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This is the place for writers and readers alike who have always wanted to know about the book they hold in their hands. Phoenix is AJ's fourth book and here we will be following it from concept to paperback to AudioMovie and beyond.

It takes more than just words to make a book, far more. So here you will follow AJ through the creative process - ideas, research, deadlines, editing, and production. You'll also find posts from Eli, AJ's manager, as she handles all the behind-the-scenes details.

Archive for the ‘From Eli’ Category:

Boxes

Written by Eli on July 27, 2012 – 4:38 am

It’s worth investing in a few different sizes of shipping boxes. You can use padded envelopes if your book is fairly lightweight. But if it has any heft to it at all, the post office is likely to tear your package apart and dent the edges. Read more »

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Typos are NOT Your Friends

Written by Eli on July 18, 2012 – 1:05 am

Before you send out any piece of marketing, make sure you proof read it. A typo looks beyond unprofessional and can turn people away from your book. Read more »

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Choose Your Reading

Written by Eli on July 10, 2012 – 9:40 am

Many book clubs, conventions, and book fairs have opportunities for authors to do a reading from their book. Pick out a few sections that are really catchy ahead of time so you’ll always be prepared if a reading is requested. Read more »

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How Do You Eat an Elephant?

Written by Eli on July 1, 2012 – 1:21 am

Finishing your novel

Getting published

Marketing

What do these tasks all have in common? They are HUGE undertakings. So, how do you eat an elephant??? Read more »

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Get organized

Written by Eli on June 19, 2012 – 3:07 am

Many writers have told us over the years that they are the “creative” types, which they immediately follow with “I just can’t get organized”. So, here are some tips for keeping things running smoothly. Read more »

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Freshbooks

Written by Eli on June 2, 2012 – 8:22 pm

Eventually, you’ll want to be sending out invoices. First, congratulate yourself on getting to this point. Next, sign up at Freshbooks. Read more »

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Standalone vs. Series

Written by Eli on May 21, 2012 – 12:37 pm

Should your book be a series? That depends. Read more »

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Kindle Lending

Written by Eli on May 7, 2012 – 2:51 pm

If you’re up on your Kindle books, you’ve heard about the new Kindle lending program. You can now “borrow” ebooks through your Kindle if you are an Amazon Prime member. There are limits to how many you can borrow, but it’s a neat program.

But what does this mean for you as an ebook author? Well, you can still get paid when people borrow your book. But (and this is a BIG “but”!) you only get paid IF your ebook is exclusive to Kindle. It can’t be available through ANY other ebook service. This includes Nook, Smashwords, PDF on your own website – they mean nowhere else.

Amazon is the power house of ebook sales. This program isn’t for everyone, but it is worth considering. You can always try it for a while and then change your mind if you aren’t getting much revenue from lending.

Caveat: Your book has to be exclusive with Amazon for 3 full months before you are eligible for the lending program revenue. So this needs to be a 6-8 month trial if you’re going to see if it’s really going to pay off.

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Postage

Written by Eli on April 29, 2012 – 6:07 am

At some point, you’re going to start mailing a whole bunch of stuff.  Read more »

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HARO

Written by Eli on April 3, 2012 – 10:10 am

You need to sign up to receive the HARO (Help A Reporter Out). Read more »

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