Karen's blog: bookbaby newsletters

Here are the latest bookbaby newsletters for my followers to peruse:

Welcome to the new home of self-publishing excellence! For the first time in the history of BookBaby, the entire publishing team is together, working shoulder to shoulder in one happy and harmonious space.

It’s been a long journey for our self-publishing brand, starting with a lone eBook specialist who launched the business in our Portland, Oregon office. Growth multiplied when we added the printed book team in the central corporate office just outside Philadelphia. Two years ago, we consolidated our operations to the east coast, but our various book teams were still scattered across our large manufacturing and office complex.

By the end of year, we realized that keeping up with the pace of growth meant that a change in geography was needed. Remember this video from a couple of months ago?

Our facilities team worked hard through the holiday season on our new digs, and we moved in this last week.

Now we’re enjoying the advantages of togetherness. I used to hike across the plant to talk to my publishing specialists. Now I can just look up from my desk and have a quiet chat. Our sales team can direct a question to our operations team sitting across the aisle. Proximity is a good thing.

But we’re not done with our growth spurt. Next week we’re taking delivery of new printing and bindery equipment to handle our ever-growing volume needs. By the end of summer, we will have increased our printing capacity by another 60%! From there? Well, maybe we’ll need to add more desks, people, offices and more.

No matter how much we grow, BookBaby authors can always depend on the same hands-on, people-powered publishing guidance they’ve grown to love over the past eight years. That’s a promise we’ll never outgrow!

All the best,

Steven Spatz
President, BookBaby

Learn more

Want to become a successful independent author? Then you need the right tools. And they’re all inside the Complete Self-Publishing Package–your toolbox to successfully release both printed books and eBooks, locally and around the world. And when we say complete–we mean it. It’s literally everything you need to launch your book.

What’s included?

25 custom-printed books (6x9, black interior, soft cover, 200 pages)
eBook conversion that includes proof approval
Global eBook distribution for the most popular eReaders
Professional cover design for your eBook and printed book
Interior book design & formatting for both eBooks and Print books
Worldwide printed book distribution with Print On Demand
Direct-to-reader sales with your own BookShop™ ecommerce page
ISBN barcode for eBook and printed books sales reporting.

Deliver your book the right way with the most comprehensive package in self-publishing.

Call us today at 866-707-0024.

It only takes five steps. Simplify self-publishing with our free guide.

TOP 10 STORIES OF 2017

We published a lot of articles this year, providing independent authors with free tips on how to write, publish, and market their books successfully. Below you’ll find a list—as selected by you, the reader—of the year’s most consumed content on the BookBaby Blog.

The #1 mistake of self-published authors for worldwide book sales

Six social media marketing tips for first-time authors

Nine manuscript editing software programs you should consider

15 Book publicity commandments

What’s the best time to publish your book?

Narrative structure, part one: What it is and how to use it

Seven attributes of exquisite writing

What editing software can teach you about your writing

Improve your writing: Become a demanding self-editor

The number one enemy of the writer

Happy Saturday,

Over the last 15 months, I’ve enjoyed penning these weekly messages to the BookBaby community. I hoped to gain a few moments of your attention each Saturday, put a face and voice to our corporate name, and to highlight some writing or publishing topic. Most often I’d suggest a second look at an article on our BookBaby blog.

On Monday, Jan. 8, our blog will be celebrating its seventh birthday! Under the direction of my friend, Andre Calilhanna, the blog has become a tremendous resource for writers around the globe. Andre and dozens of contributors—including yours truly—have provided great articles, essays, infographics, how-to’s, advice, ideas, tips… and controversy!

One of the posts that received the most comments—pro and con—was about the very subjective topic of writing. Some folks enjoyed frequent contributor Dawn Field’s prose. And others not so much. You can still weigh in on the conversation right here.

One last thing we can all agree on: Everybody loves libraries! Atlas Obscura put together a list of 13 unique libraries and their oldest treasure. Discover them here.

All the best,

Steven Spatz
President, BookBaby

I think I can speak for everyone at BookBaby with this declaration. The very best part of our job has to do with the people with whom we work. Each year we welcome thousands of new and returning authors to the BookBaby community. Each has a unique and interesting story to share, and we do our best to help them realize their publishing dreams.

As the year nears its end, I’d like to look back and recall some of the most memorable authors and their books. We had a lot of noteworthy folks in 2017, including:

Andrea Bull and her brother Robert, who was diagnosed with autism, created a children’s book in which Robert’s creative illustrations accompany Andrea’s funny phrases for each letter of the alphabet. They ran a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, self-published with BookBaby, and Animal Appetites is now on the market, with half of the proceeds going to the Canucks Autism Network. You can read their story here.

Mark Scarpaci was so inspired by the Cubs capturing their first World Series title in over a century, he wrote a book entitled Wrigley Sanders. It’s a story about a young man born in the bleachers of Wrigley Field who grows up to pitch for the Cubs in the World Series. It’s a story about family, overcoming life’s challenges, and following your dreams—no matter where they may take you. You can buy his book here.

Chantal Victoria (Chantal Victoria Kyei, née Bright) is a first-generation Liberian American. Due to the civil wars in Liberia, her family sought refuge in the United States, where she grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Chantel wrote Janjay, the story of a smart, curious, and energetic 8-year-old girl who neglects her responsibility of collecting clean water for her family one day to join a friend for an afternoon adventure. Through humor and the use of local language, this story brings to light the global issue of access to clean-water sanitation that resonates with millions of girls around the world. You’ll find her book here.

Paul Geidel was a true hero—one of those incredibly brave 9/11 first responders in the World Trade Towers and Air Force veteran. Before Paul passed away a few months ago, he published Into Harms Way, his memoir that recounts the harrowing rescues and heartbreaking tragedies of 20 years with the New York City Fire Department and reflects on his 43 combat missions in his Douglas B-26 Invader. Find his story here.

These are just a handful of the authors who successfully published through BookBaby in 2017.

Who will be the next new author in the BookBaby community? Maybe 2018 will be your year. When you’re ready to publish—or just to talk about your publishing project—our Publishing Specialists are standing by to lend a helping hand. You can call our Philadelphia-area based experts at 877-961-6878 from 9 am to 5 pm during business days. We also offer live chat and email support.

From all of us at BookBaby, we wish you a Happy New Year.

PS — If you’d like to take the next step with your manuscript right now, we’re offering a 15% discount on Line or Copy Editing. Use the code BBEDIT15 at checkout. Offer is good through January 31, 2018.

All the best,

Steven Spatz
President, BookBaby

Thank you for making 2017 such a memorable year

Before we take down those holiday lights and decorations, it’s a good time to look back and look forward. 2017 was another great year for BookBaby and its growing community of authors.

During the last 12 months, our team has:

Added Marketing Services, a range of one-on-one consultations with book industry experts that give authors valuable insights and actionable techniques to sell their books.
Expanded BookShop™, our free, direct-to-reader storefronts, with new and powerful tools including discount coupon functionality, a "look inside" feature that allows potential readers to view a small portion of your book, and the ability to add reader reviews to your page.
Hosted our inaugural Independent Authors Conference (IAC) in Philadelphia. Over 400 authors, writers, speakers, and sponsors gathered to learn, explore, discuss and share their journeys through self-publishing. If you want to get a glimpse of the first IAC, here’s a link to my opening keynote presentation!

Last year was a record year for BookBaby by every measurement–from books delivered to customer satisfaction. We believe 2018 is going to be even bigger and better.

We’re adding more printing and bindery equipment in Spring 2018 to handle the increased demand for premium printed books.
Our marketing service offers will be enhanced and expanded early in the year, including an author-managed advertising opportunity on Facebook.
Many of you have asked for help with writing your books. We’ll be adding new products and services to help authors tell their stories.
And construction is almost done on our new BookBaby offices. We’ll show it off in videos and photos early next year.

I want to thank the entire BookBaby community, our wonderful authors, and my tremendous staff that made 2017 such a memorable year.

Steven Spatz
President, BookBaby

PS — On Saturday we’ll look back at some of the most interesting and notable BookBaby authors and books of 2017.

Featured Article:
My 20-Step Plan to Writing a Book: Part 1 (Steps 1-10)

Writing a book is hard work—it’s easier to quit than finish. When you become overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the task, you might be tempted to give up. The key is to follow a proven, straightforward plan. Read more.

Sometimes, Just Better is Enough

Each piece of writing you complete pushes you along a path. Even the drafts you throw away are stepping stones along your journey as a writer, and all writing practice helps you become a better writer. Read more.

How To Format Your Book Using Microsoft Word on a Mac

Here are instructions on how to format your book using Microsoft Word on a Mac. Interior templates are also available on the BookBaby website, where you can download a template for your book’s specific measurements. Read more.

The Complete Self-Publishing Package—$1,299

Top Stories:

Holiday book sales, steps 10-12: This year and beyond

Should you pay writing contest entry fees?

How independent authors are promoting their books

“Good enough” may be the best thing for your writing

Getting holiday book sales as the big day approaches: Steps 7-9

Book publishing blunders of first-time authors

LAST CHANCE! The Book Construction Blueprint

Build your book like a pro: Learn how to make an ”industry-standard“ printed book with Joel Friedlander.

“I’ve seen far too many really good books hampered by self-publishers’ lack of understanding about how print books should be put together. That’s a shame, and it doesn’t have to be that way.” – Joel Friedlander

We agree with Joel—that’s why we’re giving away his free guide to help you turn your eBook into a professionally printed book that grabs readers’ eyes in bookstores and libraries.

What’s inside?

How to pick fonts for your book interiors and covers, including lots of free options
Why readers expect your books to be “industry-standard”
Step-by-step instructions to handle short-run offset book printers
Keys to understanding the “language of printing”
Making the decision between Print-On-Demand and offset printing
How to design details like running heads, text breaks, and indexes for your book
Expert tips on preparing your Word files for book production
And much more

This is your last chance to get Joel’s book for free. It’s perfect for those just starting out with printed books and authors that want to take their eBooks to print. Download your copy today.

Free download

Featured Article:
Holiday Book Sales, Steps 10-12: This Year and Beyond

If you didn’t have the time or weren’t prepared to promote your book this season, don’t worry. It might have been the best holiday book sales strategy of all. Read more.

Should You Pay Writing Contest Entry Fees?

If you are considering entering a writing contest and wondering why it is charging an entry fee, consider the operating costs of the contest provider. Read more.

How Independent Authors Are Promoting Their Books

The 2017 Self-Publishing Survey conducted by BookBaby focused on revealing the most successful book marketing and promotional strategies for self-published independent authors. Read more.

Top Stories:

“Good enough” may be the best thing for your writing

Getting holiday book sales as the big day approaches: Steps 7-9

Book publishing blunders of first-time authors

Create a villain your readers will loathe

Holiday book sales strategies: Steps 4-6

How to go from author to salesperson

Saturday, December 16, 2017

The holidays bring out the child in all of us. Who doesn’t remember that special holiday gift that surprised you so? Or the favorite carols you sang in school. Maybe it’s a family memory of being with your brothers, sisters or cousins in a reunion gathering long ago.

For many BookBaby authors, children are special for a different reason. They’re the target audience, and the holidays are one of the biggest buying seasons for parents.

Children’s picture books might seem pretty simple to create. But making them smart, engaging and fun is no easy task. The BookBaby blog asked Jill Santopolo, Editorial Director at Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, to share some thoughts on how to conceive and craft your first children’s picture book. Read all about it here.

If you’re like me, you spent more than a few dollars this year at the local bookstore on holiday gifts. The Boston Globe recently published an interesting story about how the neighborhood indie bookstore is surviving in the age of online retailing. Have a look here.

All the best,

Steven Spatz
President, BookBaby

Learn more

The Complete Self-Publishing Package has everything you need to successfully release both printed books and eBooks, in your hometown and around the world:

25 printed books (6x9, B/W, soft cover, up to 200 pages)
Printed book global distribution with Print On Demand
eBook global distribution for Kindles, iPads, Nooks, and other popular eReaders
Direct-to-reader sales with your own BookShop™ ecommerce page
Professional cover design for your eBook and printed book
Expert eBook conversion that includes proof approval
ISBN barcode for eBook and printed books sales reporting

Get started today
Deliver your book the right way with the most comprehensive package in the industry at just a fraction of the cost.

Call us today at 866-707-0024.

Print Your Book Like a Pro Designer with this free guide from Joel Friedlander.

Featured Article:
“Good Enough” May Be The Best Thing For Your Writing

“The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good; and many a good book has remained unwritten... because there floated before the mind’s eye the ideal of a better or a best.” – R. C. Trench, 1861. Read more.

Getting Holiday Book Sales as the Big Day Approaches: Steps 7-9

It’s time to really get your book marketing and holiday book sales going. Steps 7-9 in our holiday book sales guide are all about getting the word out during the prime gift-shopping season. Read more.

Book Publishing Blunders of First-Time Authors

Author, book publishing expert, and coach Judith Briles (AKA The Book Shepherd) joined a BookBaby Twitter Chat to discuss book publishing blunders of first-time authors. Read more.

Polish Your Manuscript: Save 15% on book editing with code BBEDIT15 at checkout.

Top Stories:

Create a villain your readers will loathe

Holiday book sales strategies: Steps 4-6

How to go from author to salesperson

How to get holiday book sales: Steps 1-3

Being an independent author is like being a marathon runner

Awesome self-publishing advice from the creators of Animal Appetites

Make a Cover They Can’t Ignore: Professional cover design for printed books and eBooks

Featured Article:
Create a Villain Your Readers Will Loathe

There’s something about a great villain that can engage an audience, energize a book, and provide a satisfying source of conflict. Read more.

Holiday Book Sales Strategies: Steps 4-6

In our series highlighting 12 effective strategies to score holiday book sales, steps 4-6 include getting your book distributed and driving sales. Read more.

How to Go From Author to Salesperson

As a self-published author, when switching from author to salesperson, remember: readers want a good story more than a cheap book. Read more.

What are successful authors doing to reach their goals? The answers are here.

Top Stories:

How to get holiday book sales: Steps 1-3

Being an independent author is like being a marathon runner

Awesome self-publishing advice from the creators of Animal Appetites

9 Ways an editing tool helps you polish your manuscript

The Independent Authors Conference: Talk about a revolution

It’s time to get that book out of you

Print Your Book like a Pro Designer. Last chance to download Joel Friedlander’s book for free!

You’re just getting started. Put your best post-NaNo foot forward with this free guide.

First of all—congratulations to our winners! Writing 50,000 words in one month is nothing to sneeze at. But, there’s still work to be done if you want to publish your hard work like a pro. And 5 Steps to Self-Publishing is the best all-in-one guide to help you along the way.

Topics covered:

The benefits of self-publishing
Must-know information about editing your book
Why your book cover can mean sale or stale
The importance of publishing both printed books and eBooks
How to excel in the marketplace with social media and metadata

This guide is essential to any Wrimo that wants to learn the best way to go from manuscript to marketplace. Oh, and it’s entirely free. Get your copy now.

Free download

Featured Article:
How to legally quote song lyrics in your book

Authors have been quoting song lyrics in their books for eons, but if you plan to quote lyrics written after 1923, be prepared to do some research—and get out your checkbook—long before releasing your book. Read more.

How to write a great author bio that will connect with readers

You need to create a brief and compelling author bio for use on your website, book jacket, press releases, and more. We take a closer look at the key elements of an interesting bio—and what should be omitted. Read more.

10 Tips for creating your first children’s picture book

A children’s picture book may seem simple, but creating a brilliant one is no easy task. How do you make yours smart, engaging, and fun—rather than clichéd, saccharine, and didactic? Read more.

How to throw a book launch party that isn’t a waste of time

Read on for tips on promoting yourself with a well-executed book launch party. Read more.

The top 10 articles on eBook formatting

Want to know how to format your Word document before converting it into an eBook? Here’s how to prepare your manuscript for eBook formatting. Read more.