Several indie authors only publish their novels in ebook format. Makes sense too, especially when you’re first starting out. It costs a lot less to format and produce an ebook than a paperback.
For example, a cover designer has to create a spine and back cover for your print book, in addition to the front cover, so his fee will be higher than if you had commissioned him to do an ebook cover only.
It’s more difficult to go DIY with a print book than an ebook because the conventions for interior design are so different. You’ll either have to hire someone to format your print book for you or, for a less costly option, purchase an interior design template. Either way, your upfront costs are going to be more for print.
It’s also always a good idea to order proof copies of your print book before you put it up for sale. While Amazon’s CreateSpace (the most common way indie authors publish print books) charges a reasonable fee for proof copies, their cost can add up. With ebooks, your proof copies are pretty much free!
The increase in initial costs is one of the major reasons I’ve stalled releasing print versions of my books. But as soon as I can, I’m going to offer paperback versions of my novels.
Here are 7 reasons why all indie authors should do a print run of their books:
- Most readers still prefer print books
- Book bloggers prefer print books
- Goodreads giveaways only allow for print books
- Physical books are magical
- Print books can increase sales of your ebook
- Indie authors can make more per copy sold
- Print books are better for your health
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As an author, I want you to be lost in my story world until you’ve reached the very last page…and if I’ve been really successful, you’ll even be thinking of my characters long after you’ve turned off your e-Reader.
That doesn’t happen though if you frequently encounter typographical errors. But typos are hardy little buggers. After several rounds of editing, they can remain undetected. Even traditionally published books aren’t immune.
My solution: to hold a contest and give you a chance to tell me about the typos you encountered. That way you can vent any frustration, while simultaneously helping to prevent future readers from feeling the same. To show my appreciation, I’d award gift certificates to the ebook retailer of your choice.
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“Should I publish with Smashwords?” is a question beginning indie authors often ask. For me, the answer is a resounding yes!
In my opinion, every indie author should publish and distribute their ebooks via Smashwords. Here are 8 reasons why I love Smashwords so much:
- you’re where the readers are
- you have an additional advocate
- you can give away your ebook for free without hassle
- Smashwords is convenient
- Smashwords is author-centric
- you can generate coupons for your books
- you make more money
- Smashwords is fueled by passion
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According to the psychological principle of excitation transfer, the best dates to increase attraction are ones which cause certain physiological symptoms like:
- an accelerated heartbeat
- sweaty palms
- shaking knees
Even though excitation transfer didn’t work out so well for Tali in Talisman Turner Minds the Gap, she created this handy excitation transfer dating guide with 7 dates you should make…and 7 dates you should break:
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With her typical zest, in Talisman Turner Minds the Gap, Lyris Turner redecorates the Katzenberg advertising agency according to the rules of Feng Shui.
She has strict ideas about what you should–and shouldn’t–include in your office space if you want to maintain gainful employment.
To keep your career energy vibrant, follow these suggestions on how to select and position your desk, kindly provided by David Daniel Kennedy in Feng Shui Tips for a Better Life:
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Below is the discussion guide for Talisman Turner Minds the Gap. It does include spoilers, so make sure you read the book first.
I’d love to hear your thoughts to these questions, so please share your responses in the comments section!
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As you’re probably aware, KDP Select is a program run by Amazon which gives its authors certain benefits and promotional tools in exchange for exclusive publishing rights. Currently, authors have to promise to publish their ebook only via Amazon for three months in order to enroll in KDP Select.
This enables them, among other things, to give away their book for free for five days during the three-month period. (How giving away your books for free can actually boost your sales is a topic worthy of its own post, so I won’t discuss it here. Suffice to say that free can be a very effective marketing technique.)
Personally, I think that you should have your ebooks in as many marketplaces as you possibly can, especially if you have your sights set on conquering a global marketplace. You never know where your book might “break out” first. However, a number of authors have had success with KDP Select and don’t see the exclusivity requirement as much of a sacrifice because they don’t sell many books via other online retailers.
If you want to try out KDP Select to see if it can boost your author profile, follow the tips below before you run a single free-day promotion. Note: these suggestions are aimed primarily at indie authors who have just begun their self-publishing journey and haven’t had much success in generating sales.
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