Gone are the times when most authors could relax and let their publisher sell their book for them. Nowadays, in a climate of increasing commercialisation, the majority of authors, both new and established, are discovering that they get no help at all. For the self-published (a rapidly expanding market) this has always been largely the case, but now nearly all authors are faced with the task of having to market and publicise their own book. The prospect is a daunting one, but without some form of self-input it is rare for any book to sell in significant quantities.However, exactly what needs to be done to generate sales, and to create a reputation for a book, is often a mystery. Thus, Seriously Useful aims to demystify the processes in a concise, lively, and highly readable way. Although primarily concerned with making sales, it also offers some very useful pre-publication advice, including the options and benefits of self-publishing. In addition it reveals some essential inside information on how the books trade works, so the author has an excellent understanding of their book’s journey from manuscript, to publisher, to wholesaler, to retailer, to reader. There are also some very useful contributions from other mainstream and self-published authors. Written by Mary Cavanagh, a novelist and short story writer, who has had first-hand experience of both mainstream and self-publishing. Her previous work includes The Crowded Bed (Transita 2007) and A Man Like Any Other – The Priest’s Tale (Matador 2008).

This quick reference guide deciphers the jargon that you need to know, assisting with the smooth and stress-free publication of your book.

Calling All Authors Everything the author of fiction and non-fiction needs to know about the road to publication, understanding the book industry, and how to sell that book! Over the last five years, due to the advent of self-publishing and media marketing, publication is actually easier, but it's infinitely more difficult to get a mainstream contract. Thus, whatever method you aim for, you must have immaculate manuscript presentation, sound knowledge of the book industry, and dogged determination to make sales. Mary Cavanagh, a successful novelist and short story writer, has had first-hand experience of all publishing methods, the jungle of the book industry, and the many successful methods of making sales. In Calling All Authors she aims to demystify all the necessary processes in a concise, lively, and highly readable way, with some very useful contributions from a wide range of other successful authors. 'A fantastic book . . . a wealth of information and some brilliant advice for book types everywhere' The Big Green Bookshop, London N22 6BG 'An invaluable resource of information for all authors, even those who are, as yet, unpublished' Deborah Lawrenson, author

The Ultimate Writing Coach contains everything you need to know about writing and publishing. It presents authoritative guidance direct from professional writers covering the full gamut of both the fiction and non-fiction market. For fiction, there is coaching on everything from creating believable characters and writing short stories to specialist subjects such as crime and children's fiction. For non-fiction learn from expert advice on travel and technical writing, writing for the web, poetry and biographical writing, and journalism. This invaluable guide also includes succinct, practical guidance on actually getting published, with articles on how to get your submission right for immediate impact, contracts and legal issues, and the financial side. There are handy tips on learning opportunities, whether you're a high school graduate looking to embark on a university degree or a full-time mom looking to take a short course or workshop. And a handy glossary of book trade terminology will ensure you're fully clued up on your industry jargon.

THE MOST TRUSTED GUIDE TO GETTING PUBLISHED Written by writers for writers and backed by 89 years of authority, Writer's Market is the #1 resource for helping writers sell their work. Used by both seasoned professionals and writers new to the publishing world, Writer's Market has helped countless writers transform their love of writing from a hobby into a career. Nowhere else but in the 2010 Writer's Market will you find the most comprehensive and reliable information you need. This new edition includes: Complete, up-to-date contact information and submission guidelines for more than 3,500 market listings, including literary agents, book publishers, magazines, newspapers, production companies, theaters, greeting card companies, and more. Informative interviews, helpful tips and instructional articles on the business of writing. The "How Much Should I Charge?" pay rate charts for professional freelancers. Sample good and bad queries in the "Query Letter Clinic." Easy-to-use format and tabbed pages so you can quickly locate the information you need!

Who Was Angela Zendalic? is set in Oxford, in the locality of Jericho and the world of University academia, encompassing the past and the present. A deeply moving and sensitive story told with skill, humour, and a mirror to profoundly changing times. In 1954, Peggy, a respectable war widow and librarian, gives birth out of wedlock to Angela, a ‘coloured’ baby, and due to the discrimination of society, and her own deep shame, must give up the baby for adoption. Angela is adopted by a loving and well-meaning white couple, and as she grows up must come to terms with racial prejudice, the confusion surrounding her circumstances, and of falling in love with a man fifteen years her senior. Sarah, Angela’s own daughter, grows up to be a feisty, liberated single parent who, on the death of her father, discovers her mother was a stranger called Angela Zendalic. Thus, she must confront her shock in order to search for her.

Author Marques Vickers’ “Promoting Your Self-Published Book: An Independent Author’s Guide To Marketing and Exposure” is a concise reference guide for authors to market their independently published paperbacks and electronic books. The book offers valuable tips to maximize the expanding sales capabilities of the Internet. This edition details important exposure strategies, existing and emerging sales opportunities and valuable promotional outlets. Nearly 300 useful reference websites are provided to enhance social media strategies, website design, revenue outlets, email marketing, soliciting book reviews and media coverage. “Promoting Your Self-Published Book” stresses a current transformation supplanting the traditional publishing industry. Fresh and innovative creative and revenue opportunities are emerging for entrepreneurial savvy authors, writers, and journalists. The guide stresses the importance and urgency of cultivating a vibrant social media presence via active postings and participation with content, social networking and weblog websites. These activities supplement an author website with videos, feedback capabilities and resources to cultivate new and return buyers. The book stresses the importance of personalization and a writer’s online articulation of their creative vision. Practical advice and supplementary consulting sources are offered on every aspect of website design, effective promoting through media exposure, email marketing and the cultivation of a potential and existing client base to establish long-term sustainability. Chapter #1: The Essential Economics of the Publishing Industry Evaluating the Financial Realities Behind a Traditional Publishing Contract The Changing Economic Landscape for Publishers Substantive Reasons For Self-Publishing The Precarious Future Facing Traditional Publishing Outlets Online Reading Habits Printed Media Versus Electronic Media Creating An Environment of Success and Self-Determination Chapter #2: A Fresh Dependency and Integration of Social Media Maximizing Social Media Reach The Importance of Hashtags as Reference Beacons How to Personalize Social Media The Categories of Social Media Best Suited For Authors Weblogs Automating All of Your Social Media Outlets Together Chapter #3: A Writer’s Website Attractive Packaging Your Role in Creating The Design Concept Designing and Personalizing Your Own Website Evaluating Your Website Host Memorable Domain Name Clarity of Vision Make Your Site Simple to Navigate How The Cellular Phone and Tablets Affect Website Layouts Chapter #4: Drawing Traffic To Your Social Media Pages and Website Qualifying Your Website Viewers Search Engines and Indexes Where and How Often Should You Submit Your Website Pages Buying Traffic and Ad Words Programs Electronic Magazines and Weblogs Chapter #5: Soliciting Book Reviews Print Media Book Editors Seeking Out Diverse Coverage and Reviews How to follow-up with Media Interest Chapter #6: Cultivating Media Exposure and Email Marketing Strategies For Sending Out Press Releases Bulk Email Press Releases Specific Media Submission Guidelines Purchasing Mailing and Media Contact Lists Additional Review Outlets and Their Cumulative Effect Chapter #7: Cultivating Revenue Streams Amazon Publishing Keyword Adverting Programs Bidding For Placement Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Google Play Books Dropshipping Pre-Printing Books For Resale Reference Category Listings Amazon Related Resources, Author Industry Mailing List Services, Automated Social Media Marketing, Bulk Email Services, Content Community, Currency Converters, Digital and Video Imaging Software, Domain Name Brokers & Registration Services, E-Commerce Shopping Carts, Social Networking Websites, News Media Search Engine Submission Sources, Pay Per Click Traffic, Press Release Services, Search Engines, Self-Publishing Outlets, Weblogs, Website Design Software and Related Services.

Authors will benefit hugely from this practical book by seeing how effective they can be at helping to promote their own books. Alison Baverstock encourages authors to work with publishers and agents but also explains how to 'go it alone' for authors who plan to self publish. The book covers: how marketing works; what opportunities there are; how authors can help; how to get noticed; how to get local publicity, organise a launch event and keep the momentum going after publication. The book also provides authors with a real insight into the publishing process and contains illuminating interviews with everyone concerned: editors, marketing people and, most importantly, authors.

The inside story on how to get up the book sales ladder.