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Hi Bob, Thanks for the email. I am excited about working with Books Just Books. So far everyone (especially Jonathan at ..." —Zeda Amaya, "All of God's Children"View all customer comments |
Step 1: Education Step 2: Preparation Step 3: Book Printing Step 4: Distribution & Marketing Ask ron - You ask the question, we give you the answer!
Are there any Trade Customs that POD Publishers adhere to?
Unfortunately most of the POD Publishing industry operate somewhere between, There’s a sucker born every minute and Ignorance is Bliss. The only rule is that there are no rules. It’s strictly Buyers Beware.
Do you think that self publishing is much of a gamble?
Great question! Don’t kid yourself. Self-Publishing is very much like going to the race track. You can do your research, come up with a great strategy… and end up a winner or loser at the end of the day.
Aren’t the various publishing services like Author House and Xlibris just printing services?
How’s the old saying go… can’t find the forest for the trees? This is how I am starting to feel on this subject. I have spent the past 3-4 years harping on the Vanity Press aspect of Author House, Xlibris and other publishers like them. I am starting to change my mind.
WBJB Publishing Basics Radio
Should I buy the printing for my first book directly from a printer to save money?
As a printer with over 35 years experience, my answer should be an obvious yes. However, my answer is a resounding NO. Let me tell you a story which explains why.
What is this Publishing Basics Radio I have been hearing about?
What does the Battle of Normandy and a successfully self-published book have in common?
No I haven’t lost it on this one. I think you’ll find the answer interesting.
Will I be able to get my book on Oprah?
Yes, it’s possible but there are five conditions.
When can I expect my printer to extend me credit terms?
Over the past 30 years I have heard the statement “we’re not the bank” used hundreds of time by various printers. This statement did not become crystal clear to me until I owned my own business.
Do I really need a professional editor to edit my manuscript?
You have finished your manuscript. Your ten best friends plus your mother have told you your book is GREAT.
I have written a children’s picture book. How do I proceed with having it edited and illustrated?
Following the correct procedure in having your children’s book edited and illustrated can be the difference between your title becoming a literary as well as financial success or not. Mistakes at this point of the process are almost always costly so it is best to have your battle plan in place before you go forward.
I would like to take this holiday season to honor the men and women of the US Military who have given their lives this past year, in service of the country they loved and the freedoms they cherished.
Marine Cpl. Roberto Abad, 22, of Los Angeles, Calif.; assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1/4 (1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; killed Aug. 6 by enemy action in Najaf province, Iraq.
Amy Fisher - If I Knew Then…POD Superstar or Vanity Press Deception?
A recent visit to the IUniverse website revealed Amy Fisher as their most recent success story but is Amy Fisher being handled like all other IUniverse customers as it appears?
I appreciate the “Free” copy of Publishing Basics that you offer folks but is there anything else you can do to help the would be publisher learn more about the business?
Effective immediately, you can receive a 100% rebate on all books purchased (and read) related to the publishing process when you print your title with BooksJustBooks.com.
Ask Ron - When is the best time to print your trade book on an offset sheet fed press?
In today’s marketplace, if you are printing a standard single color trade book on a sheet fed press, you are either paying too much or dealing with a company that can’t possible stay in business.
Ask Ron - What do you think about the future of E-Books?
Most of those who know me are quite aware that there is very little grey area in my opinion on just about any topic. My opinion on E-Books is no exception. In my opinion E-Books are a waste of time and effort and only detract from the small publishers’ main goal of selling “books”.
What is the best way to sell my book on the Internet?
While most authors realize that the Internet is a good way to sell books, few understand how to do it. It’s all about “keywords”.
My printer tells me that the price of paper is increasing so my printing cost is going to rise. Is that true?
There is only one industry that I enjoy “ragging on” as much as the Vanity Presses and that is the paper industry. The short answer is, yes, paper prices are increasing.
Can I print short run color children’s picture books?
Yes, I could print them for you if I just wanted to take your money like many companies out there on the Internet, But, NO, I won’t print them for you, if your intention is to make any money marketing the books.
Why can’t I print hardcover color picture books in the US?
Good question. Until just recently I would have given you a dozen reasons why you couldn’t but things have changed. I am now able to offer Hong Kong pricing but printed in the USA on most full color book projects.
When is BooksJustBooks.com going to offer more book marketing programs to help small publishers sell books?
Offering programs is easy. Offering programs that work is a bit harder. I am happy to announce that we have formalized an agreement with Emmy winning talk show host and radio personality, Errol Smith, to offer author interviews which will be broadcast through Reader Radio’s Network of over 10,000 websites.
Did you see the front page article in the Media Section of the New York Times last month about subsidy publishing?
Yes, the article gave a clear indication that the vanity/subsidy press publicity machine was alive and well in New York. It is no wonder that thousands of unsuspecting authors are caught in the vanity/subsidy press trap annually.
Why shouldn't I first try a vanity/subsidy press until my book starts to sell? They say I own all the rights and am free to change at any time.
It is said if you tell a lie large enough, the public will accept it as the truth. Once accepted, that "lie" becomes the basis on which everything else is judged, making even more lies seem like the truth. "You retain full ownership"... the vanity/subsidy press "Big Lie".
If Vanity (Subsidy) publishers like 1st Books are so bad, why doesn’t Writers Digest , write any negative articles about them?
I believe that the idiom, “Never bite off the hand that feeds you” is the appropriate answer to this question.
Print on Demand: A method of printing or a form of distribution?
RJ Communications introduces Thor Distribution. It’s all about availability.Print on Demand –
This is certainly a phrase that has been bantered around a lot lately. George Orwell would have loved this phrase (along with Subsidy Press). First off, we have had “Print on Demand” since the days of Benjamin Franklin. The customer “demands” and the printer “prints”.
How can I tell if the company who promises to publish my book is a real publisher or just another vanity press publisher trying to take my money? Do I really need an ISBN number?
Actually, the answer to both questions is pretty easy. If you submit your manuscript to a “Publisher,” receive an acceptance letter, a royalty contract and a promise of a check as a royalty advance upon signing the contract, you are dealing with a publisher and are, in truth, being published.
Is there a difference in appearance between a digitally produced book and one produced by standard offset printing?
Every time I listen to the Reader’s Radio interview with Dan Poynter on “The New Book Model.” I have to chuckle...Dan states with authority, when referring to digitally produced books, that, “They look just like any other book… I challenge you to even tell the difference.”
Questions & Answers about the Publishing Process
Today’s question is… When is a good time to use Microsoft word to lay out my book?
Do you know any good book printers?
I have been publishing this newsletter for over five years and have written on many different subjects effecting self-publishers. I tend to downplay my main role in this industry because I don’t want everything to look like an advertisement, which is probably one of the main reasons our monthly circulation is up over 40,000 subscribers. Maybe sometimes I down play it too much. In answer to your question... a definite YES.
What do you think of Facebook as a marketing tool for self-published books?
A month ago I would have told you that Facebook was a useless website where 15 years olds trash talked each other and otherwise wasted time. As a mater of fact, I originally opened my Facebook account to try to rummage around and see what my 16 year old was up to. Today I am convinced that Facebook should be considered a primary marketing tool by every self-publisher.
Did you change your mind about authors buying a single ISBN?
Absolutely not. Nothing has changed concerning where I stand on the ISBN ownership issue. Whether you are a casual hobbyist, a serious hobbyist or a pro, you should own your own ISBN, no matter what anyone else tells you.
What do you think about Author House buying IUniverse?
At my age I find that there are very few surprises in life but I find myself still scratching my head with this one as well as several other developments in the self-publishing world. This, of course, includes the follow-up on my publishing adventure with Amazon’s new publishing service, CreateSpace.com
What can you tell us of Amazon’s new direct POD service, CreateSpace.com?
Many years ago I remember walking into Book Expo America in Chicago and seeing Amazon banners hanging from every girder. What was an Amazon? Within a few years, Amazon was a household word. To consumers it was an online e bookstore. To investors it was a giant black hole where tens of millions of dollars were dumped with no return on investment.
Handling Problems – What to do when a printing job goes bad
As I have written numerous times in the past, printing is not an exact process. Technology has certainly helped but there are still ample opportunities for mistakes to be made on each side. How mistakes and problems are handled are not only the difference between a good printer and a bad printer but a good print buyer and a bad print buyer as well.
12 Steps to becoming a better print buyer
I recently moderated a discussion at PMA University on this subject. Since printing is probably the largest single expense a small publisher faces I thought I would share it with you here today.
How many books can I expect to sell at Book Expo?
With Book Expo less than a month away, I thought this would be a good question to answer. I have been going to trade shows for the past 30 years or so. Over that time, I can think of a single show, covering three different industries, where I sold anything of substance during the show.
How much does it cost to publish an Illustrated Children’s book?
The answer to this question has been a moving target over the past four or five years. Technology has helped lower the entry level into the children’s book market but still not to the point where it makes financial sense to produce digitally other then for tests. In other words,. POD for Illustrated children’s books, is still not a viable option.
How much does it cost to self-publish a book? Part 3
The Professional – There is very little difference between the costs and preparation of the professional self-publisher and the serious hobbyist. It’s more of the realization that as a “pro”, publishing has now become your full time income rather than a part time hobby.
How much does it cost to self-publish a book? Part 2
The majority of the people reading this article most likely fall into a group which I call the “Serious Hobbyist” type of self-publisher. This group needs to be especially careful navigating the self-publishing minefield because most of the “misinformation” out there on the Internet is aimed directly at you. Put your checkbook and credit card away until you have read this article.
How much does it cost to self-publish a book?
This seems like a simple enough question but there is no simple answer. There are three basic types of self-publishers. I’ll call them the casual hobbyist, the serious hobbyist and the professional. Before I can answer “How much?” you need to determine which type fits you best.
Over the past year, thousands of you have read my articles on a variety of aspects of self publishing.
Over the past year, thousands of you have read my articles on a variety of aspects of self publishing. Today is the 65th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I ask that you take the time and visit with some of the men and women who gave their lives this past year in service to their country. Thanks for your support in the past and I look forward to working with more of you in the future. Enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Is there any way to have a children’s book illustrated on a tight budget?
Over the past couple of years I have often felt like Sir Percival searching for the Holy Grail. I’ve determined, in my mind, that affordable illustration is possible although in my quest many promising leads have appeared only to later disappear. This time, I think I may have finally found it. Interested?
Can I buy a single ISBN for my book rather than 10?
The short answer is yes. Am I excited about this new development? Yes, in that it may be just the punch needed to send the POD/Vanity Publishing industry down to the mat for a standing eight count. As something I think is important to my serious customers, absolutely not.
What would you do if you only had $500 to market your book?
If you thought self publishing to this point has been a minefield, you are abut to enter the most dangerous waters on the Internet… book marketing. The hands down answer to this question is …
Are book fairs good places to sell books?
A little while back, I exhibited at the Harlem Book Fair in New York City. If ever there was any doubt in my mind of what it takes to be a successful self-publisher, that doubt was gone by the end of the day.
Is there ANY Print on Demand Publisher that you like or would recommend?
That’s a pretty tough question. Do I think there are POD publishers out there who are honestly trying to help authors fulfill their dreams of being published? The answer is yes with an *.
Do you know why do people buy from you?
When I started in sales, the saying was "Price, Service, Quality pick two". Since then, technology has pretty much leveled the quality playing field leaving service and price. Now the question is do you still get two or do you have to pick between price and service
I heard that Author House was ordered to pay $230,000 for a book that they published?
I thought they were a self publishing company? Looks like a Kansas court agreed with what I have been telling you all along, that Author House is the publisher (vanity/subsidy/POD as it may be), not the author, and is responsible, just like any other publisher, for the content of books they publish.
How many books should I print on my first printing?
This is probably the number one question I get from the first time publisher. There is no easy answer, although the answer is certainly not none, as espoused by the POD publishing industry. If you are publishing a book, you need books, period. It’s just a matter of how many.
Why can't I make money with a POD Publisher?
Why can't I make money with a POD Publisher? I thought it was appropriate that I write the answer to this on April 1 because this industry represents one of the largest April fool's joke on the Internet. As potentially successful as the POD publisher's salesperson or website makes it appear, the numbers just don't add up.
How do I find a printer to print my book cost-effectively?
Finding a printer is easy. Finding a cost effective Book Printer who wants to deal with the small publisher is a bit harder. Most printers can print books. Few printers are book printers. Few book printers want to work with the first time publisher. But there is hope.
My printer tells me that the price of paper is increasing so my printing cost is going to rise. Is that true?
Yes! Unfortunately this is an Encore presentation of an article I originally wrote for the July 2004 newsletter. Different date, same story.
What are the differences between publishing a trade book and a children's illustrated picture book?
Besides the obvious, there are many more subtle differences between the two, not the least of which is the increased financial commitment. Modern digital printing technology has made it possible for an author to write a novel and print just a few copies of a pretty professional looking book for well under a thousand dollars.
Is the customer always right?
The originator of that cute little slogan, H Gordon Selfridge, founder of Selfridges of London, died quite mad and penniless. NO the customer is not always right but the customer is always the customer.
A Word of Thanks
A Word of Thanks - Today is the 64th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Over 295,000 American men and women gave their lives fighting and winning the war which followed that attack. Today we are engaged in a different war, following another attack, and America’s young men and women are once again fighting and dying for their country.
New Year Special - Summary of Compensation in the Publishing Field - 5th Edition, 2003
I know that most of you out there do not have to worry about lots of "staff" at this point in your publishing careers but I thought this report would make for interesting reading anyhow
A reader from last month's "Ask Ron" column states, "I don't believe that it was fair of you, in last month's article, to talk about the average number of books per author sold by 1st Books (77 per title). The average Amway dealer only makes $69 per month and there are some Amway dealers who are millionaires. "
A reader from last month's "Ask Ron" column states, "I don't believe that it was fair of you, in last month's article, to talk about the average number of books per author sold by 1st Books (77 per title). The average Amway dealer only makes $69 per month and there are some Amway dealers who are millionaires. "
I know that this isn't exactly a question but I couldn't have dreamed up a better example to illustrate exactly what is wrong with vanity presses like 1st Books.
Questions & Answers about the Publishing Process
Today's question is What type of text and cover proof will I receive before my book is printed?
Book Hits New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestseller list in 2 Weeks with No Advertising
Book Hits New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestseller list in 2 Weeks with No Advertising - With the precision of a military operation, Bryan and Jeffrey Eisenberg launched their new title Call to Action. Within two weeks their book reached bestseller status with 3 major newspapers as well as top ten listing on Amazon, all without the help of any major advertising budget.
In search of the perfect file: Why are printers starting to require PDF files only for printing?
I'll try to not get involved with a lot of techno-babble in answering this question. Let it just suffice to say that the printer wants to be able to say, with certainty, that "It is not my fault" when a problem appears on a proof.
How did your co-op booth work out at Book Expo America in Los Angeles? Is exhibiting at Book Expo a good idea for the small press publisher?
I am writing this from 34,000 feet, somewhere over the hinterlands of America, on my way back to New York City from Book Expo America (BEA) in Los Angeles...
Which trade customs do I need to worry about when I am dealing with the printer?
An unexpected stay in the hospital gave me new insight into understanding trade customs and their application in all of our business dealings. I think you'll like it.
Should I be looking outside the U.S. to print my black-and-white book?
Generally the answer is no. Paper, plates, and inks "the main materials in the printing process" cost the same here as they do anywhere else in the world.
Print on Demand: A method of printing or a form of distribution?
RJ Communications introduces Thor Distribution. It's all about availability. Print on Demand.
This is certainly a phrase that has been bantered around a lot lately. George Orwell would have loved this phrase (along with Subsidy Press). First off, we have had "Print on Demand" since the days of Benjamin Franklin. The customer "demands" and the printer "prints".
Can I still get my books printed before the holidays?
I guess that matter with what holiday you are referring to. Columbus Day? A definite no. Thanksgiving? You're getting real close. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza? SURE, depending on the type of book you are printing.
I am thinking of Self-Publishing my book with 1 st Books. How does their service compare to RJ Communications and www.BooksJustBooks.com ?
I am thinking of Self-Publishing my book with 1st Books (Author House). How does their service compare to RJ Communications and www.BooksJustBooks.com?
First off, you can't "self-publish" with 1st Books. To "self-publish" implies that you, "self" are the "Publisher". The most universally accepted method of recognizing a publisher is through the ownership of the ISBN...
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