Because nobody is perfect, everybody makes mistakes. The best thing to do when this happens to you is to admit it, not attempt to justify it, and to learn from it. That's right—every mistake you (or even someone else) make is a learning opportunity in disguise. WHAT IT MEANS: Naturally, you want to be perceived as a competent, can-do professional, but everybody screws up … [Read more...]
Who Does What? A Breakdown of Each Job in Publishing and Marketing a Book
Oftentimes authors are quite confused about what exactly each person does in the publishing process. There are so many people involved in developing and promoting a book that it is easy to get overwhelmed by the many functions and responsibilities of each department. To help make it easier, here’s a quick breakdown of the general jobs in publishing and how each one … [Read more...]
Free Subscription to Book Business Magazine
As a small publisher, I like to keep up with news about the publishing industry and trends in printing, distribution, marketing, epublishing and more that affect my business. Book Business magazine keeps me informed with information I can use. The most recent issue includes features on: The Future of the Industry: Whose Hands Is It In? E-books...By the Numbers … [Read more...]
Investing in Books About Publishing
New small and self-publishers often ask how to learn more about publishing. When various books on self-publishing are recommended to them, the response is often something such as, “I will look for these books at my library.” Now, I am a big believer in using the library system. However, I also believe that when it comes to books you need to run your business, you should be … [Read more...]
Book Publishing – Three Ways to Get the Most Out of Writing Conferences
Writing conferences come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on the area, venue, and people's budgets (both attendees and sponsors), an event may have a few hundred or a few dozen people show up. The Essence of Motown Conference, which I attended for the first time this year, was another victim of the Michigan economy-less than fifty people came. Though I wasn't sure what … [Read more...]
Are You a Writer or an Author?
I encourage authors to become writers. Here is the distinction: An author is someone with authority. That is, you are an author if you have something you wish to convey to readers, whether it is a story you have invented, an experience you feel is instructive, an opinion you want to express, or knowledge you want to preserve. You are the subject-matter expert. A … [Read more...]
Writers Conferences – Maximize the Benefits
You can spend a lot of time and money going to a conference or workshop. How can you be sure that you will get the greatest benefit from your investment? Here are a few tips: … [Read more...]
What I Learned at PMA-U
Our fledgling publishing company needs to reach out to our audience (figurative artists) and generate awareness of our first book, Art Models. As a result, I took many of the PMA-U "Marketing Track" courses, while my wife and business partner Maureen soaked up advice on business theory, planning and budgeting … [Read more...]