Book Marketing Techniques That Don’t Work by Irene Watson

On January 2, 2012, in Guest Writers, Reader Views, by Reader Views

As authors, whether we are self-published or published by a publishing firm, small press, or a large publishing house, getting noticed is one of our primary challenges. Some publishers offer marketing support, either as prepaid services or part of the publishing contract. Yet, if you are self-published you are entirely on your own.

“Stuff” in the Life of a Book Reviewer

On December 5, 2011, in Guest Writers, Reader Views, by Reader Views

We recently reviewed a book and the reviewer pointed out the copious amounts of editing issues in the book. I got a response from the editor of the book.

Amazon.com Review Removal – Recap and Update

On November 29, 2011, in Guest Writers, Reader Views, by Reader Views

I’ve been giving updates for the past year on the aspect of Amazon.com removing reviews and banning reviewers from posting. At first it seems it was just review sites like us but then it flowed over to removing reviews from individual reviews unrelated to any site or blog.

Qualifying a Book Reviewer: Which One do I Send My Book to?

On November 28, 2011, in Guest Writers, Reader Views, by Reader Views

Because the Internet makes it possible for anyone to set up a website or blog and offer book reviews, authors should be a bit wary about whom they submit their books to for review, whether or not they are paying for a review. Below are a few guidelines for determining whether a reviewer is really qualified to review your book.

Selling Books through Independent Bookstores vs. Selling through Major Online Sellers

On November 21, 2011, in Guest Writers, Reader Views, by Reader Views

The bottom line for the author or publisher to consider is who will provide the best service but more so who will have the books available for impulse buyers.

Book Advances: What Are They Really For? (And Amazon.com Update)

On November 14, 2011, in Guest Writers, Reader Views, Writing & Publishing, by Editor

Hearing about an author getting a book advance from a traditional publisher, especially from a major one, often stirs up wishful thinking in first time or unknown writers. As authors, our ultimate goal would be to land a contract with one of these publishers and get a substantial advance.

Authors And Promotion – Phobia, Ignorance, Or Apathy?

On October 25, 2011, in Articles, Home Business, Wilfried F. Voss, Writing & Publishing, by Editor

Basically, we are talking about a product – the book – that nobody knows, by a manufacturer – the author – that nobody knows, and a quality – the writing style – that nobody knows. The simple solution is promotion, promotion, and promotion.

JustFiction Edition – Another Shark In The Publishing Tank

On October 19, 2011, in Articles, Business, Wilfried F. Voss, Writing & Publishing, by Editor

JustFiction Edition copied their business model from PublishAmerica, however, with a European touch (big deal!). They will publish virtually everything; good or bad, who cares? Their focus is high-volume sales.The side effect for you, the author, is that they don’t give a damn about you and your success.

Email Queries: Huh? What the Heck is Being Said?

On September 26, 2011, in Guest Writers, Reader Views, by Reader Views

I get numerous requests for reviews each week via email. I can’t tell you how many requests we get from authors who think somehow their book deserves special attention or authors who simply do not bother to read our guidelines, to take the time to be courteous enough to find out what we do and how best to work with us.

Turning Off Potential Readers Through Self-Serving Interviews

On September 19, 2011, in Guest Writers, Reader Views, by Reader Views

The other day I decided to check the stats of near 550 interviews that we’ve done over the past few years. Needless to say I found some very interesting data that I want to share with you.