Dawn Pendleton's Blog, page 14
March 11, 2013
Mondays...
Are awesome! I love Monday almost more than any other day of the week. That probably makes me a nerd, but I don't mind. Monday is a fresh start to the week, and I always like a fresh start. I feel like Monday allows you to leave the previous week in the past and move forward to better things.
With that being said, one of my goals for this week (and the next few weeks, actually), is to blog consistently. So, for now, my schedule will be:
Monday OR Tuesday: Random blog topic
Wednesdays: Book Reviews
Fridays: Fellow Author interviews
I think any more than 3 posts per week will kill me, but there may be times when I post an extra. I am going to try to keep up the pace at least through the end of March, if not right on in to April. :)
So here is today's blog post: Pricing EBooks
I've heard it said before that cheaper usually means poor quality, and you get what you pay for. And while I usually agree with those statements, I have to somewhat disagree when it comes to authors who self-publish their work.
There's a lot going on behind the scenes of a self-pubbed authors book, including doing most of the work yourself, which means overhead is way down. Even when authors employ an editor and/or cover designer, the cost can still be pretty low. (For example, my editor is just started her editing business and gives me a super-steep discount, in order to get her own name out into the world)
So when an author self-pubs her work for $.99, it doesn't mean she doesn't have faith in it; on the contrary, she has so much faith in it, she wants it in as many hands as possible, so she prices it low in order to achieve that goal.
One of the most popular pricing points, though, is $2.99. I think the reason this price is so popular, among authors AND readers, is this: Authors price at $2.99 on Amazon and receive higher royalties (70%). Readers shop at the $2.99 price because it's less expensive than a paperback, which usually retails for $6.99; the reader will also choose a $2.99 eBook over a $.99 eBook, and I am guessing it has to do with the author having faith in the book (just a guess!).
Free eBooks are popular, too, although the retailers have made it somewhat difficult to process a free eBook. Amazon only offers free eBooks through their Select program, which I discuss here. The only other way to make an Amazon eBook free is to have everyone you know report the book free on another website, but even that doesn't always work (I know this first hand).
If you self-pub directly through the Barnes & Noble PubIT! program, you'll also have a hard time making your book free. The easiest way to make your book free on B&N is to distribute it through Smashwords. Since you aren't going to make any royalties on the book anyway, you aren't losing anything by distributing through SW.
Feel free to leave your opinions and thoughts about the "right price" of an eBook in the comments. What price range do you usually buy? If you self-pub, what price point do you set your books at?
With that being said, one of my goals for this week (and the next few weeks, actually), is to blog consistently. So, for now, my schedule will be:
Monday OR Tuesday: Random blog topic
Wednesdays: Book Reviews
Fridays: Fellow Author interviews
I think any more than 3 posts per week will kill me, but there may be times when I post an extra. I am going to try to keep up the pace at least through the end of March, if not right on in to April. :)
So here is today's blog post: Pricing EBooks
I've heard it said before that cheaper usually means poor quality, and you get what you pay for. And while I usually agree with those statements, I have to somewhat disagree when it comes to authors who self-publish their work.
There's a lot going on behind the scenes of a self-pubbed authors book, including doing most of the work yourself, which means overhead is way down. Even when authors employ an editor and/or cover designer, the cost can still be pretty low. (For example, my editor is just started her editing business and gives me a super-steep discount, in order to get her own name out into the world)
So when an author self-pubs her work for $.99, it doesn't mean she doesn't have faith in it; on the contrary, she has so much faith in it, she wants it in as many hands as possible, so she prices it low in order to achieve that goal.
One of the most popular pricing points, though, is $2.99. I think the reason this price is so popular, among authors AND readers, is this: Authors price at $2.99 on Amazon and receive higher royalties (70%). Readers shop at the $2.99 price because it's less expensive than a paperback, which usually retails for $6.99; the reader will also choose a $2.99 eBook over a $.99 eBook, and I am guessing it has to do with the author having faith in the book (just a guess!).
Free eBooks are popular, too, although the retailers have made it somewhat difficult to process a free eBook. Amazon only offers free eBooks through their Select program, which I discuss here. The only other way to make an Amazon eBook free is to have everyone you know report the book free on another website, but even that doesn't always work (I know this first hand).
If you self-pub directly through the Barnes & Noble PubIT! program, you'll also have a hard time making your book free. The easiest way to make your book free on B&N is to distribute it through Smashwords. Since you aren't going to make any royalties on the book anyway, you aren't losing anything by distributing through SW.
Feel free to leave your opinions and thoughts about the "right price" of an eBook in the comments. What price range do you usually buy? If you self-pub, what price point do you set your books at?
March 8, 2013
Should an author use social media?
There are a ton of varying opinions on this topic, especially from authors themselves. I've heard authors say things like: "Twitter is only used to follow celebrities and all their drama," "I don't like Facebook and I don't think my readers do either," or even "If I have (a social media account), it's not like my sales will go up."
From personal experience, I can tell you that most of these statements are untrue. Facebook has brought me closer to my readers, since they are more likely to click "Like" on my author page, which means when I make blog posts, or have a new release, they notice it in their news feed! That means I am getting more traffic to my website to check the blog, and more people heading over to their fave electronic bookstore to get their copy of my latest book! Twitter has become my obsession/addiction, I won't lie. And it's not because I follow celebs... I use Twitter to interact with my readers, yes, but moreso, I use it to connect to fellow authors. I have met some amazing writers via Twitter. There are weekly chats for certain genres using hashtags (#), and it's a simple way to connect!
So if you think you won't accomplish anything by using social media, chances are, you're wrong!
PS- I put links to my website in every book I self-pub, and then this site has links to my Facebook & Twitter, so people can Like & Follow me.
From personal experience, I can tell you that most of these statements are untrue. Facebook has brought me closer to my readers, since they are more likely to click "Like" on my author page, which means when I make blog posts, or have a new release, they notice it in their news feed! That means I am getting more traffic to my website to check the blog, and more people heading over to their fave electronic bookstore to get their copy of my latest book! Twitter has become my obsession/addiction, I won't lie. And it's not because I follow celebs... I use Twitter to interact with my readers, yes, but moreso, I use it to connect to fellow authors. I have met some amazing writers via Twitter. There are weekly chats for certain genres using hashtags (#), and it's a simple way to connect!
So if you think you won't accomplish anything by using social media, chances are, you're wrong!
PS- I put links to my website in every book I self-pub, and then this site has links to my Facebook & Twitter, so people can Like & Follow me.
March 7, 2013
More Steps to Self-Publishing...
Yesterday, I gave a few tips on preparing to self-publish. Today, I'm discussing the actual publishing aspect.
The thing to remember is that self-publishing is a huge step into making your career a reality. Until now, you've probably only dreamed of being a published author. But it's about to become a fact! And I know how nerve-racking that can be. So one of the best ways to stay calm is to pace yourself. Don't think that you need to get everything done in a single day - if you do that, chances are you'll miss something or mess up.
So first things first - you need to decide what self-pub companies you're going to use. Many authors choose Amazon (Kindle Direct Publishing), which I recommend. What I do not recommend, however, is their Select program. Opting in to KDP Select has it's advantages, but one of the biggest downfalls is their exclusivity. While opted in to the KDP Select program, you cannot distribute your publication to any other retailers. This has the potential to cost you, since there are millions of readers on other retailers, such as Barnes & Noble and Apple.
Another good retailer is Barnes & Noble - you can use their PubIT! website to publish your Nook-books. Easy to use!
Apple can be a bit more difficult. If you do not have a MAC computer, you cannot directly upload to Apple. And even if you do, you will have to purchase your own ISBNs (which are books identification numbers), which can be pricey. Until you've established yourself and start making some money, I highly recommend using Smashwords.
Smashwords is a distribution website that will distribute your ebook to several different retailers (Apple, B&N, Kobo, Sony, etc). You can opt out of any of these retailers (for example, I always opt out of B&N on Smashwords because I upload directly to them) - your ebook is then distributed to these retailers. Smashwords does take a cut of your earnings (right around 15%), but they make it super easy to use, so you don't have to deal with creating your own epubs and whatnot. (You can upload your manuscript directly using a Word file)
The thing to remember is that self-publishing is a huge step into making your career a reality. Until now, you've probably only dreamed of being a published author. But it's about to become a fact! And I know how nerve-racking that can be. So one of the best ways to stay calm is to pace yourself. Don't think that you need to get everything done in a single day - if you do that, chances are you'll miss something or mess up.
So first things first - you need to decide what self-pub companies you're going to use. Many authors choose Amazon (Kindle Direct Publishing), which I recommend. What I do not recommend, however, is their Select program. Opting in to KDP Select has it's advantages, but one of the biggest downfalls is their exclusivity. While opted in to the KDP Select program, you cannot distribute your publication to any other retailers. This has the potential to cost you, since there are millions of readers on other retailers, such as Barnes & Noble and Apple.
Another good retailer is Barnes & Noble - you can use their PubIT! website to publish your Nook-books. Easy to use!
Apple can be a bit more difficult. If you do not have a MAC computer, you cannot directly upload to Apple. And even if you do, you will have to purchase your own ISBNs (which are books identification numbers), which can be pricey. Until you've established yourself and start making some money, I highly recommend using Smashwords.
Smashwords is a distribution website that will distribute your ebook to several different retailers (Apple, B&N, Kobo, Sony, etc). You can opt out of any of these retailers (for example, I always opt out of B&N on Smashwords because I upload directly to them) - your ebook is then distributed to these retailers. Smashwords does take a cut of your earnings (right around 15%), but they make it super easy to use, so you don't have to deal with creating your own epubs and whatnot. (You can upload your manuscript directly using a Word file)
March 5, 2013
Steps to Self-Publishing: Before you publish
When it comes to self-publishing, there are several ways your luck can roll. If you don't get your name out into the digital world, chances are you'll have a hard time. When you self-pub, you're more than just the author - you handle all of your books marketing, formatting, editing, cover designing, and bookkeeping, unless you contract out these services to others. This blog series will be an advice column for those seeking to self-publish, and some of the steps you might want to take in order to (hopefully) be successful!
STEP 1 - Write something.
But don't just write it, write it well. You might not know the difference, which means you will need to get beta readers. A beta reader is NOT someone you know, a family member, or a friend. Advertise on writing forum, ask a friend of a friend - you want someone who won't let their relationship with you bias their opinions of your work. Friends and family are always going to say you've done well, that's their job. But you don't need a coddling - you want to make your work the best it can be, which means if something doesn't work well for a reader, you need to know it.
STEP 2: Edit
When editing, you should always go through at least once (probably twice or three times, though) on your own and pick out any misspelled words or grammar mistakes. If you have a friend/family member who is very good with grammar, you might want them to take a look at it.
One of the hardest parts about self-publishing is deciding whether or not to invest in a professional editor. I highly recommend it, since a professional is going to pick up mistakes you might miss. I know it can be expensive, but you can always go back to one of those writing forums and find someone who will do it cheap. You may have to search, but they are out there.
Even though it's an added cost, I think it is one that is well-worth the price. When you consider self-publishing, you need to be prepared to invest in yourself.
STEP 3: Marketing & PR
One of the easiest ways to market is through social media. You will want to create an author account on one or all of the social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and start promoting your upcoming work. You should start this process at least one month (if not more) before you plan to release your book. Starting a blog is probably a good idea, too, to get a loyal following of readers. Blogger offers a free blog, as well as many other websites.
When doing a blog (and Twitter posts), make sure you use plenty of hashtags related to you as an author (#newauthor, #newrelease, #newebook) - This will help you gain more followers, and you want to build up an audience for your book.
STEP 4: Cover Design
Again, I highly recommend hiring an cover designer, unless you are proficient at graphic design. There are tons of people who have websites with pre-made covers available at low prices. If you choose to make your own cover, make sure it is high resolution and not cheap looking. Your cover image is the face of your book, and if it looks homemade, there will be fewer sales. Unfortunately, many readers judge books by their covers.
The next steps are directly related to publishing, so I will approach them in to
STEP 1 - Write something.
But don't just write it, write it well. You might not know the difference, which means you will need to get beta readers. A beta reader is NOT someone you know, a family member, or a friend. Advertise on writing forum, ask a friend of a friend - you want someone who won't let their relationship with you bias their opinions of your work. Friends and family are always going to say you've done well, that's their job. But you don't need a coddling - you want to make your work the best it can be, which means if something doesn't work well for a reader, you need to know it.
STEP 2: Edit
When editing, you should always go through at least once (probably twice or three times, though) on your own and pick out any misspelled words or grammar mistakes. If you have a friend/family member who is very good with grammar, you might want them to take a look at it.
One of the hardest parts about self-publishing is deciding whether or not to invest in a professional editor. I highly recommend it, since a professional is going to pick up mistakes you might miss. I know it can be expensive, but you can always go back to one of those writing forums and find someone who will do it cheap. You may have to search, but they are out there.
Even though it's an added cost, I think it is one that is well-worth the price. When you consider self-publishing, you need to be prepared to invest in yourself.
STEP 3: Marketing & PR
One of the easiest ways to market is through social media. You will want to create an author account on one or all of the social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and start promoting your upcoming work. You should start this process at least one month (if not more) before you plan to release your book. Starting a blog is probably a good idea, too, to get a loyal following of readers. Blogger offers a free blog, as well as many other websites.
When doing a blog (and Twitter posts), make sure you use plenty of hashtags related to you as an author (#newauthor, #newrelease, #newebook) - This will help you gain more followers, and you want to build up an audience for your book.
STEP 4: Cover Design
Again, I highly recommend hiring an cover designer, unless you are proficient at graphic design. There are tons of people who have websites with pre-made covers available at low prices. If you choose to make your own cover, make sure it is high resolution and not cheap looking. Your cover image is the face of your book, and if it looks homemade, there will be fewer sales. Unfortunately, many readers judge books by their covers.
The next steps are directly related to publishing, so I will approach them in to
