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Showing posts with the label A Publisher's Conversation with Authors

A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Deconflating the Three Types of Publication - Traditional, Hybrid, and Self-Publishing (Relative Costs and Revenue)

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  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, the topic is one that most first-time authors must confront. Which type of publication is best for him or her? For authors navigating today's publishing landscape, choosing the right path requires more than enthusiasm—it demands clarity. Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing each carry distinct values, financial models, and degrees of creative control. Let's unpack them, including a critical look at vanity publishing. (Figures given are industry averages based on AI research as of July 2025 availability; note that the publishing industry is volatile--any of the given figures could change considerably as time goes forward...

A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Overcoming the Effect of a Negative Review (without Losing Your Soul)

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  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, the topic is one that all authors struggle with: bad reviews. Every author knows the sting of a bad review. Whether it’s a one-star jab or a lengthy critique that misses the point entirely, negative feedback can feel personal—especially when your book reflects your deepest convictions or creative labor. But here’s the truth: bad reviews are inevitable. What matters is how you respond. 🌟 1. Drown Out the Noise with Good Reviews The most effective antidote to a sour review? A flood of positive ones. Encourage your readers—especially those who’ve expressed appreciation privately—to leave public reviews. Make it easy: include links in...

A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: A Few Words about Library Sales and Exhibits at Library Conventions

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  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, the topic is one that was recently asked by one of our authors. She wanted to know whether her book was appropriate for a library since it was meant for parents of neurodivergent children. The short answer: yes. The longer answer: Why Exhibit Your Book at a Library Convention? Library conventions might not be the first venue that comes to mind when you're thinking about how to promote your book, especially if you're focused on direct sales or bookstore visibility. But don't overlook the quiet power of libraries—or the devoted readers who rely on them. Libraries Serve Readers Who Need Your Book the Most Not everyone who ...