Self-Publishing Goons (Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, etc)

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clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

I just noticed and read through this thread. I had always thought of CC as a haven for artists and photographers, not writers so I didn't think to look for this topic until a few days ago.

Anyway, I'm also going into self-publishing but I'm going a slightly different route.

http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/the-book/

Zombies menace humanity, yet we barely understand them.

There are books that show you how to kill the undead but this is the first study to explain the importance of zombies to us. Zombies of the World reveals the undead to be a valuable part of our ecosystem and the key to new discoveries in medicine and technology.No other book covers these topics.

layout preview:

Book blog: http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/zombies-of-the-world-blog/

I'm having an offset print run of 3000 copies made (full color glossy paper) and it will be available in June. You can preorder a copy now and get a free poster and PDF of the book.

As you might imagine, converting this to .EPUB is a bit of a hassle and I'm still working through it but it should be ready when the print books get here. They're being printed in Singapore by Tien Wah Press, which is much cheaper than print costs in the USA.

I'm happy to answer questions about and I'll be digging through this thread for more connections/links etc!

# ¿ May 6, 2011 20:01

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# ¿ Apr 27, 2024 15:25

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Thanks everyone! If you check the blog, I'm doing a series of posts about the process of creating Zombies of the World. I've got 3 posts so far and I'm working on the 4th now.

post 1: http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/blog/behind-the-scenes/how-zombies-of-the-world-began/

post 2: http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/blog/behind-the-scenes/the-medium-is-the-message-and-zombies/

post 3: http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/blog/behind-the-scenes/behind-the-scenes-making-the-web-series/

In technical terms, I laid the book out in Indesign and used photoshop for some documents. I exported the book to PDF with very specific settings so Tien Wah Press could print the book. If anyone has any questions about any of the specifics, I'd be happy to answer them

# ¿ May 7, 2011 21:26

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Question for the kindle users: How well does Kindle handle color images? As you can see, ZOTW relies on a lot of color images. I'm currently working to export a .epub and then a .mobi version but I'm not sure how popular this will be on a reader that doesn't get color images.

# ¿ May 8, 2011 19:19

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

HiddenGecko posted:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1000234621

Download the Kindle Previewer. Unlike Kindle for your computer this is basically a Kindle emulator and will let you see how your ebook is formatted.

hey thanks! The indesign plugin is useful too.

I was thinking about manually converting the images to grayscale but then I saw that there's a kindle app for iphone and ipad - so that would be dumb.

# ¿ May 9, 2011 18:39

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

new post on the zombies of the world blog: http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/blog/behind-the-scenes/anatomy-of-a-book-what-went-into-zombies-of-the-world/

# ¿ May 10, 2011 00:52

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

oh just found an interesting resource: Digital writer spotlight

http://www.mediabistro.com/ebooknewser/best-online-fiction-writers_b1460

quote:

It�s time that we recognize the authors flourishing in these online communities. To help guide readers through this new world, eBookNewser has launched the Digital Writer Spotlight. We�ve rounded up hand-picked recommendations from writing communities around the web�giving our readers an introduction into the world of socially networked fiction.

# ¿ May 10, 2011 07:39

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

first episode of the web series is up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hel2x5CQJfA

I got 3 more in the can. Questions and comments are appreciated

it's on reddit too http://www.reddit.com/r/zombies/comments/hcupp/zombies_of_the_world_episode_1_migration/

clockworkjoe fucked around with this message at 22:56 on May 16, 2011

# ¿ May 16, 2011 22:27

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Interesting article: Do you need an ISBN for your ebook? http://www.publishingbasics.com/2011/03/07/do-i-really-need-a-separate-isbn-for-my-e-book/

While it quotes a price of 100 bucks on average for an ISBN number, you can also buy a block of 10 ISBN numbers for $250. If you're planning to do more than one ebook, then it's probably a better idea to buy a block.

https://www.myidentifiers.com/index.php?page=isbn_blocks

# ¿ May 24, 2011 23:32

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

are there any good resources for indesign ebook design/conversion? Zombies of the World is a bitch to convert.

# ¿ May 30, 2011 04:19

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Zombies of the World has a print run of 3000 so I can talk about offset printing. I had them printed by Tien Wah Press, which is in Singapore. It's much cheaper, even when taking shipping into account.

# ¿ Jun 13, 2011 23:21

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Fenarisk posted:

I heard you mention this on your last podcast. Do they have a dedicated webpage for orders/details? I've actually had a few local stores take interest in stocking my novel if I go the paperback route and was thinking of doing maybe 1,000 or so.

Also were your other books done through them or someone else?

Edit: Also if you like ebooks I will send you and Tom a copy free because your podcast is the best!

You have to call them to get a quote. They have offices in America though. However, they need a minimum of 3,000 copies per order.

There are of course offset printers here. The main reason I went with TWP is that they offered full color on high quality glossy paper for very low prices. It also requires some Indesign skills to prepare a book for prepress.

email rpprpodcast at gmail about the ebook.

# ¿ Jun 14, 2011 03:39

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

https://twitter.com/!/rosspayton

http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/zombies-of-the-world-blog/

# ¿ Jun 15, 2011 03:05

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

This is an interesting article about the newest problem for the kindle market: book spam http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/16/us-amazon-kindle-spam-idUSTRE75F68620110616

Makes me wonder if raising the barrier to entry would positively affect the market - the itunes ibookstore requires an ISBN - which cuts spammers out because it's too expensive for them to make it worth their while.

# ¿ Jun 17, 2011 22:35

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

FingerbangMisfire posted:

Just opened up my copy of ZOMBIES OF THE WORLD and god ... drat, it is such a beautiful book.

Thanks!

My book is now available in print and PDF: http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/store/

I've also created a Kindle version http://www.amazon.com/Zombies-of-the-World-ebook/dp/B005A1J6TA/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Pricing it at $4.99 may seem a bit expensive, but I included all the artwork from the book. Few Kindle books have this amount of high quality artwork in it.

Personally, I would recommend the PDF version over the Kindle format - the PDF preserves the original layout and I get a much bigger cut than the Amazon version.

FingerbangMisfire, could you add Zombies of the World to the OP? I'd appreciate it

# ¿ Jul 10, 2011 00:44

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Two Head Knight posted:

I use this website mostly: http://www.dafont.com/ They usually have the rules spelled out to the side of each font, like if it's okay for free use, commercial use, or personal use only .

Every font I've seen will say how you can use and distribute it - commercial fonts tend to have pickier rules about redistribution.

# ¿ Jul 10, 2011 05:19

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Got the first review to Zombies of the world http://www.zombiezonenews.com/archives/zombies-of-the-world-review-a-complete-breakdown-of-the-living-dead/

# ¿ Jul 10, 2011 05:21

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

FingerbangMisfire posted:

I'll add dude. Congrats on getting it out there! As always, gonna suggest hitting up the Reddit thread too: http://www.reddit.com/r/selfpublish/

I put a link to the first review of my book but it disappeared from the front page. Do you know why? This is the link http://redd.it/ir3m8

# ¿ Jul 16, 2011 18:46

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Yeah, I see it now too. weird.

# ¿ Jul 16, 2011 22:27

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

That's a great link. It will take some time to fully digest.

Anyway, I now offer free US shipping for Zombies of the World http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/store/

Also, I've been experimenting with making promotional graphics for ZOTW.

What do you think of this? Does it grab your interest?

# ¿ Jul 18, 2011 23:15

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

I had to drastically redo the layout of the book to make it work for Kindle. I basically made each page pure text or just one image - with page breaks after each image. Very simple layout. It was kind of a nightmare. I hope people that get the Kindle version are satisfied with it.

# ¿ Jul 19, 2011 05:21

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Fenarisk posted:

I paged through it on my smartphone (it didn't work all that well) as well as on my friend's ipad and my computer (it looked great on the latter two). I only ask because on those it did look very nice. The only issue with the smartphone was some word wrap funkiness where only 3-4 words of a sentence from picture captions would be on new pages, but I know those aren't the intended devices. I wish more RPG's were optimized for kindles to look so nice.

Yeah, I had to spend a few weeks figuring out how to make it work. I should do a screencast about it. However, I can't imagine how I would design a book with pictures to look good on a smartphone. I can't find any definitive guidelines on ebook design like I can with print design - like how big to make images, what DPI they should be, where to place page breaks etc.

edit: I'm really glad to hear it looks good on the ipad and computer. I tried an .epub version and put it on a friend's ipad but it looked horrible - it wouldn't render the text on like half the pages and images were missing etc.

# ¿ Jul 19, 2011 05:54

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

I went to the trouble of doing a web series for my book and it hasn't gotten me much response, at least that I can tell.

# ¿ Jul 19, 2011 21:13

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

I've uploaded a pdf of the book to Amazon for the look inside feature but that hasn't been processed yet. In the meantime, I created a 2 page excerpt PDF of the book so you can see what it looks like inside. Lovecraft fans will definitely want to look at this :cthulhu:

http://www.zombiesoftheworld.com/blog/book-excerpt/book-excerpt-the-new-england-ghoul/

# ¿ Jul 20, 2011 22:12

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Goat Bouillabaise posted:

Hey Fenarisk, bought an e-copy of Zombies of the World. I am loving stoked, because this thing is loving awesome. I am telling EVERYONE I know about it. This is awesome. YOU are awesome. gently caress yes.

Thanks!

I just had a great interview on TAPS paramagazine radio about Zombies of the World http://www.cnytalkradio.com/includes/news_items/6/news_items_more.php?id=120&section_id=6

They don't have a podcast archive of their shows yet but when they do, I'll put a link up. They really liked it too

# ¿ Jul 24, 2011 02:14

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

I can't believe I haven't mentioned this yet - a book I wrote for a RPG company is up for an award and today is the last day of voting

go to http://www.ennie-awards.com/vote and vote for Monsters and Other Childish Things: Road Trip in the best adventure category.

Thanks!

# ¿ Jul 24, 2011 08:19

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

So question for the twitter users: How important/useful has Twitter been in promoting your book/getting sales? I have twitterfeed.com to autopost stuff from the ZOTW blog (and my podcast) but I'm not sure how else I can use it to promote the book. I try to reply to people that mention me but what kind of thing works and what doesn't?

# ¿ Jul 24, 2011 18:39

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Well I went through the horror section of http://hampton-networks.com/ and contacted every single blog listed. I got about 7 replies back asking for copies to review. Hopefully, most of them will actually review Zombies of the World.

# ¿ Jul 27, 2011 03:31

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

well when I get reviews, I'll post them here.

Any other databases or directories of book review blogs out there?

# ¿ Jul 27, 2011 05:21

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Myrddin Emrys posted:

Reposting this link because I finally got a new cover:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Hunter/dp/B001J6OUQO

Nice.

Random question: What's the average length for an ebook only novel these days? I've started on a novel set in the Zombies of the World setting and I wanted to get an idea of what range of word count I should aim for.

# ¿ Jul 28, 2011 06:57

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Ah, that's what I figured. Just checking. BTW, Amazon finally put the search inside up on the print version of Zombies of the World so you can browse it if you're curious.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0982726503/ref=sib_dp_ptu#reader-link

The Kindle version has a stripped down layout and not currently available for search inside.

# ¿ Jul 28, 2011 07:20

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Yeah, be sure to post a link when it's up.

# ¿ Jul 29, 2011 04:35

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Amazon has posted submission guidelines for its Kindle Shorts program http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kin_post_os_07262011_singles6months?&docId=1000700491

quote:

Anyone can submit original work to Kindle Singles. We've showcased writing from both new and established voices--from bestselling novelists to previously unpublished writers.

We're looking for compelling ideas expressed at their natural length--writing that doesn't easily fall into the conventional space limitations of magazines or print books. Kindle Singles are typically between 5,000 and 30,000 words.

A Kindle Single can be on any topic. So far we've posted fiction, essays, memoirs, reporting, personal narratives, and profiles, and we're expanding our selection every week. We're looking for high-quality writing, fresh and original ideas, and well-executed stories in all genres and subjects.

more info here http://www.mediabistro.com/ebooknewser/amazon-launches-new-submission-page-for-kindle-singles_b13991

# ¿ Jul 29, 2011 23:30

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

MattDaddy posted:

Ok, I need an opinion, because I am somethingawful at writing blurbs and synopses.

Terrible, Horrible, Meh, or Good?

(for inclusion into Kindle Singles)

Suicide Serial - ASIN # B004XQVL64

"Suicide Serial" is the fictional short story of two homicide detectives attempting to solve a string of mysterious suicides. The strange deaths are actually the work of a cunning serial killer who feeds his urges by forcing his victims to end their own lives. Intimidation, blackmail, and the threat of physical violence are the tools he uses to achieve his twisted goal. The detectives, hot on his trail, unwrap one mystery only to find another; the killer is playing a sick game of revenge - and he's almost finished.

A man in tears walks into an office with a gun. He apologizes and then blows his head off. A nun spikes the holy water with cyanide and downs a cup of it. Bob and Joe, two homicide detectives are assigned to find out why a string of 11 people so far have seemingly killed themselves in such a bizarre way.

Little do they know the Whisper, a serial killer who feeds his urges by forcing his victims to end their own lives is behind it. His tools: fear, blackmail and blood. The detectives unwrap one mystery only to find another; the killer is playing a sick game of revenge - and he's almost finished.

here is where I have made poo poo up to fill in the blanks but you should get the idea

# ¿ Jul 30, 2011 06:43

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

the third cover is the only one that looks original. That first photo looks like stock art.

I know you didn't copy the cover design from anything else but this blog posts are pretty interesting stuff on cover design. They specifically look at copycat covers

http://therapsheet.blogspot.com/search/label/Copycat%20Covers

http://eurocrime.blogspot.com/search/label/cover%20similarities

# ¿ Jul 31, 2011 04:50

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Goat Bouillabaise posted:

Pleased to report that today I reached my 100th sale. It's a big milestone for me, and I'm really stoked about it.

Good job! Have they all been domestic sales?

# ¿ Aug 8, 2011 21:45

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

I'm not familiar with the specifics of Createspace - what kind of cut do you get from that?

# ¿ Aug 8, 2011 23:32

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

just saw this article on ebook pricing study http://www.mediabistro.com/ebooknewser/vook-explains-why-3-4-or-even-9-99-isnt-always-the-best-price-for-an-ebook_b14198

# ¿ Aug 10, 2011 04:29

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

Exioce posted:

Sorry, newbie here, but I've been exploring Kindle Direct Publishing for self-publishing an e-comic. Naturally I want to keep as low a price as possible to attract buyers, but it seems that for an e-comic of any reasonable image quality Amazon's delivery fees would make it unviable.

Let's say I charge the minimum possible of �1.49 and the comic is 10 megabytes (what I assume is acceptable quality for 22 illustrated pages), that's �1.00 of that �1.49 gone in delivery. From what's left over I get 34 pence profit per sale. Is this the best deal available on the market, or can I do better somewhere else?

I'm assuming above, of course, that delivery fees apply irrespective of whether something is transferred to the buyer over wiFi or 3G. Am I right?

how are you formatting the images? When I exported Zombies of the World to Kindle, I had a hard time trying to figure out how large to make images.

# ¿ Aug 18, 2011 00:05

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

FingerbangMisfire posted:

Twitter, social network bombing and book review blogs is pretty much all any of us have done (though I did buy an ad on SA, which was neat), so I wouldn't worry about that. You can succeed without spending a dime on marketing. Just need to self-promote.

speaking of promotion, what have you guys done for middle and long term marketing? I've sent out the press releases, requests for reviews and mentioned my book on social networks but I want to keep reaching out to new people but I'm not sure how to keep promoting it.

# ¿ Aug 18, 2011 06:12

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# ¿ Apr 27, 2024 15:25

clockworkjoe: May 31, 2000; Rolled a 1 on the random encounter table, didn't you?

You also search conceptart.org for artists looking for work. You can find great artists willing to work for a variety of prices.

# ¿ Aug 20, 2011 21:00

The Something Awful Forums > The Finer Arts > Creative Convention > Self-Publishing Goons (Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, etc)

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