At the end of my post “Tips for More Successful Book Signings,” I suggested that authors and publishers “think outside of the bookstore box.” I’m not the only one who thinks that.

BEAs are THE place to see and be seen if you are involved in the book trade. You should go at least once, if only to see how the whole silly shebang looks.

Some publishers seem to plan failure. It’s hard enough to succeed – why not plan to win?

Often, I talk to would-be and new self-publishers who get riled about the fact that a discount is expected on our books. Many think that’s unfair. Having worked in retail a big chunk of my life, I am a bit mystified by this.

Over the last 10 yers, we’ve done a lot fo book signings and events for our authors and clients. Here are a few tips to make things go smoothly.

Every year, a round of book contest award programs is launched, and every year, on may publishing fora, a battle is waged regarding if the contests are worth it.

Part Two of What the Hobbyist Publisher Should Know covers the 6 top things one should understand about the book business, including why books are discounted, setting up a company, the importance of marketing and more.

In which I use a bathtub to describe the importance of marketing your book to drive demand, rather than obsess about supply.

[This was originally posted to the Self-Publishing Discussion Group (of which I am a co-list mom). It has since appeared on Cathy Stucker's "Selling Books" blog and in a e-newsletter. I might as well post my own stuff!]
 
<Picture from the Publisher’s Weekly blog>
 
I hear it all the time: “Self-publishers and small press never, ever get reviewed [...]

 
There you are, proud and pleased as you stare at the boxes – and possibly pallets of cartons – of your bouncing baby book in your garage, basement or storage unit. It’s a book!
 
Now what?
There is no worse feeling in the world than realizing, after you’ve printed your book, that you have no earthly way of selling [...]