Anita’s Comments (group member since Jul 12, 2017)

Anita’s comments from the Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie group.

I agree. Once I got on to what was required, it was easy to set up the manuscript at the onset to avoid the errors. So, far the only rejection I've received is an illustrated children's book I did for another author. There were no chapters headings or text. The book was 100% images. It came back and bit me. I had to have a linked TOC to the start and end of the document for EPUB to navigate through the book. It was an interesting challenge, but I finally figured out a way to create one.

Here is the issue I have with Kindle and that is quality control. There are some functions on a keyboard that don't convert in the conversion to MOBI which is the format that allows the book to be read on a Kindle. The result is the text will be misaligned, errors in the font and font size, spacing issues, illustrations can end up in the middle of a paragraph. Kindle doesn't screen for these errors. I have examined a lot of ebooks using the look inside feature and have seen many horrendous errors.

That's the reason for Smashwords strict requirements. They are converting the manuscript into a number of different protocols such as EPUB which drives other electronic readers. If the manuscript is not correctly formatted, then the conversion will be screwed up. Smashwords is distributing the ebook to Barnes & Noble, iBooks and other retail outlets and the ebook has to meet the retailer's standards. If it doesn't it will get kicked back. That's why there is a column at the end of the book title in the dashboard that is titled Retailer Tickets. If the book doesn't pass the retailer's inspection, a ticket is sent to Smashwords and the retailer won't accept the book for publication until the author fixes the problem.

Yeah, it's a royal pain in the you know what, but there is a valid reason for the error control. Kindle doesn't distribute the book to any other retail outlet, so they don't have to worry about the error issue.

Here is the link to the submission page.

https://www.thebookdesigner.com/e-boo...

You might want to submit it to the following:

https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2011/...

Much better. I like that the picture was flipped and the arm issue was fixed. Name also looks good.

I sent mine. You guys are wonderful.

IngramSpark is offering free title uploads through March 31, 2018 for both print and/or ebook.

Use Promo code: NAN017

I talk to writing groups about publishing, and stress two points. One--know your options, and two-set your goals. The diversity of responses that I have received in response to the second has been enlightening.

I started out as a author with a single goal, publish a book. It didn't take long, through, before I was seduced to the dark side--publishing--and that changed what and where I wanted to go. My first client had been working on a book for ten years. She never believed she would see it in print. The day she came to my house, and the look on her face when I handed her the proof book is a memory I will carry for the rest of my life. That was all it took, and like my 500 words, I was hooked. So, I can understand the lightening in a bottle.

I had posted the following comment on another thread, but after reading the comments here, I decided to re-post here.

I noticed something when I was researching top indie authors on Kindle, Nook and iBooks. Amazon has 14 publishing imprints for different genres. They are publishing not only ebooks, but also print books. This isn't createspace or kindle.

7 of the top 10 books on the top 100 for kindle were published by an Amazon company. You can access the list by clicking on the link (see top 100 paid in kindle stores) next to the sales ranking. Then click on the book to identify the publisher.

Getting onto that list is a huge sales boost. Seems a bit of coincidence that the list is skewed in their favor. Especially when you look at the top ebooks at other outlets. Makes a person wonder if they are stacking the deck?

Jeez, that's tough. Getting a bit heavy-handed in their review patrol.

Hey, that dream is what keeps all of us going.

Carole wrote: "Everyday I go own- the numbers of the reviews change. I will write and ask them, Dennis- you've given me motivation."

I will be interested in their response.

I noticed something when I was researching top indie authors on Kindle, Nook and iBooks. Amazon has 14 publishing imprints for different genres. They are publishing not only ebooks, but also print books. This isn't createspace or kindle.

7 of the top 10 books on the top 100 for kindle were published by an Amazon company. You can access the list by clicking on the link (see top 100 paid in kindle stores) next to the sales ranking. Then click on the book to identify the publisher.

Getting onto that list is a huge sales boost. Seems a bit of coincidence that the list is skewed in their favor. Especially when you look at the top ebooks at other outlets. Makes a person wonder if they are stacking the deck?

Alex, in my opinion, you have made amazing progress and it's only a matter of time before you get going on this side of the pond.

I just finished researching the top indie authors for kindle, nook and ibooks. I've decided that I'm definitely in the wrong genre. LOL

And, I can't disagree with Amy's comments. It's the pits not to be able to recoup your investment. I know I won't. I feel like the only people making money are the one's I'm paying, the editing, the promotions, the contests, the blog tours. OMG--the list seems endless.

Unfortunately, that's the nature of the beast and the buying market. My goal right now is to get my books noticed, otherwise they are going to sit in the bowels of the millions of books on Amazon. No one will buy my book because they won't even know it's there. I would rather sell ten books at 99 cents than one at $9.99 in the hopes that I can build that recognition, and that it will pay off on future books and maybe, just maybe, I won't have to sell at bargain prices. Whether it works, time will only tell.

But, I would add one more comment. I wouldn't take another step if I weren't enjoying the process despite the negatives, the frustration, and setbacks. This is an exciting time for authors, with opportunities that didn't even exist a few years ago.

Ben wrote: "Anita wrote: "I am really impressed with ENT. I've requested two more promotions with them. Hope they get approved."

Can you post a link Anita?"

http://ereadernewstoday.com/bargain-a...

I am really impressed with ENT. I've requested two more promotions with them. Hope they get approved.

It's not being big-headed at all. Think more in terms of proportion and balance.

I think you've got a winner.

I like. It would grab my attention as a reader. I would recommend a couple of minor adjustments.

The first would be to increase the size of the font for your name just a bit.

The decorative frame appears to be too close to the edge. Printers mis-feed and paper does not line up right. It can result in a defective cover being shipped to a reader.

A good rule is .5" from the outer edges and edges of the spine. Look at the difference in the top and bottom margin on the top image versus the full cover.

It's one those pesky sidebar comments. Easy to overlook. I didn't pay any attention when I first published with them because I was already with Kindle. I just opted out.