Author Publishing Packages | Communications | Design Services | Distribution | Editorial | Production | Author Publishing Packages | Communications | Design Services | Distribution | Editorial | Production | Author Publishing Packages | Communications | Design Services | Distribution |
Self-Publishing Service Directory Autumn 2015 Editorial | Production | Author Publishing Packages | Communications | Design Services | Distribution | Editorial | Production | Author Publishing Packages | Communications | Design Services | Distribution | Editorial | Production | Author Publishing Packages | Communications | Design Services | Distribution | Editorial | Production | Author Publishing Packages Partner Member Code 3 Partnership authors in planning and involve We aspects of the key decision-making for titles and cover from process, publication strategies. design to sales and marketing Service work. our for are accountable We each step authors informed keep We good customer and provide of the way service and follow-up. Communication helpful and timely information provide We to authors at all stages of publication, authors to and facilitate and beyond, necessaryget access to any ancillary information. Community a long-term commitment have We and supportto author-publishing the authors empowerment of self-publishing to the community. giving back by • • • •
Integrity Membership that Partner recognise We of ALLi means our primary aim is to be of service to the writingand reading through follow that end, we To community. on all promised services and fully honour all advertisements and publication spam, never We terms. agreement authors to buy or harass oversell our services. Value to each publication add value We charged, with the fee commensurate tasks, publishing authors of key relieving design enhancing readability, or discoverability. Clarity can and cannot what we it clear make We writer — and the self-publishing do for our servicehow compares to others. Transparency Our price quotations are accurate, and complete. transparent • • • • PARTNER MEMBER CODE MEMBER PARTNER QUALITY OF A MEASURE Code Member Partner the ALLi Explaining from and ethics in self-publishing ALLi is committed to excellence including our Partner members. all our members, Every our single service listed in this directory by provider is vetted code of standards. with ALLi’s team in accordance Watchdog to ensure our members access services care every that take We tenets of Partner Membership: and comply with the following agree The aim of the directory is to connect the best author servicesindie authors with select the perfect can so they available, service the particular for project they’re currently working on. of the directoryThis latest version is brought Manager Partner Member our new by to you Dixon- Jane by and designed Lowe, Andrew indie authors of the great Smith, just two (Andy who also work as service providers. book one of the foremost Jane is an editor, designers in the UK.) each ALLi is all about working for together and feedback to hear your love so we’d other, Do get in touch. suggestions. an author service, or an author, And if you’re isn’t it a member of our alliance, and not yet joined us? time you ORNA ROSS DIRECTOR ALLIANCE OF INDEPENDENT AUTHORS
Each service listed here has been vetted by Each service by vetted listed here has been as adhering team, to ALLi’s Watchdog our also included have We code of conduct. For ‘How-To of articles,a range from our Advice Centre and blog. Authors’ Partner and ALLi’s This directory, attempt to is our association’s Membership, a trustworthy guide to the global author offer services sector. In an unregulated marketplace, where In an unregulated marketplace, the same service can cost $500 against the same thing, pretty much $15,000, for useless where shop; depending on where you where services are sold at inflated prices; imprints, with many one large operation dominates the practices, and controversial so stream and where there’s information find your do you how to learnmuch and to do, who to trust? know do you through? How way When an author sets out to self-publish, they they When an author sets out to self-publish, the by become overwhelmed can very quickly servicesThe self-publishing choices on offer. innovative on one hand exciting, sector is, idiosyncratic, on the other, and fast-growing; services Some illogical and incoherent. people who are knowledgeable, are run by others are dedicated, helpful and fair; callous and manipulative. greedy, clueless, Welcome to the latest edition of our self- to the Welcome our compilation servicespublishing directory, of the Partner Members by of services offered (ALLi). Authors Alliance of Independent WELCOME!
Welcome 2 Writing Services
AUTHOR ACCELERATOR SEENAPSE WRITING SERVICES Services Provided: Support, Collaboration Services Provided: Inspiration, Collaboration We work with authors brainstorming and Seenapse is the inspiration engine for creative Includes: plotting their books, give editorial feedback people who are looking for non-obvious, during the rough draft stage and subsequent divergent results to spark ideas. Think with Writing Tools, revisions, and then help with the development other people’s heads. It’s free! of a plan to pitch to agents and publishers. Support and Advocacy, http://seenapse.it Author Accelerator gives writers professional [email protected] Creative Guidance and consistent feedback, unwavering support, and a clear path to get you from idea to rough WRITING.IE draft. Along the way, we shut down doubt and boost confidence – so you actually finish the Services Provided: Writing Resources book and can be proud of what you’ve written. The world’s only national writing resources http://www.authoraccelerator.com website, www.writing.ie is an online magazine [email protected] packed full of tips, competitions, submission opportunities, interviews and giveaways – LITERATURE AND LATTE LTD aimed at writers everywhere. (SCRIVENER) www.writing.ie Services Provided: Writing Software THE WRITERS GUILD Creative writing can be messy and non-linear; Services Provided: Advocacy, Advice something word processors aren’t designed for. The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain is the trade Enter Scrivener, a powerful content generation union representing writers in TV, radio, theatre, tool for writers that allows you to concentrate books, poetry, film, online and videogames. In TV, on composing and structuring long and difficult film, radio and theatre, the Guild is the recognised documents, helping you get to the end of that body for negotiating minimum terms and practice awkward first draft. agreements for writers. We campaign and lobby www.literatureandlatte.com on behalf of all writers. By joining the Guild you [email protected] can help make our voice even stronger. www.writersguild.org.uk
ALLi INSIGHT: WRITING The first – and potentially most terrifying – stage in your self-publishing journey is to transform your ideas into words on the page. Every writer’s process is unique; some need psychological and motivational guidance, others will benefit more from being steered towards certain tools or techniques. Currently, the number of ALLi Partners who offer Writing services are limited, but we expect this field to experience dramatic growth for future editions of the directory.
5 Feature Feature 12 TOP WRITING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
ALLi Partner member Alison Jack, who is a 1. Try to avoid irrelevant storylines, the final chapter, I found it very difficult to so there’s no need to tell the reader, and professional editor, shares writing advice that although if a few sneak in a good editor let go. Luckily a friend read the epilogue if you haven’t yet been told it’s better to she wishes she’d known when she was writing will highlight them. and hated it, and I scrapped it before show rather than tell, you will be! her first book, Dory’s Avengers. sending the manuscript to prospective 2. In real life you get to know the people 8. Try not to overuse certain words. publishers. I’ve yet to read an epilogue Her top tips will boost the confidence of anyone you meet gradually, so think of ‘Just’, ‘only’, ‘again’, ‘back’ and ‘also’ are that adds anything to a story, so if you feel at the start of the self-publishing process – and introducing your characters in the favourites. Your editor will point these out. inclined to write one please question your plenty who have progressed beyond novice same way. A mistake I made was naming reasons for doing so. 9. Only use ‘started to’ or ‘began to’ if the status or who are trade-published. (Interesting too many characters in the opening pages action which follows is not going to to note, too, that this professional editor also of my book. A lot of these characters 6. Try not to be too wordy. Question every reach its natural conclusion. hired an editor for her own work – another turned out to be quite minor, and my poor adverb and adjective – do they enhance sound piece of advice!) readers wasted time trying to remember the sentence? Are you using complicated 10. Are you going to write in UK or them all. No character, not even the words when simple ones will do? Do American English? Decide on one and lead character, benefits from a huge you have a favourite word or phrase you be consistent. When I was writing my debut novel, I knew introduction on page one. It will leave your repeat over and over again? Your editor 11. Are you going to write in past or nothing about the publishing process and readers’ heads whirling, and they’ll forget should point these out if so, but do try to present tense? Ditto previous point. If scoured the Internet for advice. most of the details. If your protagonist is limit them. One of my favourite phrases in her twenties, pretty and called Jane, was ‘incandescent with rage’. If I’d been you’re writing in the first person, beware I found it by the bucketload, most of it that’s all you need to say to begin with. given free rein, my book would have been of suddenly switching to the second contradictory. This obviously wasn’t much help, Her outgoing personality, horse riding seething (literally!) with furious characters, person. For example: ‘I was working in my but over the years I have managed to sort the expertise and dedication to Chelsea but thanks to my editor the phrase only shop, and it was really busy. You couldn’t wheat from the chaff. Football Club (or whatever) will become appeared once, thus guaranteeing it stop for a second or the customers would complain you were going too slow’. I hope my experiences, both good and bad, apparent as the story progresses. maximum impact. will be of help to other new authors. 3. Only you can discover whether your 7. In dialogue, it soon becomes evident 12. The tidier your manuscript is when you natural writing style is to plot each which character is speaking at any one send it off for editing, the quicker and stage of the story carefully or see time. The words spoken often show who cheaper the process will be. Writing Your Book how it pans out. I am a pantser, but I is speaking and what mood they’re in, Apart from the basics: grammar rules, have edited excellent work by plotters. punctuation, spelling and sentence construction, Whichever style suits you is the correct there are no rules for writing a book. If someone style, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s not! tells you there are, ignore them. 4. Prologue – do you really need one? Perhaps you’ve heard of the ‘author voice’. This My debut novel’s prologue has regularly is unique to each individual writer. Don’t worry been slated as the weakest part of the if you make technical mistakes; a good editor book; some critics even said they didn’t will help you sort them out. The most important think they were going to enjoy the book thing from your point of view as an author is that until they got to chapter one. Everything nothing stifles your voice. You must allow your introduced in the prologue became writing to flow. apparent as the story progressed, anyway. Lesson learnt. Book number two will be The following list will give you a few hints, free of prologue. especially if you’re writing fiction. But I want to stress – they are guidelines, not rules. 5. Epilogue – you almost certainly Some are things I’ve learnt from writing my don’t need one. I originally included an own novel, others come from my experiences epilogue in my book because, despite the as a copy-editor. story coming to its natural conclusion in
6 7 Editorial Services 9 BOOK BUTCHERS Editorial Services Services Provided: The Book Butchers are talented book editors trimming meat from with decades of experience the have We skin from flesh. and separating fat, each precision right tools and techniques for and manuscript Our proofreading, editing cut. publish are tailored to help you packages review story. of your version the best possible www.bookbutchers.com [email protected] AVERILL BUCHANAN AVERILL Editorial Services Provided: developmental/ I offer Based in the UK, editing, proofreading, structural editing, copy consultancy (editorialrewriting, and publishing), I also do ebook and manuscript assessment. and interior layout and conversion, formatting in adult fiction and in I specialise print. for Member working authors. with independent and Proofreaders, Editors – Society for Proofreaders Editors, Freelance Association for (AFEPI) in Ireland. and Indexers www.averillbuchanan.com [email protected] INDIES BOOKS AWESOME Editorial Evaluation, Services Provided: Assessment and Award Editorial Reviews and professionals, publishing of editors, A group We writing with formal qualifications. reviewers book meets mainstream if your know let you let and if it doesn’t, we standards, publication need to do to bring it up to what you know you we standards, If it meets those that standard. Badge of Indies book the Awesome your award book to our website. , and add your Approval http://awesomeindies.net [email protected]
The Times and The Sunday Guardian in the ANDREW LOWE EDITORIAL Editing, Line Editing, Copy Services Provided: Editing, Manuscript Critique, Developmental and taglines) (blurbs Promotional Copywriting editing from an and sharp-eyed Friendly magazine editor/journalistexperienced turned book editor and author-publisher. also editing, but copy I specialise in collaborative (promo work and copywriting developmental offer with worked I’ve websites). taglines, blurbs, copy, written, and I’ve GQ and Vogue like major brands for ALLi members. 10% first-time discount for UK. Association, Member – Editorial Freelancers Editors and Proofreaders. Society for www.andrewloweeditorial.com [email protected] AIA AUTHORS SERVICE AIA AUTHORS Editorial, Author-Funded Services Provided: Book Design, Service, Cover Publishing Accreditation, Reviews Services is dedicated to helping AIA Authors’ on a tight authors produce quality products editing comprehensive offering We budget. design and a selective services, book cover service. author-funded publishing www.aiaauthorservices.com [email protected] ALISON’S EDITING SERVICE Editorial Services Provided: editing, priced copy reasonably I offer editing, along proofreading and developmental Although I specialise suggestions. with free blurb market,in fiction aimed at an adult or teenage of editing children’s experience I also have historicalbooks, books and memoirs. www.alisonjack-editor.co.uk [email protected]
Includes: Includes: Proofreading Copy Editing, Editing, Copy Editing, Developmental EDITORIAL SERVICES EDITORIAL
Welcome 8 Editorial Services CHAMBERPROOF recommended freelance proofreader, copy HELEN BAGGOTT JANEY BURTON Editorial Services editor and book/ebook formatter used to Services Provided: Proofreading, Copy Editing working with independent authors. Services Provided: Proofreading, Copy Editing Services Provided: Editorial, Consultancy, Contracts Chamberproof provides proofreading and I am professionally trained by SfEP (Society for I provide proofreading and copy editing for light copy editing for any form of manuscript, Editors and Proofreaders) and PTC (Publishing authors and businesses. Rather than read (and Individually tailored Editorial and Contracts checking for spelling, typos, consistency, format, Training Centre) and have been freelance since charge for) three reads of a manuscript, I offer services, and general publishing consultancy. grammar and appearance as well as suggesting to read and return a manuscript after each 2003. Read more about me and how I can help www.janeyburton.com occasional light textual alterations such as word separate check. This helps authors budget you on my website or at http://www.linkedin. [email protected] choice, sentence structure and use of English. com/in/daisyeditorial/. – there’s no financial commitment beyond each read. Also, should a plot discrepancy be We have extensive experience in novels, www.daisyeditorial.co.uk flagged, the author’s changes will be checked JC CONSULTANCY short stories and children’s fiction, as well as [email protected] during a subsequent read. This flexible academic work from CVs, student essays, Services Provided: Structural and approach provides authors with a service that is textbooks and polishing translated manuscripts. Developmental Editing, Copy Editing, Line both flexible and affordable. I will consider any EMERALD EDITORIAL SERVICES Editing, Proofreading, Research Services [email protected] subject/genre. Members of ALLi receive a 10% provided at SfEP rates Services Provided: Editorial discount off all prices quoted on my website. JC Consultancy is owned by Dr Janette Currie CYPRESS EDITING As editor, I’m your partner, a sympathetic www.helenbaggott.co.uk (PhD). Janette supports writers to develop reader who collaborates with you to ensure [email protected] Services Provided: Editorial, Production, your writing communicates your thoughts as their craft and achieve their creative ambitions. Author-Publishing Packages you intend. Together we transform text from Editing, mentoring, and creative writing advice INKSLINGER EDITING LLC is delivered via email and/or in person (UK). Cypress Editing is owned and operated by raw manuscript to polished gem. I love to give a SfEP Associate; Publishing Scotland Network Jennifer Zaczek, an accomplished professional manuscript, whether a novel, treatise, or journal Services Provided: Author-Publishing Member; Society of Authors member. Accepts editor. Jennifer has worked for newspapers, article, the attention it deserves. Packages, Developmental Editing, Line Editing, fiction and non-fiction. 10% discount on all a literary journal, a multipurpose publishing Web Design www.emeraldedit.com services for ALLi members and repeat clients. company, and an academic publisher. She [email protected] Inkslinger Editing acts as editor and mentor brings a multitude of skills and publishing www.janettecurrieconsultancy.co.uk for visionary authors transforming their writing knowledge to every project and is committed [email protected] lives, offering a unique, integrated approach to delivering quality work. FIRST PAGE, LAST PAGE to author mentorship, developmental editing, www.cypressediting.com Services Provided: Editorial boutique book design, and the building of web KATHARINE D’SOUZA [email protected] We are dedicated writers and ravenous readers & social media platforms tailored to the specific WRITING SERVICES and we know, first hand, the struggles of needs of writers. an indie writer. Our feedback is honest, but Services Provided: Structural Editing, DAISY EDITORIAL Through developmental and line editing, Copy Editing, Proofreading, Quick Critique, constructive. And we are always looking for new Inkslinger mentors authors in the creation of Services Provided: Proofreading, Editing, Writing Workshops. ways to nurture the storyteller in our clients and stunning narratives by charting out revision Design and Layout, Ebook Formatting empower them as small business authors. plans that enhance the books’ strengths, and Getting feedback on your writing isn’t just an Do you need help to get your writing ready www.firstpagelastpage.com build lasting connections with their readers. investment in a single project, but an investment for publication? I am an experienced and Through web and other design services, we in you as a writer. I’d like to help you improve, help launch the polished work and the story of without charging you a fortune to do so. My you, the author, to the world. advice will be realistic, practical, encouraging ALLi INSIGHT: EDITORIAL and good value. My aim is to help you become www.inkslingerediting.com a better writer and make your book the best it A book’s editorial development is rarely overlooked or handled solely by [email protected] can be. a successful author, and with good reason. There is a big difference between structural edits, beta-readings and final proofreads, and each of INKWELL WRITERS www.katharinedsouza.co.uk/editorial- these is crucial for ensuring your book is in the best shape possible. services.html Services Provided: Editorial, Readers Reports, [email protected] Writers are often too close to the words they have written to be 100% Agent Submission Assessment, Workshops, effective at editing and proofreading their own manuscript. This doesn’t Online Courses LANGUAGE + LITERARY mean you can’t play a role in the editing of your book, though, particularly if you are facing budget constraints. Ireland’s leading publishing consultancy and TRANSLATIONS literary talent scout. Through our critiquing, Services Provided: Translations, Editing and The trick is in finding the editor or editorial service that is right for you and assessment and editorial services we provide Proofreading in Foreign Languages, Promoting then developing the relationship. The ALLi Partner members in this section hands-on advice to move new authors closer to in Foreign Language Markets are proven and dedicated experts who will work with you to make your their writing goals. We get authors published. book polished and professional, before you send it out into the big wide Language+LiteraryTranslations is a co-op www.inkwellwriters.ie world, where it will be exposed to industry and reader/reviewer scrutiny. made up of translators, run and owned by
10 11 Editorial Services translators. We translate into French, Spanish, universities and individuals has taught me the PAULINE NOLET SARAH KOLB-WILLIAMS Editorial Services German, Italian, Portuguese etc. We are part of value of simplicity, whatever the audience. My an international network of highly experienced focus is the message, conveyed to the reader Services Provided: Editorial WRITING & EDITING native-speaking translation professionals, love honestly and understandably. I learned to read before I was four years old. Services Provided: Copy Editing, books and translate as a labour of love. www.markallenediting.com I LOVE books and if it has words on it – and Content Editing, Manuscript Assessment, www.literarytranslations.us [email protected] sits still long enough – I’ll read it! I am a full- Comprehensive Editing time editor, which allows me to minimize waiting [email protected] Sarah Kolb-Williams is a science fiction times and provide a fast turn-around time. editor, editorial consultant, and serial comma NIKKI BUSCH EDITING I am delighted to be involved with the writing enthusiast from the Midwest United States. She THE LITERARY CONSULTANCY community at a time when authors have so Services Provided: Line Editing, Copy Editing, has worked with independent authors since many opportunities and options for publishing Services Provided: Manuscript Assessment, Content Editing, Proofreading, Manuscript 2008 and currently specializes in mid-level edits their work. Copy Editing, Proofreading, Ghostwriting, Critique, Developmental Editing for science fiction and fantasy novels, novellas, Mentoring, Literary Events, Workshops, Full-time editor with publishing experience, www.paulinenolet.com and short stories. As an independent editor Annual Conference dozens of books under my belt, and a certificate herself, Sarah is proud to offer a 5% discount The Literary Consultancy is the UK’s first and in copy editing. I work with self-published REEDSY on all services to ALLi members. leading editorial and manuscript assessment authors who seek to elevate the quality of their http://www.kolbwilliams.com Services Provided: Editorial, Book Design, service, working nationally and internationally work. Many books I’ve edited are bestsellers; [email protected] since 1996. TLC provides professional some have won awards. Payment plans and Marketing, Translation, Production feedback to writers at all levels, from aspiring negotiable rates. Free promo tweets upon You already know you don’t need a publisher to SELF-PUBLISHING REVIEW to professional, from a team of 90 editors, publication. Member – Editorial Freelancers work with the best publishing professionals. But covering fiction, non-fiction, memoir, short Association. you still need to find them. Reedsy is a curated Services Provided: Editorial, Reviews stories, poetry and scripts. We also refer to marketplace with a set of collaborative tools http://www.nikkibuschediting.com Self-Publishing Review offers professional trusted, qualified copy editors, proofreaders and to allow authors to work with the best editors, [email protected] book reviews and editing services as well as ghostwriters on a case by case basis. illustrators and marketers for their books. featuring news, opinion, and how to’s on the TLC’s mentoring scheme, Chapter and Verse, NOVEL THINKING www.reedsy.com self-publishing process. Self-Publishing Review supports writers toward completing ongoing [email protected] was founded by award-winning author and book-length projects. We also host literary Services Provided: Editorial, Manuscript blogger Henry Baum in 2008 in Los Angeles. events for writers at our base, the world- Assessment, Critique, Substantive/ renowned Free Word Centre in London, and an Developmental Editing SALLY VINCE It is now a family business he runs with his wife, British self-published author and filmmaker Cate annual overseas writing retreat. Services Provided: Developmental I’m an experienced editor with a proven Baum. With a dedicated staff of professional Editing, Copy Editing, Proofreading, http://literaryconsultancy.co.uk/ record of success. The journey from idea to reviewers and editors from both the US and UK, Rewriting, Formatting. [email protected] finished book isn’t easy, but I can help you at SPR remains one of the top online resources every stage, with practical, professional and I have been providing editorial services for for self-published authors today. applicable advice. nearly thirty years, working with publishers, LUCY RIDOUT EDITORIAL SERVICES www.selfpublishingreview.com www.novelthinking.co.uk businesses and direct with authors. My aim is Services Provided: Structural Editing, Copy [email protected] to work with you to produce the best book you Editing, Rewriting possibly can, while retaining your voice. SHAKSPEARE EDITORIAL I am a freelance editor and an advanced OPUSCULE I will make suggestions for changes, together Services Provided: Editorial, Design, member of the Society for Editors and with giving my reasons, but respect that you Production, Distribution Proofreaders. I edit literary and commercial Services Provided: Editorial, Typesetting wish to maintain control over your book. I work Editor, proofreader and designer who can help fiction, narrative non-fiction and travel titles for for Print and Ebook in Adobe InDesign, with fiction and non-fiction, and in a variety of with structure, words, look and distribution of self-publishing authors and trade publishers. Photography, Image-Editing, Author Websites genres. I am also the author of many guidebooks for both print and ebooks (can supply ISBNs). Opuscule offers a range of services for the travel publisher Rough Guides. I like to work in partnership with authors and Alison Shakspeare has been in the business authors: Jodie has many years’ experience welcome dialogue during the editing process, over 20 years and works in fiction (children and www.lucyridout.co.uk in copy editing, proofreading and typesetting and am happy to provide advice at adults) and non-fiction (biography, business, [email protected] for academic texts (humanities and social all stages. arts and lifestyle). sciences) and general non-fiction, while Slink MARK ALLEN EDITORIAL provides image clean-up and re-touching, as www.EditorSal.com www.shakspeareeditorial.org well as original photography and website design [email protected] [email protected] Services Provided: Editorial for authors. My career as a copy editor and writer for www.opuscule.info newspapers, Fortune 500 companies, [email protected]
12 13 Editorial Services SMART EDIT We believe every author and every project is is synonymous with copy editing or with any But authors shouldn’t assume their book falls Feature unique, therefore we never offer one-size-fits-all kind of editing that you pay for. It’s not. Payment into that category. If authors have never had Services Provided: Editorial, Production, solutions, but instead tailor our services to help is not the defining aspect if you happen to have a book line edited by a professional, then Author-Publishing Packages authors meet their specific publishing goals. a qualified person who will do it for you for free they need to – at least once – because most authors, no matter how knowledgeable, do not SmartEdit is a new, editing tool for creative www.treehouseauthorservices.com The comprehensive nature of the editing is recognise the flaws in their own prose. writers and novelists. It’s not a replacement for authorservices@treehouseauthorservices. what makes a ‘professional edit.’ Many books a human editor. Neither is it designed to do your com don’t make Awesome Indies approval because Once you’ve worked with a line editor (a editing for you. It was built to act as an aid – a whoever did their editing either didn’t do a line ruthless one who isn’t afraid to chop out helper for when you begin editing your work. WENDY TOOLE edit, or wasn’t rigorous enough with it. redundancies and tells you why they make the www.cypressediting.com The editing was there, it just wasn’t edits they do) you’ll be a much better writer. Services Provided: Editorial, Critique comprehensive enough. [email protected] At the very least, work with an editor who Freelance editorial services for authors, will not let poor expression pass them by. THE CONTENT SPECIALIST LTD publishers and self-publishers of fiction and What Does a Some editors will copy edit a book and never non-fiction. Subjects and specialisms include concern themselves with things like poor Services Provided: Editorial, Manuscript literary and historical fiction; biography, Comprehensive word choice and overwriting. I can’t let a badly Critique, Ebook Production (including autobiography and memoir; English literature worded sentence pass me by no matter how formatting, file conversion, cover design and literary studies; history and art history. Edit Entail? grammatically correct it is. and interactive content production) www.wendytooleeditorial.com A comprehensive edit includes four different Authors need to ask for a line and a copy edit, We provide a range of editorial and design [email protected] kinds of edits, and each requires a separate and if the editor doesn’t seem to know the services for authors, from developmental pass over the material. difference, the author should find someone editing to creating interactive ebook content. WRITE WORDS EDITORIAL The best results are achieved when two or who does. www.contentspecialist.co.uk more editors work on one project, as is the case [email protected] Services Provided: Editorial, Copywriting with mainstream publishers. Fresh perspectives (website content, blogs and press releases) mean fewer errors and more than one opinion Which Types of Editing TREEHOUSE AUTHOR SERVICES WriteWords helps people tell their story. We of subjective points. Do Indie Authors Need? offer editing services to self-published authors These edits are: Services Provided: Editorial, Print Layout who want the benefit of a fresh pair of eyes Out of the four kinds of edits, the one Awesome (interior and cover design), Ebook Formatting, before going to print, or who want detailed The developmental/structural edit – this Indies reviewers find most lacking in indie books Promotional Materials feedback on their work. We also offer creative works on the big stuff: plot, pacing, character is the line edit. We see many books with great writing workshops to adults and children. development and so on. stories that have been well copy edited and Treehouse provides editorial, proofreading, and proofed, yet they still need a line edit, or a more custom interior and cover design services for www.writewordseditorial.ie The line edit – this works with the prose: rigorous one. authors at each stage of the publishing process [email protected] word usage, clarity of expression, sentence construction, eliminates overwriting, An author can do a certain amount of self- unnecessary repetition and so on. editing, but no author can do a definitive edit of their own work. Copy edit – checks grammar, punctuation and spelling; The problem is that the author knows what they’re trying to say, but the reader doesn’t. DIFFERENT KINDS OF Proofread – the final pair of eyes to pick up The line editor makes sure that the author is anything missed by the copy editor. expressing their ideas as clearly, elegantly and EDITING – DEFINITIONS Structural and developmental editing can be succinctly as possible. approximated by asking beta-readers for their A good line editor makes sure that the prose opinions, but the results are only as good as the reads well, and their edits make an author’s FOR INDIE AUTHORS readers’ ability to analyse the work and suggest voice stronger and clearer. ways to improve it. An author that neglects the line edit risks a Few readers have the ability to do this to the product full of poorly written prose. “What kind of edit does my manuscript need?” “But I’ve had my book professionally edited,” degree required, so unless the beta-readers “What do editors actually do?” “What’s the authors often tell the Awesome Indies are editors or experienced reviewers or authors Most readers will not notice, but anyone with difference between editing and proofreading?” submissions coordinator when he tells them themselves, I advise getting the opinion of higher education in English literature, linguistics, that their book does not meet the same editorial Common questions among author-publishers a professional. A manuscript appraisal is journalism, editing or creative writing will, and standard as a mainstream-published book. striving to make their books the best they the cheapest way to do it. if you want to be sure that your book is of the same standard as a mainstream published can be prior to publication. Tahlia Newland, It seems that many authors are not clear on Line and copy editing are often thought to be coordinator of manuscript appraisal service what is meant by ‘professionally edited’. book, then all four kinds of editing the same thing, probably because they can be are necessary. Awesome Indies, offers some clarity. A common misunderstanding is that the term done by the same person at the same time if the book doesn’t need heavy line editing. 14 15 Design & Formatting Services
BOOK COVER CAFE DAMONZA DESIGN & FORMATTING Services Provided: Cover Design, Typesetting, Services Provided: Cover Design, Print Layout, Ebook Conversion, Copy Editing and Layout and Ebook Formatting, Author Proofreading, Publishing Set-Up and Book websites, Audiobook Covers SERVICES Your award-winning one-stop shop for creating Books Made Awesome. Damonza.com and publishing a quality book with a team of specializes in cover design, formatting, author professionals who care, without the headaches. websites, marketing material and more – for Includes: self-published authors and publishers. Not only do you get great service with our Cover Design, combined experience of over 25 years in www.damonza.com Promotional Materials, publishing with staff who have worked at traditional publishers, you’ll get after-service DESIGN FOR WRITERS Web Design support to ensure you publish your book successfully. Our team is ready when you are. Services Provided: Book Cover Design, Interior Formatting, Website Design BookCoverCafe.com [email protected] Design for Writers provides professional design services for writers, publishers and COINLEA SERVICES writing organisations. Our services include cover design, website Services Provided: Developmental Advice, design & development, and design & print of Copy Editing, Proofreading, Design and promotional materials. We’ve been working with Formatting for Ebook/Print clients across the globe since 2009 and have a We aim to help you polish your manuscript to range of offerings to the best it can be, before you publish. We can suit most budgets. help with every step of the writing process, www.designforwriters.com but specialise in the final design, layout and [email protected] proofread of your printed book or ebook. www.coinlea.co.uk I DO BOOK COVERS [email protected] Services Provided: Cover Design, COOK STREET PUBLISHING Promotional Services Great content deserves the right book cover. Services Provided: Design People really do judge books by their covers. Cook Street Publishing is a fiction publisher So if you’ve written a great work, it pays to who also create websites designed for any invest in a proven ebook cover designer. device. We create electronic versions of our My award-winning covers have led to double books in every available format for Kindle, sales overnight, and can turn a non-seller into Nook, iPhones, iPads, and any electronic an Amazon chart-topper within days. reader. We also create beautiful paperback books for you to take to the beach or read www.idobookcovers.com at home in the bathtub (bubble bath optional). www.cookstreetpublishing.com
17 Design & Formatting Services NY MEDIA WORKS SCARLETT RUGERS BOOK Design & Formatting Services ALLi INSIGHT: DESIGN & FORMATTING Services Provided: Content Design DESIGN AGENCY Self-publishing critics often point to the gulf of quality between independent NY Media Works is a boutique publishing Services Provided: Design, Interior Layout and mainstream design. If – as ALLi advocates – you are aiming for your company and content provider for new media, book’s look and feel to be indistinguishable from its traditionally published High quality design and service for both film, theater and television. Located in the counterparts, you need to budget for a professional design service. traditional and independently published authors. heart of Tribeca, we collaborate with artists Books are judged by their covers. Your writing may well be top quality, Our goal is to help you be the best author you and filmakers from around the world to create but you will scare away potential readers if the presentation (outside can be, and to be a key player in changing the inspiring and compelling content to entertain and inside) isn’t of an equally high standard. perception of the self-publishing industry into audiences of all ages. one of traditional publishing quality. www.nymediaworks.com www.booksat.scarlettrugers.com [email protected] JESSICA BELL’S BOOK COVER KIM McGILLIVRAY ROBIN LUDWIG DESIGN INC. DESIGN SERVICES Services Provided: Cover Design Services Provided: Book Cover Design, VAforAUTHORS.com Swag Design, Printing, Graphic Design Services Provided: Book Cover Design Experienced image-maker with many years Services Provided: Manuscript Conversion (Ebook, Paperback, Hardcover) of professional experience translating texts into Robin Ludwig Design Inc. is a full time book to Ebooks and Print books, Author Websites effective cover designs for major publishers I charge 250 Euro ($285 USD, $3 80 AUD, £190 cover design, advertising, and printing business Social Media, Writers’ Group Talks in the UK, US and worldwide. Increasingly, which strives to meet our clients’ needs and GBP) for a package which includes: Paperback Sarah at VAforAuthors.com can guide you I am exploring new possibilities in publishing specifications on time and at reasonable rates. and eBook covers, an unlimited time to discuss through the self-publishing maze and give you arising from emergent platforms and We provide a combination of professional ideas via email, up to 2 image downloads via more time to write by offering practical help professional models. This includes providing design, personal service, and affordable prices Shutterstock.com, three rounds of revisions. which is tailored to your individual author needs. design services for independent authors and that cannot be found elsewhere. If you also require a hardcover dust jacket, other forms of collaboration. She can help you build your author platform, add 80 Euros to your original price. If you are www.gobookcoverdesign.com www.kimfolio.com market and promote your books and could even an Author member of ALLi, you’re eligible for [email protected] [email protected] speak at your writers’ group. 50% off. For more pricing details please visit my website. www.vaforauthors.com LAWSTON DESIGN [email protected] www.jessicabellauthor.com/book-cover- design-services Services Provided: Cover Design, Interior [email protected] Design, Marketing Design I’ve worked with lots of big publishers but JD SMITH DESIGN I love working with independent authors, too. I believe that professional design can help you Services Provided: Cover Design, and your book go further and I’d like to be a Promotional Design part of your journey! Suitable for businesses, sole traders, small Every book, cover and interior I produce is groups and organisations, publishers custom designed, tailored to you. I believe that outsourcing design, small press, indie eye-catching, well-crafted design increases the collaboratives and self-published authors, value of your book to readers and booksellers. I offer a range of professional graphic design I will never supply pre-made covers. Your book and typesetting services to clients worldwide. matters to me, so my design will reflect that. Brochures, leaflets, flyers, stationery, business Your book design will receive as much careful cards, appointment cards, invitations, posters, attention as it needs to become the best it can exhibitions, magazines, catologues, advertising, be. I’ll make sure you’re completely happy with postcards, packaging, book covers, typesetting your book before it goes to press. I will design and much more. If you’re not sure, just ask. your package around you, your objectives and your budget. Every time you work with me we’ll www.jdsmith-design.com build a package dedicated to what you need at [email protected] the time. www.lawstondesign.com [email protected]
18 19 Feature Feature HOW TO BUILD A GREAT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUTHOR AND DESIGNER
Australian professional book designer The one key to making the author/book How it Should Work The Power of Empathy Scarlett Rugers offers advice on the best designer relationship awesome is simple: way for self-published authors to build a great just talk it out. The author/designer relationship can be I’ve been writing since 1998, and it is my first working relationship with book designers – relaxing, and easy-going, and open. Whenever love. I know how it feels to be the author, not Speaking as a professional book designer, and her top tip is pleasingly straightforward. I talk with an author, I tell them straight up that knowing what the hell to do next or whether the I know that authors can be hesitant to contact the most important thing about working together money is going to be worth the investment. me for many reasons: is communication. You’ve spent months on this manuscript – They don’t know what to expect. This is not me dictating to you what will work maybe years – and now publishing is so close They don’t know what is expected of them. best and that’s that, nor is it you telling me why you’re getting paper cuts. I get it, I really do. we have to have
20 21 Production & Distribution services 23
Michael Miller, debut author debut Michael Miller, CLAYS SELF-PUBLISHING CLAYS Printing, and Storage Services Provided: Project Management, Consultation, Distribution, Production, Design, Editorial. book When it comes to production, Clays with our extensive coupled printing facilities, servicesportfolio of value-added – including origination, and pre- fulfilment, distribution, comprehensive a offer now retail – means we self-publishers. for package get to know With just one point of contact, we work hard to We all of our authors inside out. understand their individual needs – what they where trying to achieve, what they’re expect, are along the journey of the publishing they then tailor our service to provide We process. or as little supportas much need. as they of has become as much Self-publishing Clays consultancy servicea publishing as a printer. http://www.clays.co.uk/self-publishing/ [email protected] to suit your needs and goals.” to suit your “Genuine about tailoring“Genuine the process Want to be sure what is best for what is best for to be sure Want a FREE 1-on-1 Book project? your tailored advice on get: consultation to pricing, suggestions; cover title; your and printing format distribution, as options and publicity. marketing as ideas for well 1-on-1 email the address book your To ALLiDIR. with the code: below www.iamselfpublishing.com [email protected] Editing, proofreading, Editing, proofreading, Services Provided: printing,design, typesetting, eBook (websites, author branding conversion, press releases, social media, bookmarks, author etc.) and an online video trailers course. marketing service. are a full manuscript to market We books produce beautiful Not only do we the tools, you give also we but and eBooks, need to you materials and knowledge work successfully. your market course author marketing Our comprehensive to create and authors at all levels empowers their plan for the best marketing execute in the a real advantage you It will give work. –most challenging area of self-publishing work. your getting people to buy BLUEBIRD CONSULTING Production Services Provided: clients I am a production consultant, helping my choose, they format their books in any publish print only or both. whether that is electronic, them a to give clients I work closely with my personal, tailored service to help them get the want. quality books they great www.bluebird-consulting.com [email protected] BB EBOOKS Production, Interior Services Provided: Mobi, Ebooks/Print, Epub, for Formatting Interior PoD PDF Ebook, .doc, Smashwords, or Lightning Source CreateSpace for BB eBooks is committed to providing all design services ebook for professional are an independent press whether they clients, author. or a self-publishing BB eBooks are ready All ebooks designed by Barnes immediate sale at Amazon, Noble, & for and all other major Smashwords, Kobo, iBooks, eBook platforms. bbebooksthailand.com [email protected]
Includes: Includes: Print on Demand, on Print Ebook Conversion Ebook PRODUCTION & & PRODUCTION DISTRIBUTION SERVICES DISTRIBUTION
Welcome 22 Production & Distribution services DISCMAKERS Chinese, Simplified Chinese and English. We GUNBOSS BOOKS INSCRIBE DIGITAL Production & Distribution services also work with distributers in China and Taiwan Services Provided: Production to promote our digital and print books. Services Provided: Production, Copy Editing, Services Provided: Distribution, Conversion, Promotion, Website Design, Author Publishing Metadata Optimization, Pre-Order From post-production expertise to tune up your www.ebookdynasty.net Packages, Submission to IngramSpark, Lulu, Management, Pricing and Promotional Support project, to distribution packages to help you [email protected] CreateSpace, Smashwords and Kindle sell your finished product, you can count on INscribe Digital is a trusted, full-service digital Direct Publishing Disc Makers no matter where you are in the publishing solution for professional authors. manufacturing process. EBOOK LAUNCH We have over 20 years’ experience in print and We work one-on-one with authors to build digital media design. strategies, title-by-title, to effectively navigate We’ve been in this business since 1946, and Services Provided: Production, Cover Design the digital publishing marketplace. we’ve grown to be the leading independent Ebook Launch is a book formatting company Gunboss offers ebook and print design services CD and DVD manufacturer in the country by for both ebooks and print. to authors, with an emphasis on getting the best We provide guidance based on years of offering superior products and services one results for your book, including cover design, publishing experience that will ensure you customer at a time. Our focus is formatting for Smashwords, copy editing and submission of your book to reach your goals. Five title minimum. Amazon KDP, Google Play Books and your chosen outlet, like CreateSpace, Kindle or www.discmakers.com www.inscribedigital.com Createspace. Ebook Launch also designs Smashwords. covers for ebooks and POD. [email protected] 10% discount for ALLi Members. DRAFT2DIGITAL www.ebooklaunch.com www.gunboss.com LETTERTEC Services Provided: Distribution [email protected] [email protected] Services Provided: Printing and Binding Draft2Digital is the second largest ebook EBOOK PARTNERSHIP distributor for small publishers and self- INGRAMSPARK Lettertec is one of Ireland’s leading design and published authors. Services Provided: Production, print specialists. As the market leader in book Services Provided: Distribution, Production binding/self-publishing, we are your expert We provide simple conversion into beautiful, Ebook Distribution partner to provide quality integrated design, professional-quality ebooks. From our IngramSpark is the only publishing platform We work with independent authors and print and binding solutions. website, authors can distribute to several of publishers. Specialists in all types of Ebook that delivers fully integrated print and digital the industry’s most powerful sales channels. conversion, including fixed layout. distribution services to the book industry www.lettertec.com Draft2Digital services over 8,000 unique through a single source. authors who have sold more than Ebook Partnership offers one of the most What does that mean? Once you finish and 5.5 million copies. extensive eBook distribution networks available. Authors and publishers receive format your book we make it possible to share it www.draft2digital.com 100% of royalties paid by the retailers. Proud with the world. to deliver a personal service, see testimonials A relationship with IngramSpark allows you to EBOOK DYNASTY page on our website. focus on your specialty – creating innovative content – while we manage the dull stuff: Services Provided: Translation, Design and www.ebookpartnership.com printing, shipping and distribution. Formatting, Production, Distribution, Marketing [email protected] and Promotion, Rights and Contracts www.ingramspark.com/Portal/Help Based in Melbourne, Australia, Ebook Dynasty FORMATTING EXPERTS helps all English-language authors, agents Services Provided: Production, Ebook and publishers to translate, publish and Formatting, PoD Formatting, Book Cover promote their titles as Chinese (e)books in both Design, Publishing Assistance Simplified Chinese (for readers in China) and Traditional Chinese (for readers in Taiwan and Our team is dedicated to taking the stress Hong Kong). and technical complexity out of Ebook and paperback publishing, so you, the author, can ALLi INSIGHT: PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION We provide professional and bilingual focus on the things you’re good at – writing and Distribution can be a tricky issue, mainly because there are so many assistance on Chinese (e)book translation, connecting with your readers. factors varying from author to author, and even book to book. Depending design & formatting, production & distribution, on the territories you want to target, whether you want to distribute in print We take care of production and design while marketing & promotion resources, as well as or digital (or both) or how hands-on you’d like to be, there are options providing you the support, assistance and rights & contracts. ranging from picking one distributor to a combination of many, or even knowledge you need to publish successfully. We promote our (e)books through social media going it alone and working directly with a small group of retailers. www.formattingExperts.com (including Facebook, Twitter, Plurk, Pinterest, Don’t be afraid to shop around and see which services will fit your specific [email protected] Tumblr and Sina Weibo), two blogs, our online needs. If you are looking for reviews of the major distribution services, you (e)bookstore and e-newsletters in Traditional can also look at our regular reviews on selfpublishingadvice. org.
24 25 Production & Distribution services OSMORA.COM READ OUT LOUD PUBLISHING LLP Services Provided: Free high quality Services Provided: Local Printing, Distribution conversion from Word to Epub/Kindle formats, within India, including book stores, Book Free distribution to Amazon, iBookstore, Google Marketing/Promotions Play/Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and more. Read Out Loud provides Indian market access Manage an unlimited number of ebooks directly to authors globally. High quality printing (Digital/ from your dashboard account. Track and Offset) that matches International Standards; monitor worldwide sales in real time. sale of physical copies on all leading online 10% commission on sales. sales portals like Amazon.in, Flipkart, etc; availability of books in physical stores, including Osmora is the fastest, easiest most economical chain stores like Crossword and independent Cloud-based, automated SAAS (Software As stores across India; online book marketing A Service) ebook aggregator, empowering indie services focusing on the Indian reader base; authors and self-publishers to convert, format, Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Social Media publish, monitor, promote and sell high quality management, online PR. ebooks on the largest retail channels worldwide. For authors in India we also provide print PR, osmora.com author events and speaking opportunities. [email protected] http://www.readoutloud.in PUBCODER [email protected] Services Provided: Enhanced book SCOTFORTH BOOKS and app creation with no programming knowledge needed Services Provided: Design, Editorial, Sales and Marketing Advice, Publishing Packages PubCoder is the perfect tool for creating and publishing digital and interactive ebooks and The friendly book publishing and production apps with ease. company with 30 years’ experience of helping authors. Ours is a personal, professional Layout your project and export it as an Epub service offering expertise in all aspects of ebook for Apple iBooks, Readium, Kobo, publishing. We believe self-publishing should Google Play Books, KF8 for Amazon Kindle, be an enjoyable process and one where authors native app for iOS and Android devices, work with people who genuinely care about and HTML5. No coding needed. Officially doing a great job. recommended by Apple iBooks. www.scotforthbooks.com www.pubcoder.com [email protected] [email protected]
26 Feature Take Control with Independent Publishing With Independent Publishing from Amazon companies and their affiliates, you’ll be able to HOW TO USE maintain creative control, own your copyright, publish easily, distribute globally and earn high royalties. What’s more, as the publishing industry evolves and more opportunities arise, we will continue to bring you new services to help further your success. CREATESPACE AND INGRAM SPARK TOGETHER
As a response to Jim Giammatteo’s invaluable Ingram ALLi Watchdog piece recommending that indie authors use both CreateSpace and Lightning Ingram is the largest worldwide distributor of Source simultaneously for effective distribution print books. When a bookstore orders a book, of print books (http://www.selfpublishingadvice. it probably comes from Ingram (perhaps org/watchdog-ingram-spark-vs-createspace-for- through an intermediary). Ingram offers two self-publishing-print-books/), US novelist Karen services for publishers: Lightning Source Myers offers a personal case study of how this International (LSI) and IngramSpark. Publish Digitally with Kindle Direct Publishing Publish to Print with CreateSpace system works for her. kdp.amazon.com createspace.co.uk The former is for “real” publishers and was • Free and easy to publish your book. • Free and easy tools to create, publish and distribute The following observations reflect Karen’s all they offered until a couple of years ago. • Publishing takes just minutes, and your book will appear your book. personal understanding of the differences Its contracts are daunting, its interface is a bit on Amazon sites within a day. • Comprehensive and affordable book services, between the two services, based on my own clumsy, and its communications are a bit slow • A variety of file types accepted. Learn more at including design, editing and marketing. Email and others’ observations. They do not include and sometimes cryptic (especially to indie bit.ly/kdp-format. [email protected]. private information received from any of the publishers who aren’t familiar with publishing • Wide distribution options on Amazon sites. • Wide distribution options through Amazon.com, vendors involved. industry terms). • Royalties of up to 70%. Learn more at bit.ly/kdp-royalty. Amazon.co.uk, Amazon’s European websites and more. • • Increased earning potential and additional promotional tools Industry-leading royalties and transparent rates. Learn Indie publishers and others lamented, and through the KDP Select programme. Learn more more at bit.ly/csp-royalty. Ingram offered a new service – Spark – with a at bit.ly/kdp-select. • Help when you need it with our 24/7 phone and email friendlier front end and slightly more restricted support. Learn more at bit.ly/csp-contactus. discounting terms. • Wide array of resources and access to the CreateSpace Community. They stopped letting most indies into LSI • Find out more about setting up your title using our once Spark was launched (I got into LSI just How To Guide at bit.ly/csp-how-to. in time). Both systems, I understand, use the same back-ends and services – the only difference seems to be that there are fewer discount terms on Spark, and the front end/ customer service is easier for the newbie.
Make Your Book Available in Audio through Take Advantage of Additional Support Services Ingram will charge you for returns, an area that terrorizes new indie publishers because Audiobook Creation Exchange • Author Central Tools: authorcentral.amazon.co.uk acx.com This free service lets you enhance your author page with they don’t know what to expect. (These days, • Free and easy to use to create and sell audiobooks. biography, images, videos, Twitter feeds and more; and it seems to be pretty harmless, now that get help from experienced staff. • Choose from thousands of voice actors, studio pros, bookstores have adopted just-in-time ordering and audio publishers, or narrate your audiobook yourself. • Amazon Associates: affiliate-program.amazon.co.uk practices instead of ordering in bulk and Connect your website to Amazon and earn up to 10% • Work with a professional producer to help manage returning leftovers.) from referrals. your project from start to finish. • Search Inside the Book: amazon.co.uk/searchinside • Sell your audiobook through Amazon, Audible, and Attract more customers with a preview of your book, iTunes, and their global partners. 1-Click purchasing and improved search results for free. CreateSpace • Earn royalties of 25% for non-exclusive distribution • Amazon Advantage: advantage.amazon.co.uk and 40% for exclusive distribution, plus $50 bonuses Use Amazon to help manage your existing inventory and CreateSpace (CS) is owned by Amazon and each time an Audible member chooses your audiobook distribute your books. intended for indie publishers. It’s user-friendly, as a first purchase. • Fulfillment by Amazon: services.amazon.co.uk with good customer service. It used to charge a • Free promotional tools available to help you maximize Let Amazon pick, pack and ship your existing books. your earning potential. fee per book, like Ingram, but then dropped that altogether. It lets you use a CS ISBN if you don’t have one of your own. (Ingram requires you to have your own ISBNs, like a ‘real’ publisher).
Ver. UK 04.15 29 Feature (EVEN IF YOU USE YOUR OWN ISBN, NOT book with that ISBN – you’ll get an “already Feature ONE PROVIDED BY CS.) there” error if it hasn’t been removed yet. You may have to nag CS customer service This means that when a bookstore (including until that’s done. The update cycles between online) looks for your print book, they the vendors take a while. Be persistent. search the Ingram database, find it under ‘Publisher=CreateSpace’, and if they are Do NOT load your book to Ingram with a sensitive about Amazon as a competitor they different ISBN to avoid this process – having may refuse to carry it. the same edition of your book with different For example, at Barnes&Noble, where my ISBNs will cause problems. If you used a CS ebooks are sold, my print books appeared ISBN, consider it to be retired after the book is as “available from third parties” (when I only removed from the Ingram database – you can used CS). Some bookstores think of Amazon only use your own ISBN there. as competition, and others associate CS with This means you should recreate your Amazon upstart ‘indies’ and make knee-jerk CS edition with your own ISBN, too, after this assumptions about low quality. is done, so that your book has the same ISBN If you use Ingram directly, you will pay an regardless of the retailer. annual fee for the book, it’s not as friendly You can use the same PDF book interior file as CreateSpace, and you will need an ISBN. at both CreateSpace and Ingram, but you will But your books appear to bookstores as probably need to adjust the PDF cover file ‘Publisher=YourPublisherName’ and no-one because the paper stock used is not identical, can tell that you’re an indie publisher (there are and thus the paper thickness is not identical, thousands of publisher imprints). making the width of the spine different for This means that your print books now appear each service. at online retailers – matching your ebooks – and bookstores are willing to carry them. PoD Quality Except for the ISBN, the Ingram costs are In fact, it requires a CS ISBN for the Library (which it owns) or because Ingram sees trivial. Here’s my thinking on why you need your The level of quality for the two services’ PoD portion of its expanded distribution service, Amazon as competition, or just because there own ISBNs anyway, though lots of indies just products seems to be similar, now that CS presumably due to its relationship with is currently no contractual arrangement go for the short-term savings instead: http:// offers matte as well as glossy covers. Ingram Baker & Taylor. between Amazon and Ingram allowing it to hollowlands.com/2014/03/why-you-should-buy- offers more formats (for LSI, maybe not Spark) stockpile titles. isbns-for-your-books/ than CS, but since you will want the same There are two basic levels of CS distribution: formats for both services, that doesn’t matter. Amazon-related, and Expanded. The Amazon- When Amazon receives an order for your PoD (The current best-practice recommendation related is closely tied to the KDP program, so book, and finds you available via CreateSpace, is to use CreateSpace for Amazon (not the Both PoD vendors are of reasonable quality linking your ebook and your CS PoD book is the service is immediate. expanded services) and Ingram (LSI or Spark) these days, but not quite as good as bulk easy. CS also offers a webstore, for what for everywhere else.) printing, and errors can happen (tilted covers, I believe Amazon automatically preorders that’s worth (I’ve never sold a book there). defects). There is anecdotal discussion of third- stock from CS so that it will be available for The Expanded service compares directly party services doing the actual printing for CS sale, invisibly to you, and you are not charged to Ingram. Distributing via Ingram and causing quality control issues, but in my if it sits there forever or is returned. If You Are Already experience the problem rate is low. So why not only use CreateSpace – free You can tell the difference between PoD Buying a Print Book ISBN, no charge for books, ease of ordering Distributing Via books printed by Ingram and CS if you look at Amazon? Because there’s a whole wide From Amazon closely (paper thickness, colour). Therefore world out there that isn’t Amazon. CreateSpace I recommend that you put all the books in a Here’s how it works under the covers, as far If you are already on CS and want to go to series in both places, rather than have some in as I and others can tell… Buying a Print Book Ingram, you must FIRST remove your book one place, and some in another. When Amazon receives an order for your PoD from CS expanded services (so that it is A customer who orders them all will tend to do book, and finds you only available via Ingram, Anywhere Else removed from the Ingram database). so via the same retail channel and should get the buyer can receive a “there will be a delay” CS is not a worldwide distributor (other than This will take a week or two and won’t disturb perfectly matched sets. If you are going to be message from Amazon. I believe this reflects for Amazon). When you use the CS expanded any of your Amazon customers (and you delayed placing all of your books with both PoD Amazon’s unwillingness to pre-order from services, what happens is that CS uses Ingram probably don’t have many other customers for vendors, do them series by series. Ingram and store in its own warehouses. I’m to distribute the print book (like many other your ‘Publisher=CreateSpace’ entry). not sure if this is because Amazon considers small vendors). It registers your book in the You will need to check that it’s been removed Ingram to be competition to CreateSpace Ingram database, as ‘Publisher=CreateSpace’ by going to Ingram and trying to enter your
30 31 Marketing & Promotion Services 33 BLUE INK REVIEW Promotional Services Provided: Services, Reviews service review is a fee-based BlueInk Review titles. to self-published exclusively devoted penned reviews honest, objective BlueInk offers appeared have whose bylines professionals by BADASS MARKETING BADASS Branding, Author Services Provided: Building, Platform Book Launches, Advertising and Publicity personality distills an author’s Badass Marketing brand. and turns it into an unforgettable ad campaigns and get the create kickass We started books. buzz for book launch plans, massive put together We the and get those books to the top of lists. Amazon make social campaigns, launch viral We and get book trailers, live-action fabulous naughty with memes. inner badass! unleash your We In short: www.badassmktg.com [email protected] BAKERVIEW CONSULTING Social Media Consultancy Services Provided: that authors need a social media I believe changing ever to succeed in today’s platform world of selling books. and be an author, to should be allowed Authors to be a technology expert not expected to be doesn’t need social media platform Your Let me complicated, difficult or time consuming. work with technology! help you www.bakerviewconsulting.com
AUTHORRISE Book Performance Services Provided: Managing Social Media Marketing, Tracking, Authors Ads for and Running Paid authors tools for of a range provides AuthorRise real-time to track Tracker including a Book templates and marketing book performance, to more efficiently use social media. a paid-ad service called Spike also offer We our Boost that runs social media ads for experience books when they members’ in sales on Amazon. ‘spike’ a www.AuthorRise.com [email protected] AUDIO BYTE Audio Services Provided: Consultancy Marketing, A full-service audio and podcast consultancy recorded creating and producing professionally authors, and polished audio content for and entrepreneurs to reflect their businesses with and use online to communicate brand their audience. www.audio-byte.co.uk [email protected] AUTHOR MARKETING CLUB Advice, Services Provided: Resources Marketing tools and provides Club Marketing Author and first-time authors experienced for training to help them sell more books. 20,000 members working together Join over to learn about successful book marketing. a free membership at: Grab www.authormarketingclub.com
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Our powerful, award-winning suite of www.blueinkreview.com creation and social marketing tools is used by Marketing is not a grubby must-do where you try to manipulate or bludgeon [email protected] thousands of writers around the world to share the reader, but an opportunity to more fully engage with what we’re trying stories, reach new readers, track engagement to say as writers – and a way to go out and meet our readers and carry BOOKPRES and build a dynamic author brand that drives forward our message. book sales. Services Provided: Email Marketing, Sales, Viewed this way, your social updates and marketing can become a creative Social Media, Analytics Visit bublish.com via the link below to opportunity – which is surely why we write? experience our Authorpreneur Dashboard Bookpres have created a marketing platform for a free 30-day trial. for independent publications that is built to get yourself and your work noticed as an author www.bublish.com/promo or publisher. [email protected] CIRCLE OF SEVEN PRODUCTIONS CREATETHINKDO Through Bookpres, you have the opportunity Services Provided: Promotional Tools, Services Provided: Marketing Mentoring, to easily market, sell and grow your audience, CAMERON MARKETING Multimedia Production, Online Marketing Marketing Audit and Strategy Review, Events all in one place. We have put together a set AND PUBLICITY LTD Circle of Seven Productions (COS Productions), Consultation, Publishing Consultation of carefully selected tools, which will make Services Provided: Publicity Campaigns, created the first Book Trailer in 2002. We Expand your marketing skills with it easier for you to handle all your marketing continues to be the leader in book trailer activities and increase sales. Press Releases, NetGalley Listings, Social CreateThinkDo. For independent authors Media, Website Design production in the U.S., winning several and creative professionals, CreateThinkDo https://bookpres.com prestigious awards for both broadband offers marketing mentoring sessions that will [email protected] Dynamic book publicity and marketing services and broadcast videos. maximise your promotional activity. for publishers and independent authors. COS Productions is a specialty company. Through a simple two-step process of audit BOOKSGOSOCIAL.COM Started in 2006, Cameron Publicity and Our focus is multimedia and online marketing. and review you’ll understand more about your Marketing founder Ben Cameron has over We endeavor to create quality, entertaining approach, set realistic goals and gain clarity Services Provided: Promotion, 20 years of experience in book promotion, book video, and we’re constantly looking for Social Media on future efforts. We’re zealous about marketing publishing and sales. Ben and his team innovative ways to capture new readers. being authentic, affordable, and accessible. have worked on hundreds of campaigns for A long-term book promotion service providing www.cosproductions.com These sessions are perfect for the novice all advice on how a book is presented online independent authors everywhere, on pretty the way up to the professional author seeking a much any subject imaginable. [email protected] We produce Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, fresh perspective. ALLi Members are eligible for SoundCloud, Pinterest, email & LinkedIn www.cameronpm.co.uk a free 30-minute consultation (worth £30). promotions on a phased basis, spread over [email protected] CKSYME MEDIA GROUP createthinkdo.com a one-year membership. [email protected] CHANTICLEER BOOK Services Provided: Social Media, Digital BooksGoSocial is not a magic wand. Our best- Marketing Services, Social Media Campaigns, selling authors work hard to create great stories REVIEWS & MEDIA Digital Marketing Strategy, Email List-Building, INKFLASH and to present them well. Services Provided: Writing Competitions, Book Launches, Social Media Management, Services Provided: Interactive 3D Book Our aim is to help authors who are willing to Classes and Workshops, Professional editorial Website Redesign, Social Media Classes Trailers, Book Promotion take steps to improve their work and how it book reviews and manuscript overviews. CKSyme Media Group offers award-winning Inkflash is a unique website where visitors can is presented, and who want to reach a wider digital marketing services based on the SMART explore books in 3D. audience, when they are ready. CBR hosts international writing competitions in ten genres throughout the year. Winners marketing system. Each book ‘room’ is like a book trailer that’s Our social media channels reach over 550,000 are awarded book reviews, cash prizes, social We help authors use digital media to get come to life, with interactive features such as followers, but the authors who do best are the media promotion, and are published in CBR’s discovered by more readers and sell clickable videos, animations, Twitter feeds, and ones who pay attention to the details: editing, magazine, which promotes the contest winners more books. 3D book previews. positioning, covers, descriptions and finally and features top rated reviews, features, writing creating appealing online marketing campaigns, advice and publishing industry news. www.cksyme.com There’s nothing else quite like it - the perfect targeted to reach readers by highlighting the [email protected] way to make your book really stand out from The magazine is distributed to booksellers, elements which make their work unique. the crowd. libraries, agents, and publishing houses. www.BooksGoSocial.com http://inkflash.com www.chantireviews.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
34 35 Marketing & Promotion Services IPR LICENSE They select award winners and finalists based Feature on overall excellence of presentation in addition Services Provided: Marketing, to the writing. Rights Management Out of respect for our judges’ time and IPR License is the platform on which to list professional status we do not require them and license literary rights. to supply us with detailed comments on the CASE STUDY OF A The platform offers the opportunity to monetise books they review. or find the best new content in a global www.indieexcellence.com marketplace, and acts as a copyright hub, SUCCESSFUL BOOK LAUNCH making it easier to locate copyright holders for permission to use their work. NETGALLEY British novelist Sandy Osborne, author of Not long before the release of my first self You can also learn more about the rights Services Provided: Digital Galleys, Reviews, Marketing, Publicity, Giveaways the highly acclaimed Girl Cop series, offers published novel Girl Cop – The Life and Loves process and be featured in rights catalogues an encouraging perspective on in-store book of an Officer on the Beat in November 2012, at leading world book fairs. NetGalley is an innovative and easy-to-use launches, based on her experience of running I brazenly walked into the Bath branch of www.iprlicense.com digital service that connects authors and book two successful book launch events at one of her Waterstones and asked if they would host a [email protected] publishers with nearly 300,000 influential local bookshops. launch for me. professional readers: reviewers, media, librarians, booksellers, bloggers and educators. Keep an eye out for ALLi’s new The Events Organiser was a bit cool at first, LITERALLY PR LTD Publishers and authors use NetGalley to invite #Authors4Bookstores campaign, which will saying that they were going to be busy in the include advice on how to emulate her success. run up to Christmas. But when I said I was Services Provided: Publicity, promotion and their contacts to view their titles, approve looking at January, she seemed to warm up marketing, social media consultancy, launch requests from the community, and receive and sent me away to organise it. event management. feedback from members. Impressions, downloads, and feedback submitted are all Organising a book launch isn’t dissimilar to We devise specialist communications activity reportable. planning a wedding. (Invitations, wine, glass for a host of creatives, including indie and self- hire, helium balloons (colour coded to match published authors. We write press releases, www.NetGalley.com the cover), photographer, and flowers for a manage media enquiries, build book launches [email protected] special guest.) from scratch, get you reviews, boost your online presence, and work with you to match your PUBSLUSH I managed to persuade Waterstones to let me book to its target readership. We specialise have a window display – positioning a full-sized in creating bespoke campaigns that won’t Services Provided: Crowdfunding, Pre-orders, model of me in uniform just metres from the have you re-mortgaging your house to pay Marketing, Pre-Publication Assistance Big Issue pitch just outside the shop, along ridiculous year-long retainer fees. Literally Pubslush is a global pre-publication platform with numerous posters/copies of the cover and PR was founded in 2012 by Helen Lewis, a that allows authors to raise funds, collect pre- a small table with a few books displayed on it. freelance journalist, trained PR and publishing orders and market upcoming book projects. I sent invites to everyone I know. As the launch professional with 15 years in the media and was going to be after Christmas, every card publishing business. Authors and literary trendsetters can choose to raise funds and gauge audience response I sent included an invite! I recruited four friends www.literallypr.com for upcoming projects or conduct to ‘meet and greet’ and run the bar. I handed [email protected] comprehensive pre-order campaigns out fliers to everyone who looked within my for upcoming titles. readership, from the checkout ladies in the THE NATIONAL INDIE supermarket to those queuing behind me. I dug www.pubslush.com out my old Dr Marten boots from the attic and EXCELLENCE AWARDS [email protected] organised my table display for the night. Services Provided: Author Publishing I texted and emailed everyone in my contacts Packages, Copy-Editing, Developmental READERS IN THE KNOW lists both before Christmas and again shortly Editing, Proofreading, Ebook Formatting, Services Provided: Book Promotion before the event. I didn’t ask for RSVP’s – I just Print Layout, Cover Design and Marketing crossed my fingers! I also managed to get a Readers in the Know allows readers to browse piece in the local paper. The National Indie Excellence® Book and stay up to date with book promotions tailored Awards contest is proudly sponsored by to their preferences in genre and country. Smarketing LLC. 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36 37 Feature Feature WHAT DO WE MEAN BY SELLING?
Novelist and ALLi Author member John Lynch do $250 million deals. Salespeople are grubby, has a reputation for hand-selling his books small-time manipulators who sell things to wherever he is, on his extensive travels as a people who don’t want them for more than they professional salesman. (Once, while refuelling are worth. his car on the way to a literary festival!) She was, of course, English (as I am). Here’s his take on one of the major sticking Other nationalities don’t take such a negative points for independent authors. approach and I suppose it is mainly to the shy, retiring English that I am addressing this piece. How did she think the Minister and his staff I’ve been a salesman most of my working life. of knowledgeable engineers were persuaded The first book I ever published (in 1990) was to part with $250 million if not as a result of Managing the High Tech Salesforce; last year I someone selling the idea to them? published The International Sales Handbook. Launch Day unsigned books next to the till, and an obvious So what, exactly, is selling? What sort of person signing table was set up adjacent to the counter. I use the word ‘salesman’ with pride. When the is good at it? And how, if at all, does it differ from marketing? The day itself dawned, and the people just kept phone rings and the person at the other end The plan worked, and as a result I enjoyed the coming! “The most well attended local author begins with, “Let me say at the outset, I’m not evening far more than the first launch, having launch in my 25 years as a bookseller,” said the trying to sell you anything,” and it’s obvious more opportunity to chat to my guests. What do we Mean senior seller from Waterstones. I’d been bleating that s/he in fact is trying to do exactly that, my on for years to all my friends that I was writing In the months running up to the event, response is, “Never say that to a salesperson.” by Selling? a book, and over 180 people turned out to help I kept a lookout for any wine deals and The reason some people try that line is Cliché time: selling has been described as “the me celebrate its final release on a cold January managed to get a respectable wine at because they think there’s something gentle art of giving the other guy your own way”. evening – and I sold over 100 books! a very reasonable price. shameful about the activity of selling. There This is one of the biggest outlays for a launch, isn’t. Everybody is selling, all the time – but And it is a cliché; but cliches become clichés so worth shopping around for. some are better at it than others, and some because they are true. I’d like you to accept that Girl Cop in Trouble, don’t admit to themselves that that is what definition of selling, and I’d like you to agree Launch Also, to make this launch different in some way they are doing. that what we writers want is for people to buy to the first, I hired a professional graphologist our books. I know, because I’ve met them, that If you have ever proposed marriage, you were I am writing this bit fresh from my second who provided free handwriting analysis there are writers who don’t give a toss (or say selling (and the product was yourself). If you launch. The changes I made for this event throughout the event. they don’t) whether anyone buys their books or manoeuvred so that some man or woman were few. not. Since you’ve got this far, I imagine you’re I also invited a young singer-songwriter to proposed marriage to you, that was an even not one of them. Having spent almost the whole evening of my provide some music. It was intended as better example of successful selling. first launch sat at a table signing books (I’m not background – not a performance – and was complaining – I was extremely flattered by the perfectly balanced. I remember years ago flying home from South What Sort of Person queue of people who patiently waited to have America. The woman in the seat beside me their books signed – but I wasn’t able to mingle asked what I did for a living. I told her I was a is Good at Selling? and the evening passed in a bit of a blur), this To Launch or salesman. Then she asked what I had been time I prepared a stock of pre-signed books Not to Launch? doing in the country we had just left and I said I Not all clichés are true. (See? I lied to you a which I left clearly marked by the till and invited had negotiated and signed a contract with that paragraph ago. I expect that fits much better country’s Ministry of Transportation. She asked personal dedications prior to the event in an It’s a no-brainer for me. A celebration of all that with your idea of what salespeople do). One of what the contract had been for. I told her (about attempt to reduce the queue. hard work! Though I’m sure JK Rowling doesn’t the commonest ideas about selling is that you $250 million) and she said, “Oh. You’re not a have to wheel her hired wine glasses back to have to be extrovert to be good. Rubbish! I didn’t want to deter those who wanted their salesman at all.” Waitrose in a shopping trolley the day after her The best salespeople (and who better than me books signed on the night so I also had a pile of to tell you this?) are introverts who have learned launches! What she meant was that salespeople don’t to present as extroverts. If you don’t know
38 39 Feature what’s going on inside your own head, how What’s the Difference 2. An original, innovative product 5. Don’t be afraid to sing Feature on earth do you expect to work out what is outsells a me-too and goes on your own praises. happening in someone else’s? A cliché that is Between Marketing doing it. true: “The good salesperson is two ears and I’m not suggesting braggadocio. Just be one mouth, in that proportion.” and Selling? Everyone who has ever sold a me-too prepared to take your space and say, “Yes, (a product offering no significant new I’m a writer. Yes, people do read my books If there is a difference, then for our purposes You have to listen more than you speak and features that is introduced to compete with and you can order them from bookshops or it is best ignored. When I was a sales and when you listen it’s important that you HEAR. one already on the market) knows that it will buy them online if that’s what you prefer to marketing director, I felt I had my sales hat on never usurp the original’s place as market do. Am I someone you should have heard The general idea of conversation seems to be in face-to-face meetings with customers and leader and that the only way to sell it is by of? No – but this may help.” Then hand over that one person allows the other to talk at him prospects and my marketing hat when I was or her and in return the other then allows the cutting the price. your promotional material (see below) and planning advertising campaigns. settle down to answer the questions you are first person to talk at her or him. No one is really If you’re tempted to write another Fifty To that latter I would now add social networking, asked. After a while you’ll find you enjoy it. listening and it’s certain that no one actually Shades or you want to be the new Lee which we didn’t have in those days. From the hears anything. Child, forget it. The market is happy with point of view of the writer, selling is when you 6. Think about what it is that the Lee Child it already has and as for Fifty You have to detect what the other person’s are in effect saying, “Buy my book!” (though for should make your book saleable Shades – are you simply going to repeat needs are, what that person likes and doesn’t heaven’s sake don’t use those words) and if you whatever it was (I haven’t actually read the and generate promotional like and the reasons they may have for being want to, you can regard your social networking book) those people did there? material accordingly. drawn to or turning away from your sort of book. as marketing. You’re not going to do that unless you hear what In my view, this is one of the mistakes the I’m talking here about what is usually called Ask yourself, though: does it really make any the person is saying. big publishers make at present and indies the USP, or unique selling proposition. difference? I suggest the selling/marketing don’t need to follow them. Write the original You need to work out – from your own There’s more. In my novel Zappa’s Mam’s a debate is irrelevant to indie authors. I know that book you want to write. experience of writing the book and from Slapper, I have a character say something that some people swear by marketing plans, but what reviewers have said about it – what I’ve often said myself: ‘Good salespeople hear I find them of limited value because the reality 3. You’re going to have to spend it is that should make someone buy your the words nobody speaks.’ is: nobody really knows what works and what some money. book rather than someone else’s. Then You have to develop (introverts can be good doesn’t, and what worked for a writer starting you need to incorporate that into your at this but extroverts are hopeless) the ability out three years ago probably won’t be so Make your mind up to that; if you’re promotional material and your patter. What to pick up how someone is reacting to you, even effective now. not prepared to spend money on cover do I mean by patter? This... design, editing, print-runs, business cards, though they haven’t put it into words – and then There is one plan you should make, however, bookmarks, flyers and other promotional you have to decide what to do about it. and that is the plan that says how much time 7. Attend as many book signings, material, you’re going to fail. launches, literary festivals et cetera Writers are not, as a group, famous for being you are going to allocate to writing and how likeable and one of the things I enjoy about much to selling. I can hear now, because I’ve heard before, as you can get yourself invited to ALLi is the way the majority get on with and the protests that, “I’m as good an editor as and work out in advance what you’re support each other. any professional and I don’t need to expend going to say to people who want to So, How Do You Do It? scarce resources in that way”. Protest away; talk about your book. I said the majority. I knew within ten seconds I think you’re wrong. of meeting one member that he had conceived We’ve had a number of threads on the ALLi When you’re at these functions, forget Facebook page recently on what it means to what a shy introverted person you are and an immediate and visceral dislike for me. We’ve 4. Get “I need to sell my books!” into met twice more and those meetings simply sell your books and I’ve contributed – indeed, go for it. I started one. More than 30 people liked it, so your mind and keep it there. reconfirmed my immediate feeling. So, should Someone is walking past your table, looking I have done anything about it? My answer was I suppose it must have rung some sort of bell. Successful selling doesn’t come by I’ll suggest some rules: at your books but not stopping? Pick up a (and is) no. accident. However callous it may seem, bookmark and one of each of your flyers every time you meet someone, you should A risk analysis says he could harm me if he and press it into their hands, saying – for 1. Write the best book you can. be assessing whether or not that person is chose – he could give my books poor reviews example – “You can never have too many a likely purchaser of your book(s). and, if he acted as a judge for any contests or Most of my career has been spent selling bookmarks”. a premium product at a premium price. evaluations of books, he could mark me down If the answer is no, that’s fine – but if there’s More than half of them will then stop and I could never see the pleasure in selling any possibility that it might be yes, then you But so what? That can happen, anyway. The say something about one or more of the discounted trash. There are far too many must do something to put the idea of buying universally loved book no more exists than the books you have on show. Launch into books on the market and some of them are one of your books into her/his mind. And universally loved person. If this had been the your patter. You will find that experience of such high quality that is difficult to see that means telling the person that you are a Minister of Transportation and a $250 million changes the patter – the more you learn how we can compete – but, on the other published writer. contract depended on his regard I would have hand, some are absolute dross. (I know that from people’s reactions, the better you will worked hard to cultivate it, because the most no one at ALLi ever likes to say that but become. basic fact you need to know about selling is: they all know that it’s true). Put yourself in a Never hesitate to change a flyer in the light people buy from people. In this case, I saw no position where you can be compared with of what you learn this way – if it’s important downside and I let it go. the best and not with the rubbish. And while enough, change the blurb on the back of we’re on that subject... the book, too. Talk to everyone you can, 40 41 Feature EXCLUSIVE INGRAMSPARK DISCOUNT FOR ALLI MEMBERS
Ingram is pleased to announce additional discounts between IngramSpark and members of the Alliance of Independent Authors. Continuing from 2014, IngramSpark is offering all Alliance members exclusive discounts, plus NEW deals for 2015. IngramSpark is the eBook publishing, print on demand and distribution service from Ingram, combining all these services into one simple platform. and that includes other writers. At a recent in service station car parks; in restaurants event, I was on the next table to Claire and hotels and even on a park bench. The discount offers a number of benefits: Lydon. Her books are nothing like mine and (Never in bed, but I bet there’s someone ALLi members will receive the following discounts by entering the code: SPARKALLI15 during the account set up process: straight old men like me are not her target in ALLi who can tell that story). For this to market, but she is an engaging, likeable work, you have to be prepared to talk to • $37.50 for P + E (when done simultaneously) – 23.5% off the original price person with the confidence to present people. I recommend, “Do you read?” as a herself well and I learned quite a bit from good introduction. If the answer is yes, say • $37.50 for a Print book –23.5% off the original price watching and listening to her. (The day you something along the lines of, “Publishers think you’ve learned everything you ever will don’t do this any more so we have to do it • $20 for e-book only – 20% off the original price is the day I suggest you check into the old ourselves” and hand over what you have people’s home – and stop writing). with you. People like meeting writers and • Titles are eligible for automatic free set-up with an initial order of 50-plus copies. When a print order is placed for 50 talking about their work. All you have to do copies within 60 days of title set-up, the customer will receive a refund. 8. No-one else can sell your books as is let them know that you are one and to do that I’m afraid you really must initiate the well as you can. ALLi members will also receive the following Publisher Direct volume discounts on their initial and reprint orders for new conversation. After the first three or four titles by entering SPARKALLI15 discount code each time an order is placed. I was delighted by the number of sales times, it will come naturally. Trust me; I’m I made at one recent event; but I made a salesman. almost none at an event a few weeks later. US and UK Print-On-Demand Black & White, Australia Print-On-Demand Black & White & The only differences that I can see were: 10. Salespeople know that the person Standard Colour Discounts: Standard Colour Discounts: (a) my books at the second event were right most likely to buy from them now Units Economy Express Units Economy Express in the corner behind others where it was is the person who bought from 1 – 99 15% 1 – 99 10% difficult to see them and (b) we, the writers, were not standing behind our books and them before. 100 – 249 20% 100 – 249 20% talking to the punters as we had at the first When your existing readers finish one of 250 – 499 30% 250 – 499 25% event – someone else was selling them for your books, do they find the address of your 500 – 999 40% 500 – 999 30% us. website, a list of your other books and an 1000 – 1499 45% 1000 – 1499 35% The difference was made clear at the invitation to subscribe to your newsletter? 1500+ 50% 1500+ 40% second event, when I had just finished When you’re at a literary festival, do you have a form on your table they can fill in speaking on a panel about historical fiction. The discounts listed are calculated from the print price of a single copy and includes the discount that applies to all volume orders. A man in the audience said, “I liked what and subscribe? you said. I’d like to buy one of your books. Revision Charges Waived 11. You build a customer base one name Which one do you recommend?” Make sure ALLi members do not pay a revision fee when orders are placed, saving $25 per revision. that you are the one making the sales pitch. at a time – and that’s also how you lose them. These discounts are available until 31st December 2015, and the offer is for ALLI members only. Please note- The revision 9. Carry your promotional material with We all dream of the book that sells a million charges will only be waived on promotion code: SPARKALLI15. you at all times and distribute copies and makes us financially secure for it widely. life. Sadly, a dream is what it is. Better to I gave an example of how I had used a take the time and care to cultivate a reader bookmark and flyers in the Facebook post base that will stay with us over several titles. I mentioned earlier. Other people mentioned Pay as much attention to that one reader their wide-ranging examples of how they who emails you or stops you in the street as had done the same thing. I’ve given away you would if you were addressing a hall of bookmarks and flyers on trains and aircraft; 1,000 people. S/he will notice if you don’t.
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EPUBLI www.indiebooklauncher.com Our indie-publishing platform provides a full Services Provided: Author Publishing [email protected] AUTHARIUM toolkit: free book design tools, various book Packages, Classes and Courses, Comms, formats, print and distribution options, plus Design, Distribution, Editorial, Production INDIEREADER Services Provided: Author online selling and social sharing tools. Publishing Packages Epubli is a young and fast growing company Services Provided: Author Publishing Blurb enjoys global scale via 1.1m book located in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Our self–publishing Packages, Design, Distribution, The Autharium platform enables an author creators, with 2.8m book titles delivered to platform has been supporting the work of Editorial, Production to create a virtual team of editors, proofreaders, 70 countries. independent authors since 2008. 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You can, if you Publishing Packages www.indiereader.com want, pay other community members for their Services Provided: Author Publishing [email protected] services, but that is between you and them. Based in Portland, Oregon, we’re a team of Packages, Author Marketing Services. Author authors, poets, bloggers, and artists – so we Websites, Bookmark Design and Printing, www.autharium.com know the thrills and challenges of bringing a Marketing Material Design and Printing [email protected] book into the world. Since 2011, we’ve helped thousands realise their publishing goals, and Firebrand Publishing is a full service self- AUTHORS ONLINE we’ve paid millions of dollars in royalties. publishing and marketing company for authors. We specialize in producing professional self- Services Provided: Author BookBaby offers you the largest ebook published books for our author clients. Publishing Packages distribution network, including Amazon, Apple, We make publishing your book easy, and fun. 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46 47 Other Services OFF THE BOOKSHELF SILVERWOOD BOOKS Other Services DEALS & DISCOUNTS Services Provided: Author Services Provided: Author Publishing Throughout the directory, any exclusive offers of the complementary services on offer. Some Publishing Packages Packages, Manuscript Appraisal, Editing, and discounts for ALLi members will be listed emerging platforms will offer free trials and we Production, Design (print and ebook), in the service provider’s overview. encourage you to explore new possibilities at Off the Bookshelf is the next frontier for author Author Website Design, Social Media no risk or cost. empowerment and monetisation. Similarly, ALLi members can find selected Expertly produced print and ebooks – designed, discounts from our Partners by accessing the As indie authors, we are always experimenting, Self-publishing has never been easier or more formatted and finished to the highest publishing members area on the ALLi site. Offers range adding and subtracting from our existing affordable. Free, proprietary state of the art across the spectrum of author services, helping knowledge of what works for our books and our industry standards. SilverWood supports and conversion software turns your manuscript into mentors writers through editing, proofreading, you to make your budget go further. readers. That means selecting services you feel ebook, print on demand or print-ready formats comfortable with, and you believe to fit with the book production and beyond. Although it goes without saying “you get what you overarching goals of your book. with a few simple clicks. pay for”, don’t be afraid to experiment with some www.silverwoodbooks.co.uk We have a free book cover generator and a free [email protected] or low-cost audio converter. Especially exciting is our Mass Distribution Engine, which lists your KAZOO INDEPENDENT MEREO BOOKS book on the some of the most popular online STANDOUT BOOKS book retailers. PUBLISHING SERVICES LTD Services Provided: Author Publishing Services Provided: Author Publishing Packages, Editing, Book Cover Design, www.offthebookshelf.com Packages, Editorial, Comms, Distribution, Services Provided: Author Ebook Production, Distribution, Marketing, Website Design, Social Media, Conversion Publishing Packages Public Relations, Manuscript Assessment RETHINK PRESS Standoutbooks is an author services agency From manuscript to publication, including As the self-publishing imprint of Memoirs serving independent authors and publishers editing and proofreading, typesetting, cover Publishing, Mereo offer authors mainstream Services Provided: Author Publishing across the world. We take pride in helping design, printing, ebook conversion and upload. publishing standards of editing, design and Packages, Classes and Courses, Design authors make the most of the tidal wave of Distribution, Editorial, Production Kazoo is the one-stop shop for independent distribution, producing books which can stand technological change currently sweeping over authors who want a top-quality manuscript-to- alongside anything on retailers’ shelves and Rethink Press offers high quality, professional the publishing industry. bookshelf service. compete with the best titles from traditional author services (writing coaching, manuscript www.standoutbooks.com publishers. We are a growing company founded review & edit, cover design, typeset) and We are a team of skilled professionals with [email protected] on personal service, experience, professional a range of publishing packages. over 50 years’ combined experience in trade skills and a high quality benchmark. publishing. We specialise in business and self- YORK PUBLISHING SERVICES www.mereobooks.com development non-fiction, and niche fiction, but [email protected] [email protected] have also published cooking, travel, inspiration Services Provided: Author kazoopublishing.com and poetry books. Publishing Packages We run workshops and courses on getting your We provide all the services to help authors MATADOR NEW GENERATION PUBLISHING book (whatever genre) written and published. publish books and ebooks, from proofreading, book covers, book design and ebook files, to Services Provided: Author Services Provided: Author Publishing www.rethinkpress.com printing, book distribution and book marketing. Publishing Packages Packages, Editorial, Production, Ebooks, [email protected] If you want book distribution, a blog set up, a Matador is the self-publishing imprint of Sales & Marketing, International Distribution, press release, an app or just specialist hand- Troubador Publishing, and is the UK’s most Author Support. S&H PUBLISHING binding for your memoir, we can do that, too! widely recommended self-publishing services New Generation Publishing is the largest UK Services Provided: Author Publishing www.yps-publishing.co.uk company. Since 1999 Matador has offered based self-publishing and author services Packages, Editing, Proofreading, Formatting, self-publishing advice to authors to ensure company. We specialise in one-on-one author Cover Design, Promotional Campaigns they give their project the best chance of support over the telephone, email and At S&H, we give our talented authors the success. in person. All the services a self-published author requires under one roof. advantages of publisher endorsement and Our emphasis is on quality of production, allow them the freedom associated with self distribution and sales for books and ebooks, www.newgeneration-publishing.com publishing. S&H is the venture capitalist of including high-street bookshop and online retail [email protected] each book it publishes, investing in editing, distribution. Authors publishing with us tend to covers, and marketing. want to give their book the best possible chance www.sandhpublishing.com in a crowded market, and to benefit from the [email protected] experience of professionals who know that market. www.troubador.co.uk/matador [email protected]
48 49 Feature Feature WHY I DON’T DIY SELF-PUBLISH
English thriller writer Alison Morton explains websites in Kent, England. Driving a computer Shooting Down Getting My why she’s sticking with the full-service option, on DOS commands really enhanced my even though she has the technical know-how to memory and patience. I’d completed countless the Cowboys Money’s Worth do it all herself if she wanted to. accredited courses and used a computer most of my working day; I was perfectly able to learn Oh, boy, were there a lot of cowboys out there! Now, what do I gain from using a full-service all this stuff. Vanity and subsidy ‘publishers’ hovered, ready provider? Why should I pay a fee and what do Self-publishing and being an indie author is to pick the dosh from enthusiastic but innocent I get back? a state of mind, not a statement of technical In 2012, I self-published a history book (a writers’ hands; garage-loads of books of varying On the practical side, I send them a copy-edited ability. The decision to take control and exercise reworked version of my masters’ dissertation) quality produced at horrendous prices, and MS Word file which they turn into a beautiful the freedom this publishing route offers is with 200 academic references, aka hyperlinks, writers’ rights stripped away from them for all paperback and ebook: formatting/typesetting sometimes made in the blink of an eye; it fits the via KDP. time. (Rights are extremely important and often temperament, philosophy and pocket of many. and interior design, compilation of front and I could do it. (I did it again in 2014 with my little not given the attention they need.) Others, like me came along a slower route. back matter, bespoke cover to my specification, writing book The 500-Word Writing Buddy.) However, my research and analysis system all filing/registration fees covered, ISBN I’m a mixture of impulse and prudence, sifted out the undesirables pretty quickly and allocation, Nielsen Enhanced listing, pre-order decisive yet a long-term planner. I’m also old left me with three serious contenders with long and Look Inside on Amazon, PDF ARC, proofs, enough to know what my core, secondary and Indie Horses for track records. I grilled each of them during PoD set up, digital archive fee, ebook formatting tertiary competences are. Indie Courses a two-hour phone call and scrutinised their for different retailers, legal deposit, bookseller I learnt the basics of touch-typing as a young contractual arrangements. One stood out information sheet, print ordering, quality control But my first Roma Nova novel, Inceptio, was graduate civil servant; all high-flyers had to well above the others: ethical, book-oriented, checks and project management. a different game; it had to be perfect. I’m with realistic as well as happy to answer all my do a two-week course, much to the disgust of Also, a lot of advice, hand-holding and 24-hour Adam Smith on division of labour; I did not intrusive questions in a professional and the male graduates! And I have never stopped or less response, an author book promotion want to spend my time learning a whole new business-like way. The key thing to bear in mind using this skill from manual typewriters, golfball toolbox, author community and events, skillset which may or may not have been up to is that you are the client in the same way as electronic through to my Mac keyboard. plus links into the publishing industry, e.g. the highest possible industry standards when when you engage a lawyer or accountant. And, representation/exhibiting at the London others – professionals – could do it for me. like any professional service, you pay the bill. Book Fair. A Writer of Many Parts All I wanted to do was write. Well, I knew that whatever route I chose, I would also need to Apart from the confidence of having a In the interim, I’ve been a policy drafter, competent services provider, I also gain time underwriter, translator, editor, image editor, spend a significant chunk of time on promotion both before and after launch. – time to write. I’m sure this is one reason why project manager, executive search consultant, I’ve been able to turn out a substantial series of reserve army officer and run my own translation I researched designers, editors, formatters, top quality, full-length books in a relatively short company for 20 years, so I have the business, ISBN providers, registrations, both individual space of time. I contract a publishing services technical, HR and language skills for being an services and full-service providers. It was then provider to do the production work for me. author entrepreneur. I came across Mick Rooney of The Independent There is no one way better than any other. So, with 90K of my first novel Inceptio written Publishing Magazine, who gave me some excellent advice, and of course, ALLi. I weighed ALLi is there to offer information, especially and polished into shape, a decision was made via its guides – take advantage of them! to self-publish – with the support of a research up all the information, advice and research and project that would not disgrace the UN. decided I wanted a complete package: a single Whether you go DIY, buy in services on an ‘as I considered the options. point of contact, a coordinated service and one and when’ basis or buy a full-service package, which had the expertise and knowledge of the the choice really is yours. And isn’t that what First, whilst I admired the fiery independence publishing industry. independent publishing is all about? of full-on DIY publishers, I knew I was not amongst them. I’m long-term computer-literate; I started on a Viglen+ in 1989 and had one of the first
50 51 ABOUT ALLi CREDITS AND LINKS ALLi (The Alliance of Independent Authors) © Alliance of Independent Authors, 2015 is a non-profit professional association for Compiled and Edited by Andrew Lowe author-publishers. Design by JD Smith Design A global organisation, we are organised across nine territories, offering connection and Printed by Ingram Spark collaboration, advice and education, advocacy and representation to self-publishing writers around the world. For all enquiries related to the Self-Publishing We have four member levels, three for authors Service Directory, please contact Partner (from student to professional) and a Partner Manager Andrew Lowe at partnermanager@ membership facility for author-services who allianceindependentauthors.org are willing to be vetted and approved. For membership enquiries, please contact All members, both Authors and Partners, [email protected] sign up to our code of excellence and ethics in self-publishing. Alliance Independent Authors c/o The Free People self-publish for many reasons and all Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Rd, London who want to do it well are invited to join our EC1R 3GA, United Kingdom diverse, supportive and friendly community. www.allianceindependentauthors.org Visit our website for more information on www.selfpublishingadvice.org joining ALLi. @indieauthoralli
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