Writers – Page 82 – Jean's Writing

Publishing mistakes I made this year

Published on December 31, 2015December 31, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell21 Comments

First, let me say my mistakes were expensive.

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Now that I’ve got that off my chest I’ll try to share something constructive.

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I rushed the process.

Those who know me, stop snickering. I’ll admit patience is a problem for me sometimes. But after working on the same project over and over and over and over until I was sick of it and ready to put that baby to bed. I ended up submitting it three times due to errors found in the proof copy.

I didn’t understand the IngramSpark process before I started.

That turned out to be a very costly mistake. They use different templates than Createspace and well, everything is different. I’d read it was the easiest and cheapest self-publishing platform to use and it was.

So if you are looking for a step by step way to get a book self-published with little cost Createspace is the way to go.

I didn’t submit Tryouts for Ben to reviewers before publication.

This is something I didn’t realize. I know ignorance is no excuse, but it’s all I’ve got. Apparently many, not all but many reviewers want an advance copy of the book before it is released to the public. Go figure. In the link below Kristen Lamb explains how very important reviews are for writers, click and read. Review are our life blood.

When doing a book with illustrations or pictures use a heavier paper.

I’d read the suggestion somewhere by someone, don’t remember who or where but unfortunately didn’t. A mistake. The finished product, especially with the IngramSparks book would’ve looked much more polished.

I didn’t ask questions.

When in doubt, ask. That’s what the help line is for. The people at IngramSparks were very helpful. I should’ve called them sooner. Would’ve saved me $$$ and a lot of frustration.

Self-publishing a book without knowing anything about marketing.

And I still don’t have the vaguest idea how or where to start.

Did I learn anything? Yes.

I will probably make several mistakes but I do hope not the same ones.
Createspace is quicker, cheaper and easier than IngramSpark. However, I will continue to publish on both.
Ask questions!

How about y’all? Which platform do you use to self-publish? What has been your experience? I’d love to know.

The Ugly Truth of Publishing & How BEST to Support Writers by Kristen Lamb

Self-Publishing and Living the LLC Dream by Scott De Buitléir

How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book? 4 Authors Share Their Numbers by Dana Sitar

Leave a comment and tell me what you think. Together we can learn the latest writing tips, and look for me @jeancogdell on Twitter and jean.cogdell on Facebook!

Have a safe and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Do you have a good memory trick?

Published on December 22, 2015December 17, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

This is how mine goes at my house.

One night last week as I was drifting off to sleep a rhyme entered my head and refused to leave.

So instead of letting it go I did what any writer and wife would do. I woke my husband.

“Honey, you asleep?”

“Nah, not anymore. Anything wrong?”

“No, need to tell you something.”

Now I had his full attention. He was expecting a big revelation. Much to his surprise it was this little ditty that was running cycles in my head like a kid hyped up on sugar riding a brand new tricycle.

“Thanks for listening.” I said. “Now I won’t forget it. Good night.”

“Night.”

He didn’t think I heard the chuckle in his voice. But I did and I didn’t mind. Because he had listened to my rambling so that I would remember in the morning. Now that’s a good partner. Talking is the only way I can be halfway assured I will remember in the morning. Talking it out helps cement it in my thoughts.

I’m excited to announce I just sent it off to the editor and to the illustrator. Yay! First phase down.

Thanks Honey!

So how about you. Do you have a technique that helps you remember the ideas that pop into your head during the wee hours of the night?

Do tell!

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do you give credit to the right person?

Published on December 18, 2015February 19, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell16 Comments

I checked a few books, ask a few writers and then made my own decision.

I acknowledged the talented lady who drew the illustrations for my first published children’s book. Ashley Bauer.

The following article confirmed I did the right thing. Sort of. I felt acknowledging Ashley was right because I’ve always believed in giving credit where credit was due. Without her, my book would have lacked color and spice.

Thanks to that added color and spice I received a glowing review from Readers’ Favorite. “… An engaging and entertaining story laced with humor…. The illustrations are adorable and they complement the author’s words nicely, breathing life into the scenes. “ 5 Stars from Readers’ Favorite

I’ll be the first to admit my book would’ve looked naked without suck adorable illustrations. I guess it’s true one picture is worth a thousand words.

Just as we want readers to love the words we write and the blogs we post, illustrators want recognition for the pictures they produce.

Writing and publishing Tryouts for Ben has been a major learning curve for me. Next book, I’ll add the illustrator’s name not only to the inside but also to the front cover.

Thank you, Debbie Young for bringing to my attention how and why recognizing illustrators is important. Especially the when and how to part. Learning is always helpful.

Head over and read her article: Why It’s Important to Credit Illustrators

Tell me, do you credit your illustrator and if so where? On the cover, inside or both?

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Is it just me?

Published on December 17, 2015December 15, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell22 Comments

Am I the only person going nuts with all the pop-up boxes on websites and blogs?

Enough already! It’s as bad as dealing with 20 commercials every 10 minutes during a television show!

Come on as frustrating as that is, I’m used to it and avoid the dreaded avalanche by recording and fast forwarding through the commercials.

But I just thought TV commercials were the most frustrating sales pitch. Right up there next to the telemarketing phone calls during dinner.

That is, until someone invented the website pop-up box!

This trend needs to fade away and soon.

I hate clicking on a new website, only to have my screen blocked by a huge square wanting me to either, a) buy something or b) subscribe for a newsletter.

We all want more readers and followers. We all want people to like our blogs, and buy our books. However, I’m not sure startling visitors with a gotcha is the way to do it.

So what do you guys out in cyberspace think? I’m I off my rocker here? Do you mind the pop-ups?

Let’s talk. Tell me what you think. Convince me I’m wrong. Pull me over to the dark side. LOL

I concede some of my readers might want to add a pop up box and I do aim to please. So I hope the following video helps.

How to add a pop up box to any website.

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell and on Facebook at jean.cogdell! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.