MSI Press Blog

It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.  Today's post provides advice on planning a successful book event. Here are some of the experiences from successful authors. Start with Clear Objectives Determine what you want to achieve. Is your primary goal selling books, building your audience, or establishing your expertise? Your objectives will shape all other decisions. Know Your Venue Select a location that matches your book and audience. Bookstores provide built-in marketing and experienced staff, while libraries often attract engaged readers. Check for good accessibility, appropriate size, and necessary equipment. Create a Marketing Timeline Begin promotion 4-6 weeks before your e...

  It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. This week, after posting the zillionth or so MSI Press book excerpt, it seemed like the topic of the power of sharing book excerpts as a marketing tool might be appropriate. So, er goes. These are omse of the reasons why sharing book excerpts can be a power marketing tool: Builds Interest and Hype Excerpts give readers a sneak peek into the book, sparking curiosity and making them want to read more. Showcases Writing Style Readers can get a feel for the author’s voice, tone, and storytelling, helping them decide if the book is for them. Encourages Pre-orders and Sales A compelling excerpt can push readers to pre-order the book or buy it as so...

  It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.  Ever wonder what publishers do with books that are returned by bookstores? This week's blog post answers that question.  Publishers often get creative with how they handle unsold bookstore returns. Here are some common strategies they might use for book returns : Discount Sales:   Offering these books at a significant discount through clearance sales, outlet stores, or discount retailers. Bulk Sales:   Selling books in bulk to schools, libraries, or non-profit organizations at a reduced cost. Recycling:   If the books are damaged or outdated, they might be recycled for their paper. Repackaging:   Creating new bo...

It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.  Following on from last week's conversation about whether or not an author should set up himself or herself as a business, if you have decided to do it, you might take into account the following steps/actions: 1. Choose a Business Structure Your business structure affects your taxes, liability, and how you operate. The main options include: Sole Proprietorship – The simplest setup. You and your business are the same entity, meaning no separate legal protection. You report income on your personal tax return (Schedule C). Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Offers liability protection, meaning your personal assets are separate from your busin...