Over the years, my clients have confirmed that it was helpful to learn about specific information I provided while working together. As a result, I decided to make my seven key writing and publication tips available to all potential customers. This information is provided below. I believe you will find it to be useful, and I look forward to the opportunity of working with you.
Tip #1
A Good Outline Is Essential
If I could only give one piece of advice to anyone writing a book, it would be to first develop a detailed outline. This may seem obvious, but I’ve edited numerous manuscripts that don’t progress logically, repeatedly make the same point, or ramble.
Just as you wouldn’t go on a lengthy vacation without planning your trip, authors would be well served to first compose a comprehensive outline to help ensure their message is clear, concise, and compelling. This especially applies to first-time authors, who commonly write their books over an extended period, possibly even years, and who often fail to adequately review what they’ve previously written before resuming their writing.
Remember: It’s much easier to reach your desired destination with the proper roadmap.
Tip #2
Less Is More
Many authors go into great detail when describing certain events, especially when they want to emphasize a particular point. While it is certainly important to provide critical information, readers typically find it tedious when authors venture too far into the weeds.
At one time or another, most of us have heard someone tell a joke, and then, even after delivering the punchline, he/she feels the need to explain it. It’s annoying. A good rule of thumb for authors is “less is more” – be concise.
Remember: If you strike oil, stop drilling.
Tip #3
An Attractive Cover Is Critical to the Success of Most Books
It is virtually impossible to overstate the importance of having an eye-catching cover; in fact, a cover can help boost sales significantly or severely limit the number of books sold. Case in point: below are two different covers of the same book.
Which one would you be inclined to purchase? It’s a rhetorical question, but you get the point.
Remember: Despite the popular admonition “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” everyone does.
Tip #4
It’s Important to Get a Professional and Independent Book Review
Any author can enlist the help of family and friends to secure some positive book reviews, but there is typically a rather limited number of these individuals. Further, the type of review written by friends and family is usually not particularly compelling and rarely carries much weight.
By contrast, a book review from a professional, independent reviewer tends to be both more specific and considerably more comprehensive; thus, it can often sway potential readers into becoming actual purchasers. Should you decide to have us edit your book, we will gladly provide specific information in this regard at no additional cost.
Remember: A professional and independent book review can prove to be very useful when marketing your book. Below is an example of such a review:
Post by Anselm Freeman » 29 Nov 2022
[Following is an official review of “Creekside Tales” by Mark Didinger]
How will it be if humans and animals live in harmony in the same habitat? I believe life would be as beautiful as it was with the children and the animals in Creekside Tales by Mark Didinger.
Creekside Tales follows the adventures of eight animals and six children. It has twelve chapters, with each chapter having its own moral lesson that will enrich the upbringing of kids. Dusty is a chipmunk who likes to play tricks on others, especially Harrison, an owl. Maddie is a bear with a motherly figure who cares for others, and Red is a fox. He is considered the most creative of them all, with a lot of inventions that make life easier for them all. Tucker is a workaholic beaver. He is always serious and at loggerheads with playful Cody, the raccoon. Walker is a turtle, and Bun, the youngest, is a rabbit. While these animals were having adventures in their small world, Catchum Creek, they had several encounters with the kids who live in Willowood. One of these encounters almost claimed the lives of Harrison, Dusty, and Walker. How did they manage to live through these encounters? Enjoy this story by Didinger.
This is a beautiful story that has a lot of lessons for kids. Ranging from the importance of teamwork to the benefits of taking care of the animals around us, there is also a resounding tone of obedience and respect for elders. There is always a benefit to not looking down on others. Also, if we give everyone a chance to live their lives, we will realize no one is a waste. Walker felt useless among his colleagues, but Harrison was there for him to encourage him, while Red made him feel special and useful. There are other lessons to learn from this great piece.
The story is well delivered with simple English and a clear message. The kids, who are the primary audience, will not find it difficult to understand the message. It will be good for a bedtime story for children between ages 4 to 10. Every other age group will also find the book interesting and engaging. While I was reading it, I felt like I was seeing an animated movie.
I would have loved it if illustrations had accompanied the story. It would make the book more relatable and attractive to children. That is the only thing I found missing in this book.
This book seems to have been professionally edited. I will rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because of the points mentioned earlier.
I recommend this book to teachers and parents because it is good for bedtime stories and will spice up the day for the children in the class.
Tip #5
Marketing Is Required to Produce Significant Sales
Many first-time authors believe they will experience substantial sales, provided their book is well-written and has an attractive cover. After all, even if only a very small percentage of the almost eight billion people on this planet purchase their book, the power of the Internet should virtually ensure a fair amount of success for self-published authors with a good product, right?
Wrong. Regardless of how compelling and attractive your book is, the hard truth is it will not sell in any meaningful way unless it is properly marketed. The harsh reality is that 90% of self-published authors sell fewer than 100 copies per book. As a result, the million-dollar question confronting these authors is: How do I market my book? Should you decide to have us edit your book, we will gladly provide specific information in this regard at no additional cost.
Remember: The key to achieving good book sales is proper marketing!
Tip #6
What Is the Primary Reason You Wrote Your Book?
One of the first questions I ask clients is: Why did you write your book? Typically, their responses fall into four basic categories: they believe they have an important message to share; a friend or family member told them they should write a book; they want to leave behind a family legacy; they are confident in their writing ability and think they can make it as an author.
While these responses are all understandable and may be entirely valid, it is important financially to clearly establish your primary goal before publishing your book. If the answer you would give falls under any of the first three listed above (and you’re on a budget), you would probably be best served by “dipping your toe in the water,” especially if this is your first book. On the other hand, if you firmly believe you can succeed as a writer, you are likely more committed than most and willing to spend more money to pursue your dream. Should you decide to have us edit your book, we will gladly provide specific information in this regard at no additional cost.
Remember: Getting your book published will likely involve spending more money than you realize, so it can prove to be quite helpful to first establish your end goal.
Tip #7
Writing and Publishing a Book is Like Giving Birth
Contrary to what many new authors believe, a significant amount of time, energy, and money is usually involved in becoming a self-published author. I frequently tell clients the process is not unlike giving birth. Yet, while it is more difficult than most people presume, it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Years ago, when I was training to run a marathon, a close friend (and accomplished runner) went into significant detail when discussing the various challenges I needed to prepare for, focusing most heavily on “the wall” I would “hit” at around the twenty-mile mark. After receiving several warnings in this regard and becoming somewhat concerned, I asked if he was trying to dissuade me from running the event. I will never forget his response. “Not at all. I’ve learned that when runners know precisely what to expect, they are far less likely to quit.”
Remember: The process of writing and publishing a book can be quite challenging, but it can also be remarkably rewarding.