A Little Spunk to Start Your Week

Look who's here visiting with me today! Multi-published author L. Diane Wolfe. Not only does Diane have some of the best hair ever, she's packed a passel of good information into her blog post. See if you don't agree. On both.

The Purpose of Review Copies and Free Books

Most publishers and self-published authors give away free copies before a book’s publication date. Known as “review copies” or “ARCs,” these books go out to a variety of people and publications. Except for an additional format (the e-book) review copies haven’t changed much over the years.

The purpose of an ARC is to generate reviews. These are used several different ways:

·         Pre-publication reviews can be used for back-of-book quotes and on other promotional material.

·         Reviews from industry magazines and publications (such as Publishers Weekly and Library Journal) can generate orders from booksellers and libraries.

·         Book blogger reviews can be used for promotional purposes and generate interest.

·         Reader reviews also generate interest and can start a grass roots movement.

Traditionally, review copies were sent out by the publisher several months before the book’s release. The larger publishers were also able to supply a few copies to the author. Only print copies were accepted by reviewers, either in the form of an ARC, a galley, or a folded-and-gathered. Usually once the book was released, no more copies were sent.

The emergence of e-books (and the domination of the Internet) changed the game a bit. Since there are no printing or shipping costs, sending out e-books is economical.

Initially e-book ARCs were used mostly to increase sales. Before there were dedicated e-readers, the theory was one couldn’t give away enough free e-books. Why? Because the only way to read them was on a computer. Who wanted to stare at a computer screen to read a book? Most people would only read the first chapter, and if they liked it, they purchased the print book.

Today e-book review copies are used like print ARCs. Pre-publication reviewers still will not accept an e-book, but some book bloggers and certain online publications will take them. Most publishers will still only send ARCs to sites that can generate a review, but self-published authors can send books to anyone.

Online giveaways have meant new opportunities for publishers and authors. Now they can get ARCs into the hands of real readers for the purpose of online reviews. While Goodreads only allows print book giveaways, there are other opportunities for e-book giveaways, especially for self-published authors.

The delivery has changed some, along with the list of possible recipients. But the goal of review copies remains the same. Take advantage of early reviews!

HOW TO PUBLISH AND PROMOTE YOUR BOOK NOW!
BY L. DIANE WOLFE

Publishing and promoting made simple!

Have you always dreamed of publishing a book but didn’t know where to begin? This book walks you through the steps of identifying markets, budgeting, building an online presence, and generating publicity. Get the whole story on:

·           Traditional publishing

·           Self-publishing

·           Print and e-book setup, formatting, and distribution

·           Finding your target audience

·           Generating reviews and media interest

·           Networking and developing an online presence

·           Promotional materials and appearances

Uncover your ideal publishing path and numerous marketing options before you begin. Writing is your dream. Give it the best chance for success!

Publishing/Marketing, 214 pages

$14.95 Trade paperback ISBN 978-0-9827139-5-2

$4.95 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9827139-9-0

Available in all Ebook formats

“She gives an unbiased take on the advantages and disadvantages of traditional publishing and self-publishing and publishing paths that combine the two… It's the perfect book for those who want an overview to begin the decision-making process.”

  - Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning series of how-to books for writers http://howtodoitfrugally.com/

L. Diane Wolfe

Professional Speaker & Author

Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association and the author of numerous books. Her latest title, “How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now,” covers her publishing seminars in depth and provides an overview of the entire process from idea to market. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties her goal-setting and leadership seminars together into one complete, enthusiastic package. Her YA series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories. Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, and assists writers through her author services.

www.spunkonastick.net

www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com

www.thecircleoffriends.net