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A sweet spot between traditional and self-publishing

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Quick Question*
Should I buy the Xlibris marketing package?

November 5, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

publishing questions
Q. I am currently self-publishing with Xlibris and they have been aggressively marketing for me to spend additional money on one of their marketing packages. I haven’t even seen the final product yet. Should I take them up on their “special offer?”

A. We can’t speak specifically to the Xlibris packages, but can tell you generally that there is NO one size fits all when it comes to book marketing, and generic packages are rarely a good idea. Books must be promoted and marketed to succeed, of course. Most books disappear. So spending time and money on marketing is essential. But the type of marketing that works, whether you’re publishing fiction or nonfiction, is marketing that reaches people who are predisposed to purchase your book. Targeted marketing to people who have demonstrated a willingness to buy similar books in the past, and to people who are interested in your subject matter. It’s hard to reach those people through a generic press release that gets sent out to a thousand media outlets who will delete it before they read it. You won’t find your readers with generic review package, either, or [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Quick Questions Answered

Quick Question*
When do I look for an agent? Before or after the book is finished?

July 22, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

publishing questions
When to look for an agent?

Short Answer

If you’re writing a novel, don’t submit until after you’ve written and rewritten the novel. In other words: after.
If you’re writing nonfiction, you’ll submit a query for a proposal, not a finished book. Agents and publishers base their nonfiction publishing decisions on proposals, and don’t expect you to finish until after the contract is signed. So: before.

Longer Answer: Look for an Agent early; Submit Later

Don’t submit your query until your work is ready (the proposal or the novel), but do start researching in advance. While you’re writing and researching, keep your eyes open and build up your list of potential agents:

  • Create a file of potential agents (digital or a real folder)
  • Note the names of agents that are acknowledged in your favorite books
  • Subscribe to a reputable publishing newsletter or two (Publishers Weekly; Publishers Marketplace, Writers Digest) and notice the names of agents that pop up. Writers Digest interviews agents looking for new clients all the time.
  • Use Google alerts to get book news from one or two reputable sources (USA Today, New York Times)
  • Ask around whenever you run into other writers (your writing group, writing workshops, online groups).

Best of luck!

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Quick Questions Answered

Quick Question*
What is Most Important to Book Publishers?

May 8, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

publishing questions
Q. What’s the main thing a traditional book publisher considers before signing an author?

A. Yes, publishing decision-making can be complex, and acquisitions can take days and involve many people. But it always comes down to one simple question: will people buy this book? No market=no money for publisher=no money for author.

Seems pretty intuitive, doesn’t it? Yet 9 out of 10 queries that cross my desk (or zoom through my email) don’t seem to consider this fact.

And 99 out of 100 people derisively calling traditional book publishers “gatekeepers” and demanding that all books [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Quick Questions Answered

Quick Question*
Should I Hire an Editor Before I Submit to Agents?

March 19, 2014 By Jody Rein Leave a Comment

publishing questionsFive years ago I rarely encountered anyone who paid to get his work edited before submitting to agents and publishers. Now just about every writer I run into at conferences talks about “my writing coach” or “my editor.”

At the 2014 San Francisco Writers Conference last month I heard a very jarring question. The New York editors panel was asked: “Will traditional publishers insist on editing my book?” There’s so much wrong with that question, and this whole situation, it’s kind of hard to know where to start.

What bothers me is what’s behind these questions: a deep [Read more…]

Filed Under: Practical Publishing, Queries Series, Quick Questions Answered

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General Advice

Praise

Working editorially with Jody Rein and her team at Author Planet is like getting a graduate degree in writing… (more)
Timothy Ashby
Jody is beyond AWESOME! (more)
Mark Kistler
Jody strives for the best, sets the bar high, and encourages others to do the same. Her success in the world of book publishing reflects her high standards. She knows the business inside and out–and her clients benefit! (more)
Dr. Lucy Spelman
Jody actually takes the time to digest and understand what it is the writer is attempting to do before offering well thought out input. She has a more creative “big picture” mindset than most. (more)
Joe Lieberman
Kudos to Jody! She provided the substance and valuable information we sought. Jody has such an open, upfront approach; it was perfect for our casual atmosphere. (more)
Bonnie F. McCune
Thanks to (Author Planet), I have been able to serve as the force behind several events that have resulted in change for good…(more)
Trisha Pritikin
Jody is the consummate professional; she’s creative, a pleasure to deal with and her knowledge of book publishing is profound. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough. (more)
Madeleine Morel
Jody’s suggestions are clear and concise, and effectively point me in the direction I need to go with my project. I’ve had a most instructive and enjoyable time working with her! (more)
Louise Hauck
Jody gives thoughtful and thorough assessments, a value to me, and I appreciate it. I take her words to heart.  (more)
Bill Nesbit
Jody has a gift for communicating in a clear, authoritative, engaging way that inspires trust and affection. (more)
Michael Larsen

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Publishing News

Writing a book? Confused about publishing options? Need a marketing plan? Don’t miss the 7th annual Nonfiction Writers Conference—a virtual event unlike any other.

Join 15 top speakers May 3-5, 2017 from the comfort of your home or office. For details and registration got to NonfictionWritersConference.com.

Note: This is an affiliate link. Jody knows and respects the people who run this conference.

RSS General News

  • Penguin Random House Audio Acquires Playaway Products February 2, 2023
    Penguin Random House Audio has acquired Playaway Products, a producer of physical audio players and tablets preloaded with content. Launched in 2005 and based in Solon, Ohio, the company offers 36,000 titles and works with some 40,000 libraries and institutions.

RSS Publishing Trends Feed

  • International Bestsellers, January 2023 February 2, 2023 Nina Sabak

Self-Publishing News

RSS Self-pub news from PW

  • “The Plan Was Never to Publish” January 27, 2023
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  • Cover Redesign: 'Book of Days' by Douglas Bullis January 27, 2023
    Michelle Argyle at Melissa Williams Design reimagines the cover of 'Book of Days' by Douglas Bullis.
  • New Titles from Self-Publishers: January 2023 January 27, 2023
    Booksellers, publishers, librarians, and agents are encouraged to look at the 49 self-published titles below.

RSS The Book Designer Feed

  • What is a Preface? (Answers to Your 6 Most Common Questions) January 30, 2023
    Sometimes, it’s important to refresh your knowledge of the basic parts of a book. It might not be glamorous or exciting, but it’s an essential part of making sure your book contains everything a reader expects. One example of these plain but essential basic elements is the preface of a book. What exactly is it, […]
    Luke Worlock
  • Front Matter: Organizing the Beginning of Your Book January 30, 2023
    Self-Publishing Basics: How to Organize Your Book's Front Matter includes a checklist of front matter items.
    The Book Designer

Author Planet, Jody Rein News

Looking forward to the upcoming 2018 San Francisco Writers conference February 14-17, 2018. Jody will be teaching many classes, and offering free coaching sessions.

Hey, hey, teaching again at the wonderful 2018 Willamette Writers Conference, August 2-5 in Portland, Oregon. This time taught a SIX HOUR Query Master workshop–super fun!

Jody is doing the morning keynnote for theCastle Rock Writers Conference 2018, in October, in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Jody was interviewed by Stephanie Chandler in a teleseminar for the Nonfiction Authors Association on April 13, 2016.

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