December 2015 - Self-Publishing Tips

When the question of whether BookBub is worth their hefty fee came up on a blog recently, I decided to do a little research. I discovered that questioning the fee is the wrong question. The real question is are you willing to do what it takes to make your book acceptable to BookBub. If it doesn’t meet their standards, they won’t accept your fee.

BookBub created this infographic to explain how they select books for their program.

How BookBub’s Selection Process Works

After reading through their infographic, I spotted a number of areas I need to fix before my recently-released book, Color Your Life Happy: Create Your Unique Path and Claim the Joy You Deserve is ready for BookBub’s selection process. Visit my book on Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/florabfyn Then tell us in the comments what areas I need to improve?

Are you looking for great holiday gifts for the writers in your life? Here are some fun, functional, and unique gift ideas for not only the holidays, but also for birthdays and other special occasions all year round.

1. Favorite Snacks

Writers have rituals that include having handy snacks nearby. F. Scott Fitzgerald loved canned meat and apples, Nora Ephron could down three Krispy Kreme doughnuts in one sitting, and Julia Child’s favored red meat and gin. What’s your writer’s favorite snack? Give the writer in your life a supply of their favorite munchies or a gift certificate for the store that carries them. They’ll enjoy fond memories of you every time they indulge.

2. Writing Inspiration

3. Cool Tools

4. Stress Relief

Since writers spend many hours working in one position, carpal tunnel neck and body cramps are occupational hazards. If you’re skilled enough, give a personal massage. If not, invest in a gift certificate from the local massage school or parlor in the area. Groupon may even have a great deal available in your writer’s area http://www.groupon.com/local/massage

5. Smart Tools

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Whether your writer is new or experienced, she will enjoy taking a class to sharpen skills. Here are some ideas:

A free 14-week creative writing class
Writers Digest University online classes
www.lynda.com-a membership site that offers software, creative and business skills

6. Unique Literary Clothing Makes Great Gift Holiday Gifts

Out of Print spreads the joy of reading through the teeshirts and accessories celebrating the world’s great stories and featuring iconic and sometimes out of print book covers. Because they realize that some parts of the world have no access to books at all, for each product they sell, they donate a book to community in need through their partner Books for Africa.