Thursday, March 23, 2006

Blogs and Podcasts

Good news! I will be giving a class on what blogs and podcasts are all about and how to use them in your personal or business efforts. At the end of the meeting, you will have your very own blog on the Internet and the information and software necessary to create podcasts.

The class will be held on the main campus of COCC, from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, April 15, 2006.

More information is available from Community Learning in the Continuing Education Department at (541) 383-7270 or on line.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Sending Out Press Releases

Letting the world know about your new book is always a time-consuming challenge. One rather fast means of spreading the word is to use an Internet press release service.

Each of the sites listed below will announce your press release for a fee. They also have a free announcement. The paid service gives broader coverage and better placement but if your budget is slim, give the free posting a try.

Be sure to check for help in writing the release, tips on making it better, and blunders to avoid. Also, use templates where applicable.

PR Free is a general service that has a book category.

PR Leap tends to focus on the media and particularly journalists. There is a book category.

PR Web is directed toward small businesses and is a great place to announce your blog or podcast.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Selling Books to Libraries

Thinking of selling your book to libraries? There are many of them, both in number and category: public, school, military, etc. However, there are several considerations that could slow the sales effort.

For example, libraries frequently prefer to order from only one or two companies, such as Baker & Taylor or Quality Books. Thus, their operating costs are reduced because they only need write one or two checks, rather than a multitude as would be the case when purchasing from many companies.

Another aspect of library sales is making sure your book fits within the library's scope. For example, is your book appropriate for a military library? Similarly, your book needs to fit within the school's grade levels and/or a particular curriculum area.

Lastly, libraries are keen on your book having an ISBN. However, they are not as stringent about Cataloging in Publication data or Library of Congress control numbers.

As always with self-publishing, know what you want to do with your book and to whom you want to sell it.