MSI Press Blog

In publishing, timing and context matter. One of the most overlooked distinctions is between a precerpt and an excerpt. Both involve sharing a portion of a book, but they serve different purposes and carry different risks and rewards. 📝 What’s a Precerpt? A precerpt is a draft excerpt shared before publication—often before the manuscript is finalized. It’s a sneak peek into the work-in-progress, used to spark interest among agents, editors, or early readers. Think of it as a “rough cut” trailer. Advantages: • Book Acquisition: Shows potential and voice early, even if the manuscript isn’t polished. Can help secure representation or a publishing deal. • Book Promotion: Builds anticipation among insiders (beta readers, influencers, reviewers) who like being “in on the secret.” • Book Marketing: Creates buzz in niche communities, but usually limited in scope since the book isn’t yet available for purchase. Disadvantages: • Risk of misrepresenting the final book if the draft change...

  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. Today's topic is about the role of advertising in marketing -- and how it is changing (or has changed). Is it cost-effective? Should you include it in your marketing efforts? Read on. Current facts about advertising: 1.       The cost of advertising has gone up (along with the cost of printing, shipping, etc.), but retail prices have not gone up a parallel amount, so it is a bigger stretch to get good return on investment. 2.       Readers seem to be reading less print media, and some print advertisers have turned to e-blasts instead of print mail and to online sales sites instead of catalogues....

  Today's book excerpt comes from  Andrew's Awesome Adventures with His ADHD Brain   by Kristin and Andrew Wilcox.  A lways D isorganized and H opelessly D istracted (ADHD)   Blink, blink, blink, the cursor keeps time on the blank screen as thoughts rush through my brain like a runaway freight train. “What was that book about? Who were the characters?” Oh, where to begin? There are just too many details to think about. My thoughts drift aimlessly as I stare out of my bedroom window. It’s a sunny day, and there is the smell of freshly cut grass pulling my attention to what I could be doing. I wish I were riding my bike or fishing down at the stream. Instead, here I am stuck at my desk, writing a dreaded book report for English class. Correction, I am not writing it. I wish I could make myself write it. If I were writing it, then I could be done with it. All I want is to be done with it. Why didn’t I start working on it when it was assigned to us weeks ago? “Ugh...