Karen's blog: bookbaby newsletters

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

Saturday, February 3, 2018

I hope you enjoyed the truly life-changing message I sent you last weekend.

Well, that’s not quite true. Actually, you didn’t get a weekend edition email from me last Saturday because… Well, the truth is that I got too busy and forgot to write it. (I tried to blame my missing message on the BookBaby marketing department. That didn’t go so well.) Editor’s note: No, Steven, it didn’t go so well! ☺

Which makes for an appropriate introduction to today’s message: Finding the time to write. Are there some tips and techniques that can help us all to find quality writing time in an already jam-packed daily schedule?

Author and blogger Norm Schriever contributed a post about how he organizes and manages his writing time. He shares a little about his writing ritual, which involves “rising way too early, freebasing coffee, and playing great tunes on the stereo.” Whatever works! Have a look here.

Here’s another item to add to your schedule: BookBaby’s 2018 Independent Author’s Conference is already on our calendar. Our next event is scheduled for Nov. 2-4 in Philadelphia, and you can sign up for an advance RSVP list that will qualify you for special pricing and access to conference events. Go here to add your name to the list!

All the best,

Steven Spatz
President, BookBaby

Becoming a successful independent author requires the right tools. And they’re all (yes, ALL) inside the Complete Self-Publishing Package—your toolbox to distributing both your printed book and eBook locally and worldwide.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Printed book cover design & interior formatting

25 custom printed books with free shipping

Worldwide Print On Demand (POD) with industry-leading royalties

Global eBook distribution to 60 stores including Amazon - 0% commission charged

Direct to reader sales through own BookShop eCommerce page

Lifetime customer support for all your publishing questions

Deliver your book the right way with the most comprehensive package in self-publishing. Call us today at 866-707-0024.

Featured Article:
Holiday book marketing throughout the year (it’s not just about Christmas!)

I thought I’d share a holiday book marketing pitch I wrote to my local newspapers last April for Earth Day. We authors need to learn how to make a query work for each individual title. Read more.

A good walk may be the best writing exercise there is

Writing is not the best occupation for your health. For most of us, writing involves a lot of sitting, which is why a good walk may be the best writing exercise there is. Read more.

News from the publishing world, January 2018

From Facebook algorithms to keynote speeches, this collection of news from the publishing world has something for every independent author (or author in the making). Read more.

What’s the best way to publish a book on Amazon? BookBaby.

Top Stories:

To pseudonym or not to pseudonym

Amazon’s CreateSpace announces it will stop offering author services this year

What is written fluency?

Interview with picture book author Josh Funk

My 20-step plan to writing a book: Part 2 (Steps 11-20)

Reading habits of Americans in 2017 [Infographic]

World-class editors. Working-class prices.

Edit your book

This just in: Amazon’s CreateSpace will no longer be offering editing services. But you can still get professional book editing at an affordable price—with BookBaby.

You already know that editing transforms good writing into great writing and it’s an absolute must if you want to be taken seriously in the publishing industry.

But why trust us with your book editing?

Your book is edited within 8 to 10 days.
You save up to 50% compared to other editing services. See for yourself.
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Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed and you have final approval on all edits and suggestions.

Don’t take it from us.
“I used your editing service and I am so glad I did. The editor provided explanations and much better ways of expressing what I really wanted to say.” – Joy

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Coupon expires 3/31/18.

Featured Article:
Amazon’s CreateSpace Announces It Will Stop Offering Author Services This Year

After a review of its service offerings, CreateSpace will discontinue its paid professional editing, design and marketing services. Read more.

To Pseudonym or Not to Pseudonym

There can be benefits to using a pen name, but I believe there are many more downsides to using a pseudonym than upsides. Read more.

What Is Written Fluency?

As you develop as a writer and work to perfect your craft, what you’re aiming to improve as you practice and progress is your written fluency. Read more.

Literally everything you need to publish your book
The Complete Self-Publishing Package—$1,499.

Top Stories:

Interview with picture book author Josh Funk

My 20-step plan to writing a book: Part 2 (Steps 11-20)

Reading habits of Americans in 2017 [Infographic]

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

Self-publish in just 5 steps. Get your free plan to becoming an independent author.

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Here’s a great review that was posted on Trustpilot earlier this month:

“I am completely satisfied with my experience at BookBaby. The finished product is a book that looks and feels great. The cover design was fantastic and the formatting makes for a nice looking book. In fact, the bookstore at my church has agreed to carry the book—the manager did not believe that it is a self-published book. She’s never seen one that looked this good!” — Lynn

Lynn made a wise decision to invest in design and formatting. And I’m glad she trusted my team at BookBaby to create a professional-looking book. Some authors try to take on these tasks themselves, but frankly, that’s almost always a huge mistake. Savvy authors know that these are tasks best left to the professionals. BookBaby authors who order our creative services quickly realize the value in working with our experienced team of designers and editors.

Recently I learned that Amazon’s CreateSpace division had decided to end its creative services for authors. I wrote something about it on the BookBaby blog that you can find right here.

BookBaby is committed to offering these important services to self-published authors. Our team of professional editors and designers is on call to help you produce the best book possible. It’s an investment that always pays great dividends!

Want to see more 5-star reviews like Lynn’s? We have a page on our site dedicated to customer reviews and feedback right here.

All the best,

Steven Spatz
President, BookBaby

You don’t have to choose. Distribute your book on Amazon and worldwide with BookBaby.

Learn more

Amazon may be one of the best places to distribute your book—but it isn’t the only place. The greater your reach, the more success you can enjoy. Here are four ways publishing with BookBaby gets you the benefits of distributing your book on Amazon and other leading retailers around the world.

Promote and sell your eBook with Amazon KDP Select

Sell your printed book with Print On Demand

Your key to Amazon keywords. Learn how to choose the right keywords that lead readers straight to your book.

Featured Article:
Interview With Picture Book Author Josh Funk

Josh Funk is not only one of the best and most popular picture book authors today, he’s a super positive guy who goes out of his way to boost other authors’ books. Read more.

My 20-Step Plan to Writing a Book: Part 2 (Steps 11-20)

In this post, I’m following up on the first entry and giving you the last 10 steps in my 20-step process to writing a book you can be proud of. Read more.

Reading Habits of Americans in 2017 [Infographic]

The end of the year brings the inevitable lists of “top everythings,” but this infographic goes a little deeper and takes a look at the reading habits of Americans in 2017. Read more.