Shortcuts can be a good thing. They can get you from one place to another more quickly. They can speed up a process or a chore with a good, perhaps even better, result. (Though not always, mind you.)
In fact, I’ve set a shortcut on my laptop that allows me to quickly insert one of my favorite punctuation marks: the em-dash. I love this shortcut because it allows my fingers to fly without having to stop, think or lose momentum with my writing.
But sometimes I do lose momentum. Like when I’m at the library or using someone else’s computer. It’s then that I try my shortcut and find it doesn’t work. That’s because it’s not a universal shortcut; rather, it’s a shortcut that’s for me on my computer.
That being said, I’ll be sharing some “get great copy” shortcuts now and then that work for me. You may find my shortcuts work for you; and you may find you’re a bit like me at the library … wanting the shortcut to work but it doesn’t. Either way, give these writing shortcuts a try.
And, btw, my em-dash shortcut is the Alt+M key.
Get Great Copy Shortcut #1
Lyn Chamberlain of Arcadian House Writing & Publishing is back for the next-to-the-last installment of her series on self-publishing.
Missed Part 1? Read So you want to write a book …
Missed Part 2? Read What do I do first?
Missed Part 3? Non-traditional publishers are all over the place. Can’t I just pick one?
My book is written and I’ve seen the difference in production at the bookstore. What should I ask a publisher?
Ask questions in four general areas: rights, quality, fee structure, and control Who will own the copyright to your book? Be sure it’s you. You’ll also need to purchase the artwork as a “work-for-hire” whether it’s supplied by you or your publisher. Don’t agree to pay royalties. Paying royalties can create a lot of confusion for the non-traditional author, the least of which is a bookkeeping nightmare. Read the fine print.
Ask to see samples of books the publisher has produced. Here’s where you use the knowledge you gained in the book store. Are the samples quality production? Quality is nearly always worth the extra cost, especially if your book will represent your business. If you’ll enter your book in contests, quality will definitely be a factor.
Will your book be printed on acid-free paper? Acid-free paper will not yellow quickly. As part of my training, in 2000 I published a book with an online publisher. The paper was not acid-free, and the book already looks very old.
Ask about prior experience. Non-traditional publishing depends on computer technology, but the technology to manufacture books does not denote an understanding of the publishing world. Vast differences stemming from training and experience can surface in the final product. You’ll want a publisher who knows about publishing.
When it comes to fee structure you may feel like you’re comparing pigs and broccoli! Originally, online POD companies charged one price. That included an ISBN number, necessary registrations, a template for you to load your manuscript into, and a few books, usually five or 10. Additional books were available at near retail price. Consequently the books you needed became expensive.
Since then, pricing structures have evolved and online publishers offer a variety of options. Knowing exactly what each contract covers allows for effective comparison.
Finally, ask how much input you will have in the process. When you publish with a traditional publisher, you surrender ownership of your book, but when you self-publish, you should have as much or as little involvement as you want. At Arcadian House we love having our authors involved at every step, from editing, through art choices, through prepress and proofing.
Next time we’ll talk about some publishing terms. Until then please visit my website at http://www.arcadianhouse.com for more information.
No CommentsBlogging is the new black. Everyone is wearing it. But are they wearing it well?
For the when, where, why and how of leveraging blogging for your business, I highly recommend enlisting in the help of blogging maven and colleague Dawn Friedman of Open Book Strategies.
No CommentsLyn Chamberlain of Arcadian House Writing & Publishing is back with Part 3 of her series on self-publishing.
Missed Part 1? Read So you want to write a book …
Missed Part 2? Read What do I do first?
Now, onto Part 3: Non-traditional publishers are all over the place. Can’t I just pick one?
You can, but you might not be happy with the results. Like any other product, you’ll be most satisfied if you shop and compare first.
Since you’ll need to make some decisions before you select a publisher, begin the process with a study session at the local bookstore. Study the physical makeup of the books. Understanding the subtle differences in the final product helps you ask the right questions.
First, check out the variety of bindings. By far the most common is the perfect bound paperback. This is the one with the flat, printed spine. You’ll also find books with saddle stitch binding — stapled, no flat spine. Some books have spiral binding, and a few have comb binding.
Two types of hard covers are common: cloth with dust jacket and case bound. You’ll find variations on either style.
Now return to the paperbacks and check out the difference in quality. Trade paperbacks are usually larger; 6 x 9 and 5 ½ x 8 are standard sizes. Mass market books may be 4 ½ by 7 or smaller. Compare cover, text pages, and prices. Trade paperbacks are more expensive because both materials and manufacturing are better quality.
Give serious thought to your book’s purpose and distribution. Decisions you make will influence both the quantity and quality of your book. Will you sell your book to the public or is it more of a family story? Will your book become a premium for clients or workshop attendees? Do you plan to reorder or can you buy all you need in one press run?
Armed with the information you’ve gained, you’re ready to begin asking questions of non-traditional publishers.
Next time, we’ll discuss the questions you need to ask. Until then, please visit my website at http://www.arcadianhouse.com/ for more information.
No CommentsSpotted on a Chipotle receipt: “Farmers in jeans, not lab coats.” Another one for the swipe file, don’t you think?
No CommentsI’m a guest blogger today on a colleague’s blog!
Check out my advice on workplace communication that will get you noticed.
Here’s the second of five installments on self-publishing, courtesy of my guest blogger, Lyn Chamberlain of Arcadian House Writing & Publishing.
Missed Part 1? Read So you want to write a book ...
Now, onto Part 2: What do I do first?
Okay. You want to self-publish a book? What do you do first? Write the book. If you’re having a problem in that area, talk to a developmental editor. She’ll help create a structure and organize material logically. She’ll make sure that your information is current and may even suggest information to add or point out items that should be deleted.
Find a good copy editor. An editor’s job is to make sure you sound like the professional you are. Besides checking grammar, usage and punctuation, she’ll provide a host of services like checking for conflicting statements, eliminating wordiness or triteness, and making sure all explanations are clear.
The traditional publishing world often criticizes self-publishing for lack of quality control. Unfortunately, too often that criticism is deserved. Good editing, proofing and quality book manufacture provide quality control.
Proofread.
Contract for an illustrator. Producing good artwork takes time. Your book will need at least a color cover, and you may want interior illustrations.
At Arcadian House we send a book summary to several illustrators. Interested illustrators respond with a price quote and an art sample. As author, you can choose an artist based on style and price.
Complete pre-press activities. With the manuscript edited and the art work finished, it’s time to put everything together in a format the press can use. First is to create a design for the book and then feed the text into the design. Pre-press also supplies all the things that register a book where needed and make public sales possible: ISBN, barcode, and registration with the Library of Congress, Books in Print, and U.S. Copyright Office.
Proofread.
When the printer receives the files and sets them up for the press, he sends pages proofs, sometimes called galleys, for checking. Once they are approved, books are manufactured and delivered to your door.
That’s it for today. Next time, we’ll talk about what to look for in a non-traditional publisher. Until then, please visit my website at http://www.arcadianhouse.com/.
No CommentsBecause I coach others on writing better and faster, I like to answer questions on LinkedIn whenever I can.
So I was happily surprised when one of the people I answered to created a blog post with my answer and all the others he received.
This compilation of answers is a great way to add value to your web site or blog because it’s free content from expert sources!
See for yourself. Read the best kept marketing secrets post.
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