Myth: "Best Selling Author" of Free Books - How Is That Possible?

As I've done more and more research into the world of self publishing, I am running across numerous authors who claim to be "best selling" authors.  But on further investigation, I find out that their book is free.  They are charging $0.00 for their work.

How in anyone's reality does that qualify as a "best selling" anything?

I can stand on the corner and give away candy all day and you best believe by the end of the day, I will not have one piece of candy left.

Did I actually "sell" anything or did I just give stuff away?

I was a bartender and I've spent years in direct retail sales. I've sold t-shirts and I've sold second hand stuff at online auction sites and flea markets.  I have a pretty good idea of what selling is versus giving away freebies.  I know at the end of the day whether I've put actual money in my pocket or not.

Personally, I don't particularly consider these freebie authors as great salespeople for giving away thousands of copies of a free e-book.  However, if I give out a free sample of my work and that ultimately converts into an actual sale, an actual monetary transaction that makes a profit in exchange for goods and services, then the freebie attributed to the sale.

But the fact remains, a freebie is a freebie.

Handing out a million copies of a free book doesn't make me a best selling author. That might make me a fabulous communicator.  It makes me a top notch distributor of free digitally printed material. But basically, it makes me a pamphleteer, nothing more.

Teenagers used to write newsletters on topics like comic books and rock and roll, photocopy them and send them out to all their friends or anybody who asked for one. How is putting out a free e-book any different?

Beyond a massive ego stroke, I think a lot of new authors are kidding themselves. Are any of the readers really buying into this hype?  I wonder.

I'm a "best selling author" if my other material, that I charge for, actually sells in high numbers.  I expect nothing less out of myself and my work once it's published.  I will chart the results of that work, just as I charted the results of anything else I've sold.

A free book can be an effective marketing piece.  A free book is an excellent introduction to a writer and their ideas.  But if it doesn't convert into some actual barter or currency, it's not a sale.

That you can bank on.

Here's to your real prosperity in self-publishing!

Educate Your Readers - You Don't Need a Kindle to Read e-books

Here's our reaction to something that was just tweeted by @RachelintheOC aka Rachel Thompson (Follow her!)

A book club wanted to read her e-book but didn't have Kindles, so they didn't realize that they could read the e-book using free apps.

It makes me wonder how many other authors haven't received a review based upon the same lack of information about e-book reading technology.  

I have always personally been of the opinion, if ONE person actually verbalizes a problem, then there could be dozens, if not hundreds out there not verbalizing and just giving up. 

Can you as an author or a publisher take that chance???  I didn't think so.

This is a big red promotional flag for everyone who puts out an e-book!  Attention authors and publishers putting out e-books - you still must educate the readers on all the ways that your e-book can be accessed!

1.  Amazon has free kindle apps that you can use on your pc and other devices. No actual purchase of a Kindle is necessary.  Though in the future, if you read e-books frequently, a Kindle is probably a great idea!

Here is the link for Amazon's FREE READING APPS:  Amazon FREE Kindle reading apps - get yours now!

Here are the devices you can currently use:

• Kindle Cloud Reader: Read instantly in your browser
• Smartphones: iPhone & iPod touch Android Windows Phone BlackBerry
• Computers: Mac Windows 8 Windows 7, XP & Vista
• Tablets: iPad Android Tablet Windows 8

Here is the link for Barnes & Noble's Nook FREE READING APPS: Free Barnes & Noble Nook Reading Apps

If you want to go totally free, there is also one of the most amazing e-readers out there, Calibre.

DOWNLOAD CALIBRE free-book reader

The functionality of Calibre is fantastic.  It reads a wide variety of electronic formats and allows you to tag and customize your books to your heart's content.

If you have any questions about Calbre there are demos on the website, on YouTube and they have a great technical community.

Every author and every publisher should have a page on their website that explains how to get the apps so the e-books can be read.  Take the time to educate your readers.  Don't allow any potential fan to be discouraged for even one moment!  They could become your lifelong supporter.

Educate, educate, educate!  Inform, inform, inform!

Now if only we can get all the libraries up to date with e-readers.  It will happen!  

Contact your local library, tell them you are an author or publisher and if you are technically savvy, see if you can help them with their e-reader questions!

Good luck and PROMOTE!

Free Amazon eBook - Building Your Book for Kindle

How to Build Your eBook for Kindle - Free Amazon Book

This Free ebook from Amazon will guide you through the steps on how to format your book for Kindle using Microsoft Word 2010.

Topics Include:

• Before You Write
• Building the Front Matter of Your Book• Building Your Table of Contents
• Preparing a Cover
• Finishing Your Book
• Uploading and Checking the Quality of Your Book
• Just Before Publishing Your Book
• Making Changes After Publishing Your Book

http://www.amazon.com/Building-Your-Book-Kindle-ebook/dp/B007URVZJ6/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378844113&sr=1-8&keywords=top+100+store

A MUST have for anyone interested self-publishing on Amazon.

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, Kindle, Amazon, format, book, author, writer, ebook, cover art , publishing, publish, write,

Additional Note by Dylan A. Kent:

If you go to this page by Kindle Direct Publishing - you will find this free ebook in other languages: Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, German and French Building Your Book for Kindle in Different Languages

Introduction to Self-Publishing Class in Manchester England

Introduction to Self-Publishing Class in Manchester England November 30 2013

This masterclass in self-publishing is being held in association with the University of Salford.

Masterclass will cover the book marketplace, the economics of self-publishing, the publishing process and selling your book. Cost is £99 if you register by October 9 and £119 after that.

http://www.theguardian.com/guardian-masterclasses/an-introduction-to-self-publishing-course-manchester

If anyone attends and would recommend this class if given please let us know in the comments section.

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, masterclass, class, books, marketplace, marketing, money, sales, selling, Manchester, England

Why a Traditionally Published Author Is Now Self Publishing

Why Best Selling Author, Frank Schaeffer is Not Publishing with Traditional Publishing Houses.

This is an interesting article and makes a great case for self-publishing.  Personally, I'm not sure that I would trust a service to aggregate all my royalties for me and then give me a cut.  I'd like to set up my own Amazon account and accounts with other distributors myself.    But to each his own, I suppose.

Read it, if only for a double push towards your own self-publishing career!


Why Frank Schaeffer Is Self Publishing

Need A Short-Print Run for Your Self-Published Book?

From Mediashift's Carla King: 4 places to get a short-run printing of your book.

Some excellent suggestions for self-published ebook authors who want hard copies.

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2013/08/four-places-to-order-a-short-run-printing-of-your-book/

Topics covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, ebook, author, writer, print book, short run, CreateSpace, 48 Hour Books, Bookbaby, Lightning Source

Smashwords - 250,000 Book Titles and Counting

In 2009 Smashwords the ebook publisher started with 140 titles. As of this year, 2013, they are up to 250,000 books.

WOW!

http://www.mediabistro.com/appnewser/smashwords-publishes-250000th-book-partners-with-oyster-the-spotify-of-ebooks_b40276

Topics covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, Smashwords, ebook, sales, titles, catalog

How To Self-Publish Your Book

Sage Lewis of the SageRock Digitial Marketing Blog explains in detail the steps he took to get his first ebook published.

Tons of great information for anyone interested in self-publishing. Must read!

http://www.sagerock.com/blog/self-published-book/

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-publishing, self-published, marketing, promotion, CreateSpace, editing, covers, book, ebook, author, writer

Want to Self-Publish Your Book - Your Must Learn Marketing

Here's a great article from Mediashift's by Zach C. Cohen: Mediatwits #93: How Authors Are Becoming Entrepreneurs (Like It or Not)

Includes a Podcast discussion with seven self-published authors talking about their experiences. A lot of great information here so check it out.

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2013/09/mediatwits-93-how-authors-are-becoming-entrepreneurs-like-it-or-not/

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, entrepreneur, marketing, ebook, book, author, market, promotion, how to self-publish

Self-Publishing Options - Find the Best Way to Self-Publish Your Book

Carla King of Mediashift discusses several ways to self-publish your book. This includes using your own website to publishing on Amazon.

A MUST read for anyone interested in self-publishing.

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2013/07/self-publishing-wheres-the-money/

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, e-book, ebook, ebook aggregator, ebook distributor, distribution, distributor, Amazon, WordPress, Hostbaby, Yola, Shopify, Paypal, library, libraries, selling to libraries

Top Two Titles on iTunes Store Are Self-Published Books

For the week ending September 2, 2013: the two top-selling books on the iTunes store were self-published books.

The books are Justine Elvira's The Road to Forgiveness and Melody Grace's Unbroken. AND these books pushed J. K. Rowling's Cuckoo's Calling down to number 3. Read the full NASDAQ article:

http://www.nasdaq.com/article/with-itunes-and-wattpad-wins-self-publishers-are-having-a-good-week-cm273059

Topics Covered:  self-published, self-publishing, self-publish, iTunes, bestseller, top selling, book, author, writer

Mediashift Special Series: Beyond the Book

In 2011 PBS.org's Mediashift posted a series of articles called Beyond the Book. Though the articles are two years old (and we know how quickly things change in the interweb eworld) much of the information is still relevant and should be perused by those considering self-publishing or the already self-published.

Special Series: Beyond the Book

Some of the articles that should get special attention are:

5 Reasons E-Books Are Awesome, Even for the Very Reluctant
by Jenny Shank

How a Novelist Bypassed His Publisher and Raised $11,000 on Kickstarter
by Simon Owens

How Social Networks Might Change the Way We Read Books
by Audrey Watters

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, book, author, writer, ebooks, social media, social networks, read 

Pricing Your Self-Published Book

Mediashift's Miral Sattar discusses an important issue for self-published authors: How to Set the Price for Your Book.

She includes the experiences of authors Hugh Howey, Susan Kaye Quinn, Darcie Chan. Great statistical info from The Library of Congress and the Smashwords Survey. A must read for self-published authors and those who want to self-publish.

How to Set the Right Price for Your Self-Published Book

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, book pricing, book, price, ebook, author, writer 

Mediashift PBS.org - Special Series - Authors as Entrepreneurs

PBS.org's blog Mediashift has launched a series of articles called Authors as Entrepreneurs.

We have already posted a link to the first article Guy Kawasaki’s 6 Entrepreneurial Tips for Authors (see post 9/3/13).

Future articles will include:

-Guy Kawasaki’s Guide to Entrepreneurship for Authors, by Guy Kawasaki
-The Rise of the Hybrid Author, by Jeremy Greenfield
-Self Promotional Burnout: When Marketing Takes Over, by Jenny Shank
-New Crop of Startups Give Fans Ability to Donate to Favorite Authors, by Dena Levitz
-Resources for Self Publishers, by Carla King
-Pricing Your E-book, by Miral Sattar
-How to Do Live Author Signings with E-books, by Miral Sattar

Special Series: Authors as Entrepreneurs

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, author, writer, promotional, entrepreneur, self promotion, ebook, pricing, marketing, fans

Amazon's Matchbook - A Short Explanation

Amazon made some big announcements on Tuesday regarding Amazon Matchbook and the Kindle Paperwhite e-reader.

Carolyn Kellogg of the L.A. Times has written an excellent article explaining all points:

Amazon Matchbook Explained

What Do Micro-Trends Mean for Self-Published Authors

Best-selling author Kristen Lamb analyzes and discusses how Micro-Trends effect traditionally published and self-published authors. Very interesting ideas and definitely worth a read by authors and writers.

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/09/03/the-rise-of-individuality-what-this-means-for-publishing-authors/

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, micro-trends, mega-trends, traditional publishing, publishing, trends, individuality, life-styles, internet, social media

You Can Sell Your Self-Published Book for more than 99 cents or 99 pence

In this Guardian interview self-published author Kerry Wilkinson relates his experiences with book pricing. Must read for anyone who is self-publishing or who wants to self-publish.

http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2013/sep/03/self-publishing-kerry-wilkinson

Topics Covered: self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, pricing, author, book, writer, book sales, sales, book pricing

Self Publishing Entrepreneurial Tips for Authors by Guy Kawasaki

Guy Kawasaki has written a book called APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur-How to Publish a Book. In this article on PBS.org he gives six tips that anyone interested in self-publishing should review. I especially liked Tip #2 - Treat Your Book Like a Business. His calculations regarding time and effort should be considered carefully by any author or writer.

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2013/09/guy-kawasakis-6-entrepreneurial-tips-for-authors

Topics Covered: Self-Publish, self-Published, self-Publishing, publish, book, business, entrepreneur, professional, niche, niche writing, social media,

Self-Published Author Kay Bratt Discusses Her Publishing Experiences

In a guest post on A Newbie's Guide to Publishing, author of Silent Tears: A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage Kay Bratt discusses her experiences with traditional publishing and self-publishing. Great information for self-published authors and those who want to self-publish.

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2013/09/guest-post-by-kay-bratt.html

Topics Covered: Self-publish, Self-published, Self-publishing, author, fiction, non-fiction, memoir, writer, traditional publishing, bookstore

Romance Author Aubrey Rose Plus 4 Other Authors Hit USA Today Bestseller List with Boxed Set

In her blogpost from August 28, 2013, adult romance author Aubrey Rose tells how a promotional boxed set she created with fellow adult romance authors Julia Kent, Emme Rollins, Helena Newbury and Anna Antonia has hit the USA Today Bestseller list. Good promotional option for self-published authors.

http://aubreyrosewrites.wordpress.com/

Topics Covered: Self-publish, self-published, self-publishing, romance, adult romance, USA Today Bestseller List, bestseller, boxed set, promotion, promotional, promotional ideas, Aubrey Rose, Julia Kent, Emme Rollins, Helena Newbury, Anna Antonia

Smut Writer Turns Down Offer from Amazon imprint Montlake

Author of romance novel Me, Cinderella? Aubrey Rose discusses why she turned down an offer from the Amazon imprint publisher Montlake. VERY good info for self-published authors.

http://smutwriters.com/2013/09/02/i-just-turned-down-a-publishing-deal-from-amazon/

Topics Covered: Self-published, self-publishing, Amazon, Montlake, authors, writers, self-publish, publisher, book, romance, smut, smut writers, novel

How to Create a Word Template for Self-Published Books

Here's a great tutorial from TheKittchen.com on how to create a Word template for your self-published book. Invaluable information.

http://thekittchen.com/2013/09/01/self-publishing-creating-a-word-template/

Topics Covered: Word, Word Template, Template for self-published book, self-published, self-publishing, books, tutorial

Smashwords Makes eBook Distribution Deal with Flipkart

Smashwords, an eBook publisher, has made a distribution deal with the online store Flipkart. Flipkart has been around since 2007 and was initially a bookseller but now also sells movies, games, computers etc. Read details here:

http://www.medianama.com/2013/08/223-flipkart-smashwords/

Topics Covered: ebooks, self-published, books, distribution, Flipkart, Smashwords

Are You Wondering If You Should Self-Publish? Read What Author Phil Simon Has to Say.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2013/08/06/can-i-publish-myself-an-interview-with-author-speaker-publisher-phil-simon/

Are you confused about whether or not to self-publish? Here are some great insights from author-speaker-publisher Phil Simon. Phil is a technology expert who has consulted with such institutions as NBC, CNBC, Inc. Magazine and the Huffington Post. His experience with traditional publishing and self-publishing is worth a read.

Topics Covered: Self-publishing, publishing, traditional publishing, books, expert, consultant, techonology

Are You a Self-Published Author with a following? Try These Alternatives to Amazon.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelwolf/2013/07/31/self-publishing-an-e-book-here-are-4-ways-to-leave-amazons-30-tax-behind/

Here are four alternatives to self-publishing with Amazon so you can increase your profits. Great for authors with an established following.

Topics Covered: Self-publishing, eBooks, books, Amazon, book sales, profit, sales

USA Today Self-Published Best-Seller List Ending 8-25-13

http://seejanepublish.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/usa-today-self-published-best-seller-list-ending-8-25-13-by-darla-luke/

Here's a list of the self-published books that made that USA Today Bestseller list ending 8/25/13. List was compiled by Darla Luke for SeeJanePublish.

Topics Covered: Self-Published Bestsellers, USA Today, Bestsellers, Self-Published books, books, Self-Published

Self-Published Books: Do Readers Prefer Novels or Novellas?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/suwcharmananderson/2013/08/30/readers-feast-on-snackable-novellas/

Here's an informative article in Forbes magazine about whether readers prefer long or short novels.

A study of Smashwords sales data has shown that longer self-published books sell better than shorter ones...

Topics Covered: Self-publishing, novels, novellas, fiction, book length, eBooks

Self Publishing Does Have It's Limits for Some Writers - Talli Roland

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/aug/13/talli-roland-self-publishing

Very enjoyable and informative read about the realities of self-publishing and how some writers do better than others at managing the business end of their projects.

Topics covered: author, article, guardian, formatting, pricing, Talli Roland

Where are the conventions? Great portal!

Where are all the conventions?

I just found this portal for conventions Anime, SciFi, Games, Comics, Horror, Literature, Steampunk & more!  This looks amazing: http://upcomingcons.com/

Topics covered:  anime conventions, anime, scifi conventions, scifi, gaming conventions, gaming, comic conventions, gaming, horror conventions, horror, literary, steampunk conventions, cons, steampunk

Crowdfunding: Wattpad

http://techcrunch.com/2013/08/12/wattpad-launches-new-self-publishing-crowdfunding-first-revenue-model-for-the-social-network/

http://www.wattpad.com/

Topics covered:  wattpad, crowdfunding, crowd funding

Pro Services: Formatting: Professional Formatting - Pub Preppers & Boot Locker

http://www.pubpreppers.com/

Topics covered: formatting, professional services, printing, professional

Article: PBS - Self Publishing Where's The Money?

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2013/07/self-publishing-wheres-the-money

Rating: Excellent
Topics Covered:  online stores, distribution service, aggregator, smashwords, bookbaby, aerbook maker, pigeonlab, amazon kdp, kobo, apple ibookstore, createspace, royalty calculator, library direct, kindle lending library, carla king, pb

Author: Linda Gilliard on Self Publishing "I would never sell my e-rights"

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/aug/06/self-publishing-showcase-linda-gillard