Virtual convention

Last week I attended a three-day self-publishing convention – and I never left home. While I have attended many webinars and teleconferences, and even a video conference or two, these have all been small and highly focused events lasting no more than an hour or two. But what I attended was a full-fledged convention with multiple workshops and even an exhibit hall. What was lacking was the ability to network and interact with other attendees.

Most of the workshops were panel discussions with leaders calling in from all over the country. Each workshop allowed those of us who participated to text comments or questions to the leaders. The workshops were handled as teleconferences – not webinars. While at least one presenter had a power point presentation we could download, the conference lacked any visual elements.

I can well imagine that virtual conventions will increase in popularity, particularly as they become more interactive and multi-media. This particular conference is one that I would not have attended had I needed to be away from the office for three or four days, and yet I did get value from some of the workshops to which I dialed in. Much of the value of any  convention, however, stems from the relationships established, the networking, and overall comaderie. So, just as printed books will never be totally replaced by electronic versions, so live conventions will not be totally replaced by those conducted over the Internet.

Will Limkemann
www.siqualtd.com

Book marketing

I’m beginnning to think that writing a book is the easy part. Publishing, distribution, and marketing is definitely work – and no end of work.

I’ve spent the past week registering at numerous on-line directories, and preparing and sending out press releases and review copies to an initial short list. The larger list should keep me occupied for the next decade or so!

Today I needed to get out of the office so visited all of the independent book stores in the greater Cleveland area. Result: 3 stores were out of business; 3 decision makers not it; 1 gave me a contract for a meet the local author session in June; 1 took a book for review; 3 bought books.

Considering the books just returned from the printer one week ago, I feel quite good having sold 10 books, including one through Amazon.com.

I’ll keep you informed as the project continues.

Will Limkemann

Self Publishing

Over the past few months I have tried to absorb so much information about publishing I think my head is about to burst! As for most subjects, Google returns thousands, if not millions, of hits for just about any keyword relating to publishing. There are also many books on the subject, the best of which I have found, is Day Poynter’s Self Publishing Manual, 16th edition. Having writing and self-published over 120 books, Dan seems to know what he is talking about. If you are considering self publishing, go no further until you have written Dan’s book.

Book publishing seems to fall into these realms:

1. Traditionally books have been published by major companies who contract with a writer, handle the cover and book design, do the editing, have the book printed, and get it into distribution. In return, the author is paid a royalty on sales. Publishers are looking to sell substantial volumes, so if a book doesn’t sell more than 5000 copies within the first year, it will probably be dropped.

2. Vanity press is the route many people take when they just want to get in print to impress family and friends. They contract with a vanity press which will handle design and production and print a limited number of copies for a fee.

3. Print on Demand presses are a step above vanity presses in that they will print a few or many copies and claim some distribution capabilities. An up-fron fee, along with marketing and other fees are paid during the process.

4. Self-publishing is the process where an author actually controls and contracts for all aspects of the publication process from acquiring an ISBN number (the number and bar code on the back cover), to editing, to cover design, to book design, to printing, to distribution. Self-publishing is actually a good option for an obscure author who is up to doing all the work of a publisher, wants to be in control, and get the book to market early. Self-publishing is the route I decided to take in publishing my new book, The Successful Home Business Guide.

No matter what route is taken, it is really up to the author to promote the book. While writing a book can be tedious and time consuming, the real work begins in marketing and promotion.

Will Limkemann
will@limkemann.net