Book Reviews: Independent Authors
The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style
Robert Hudson (©2016 by Zondervan); Rating: 5
This is an excellent, authoritative resource for aspiring and seasoned Christian authors. As a user-friendly reference, it quickly became an essential tool for improving my writing. I especially like the flexibility the author provides in applying industry standards, depending on one’s topic, audience, and even personal style. It’s invaluable, yet at this price, it’s affordable for everyone.
The Well-Fed Self-Publisher: How to Turn One Book into a Full-Time Living
Peter Bowerman (©2014); Rating: 4
This is a valuable resource that covers self-publishing from beginning to end, and beyond. I need to develop a long term marketing strategy and this book lays it out clearly with a broad range of options – website, business materials, social media, spin-offs, special offers and other very practical tools.
Sell More Books! Book Marketing and Publishing for Low Profile and Debut Authors
J. Steve Miller (©2011); Rated: 4
I needed to develop a long term marketing strategy for my books and this resource was extremely helpful. Especially helpful were the chapters on getting blurbs from influential people and publications, building an online presence including a press/media page and finding alternative locations to promote one’s books. This is full of ideas and practical advice.
Book Reviewer Yellow Pages: A Book Marketing Guide for Authors and Publishers
Christine Pinheiro (©2015); Rating: 3
As a self-published author, I found the “Yellow Pages” to be helpful. However, at least some of the information it contains is outdated or inaccurate. It’s much better than nothing, but I’m encountering a lot of dead ends because listed reviewers are too busy to receive unsolicited requests or simply disinterested. Like everything else in this industry, success requires patience and perseverance.
Goodreads for Authors: How to Use Goodreads to Promote Your Books
Michelle Campbell-Scott (©2013); Rating: 2
This is a helpful introduction to Goodreads. Some of the instructions are obsolete (websites change, but books don’t) so I relied on Goodreads Help pages more than the book. The material could have been presented with a lot fewer words.
Aiming at Amazon: The NEW Business of Self Publishing
Aaron Shepard (©2009); Rating: 5
This is an excellent resource for getting one’s books promoted on Amazon. I had no prior experience with Amazon and I found this to be very comprehensive, with practical instructions, tips and recommendations. It covers a wide range of topics, such as optimizing the book for Amazon, configuring the book’s information on Amazon, and pointing potential readers to the book on Amazon. I now have my books on the U.S. and international Amazon sites and sales are beginning to trickle in from around the world. The book is now available as a free PDF download on the author’s website.