All giveaways from Jan and On The Bright Side launch will be shipped this week. I try and ship once a month.
Have you heard of The Reading Room? It is similar to Goodreads but with some additional benefits. They are hosting a Valentine's Day author chat next Tuesday, Feb 14th at 7PM EST. I will be there talking about indie pubbing, my book, and marketing. Mark your calendars and sign up for free to join. The brains behind starting The Reading Room will also be here this Thursday on Bookanista Day to tell you more about The Reading Room.
You can also win one of 5 $50 book vouchers by inviting 5 friends to join or by joing the live chat. I will also be giving away prizes during the chat.
More of your questions...
I would like to know more about book covers: hiring a graphic artist versus doing it yourself.
I know tons of indie pubbers who get art online or have graphic designers photoshop for them. I personally want to stuff to be original and reflect what I'm trying to get across.
Here are some viable options that depend on preference and budget:
- Purchase art "as is" online and put your title on it without changing it. But you risk someone else using it. (under $100)
- Find a graphic designer student or art student and see what they can do ($100-$300)
- Purchase art online and pay someone to do the design and cover art - but having them photoshop to add originality ($100 - 500$)
- Pay for an original photo shoot and cover design ($500- 1000)
I used Vania @vlcphoto.net. Not only does she take great pictures but she also does amazing photoshopping, which is hard to find. You can find her at her web site or email her at Vania Stoyanova <vandsmedia@gmail.com>if you want more information.
How did you get such a huge following on your blog?
I started this blog in Jan 09 and got 100,000 hits within the 18 months. I don't necessarily think it was because of me but here is how I started blogging:
1) I commented on blogs and always answered comments. I try to still do that though I don't get to as many as I used to :(
2) I tried to help people by running agent contests and giving away ARCs I received from publishing houses.
3) I created a niche for myself around offering free marketing advice to writers and authors
4) I participated in comment contests and blog hops to meet new people and find new blogs.
5) I tried to blog at least 3 times a week.
6) I added my blog signature to my email.
I just try to be genuine and help others. That was my only "strategy" behind even starting.
Have you worked/or do you ever attempt to get your work into libraries/bookstores/large chains, etc? Is that possible, is it advantageous, or not even worth the effort? What is your opinion/experience?
I have not tried yet. I have been focusing on my ebook experiments. But I have just been accepted into Lightning Source who uses Ingram as a distributor. Most bookstores order through Ingram, Book depository overseas, and Overdrive for libraries. That is my next phase. Though seeing how my paperbacks sell (probably only about 10-15% of sales), it might only be worth it from a monetary perspective but it is a way for me to support indies and support the physical book.
That's it for now.
Feel free to leave more questions and I will continue to answer them. :)
