Over the 19 years I've been RVing, I've met many people whose dream is to write. Their dream may be to write that novel. It may be sharing their RV adventure and things they've learned with other would-be travelers and RVers. And, often it's wanting to write down memories or family stories so they aren't lost and can be shared with the rest of the family. Publishing an eBook is the fastest and least expensive way to get published.
My stepdaughter, Nina Paules, has recently formed a company to publish manuscripts, previously published printed books and to distribute them globally. Her company can help if you want to make your work available to others by producing a professional product and providing a way to get your eBook in front of potential readers.
I invited Nina to do a guest post about her company and how she can help you achieve your dream of getting published. (Be sure to read all the way to the bottom to find out about the special gift Nina is offering to our readers!)
Hi Jaimie! Thank you for having me, here, at your blog. I am excited to talk with your readers.
1. First, to introduce yourself, you have two distinct companies. What are the missions of each?
eBook Prep is a full service eBook design firm catering to the busy author working on a budget. Our ongoing mission is two-fold:
1. Creating well-formatted eBooks (in the .mobi and .epub file format) that look good on every eReader device, and
2. making our authors shine.
ePublishing Works! is eBook Prep's sister company. ePW's mission is to bridge the chasm between authors and their readership by making author's eBooks available world-wide.
At a glance, ePW looks a bit like Smashwords in that ePW is an aggregator who holds publishing contracts with all the big name eRetailers (plus 50 more around the world).
That said, here's what sets ePublishing Works! apart:
2. For an RVer who has written a nonfiction book or novel, how can you help?
I can help in two different ways.
The key to fulfilling the reader's expectation (and making our authors look good!) is packaging a "traditional" look inside an engaging, e-bump free reading experience. We do this every day at eBook Prep. Since March we've created over 150 eBooks for 70 different authors.
To see our work, download one of the following samples.
1. An Educated Death by Kate Flora:
2. Law Made Fun Though Harry Potter's Adventures by Karen Morris and Bradley Carroll (non-fiction)
What about a cover and do you include a table of contents?
Both of eBook Prep's All-Inclusive (and affordable) packages include a basic cover, an active table of contents (the kind that's available via an eReader's table of contents "button"), dropped chapter headings (that start on a new "page", just like in a "real" book), flourishes, and excerpt insertion for cross selling.
When eBook Prep is finished, you'll have a professionally formatted eBook in the .mobi (Amazon/Kindle) and .epub (B&N et al) formats, which meet the technical standards set forth by the higher-end eBook venues like Sony and iBooks. Click on this link to all of eBook Prep's services.
You said you have two All-Inclusive packages. What's the difference?
One is for authors with a work of fiction that already exists in a .doc file. The other comes with scanning, and if for authors who only have a print version of their fictin book.
But many RVers write non-fiction. Will the All-Inclusive packages work for non-fiction, too?
Non-fiction (works that require special formatting and graphic inserts other than the cover) is a slightly different story. This is due to the wide (and varying) technical limitations of eReader devices.
The key to creating a professionally formatted non-fiction eBook is formatting the manuscript to the least technically advanced eReader device. This often requires concession, especially where graphics are concerned, and sometimes rewriting. Taking a close look at an existing print copy (or electronic file) during a one-on-one phone call with the author is where I like to start.
Pricing: Both of eBook Prep's All-Inclusive packages are available for non-fiction works, but the pricing is based upon number of chapters, word count, graphic inserts and formatting complexities. All of eBook Prep's non-fiction books also include a linked table-of-contents (the type that appears inside the ebook) as most non-fiction books aren't read serially.
3. Once an author receives the .mobi and .epub files from eBook Prep, can the author list the eBook themselves?
Of course! About half of eBook Prep's authors list their .mobi and .epub files with Amazon and B&N (respectively), themselves. Then, they enroll their titles in the ePublishing Works! Pick-n-Choose program and ePW lists them on all the venues that require an ISBN, including Sony, Kobo, iBooks, and CoreSource/Ingram (where authors gain access to another 50+ eRetailers around the world, including Diesel).
The other half of eBook Prep's authors enroll their titles in ePW's full-service program, where the author royalty percentage is higher and ePW does all the work for them. Here's a link to more information.
Is there a cost to join ePublishing Works!?
No, not if the author has a technically sound and well-formatted .epub file, or if eBook Prep has prepared the file.
4. Are there any projects that eBook Prep and/or ePublishing Works! would turn down as unprofessional/unsellable?
eBook Prep primarily handles original works of fiction and non-fiction. The only projects we reject are extreme erotica and private domain works we know belong to another author.
Publishing Works! does not accept eBooks consisting of public domain (20% or more) content. Nor does ePW accept titles with encumbered world-wide digital rights in English. These rules are set for us by the various eRetailers with whom we list.
5. What about ISBNs? Who owns the ISBN? And what about author's rights?
ISBNs: ISBNs are provided through ePublishing Works!. For each title enrolled, ePW assigns an ISBN to the eBook at no cost to the author.
ISBN ownership: Just like in the print world, story/book content remains the properly of the author and the ISBN assigned to the book remains the property of the publisher. eBook files containing an ePW ISBN exist solely for ePW listing purposes. eBook files (of the same title) without ePW's ISBN (like the files the author listed on Amazon and B&N, themselves), exist at the discretion and control of the author.
ePW and Rights: ePW requires *non*-exclusive world-wide digital rights in English, only. This means that if an author decides to POD (print-on-demand) their title, or ebook it in Spanish, they are free to do so.
Do you need an ISBN to publish an eBook on Amazon or B&N?
No. Amazon and B&N do not require an ISBN.
Could the author provide their own ISBN?
Yes, an author could provide their own ISBN. eBook Prep will happily encode an author's valid and properly registered ISBN into their ebook. Do remember that, if purchasing your own ISBN is important to you, you'll need a different ISBN for each format (.mobi, .epub, print (POD), audio, etc...) of the same title.
On the ePW side, to remain in accordance with our publishing agreements, ePW must assign an ePW ISBN to a title for listing purposes.
6. How does ePublishing Works work for a non-published or self-published author?
ePW is now open to submissions by self/non-published authors through Special Exception. The process is free of charge. Click this link for more information.
7. I though I saw somewhere that you said there are more than 2,000,000 eBooks! If someone writes and publishes an eBook, how do they get readers?
The secret is continually building your Author Platform – one that highlights who you are and what you're about while attracting readers seeking what you offer – and doing it without shouting.
Here are the primary elements of an Author Platform (all of which can be had mostly for free).
Here are some do's and don'ts when building your platform.
8. There are several stages of writing and publishing: writing, editing, publishing, marketing. Which of these do you get involved in?
Formatting, publishing (and soon ebook teasers and promotion) are the forte of eBook Prep and ePublishing Works!. We like to leave the writing, and editing to the experts.
9. Any final advice for RVers who would like to publish a book?
Here's an important tip most eBook marketing plans miss:
When you list your title, make sure you list it in the right genre. The days of perusing bookshelves stocked by the genre-wise bookseller are quickly passing. Today's readers are more likely to go online (usually via their eReader) and search for something interesting to read, by category (aka genre). It's now up to you, the author, to make sure your book(s) appears on the right eShelf. Click to see the current list of BISAC "genre" codes.
Thanks so much, Nina! This is great information.
WIN A PUBLISHING PACKAGE!
Nina has generously volunteered to answer any questions you might have. She has also offered one All-Inclusive Package w/Advance cover upgrade (a $265 value) to a reader. Whether you are an RVer or not, to be eligible for the drawing for this wonderful package, just leave a comment or ask a question below. We'll hold the drawing on October 25 a draw a name from all those who have posted. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
Publishers would love to find the next Harry Potter books. While Kevin Hearne’s character might not appeal to children and teens—after all his character is a 2100 year old Druid—Del Ray, an imprint of Random House is gambling on him. Kevin, an unpublished, unknown author, got an three-book deal for his The Iron Druid Chronicles that will be released in the spring.
Kevin lives in Tempe, Arizona—that's where his main character is based too. He teaches high school English and has been writing for 19 years. He has written two other novels but these will be the first to be published. His genre is urban fantasy. We were fortunate to be able to hear his talk at the East-West Book Exchange in Payson, AZ, sponsored by the Rim Country District of Arizona Press Women. His mother's a member so that's how we lucked out.
We heard Kevin's fairytale story of how he got this advance. Along the way he debunked some myths like you can be an overnight success. He told us how he found an agent and why having an agent benefits you, not only to get the best deal, but many publishing houses won't even look at your work unless it is presented by an agent. Since agents often know editors personally, it gets your foot in the door. Kevin also gave us websites and tips to help us achieve our own publishing dreams.
Fantasy is hot now. Main characters are often vampires, witches or faeries. One reason Kevin chose a druid is because that had not been done before. He said the market is wide open for a troll or gnome, if anyone is looking to break into this market! He also described some subgenres that sound intriguing just from the names: steampunk, dieselpunk, atomicpunk, bustlepunk and biopunk.They all fall under the fantasy genre.
If writing is part of your RV dream, take a look at Kevin's blog, Writer's Grove. Here also are a some resources he recommended.
Kevin has not quit his day job even with success around the corner. He is busy outlining the next three books to follow the first three. Watch for The Iron Druid Chronicles next spring. They'll be released one after another, starting in April. If you see his name on the best seller list, remember you saw it here first! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak (Photos by George Bruzenak)
For more information on writing on the road, see RVLifestyleExperts.com
Since 2001, when Jaimie and I first started collecting stories for RV Traveling Tales, I have been communicating by e-mail with Joei Carlton Hossack, one of our contributors. For eight years we have exchanged conversations.
First we wrote about her stories: "Dear Joei,we made a few minor changes. Are you okay with that?" Her response was positive.
Periodically we've organized author signings: "Can you come to the Escapade for a signing?" Joei, a Canadian who could only travel six months at a time, would respond, "So sorry, I'm in Canada," or I'm in Florida."
Last year Joei was in Hemet, Calif., not far from Jojoba, but unfortunately after an exchange of e-mails, we could not get our schedules together. However, today was the big day! Back in Hemet from Canada, Joei could make it to Jojoba for our writing workshop and then stay for lunch. She brought her friend Barb who is on a one-year sabbatical from her Canadian job and is traveling this year in her RV. See photo of Barb and Joei.
We greeted one another like long lost friends, which we are. We spent four hours writing, laughing and talking together with nary a moment's silence. That is what I love about out lifestyle. We create a bond and don't even have to be in the same physical space to build a friendship.
Joei has a special sense of humor that I appreciate. She began traveling with her husband, but continued solo for more than 15 years. Check out her stories in RV Traveling Tales. She's in the process of writing a new book. She didn't want me to mention the title because now she has to finish it. Go for it, girl! Many of us will have an appetite for this book: How I Lost 3 Pounds in 30 Years of Dieting Without Going Hungry.
Here are a few more of her humorous titles:
Do you have some virtual friends you haven't met yet?
Happy trails,
Alice
P.S. Inadvertently some of the links in my edition of the newsletter yesterday got garbled. For more information about the Ecological Preserve, go to http://www.santarosaplateau.org/ . For Peggi McDonald's Web site, go to http://www.rvliving.net/ and for the forum, go to http://www.rvliving.net/forum
George belongs to a writing group in Payson, AZ. One of the members owns his own railroad car! Normally it is based in Los Angeles but he has it in Winslow for a while, about 75 miles from our homebase. Stan, the owner, invited the group up last Saturday for a writing meeting with lunch in the Turquoise Room at La Posada.
Stan has owned railroad equipment since the late 1960s and rented his cars and railroads out for the use in events and for movies. His first steam engine was used in a Kung-Fu episode. Later Stan played parts in movies too, as well as renting out equipment. His party car, The Pony Express, is his only railroad car now. He will be taking it to a railroad car owners meeting in Washington, D.C. in February. He’s invited writing group members to attend. The price tag is around $2,200 but that includes accommodations in a second car, a sleeper, and all meals except a night out on their stopover in New Orleans. For 14 days, it’s really not that bad. Here is another subculture like full-time RVing that is not too well known but has its aficionados and its own vocabulary. I think he has some takers in the group, though we won’t be among them.
We learned that Stan's car, like RVs, gets power in three possible ways:
generator, solar panels and shore power though the Amtrak shore power at 440 volts. There are two associations for private railroad car ownership. You can find more about them and what you need for this hobby at Stan’s Web site. Explore it to find out more about railroad cars and movies too.
Once the meeting started, read pieces. George’s was from a suggested assignment a previous meeting: write about your first car. His was in haiku form - quite well done,though I might be a bit prejudiced. Andy read his short story and Carol read a piece about remembering Pearl Harbor and another about the day Kennedy was assassinated. This day was the anniversary of Kennedy’s death. Hard to believe it was 45 years ago.
After lunch, the rest of us wrote about and read our pieces about where we were the day Kennedy was shot. I was in college and I remember the whole event seemed surreal.
Tellebration
That evening, we attended the worldwide Tellebration Event. This was the 9th annual event in Pine and something we look forward to. The night had six wonderful storytellers (see below) in addition to Don Doyle, organizer. Some storytellers recount personal stories, some tell historical stories or legends. All are talented and could keep you on the edge of your seat with their tales. Two were younger storytellers. Darren tap dances as part of his stories. Kindra kept us in stitches with tales of being a bargain shopper and times when her bargains went awry. Dorothy Anderson, a.k.a. Buckshot Dot, dressed in period costume (pictured) told us an old and a new story of Arizona; the old story about the discovery of the Vulture Mine, the richest in Arizona. Each year the turnout grows.
The gift of stories
We all love a story. Writing down our own stories helps preserve the past. It is a legacy we can pass onto family. Historical events become real to those who were not even born yet or were too young to remember. Carol was eight when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. She recounted the fear she felt as her father would read the paper to the family or as they listened to the radio. She went with a cousin sometimes to spot planes flying overhead and report them. Carol was fearful each time she heard a plane, thinking that it was the Japanese attacking. They had family members and neighbors in the war to worry about; one in the Pacific theater, one in France.
Victor recounted telling stories about his grandmother Addy to his own son in hopes of passing on
wisdom about living. As his son reached the teenage years, he was no longer impressed by Addy or his own father’s stories about being a police officer. However, as Victor found as he continued with his account, his son had indeed listened and learned - and remembered. Stories are powerful teachers and we remember those long after we’ve forgotten lectures and specific facts.
It’s good to hear personal stories about difficult periods in our history. It makes it real; the events become something the listener can personally relate to rather than a simple line in a history book. And our difficulties in life often become the funniest stories in the retelling. They weave the generations together and give families and groups a common bond. I doubt we can ever get too many stories.
As you travel, it is a wonderful opportunity to listen to stories from various areas of the country. RVing can also give you time to write down or record your own stories. How many of us have bemoaned the fact that we should have gotten Grandfather to tell us about his life while he was alive. Now he’s gone and it is too late. Don't let it be too late for yours.
We used to write letters and diaries. Some were saved and became treasured family possessions. With telephone and email, letter writing is disappearing. Some of us save emails, but they often are lost when the computer crashes or a new model is purchased. Write yours down! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
November is a good month for RV writers to jump-start their writing. November is National Novel Writing Month and also National Blog Posting Month.
For NaNo the idea is to write 50,000 words in the month of November. That averages out to 1,667 words a day- actually about an hour to hour and one-half's worth of writing. The idea is to get the words down on your computer without editing. You can get a rough draft of a novel and then later go back and edit another month. This is George's 3rd year and he turns off his spell check, ignoring any errors and just writes.
You can do preparation, if you want. George has his outline done, as well as character sketches. You just can't have any part of the novel written ahead of time. When you reach 50,000 words - towards the end of the month - you submit it for an official word count. You can take a copy of your manuscript, change all the letters to x or z using the find and replace function, and then submit that. If you are worried that someone could steal your idea or want to make absolutely sure no one reads it, scramble it up; you'll still get an accurate word count.
I have to confess. In 2006 I too wrote 50,000+ words but it wasn't a novel. I did essays each day. This year I plan to do something similar.
The reward for completing NaNo is a nice, framable certificate and the feeling of satisfaction of having made a big commitment and sticking to it!
NaBloPoMo provides another kind of discipline. With NaNo you must make a total word count by the end of the month. You could write 24 hours for 5 days and make it. For NaBloPoMo, you must blog every day during November - the word count doesn't matter. Actually you can pick any month to do this, however in November, they will have a drawing for prizes for those who do post every day. Each month they suggest a theme, however, following it is optional. You do have to have a blog, however you still have one day to set one up if you don't yet have a blog of your own. There are free blogs like Google Blogs and Wordpress if you want to start one up. Do a search for "free blogs" and several choices will come up.
So, writers - take advantage of November to get words down on paper. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, or whether you've been wanting to start a blog or post more regularly, November is an excellent month to go for it. Both sites have forums/blogs to get encouragement and meet other writing friends. I'm calamityjaimie on both sites so look for me! George is georgieB on NaNo. Let us know if you are participating! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
Jaimie and I are readers -- we buy books wherever we travel, visiting both major chain and independent bookstores. We read fiction and non-fiction, each of us have our own favorite genres. I enjoy sci-fi, westerns, mystery, suspense and others, Jaimie reads mysteries, memoirs, spiritual/inspiration and more. The point is that we buy, read and collect a lot of books. The weight adds up. At one point my fifth-wheel was seriously overloaded (the tire below my largest bookcase eventually failed) and I was forced to find a place to store my favorite reads.
Now there's a revolution brewing - eBooks. Electronically distributed books that can be read just like a book, but exist in the eBook reader as bits in memory, not in a dead-tree version taking up storage space and creating weight problems in your RV.
A week before traveling to Maine for a month's vacation, I purchased a Kindle from Amazon after reading about it on their website. The reader arrived in two days, I charged the battery and began reading. I actually purchased two eBooks before the Kindle arrived, and both were delivered in minutes, wirelessly via Sprint's Whispernet as soon as I turned the device on.
In use, the reader visually presents the same as any book, black print on a grayish-white background. You can read it in direct sunlight but will need a light to read in the dark. The screen is not backlit. Colors on the original book cover are presented in four shades of gray. Next and Previous page buttons are on both sides of the reader, making it easy (sometimes too easy!) to move to the next page. The Kindle itself is about the same size as a trade paperback and very light. There are six font sizes to make it easier for aging eyes.
The Kindle is not inexpensive--a recent price drop from $399 to $359 helps, but it's not cheap. But, the supplied memory (about 190K available) can hold about 200 books, and there's a space for an SD memory card. I added a 2GB card but don't expect to fill that anytime soon.
eBooks are available in the Kindle format from other sources than Amazon. A few that I've used are www.gutenberg.org, www.worldlibrary.net, www.freekindlebooks.org so you are not bound to one source.
There are also free document converters (Mobipocket Creator, for instance) that can convert *.doc, *.txt and other formats into Kindle's format on your computer, and transfer them to the Kindle via its USB port.
After three weeks of almost constant use, I've not yet seen a downside to the Kindle, except possibly the price. I have almost twenty eBooks stored on mine already, that's a lot of paper I don't have to carry with me.
I have no monetary relationship with Amazon -- I just like the Kindle. George Bruzenak
Note: To check out the Kindle click below: (Any purchases do help us with blog and Web site expenses! Jaimie)
Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device
