The Ink Tree Report - June, 2004
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Brought to you by Ink Tree Ltd., your source of help for
anything related to publishing and book marketing.
Visit us at http://www.inktreemarketing.com
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Note: Are you a publishing professional? Our
affiliate program has changed and there are
now even more chances for you to increase
your profits by helping other authors get published.
Click here for details.
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Marketing, Marketing, Marketing
The Ten Most Common Reasons Book Proposals are Rejected —
and What These Reasons Really Mean
by Marcia Yudkin
1. The market is too small.
Translation: We don’t know how to make money publishing your book.
Remedies:
• Add market numbers to your proposal.
• Add specific marketing suggestions.
• Try a smaller, niche publisher.
2. It doesn’t fit our list.
Translation: We haven’t published a book in your category,
of your format, or for your audience, and aren’t about to try.
Remedy: Try elsewhere.
3. This type of book doesn’t sell.
Translation: Books like this haven’t sold in the past.
Remedies:
• Research this assertion through Publisher’s Weekly.
• Compare your book to something that has sold.
• Try a more specialized publisher.
4. It’s not right for us.
Translation: We didn’t like it.
Remedies:
• Get your proposal reviewed professionally — it may be sloppy or unpersuasive in ways not obvious to you.
• Keep trying. Tastes differ.
5. It’s too narrowly focused.
Translation: We sell more general books to the general public.
Remedy: Try a more specialized publisher.
6. It’s already been done.
Translation: You didn’t convince us your book differs enough
from what’s out there.
Remedies:
• Re-research your competition.
• Differentiate your book better in the proposal.
• More carefully define your readers.
• Change the angle, audience, approach of the book.
7. It’s an article, not a book.
Translation: You didn’t persuade us that you can fill 150-250
printed pages with meaningful material.
Remedies:
• Lengthen the book to at least 60,000 words.
• Write it as an article.
• Approach publishers specializing in short books.
8. There’s too much competition.
Translation: You didn’t convince us there’s an unfilled niche
out there waiting for your book.
Remedies:
• Do/cite market research on the need for your book.
• Rewrite your proposal’s analysis of competition.
• Try a publisher without any titles on the topic.
9. It’s too costly to produce.
Translation: We can’t make a profit publishing your book.
Remedies:
• Reduce requirements for photos, unusual format.
• Cite evidence that your market will pay more.
10. You’re not an expert in your field.
Translation: We can’t book you credibly on talk shows.
Remedies:
• Find a co-author with the credentials you lack.
• Get more credentials.
###
Copyright 2001 Marcia Yudkin. All rights reserved.
The above is excerpted from “So You Want to Write a Book”,
a special report that provides a comprehensive introduction to
getting a book published. Learn whether or not you really need
an agent, how to get one, how the money works in publishing,
the top questions you need to address in a book proposal,
and much more.
Click Here for Details
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Tips You Can Use
Literary Agents Database --
We just found out about this and we love it! It’s a huge
database of literary agents. Many authors who start out
self publishing move to publishing houses at some point
so they can continue working on new books.
It’s a great resource. Here’s the link:
Literary Agents Database
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Have You Heard?
We’ve had a LOT of requests lately from authors
who want more information on how to
write great news releases and how to create
professional quality media kits that get noticed.
In light of this, we’ve set up a great little set of tools
for you to make your publicity campaign work and
take you closer to earning thousands of dollars in
free publicity.
Check it out here:
Publicity Made Easy
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Interesting Stuff
At some point in your publishing journey, you’re going
to need legal advice from a professional. Wayne Logan
at Logan Law specializes in intellectual property and
publishing law. When we need help with our publishing
contracts, we turn to Logan Law.
Find out more here:
www.remarkablelaw.com
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Inspiration
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what
makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because
what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Harold Whitman
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Affiliate Program
Increase your revenue by helping other authors get
published and achieve success. Sign up for our affiliate
program and get paid to help others here: http://www.inktreemarketing.com/affiliates.htm
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Please submit your own tips, articles and experiences to
us for possible inclusion in future newsletters. We'd love
to hear your stories and share your advice.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For more information on Ink Tree and our services for
authors and publishers, visit us at:
www.inktreemarketing.com
We can show you how to publish a book!
Member of SPAN and PMA
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===========================
The Ink Tree Report May, 2004
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Brought to you by Ink Tree Ltd., your source of help for a
nything related to publishing and book marketing.
Visit us at www.inktreemarketing.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Note: Are you a publishing professional? Read about our
affiliate program and learn how you can make money by
helping other authors get published. Details at the end of
this report.
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Marketing, Marketing, Marketing
How to Utilize Galleys for Best Results
By Christopher Willitts
Once your book hits bookstore shelves, you've got
approximately eight months to produce sales. If your
book doesn’t prove itself after the eight months, it will
almost certainly get pulled. So the time to do your
marketing is way before your book even thinks about
hitting the shelves.
Thousands of booksellers and librarians found their buying
decisions on reviews. But the major review journals (i.e.
Library Journal and Publishers Weekly) will only review
your book if you send them a bound manuscript – a.k.a.
bound galley - three to four months in advance of your
targeted publication date.
A galley is a compilation of unbound signature pages of your
book. The contents of a galley can be photocopied or printed
from your computer.
A bound galley is a galley that has been bound into book
form. Bound galleys are generally produced after a
manuscript has been typeset but before proofreading.
If you plan on sending out more than 25 pre-publication
review copies and you do not have access to a photocopier,
it may be more cost-effective to make bound galleys. This is
because galley printers typically charge less per page than
your local copy shop.
The majority of reviewers are content to read books in
manuscript form, but it is worthwhile to get them bound
in some way – a visit to your local Kinko’s® should do the
trick. A small amount of reviewers do object to bound
manuscripts, since they are usually more bulky than
galleys.
Make sure the galley or bound manuscript includes this
information
either on the cover or first page:
• title
• author
• publication date
• ISBN
• number of pages
• price
• trim size
• hardcover or softcover
• number of illustrations and/or photographs
• publisher name and contact information
• distributor name and contact information
• publicist name, address and contact information
• print something like this on the cover: “Uncorrected proof.
Galley copy only. Do not quote without prior permission from the publisher.”
Electronic galleys (egalleys) are the next stride in the
evolution of the printed galley. Egalleys can have the
same contents of printed galleys – they are just in ebook
format. Egalleys are faster, easier, and cost much less to
produce than printed galleys.
Egalley invitations can be emailed to everyone you'd send
a bound galley: reviewers, catalogs, libraries, journalists,
resellers, websites, bookstore buyers, and other agents of
influence.
My suggestion: Use a combination of both printed and
electronic galleys. Send bound galleys to the most
significant reviewers while using egalleys to expand
your marketing reach to independent bookstores,
smaller publications, and international markets. If
possible, send the reviewer/buyer the version they prefer.
© copyright 2004 Christopher Willitts
Christopher Willitts is the Founder of Go-Publish-Yourself.com™.
He can be reached at 931.422.9906 or christopher@go-publish-yourself.com. Visit http://www.go-publish-yourself.com and
sign up for his FREE email newsletter to receive Tips, Secrets,
Articles, and Much More, all designed to help you achieve
self-publishing success.
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Tips You Can Use
Once you’ve sent information to any potential media reviewer,
you must follow up if you want to see results.
Publicity expert Joan Stewart, also known as The Publicity
Hound offers you instruction on “How to Create the
Perfect 30-Second Phone Pitch” in a special seminar
transcript on her website.
Follow this link to her website and then click on
Tapes/CDs/Transcripts on the left-hand menu bar.
Click Here: The Publicity Hound
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Have You Heard?
During your publicity campaign, you’re bound to get
booked on several television programs. Want to be
sure you know what you’re doing when you get there?
Check out our report on TV Appearances – Do’s and
Don’ts here:
Articles
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Interesting Stuff
The Do It Yourself Author Show is a literary radio show
hosted by a self-publisher and featuring self-published
authors. A great place to hear stories of other self
publishers or to submit your own story!
Find out more here:
www.diyauthor.net
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Inspiration
“One hundred percent of the shots you don't take,
don't go in.”
Wayne Gretzky
(Ink Tree is based in Calgary, so we thought it quite
appropriate that something in this month’s newsletter
was related to hockey… Go Flames Go!)
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Affiliate Program
Increase your revenue by helping other authors get
published and achieve success. Sign up for our affiliate
program and get paid to help others here: Affiliate Program
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Please submit your own tips, articles and experiences
to us for possible inclusion in future newsletters. We'd
love to hear your stories and share your advice.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For more information on Ink Tree and our services for
authors and publishers, visit us at:
www.inktreemarketing.com
Member of SPAN and PMA
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===========================
The Ink Tree Report March, 2004
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Brought to you by Ink Tree Ltd., your source of help for
anything related to publishing and book marketing.
Visit us at www.inktreemarketing.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Note: Read about our affiliate program and learn how you
can make money by helping other authors get published.
Details at the end of this report.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
**NEW** - We’re adding new sections to the Ink Tree
Report and we Want Your Help!
Tell us about your book (or book idea). We may feature
it in an upcoming newsletter. If we select your book, we’ll
analyze its marketing potential as well as supply you with
fresh, new non-traditional marketing ideas to perk up your
marketing campaign. We’ll include this information in an
upcoming newsletter for your benefit, and the benefit of
all of our readers.
Send us your publishing success stories. These stories
are inspirational GOLD for other authors and publishers.
Share your stories and use your success to help others.
Ask a publishing question. Send us your publishing related
questions. We’ll answer them and feature some of these
questions in each edition of the Ink Tree Report.
Send your information to: info@inktreemarketing.com and
include the subject “Newsletter Submissions”.
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Marketing, Marketing, Marketing
How to Kick Nervousness in the Shin During Interviews
or How to Turn the Prince and Princess of Panic into
Perfect Professionals
By Roberta Gale -- Roberta Gale Media Coaching
Everyone gets nervous doing something. The mere
thought of getting on a roller coaster, even a kid’s
one, makes my whole body feel like it’s preparing for
certain death. Other people can’t fathom getting within
a quarter mile of a cow without running away screaming.
Some people are unable to walk into a mall without experiencing claustrophobia.
And then there are those who have an instant panic
attack when I mention guesting on a radio or TV program.
These folks would rather bungee jump into the Grand
Canyon without a safety harness than get behind a
microphone. The people I’m talking about may not
necessarily be shy or withdrawn. Even those with the
gift of gab at parties can clam up and break into a cold
sweat when they imagine being on the air.
If you recognize yourself in that last scenario, you do
have an obstacle to deal with, but it is not insurmountable.
The first step in your road to recovery is to learn how to
use your diaphragm. No, not the birth control device,
(that’s out of my area of expertise), but the muscle located
at the top of the rib cage and beneath your breastbone.
Start by standing or sitting up straight. Place your hand
on top the diaphragm and breathe in deeply while pushing
the diaphragm out fully. Then breathe out slowly while
feeling the diaphragm push in. Practice this whenever
you can; while watching TV, waiting in line at the bank,
or at the fast food drive-through. With practice, your
diaphragm will develop and become as hard as any other
muscle you exercise.
A well-developed diaphragm will not only make your voice
stronger and more energetic, it will keep you calm and
centered during an interview as well. When we’re nervous,
we tend to hyperventilate and breathe in a shallow manner
from the top of the chest. This causes us to feel as if we’re
not getting enough air, making our heart beat faster. Then
begins a frightening chain of events that may cumulate into
an anxiety attack. And the worst place for this is happen is
on the air in the middle of an interview!
Whenever you feel anxiety coming on during an interview,
take some slow, deep diaphragmic breaths. The feeling
that as much air as you need is there for you will help calm
you down. And the breaths themselves have a meditative
and focusing effect. Trust me on this one. Just because
I’ve worked on-air for 22 years doesn’t mean I’m immune
to nervousness!
Being nervous is also a function of not knowing what
to say or not knowing where to go next. If you keep a
short, clear outline of your main points in front of you (or
in your mind in the case of TV) you’ll have much more of a
safety net to rely on. It also helps to prepare more material
than you think you’ll need, but beware of over-preparation.
Do not write down and memorize everything word for word
or you’ll become even more worried trying to remember it all!
Many people freeze, stutter or panic when they’re asked
a question they don’t know the answer to. If you don’t know
the answer, the best course of action to take is to admit it!
Tell the host you can try to find out the answer later.
Lying or attempting to make up an answer only serves to
make you and the host uncomfortable.
And don’t feel you have to answer every question within a
split second. If you need some time to gather your thoughts,
or recover from a “senior moment” it’s okay and very
natural-sounding to take a beat. You can also prepare a
few crutch lines in advance to use during these times such
as, “I really have to think about that one,” “I never thought
about that before,” or “what a great question. I really need
to think this through.”
Practice will also help alleviate nervousness. Obviously it’s
best to work on mock interviews with a media coach who
will offer subjective, professional feedback. However, you
can also give a list of questions to a friend, co-worker or
family member and have them ‘interview’ you a number of
times. Be sure to tape the interview each time so you can
listen back to it.
Nervousness also comes from the mistaken belief that on
the air, you must play the role of the polished, slick,
know-it-all “guest” participating in an “interview.” In
reality, nothing can be more counterproductive or further
from the truth. Be yourself and participate in a two-way,
natural conversation between yourself and the host.
Throwing out all of your preconceived notions about
playing a role that doesn’t resonate with who you really
are can really help calm you down.
Roberta Gale has spent 22 years on the radio in major
cities across the country. Her programs have aired nationally
on Westwood One radio Networks and ABC Talk Radio Network.
She is president of Roberta Gale Media Coaching, which
provides media training to authors, experts, spokespeople
and businesses. For more information, go to,
www.robertagale.com -- tell her Ink Tree sent you!
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Tips You Can Use
Wondering how to create a killer Press Release?
The Press Release Toolkit helps you create press releases
effortlessly in minutes, and get your phone ringing off the hook.
Click Here: Press Release Toolkit
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Have You Heard?
We have just updated our Ink Tree marketing packages,
including the brand new:
Ultimate Book Marketing Kit
Everything you need to succeed.
Find out more here:
The Ultimate Book Marketing Kit
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Interesting Stuff
Powerful, Painless Online Publicity by Marcia Yudkin is a
must-read article for those who need to know more
about the importance of adding an online publicity
component to your book marketing plan. You can
order it on her site here: Publicity Article
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Inspiration
“A professional writer is an amateur that doesn’t quit.”
Richard Bach
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Affiliate Program
Increase your revenue by helping other authors get
published and achieve success. Sign up for our
affiliate program and get paid to help others here:
Affiliate Program
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please submit your own tips, articles and experiences
to us for possible inclusion in future newsletters. We'd
love to hear your stories and share your advice.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For more information on Ink Tree and our services for
authors and publishers, visit us at:
www.inktreemarketing.com
Member of SPAN and PMA
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