CALENDAR

 

One of the biggest pitfalls in small publishing is the lack of sufficient planning, especially the first time around. You don’t want to tie up funds by purchasing materials too soon and you don’t want to miss some important publicity because you missed a filing date.

This checklist will help keep you on track. Follow this schedule for your first book. On your second, you’ll want to move some items up, and skip others.

Chapter and Appendix references below are to The Self-Publishing Manual. Refer back to the explanations of each resource for Web addresses. Some forms and applications are available online. Documents numbered 1xx or 6xx are available from http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

 

Now (these are the things you should do right now.)

* Get the InfoKit on book writing at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/infokit.cfm

* Join the Publishers Marketing Association. Call 310-372-2732 for a copy of the newsletter and an application. One co-op marketing program will pay for your membership. See Professional Organizations in Appendix 2.

* Get copyright forms from the Library of Congress. See Chapters 2 and 5. Get Document 112 (free) from http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* Subscribe to Publishers Weekly (or read it at your library). See Magazines for Publishers in Appendix 2.

* Review Appendix 2. Send for the books, magazines, brochures and catalogs that interest you. Join those associations that can help you. See http://ParaPublishing.com.

* Choose a company name. File a fictitious name statement, if required. See Chapter 3.

* Purchase some office supplies. See Chapter 3 and Office & Shipping Supplies in Appendix 2.

* See the Bowker Web site for ABI Information. See Chapter 5.

* Apply for a post office box. See Chapter 3.

* Read the latest edition of The Self-Publishing Manual completely and highlight important areas.

* Visit the library and study the book Literary Market Place. Order a copy now or wait until you’re finished with your manuscript.

* Contact the Small Business Administration about its services. Call your local office. See Chapter 3.

* Apply for any local business licenses. Ask other nearby small businesspeople for advice. Do not call the city licensing offices for information. See Chapter 3.

* Draft your book-cover sales copy. See Chapter 2.

* Decide on your audience and what you promise to give them. See Document 116 (free) at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* Get Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books. See http://ParaPublishing.com.

* Add a signature to your email program. See Chapter 7.

 

While Writing Your Book

* Review Chapter 2.

* Learn about the CIP Office of the Library of Congress. See Chapter 5.

* Contact R.R. Bowker for ISBN/SAN information. See Chapter 5 and Document 112 (free) at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* Solicit stories for your manuscript. See Chapter 2 and consider making a request in my Publishing Poynters Marketplace newsletter (http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/newsletter.cfm).

* Get The Book Publishing Encyclo-pedia: Tips & Resources for Authors & Publishers by Dan Poynter. See http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

 

When Your Manuscript Is Nearly Complete

* Get the InfoKit on book writing at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/infokit.cfm.

* Send requests for quotations to the 20+ digital and/or the 40+ offset printers. See Document 603 at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* Purchase a set of ISBNs from R.R. Bowker. See Chapter 5 and Document 112 (free).

* Hire a cover designer to produce the book’s cover. See http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/supplier.cfm.

* Fill out the ABI form on the Bowker Web site. See Chapter 5.

* See the Library of Congress for your LCCN/PCN number. See Chapter 5 and Document 112 (free) at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* Send a printout of your ABI form to Baker & Taylor Co., Academic Library Services Selection Dept., PO Box 6885, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

* Research your title to make sure it’s not being used. See Books in Print and Forthcoming Books at the reference desk of your public library. Also, see an online bookstore such as Amazon.com and make a Google search.

* Get any needed permissions from people pictured or quoted in the book.

* Send your manuscript out for peer review (content feedback) and copyedit. See Writing Nonfiction by Dan Poynter.

* Select a distributor. See Special Report Book Marketing for a discussion of distributors and lists of what categories of books they want. Or see Document 605 at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* Solicit testimonials. See Blurbs for Your Books, Document 609 at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

 

When the Manuscript Is Ready to Be Delivered to the Typesetter (or when you are about to typeset it or about to finalize your typesetting)

* Set the publication date. It will be at least four months in the future. See Chapter 7 and Document 608 at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* Assign the ISBN(s). See Chapter 5.

* Prepare a news release. See Chapter 7 and Document 150 (free).

* Contact book clubs. See Chapter 8.

* Apply for a resale permit. See Chapter 3.

* Prepare a CIP data block. Contact Quality Books for help in processing your application: http://www.quality-books.com. See Chapter 5 and Document 112 (free).

 

While the Book Is Being Typeset

* Get the InfoKit on book production at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/infokit.cfm.

* Set up storage and shipping areas. See Chapter 10. Get the Special Report Book Fulfillment, Order Entry, Picking, Packing and Shipping at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* If you are subcontracting the typesetting, maintain a good proofreading schedule. Don’t hold up your typesetter.

* If you don’t have a Web site, start working on one.

* Contact Contemporary Authors for information. See Chapter 5 and Document 112 (free).

* Prepare mailing lists. See Chapter 9.

* Order shipping supplies and the rest of your office supplies. See Chapter 10 and Office & Shipping Supplies in Appendix 2.

* Send galleys to certain review magazines. See “prepublication reviews” in Chapter 7 and Document 149 (free).

* Send a book announcement to all wholesalers. See our Special Report Book Marketing.

* Send for Special Reports Book Marketing: A New Approach, Book Reviews, News Releases and Book Publicity and Export/Foreign Rights.

* Contact the International Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses for an application form. See Chapter 5 and Document 112 (free).

* Prepare your prepublication sales offer. See Chapter 8.

* Print out book review slips and order rubber stamps. See Chapter 7.

* Pursue subsidiary rights. See Chapter 8 and Special Report Book Marketing.

* Develop your marketing plan using the Book Marketing Special Report. Also see Instant Report Best-Sellers, Document 612.

* Order bar code or make sure your cover artist is taking care of it.

* Select a book printer. See Special Report Buying Book Printing or see Document 603.

* Order business cards with a photo of the book’s cover. See Chapter 7.

 

While the Book Is Being Printed

* Proof the “bluelines” (press proofs) carefully.

* Prepare review copy materials. Stuff and label the shipping bags, then put them aside until books arrive.

* Add the book information to your Web site or update it.

* Email your prepublication offer to individuals.

* Change the signature in your email program. Mention your new book. See Chapter 7.

* Notify your friends via email of your new book and ask them to forward your announcement to their friends. See Chapter 7.

* List your book with Para Publishing’s Success Stories. See http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/successstories.cfm.

 

When the Books Arrive

(Four months before the official publication date). See Document 608, Your Publication Date, at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* Check the quality of the books. Make a count for your inventory. See Special Report Book Fulfillment.

* Fill orders.

* Photograph book. Add 300 dpi TIF to your picture file and the pressroom of your Web site.

* Pursue dealer sales. You want the books to be in the stores when all the promotion hits on the publication date.

* File copyright Form TX. See Chapter 5.

* Send books to reviewers. See Chapter 7.

* Pursue promotional possibilities in Chapter 7 and see Best-Sellers, Document 612.

* Send copy of book to CIP Office if your company has been enrolled into the CIP program. See Chapter 7 and Document 112 (free).

* Visit bookstores in your area.

* Submit request to Publishing Poynters Marketplace for reviews in Amazon.com, B&N.com and other online bookseller sites. See http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/newsletter.cfm.

* Convert pages of your book into articles and send them to category magazines. See Chapter 7.

* Email your back-cover sales copy to everyone in your address book. Ask them to forward it to their colleagues. See Chapter 7.

 

At Publication Date

Traditionally, this is the date when your books are in the stores and your promotion hits. Your initial consumer promotion should be concentrated in the first few weeks after the publication date. See Document 608 at http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm.

* Pursue consumer-oriented promotions such as autograph parties, talk shows, author tours, etc. See Chapter 7 and Interviews: How Authors Get on Radio and TV, Document 602.

 

Ongoing Promotion

Never give up. You have given birth to your book; now you have an obligation to raise it. Review what has worked and do more of it. Review what has not worked and cut your losses.

* Work on nontraditional or special sales. See Chapter 8.

* Implement your continuing review program.

* Consider more direct email solicitations.

* Look for spin-off ideas. Repackage your information into audiobooks, electronic books, large-print books, etc. Consider consulting in your area of expertise. See Document 615, Electronic Books.

* Make up a review/testimonial sheet. Paste up good reviews and reproduce them. See Chapter 7.

 

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You are not just an author, a publisher or a publicist; you are an information provider. You must provide your knowledge in any form your buyer wants: books, reports, audiotapes, videotapes, CDs, seminars, speeches or private consulting.

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Appendix 2

RESOURCES FOR PUBLISHERS

 

Appendix 2 is rich in resources that will be very valuable to you as a publisher and an author. Everything is here, from Dan Poynter’s Special Reports on publishing issues, to distributors and wholesalers, to editors, writers, cover designers and typesetters, to printers and fulfillment houses. It is our wish that this section will serve you well, time and time again.

Note that we check every address just prior to going to press. Also, keep in mind that more than 20% of our population moves every year; so if you find an address that is no longer valid, make an online search for the new contact information. Web sites are continually updated and rearranged. If a URL is no longer valid, go to the opening page of the site and search. You could also try typing the company name, product or service into the search engines.

Be advised the R.R. Bowker Co. is a large firm with numerous functions, products and services. Although they have several offices, most of them are at the same New Jersey address; each office should be treated as a separate entity.

 

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RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

There are many good references on writing, publishing, printing, marketing, distribution and other aspects of book publishing. The latest and best are listed here. Find them in a bookstore.

 

A List of the Books, Reports & Other Documents from Para Publishing

Here is a complete alpha-sort listing of our books and other products. Go to http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/allproducts.cfm to view their descriptions.

 

Books on Writing

* The Book Publishing Encyclopedia: Journal An A-Z Treasury of Tips & Resources for Authors & Publishers

* Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books

* Successful Nonfiction: Tips & Inspiration for Getting Published

* Is There a Book Inside You?: Writing Alone or With a Collaborator

* The Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print & Sell Your Own Book

 

Free Documents on Book Writing & Publishing (1xx series documents)

* 112: Poynter’s Secret List of Book Promotion Contacts

* 113: List of attorneys who specialize in book publishing

* 116: Book cover layout

* 126: Article on the importance of reviews from The Wall Street Journal

* 135: Book Return Authorization: Example of the form we use

* 136: Dan Poynter speaking on book writing, publishing & promoting

* 137: Consulting with Dan Poynter

* 138: Dealer Bulletin: Discounts offered to dealers

* 139: Note to renters of mailing lists

* 140: Resources on Writing and Publishing Specific Types of Books

* 142: Mailing lists for promoting books

* 144: Postal rate chart for book shipments

* 147: Telephone Order Sheet

* 149: Layout example for a galley cover (prepublication review copies)

* 150: News release outline: Shows you how to construct a news release

* 155: Books That Were Originally Self-Published

* 156: Book Titles That Were Changed

* 167: Publishing workshops in Santa Barbara

* Speaking Forms Bank

 

Special Reports

Dan Poynter’s series of Special Reports begin where The Self-Publishing Manual leaves off. With so much new and specialized book promotion material constantly appearing, these monographs fill the void by providing the most current, in-depth, complete information available. Called Book Publishing Consultations with Dan Poynter, each Report treats a specific area important to publishers and each is the latest word on its subject. Even if you were to collect every book and article on the topic, you would not find all the important details. Dan has combined extensive research with personal experience and condensed it all into a few highly concentrated pages.

* BR: Book Reviews

* NR: News Releases and Book Publicity

* DM: Direct Mail for Book Publishers

* BM: Book Marketing: A New Approach Is a Low-cost Marketing Plan

* BLP: Business Letters for Publishers: Creative Correspondence Outlines on Disk

* ForRts: Exports/Foreign Rights: Selling U.S. Books Abroad

* BF: Book Fulfillment: Order Entry, Picking, Packing and Shipping

* Print: Buying Book Printing

* FF: Financial Feasibility in Book Publishing

* PubCon: Publishing Contracts: Sample Agreements for Book Publishers on Disk

* SP-Note: Mr. Self-Publishing’s Notebook (Publishing Poynters Archive)

 

Instant Reports from Para Publishing (6xx series documents)

These Reports provide you with the latest condensed answers to your book promotion questions. They’re an inexpensive, instant consultation with Dan Poynter and other publishing experts.

* 602: Interviews: How Authors Get on Radio and TV

* 603: Book Printing, at the Best Price

* 604: How to Price Your Book

* 605: Locating the Right Distributor

* 606: Publishing Fiction & Poetry

* 607: Publishing Contract: Author–Publisher

* 608: Your Publication Date

* 609: Blurbs for Your Books: Testimonials, Endorsements and Quotations

* 610: Children’s Books: Resources for Writing, Producing and Promoting Juveniles

* 611: Newsletter Publishing: A Resource Guide

* 612: Best-Sellers: What They Are and How to Make Them

* 613: Cookbooks: Resources for Writing, Producing and Promoting Books on Food

* 614: Selling Books Through the Gift Trade

* 615: Electronic Books: Turning pBooks into eBooks.

* 616: Travel Books: Resources for Writing, Producing and Promoting Guidebooks

* 617: New Age Books: Resources for Writing, Producing and Promoting Books on Metaphysics, the Occult and New Thinking

* 618: Religious Books: Resources for Writing, Producing and Promoting Theological Books

* 619: Write It Once–Sell It Forever: How to Update Your Books

* 620: Your Book Publishing Calendar: When to Do What

* 622: Cooperative Book Promotion

* 623: Questions and Answers on Book Publishing

* 624:How to Set Up & Run a Successful Book Publishing Business

* 625: Selling Books to Catalogs

* 626: Raising Money to Publish Books

* 628: Canadian Book Publishing

* 629: Making the Web Pay: A Set-up Guide for Publishers

* 630: Selecting a Book Title That Sells

* 631: Book Covers

* 632: Bookshelf: Selling Books from Other Publishers

* 633: Beyond Remainders (describes creative inventory reduction)

* 634: Selling Books in the United States, a Guide for Foreign Publishers

* 635: AudioBooks: Turning Books & Speeches into Spoken-Word Tape & Disc Products

* 636: Insurance for Publishers: Protecting Your Book Company

* 637: Selling Books to the Military Market by Michael Sedge

* 638: Screenwriting: Fiction (theatricals) & Nonfiction (documentaries)

* 639: Autograph Parties & Signing Books

* 640: Book Promotion Made Easy: Event Planning, Presentation Skills & Product Marketing by Eric Gelb, MBA, CPA

* 641: Merchant Status: Credit Cards for Publishers

* 642: Large Print Books: Making Your Work Easier to Read

 

Publishing Books & Reports

Books can be ordered from your favorite bookstore.

Books on Book Publishing

* 1001 Ways to Market Your Book by John Kremer

* Beyond the Bookstores by Brian Jud

* Book Design & Production by Pete Masterson

* Book Fairs: An Exhibiting Guide for Publishers by Dan Poynter

* Book Marketing from A-Z by Francine Silverman

* The Book Publishing Encyclopedia by Dan Poynter

* Complete Guide to Book Marketing by David Cole

* The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Tom & Marilyn Ross

* The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Self-Publishing by Jennifer Basye Sander

* From Book to Bestseller by Penny Sansevieri

* Is There a Book Inside You?: Writing Alone or with a Collaborator by Dan Poynter & Mindy Bingham

* Kirsch’s Handbook of Publishing Law by Jonathan Kirsch

* Pocket Pal: A Graphic Arts Production Handbook by Michael Bruno

* Publishing for Profit by Thomas Woll

* The Publishing Game by Fern Reiss

* Putting It on Paper by Dawn Josephson

* Self-Publishing in Canada by Suzanne Anderson

* The Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print & Sell Your Own Book by Dan Poynter

* Self-Publishing Simplified by Brent Sampson

* Selling Subsidiary Rights by Thomas Woll

* Small Time Operator by Bernard Kamoroff

* U-Publish.com by Dan Poynter and Dan Snow

* Wham! Bam! Publishing: The Strategic Marketing Plan for Authors and Publishers by Janice M. Phelps & Joan E. Phelps

* Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books by Dan Poynter

* Successful Nonfiction: Tips & Inspiration for Getting Published by Dan Poynter

* You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal

 

Book Catalogs—with Books for Publishers

R.R. Bowker Company http://www.bowker.com http://www.BowkerLink.com

Direct Marketing Association http://www.the-dma.org

Dustbooks http://www.dustbooks.com

Gale Group http://www.galegroup.com

Information Today http://www.infotoday.com/

The Writer, Inc. http://www.writermag.com

Writer’s Digest Books http://www.writersdigest.com

 

Magazines for Publishers

Write for a sample copy and current subscription rates.

* ALA Booklist American Library Association http://www.ala.org

* Bookselling This Week American Booksellers Association http://www.bookweb.org*

* Canadian Author Canadian Authors Association http://www.canauthors.org

* Choice Magazine http://www.ala.org/acrl/choice/home.html

* ForeWord Magazine http://www.Forewordmagazine.com

* Horn Book Magazine (children’s books) http://www.hbook.com/

* Kirkus Reviews http://www.kirkusreviews.com/kirkusreviews/index.jsp

* Library Journal http://www.LibraryJournal.com

* Publishers Weekly http://www.PublishersWeekly.com

* School Library Journal http://www.SchoolLibraryJournal.com http://www.slj.com

* Writer’s Digest http://www.writersdigest.com

 

Newsletters

Write for a sample copy and current subscription rates.

* Book Marketing Update http://www.rtir.com

* Book Publishing Report and others Simba Information, Inc. http://www.simbanet.com

* PMA Newsletter Publishers Marketing Association http://www.pma-online.org

* Publishing Poynters. News, tips & resources on books by Dan Poynter http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/newsletter.cfm

* Publishing Poynters Marketplace. A place to buy, sell & share by Dan Poynter http://parapub.com/sites/para/resources/newsletter.cfm

 

Pamphlets & Reports

Pamphlets, reports and other help of interest to publishers.

* Library of Congress Copyright Office http://www.loc.gov/copyright

* Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov, A Business Checklist for Direct Marketers, A Business Guide to the FTC’s Mail or Telephone Merchandise Rule

* National Endowment for the Arts http://www.arts.gov Assistance, fellowships and residencies for writers

 

Reference Books & Directories

Most of these books can be found in the reference section of your public library. Write to the publishers for ordering details.

* American Booksellers Association http://www.bookweb.org http://www.spiders.com/portfolio/projects/bbh.jsp Book Buyer’s Handbook

* American Library Association http://www.ala.org Membership Directory, Marketing to Libraries through Library Associations

* Bacon’s Information http://www.bacons.com Newspaper/Magazine Directory

* Broadcast Interview Source http://www.yearbook.com Yearbook of Experts, Literary Market Place

* Columbia Books http://www.columbiabooks.com/ntpa.cfm National Trade & Professional Associations of the U.S. State & Regional Associations

* Dustbooks http://www.dustbooks.com Directory of Editors, Directory of Poetry Publishers, Directory of Small Press/Magazine Editors and Publishers, International Directory of Magazines and Small Presses (A comprehensive listing of smaller publishers), Small Press Record of Books in Print

* Editor and Publisher http://www.mediainfo.com International Year Book, Market Guide, Syndicate Directory

* EEI Press http://www.eeicommunications.com/press EEI Press has publications available on the writing, editing and production aspects of publishing, including: CD-ROM Reference: Publications Project Management

* Gale Group http://www.galegroup.com Business, Organizations, Agencies and Publications Directory, Contemporary Authors, Directories in Print, Directory of Special Libraries, Encyclopedia of Associations (22,000 associations), Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media (formerly Ayer Directory of Publications), International Book Trade Directory, International Organizations (11,000 groups), National Directory of Non-Profit Organizations (273,000 associations), National Fax Directory, Newsletters in Print, Publishers Directory, Publishers International ISBN Directory, Standard Periodical Directory (Oxbridge), World Guide to Libraries,

* Gebbie Press http://www.gebbieinc.com All-In-One Media Directory

* Grey House Publishing http://www.greyhouse.com Directory of Business Information Resources, Directory of Business to Business Catalogs (5,700 entries), Directory of Mail Order Catalogs (12,000 entries)

* Information Today http://www.literarymarketplace.com Literary Market Place

* Online Computer Library Center, Inc. http://www.oclc.org/dewey/ Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index

* Oxbridge Communications, Inc. http://www.mediafinder.com Standard Periodical Directory, National Directory of Catalogs, College Media Directory, National Directory of Magazines (21,000 magazines), National Directory of Mailing Lists, Oxbridge Directory of Newsletters

* PEN American Center http://www.pen.org Grants and Awards Available to American Writers

* R.R. Bowker http://www.bowker.com American Book Trade Directory (Lists 29,000 booksellers, wholesalers, etc.), American Library Directory (Lists 35,000 U.S. and Canadian libraries), Books in Print (Lists all books currently available by subject, title and author— annually), Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook (Comprehensive info on radio, TV and cable industries), Forthcoming Books (Books that will appear in the next edition of Books in Print), International Literary Market Place (Lists sources outside the U.S. and Canada), Publishers, Distributors & Wholesalers of the United States (A directory), Publishers’ Trade List Annual (A compilation of 1,500 publishers’ catalogs), Ulrich’s International Periodicals Directory (Lists 120,000 newsletters and magazines), Working Press of the Nation (A three-volume reference covering many aspects of the media).

* SRDS, Inc. http://www.srds.com Direct Marketing List Source (list rental database)

* Writer’s Digest Books http://www.writersdigest.com Writer’s Digest Books publishes directories and many specific books on writing and getting published. Children Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market, Writer’s Market, Writers Yearbook

 

Postal Web Sites, Books & Manuals

The following Postal Service publications should be consulted for more information. They can be obtained from your local Postal Business Center (call 800-275-8777 for the one nearest you) or downloaded from the Postal Service Web sites.

 

Postal Service Web Sites

Business Center: http://www.usps.com

Canadian Post Office General Web site: http://www.canadapost.ca

Domestic Zip Code Lookup: http://www.usps.gov/ncsc

All Products: go to http://www.usps.com/all/welcome.htm?from=doorwaybar&page=0019allproducts

then click Postal Explorer for Domestic Mail Manual (with rate calculator), • International Mail Manual (with rate calculator)

Shipping supplies online: http://supplies.usps.gov

Universal Postal Union (links to the Web sites of most countries): http://www.upu.int

 

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