Ask The Expert

How Much Should I Pay a Book Illustrator?

Published on August 31, 2016

How Much Should I Pay a Book Illustrator?

Different illustrators charge different rates. The prices are all over the board. I definitely recommend having a work-for-hire contract so you'll own all rights to the artwork in your book - forever. You need to be able to use that artwork not only in the book, but also in marketing and, if the book takes off, you'll want to be able to use it when creating related products in the future as well. You don't want to have to pay additional fees each time you want to use artwork that you paid the illustrator to create. Of course, you may need to pay a bit more up front but it will be worth if you can use it freely in the future.…

“I’m too embarrassed to self-publish!” vs. “I’ll never sign another traditional publishing contract!”

Published on August 27, 2016

“I’m too embarrassed to self-publish!” vs. “I’ll never sign another traditional publishing contract!”

Contrary to popular author assumptions, self-publishing no longer hurts your chances of landing a traditional contract. In fact, if you can prove impressive sales of your self-published book, your chances of landing a traditional contract are greatly increased. Fifty Shades of Grey is one example. It was a successful self-published book and look what happened after a traditional publisher discovered it!…

Another Example of Greed in the Publishing Industry! Editing Existing Book vs. New Edition?

Published on August 19, 2016

Another Example of Greed in the Publishing Industry! Editing Existing Book vs. New Edition?

After a new book is released, most authors spend a lot of time promoting their new baby...initially anyway. (Yes, some authors get tired of promotion if they don't have a step-by-step guide to assist them.) In their promotional activities, they will usually include specific links to Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, their publisher's website, etc. If an author publishes a new edition under a new ISBN, the book will receive all new links. So, those old links that the author posted on social media, in comments under news articles, and more will all lead to the old edition of the book.…

I Want to Write My Life Story…But Where Do I Start?!

Published on August 3, 2016

I Want to Write My Life Story…But Where Do I Start?!

My father and uncle were involved in the 6 day war, and my uncle (a member of the PFLP) was sentenced to 125 years in prison. Long story there. We moved to the USA in 1978 and my father ran the home with an iron fist, became a gang member, and did all that comes along with that life style. He also went to prison for many years. I mean, there is so much to say. Please can you guide me?…

How Does Amazon REALLY Get Print on Demand Books to Their Customers?

Published on July 28, 2016

How Does Amazon REALLY Get Print on Demand Books to Their Customers?

Let's say I go with BookLocker instead. Everybody I know buys their books (ebook or paperback) on Amazon. If the paperback listed on Amazon is not POD-created by the Amazon subsidiary, who fulfills the order? Who notifies the POD publisher to print a copy, and who ships the copy to the buyer?…

Help! I Need An Affordable Way To Promote My Book THAT WORKS!

Published on July 14, 2016

Help! I Need An Affordable Way To Promote My Book THAT WORKS!

Traditional publishers do little to no promotion for unknown/new authors now. They take a gamble that a book may or may not take off and they run with the ones that do, while generally abandoning the ones that don't. Of course, the ones that do are the ones whose authors are promoting them creatively and consistently.…

How Can I Find A Literary Agent?!

Published on June 18, 2016

How Can I Find A Literary Agent?!

To sell a book one needs -- an interesting, well edited book, a publisher, and an agent. How does one find an agent?…

How Do I Sell My Stories?!

Published on May 13, 2016

How Do I Sell My Stories?!

My name is Nicole and I am a writer who is a bit confused about how to get my stories out there so people can buy them. Basically, what I'm saying is how would I make money off of the stories that I write? Some people advise me to go to writing websites to get an audience. It's a bit confusing. Could you help me please? I really hope to hear back!…

If You Write About Sex, Will It Sell?

Published on April 8, 2016

If You Write About Sex, Will It Sell?

I know you are a busy lady, but since you are the professional in this field, I wondered what the best selling/most sought after books are? What length book and subject would be the best to write? I want to cater to the latest readers' interests if possible. Thanks for any suggestions. …

Have I Committed Copyright Infringement? Yes, You HAVE!

Published on March 25, 2016

Have I Committed Copyright Infringement? Yes, You HAVE!

I'm very impressed of your article on how to create your own anthology. I have almost 250 articles posted online and, honestly, some of them I copied from books but I also include the author and its complete sources. I'm a fan of reading books and I don't have a talent in writing because I didn't earn a degree. My only question is, does my work compromise the law of copyright infringement or plagiarism? If so, can you explain why?…

Should I Sell All My Book’s Rights to This Publisher?

Published on March 10, 2016

Should I Sell All My Book’s Rights to This Publisher?

There's a question I wanted to pose regarding current negotiations with my publisher. They offered a buyout of my copyright, and claimed the "industry standard" is: buyout = 3 x average yearly royalties. That seems low for a book that's been in publication for 20 years, and continues to sell 4-5 thousand copies a year, and will never become outdated. What do you know about this so-called buyout formula? Thanks!…

How Can I Convince Bookstores To Host A Signing For My New Book?

Published on February 19, 2016

How Can I Convince Bookstores To Host A Signing For My New Book?

Hello. I am currently in the process of self publishing and soon I want to have a book signing. I have reached out to a few bookstores in preparation. A few of them suggested I email the owner/manager. My question is what kinds of things should I be sure NOT to leave out when I correspond with them via this first email? …

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