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Indie Authors Guide to the Universe
"Jeff Bennington has an understanding of the e-book business that truly impresses me. I've taken his advice and it has made a huge difference in my career as an author. I highly recommend this book." ~ Al Boudreau, author of In Memory of Greed "The Indies Author's Guide has made a huge impact on my sales. I've only just started incorporating what I've learned and in three days have tripled my sales." ~ Robbi Bryant, author of The Beautiful Evil "If you are preparing to self-publish, and even if you've already done so, you need this book! Finally, a guide that covers it all... every aspect of book creation from humble beginning to publishing success! This guide is my "go to" writer's bible! High praise to Jeff Bennington for creating a writer's gold mine of information and advice." ~ Deborah Hughes, author of Be Still, My Love ABOUT THE INDIE AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO THE From the Author of Reunion, a #1 Amazon best-selling ghost story. Listed with Goodreads Breakout Authors of 2011 The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe is meant to help any author, whether they are traditionally published or self-published, to take one step further in their journey. This book is designed to encourage and inspire authors in their craft, and give creative ideas that can improve sales and grow your author platform. If you bought a book about self-publishing 6 months ago, it is ancient history. The Guide Includes Helpful Information ~Encouraging Stories ~How to Build a Blog Tour ~Your Role as Marketer ~Marketing Strategies ~Your Role as Publisher ~Author Blogging ~The Ultimate Book Promotion ~Understanding "Floatation Pricing" ~How to Build an Author Platform ~Selling and Price-point Strategies ~Strategies for Navigating Amazon's KDP Select Program ~Understanding the Indie Author Movement ~Helpful links ~Tips From Best-selling Indie Authors Like Scott Nicholson, Bob Mayer, Joanna Penn, Blake Crouch, Robert Bidinotto, Richard Bard, Amber Scott, Melissa Foster, Saffina Desforges and many more! ADDITIONAL PRAISE FOR THE INDIE AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO THE "If I only had one resource to effectively promote, market, and sell my novels, it would be the Indie Author's Guide. It is definitely the roadmap to success with each step of the way carefully marked and easy for anyone to follow." ~ Caleb Pirtle III, author and publisher from Venture Galleries WHO IN THE WORLD IS JEFF BENNINGTON?? Jeff is the Author of Reunion, Twisted Vengeance, and A collection of scary stories. He Blogs at The Writing Bomb and is the founder of The Kindle Book Review. Jeff is also an author consultant and has helped other writers hit the Amazon Top 100. You can follow Jeff on Twitter @TweetTheBook, and Facebook. Check out his Author Services Page at The Writing Bomb and The Kindle Book Review.
- GenresWriting
Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
37 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Bennington
28 books457 followersI'm the bestselling author of REUNION, Twisted Vengeance, Creepy and The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe.
I live in Central Indiana with my wife, four children and two stray cats. I obsess over details, dream strange dreams and teach a creative writing course for a homeschool co-op. Look for my upcoming paranormal thriller, Act of Vengeance, coming in late 2011.
I grew up in Saginaw Michigan, moved to Aurora, Ohio in 78' and finally settled in Central Indiana where I met my wife and graduated from Indiana University. I'm an occasional runner, life long drummer, and household handyman. Over the years, I've done everything from working on an assembly line, installing HVAC units, teaching Sunday school, to running my own business. But through it all, I've always loved to write.
In 2006, something finally clicked when I heard the calling to begin writing novels - and write I did. Like many writers, I have a book or two that the world may never read, so don't ask about those. It is my hope, however, that the ones you do read will be good, inspiring you to think about life
I live in Central Indiana with my wife, four children and two stray cats. I obsess over details, dream strange dreams and teach a creative writing course for a homeschool co-op. Look for my upcoming paranormal thriller, Act of Vengeance, coming in late 2011.
I grew up in Saginaw Michigan, moved to Aurora, Ohio in 78' and finally settled in Central Indiana where I met my wife and graduated from Indiana University. I'm an occasional runner, life long drummer, and household handyman. Over the years, I've done everything from working on an assembly line, installing HVAC units, teaching Sunday school, to running my own business. But through it all, I've always loved to write.
In 2006, something finally clicked when I heard the calling to begin writing novels - and write I did. Like many writers, I have a book or two that the world may never read, so don't ask about those. It is my hope, however, that the ones you do read will be good, inspiring you to think about life
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 17, 2013
I hesitate to call any reference book amazing, but I have to admit, I have read this book twice now and gleaned much from it each time.
There is so much here. It is an encouraging, reality-check, list-of- things-to-do, marketing tool with heart.
Jeff's approach to playing KDP select like his own personal stock market is fascinating, and I hope to try it soon with my own newly published book.
Yeah, this one is a keeper and one I will be recommending to my self-pubbed writer friends.
There is so much here. It is an encouraging, reality-check, list-of- things-to-do, marketing tool with heart.
Jeff's approach to playing KDP select like his own personal stock market is fascinating, and I hope to try it soon with my own newly published book.
Yeah, this one is a keeper and one I will be recommending to my self-pubbed writer friends.
May 21, 2012
Going Indie? This is a MUST read!
Four months ago I was working towards the traditional publishing route. Three months ago, I started reading blogs from authors talking about Indie Publishing. It peaked my curiosity and I looked further into it and came across Jeff Bennington's: The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe. Wow. I was on a line and this book gave me the information and drive to speed across it.
Bennington starts this guide by talking about the changing of the publishing world. He never says if you don't self-publish you'll be left behind, instead he gives you the facts on how it worked for him and lets you decide for yourself. For me it was a no brainer. Everything he said made so much sense. But now how do I move forward on the Indie journey? All I had to do was turn the page.
Part II, III, and IV will take you step by step through the process. What Stephen King's: ON WRITING did for me when I decided to follow my dreams and get my words on paper, Jeff Bennington's: THE INDIE AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE lit the fire to propel me to self publish. It gave me the tools and confidence that it probably would've taken me months or longer of research to do on my own.
This book is filled with golden nuggets and bars. For the person on the publishing line, the newbie just beginning or even the midlist (because everybody can learn something from somebody). Bennington doesn't leave anything out. From creating your own blogs, to Twitter, to pricing your e-book, cover art and promotions. I could go on and on. This book has it all.
I downloaded this book two weeks ago and have already read it twice. Now I found out it's in print too! Ordered my copy and took out the highlighters. This should be on every Indie's desk.
Do NOT miss out on this book. I wish I could give it ten stars. Bravo to Jeff Bennington and thank you for all of your help!!
Four months ago I was working towards the traditional publishing route. Three months ago, I started reading blogs from authors talking about Indie Publishing. It peaked my curiosity and I looked further into it and came across Jeff Bennington's: The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe. Wow. I was on a line and this book gave me the information and drive to speed across it.
Bennington starts this guide by talking about the changing of the publishing world. He never says if you don't self-publish you'll be left behind, instead he gives you the facts on how it worked for him and lets you decide for yourself. For me it was a no brainer. Everything he said made so much sense. But now how do I move forward on the Indie journey? All I had to do was turn the page.
Part II, III, and IV will take you step by step through the process. What Stephen King's: ON WRITING did for me when I decided to follow my dreams and get my words on paper, Jeff Bennington's: THE INDIE AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE lit the fire to propel me to self publish. It gave me the tools and confidence that it probably would've taken me months or longer of research to do on my own.
This book is filled with golden nuggets and bars. For the person on the publishing line, the newbie just beginning or even the midlist (because everybody can learn something from somebody). Bennington doesn't leave anything out. From creating your own blogs, to Twitter, to pricing your e-book, cover art and promotions. I could go on and on. This book has it all.
I downloaded this book two weeks ago and have already read it twice. Now I found out it's in print too! Ordered my copy and took out the highlighters. This should be on every Indie's desk.
Do NOT miss out on this book. I wish I could give it ten stars. Bravo to Jeff Bennington and thank you for all of your help!!
March 22, 2012
In THE INDIE AUTHORS GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE, Jeff Bennington has written a gem of a book for indie writers of all experience levels who want not only to write a good book, but also to sell it.
For those of you who are not familiar with Jeff Bennington, he blogs regularly on The Writing Bomb, is an indie author with several novels under his belt and also is the proprietor of The Kindle Book Review. He is a young lion in the indie world, who, like so many other indie writers I have come to know, wants to share what he has learned about the new digital world of publishing to make the road to success easier for his fellow authors.
Bennington organizes the book into four parts: Why Indie?, Technicalities and Craft, Indie Publishing and Making it Happen.
This structure makes it easy for authors to focus on the issue at hand for them at the moment.
THE INDIE AUTHORS GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE is a how-to book on some levels and a why-to book on another. Bennington’s grasp of the intricacies inherent in the current publishing environment is obvious. He provides step by step instructions on marketing, editing, accessing Kindle Direct Publishing and a number of other subjects. But he also displays a genuine compassion for his comrades in the indie ranks, newbies, midbies and oldbies.
Here’s a quote:
“This book is designed to encourage and inspire authors in their craft, and the daily lives of those who dare to explore the new galaxies in publishing….THE INDIE AUTHOR’S GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE is about nudging new authors through the publishing process and offering helpful advice and encouragement in an environment that can be extremely draining.”
I highly recommend THE INDIE AUTHORS GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE and thank Jeff for being so generous about sharing the insights he has learned down in the pit, from the good old school of hard knocks.
For those of you who are not familiar with Jeff Bennington, he blogs regularly on The Writing Bomb, is an indie author with several novels under his belt and also is the proprietor of The Kindle Book Review. He is a young lion in the indie world, who, like so many other indie writers I have come to know, wants to share what he has learned about the new digital world of publishing to make the road to success easier for his fellow authors.
Bennington organizes the book into four parts: Why Indie?, Technicalities and Craft, Indie Publishing and Making it Happen.
This structure makes it easy for authors to focus on the issue at hand for them at the moment.
THE INDIE AUTHORS GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE is a how-to book on some levels and a why-to book on another. Bennington’s grasp of the intricacies inherent in the current publishing environment is obvious. He provides step by step instructions on marketing, editing, accessing Kindle Direct Publishing and a number of other subjects. But he also displays a genuine compassion for his comrades in the indie ranks, newbies, midbies and oldbies.
Here’s a quote:
“This book is designed to encourage and inspire authors in their craft, and the daily lives of those who dare to explore the new galaxies in publishing….THE INDIE AUTHOR’S GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE is about nudging new authors through the publishing process and offering helpful advice and encouragement in an environment that can be extremely draining.”
I highly recommend THE INDIE AUTHORS GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE and thank Jeff for being so generous about sharing the insights he has learned down in the pit, from the good old school of hard knocks.
July 17, 2012
The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe is meant to help any author, whether they are traditionally published or self-published. This book is designed to encourage and inspire authors in their craft, and give creative ideas that can improve sales and grow an author platform. (Author description)
The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe by Jeff Bennington is another `how to' book for self published authors. But instead of flowery padding and buzz words, here is a book that tells it as it is. It is a realistic yet uplifting and encouraging guide to all those wanting to publish their novel. It starts at the beginning with the writing process and ends with the marketing of your finished product. Mr Bennington guides his readers through the whole process with actual examples drawn from his own experience. He shares his marketing strategies as easy step by step guides, giving authors all the information they need should they wish to try them out.
If you are looking to buy a `how to' book for advice on publishing your baby in this new social media era, then this is the only one you will need. Hats off to Mr Bennington for his achievements and for writing such a brilliant book. I am grateful he has shared his strategies, many of which I'm going to use myself!
The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe by Jeff Bennington is another `how to' book for self published authors. But instead of flowery padding and buzz words, here is a book that tells it as it is. It is a realistic yet uplifting and encouraging guide to all those wanting to publish their novel. It starts at the beginning with the writing process and ends with the marketing of your finished product. Mr Bennington guides his readers through the whole process with actual examples drawn from his own experience. He shares his marketing strategies as easy step by step guides, giving authors all the information they need should they wish to try them out.
If you are looking to buy a `how to' book for advice on publishing your baby in this new social media era, then this is the only one you will need. Hats off to Mr Bennington for his achievements and for writing such a brilliant book. I am grateful he has shared his strategies, many of which I'm going to use myself!
March 17, 2012
Jeff Bennington doesn't claim to be an expert but he's certainly one of the savviest writers on the indie book scene. All his advice is no-nonsense, yet at the same time, it's encouraging and spurs you on. His tips and techniques can be applied by any author and he bases his advice on his own experience, not just simply regurgitating marketing theory. The strategies are all realistic and don't rely on luck - you are shown how to create this yourself. He built a platform and readership from scratch and you finish the book believing it's possible to do the same.
You'll find specific information on pricing your Kindle book and how to get the best out of your KDP free promotion, topics I haven't seen in other writers' guides. Throughout, there are recommendations for useful web sites and writers' helpers.
With a host of gems from his newsletter, The Writing Bomb, there's a plethora of information for the would-be indie author, so you can hit the ground running plus food for thought for writers at all levels.
Very much worth the money, wish it had been around when I first published last year!
Marie Harbon, author of 'Seven Point eight: The First Chronicle'.
You'll find specific information on pricing your Kindle book and how to get the best out of your KDP free promotion, topics I haven't seen in other writers' guides. Throughout, there are recommendations for useful web sites and writers' helpers.
With a host of gems from his newsletter, The Writing Bomb, there's a plethora of information for the would-be indie author, so you can hit the ground running plus food for thought for writers at all levels.
Very much worth the money, wish it had been around when I first published last year!
Marie Harbon, author of 'Seven Point eight: The First Chronicle'.
April 1, 2012
Oh my. Oh yes. Oh dear. So much. So much information... thank you Mr Bennington. Very helpful, very practical advice on self-publishing, written in the voice of one who knows, but one who does not leave the reader feeling he is waving obscurely from another planet. A planet the reader can never hope to reach. Mr Bennington freely holds out the rocket booster pack to the reader, so she can join him, if she has an editor and a good cover. Passport to universe... editor and good cover... I quite enjoyed this book, and will turn to it many times in the future, as a reference and a resource.
July 12, 2012
I'm not looking into publishing my own book just yet, but I've been very curious about it and doing a lot of research about publishing Indie. I also work with Indie authors a lot and try to read as many of their books as I'm able. Learning more about it all is just me, I like to know the ins and outs. And I think if more readers learn about it they may be more open minded to read it. I'm also trying to help open communication so everyone on both sides (readers and authors) know what the other wants and needs.
That being said, this probably isn't the first book I would recommend to readers who don't write. There are books that compare traditional publishing and Indie publishing a bit more and in a way that readers that aren't writers will understand more. But this is an absolute must read for every Indie author out there. They need to know how important the cover is to us readers. They need to know how much they NEED to hire an editor if they want people to buy their books. And on top of that this helps with learning how to do a blog tour, get review copies out, etc. It tells you where to go to get printed books and the good and bad from each company (per Jeff's experience). Some know most of this already, but it's not going to hurt them to read it anyway cause I guarantee that you'll learn SOMETHING from this book.
This is also a bit lighter reading compared to many 'how-to' books out there. I would suggest this for if you are thinking of Indie publishing as a starting point because it's not as overwhelming as others. It also has some very motivating and encouraging words for those who are Indie publishing.
I give this one a firm 5 stars because it's well written and very informative. And I don't usually comment on covers, but I think this one is pretty great. It's eye catching but simple and it looks very professional.
You can find my reviews at http://www.candacesbookblog.com
While I haven't posted this review there as yet, I plan to do so in the future. I'm also working on a feature where I plan to have interviews with readers and authors so they can get answers to questions as well as get a better understanding of things. From what reviewers think should be in a review request, to what authors think of negative reviews and much, much more.
June 23, 2013
Before starting this review, I want to say I realize this is not my usual type of book to review. My usual books are Fiction novels or short stories, but I felt the need to review and share this book simply because it is AWESOME.
Honestly, I wish I had read this book a year ago. I had downloaded it during one of its free promotions right before publishing my first novel. It had been recommended to me from one of the many publishers that sent me a rejection letter. At the time I was just like, “Alright, I’ll give it a quick look-see” but got caught up in my book’s publication not too long afterwards. I had essentially forgotten about this book until a few nights ago when perusing my Kindle book list and saw it. I thought I’d give it a quick read, thinking I could get a few helpful tips to help promote my stories better. Boy, I was unprepared for just how much help this book provides!
From simple advice on what to do before officially publishing your book (indie or not) to complex strategies on how to increase sales within a short period of time, this book has it all. Every self-published author should pick this book up, especially if you’re new and aren’t a hundred percent sure where the world of publishing stands at the moment. It tells you where to go to create your platform, great websites to check out to help promote your novel, and interesting stories about the author’s personal experiences as an indie writer.
For the newbie and the veteran looking for some new ideas on marketing: this is the book!
Honestly, I wish I had read this book a year ago. I had downloaded it during one of its free promotions right before publishing my first novel. It had been recommended to me from one of the many publishers that sent me a rejection letter. At the time I was just like, “Alright, I’ll give it a quick look-see” but got caught up in my book’s publication not too long afterwards. I had essentially forgotten about this book until a few nights ago when perusing my Kindle book list and saw it. I thought I’d give it a quick read, thinking I could get a few helpful tips to help promote my stories better. Boy, I was unprepared for just how much help this book provides!
From simple advice on what to do before officially publishing your book (indie or not) to complex strategies on how to increase sales within a short period of time, this book has it all. Every self-published author should pick this book up, especially if you’re new and aren’t a hundred percent sure where the world of publishing stands at the moment. It tells you where to go to create your platform, great websites to check out to help promote your novel, and interesting stories about the author’s personal experiences as an indie writer.
For the newbie and the veteran looking for some new ideas on marketing: this is the book!
August 29, 2015
What I liked best about Jeff Bennington's how-to on writing and self-publishing is that he provides specifics about what he did to promote his books and about his results. That includes step-by-step information on how to set up various types of promotions, how to layer them for the best effect, and what options Bennington tried and found less helpful. He also addresses what gets a book on Amazon's various book lists and how that affects sales.
Writing, editing and design also are covered. While I'm fairly happy with the cover art for my thriller and my short story collection, I wish I had read this book before publishing rather than after. I could have saved some time and money and might have altered aspects of the design. For instance, Bennington explains how elements such as color, contrast and font work and why some approaches are better or worse for e-readers. He also addresses what resonates with readers and why.
For those in the process of writing and revising, or who are just beginning to write, Bennington gives helpful advice on developing writing skills as well encouragement to keep moving forward. His book is a perfect blend of inspiration and realism. He is honest about his own mistakes and about what obstacles an author faces, yet still conveys a contagious excitement about writing and publishing along with advice about all aspects of both. I've read quite a few books and blogs about independent publishing, and this one is by far the best.
Writing, editing and design also are covered. While I'm fairly happy with the cover art for my thriller and my short story collection, I wish I had read this book before publishing rather than after. I could have saved some time and money and might have altered aspects of the design. For instance, Bennington explains how elements such as color, contrast and font work and why some approaches are better or worse for e-readers. He also addresses what resonates with readers and why.
For those in the process of writing and revising, or who are just beginning to write, Bennington gives helpful advice on developing writing skills as well encouragement to keep moving forward. His book is a perfect blend of inspiration and realism. He is honest about his own mistakes and about what obstacles an author faces, yet still conveys a contagious excitement about writing and publishing along with advice about all aspects of both. I've read quite a few books and blogs about independent publishing, and this one is by far the best.
May 31, 2012
Jeff Bennington, the bestselling author of REUNION, offers tips for success and encouragement to indie authors in a breezy read that's easy to follow and understand. The book is collected from posts at his blog, "The Writing Bomb." He tells the story of his own failures and successes, using them as examples of what works and what doesn't. If nothing else, this is an honest look at the crazy ride that is the indie publishing journey.
Bennington spends a lot of his time writing encouraging thoughts or offering samples of his own material or just writing about how he came to want to be a writer, which didn't add much to the book for me, and I found myself skimming over some of those passages. But he also offers direct, practical advice on getting your book edited and how to market it successfully. Those chapters make THE INDIE AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE completely worth reading. And, if you're new to the business of self-publishing or just need a little inspiration, the other chapters may appeal more to you than they did to me.
Overall, this is exactly the sort of book an aspiring author needs -- practical, insider's advice from someone who has done and it succeeded. Highly recommended.
Bennington spends a lot of his time writing encouraging thoughts or offering samples of his own material or just writing about how he came to want to be a writer, which didn't add much to the book for me, and I found myself skimming over some of those passages. But he also offers direct, practical advice on getting your book edited and how to market it successfully. Those chapters make THE INDIE AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE completely worth reading. And, if you're new to the business of self-publishing or just need a little inspiration, the other chapters may appeal more to you than they did to me.
Overall, this is exactly the sort of book an aspiring author needs -- practical, insider's advice from someone who has done and it succeeded. Highly recommended.
June 17, 2012
Jeff does an excellent job presenting a realistic view of what an indie author needs to know in order to get started. He also makes good recommendations on places to advertise (free and paid). There are several fun illustrations like how Santa became a best-seller.
From soup to nuts, Jeff touches on every aspect of the life of an indie author: the craft of writing, indie as author, indie as publisher, indie as marketer. If you're considering self-publishing a book, this is a must read.
The only area where I differed in opinion (as a self-pubbed author with 5 titles available) was Jeff's repeated mentions of the Kindle Select Program. A lot has changed from when the program was launched in Dec. 2011 until now (June 2012). Some authors, including me, had great success with Kindle select in the early days, but have seen a drop off in effectiveness. I still believe it's a great program to launch a book--especially for new authors.
Anyway - this is a great read for new indies. Even seasoned indies can pick up some great tips and evaluate the effectiveness of their marketing efforts and the quality of their work.
From soup to nuts, Jeff touches on every aspect of the life of an indie author: the craft of writing, indie as author, indie as publisher, indie as marketer. If you're considering self-publishing a book, this is a must read.
The only area where I differed in opinion (as a self-pubbed author with 5 titles available) was Jeff's repeated mentions of the Kindle Select Program. A lot has changed from when the program was launched in Dec. 2011 until now (June 2012). Some authors, including me, had great success with Kindle select in the early days, but have seen a drop off in effectiveness. I still believe it's a great program to launch a book--especially for new authors.
Anyway - this is a great read for new indies. Even seasoned indies can pick up some great tips and evaluate the effectiveness of their marketing efforts and the quality of their work.
August 28, 2012
The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe (Kindle Edition)
This book is not groundbreaking, and like any book that deals with the publishing business these days, it is almost obsolete before it comes out; however, there is more than enough great stuff in here to make it not only worthwhile, but a mandatory read for authors just starting out, or any author who needs help with promotion. If you find chapters that don't interest you, or you feel like you don't need that area of help, skip over them. For me, one chapter alone made this book worth ten times what I paid for it. The chapter dealing with product description and how to "sell" your book to the reader on your Amazon page.
I quit reading this book at midnight and went right to the computer and started working on fixing my horrible book description. I believe it's far better now, and it's all due to reading this book. There is plenty of other good advice in here, and I won't attempt to cover all of it, but I would guarantee you that you'll find at least one thing, probably more, that will make this worth far more than what you paid for it.
Giacomo Giammatteo, author of Murder Takes Time
This book is not groundbreaking, and like any book that deals with the publishing business these days, it is almost obsolete before it comes out; however, there is more than enough great stuff in here to make it not only worthwhile, but a mandatory read for authors just starting out, or any author who needs help with promotion. If you find chapters that don't interest you, or you feel like you don't need that area of help, skip over them. For me, one chapter alone made this book worth ten times what I paid for it. The chapter dealing with product description and how to "sell" your book to the reader on your Amazon page.
I quit reading this book at midnight and went right to the computer and started working on fixing my horrible book description. I believe it's far better now, and it's all due to reading this book. There is plenty of other good advice in here, and I won't attempt to cover all of it, but I would guarantee you that you'll find at least one thing, probably more, that will make this worth far more than what you paid for it.
Giacomo Giammatteo, author of Murder Takes Time
April 15, 2012
I've read plenty of how-to Indie author books. Some great, some not so much. Jeff stuffs his with such valuable information; I'm not sure where to start. Even with all this information, the part that really hit me was the motivation and encouragement. His upbeat personality shines through in his writing. He's motivational without sounding preachy, and gives the aspiring author a realistic view of the current Indie field.
To give you an idea of what The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe entails, here are just a few subjects covered.
1. Life as an author.
2. When, where, and how to promote.
3. An in-depth view of the KDP Select program offered by Amazon.
4. What it takes to be successful as an Indie author.
5. Why your book might not be selling and what you can do about it.
Jeff Bennington gives the reader a refreshing and accurate view of the Indie field in The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe.
Thanks for the ARC, Jeff. Truly appreciated.
To give you an idea of what The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe entails, here are just a few subjects covered.
1. Life as an author.
2. When, where, and how to promote.
3. An in-depth view of the KDP Select program offered by Amazon.
4. What it takes to be successful as an Indie author.
5. Why your book might not be selling and what you can do about it.
Jeff Bennington gives the reader a refreshing and accurate view of the Indie field in The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe.
Thanks for the ARC, Jeff. Truly appreciated.
January 12, 2013
I think this book is very valuable for the indie author, if for no other reason than that it drums into your head that you are a business owner. Being an indie author is not for the faint of heart, and you have to wear more than just your writing hat if you want to succeed. Bennington's book offers a combination of encouragement, kick-in-the-pants style reality talk, and helpful tips to make your venture succeed.
On the negative side, I do think that he spends a bit too much time on the periphery of the core issues. Much of the beginning of the book is less practical and more philosophical, doggedly chasing the "why?" of indie authorship. There are nuggets of good advice in this section (like get a professional editor for your book), but I found myself skimming a lot of it. That said, the practical sections are gold and more than make up for what the first section lacks.
A recommended read for anyone considering indie publishing!
On the negative side, I do think that he spends a bit too much time on the periphery of the core issues. Much of the beginning of the book is less practical and more philosophical, doggedly chasing the "why?" of indie authorship. There are nuggets of good advice in this section (like get a professional editor for your book), but I found myself skimming a lot of it. That said, the practical sections are gold and more than make up for what the first section lacks.
A recommended read for anyone considering indie publishing!
June 9, 2012
The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe has great advice and helpful tips for both indpendent authors as well as traditionally published authors. Bennington's focus is on Indie authors, but traditionally published authors still have to do a great deal of marketing and work themselves and so much of this is applicable to both. If you are a children's book author like I am, however, you will want to seek many additional sources geared specifically toward picture books because there are a lot of things you have to consider that the writer of a novel does not have to consider.
I like that Bennington is very realistic about the challenges and Indie autor faces, but is also very encouraging, and gives many tools and suggestions to help overcome those challenges.
I like that Bennington is very realistic about the challenges and Indie autor faces, but is also very encouraging, and gives many tools and suggestions to help overcome those challenges.
August 11, 2012
I really appreciated all of the specific tips the author gave, and he did so in a conversational manner which made for easy, enjoyable reading. The questions he asked near the end of the book were thought-provoking ones which succinctly captured what is involved in being an indie author. The parts of the book that were focused on concrete steps to follow was more helpful to me than when the author would shift into philosophical mode. I plan to implement his advice!
June 5, 2012
Great book, chock full of great advice about today's market for ANY author, regardless of whether they are taking the "indie" road to publishing or if they have secured a deal with one of the so-called Big 6 or "legacy" firms. Kudos!
January 12, 2013
This was an extremely comprehensive book for new authors. Bennington took great care to write the book from an indie authors perspective. It contains valuable information that the author can immediately apply and a roadmap for effective book marketing strategies. Would recommend it.
April 17, 2012
A great resource book. I highly recommend this, even if you are not an indie author because it is full of fantastic marketing strategies and techniques to help boost book sales.
June 18, 2012
Excellent tips and encouragement for the first time author going the Indie route!
July 27, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. Jeff writes in a particular personal manner in this, sharing a lot of information gleaned from his own success in selling his e-books. Chock full of information.
July 2, 2013
This book had some excellent advice! If you're an indie just starting out and you're feeling in over your head, pick this one up!
July 25, 2013
I really liked this book because it shared many of the emotions of becoming an author. I felt like the book was written just for me. Easy to read and great advice.
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