Tag Archives: branding

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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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 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 →

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.

The How To Of Knowing Your Audience For Your Book Cover Design

When designing your book cover the first part of the puzzle is to know your audience. This is the first in a series of three articles based on creating an artful cover, motivating title, and return value-added information to increase the promotion for your books’ sales.

Learning who the books’ audience is and what’s their focus is the first part of the information we put into the recipe of designing the cover. I look at each book cover as a puzzle and it’s up to me, through questioning, to determine the correct fit for the pieces. Once you know the who, what, and where of your audience, you are able to write a title and subtitle that will fit their focus.

1. Who is your audience? This will be determined by the subject of your book. What you are looking for is, age, location, affiliations if any. Is there anything that is unique about them as a group?

2. Do you know what your audience likes? It helps if you have something in common with them, after all, you did write the book. Get into their shoes, what are the benefits to them from buying your book?

3. Where does their attention go? What are they looking to gain? What is
their pain or joy? What are their motivators? Are their related subjects that can be created from the book? Can you create “come-back power” in extended material?

Once you have this information the process of brainstorming will be your best move. Begin with writing your answers to each of the questions. Looking on line, in niche magazines etc are all good places to begin your research.

Your BookCoverDesigner.com

Branding: Do You Have A Cartoon Avatar… Want one?

It all started today when I felt the need to see me and where and what I’m doing from a new perspective… In today’s world there are many social media sites and each has a specific tone… you might find that you need, would like a lighter perspective… using a cartoon avatar to lead the way…

The self publishing industry has a lighter side to it and your branding can take several different looks when it comes to your image and social media. Continue reading →

Using cartoons in your book cover design

Book Design: Use of Cartoons

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE!!
Your book cover is more than you see…it’s what you think as well. More than once a new publisher has come Continue reading →

How Do I Find A Great Title For My Book?

Finding a great title for your book can be one of the most challenging yet satisfying processes you will go through. The title is the purpose of your book and very important that it presents your book’s subject in the best way possible. It needs to grab your audiences attention, make them question and think and act by picking up the book and start reading and eventually purchase.

I begin asking questions of the author, making them go deep into their subconscious to dig up the answers to their who, what, where, when, why, how questions.

I ask them to begin a list of what best describes their way of looking at their book and its subject. Then I request that they talk and talk, while I listen and together we pick out the gems to begin the title development.

Sometimes the author creates a list of test titles they like and have friends comment. I’m not a fan of this being used as the only way to get a title created, but it is a good way for some authors to begin.

I read the preface, introduction and whatever parts of the book I need to, to get my mind working on questions and watch for them to develop from the reading. It’s amazing how when we read we ask ourselves questions that we’re not even aware we are asking.

Contact me to learn more about my book design, interior formatting, web presences AND consulting services.
https://www.bookcoverdesigner.com

Celebrity Testimonials

Celebrity Testimonials
Book Design: Celebrity Testimonials
Get those “more-bang-for-your-buck’ testimonials for your back cover…This online database contains contact information for celebrities managers, agents and more…for over 54,000 celebrities and public figures worldwide.
http://www.contactanycelebrity.com

Book Cover Dustjacket Design

Book Design: Paper choice for Book Cover

When designing your book cover consider the Paper you’ll use. Most are glossy, laminate, UV, etc., but have you really looked and felt them all…? Some are a delightful linen or uncoated stock that for, the right book, can really bring home another ‘sense’ to the reader. And for your paperbacks… be sure to get samples from the printer on 10 or 12 pt CS1 stock… the weight makes a difference too.

Typefaces and the readability of your interior

The interior of your book is just as important as the cover.

Once your book is purchased you’ll need to hold the readers attention. Certainly good content has a lot to do with it. Good editing and proofing as well.

But the real reading is done from the type that is set… formatted, sized and styled to hold the readers attention and make them feel comfortable and not want to put your book down. We have been “taught” by exposure to feel comfortable with reading a typeface with “little feet” otherwise know as serifs. Typefaces such as Times Roman and Garamond are know as serif faces and when used for your interior text will give your reader an easy read. Typefaces such as Ariel and Futura are known as sanserif (without little feet) and are best used for heads, subheads or chart and graphs.

Be sure to request test pages of your text layout for your approval before your book is formatted.