Question from Reader: If writing and self-publishing a book in rhyme, does it matter if the meter and scan are not 100% perfect, if the book has been tested on children and parents, and they love it? Realistically, how many children and parents are going to pick up on imperfections if the book is still very easy to read?
I've just had a story professionally edited for meter and scan, and I can't see why it all matters. I am wondering if its worth the time and money when perhaps it may be better to just put the book out there and let the audience decide.
John's Answer: It does not always need to be perfect. But if there are more than two or three imperfect meters in a 32-page book, kids and parents may very well be disappointed. A key to the success of children's books is how many times children pick up the book to read it again (or have it read to them again).
Everyone will pick up on the imperfections. Always do. Whether it will matter to them is another thing. Again, some imperfections are often acceptable, but not too many.
You can always put the book out there and let the audience decide. They are the ultimate arbiters for something like this.
Now, most meter problems can be solved. It just takes a little more time to edit and refine the text. Why not try that first?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
John Kremer's Online Book Marketing Seminar
John Kremer is hosting a two-day live seminar on how to market your books online. This is very short notice. The seminar will be held in Prescott, Arizona on March 29th and 30th (Saturday and Sunday). Times: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days.
During this seminar, John will be teaching four insider ways to get five to ten million online impressions for your book, your ideas, your website, or whatever else you want to promote. That simple. I'll teach you the fastest way, a slower way, and a really inexpensive way that doesn't take a lot of time or knowledge to implement. But, if you don't know how to make use of 10 million impressions, this course is not for you.
The above statement is blunt, but realistic. Don't take this seminar if you're not ready to handle that kind of interest. As part of the course, I'll reveal the five best ways to convert that sort of interest into book sales -- lots of book sales!
Please note that the four key ways to reach lots of people online will not include Google AdWords (too expensive), social networks like MySpace and Facebook (too time-consuming), knowledge networks like Squidoo or Wikipedea (again, too time-consuming), or tagging networks (no control). These tools will be discussed, however, in the context of the other quicker, easier, and cheaper ways that will be revealed.
I know this is very short notice, but if you can make this seminar, you will be very glad you did.
To sign up, click here: John Kremer's Online Book Marketing Seminar.
This seminar will be very interactive. Bring your computers and online access so you can begin testing John's tips right away. Wi-Fi will be available in the seminar room.
The cost is only $497 for two days of the most intense and useful tips you'll ever receive on how to market your books and services online.
I haven't set the location yet for the seminar, but it will be somewhere close to downtown Prescott, Arizona. If you need to book a hotel or motel in the Prescott area, check http://www.prescott.org/lodging.htm. They have many low-cost motels as well as wonderful slightly higher cost bread & breakfast inns. Prescott is a two-hour drive from the Phoenix, Arizona airport.
John Kremer's Online Book Marketing Seminar
March 29 to 30, 2008 (Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Prescott, Arizona (specific location to be named later)
To sign up, click here: John Kremer's Online Book Marketing Seminar: http://www.itsolut.com/ shop/cgi/shop/cart/add?shopID=12&qty=1&prodID=20195.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Strong Images: Strong Book Covers
A reader of this blog brought my attention to the above cover. As she wrote:
"I always enjoy your blog posts about book covers. I came across a wonderful cover for a book called Pocket Psycho. Unfortunately, the book is only available in Australia, but gosh, I'd buy it here in a heartbeat just based on that cover! It so perfectly conveys the feelings of a modern day cubicle worker trapped by a malevolent boss. I thought you'd get a kick out of the cover, as well."
She's right. I did enjoy the cover, especially the image. The typeface on the title -- that I'd change. But I can see why she'd buy the book based on that image.
Since it is not available in the U.S., check out the website at http://www.careerone.com.au/jobs/ job-search/job-market-insider/surviving-the-office-monster.
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