Tag Archives: bookcoverdesigner.com

10 Publishing Tips that Assist – it’s the little things…

Here you are, thinking…what, how am I going to finish, design, publish and promote my book?
Some of you who are more familiar with my posts know I end with the statement of “Remember, do something every day toward…..” There is such power in this statement, please remember it.

Here are 10 things/actions/thoughts for you to consider:

  1. One of the things I found most daunting about writing a book was all the rewrites….UNTIL I realized how great the book turned out because of them.
  2. Research. One can never gather enough information. Whether it’s about your subject or how to self publish or promote. Spend time every day on the net reading
  3. Talk with like minded people. Open up to them and share your passions your book.
  4. Go read the first part of another book. Or the table of contents. Maybe the book is only about business, or even cooking…
  5. Go for a 15 min walk. Look at what’s around you… absorb
  6. Type in your website URL, look at your site and see how YOU react… is it what you thought? If not, change one thing and see how that works.
  7. Take out your camera/video/smart phone make a 30sec spot or shoot yourself doing something and write about it
  8. Go to or open a Google Account and set up google alerts
  9. Go to a book reading or signing…
  10. Talk to someone you don’t know and share these publishing tips

It’s nice to know that you can do things that help further your book or service. Even a laugh on the phone while talking to someone can open a door and move you to a new space. People like to be acknowledged as do you. Don’t miss a beat.

Remember, do something every day towards the production and promotion of your book, service, product or company… then contact me and let move it further forward.

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Getting Insurance for your business…Other related subject: Small Business Insurance

This may seem off subject for my blog but I have the toughest time with things like insurance and lawyers and corporation procedures… so when I was told I needed to have general liability insurance I literally freaked! To put it mildly.

The lawyer who told me, referred me to an insurance man who said I didn’t make enough for him to bother with me! REALLY! Then the search began for a company who could write me a policy… and I called all over locally, the internet, friends gave me names… finally I realized I belonged to NASE, the National Association for the Self Employed… yes, I didn’t think of it in the first place… and they helped me.

There is a company, Hartford Insurance that has an online form for small businesses…. easy to fill out and their response was timely. Here is the web address, the company’s name is Crescent Insurance.
http://www.crescentinsurance.com/business_owners.asp

 

 

Don't forget to send a thank you note!

This tip courtesy of Rick Fishman newsletter

A “Rick Tip”

Don’t forget to send a thank you note!

I know it sounds crazy- but most people don’t send a thank you note after they do a
media interview…

Big mistake! Always send a note the the host and the producer.

In the note…
1- Thank them for having you on ( or for the interview)
2- Remember a specific item from the interview and talk about that
3- Give them your cell # and offer to be on anytime at the last minute
4- Tell how much fun you had on the show and how you got a great reaction (
phone calls and e mails etc)
5- Ask them for a “testimonial” and ask them to send it to you on their stationary (
for your press kit)
6- Ask them for an mp3 of the show ( or a tear sheet if it is a print interview)

For more tips go to http://www.plannedtvarts.com and sign up for our “TIP SHEET”
That’s it for this week
To Your Success
Rick
www.plannedtvarts.com

How to write the subtitle for your book…

When determining your subtitle…think benefits that the reader will get, think what you promise them.

Think bullet points (but don’t use them in the subtitle), think logically and think what “they” want to solve or know about. Re-read your intro, foreword and first chapter, pull out the phrases you already use and rework them into your subtitle.

Write it out in several different sequencing of words and keep it to around or under 10 words for best comprehension. Fill pages with your sentences. Keep reducing it down to more compact to-the-point phrases.

Put it aside for a few days, then go back.

Finding the time to research your market and get info from others can help you determine the best ways to move forward. I offer book consulting and coaching  sessions. Topics include: title and sub-title creation; book size, promotion, branding and marketing and answer the important questions you might have.

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Books designed with CDs – some things to consider

Should you put a CD in your book or not? or do you create a book designed with all the stuff in it that might go in the CD? good questions.

If your book is not sealed, shrink wrapped, the CD could be easily taken and then your book is not sellable and the book store will return it to you…not good. And… Continue reading →

Book Writing: Telling Stories

From time-to-time I receive emails from people who hear about me.. here is one I received today.
Thank you David!

From: David Dantes
Subject: Telling stories

I read your entry in Poynter’s newsletter about telling stories and I CAN NOT agree more.

I’m about to start selling my first book on becoming a better lawyer, probably as an ebook.

It’s 73,000 words.
And I found that THE BEST WAY to write it was:

“Here’s a principle you need to learn to become better at this.
“And here’s the story of how I learned it.”

I’ve found that by merely repeating the title of that section to someone that’s heard the story, the story — and the principle — come back to mind rather quickly.

Thank you for your entry.
Let’s hope A LOT of writers take you to heart.
David Dantes

——-

Tell us what your experience has been…
Remember, keep doing something everyday toward your book and promotion.
Karrie Ross
Book Cover Designer

Photos scans for the interior of your book

I’ve written about this before… but it’s such an important subject here it is again…
I can’t encourage you enough to contact a knowledgeable professional if you are planning on having one or hundreds of photo/illustration images on the inside of you book. There are so many “if’s” involved and the wrong road could cost not only money but quality in the end product. Be sure that your images are scanned Continue reading →

Will Illustrations Done in Pencil Reproduce Well for Printing?

You need to be very careful when you scan pencil. That being said, it’s used a lot. If your image is an outline, the line needs to be as solid as possible and in a 2B or softer pencil.

If your illustration is a full out image shaded etc, when it’s scanned you need to be sure that you don’t loose any of the mid-tones or make the darker areas more solid than you wanted. Pencil has a ‘shine’ quality when scanned that you might have trouble with.

Your illustrator should know how to draw to get the best results from today’s technology, be sure you let them know how their final product will be used. They might also offer the service of scanning them for you. Or you might find a professional imaging house to scan for you.

Each medium has a unique production process for them. It’s a good idea to have an open conversation with the illustrator and printer before work is done to get the best results for your final product. If you have any other questions about your book, please feel free to contact me.

That’s it. Keep doing something everyday towards your book …
Take a look at my website and contact me if you have any questions.

Karrie Ross
Your Book Designer
https://www.bookcoverdesigner.com

BEA – Book Expo America 2008 in Los Angeles

Just spent the day at the Book Expo America show (BEA). It’s big, covers two halls at the Los Angeles Convention Center. I’m glad I went. I ran into lots of interesting people and learned a lot about using this type of show to promote books.

I spoke with several publishers and distributors about a book I’ve written, learned that many distributors also publish. The ones I spoke to, do expect the author to do their own public relations in the way of getting noticed etc. They also don’t ask for a total exclusive agreement either.

This show happens each year, next year 2009 it will be in New York. I know I’ll be there the whole three days…will you?

Remember, keep doing something everyday for your book and promotion.
https://www.bookcoverdesigner.com

Book Promotions: Why use a 3D image to represent your book…and especially your ebook…

We are motivated by our senses. With book design sight is most pronounced. We have the cover image and title… our eyes read before and at the same time our mind clicks in to comprehend the connection. The 3D book image brings your book alive and into a space of reality. There are several different styles for the 3D cover.

The spiral binding image:  usually used for a F**R-E=E ebook or just an booklet that you are offering. The spiral represents visually that the customer may need to bind the book themselves. This also says that the contents is from 1-50 pages. Continue reading →

Book Cover Design: BEA and How to Use it to Help you Research Interest for Your Book

I attended BEA with two intentions. First from the view of a Book Cover & Interior Designer and the second from the view of a new Author.

I noticed myself falling back into the comfort of the first since this is known to me and the way I make a living. I found many interesting services for authors from printers to doll makers for children’s books. I also came away with good information regarding what publishers are looking for to better inform my book design clients who use my services.

I attended on the last day of the show in the hopes of being a more welcomed conversation to the booth vendors, which turned out to be a good decision and I got some free books at the end!

And the second view as author being new and Continue reading →

The Author-Entreprenuer

The current print on demand self publishing industry was built on vast numbers of hopeful people betting on the common dream of becoming a best-selling author; and some of the self publishing companies that fueled this notion skyrocketed from nowhere to being counted among the largest publishers on the planet. Ok, some of these authors were more grounded in reality, but there’s little doubt a great many were fantasizing about grabbing the brass ring.

A year ago, just about any self publishing services company website you visited was actively pitching the “dream” of becoming a published author. Hinting that perhaps you had a shot at “best seller” status and tailoring their marketing Continue reading →

Book Cover Design: Do You Know How To Find Out What's On Your Audience's Mind?

You’ve got the topic you really want to write about but not sure if its relevant or if there is even interest in what excites you.

Go to the book store, see what other books have been written on it. Are any seeing the unique part you see?

Now got to the newspaper and magazine stand. What’s there that you can gather input from.

Be sure you cover all bases where your topic is being talked about and take notes, buy the publication and subscribe to the emails.

Amazon and Google … offer lots!

Seems that Amazon and Google offers authors so much now in the way of Marketing their books. Be sure to check out all their services. Especailly the reviewing of other books, and list making. Never know whats going to push your book over the top.

BOOK DESIGN: Photo Research: How to do it effectively and Why this is Important.

Most of my clients come to me with an image already picked out. This can be good and not so good. The good part is that they have given some thought to the look they want for their cover. The not so good part is that the image may be too literal, misses the mark or is of poor quality, to name a few.

Sometimes this happens because the person Continue reading →

Book Design and Writing: How to Research Your Subject Matter…

I know this sounds hard but think about it.
— Ask yourself why you are interested in this subject and where have you found your information to get you feeling this way. Magazines, TV, internet, social groups, book, newspapers, seminars.

— Gather all your notes from any of these Continue reading →