tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post2784401014928774670..comments2024-03-18T21:30:04.613-07:00Comments on <b>Smashwords</b>: The Seven Secrets to Ebook Publishing FailureDovetail Public Relationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039664167177159146noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-91389652083502745962011-09-20T09:03:36.044-07:002011-09-20T09:03:36.044-07:00Thanks for the great insights. I think my books ar...Thanks for the great insights. I think my books are good. I like them anyway (not that I'm in anyway biased), but I'm still trying to figure out the marketing and social media part of being a writer. I'll get it eventually--I hope.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-24519630669000625392011-07-21T16:10:04.227-07:002011-07-21T16:10:04.227-07:00This is a very timely and needed article. Thanks ...This is a very timely and needed article. Thanks for the advice; hmm I'm editing as fast as I can. Unfortunately I only have 2 eyes and ten fingers... lololoAlm Hlghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04056503265231547231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-52314838390841750572011-07-21T16:09:50.714-07:002011-07-21T16:09:50.714-07:00This is a very timely and needed article. Thanks ...This is a very timely and needed article. Thanks for the advice; hmm I'm editing as fast as I can. Unfortunately I only have 2 eyes and ten fingers... lololoAlm Hlghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04056503265231547231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-30132417467761094492011-07-20T16:32:57.788-07:002011-07-20T16:32:57.788-07:00Fantastic post - really helpful.Fantastic post - really helpful.David M. Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14874584081593261033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-43243780456279290452011-07-18T06:19:36.611-07:002011-07-18T06:19:36.611-07:00I understand why writers and publishers complain. ...I understand why writers and publishers complain. The only reason is lack of patience: they think that prospective readers think like them too.<br /><br />In last four years I have sold around fifty thousand copies on various sites and I have never ever complained about anything.<br /><br />Mark, you have very intelligently put forward your valuable views. It shows you really care for the fellow writers and publishers.<br /><br />I wish you could sell more than a million copies of your Boob Tube. I have one and it is worth reading.<br /><br />God bless you.<br /><br />Raja sharmaSunifashionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09745558628571309220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-84252988325120408982011-07-18T06:15:55.536-07:002011-07-18T06:15:55.536-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Rajasirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06906848619229051689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-59204555104731493862011-07-02T11:28:22.249-07:002011-07-02T11:28:22.249-07:00Saving this post in my favs- I have to say the ide...Saving this post in my favs- I have to say the idea of formating makes me a bit nauseous, but your right I am in charge of my own sucess and I need to just read the darn thing! <br />Thanks<br />AlicaAlica McKenna Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12159703224812368401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-55479385046414824022011-07-01T09:21:10.928-07:002011-07-01T09:21:10.928-07:00I just stumbled upon this today, but I find it a v...I just stumbled upon this today, but I find it a very enlightening post. Thanks for putting everything very clearly.The English Teacherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14982031308501442156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-42818286012229984712010-10-04T09:30:14.053-07:002010-10-04T09:30:14.053-07:00As a first time author, I've really learned a ...As a first time author, I've really learned a lot over the past five months that my book has been on the market. It has been a real eye opener from the standpoint of understanding my target audience, how they react to my book, and what type of support I'm going to get (none) from within the industry I'm writing about. <br /><br />Like many, I didn't write a book with the intent of spending all of my free time promoting it - so I decided to take a break. I felt like I was trying to push a roller coaster car full of people up the back side of the first drop and not making any progress. <br /><br />I think I've only scratched the surface with respect to promoting my book. Based on my efforts thus far, I realize that the book isn't going to get the exposure it needs to develop the momentum to sell itself until I come up with a completely new strategy. It's a good thing what I've written about won't be solved any time soon. LOLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-28165944356437312462010-09-25T18:36:48.182-07:002010-09-25T18:36:48.182-07:00Hi Mark,
Good article. I'd like to pass along ...Hi Mark,<br />Good article. I'd like to pass along one of my favorite quotes that I think applies to many situations. Your pubishing pointers as well as some of the comments brought it to mind.<br /><br />"Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious." ~Bill Meyer<br /><br />We get out of our books that which we put into them...sometimes we have to go the extra mile to cover all the bases to ensure success.<br /><br />Thanks so much<br />Cynthia Briggs<br />Soon to be published author on Smashwords.cbriggs98https://www.blogger.com/profile/04681298828990422388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-8295251973564025012010-09-22T19:43:49.774-07:002010-09-22T19:43:49.774-07:00Patience is the watchword, and understanding that ...Patience is the watchword, and understanding that a free e-book that goes viral can introduce thousands of potential readers to the books you have for sale, and create a positive synergy with website and other marketing efforts. I'm thrilled with what's happening with my books at Smashwords, knowing that it's the infancy of this new publishing model, and that every growth in sales and/or downloads, no matter how small, is confirmation of future growth. The long tail of the Internet means that even slow starters have the potential to grow in sales and distribution, given time and patience.<br /><br />I have worked in the publishing industry for over twenty years, been a published author, and had some great sales numbers (printed editions of The Art of Abundance over 95,000 copies sold total) and awful numbers (the less said the better), lived through a publisher bankruptcy, ridden the waves of change in the industry, and saw the bottom fall out in mid-2008, with all the folks I worked with laid off and my way of making a living in traditional publishing disappear. Smashwords is the future unfolding now, and it's exciting to "watch the baby grow." Folks, remember, these are early days in a new publishing paradigm. <br /><br />I published my first e-book with Smashwords in Sept 2009, saw one book sold, and then nothing for months. I added my free e-book in March 2010, and now am adding more of my previously published e-books. Downloads of the free one tell me someone out there thinks it's worth their while to take a look. And a handful of actual sales offers a preview of coming attractions. It's exciting to be a part of building the infrastructure of this new business model together. Though I let go of the dream of traditional publishing, I'm seeing a different dream of independent and e-publishing open in a new way. Smashwords creates a great synergy with my own marketing efforts, and I'm going to do my best to build on whatever success comes, even if it's unconventional or doesn't happen as quickly as I hoped.Candy Paullhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13282877699640624603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-79245590766839357062010-09-22T11:13:18.693-07:002010-09-22T11:13:18.693-07:00Thank you for this informative post.
I think it i...Thank you for this informative post.<br /><br />I think it important for people to realize that without some kind of pre-existing following out there already, simply making a book available online cannot get it noticed.<br /><br />My own offering here at Smashwords has pleased me with it's level of sales, but I've been blogging to my niche and telling my stories for years.<br /><br />My niche is extremely small but I had a pre-existing following within it and those folks came with me to Smashwords.<br /><br />I imagine that, given my niche, without that already existing group of folks who are interested in my work, sales would have been zero.<br /><br />MMilliscenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04740178583066093852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-35259574920604793602010-09-21T19:22:52.508-07:002010-09-21T19:22:52.508-07:00I've been posting at Smashwords Books Reviewed...I've been posting at Smashwords Books Reviewed authors who succeed by doing all the hard work required. Today's Featured Author, AJ Davidson, has his networking links fired up, videos for his different thriller, and a terrific website showing his substantial publishing history. It would be nice to be listed as a blog you're following, when you get a chance. Like you say, we're all in this together. http://smashwordsreviewed.blogspot.comNeil Crabtreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09824553597223668295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-6152955114175171622010-09-21T18:39:54.596-07:002010-09-21T18:39:54.596-07:00Des, I think you nailed it. It takes patience to ...Des, I think you nailed it. It takes patience to plant seeds, let them germinate, and let them take root. On the topic of permanence, a traditionally published print book is here today gone tomorrow, yet a self-pubbed ebook can achieve an immortality traditionally published print can never achieve. Counterintuitive, but true.Dovetail Public Relationshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05039664167177159146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-38791279646499000722010-09-21T17:53:28.757-07:002010-09-21T17:53:28.757-07:00Great post Mark - a lot of what you say can be put...Great post Mark - a lot of what you say can be put down to one 'failing' and that is impatience.<br /><br />- too impatient to get the work finished<br />- too impatient to revise, re-edit and format<br />- too impatient to await sale evolution<br />- too impatient to market work<br />- too impatient for 'accolades'<br /><br />The great thing about epublishing is that all these issues can be worked on indefinitely.<br /><br />The really revolutionary aspect of ebooks is that they are available worldwide and in perpetuity (at least as long as the internet survives).<br /><br />Thanks for giving modern writers this great opportunity!DesGreenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02101858584133187717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-57143049527056972502010-09-21T09:21:47.215-07:002010-09-21T09:21:47.215-07:00Good article. I would like to direct self-publishe...Good article. I would like to direct self-published authors to the recently launched Wattpad + Shelf Unbound Writing Competition for self-published authors. It runs through January 31 -- entry is free. Go to www.wattpad.com for details. Also check out new Shelf Unbound indie book review magazine, featuring the best of small press, university press, and self-published authors. You can download submission guidelines and preview our first issue at www.shelfmediagroup.com. -- Margaret Brown, publisher, Shelf Unbound: what to read next in independent publishingShelf Unbound magazinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06935824158835077453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-36335817699173114862010-09-21T08:45:33.378-07:002010-09-21T08:45:33.378-07:00Thanks, Ernie! The gift of imagination can be a d...Thanks, Ernie! The gift of imagination can be a double edged sword, so yes, we deal with some creative folks. Back in college I remember I had a brilliant anthropology professor who on the first day of class told us that many of the greatest scientific breakthroughs were made by schizophrenics. He said their gift was that they could see and imagine things invisible to others, and then they tied their visions and imaginations back into reality. I think many of the best writers can probably relate to this, and not because they suffer from any so-called mental illness. A great writer needs to allow their mind to go anywhere, including these dark or forbidden places, so they can surface these great stories. My challenge to these writers is to not let these necessary demons devour your reality. It's a challenge sometimes for us to deal with it (we're working with almost 9,000 authors now!), but luckily the vast majority of our authors are gracious, trusting and supportive. I also try to remember that these writers are filled with passion for their work. They're protective of their work as they would be their child, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. This morning I received this note out of the blue from a new author at Smashwords: "As an author<br />who has sent about a hundred query letters to agents and publishers<br />only to be turned down by everyone, I want to say thank you so much<br />for allowing me to realize a little piece of my dream." <- That is what Smashwords is all about, and it's what helps me see past the rare unpleasant interactions.Dovetail Public Relationshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05039664167177159146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-9451231520108279592010-09-21T05:48:16.997-07:002010-09-21T05:48:16.997-07:00A badly needed post. Guaranteed: the people who ne...A badly needed post. Guaranteed: the people who need it most will never read it. <br /><br />#9. Setting a price that's completely out of line with the amount or quality of content.<br /><br />#10. Not providing a Twitter button. (hint, hint)CS McClellan/Catanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12528100633458181090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-85475349181432389222010-09-21T03:12:58.163-07:002010-09-21T03:12:58.163-07:00Hey Mark:
Great article.
The things you say abo...Hey Mark:<br /><br />Great article. <br /><br />The things you say about some of the authors you have had to deal with reminds me of Robert J. Ringer who self-published 3 mega-bestsellers and then decided to go into the business of publishing other authors' books. Even though the first book Ringer published for someone else turned out to be a <i>New York Times</i> bestseller, Ringer said that publishing other authors' books was the biggest mistake he made because of his having to deal with authors.<br /><br />Here is some of what Ringer had to say about some of his authors: <br /><br /><b>"On more than one occassion I was tempted to laugh out loud when dealing with some of these 'authors,' but would quickly<br />remind myself that the author with whom I was speaking might well be dangerous. Who knew what these people were capable of when they were running around loose on the streets? . . . I could have written a great movie script based on my zany experiences. I can see myself now, accepting an Oscar for <i>Psycho Author</i>.</b><br /><br />Anyway, I love this comment of yours:<br /><br /><b>"Paranoia runs deep in some authors, possibly because authors are so great at imagining things that don't exist."</b><br /><br />In fact, I have already quoted you on my webpage <a href="http://www.sensationalquotes.com/Writers.html" rel="nofollow">Sensational Quotes about Writers and Writing</a>. <br /><br />I hope you don't mind.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.erniezelinski.com" rel="nofollow">Ernie J. Zelinski</a><br />Author of <a href="http://www.retirement-quotes.com" rel="nofollow"><i>How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free</i></a><br />(Over 125,000 copies sold and published in 9 languages)<br />and <a href="http://www.retirement-cafe.com" rel="nofollow"><i>The Joy of Not Working</i></a><br />(Over 250,000 copies sold and published in 17 languages)Ernie J. Zelinskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271565900719821395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-33862738678382195872010-09-20T23:45:09.761-07:002010-09-20T23:45:09.761-07:00Thanks for the catch, Shayne! Corrected. Secret ...Thanks for the catch, Shayne! Corrected. Secret #8: Provide potential readers a working hyperlink. An inoperable hyperlink is like a bridge to nowhere.Dovetail Public Relationshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05039664167177159146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-71340293484060493322010-09-20T22:59:10.008-07:002010-09-20T22:59:10.008-07:00Really useful advice, and the first item deserves ...Really useful advice, and the first item deserves its place at the head of the list. Thanks, Mark.Shayne Parkinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11071406385872399178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-25113468044319136752010-09-20T22:50:52.071-07:002010-09-20T22:50:52.071-07:00Psst! Mark, the link to your novel doesn't act...Psst! Mark, the link to your novel doesn't actually work. Another secret? :-)Shayne Parkinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11071406385872399178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-49001859260055609102010-09-20T20:18:30.587-07:002010-09-20T20:18:30.587-07:00Outstanding post!
There are plenty of things outs...Outstanding post!<br /><br />There are plenty of things outside of my control that affect book sales. So, I focus on what I can control, which is a huge amount!<br /><br />Even traditionally-published, or traditionally e-published authors have to market, edit, revise, market, edit, rinse wash repeat. It's no different for self-published authors - only it can be a lot harder for them.<br /><br />Publishing is hard work. There's no room for laziness. readers won't stand for it.Krista D. Ballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13735832053631141449noreply@blogger.com