Publishing on EditionGuard

How to Password Protect PDF Files

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0000

How to password protect a PDF file is one of the questions we hear most often, and for good reason. Whether you're emailing a signed contract, sharing financial records, or preparing a paid PDF eBook for sale, an unprotected file can end up in the wrong hands with zero effort. A lot has changed since Adobe Acrobat X was the standard tool for the job. This guide covers the two most reliable ways to lock down a PDF today, plus what to use instead if you're distributing content at scale.

How to Self-Publish a Novel With Little Budget in 2025

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Self-publishing doesn’t have to be expensive. Yes, plenty of authors invest thousands in editing, design, and ads — but you can ship a professional-looking first novel with a lean plan, smart tools, and a focus on reader-facing quality. Below is a step-by-step path tailored to 2025 trends, with budget-savvy options at every stage.

How to Edit Your E-book in 10 Steps: The Ultimate Checklist

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:14:00 +0000

“Good writing is bad writing well edited,” wrote author and innovator Kevin Ashton in his book “How to Fly a Horse.” Your first draft needs to go on a long journey through revision, editing, and proofreading before it’s ready to become an e-book. But working with a professional editor can be expensive.

Advantages of Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:29:49 +0000

Every so often, the argument about self-publishing vs traditional publishing rears its head. The truth is, the more technology improves, the more likely it is that the majority of authors can handle not only the publishing but all of the other components that go along with self-publishing.

Direct Sales Skyrocket for Indie Authors

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 03:33:00 +0000

Indie authors are beginning to realize the benefits of selling their ebooks on their own websites. The number of direct sales for indie authors has continued to increase. Selling through a third party often means giving up 35% or more of the royalties. Savvy authors are using WordPress and ecommerce plugins to run their own direct to consumer (DTC) online ebook stores.

How to Sell More eBooks on Your Own Website

Mon, 02 May 2022 08:44:00 +0000

As a self-published author, you can make a living selling ebooks. However, it’s a lot more likely if you sell more ebooks on your own website. When you sell from your own website, you’re not sharing the profits with a third party fulfillment service. And because it’s your ebook, you can sell your ebooks on your own website and still list them with other fulfillment services to reach more readers. But let’s focus on what it takes to sell more ebooks on your own website.

Self-Publishing: Yes or No?

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 16:46:10 +0000

For almost every writer out there, self-publishing is the right answer. But self-publishing is not the "easy" way forward by any means. It's definitely a different way forward that offers most authors compelling reasons to do it.

List Your eBook with the Indie and Major Platforms

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:39:44 +0000

Publishing an ebook is possibly one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. Many indie authors compare the publication of their book to the birth of a child. You’ve certainly labored over it long enough to feel that way! Now, you need to get it out there everywhere readers go to buy ebooks. We recommend going wide – in other words, allowing your ebook to sell everywhere, rather than be exclusively on KDP. More and more indie authors are seeing the benefit of selling their ebooks on other sites as well as their own website to improve sales and visibility. It all starts with your own website.

Author Website and Secure eBook Fulfillment

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:09:03 +0000

Marketing your ebook is an essential step in your success as an indie author. The best way to market and sell your ebook is through your own author website with secure ebook fulfillment.

Formatting Your Book for Digital and Print

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:19:24 +0000

Congratulations! You’ve written a great book, invested in a good editor, developed a killer cover design, and now, you’re ready to self-publish. It’s time to format your book. In this section, we’ll talk about formatting your book for digital and print, why it might be best to format and publish digitally first, and whether or not you can do it yourself or should hire it out.

Hire An Editor - Really, Do It

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:10:42 +0000

You cannot edit your own book. Hire an editor. Really. Do it. There may be no better advice to an independent author than the necessity of having an editor for your books.

How Do I Produce Graphics and Format My Book Cover?

Tue, 04 May 2021 20:49:08 +0000

You might have heard the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but if you’re an author, how you produce graphics and format your book cover are crucial steps in the publishing process. In fact, the right book cover can make a significant difference in the sales. In this section of our definitive guide on self-publishing, we will focus exclusively on graphics, illustrations and book covers.

Where and How Do I List My eBook for Sale?

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:12:03 +0000

When it comes to determining where and how to list an ebook for sale, there are two schools of thought: you either lock yourself in with Kindle Unlimited, or you go wide with your distribution. More and more, authors are discovering the benefits of going wide with an ebook for sale outweigh being committed to Kindle Unlimited. Let’s take a look at the best ways to list your ebook for sale.

Do I Bring It to Print or Launch an eBook?

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 19:00:19 +0000

As self-publishing indie authors, one of the first big decisions you’ll be forced to make is whether or not to bring it to print or launch an ebook. It’s a tough decision that can, in large part, be based on who your audience is. However, the ebook industry is growing rapidly and is expected to continue growing through the next several years even as the print industry shrinks.

How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish an eBook?

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:38:23 +0000

Talk to most indie authors about how much it will cost to self-publish an ebook, and they’ll tell you not to quit your day job. Self-publishing is a long game, and while you can – and many do – eventually make enough money to write fulltime and quit that day job, it doesn’t usually happen overnight.

The Best eBook Formatting Services - 2021

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 13:28:28 +0000

There are so many factors that go into choosing the best ebook formatting services. As a writer, you may not also now how to format an ebook. The complexity of your content may demand a sophisticated ebook formatting service. However, no matter what ebook formatting service you choose, your ultimate goal is to provide the best reader experience possible.

Top eBook Fulfillment Services

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:57:43 +0000

For authors and publishers, choosing the ebook fulfillment service through which you will deliver your books is crucial. It is as important as who you hire to edit your books. Or who you'll choose to create compelling, clickable cover art. The fulfillment service needs to meet a number of needs for both you and the reader.

Best Practices for Digital Publishing

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:20:24 +0000

Best practices for digital publishing: securing your content

There are two primary forces at play when securing your content: Encryption and Access Rights. Encryption significantly reduces likelihood of unauthorized access by encrypting the actual data of your ebook so it can only be read by authorized applications. Access Rights enable you to control the ways in which people can access your content so it’s always fair and reasonable.

Ultimate Indie Author Resource Guide Part 4: Publishing Your eBook

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 13:11:41 +0000

When publishing your ebook, you are not restricted to one platform. There are publishers that will try to convince you that theirs is the only platform worth being on, but you have multiple publishing choices for your ebook that can help you reach a wider audience.

Digital Publishing Is the Future

Wed, 27 May 2020 12:21:52 +0000

According to a recent report, the digital publishing market and it is poised to grow by USD 64.83 billion during 2020-2024. This is an enormous level of growth and one of the few industries that is actually booming during a growing economic and health crisis. Authors, publishers, and businesses all have the opportunity to position themselves for success in the next few years.

Get Your Fiction Book Published – Inside a Publisher’s Mind

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:25:06 +0000

Getting your fiction book published can be challenging. Publishers choose books based on whether they will make any money selling them, and they make that decision as a team. Getting passed initial submission stage is positive, but there is still a long way to go before getting a book deal. You’ll have a team – depending on the size of the publisher the team could be as small as two and as large as 20 – reviewing your book and crunching the numbers.

Protect eBooks from Piracy

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 20:16:11 +0000

Protecting ebooks from piracy is about more than just copyright infringement. As an indie author or publisher, you may already be very familiar with the frustration of book piracy. Not only does it have a financial impact with lost revenues, but there is an emotional cost for the author as well. When you pour your heart into your work and rely on book sales to keep fueling your passion, the last thing you want to have happen is for someone to steal the content and make it freely available to anyone who is unscrupulous enough to download the PDF.

Is Collaborative Publishing the Future?

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 14:07:10 +0000

Self-publishing turned the publishing industry on its head, but in the last decade we’ve learned that most self-published authors don’t make a lot of money, that the companies who charge them to publish their books keep a lot of the profits, and that even though the author may be able to lay claim to the status of having a book published that it’s definitely not letting them quit their day jobs.

How Do Publishers Select Authors?

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 15:22:03 +0000

Large or small, a publishing company is a business, and to stay in business, it must be profitable. Regardless of how well you write or how clever your story is, the one reason a manuscript is chosen by a publishing company: it’s marketability. So how can you, as an author, make sure your manuscript has the best possible chance of being selected?

Digital Publishing Industry Poised for Growth

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 15:40:16 +0000

The digital publishing industry continues to change even as most authors and publishers are still reeling from the changes of the last decade. But one thing is clear going forward: publishing a book takes as much tech experience these days as writing skills.

How to Become a Digital Book Publisher

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 15:31:04 +0000

Have you ever thought of becoming a book publisher? There is an opportunity to step into a potentially lucrative market while helping independent authors get published at the same time. When you think about how to become a book publisher, the first few steps are no different than they would be for any other business: form an LLC or corporation and put together a business plan.

How DRM Helps Book Publishers Remain Profitable

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:56:00 +0000

What kind of advantages, as a publisher, can you offer a promising author in today’s self-publishing world that they cannot get by publishing independently? How do you communicate the competitive advantage an author gains by working with your publishing house? And how do you, at the same time, manage your costs to remain profitable?

The 22 Best Writing Contests with Cash Prizes

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 12:19:55 +0000

All writers begin their journey for their own reasons. Some seek fame and fortune, while others simply have a story that is worth telling. At EditionGuard, we have worked with writers and authors from all walks of life, writing about a wide assortment of genres.

20 Writing Communities That Support Aspiring Writers

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 11:13:11 +0000

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” - E.I. Doctorow

At EditionGuard, we've worked with many talented authors and have seen firsthand, the level of passion and drive they have. Each individual writer brings something new to the table, which is why we wanted to focus on the incredible community surrounding aspiring writers.

Regardless if a writer is creating their first e-book or their seventh novel, they all have one crucial thing in common — the drive and motivation to continuously learn.

How to Develop, Market, and Protect an Online Course

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 11:24:36 +0000

When you first create and market your latest online course, the threat of piracy should always be in the back of your mind. As the open-source culture on the Internet continues to grow, true content ownership is difficult to maintain. That is why we developed a reliable anti-piracy solution to protect those who create and distribute unique digital content.

How To Protect Intellectual Property Online

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 15:37:55 +0000

Online Piracy Is Rampant, but There Are Legal Protections for Content Creators

The Internet is an incredibly powerful tool for sharing ideas and selling content. Unfortunately, it’s also a superhighway for selling or sharing pirated intellectual property. A quick Google search will uncover pirated films, music, and e-books that are often free for download. In addition, searching for pirated versions of your own content can be difficult because more advanced groups hide behind closed forums. There are legal mechanisms to compel website hosts to take down pirated content, but in practice, these remedies take time and money to resolve. This article will examine how to search for pirated content and what to do once you find it online.

(Source: Adobe)

How to Self-Publish a Book in 2018

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 17:31:30 +0000

Publishing a book used to be like a lottery, except that you had to work hard even to have a chance to get your work noticed by one of the big publishers. Even after that, it was pot luck whether you got through all the hurdles. Unless you had the right connections, it was often a thankless, near-impossible task to get your book published.

Adobe DRM - What Is It and Why is it the Industry Standard?

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 19:33:08 +0000

Intellectual property is critical to any company’s success. However, protecting that IP can be challenging, especially in an increasingly digital age. It’s easier than ever to copy and transmit content before copyright holders can respond. Digital Rights Management (DRM) software is specifically designed to solve that problem and can protect digital works such as novels, textbooks, and other content. This post examines how EditionGuard keeps your IP secure so you can focus on creating great content.

What Is Copyright Protection - The Beginner's Guide

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:38:48 +0000

Copyright protection was first brought into law as far back as 1710 when it was enacted in England. It was the first time where a state recognized the author of an original work owned its copyright. However, it still required the owner to deposit their work to copyright libraries at completion.

Encouraging Digital Literacy Through E-Books

Tue, 29 May 2018 20:23:24 +0000

With electronic book sales steadily increasing in the United States, there’s little doubt that people enjoy the freedom of reading digitally. E-books can be purchased anytime and anywhere (say, while lounging in bed) plus they can be synced and accessed across multiple devices. Convenience isn’t the only reason to reach for an e-book, though: this method of reading also promotes digital literacy. Let’s talk about what that means…

Digital Rights Management Services for E-Books: The Ultimate Guide

Mon, 21 May 2018 18:03:02 +0000

Digital Rights Management, or DRM, is a crucial part of e-book publishing today. Here is the ultimate guide to understanding DRM services and learning which solution is right for your needs.

How to Secure Your Library Against Piracy

Sat, 19 May 2018 20:10:04 +0000

Traditionally, libraries maintain a vast selection of books that members can borrow for free. Despite this freedom of access, book piracy threatens the continued well-being of the library model. Both online and offline libraries are at risk, especially for content that’s in high demand.

(Source: Adobe)

Watermarks for Your Digital Content: The “How To”

Mon, 14 May 2018 14:20:44 +0000

Many authors and publishers are hesitant to invest in digital rights management (DRM) solutions. In failing to do so, they’re putting themselves at risk of e-book piracy. According to a UK study, up to 76% of popular textbooks were available online in pirated form. And it’s far from just frugal students who download pirated content. So, how can authors across the globe help protect their property? One option is digital watermarking.

Copyright Protection for Academic Journals: What You Need to Know

Tue, 08 May 2018 11:10:57 +0000

Although digital rights management (DRM) protection is standard in the commercial e-books that line digital shelves, academic journals often contain no such protections. Even when academic journals require credentials, such as being a member of a university library, or they institute a paywall to protect their copyrighted materials, that doesn’t prevent redistribution once a user is given access.

E-Book DRM Protection: All Questions Answered

Tue, 01 May 2018 05:38:48 +0000

A rise in both self-published and professionally published e-books has recently expanded readers’ access to quality content in convenient forms. But with the rise in e-books comes a rise in piracy and security concerns. Fortunately, there are steps authors and publishers can take to reduce the chances of pirates illicitly copying their material. Here we’ll discuss E-book DRM protection- what it is, how it works, and who it can help.

Best Software for Publishing High-Volume Digital Content

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 15:47:29 +0000

Publishing high-volume content is one of the most effective ways to build your authority and reputation.

Whether you are an author creating an e-book or a business looking to publish a special report, evidence proves that readers want long-form content:

Enterprise Document Protection and Security: The "How To"

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 20:05:13 +0000

Unfortunately, you can never take the security of your business for granted. No matter how big or small it is.

There’s always a risk of one of your competitors getting hold of important information or a large-scale cyber-attack.

The Ultimate Guide to Digital Rights Management for Publishers

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 06:00:25 +0000

The internet is a blessing and a curse for people who make a living from creating and publishing creative works.

On the one hand, it has lowered the barrier to entry for artists, giving them unprecedented access to a massive market of potential customers. It has also given them environments and tools they can use to promote themselves and their work without the involvement of third parties who siphon revenue and dictate timelines. It has also opened the door for smaller, independent publishers who could, in the legacy publishing landscape, not compete with those who held a monopoly on the industry.

How to Restrict Access to Digital Content

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 02:30:42 +0000

The piracy of digital content like music, movies, and books is a well-known source of concern for artists and publishers alike.

A file can be copied and redistributed with virtually no recourse for those affected by the theft. And one of the biggest concerns in this space is the fact that technology enabling the theft of digital files is constantly evolving to circumvent the technology that protects ownership.

E-Book Piracy and What You Can Do About It

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 07:29:33 +0000

Writing and publishing an e-book can be beneficial in many ways. People view e-books as more reputable than articles and blog posts so it can help you establish yourself as an authority in your field.

What's the Best Novel Writing Software in 2018?

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 03:26:22 +0000

Starting a new novel is hard. Any tools that can make the writing process a little more manageable are blessings, enabling you to increase productivity and spend more time focusing on quality than just “getting words on the page.” Many apps and word-processors claim to make the development of your creative writing easier. But which are the best?

What Are the Top Selling E-Books of All Time?

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 10:51:09 +0000

U.S. e-book sales were set to overtake printed books in 2017, according to a study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Though the results for the year’s e-book and print sales have yet to be released, e-book readership has been steadily growing since digital books were first introduced (as shown in the chart below).

From Inspiration to Publication: 13 Best Websites for Authors and Writers

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 13:07:08 +0000

Once upon a time... writers did the writing, editors did the editing, and publishers did the publishing. This is still the case with many fiction and non-fiction publications today.

Book Title 101: How To Choose A Title That Will Sell

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 13:30:46 +0000

How do authors choose the titles for their books? Despite all of the information available online to help authors, book title advice is very limited. In fact there is a lot of bad advice, which include:

How To Write A Book: 12 Unbelievably Easy Steps

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:00:10 +0000

The hardest part about being an author used to be getting published. Traditional publishers only accepted a small percentage of all books and self-publishing options were limited.

7 Reasons Why Self-Publishing Is The Right Choice For Authors

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 11:26:02 +0000

The self-publishing vs traditional publishing debate is something all authors have at some point in their career. After all, both options have benefits.

At EditionGuard, we support primarily self-published authors and have had the opportunity over the years to learn why authors decide to pursue the self-publishing route.

10 Authors Share The Book Marketing Mistakes Authors Should Avoid

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 10:43:42 +0000

At EditionGuard we are lucky enough to interact with authors nearly every day. Over the past few years we have seen plenty of mistakes derail the success of authors, but one area stands out more than any other.

Most authors do not know how to effectively market their book(s).

Whether you are a self-published author or have gone the traditional publishing route, marketing your book will ultimately be your responsibility.

In an effort to help authors avoid the book marketing mistakes that we have seen over the years, we reached out to several book marketing experts and successful authors to get their opinion on the following topic:

What is the biggest book marketing mistake authors make and what should they be doing instead?

Below are exact answers we received in response to the the question above. If you find these responses helpful, please share this post.

1. Forgetting That Social Media Is Social

“I think the biggest online book marketing mistake new authors make is forgetting that social media is social. They broadcast "buy my book" everywhere and fail to interact with people.

Authors need to remember social media is for making friends, not direct sales. The sales come later. Don't expect immediate results. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Plus, you're writers, not marketers, so write!

That's why I think blogging is an author's best marketing tool.”

Anne R. Allen is an author of eight comic mysteries and a collection of short stories and poems. She is also the co-author of a guidebook for writers, written with Amazon superstar Catherine Ryan Hyde. Before becoming an author, Anne was an actress, bookseller and the former artistic director of the Patio Playhouse in Escondido, CA.

2. Failing To Interact With Readers and Fellow Writers

“One of the biggest book marketing mistakes authors make is failing to interact with readers and fellow writers as human beings. Too many marketing strategies come across as self-focused and/or robotic. Not only do pushy me-me pitches and mechanical sales-only approaches turn off readers, they are also wasted opportunities.

Approach your marketing with an attitude of genuineness, openness, and generosity. Put yourself in readers’ shoes. What messages would you appreciate from authors? What messages would annoy you?

Same goes for networking with fellow authors. Don’t pitch “trades” (for Facebook likes, book reviews, link promotions) that compromise your integrity, and don’t ask for favors you wouldn’t wholeheartedly grant yourself.

Ultimately, good marketing is about empathy. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and learn to think and feel the way they do.”

K.M. Weiland lives in make-believe worlds, talks to imaginary friends, and survives primarily on chocolate truffles and espresso. She is the IPPY, NIEA, and Lyra Award-winning and internationally published author of Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel, as well as Jane Eyre: The Writer’s Digest Annotated Classic. She writes historical and speculative fiction from her home in western Nebraska and mentors authors on her award-winning website Helping Writers Become Authors.

3. Not Starting To Market Their Book Early Enough

“One of the biggest book marketing mistakes most authors make is: They don't start marketing their book early enough. Reviewers need lots of lead time, book tours should be organized months before the actual tour begins, your local book library and bookstore often arrange their scheduled author appearances six months before a book is actually published.

It's important to have a carefully thought out marketing plan, but the real trick is to put it to work long before your book is ready to launch.”

Betty Kelly Sargent is the founder of BookWorks.com, the Self-Publisher’s Association, an online community and resource for indie authors and professional service providers. Betty is the former Editor-in-Chief of William Morrow, Executive Editor of Harper Collins and Delacorte Press, Fiction and Books Editor of Cosmopolitan, and book reviewer for CNN.

4. Having Vague Goals and Not Having A Marketing Plan

“One of the biggest mistakes an author makes is having vague goals and not having a marketing plan in place. It’s essential to having a marketing plan around your book. Books don’t just sell themselves. This is probably where you’ll spend most of your time and a good chunk of your money.

As an indie or self-published author it’s really important to do your research before making any vendor, retail, or editorial services decisions. It’s a lot of work, but thinking through all the pieces will prevent you from wasting potentially thousands of dollars and hours of time.”

Miral Sattar is founder and CEO of BiblioCrunch, an award-winning author services marketplace that matches authors with quality, aware-winning professionals to get new books and apps to market. She has working in the media industry for 11 years, most recently at TIME where she launched several digital initiatives including an iPad and mobile site, mobile apps, a video and podcast channel, blogs and SEO. Her writing has been featured in TIME, CNN, NY Daily News, among other media publications.

5. Not Realizing That Being An Author Is A Business

“One of the biggest book marketing mistakes is not realizing this is a business. Everything stems from that because if you treat writing, publishing and promoting your book like a business, you make decisions that are aligned with growing a business - as opposed to simply appeasing your ego.

I’m an author myself so I can say that’s a very real thing! If you treat being an author like running a business you will also start to realize that (like a business) things take time. It took me three years to make AME profitable – time and patience and hard work – are keenly important when running a successful business.

So don’t sit back and wait for success to find you just because your book is finally up on Amazon. There are over 4,500 books published every single day. An author’s work is not over when the book goes up for sale, in a lot of ways it’s just beginning. Most of us write because it comes easy, it’s the promotion and marketing that are foreign to a lot of people, it’s growing the business that trips people up.

A quick fix is to find trusted sources and commit to not only learning from them, but implementing their tips and recommendations. A step up from that would be finding a company to partner with, that can help take you to the next level. But don’t lose sight of the fact that even if you hire someone, this is still your business to run, so be the CEO your book deserves and do everything you can to aid in its success.”

Penny Sansevieri, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. (AME) and Adjunct Professor at NYU, is a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most cutting-edge book marketing campaigns. Find out more at http://www.amarketingexpert.com.

6. Expecting Amazon To Generate Sales

“One of the biggest book marketing mistakes I see authors make is not doing it at all. They put their eBook up on Amazon and expect sales to roll in magically, then they're disappointed with the results.

The fundamental thing about marketing a book is the same as marketing any other product; it's a multi-channel and continuous effort that yields results in the mid to long term. Starting this effort as early as possible, even before the launch of the book itself is of paramount importance.

Also, instead of focusing on just one or two channels like social media or forums, spreading the word out on as many channels as possible is more prudent, as it's difficult to tell which channels will return the best results and making more informed decisions will be easier with a variety of data at hand.”

Turgay Birand began his entrepreneurial career while still a student in college in 2001. Since then he's been building and operating many digital assets such as e-commerce stores and SaaS businesses. As the founder of EditionGuard he's currently focused on helping and shaping the eBook self-publishing sector by empowering smaller authors and publishers with the secure distribution tools they need.

7. Not Obtaining Endorsements Prior To Publishing

"One of the biggest book marketing mistakes many independently published authors make is to wait until their book is published to market it. Instead of waiting until the birth of a book, marketing should start with the conception.

One largely underutilized marketing technique that begins prior to publication of a book is obtaining endorsements. The majority of independently published authors neglect this very powerful and free marketing tool. Endorsements are secured prior to the publication of a book from influencers and other authors who speak to your target audience. They help you sell more books by expanding your audience and signaling readers that an influencer has deemed your book worthy of their time and money."

Sarah Bolme is the author of the award-winning Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace (www.marketingchristianbooks.com), now in its third edition. As the Director of Christian Small Publishers Association (www.christianpublishers.net) she helps independent authors and small publishers market their books in the Christian marketplace.

8. Not Understanding Who Their Exact Audience Is

“One of the biggest book marketing mistakes authors make is not understanding who their exact audience is and instead engaging in general "buy my book" promotion on social media.

Investing time to uncover what makes one's book special (a subject, interest, theme, or other element) will allow the author to search online to find people interested in this same element. The author can then put their energy toward building genuine relationships with this potential audience using their favorite social spaces. By interacting authentically (through discussion, sharing, and adding value) rather than promoting, the author builds trust and friendship, turning readers into fans and influencers."

Angela Ackerman is a writing coach, international speaker, and co-author of the bestselling book, The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, as well as four others. Her guides are available in six languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. Angela is also the co-founder of the popular site Writers Helping Writers, as well as One Stop for Writers, an innovative online library built to help writers elevate their storytelling.

9. Focusing On The Launch Period To The Exclusion of the Pre-Lauch Period

“The biggest book marketing mistake authors make when marketing books is that they focus on the launch period to the exclusion of the pre-launch period.

Marketing for a book begins the moment you get the idea (or decide to become an author). Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, you need to build an author platform. That can take years! But it is the foundation for all book marketing. Without platform, you have no audience to which to market.

When you know you have a book to launch--and you know when it will launch, set up promotion for the month prior to that release. This builds up pre-sales, which help the book become a bestseller. When it trends on the Amazon Top 100 list in its category, it gets noticed by potential readers, which increases sales.

With a platform and pre-launch marketing plan in place, develop a launch strategy for the month or two after the book launches. Books are marketed over time. In fact, book marketing is ongoing...for the life of the book.”

Nina Amir is an author, with 14 books written to date, an Author Coach, Blog and Blog-to-Book Coach, nonfiction Book Coach and High Performance Coach. She is also a nonfiction book proposal consultant and editor.

10. Not Realizing That They Aren’t Just Authors — They Are Also In Sales

“One of the biggest book marketing mistakes authors make it not realizing that they aren’t just authors — they are also in sales.

Your book’s success will be based almost entirely on how much you actively market it.”

Ann Handley is a veteran of creating and managing digital content to build relationships for organizations and individuals. Ann is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content and the co-author of the best-selling book on content marketing, Content Rules: How To Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) That Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business. She is the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs: a LinkedIn Influencer: a keynote speaker, mom and writer.

http://www.slideshare.net/EditionGuard/10-authors-share-the-book-marketing-mistakes-authors-should-avoid

Now it is your turn! What book marketing mistakes do you think authors should avoid? What strategies should authors use to increase book sales? Let us know in the comment section below.

17 Great Websites For Indie Authors: The Self-Publishing Advice Authors Need

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 01:05:30 +0000

Being an indie author is hard. Self-publishing a book requires much more than just writing skills. You must know how to price your book, how to market your book, which services you should invest in and much more.

Self-Publishing A Book: 16 Things Authors Need To Know

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 05:42:19 +0000

A lot has changed in the past 20 years in terms of publishing a book. The barriers to entry have disappeared, digital publishing is on the rise and more authors are turning to self-publishing. If you are a self-published author or are think about going the self-publishing route, there are a few things you should know.

What to Expect When You Self-Publish

Thu, 19 May 2016 05:00:43 +0000

The anticipation of a newly released eBook may be unlike anything else you’ve experienced. But do you know what to expect when you self-publish? As an indie author, everything you have been working so diligently toward accomplishing culminates with the self-publishing of your work. You’ve labored over words and phrases, trudged through who-knows-how-many revisions, and worked with your editor to achieve what you hope is perfection. So now what? As you venture into the next part of your journey as an indie author, you want to have a realistic idea of what to expect when you do self-publish.

ePublishing Trends for Indie Authors

Tue, 10 May 2016 05:00:15 +0000

ePublishing trends for indie authors change as the industry changes, and the writing world changes dramatically every year. Genres come in and out of popularity, more efficient ePublishing formats develop, and indie authors grow in numbers. In order to remain relevant, it’s important to take notice of the changing ePublishing trends if you are going to grow as an author.

Anyone Can Be an Indie Author

Tue, 03 May 2016 05:00:55 +0000

You probably don’t realize it yet, but you may already be an indie author in the making - and writing an eBook as an indie author may be easier than you think. Things you do in everyday life are proof that you are more than capable of writing both fiction and non-fiction; you simply have to get it on paper. Whether you already have experience as a blogger, or you’re just getting started as a writer, there are some life lessons to remember as you journey through writing.

Tricks that Make Editing Easier

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 05:00:41 +0000

Editing can be a tedious process, but it’s necessary for producing your best work. It may seem overwhelming at first when you find yourself staring at many pages, but if you break down your editing process into simple steps, you’ll find that editing is not as hard as it seems. While every author should complete an initial editing process on their eBook, no eBook is complete or ready to publish without being sent to a professional editor and proofreader for final polishing.

You Can Self-Publish

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 11:10:29 +0000

Many competent writers do not believe that they can self-publish; subsequently, they avoid delving into the world of eBooks. Yet the most important step in self-publishing an eBook is in recognizing the barriers that you create and in finding the confidence to give yourself a chance.

Fact-Checking your eBook

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 05:00:02 +0000

Fact-checking can enhance your eBook, add credibility to you as the author, and make your eBook more likely to sell. Thought-provoking research truly enhances a non-fiction eBook, changing what appear to be mere opinions in an eBook into fact-based and intriguing information. However, as a writer, you have to be cautious.

'Tis the Season for eBook Publishing

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 16:32:58 +0000

‘Tis the season for eBook publishing! If you’re looking to get your eBook out there, now is a perfect time to do so. Holiday sales are popping up everywhere, and people are digging through online selections more often than usual. In the search of gifts for others, shoppers often come across something fascinating for themselves - so having your eBook available for them to discover can be perfect timing.

September eBook News from Around the World

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:42:14 +0000

From writing to publishing, we bring you all the eBook news you need to know.

7 Novelists Who Only Published One Novel

When it was announced earlier this year that Harper Lee was to release a new novel, Go Set A Watchman, in July 2015, her readers and fans were quite rightly astonished. For fifty-five years, since the publication of To Kill A Mockingbird in 1960, Lee had remained one of the most famous names on a noticeably select list of best-selling authors whose reputation and enduring popularity rested on a single novel. But with Go Set A Watchman now selling by the million - and dividing critics and readers alike, many of whom still question whether it should have been published at all - who does Lee leave behind her on a list of literary one-hit-wonders? Read more.

August eBook News from Around the World

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 16:42:24 +0000

From social storytelling to eBooks on campus, we deliver all the eBook news from around the world you need to know.

Wattpad’s Writer’s Hub Demystifies the Art of Social Storytelling

July eBook News from Around the Web

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 08:00:10 +0000

From library eBook pricing to the latest digital publishing trends, we bring you all of the eBook news you need to know.

July eBook News from Around the Web:

Libraries Cry Foul Over Costs of eBooks

Self-Publishing Is Easy. Self-Publishing Successfully Isn't.

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:18:18 +0000

Self-publishing is easy. Anyone can put words on a page, upload them, and push the publish button. But self-publishing with the goal of selling eBooks, becoming a successful author, and perhaps someday even being able to quit your day job and write full time isn’t quite as easy. In fact, writing the eBook may be the least of your worries in self-publishing. EditionGuard is here to help you overcome the challenges of being an indie author.

Are People Listening? Turn Your eBooks into Audio Books

Fri, 12 Jun 2015 08:00:39 +0000

One of the best ways indie authors can gain exposure and additional fans is by creating audiobooks. There are a number of people, who, because of a lack of time, eyesight, or inclination, simply don’t read. That doesn’t mean, however, that they don’t enjoy books. They simply listen to them.

EditionGuard Delivers Hardened DRM to Indie Publishers

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 12:30:24 +0000

From hardened DRM to enhanced services, EditionGuard is heating things up for indie authors and publishers! Welcome to the new EditionGuard website! We hope you enjoy our newly-designed website, which was created to make it even easier for indie authors and digital publishers to have all of the information they need to succeed at their fingertips.

May eBook News from Around the Web

Thu, 14 May 2015 08:00:07 +0000

From self-publishing kids to indie authors making hundreds of thousands of dollars self-publishing, here’s the eBook news from around the web that you need to know.

Direct Sales of eBooks in Canada Rises Dramatically

Signs that the eBook Industry Is Growing Up

Mon, 04 May 2015 19:55:50 +0000

The eBook industry is growing up; the signs are evident that now more than ever it’s a great time to be an indie author or independent publisher focusing primarily on eBooks.

Consider the following industry stats from Author Earnings Report:

Self-Publishing Is Not New

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:57:13 +0000

If you’ve always wanted to be an author but have been turned away by publishers or simply haven’t even submitted your manuscript for fear of rejection, self-publishing is an option now more than ever before. But self-publishing is not new. Not only did many famous authors from the past find success with self-publishing - people like Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, and Ezra Pound - but there are a number of very successful modern authors who self-published as well. Richard Paul Evans self-published The Christmas Box before selling it to Simon & Schuster for $4.25 million.

March eBook News from Around the Web

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 14:37:11 +0000

From high VAT taxes in Europe to an increase in the number of digital magazines, this is the eBook news from around the Web we’ve been reading this month.

EU courts rule that eBooks must be treated as a service. Electronic books cannot benefit from the same reduced rate of value-added tax as paper books, the top court of the European Union ruled on Thursday. But the European Commission signaled it may change the rules next year to allow for equal taxation of books in any form. Read more.

The Future of eBooks

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 07:22:46 +0000

The future of eBooks is often debated, and there will always be those who prefer print books. But no matter how popular the print book remains over time, technology, convenience and the draw of immediate gratification will continue to ensure a place for eBooks in the publishing industry.

eBook DRM: Cost-Effective Solutions for Publishers

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 08:00:49 +0000

There is a lot of confusion about eBook DRM. But the truth is, if you are an eBook publisher, one of the most important considerations you have in selling eBooks is digital rights management (DRM). The problem has been traditionally that to have effective, customizable DRM, you have to be able to afford a significant investment in DRM software. This has made it impossible in the past for smaller or independent digital publishers to compete with larger publishers.

Is your eBook Available in the Library?

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:42:50 +0000

One of the biggest eBook trends predicted to experience even more explosive growth in 2015 is making the eBook available in the library. Libraries across the country are experiencing a surge in popularity through embracing technology and offering access to digital book titles. Two libraries in Washington had more than two million digital titles checked out.

Ignore the Doom: Make 2015 the Year to Self Publish

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 08:00:43 +0000

If you’re an indie author or have the desire to be one, 2015 is the year for you. Several news articles will lead you to believe that digital growth is slowing and that paper books are making a comeback. Everywhere, the news says that indie authors will have a tough road to hoe…but when you dig into these stories, they’re simply talked about slowed sales on Amazon. They don’t mention the explosion of eBook sales predicted in South Korea in 2015 or Seth Godin’s prediction that 2015 will be a breakout year indie authors who self publish.

Comprehensive eBook Planning: Follow-Up

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 08:00:53 +0000

The final step in comprehensive eBook planning: follow-up. Start by collecting links to press releases, interviews, and blog articles about you and your eBook, and create a media page on your website.

EditionGuard Comprehensive eBook Planning: Follow-Up

Measure how well your efforts have paid off. You’ll need the following information:

Sales, broken down by day or by week
Dates specific marketing efforts occurred, comparing those against generated sales
Google analytics, to measure traffic to your website

You can analyze book sales, to determine what types of marketing campaigns were most effective and where you should budget future marketing funds. You can also measure how much your digital reach is growing. Try searching for yourself on Google to see what kind of results come up. Do the same with your book title.

Continue to monitor your progress and growth over time. Some eBooks quickly gain popularity; others take time to reach their intended audience. If your eBook sales are slow or non-existent, you may need to hire a marketing specialist or publicist to help you. It will also help if you are working on additional titles (whether part of the same series or not).

Comprehensive eBook Planning: After You Publish

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 08:00:20 +0000

While you might think that publishing your eBook brings you to the end of your comprehensive eBook planning, it does not. In fact, after you publish your eBook, the hard work really begins, especially for those authors who want to eventually support themselves completely with the eBooks they write.

Comprehensive eBook Planning: When You Publish

Mon, 24 Nov 2014 08:00:58 +0000

To continue your comprehensive eBook planning, there are many factors to consider when you publish your eBook.

EditionGuard eBook Planning Guide: Stage Four - When You Publish Your eBook

The most important factor is pricing. Pricing your eBook can be challenging, but it is important to keep in mind that readers have an expectation (and rightfully so) that eBook prices will be lower than print book prices because of the lower overhead.

Once you know how soon the eBook will be published, you can begin to take preorders for it.

Comprehensive eBook Planning: After You Write

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 08:00:35 +0000

After you write your eBook, there are several steps you need to take before you publish it. The comprehensive eBook planning never stops.

In-depth editing of your eBook
Line-by-line proofreading of your eBook
eBook formatting
Finishing your cover design
Converting your eBook to the digital publishing file types you need (EPUB, PDF, etc)
Continued marketing of your eBook

EditionGuard's eBook Planning Guide: Stage Three - After You Write Your eBook

After you write your eBook, you have a unique opportunity to market your eBook and help build interest in your book even before you publish it. From conducting author interviews with various bloggers to creating an author profile on author sites like World Literary Cafe, you can begin to promote your author identity and generate excitement about your upcoming eBook.

You should also request reviews from established bloggers and book reviewers, many of whom will allow you to use portions of their review on your website as long as you link back to them.

Comprehensive eBook Planning: While You Write

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:00:24 +0000

Comprehensive eBook planning continues as you write your eBook. While your primary focus should be on writing, you will also need to begin working on marketing your eBook. If you have not hired an eBook marketing partner to help you, the time to do so is when you are in the process of writing.

Comprehensive eBook Planning: Before You Write

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 18:16:02 +0000

eBook planning begins long before you actually write your eBook. If you have already started writing, it’s important to accomplish these steps as quickly as possible. Many of the things you need to do before you begin writing your eBook prepare you to effectively market your eBook.

6 Steps to Self-Publishing

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 08:00:37 +0000

Even as recently as a few years ago, most authors were focused on print publishing. The shift toward digital self-publishing has been gradual but dramatic. Now, rather than wait and hope an agent or publisher will work magic, the indie author is in control.

Indie Authors Rule

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:20:15 +0000

There has never been more opportunity for success for indie authors than there is today. Whether you write a self help eBook, a memoir, or a work of fiction in your favorite genre, the path to publishing is easier than ever.

eBook Pricing Revisited

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 08:00:43 +0000

Wouldn’t it be nice if every eBook was priced based on how much blood, sweat and tears the author put into creating it? Of course, for some indie authors, that might mean that their eBook is priced somewhere out of the market for most readers.

Making Your Words Matter – Sell More eBooks

Wed, 14 May 2014 08:00:05 +0000

The difference between a great read and a mediocre one often comes down to word choice. When you’re writing an eBook, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, keeping the reader’s interest needs to be foremost in your mind if you want to sell more eBooks. There is just too much competition in the industry. Why settle for blah when you can offer pizzazz?

19 Quotes to Inspire Indie Authors

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 08:00:07 +0000

Writing is often difficult work, truly a passionate labor that often bears no fruit for the author. For those times when you want to walk away from your craft, take a word of inspiration from those authors who have felt the same. And then, write on.

You’ve Written an eBook: Now What? Part Three

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 08:00:08 +0000

You have written an eBook, and now you need readers. But before you publish your eBook, you should have three types of readers peruse your eBook. The first two types of readers you should solicit feedback from are the preliminary critic (trusted friends and family) and a proofreader. Only after your eBook has passed the scrutiny of those readers’ eyes should you publish your eBook and seek out the third type of reader: the one who will purchase your eBook.

You’ve Written an eBook: Now What? Part Two

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 08:00:03 +0000

What happens after you have written an eBook? In our last post, we discussed the importance of having people read your eBook prior to publishing it. The preliminary critic was the first of these three groups of readers. Of even more importance than the preliminary critic, however, is the second reader of your eBook: the proofreader.

You’ve Written an eBook: Now What? Part One

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 08:00:35 +0000

While writing an eBook is a huge accomplishment all on its own, one which should be celebrated with a night on the town or at least a dinner out, the completion of your eBook is, in many ways, only the start.

Write Your First eBook, Part 4: Collect Your Best in an Anthology

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 08:00:59 +0000

If writing a lengthy eBook on a single subject is too daunting of a task, consider collecting short stories or poems into an anthology for publication. This can help you get your first eBook published quickly, allowing you to gain experience for subsequent eBooks.

Write Your First eBook, Part 3: Use an eBook Template

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:11:52 +0000

When someone has a story burning inside them that must be told, it can be frustrating when they are unable to transform that story into an eBook. If you are that someone and you’ve tried our free writing exercise and tried recording your story without any luck, don’t worry. We’re not out of ideas yet.

Write Your First eBook, Part 2: Tell Your Story

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 22:00:59 +0000

Have you ever had the perfect story in mind but every time you sit down to write your eBook, it’s as if your mind goes blank? You may have trouble forming a connection between your brain and your fingers, thereby blocking the story up inside you. You may benefit from freestyle writing exercises. Luckily, however, the act of writing is not the only way to get your story out.

Write Your First eBook, Part 1: Getting Started

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 18:41:58 +0000

Getting started on writing your first eBook can be challenging, but sometimes it’s simply a matter of sitting down and writing. In fact, if you really want to write an eBook, try this brief exercise right now:

Stop Making Excuses and Start Writing Your eBook!

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 08:00:54 +0000

So many times we hear people say, “I would write an eBook if only I had the time.” But what we know from some of our most successful eBook authors is that there is no way to ever be successful as an author if you don’t make the time to write. If you don’t believe you have time in your life to write your eBook, consider areas where you can create time to write (even 15 minutes a day can be enough to write an eBook in less than six months).

Should I Hire a Ghostwriter? Part 1: When to Hire a Ghostwriter

Wed, 22 Jan 2014 20:39:18 +0000

Not everyone is a great writer, but that doesn’t mean a great idea can’t be turned into an eBook. If you have great ideas but don’t have the time or the talent to transform your idea into a publishable eBook, a ghostwriter might be the solution you need.

Why Writing Your Second eBook is Harder

Wed, 15 Jan 2014 08:00:25 +0000

If you’re already a published indie author, then congratulations are in order. Yet, even with that success, have you taken time to consider how you will follow up your initial publication with a second eBook?

New Year’s Resolutions for the Indie Author, Part 2

Thu, 09 Jan 2014 08:00:30 +0000

As promised, we’re doing everything we can to help make 2014 the year of the indie author. To get you started off in the right direction, here are 10 New Year’s resolutions that you, as an indie author, should consider:

New Year’s Resolutions for the Indie Author, Part 1

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 08:00:07 +0000

We believe that with as much traction as digital publishing has already received, 2014 will be the year of the indie author. It is our goal to help ensure that this year is exactly that, by providing as many tips, ideas and marketing advice as possible. We want to help indie authors write more eBooks, sell more eBooks and thrive without the help of agents and publishing houses that ultimately take their cut of authors’ earnings.

Can I Quickly Publish an eBook?

Wed, 04 Dec 2013 08:00:50 +0000

If you want to quickly publish an eBook before the holiday buying season is over, it’s not too late. But it will take dedicated effort on your part to make it happen. Opt for writing a shorter ebook – a how-to, recipe or advice book, or perhaps a short story or children’s book. Regardless of the genre or brevity of your eBook, however, remember to pay attention to customary details. At the minimum, your eBook should contain:

Overcoming the Fear of Writing an eBook

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 08:00:22 +0000

Many aspiring writers never put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) out of a fear of rejection. ePublishing is changing that, because authors no longer need to get the stamp of approval from a publishing company that looks at the work merely in terms of profitability, instead of judging it potentially as a quality piece of writing. But overcoming the fear of writing an ebook can be difficult all the same.

NaNoWriMo for the eBook Author

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 08:00:58 +0000

NaNoWriMo is a movement that has gained popularity over the years, helping fiction writers complete their books – 50,000 words – in a single month. Given that procrastination is one of the major reasons writers fail to become published authors, we applaud NaNoWriMo’s efforts to encourage writers. Their mantra says it all: “The world needs your novel.”

Why Children Are the Future of eBooks

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 08:00:19 +0000

If you have always wanted to be a children’s author, creating ebooks for kids is a huge market; in fact, we believe children are the future of ebooks. We predict that with the proliferation of low-cost ereaders and tablets that more kids than ever will have access to their own ereaders this Christmas. With some ereaders even being designed with kids in mind and the new research showing that ereaders may help kids with dyslexia, it’s a great time to be a children’s ebook author.

4 eBook Types You Can Write and Publish Quickly

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 08:00:47 +0000

By now almost everyone understands the benefits of publishing an ebook, but it’s also an idea that continues to be postponed because there is always something else that takes priority or there simply isn’t enough time in a day. But writing an ebook doesn’t have to be difficult. There are several types of ebooks you can write and publish quickly. Try one of these four:

Collaborating on an eBook

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 08:00:27 +0000

If the thought of writing an entire ebook on your own is overwhelming, consider the idea of collaborating on an ebook with another writer or even with several writers.

There are a number of advantages to collaboration; you will have:

Empowering Indie Authors

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 08:00:40 +0000

Have you already written an ebook? If so, have you had any sales? And if you were selling your ebook on Amazon or another site, was it difficult to watch such a large portion of your ebook price disappear into the pockets of the distributor?

Want to Write an eBook? Start Here!

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 08:00:12 +0000

Perhaps we all have an idea for a book rolling around in our minds, but the gap that exists between realizing the dream of becoming an author and actually publishing an ebook is only bridged by effort and determination. If you’re ready to write an ebook, this blog is the place to start.

Book Reviews: Why You Need Them and How to Get Them

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 08:00:56 +0000

People buy things not in response to brilliant marketing (although that is what gets their attention and makes them aware of the existence of a product) but because other people say that it’s worth buying. In fact, according to WebProNews, peer reviews trump all other forms of advertising in creating a sale. People trust first the people they know and then others who have already risked the purchase. When you’re trying to sell your ebook, book reviews can be critically important to your ability to generate more sales.

Do You Want to Be an Indie Author?

Tue, 09 Jul 2013 08:00:45 +0000

Getting started as a self-publishing indie author is as easy for some writers as just opening up the laptop and starting to type. For others, there is more that must go into the process of creating an ebook. Over the next few posts, we’ll try to address some of the most common questions. Today, we’ll focus on choosing a topic and a title that sells.

Why Write an eBook?

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 08:00:06 +0000

There are a number of reasons authors choose to write ebooks, and just because the publishing medium has changed, that doesn’t mean the reasons for writing have changed. In addition to the standard reasons for writing an ebook, such as having a passion for writing or having a story to tell, there are a number of other reasons to write ebooks.

Should I Write an eBook?

Tue, 25 Jun 2013 08:00:48 +0000

As the ebook industry continues to grow, more and more people are beginning to ask the question, “Should I write an ebook?”

That’s a good question, and the answer may be different for everyone. But if you already have a passion for writing, then the answer can be a pretty simple, “Yes!”

The Future of Publishing – Why Now Is the Time to Act

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 08:00:35 +0000

While the transition to ebooks and ereaders has been more prevalent in the U.S. than in Europe, digital publishing is here to stay. In a study from PWC, analysts highlight the future of publishing and the opportunity that exists for publishers, developers and authors:

Why eBooks are the Future of Publishing

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:57 +0000

eBooks are the future of publishing. There are pockets of resistance in the publishing industry in which groups of people declare that digital publishing will never overtake print publishing. I would suspect that the average age of these skeptics is somewhere well over 18.

How To Use Youtube To Increase eBook Sales

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:51:46 +0000

Once upon a time, the TV was the most popular platform to sell just about anything, and the price of advertising minutes increased exponentially to reflect the great demand for airtime. Although in some ways this is still true (this is why a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl costs millions of dollars), for many people Youtube is the most popular website to go to for videos. Close to a billion people visit Youtube regularly and that kind of potential exposure shouldn’t be ignored for increasing your eBook sales.

Why Authors Need eBook Protection

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 21:44:51 +0000

Authors, as a group, tend to consider their eBooks almost as dearly as they would their own child; thus eBook protection is of paramount importance. This kind of concern often goes beyond proprietary and business concerns, and although some may consider it in a way irrational, it is also natural.

What’s not irrational, however, is the concern that piracy can have on the earning potential of an eBook. Books in digital form offer several benefits that do not come with traditional printed books. For one, it does save a lot of trees from being cut down to make paper. Another reason is that ebooks are much more convenient to distribute than traditional printed books. Unfortunately, ebooks are also easier to pirate so that the benefits of the work go to unscrupulous individuals instead of to the author.

The Raging Debate about eBook DRM

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:23:25 +0000

eBook DRM officially stands for “eBook Digital Rights Management”, and it is a term used to describe any technological method for fighting piracy so that the rights of musicians, software developers, and eBook authors can be protected.

Adobe Content Server 4 - Deploy it yourself or host with us?

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:40:55 +0000

Currently, Adobe Content Server 4 is pretty much the industry standard for eBook DRM systems. It can protect the most popular eBook formats, ePub and PDF, and perhaps its greatest strength is that it does so without locking end-users into a single device, platform or vendor. It is probably why many industry giants like Google Editions, Barnes & Noble and Simon & Schuster have adopted Adobe Content Server 4 instead of developing their own eBook DRM system.

3 Essential free eBook tools for authors and editors

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:52:58 +0000

When writing a book, it’s only natural to be using the tools you’re most comfortable with. Many use Microsoft Word for writing the actual text, and for that intent and purpose, it is a good tool. But when it comes to formatting it correctly and optimally as an eBook, you’ll be needing something extra, preferably some free eBook tools.

With so many formats and different media types to cover, how can you take care of them all? The short answer is, you can’t. There’s no holy-grail format for eBooks that works equally well on all media. Since we’ve already covered eBooks formats in our previous post “eBook Formats: Why choose one or the other?", I wont be delving into that again. But if you’re curious about what formats are out there and their use cases, it might be worth a read.

In this post, I want to point out some free tools that could make your eBook creation and formatting endeavors much easier:

How to Use Contests and Giveaways to Get More Followers

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:44:40 +0000

From reading the series of posts that we have on promoting your self-published book, you already know how to use social media for online marketing, specifically Facebook and Twitter.

You also know three ways in which you can use your blog for book promotion: by using it as your online identity, as a way to increase email subscriptions, and by engaging with your readers.

There is one more thing you can do through your blog, though, to get more followers and drum up more awareness of your portfolio as an author: hold contests and giveaways.

Tips on Using Your Facebook Page to Promote Your Book

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 13:22:56 +0000

Are you on Facebook? If you aren’t yet, you should really signup now. This social networking site has over a billion users worldwide, and if you just published a book, wouldn’t you like to promote it by targeting even just a small percentage of these users?

How to Promote Your Book on Twitter

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:24:12 +0000

You have probably heard how effective social media can be when it comes to promoting small businesses. In most cases, yes, it is true. Social media can be very powerful; if used wisely, it can boost sales beyond expectation.

However, is social media promotion as simple as sending 1,000 tweets a day, asking your followers to buy your book?

Definitely not.

5 Ways to Promote Your Self-Published eBook

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:52:15 +0000

Now that your book is published, you can just sit back, relax, and watch the sales come in. Right? Wrong!

There’s one crucial thing you must do if you expect to earn anything from your book, and that’s to promote it. After all, according to the New York Times, hundreds of thousands of new books are published every year. How will people buy your book if they don’t know it exists?

Self-Publishing 101: How to Find a Good Editor for Your Book

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:46:39 +0000

Finally, after years of slogging through your manuscript, you’ve finished your first book. Exhilarating, right? There’s no other feeling in the world like it (except maybe giving birth to your first child). Before you rush off to show it to a literary agent (or a print-on-demand company) though, there’s one thing you need to do first: you must have it professionally edited.

3 Things You Need to Know About Self-Publishing

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:36:55 +0000

A decade or so ago, if you wanted to be published, you would look for a literary agent who could sell your manuscript to potential publishers. You would submit your manuscript, and the publisher would do everything, from editing your work, to designing it, printing, and then marketing and promotion.

The biggest challenge then (aside from the writing itself) was to find that publisher who would buy your book.

Sell your eBooks using Wordpress, with DRM!

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 09:00:42 +0000

We’re proud to announce the release of our Wordpress eBook sales plugin with DRM support! It allows you to sell eBooks with EditionGuard eBook DRM protection right on your Wordpress blog!

At the moment, you can accept payments via Paypal or Moneybookers. Obviously, the eBooks are DRM protected through full integration with our EditionGuard service. You can manage everything without ever leaving your Wordpress admin UI! Best of all, the plugin is completely free and open sourced. So you can download, install and modify it as much as you like. You can find the plugin on the wordpress.org site, by clicking here.

eBook Design vs. Print Design

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 12:14:18 +0000

When converting printed books to eBooks, a complaint we receive from publishers often is, ’the eBook design looks nothing like the original design of the print book!'

While trying to address this concern, we’ve come to see how important and fundamental a task it is to clearly explain the differences between print books and eBooks, as many publishers are yet to become privy to this knowledge. If the root of this problem is not addressed properly, many will be reluctant to enter the eBook market if at all.

Authors and Publishers: Time to get on the eBook bandwagon!

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:11:34 +0000

Well, I just realized that it’s been a while since I last posted here. I know, shame on me!

I have to admit, I’ve been carrying the topic of this post around in my head for a while now. It’s one of those things that I struggle to address continually while trying to help authors and publishers along with their endeavors. So I figured, why not make a post about it for posterity? Here goes.

Magento eBook Sales with EditionGuard DRM Integration

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:22:55 +0000

So, why have we have developed our Magento eBook DRM Extension? A great number of Publishers, especially Digital Publishers are seeking a trustworthy and cost-effective eCommerce solution for selling eBooks while protecting them. Our main intention for developing this extension is that we wish to offer a turnkey solution for selling eBooks online securely. Magento Commerce is a comprehensive solution for selling digital goods like eBooks. Now, as an addition to this, our EditionGuard Extension is providing a complete eBook DRM solution built on top of Magento Commerce.

Things to watch out for while preparing your eBooks

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:01:38 +0000

As the popularity of eBooks continue to rise, so does the number of eBook authors and designers.

While many who create eBooks have received some form of training on the matter, we often see some basic problems and issues within many eBooks on the market.

In this article, we wanted to provide some helpful tips & tricks to authors and designers, so they can avoid many painstaking issues and get it right as easily as possible. We’ll be focusing on the ePub format for this article, and the few others that will follow, though maybe we’ll do more on other formats later on if requested. Here we go!

Why use eBook DRM?

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:38:23 +0000

One of the conversations that we return to time and again is eBook DRM. DRM, or Digital Rights Management, is technology that puts you in control of your content. It lets you manage who can access your digital content, as well as when and how it can be accessed. It continues to be a point of consternation in the industry. Some indie authors and readers are wholly supportive of DRM. Others refuse to consider it. This argument will likely continue to be a central component of digital publishing.