Having a retail bookstore, being on the frontlines of book selling, we do come across a number of self-published books of questionable production. We are, of course, happy to see these individuals expressing their creativity and making it available to the public.
However, having had hundreds of thousands of books pass through our hands, when we see these sorts of books, so often the thought has occurred, “Ah, if only this self-published author had gotten some professional advice on cover, layout, font, spacing, formatting, presentation, etc., their creativity might have had a proper chance to get noticed.”
The reason why? Many people can’t help but “judge a book by its cover.” The details do matter!
Thanks to the recent Kauai Writers Conference, literary agent Arielle Eckstut and book doctor David Henry Sterry stopped in to introduce themselves and their book they co-wrote: “The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published: How to Write It, Sell It, and Market It… Successfully!”
Perfect!
Very nice folks, and their book is packed full of great information that any budding writer would definitely benefit from. Don’t take our word for it. You can ask the likes of Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, Khaled Hosseini, and others who have recommended this book.
It is actually a really interesting and engaging read, as it explains the whole process: from the inception of an idea, to the fleshing out of a story, to finding the right venue to publish (be it self-publish, by a house, or other methods, with pros and cons, too), the promotion of your finished work—and everything in-between! They cover the details in such a way as to keep you wanting to know more!
This single book has launched successful writing careers for a number of now well-known authors.
So… why not you, too?
•••
Cynthia Lynn and Ed Justus are owners of The Bookstore in Hanapepe.
