you want. For others, it is becoming free of debt. The technical definition is affording your living expenses so you can focus your time and energy elsewhere. Regardless…
When you think of self-publishing, Amazon is often first in mind, but there are more profitable options. For those who are hesitant to bring more profit to Amazon’s coffers, consider working with companies like Barnes & Noble Press, Apple Books, or Rakuten Kobo. You may wonder why anyone would not want to market on Amazon.…
For every brand, business, and freelancer online, keeping up with trends is crucial to staying relevant with their targeted audiences. Monitoring new topics and keywords help in several ways. As mentioned earlier, it keeps you connected. Examples of this include: Knowing whether your brand is recognized, researching what else is trendy, and knowing topics you…
Audiobooks are not a new trend by any means, but they still have plenty to offer aspiring and successful authors alike. As of October 2019, audiobook sales have rapidly increased. By the end of 2019, the growth nearly put them on par with their text equivalents. Once you have decided to make an audiobook either…
