Deciding on photo layout is a critical part of your book design. Here are some suggestions to get your wheels…
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How to Sell Your Non-Print-On-Demand Self-Published Book through Amazon Advantage
If you plan to use Print-On-Demand (POD) for your printing (such as KDP or IngramSpark), there is no need to…
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ISBN Options for the Self-Publisher
Part of the publisher’s responsibility (that’s you!) is understanding the role of the ISBN(s) for your book.
My Cover Design Process
I can design great looking covers all day long but if I’m the only one who has input, they would all be a reflection of me and what I like. The reason my portfolio is so diverse is that I develop a relationship with each of my clients. I talk with them, get to know them, and they get to know me. My personality gets put on the back burner for each book cover, but my design standard gets placed forefront.
Print Layout Vs Kindle Format
Setting clear expectations with new clients (regardless of if you’re a shoe shiner or a book designer) is one of…
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How to Set Up Your Self-Publishing Company on Bowker
When you self-publish, you become the publisher. Congratulations! Now you get to make some executive decisions concerning your new publishing company, but before you do that, read through this Cliff’s notes version of what is Bowker and who needs it, setting up your Bowker account, choosing a name for your publishing company, creating imprints, purchasing ISBNs, what to do about barcodes, and choosing a logo for your new publishing company.
Reflections on Being a Small Business Owner
As I reflect on being a successful small business owner, I can pinpoint one important thing that sets me apart…
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From Self-Publisher to Book Deal
Many authors ponder the realities of self-publishing versus the hazy dream of traditional publishing. Some choose to self-publish with the intent of presenting a polished book to an agent (which several agents prefer). Even if the design gets changed or another round of edits ensues, showcasing a professionally edited and designed book lets the agent know that you are serious about your project and don’t expect her to work with unvetted and unloved material.
Kindle Upload Options Explained
While uploading your kindle file is not difficult, understanding the options can be. Most of the time, authors aren’t even…
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A Before-and-After Brochure Design
This brochure is Martin Publishing Services in a nutshell. It’s always hard to decide what gets real estate, but this…
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Mistakes Authors Make: The Importance of Source Files
This is a detailed account of the domino effect of what happens when you don’t have your original design files but…
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Mistakes Authors Make: Emotional Attachment
Because I often work with authors who are sharing very personal, non-fiction writings, photos that have an emotional attachment are…
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