A) Some exceptions from the usual standards

If the book is out of print and very hard to find, you can sell it even if it has a splotch here and there and writing all over it. But make sure you carefully describe its exact condition. And no, broken spines won’t do no matter how rare the book may be.

Read Amazon’s criteria very carefully and follow them to a T. And as I said, err on the side of caution. I won’t retype the descriptions here because they may change, and if you follow the information on their website, you’ll be okay.

Under NO circumstances should you try to sell a book that’s falling apart or that’s quite soiled or moldy. Even if you describe it as such, the recipient will probably think it can’t be that bad if it’s sold on Amazon and will feel disappointed once they see it.

Just give it away. There’s no point in risking your good rating over a few bucks, which you may have to refund anyway.

Writing accurate comments about the book’s condition

Always add comments about the condition.

If the book is new, say so: “Shiny new book, straight from bookstore”

Be descriptive and clear. If the book has ANY blemishes whatsoever, list them. Watch for rubbing, which is what makes a shiny cover look a bit, uhm, worn. It happens from books being filed very close to each other and then rubbing against each other when they’re moved. Sometimes, they acquire rub marks during shipping. Basically, it means that the finish has rubbed off, a bit, or a whole lot.

Check for remainder marks. Those are the big (or small) black splotches on books you get from the bargain bin. Usually, they’re on the bottom of the book. Always mention them if there are any, and even describe them if they deviate from a normal smallish remainder mark.

If it’s a big remainder mark, say, “big ugly splotch” or whatever, and if it’s particularly small and unobtrusive, you can say it’s just a “small dot.”

Check for any writing in the book and if there is any, mention it. Also mention if the writing is in pencil or pen. Ditto for dog ears, stains, and anything else that makes the book deviate from the shiny new appearance the shopper is hoping for.

If a book is so crisp and new that it clearly has hardly been opened if at all, mention that too. In fact, mention anything that is in the book’s favor.

And if you’d rather get a better return on your books and media items, you’re invited to download Elisabeth Kuhn’s FREE Guide to selling them online: eBay vs Amazon and discover what’s better for which types of items.

Also consider Elisabeth’s insider guide for Newcomers to Amazon.com Marketplace Selling and cut down on your learning curve dramatically as you turn your no longer needed books, CDs, DVDs and other things into money for your vacation — or an entire new business.

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

Amazon Marketplace Strategies – Special Challenges in Book Descriptions and Writing Comments by Elisabeth Kuhn

It’s true that I know the value of my book, but it is also true that I know much more, so much more that it can be hard for me to distill a simple explanation. I can try for hours, even days to write a blurb, and it’s likely to be bland, or worse yet confusing. The problem is that if the blurb is bad, many people will never look at the book. I’ve developed a solution. It works for me; perhaps it will work well for you too. Here are the steps.

1. Determine your book’s dominant genre. This is not always simple for me, particularly if I am in the planning stages. It’s possible that my manuscript may morph. I started out writing a book as a middle-grade fiction book, but it morphed into into a book that is structured along the lines of best selling thriller.

2. Determine the premise of the book. Each book can have only one premise (what every page, every paragraph, needs to foster), but you can have a number of books in a series that all contribute to an overall premise. The premise for the first of three novels in my science fiction fantasy series is “Evil cannot be destroyed but can be contained.” The collective premise of the series of three books is, “For humanity to succeed as a species we must learn to live in harmony with the universe.”

3. Find a best seller that is in the gendre you have selected that is consistent with the premise of your book. The genre that I am emulating is a thriller.

4. Locate a blurb of the book that resonates for you. An easy way to do this is read the jacket flaps of any successful book in the gendre you are using, or visit a library web site, look up the book, and then read the blurb that they display to patrons. As an example, I selected a blurb written about a best seller, which appeared in Publisher’s Weekly.

5. Adapt that blurb to your book. -I do not want to copy the blurb and fill in my book’s name. I want to emulate the style of that blurb.

The reason this system works for me is simple: I am not emotionally involved in adapting a blurb written about someone else’s book. I am emotionally involved with my own book. Feel free to leave comments about how this system works for you. If it’s appropriate, I’ll respond.

Alan H. Jordan is the author of hundreds of magazine articles, six business books, six children’s audio books and The Monster on Top of the Bed, a picture book for children ages 2-7. His poetry has appeared in major poetry magazines such as Mobius, the Poetry Magazine. Visit his blog to get many tips on writing and the marketing of writing.

Visit http://harmony123.com/ to register for free downloads of The End of All Times, and read the blurb that Mr. Jordan’s created by adapting the Publisher’s Weekly review of Dan Brown’s New York Times Best Seller, The Da Vinci Code.

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

Tips on Writing a Book-Promotion – 5 Steps For Creating a Compelling Blurb by Alan H. Jordan

September is National Literacy Month, and adult educators are always looking for ways to get their students excited about reading books. The answer may be online. In a report titled Emerging Technologies in Adult Literacy and Language Education, the National Institute for Literacy notes that social networking sites give students the opportunity to read and write in an authentic, real-world situation. The report fails to mention the added potential these sites have to excite students about reading books by allowing them to get to know authors.

Book authors have taken to the internet to connect with their readers on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. This personal connection has made reading books a more meaningful experience, many readers say.

“It’s great to network with authors… it shows they care and makes us more loyal,” says Wanda M. of New York.

“I also like seeing some of the daily minutiae that authors go through, whether it’s picking up kids, groceries, whatever,” says Colorado librarian Sarah W.

Many readers agree that social networks humanize their favorite authors. Through Facebook and Twitter, readers get to know writers in conversations about everyday matters.

“Conversation is key,” says Susan Mallery, bestselling author of Finding Perfect (September 2010). “I don’t look at Facebook and Twitter as a way to publicize the release dates of my books, though they do help get the word out. I look at them as a way to make meaningful connections with readers. The truth is, if a reader loves my books, chances are good that we could be real friends because we share a sense of humor and we’re moved by the same stories. I am what I write.”

Mallery’s website for the Fool’s Gold series of romance novels could be a case study in how to engage readers in the world of the book. She makes reading fun. The Fool’s Gold cheerleading squad is comprised of caricatures of some of Mallery’s Facebook fans. She has created wedding websites for the couples who find love in her books, so that readers can see wedding pictures and even sign the guestbook. The site has lots of videos, too, making it an interactive, multimedia experience.

“The connection goes both ways,” Mallery adds. “I ask my readers online to help me brainstorm sometimes while I’m writing, so they’re a part of the process. My Facebook fans created a character from scratch, a veterinarian who will show up in Fool’s Gold next year. I’m thinking of writing a Christmas book for him as a way to thank my fans for their friendship.”

This opportunity to participate in the process gives readers a thrill when the book they influenced hits the shelves.

“[Participating] in new characters…is exciting and makes me look forward to getting my hands on the author’s future reads,” says Shawn L. of Washington, DC.

Readers have also found that social networks are a great way to discover new writers.
“I’ve met authors I wouldn’t have known about… through seeing relationships between authors, some of which are very funny,” says Heather M. of Georgia.

Sharon S. of Massachusetts adds, “It’s also a lot of fun to connect with other readers who enjoy the same author. “

Susan Mallery shares one final thought: “Social networking can be a powerful way to connect with readers, but only when it’s backed up by a good book. In the end, it always comes back to writing books that readers will love.”

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

Social Networking with Authors Engages Adult Readers

Australian based information technology company, ReadOn Pty Ltd, has looked beyond the basic eBook concept of simply providing electronic copies of hardcopy books in the release of its new product, myWordii.

myWordii eBooks are specifically designed for children in the first few years of formal education and are ideal when used along side or as a replacement for hardcopy levelled readers.

myWordii supports independent reading as well as whole class, small group and paired learning settings. It is perfect for the struggling or reluctant reader and students for whom English is a second language.

myWordii not only delivers hardcopy content in style matched electronic format, but also adds significant value to the text by including, within each book, the ability to access research-supported teaching and learning functions.

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

Are eBooks Worth the Paper they are not Written on?

So, you want to know: How do I write a book?

Here are some guidelines to write a book:

Guideline #1: Have a Clear Idea of What You Want to Write

The first thing you need to think about is what type of book are you going to be writing?

Is it a fiction or non-fiction book?

These are two completely different types of book styles that require preplanning and preparation. If you’re writing a fiction book, then you want to choose a genre for your story: drama, mystery, fantasy, horror, action adventure, romance, etc.

If you are writing a non-fiction book, then you want to know which niche your book falls under: cooking, business, self-help, memoir, etc.

Each type of book will require various types of research, note taking and coming up with ideas for chapters and content.

Guideline #2: Create an Outline

Now that you know what you’re going to be writing about, you need to create an outline that will serve as your blueprint during the writing process. If you’re thinking of skipping this part, I can tell you that it’s not a good idea. It’s very difficult to try writing a book from nothing but bits and pieces that come up in your mind.

Writing a book this way, won’t be very organized and may have major problems with plot or natural flow of information. So, commit to writing your outline. Yes, this will take some work to do, but it’s going to be well worth the time and effort.

Guideline #3: Think Up a Good Title

Every book needs a title and you’ll need a good one for your book. Non-fiction book titles should contain the major benefit that your book will provide the reader. In this case, your book’s title will serve as a mini billboard for the type of information you’re giving someone.

Fiction book titles can be pretty much anything. However, it should try and capture the essence of your story in some way.

Guideline #4: Set Aside Time to Write

When you begin writing your book, you should devote from 1 – 4 hours at a time to doing nothing but that. There shouldn’t be any interruptions or distractions. Writing takes a tremendous amount of concentration. Let family and friends know that you can’t be disturbed when working on your book.

If you schedule your writing time on a regular basis, you’ll find that this discipline will help you to get the writing done faster, than randomly working on it whenever you’re in the mood.

Realize your dream of becoming a well-respected published author. I’ll show you how fun and easy it is to write and publish your own book in just a few weeks with a step-by-step writing system. Instantly boost your professional credibility and earn more money. Go here now: http://www.funtowrite.com/

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

How Do I Write a Book? Easy Guidelines to Write a Book by Donna Monday

In difficult times, how do others find hope? Download your free copy of The Power of Hope: 7 Inspirational Stories of People Rediscovering Faith, Hope and Love. You’ll meet real people struggling with issues you hear about on the news every day. And you’ll read in their own words how they were surprised by hope and revived by faith.

“Life often tests us with its challenges and difficulties. But the stories found in the free eBook The Power of Hope: 7 Inspirational Stories of People Rediscovering Faith, Hope and Love are the perfect antidote. Each story dramatically shows how people just like you not only overcome illness and hardships but deepened their faith in the process. In these real life stories of everyday men and women, you’ll rediscover the power of faith and hope,” said David Morris, Senior Editor of Guideposts Books.

Download your free copy of The Power of Hope and read true stories that will open your heart and help to bring you hope, faith and healing love into your life. The complimentary eBook is available exclusively on Guideposts.org at: http://www.guideposts.org/free-ebooks/power-hope-7-inspirational-stories-people-rediscovering-faith-hope-and-love

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

Free E-Book : The Power of Hope: 7 Inspirational Stories of People Rediscovering Faith, Hope and Love

Books require someone to read the book. If you don’t have a group of readers you don’t have anything except a bunch of paper with type on it. You have to find the group you will sell most of the books to and concentrate on them. You can’t be all over. If you look at T.V. channels they always are aimed at a specific group of watchers. Cartoon channels are aimed at kids and teenagers, the news channels at those who want to be kept up to date, science-fiction channels, etc. They concentrate on one group of people, because otherwise nobody will watch them; it is the same with books.

All books need to meet a need. A weight loss book helps to meet the needs of someone who is trying to lose weight, while a fiction book meets the needs of someone who needs to be entertained. Your book must do the same: it needs to give the reader answers or solutions, or at least help them find these answers and solutions to their needs.

The best type of person with a need is someone with a problem or group of problems. Your readers are no different, so find a common problem in the community you are aiming at and work it to your advantage. All problems have solutions, so promise a solution to this problem in your book, and give them the solution. If it happens to be a fiction then make the character’s problem their problem now; they must feel like the only way for an answer is to buy your book and read it.

If you are publishing a book just for the sake of publishing a book it won’t work. It must have feeling. You must have a reason to write. Figure out why you want to – why you have to – write this book, and you will do much better. This will also be required for the blurb on the front of the book telling the reader a little about you. You have to know what entitles you to be able to write this book and help people with whatever problem they happen to have, whether it be a lack of entertainment or learning how to play the kazoo.

Many people today write books as a means of branding themselves. If this is your reason there is one important fact you need to know.

People really don’t give a darn about who the publisher is.

They care about what the book contains, how the writer can help them, and the fact that it’s published. What this means is that you don’t have to convince a traditional publishing house to publish your book. Modern on demand publishers have given you the capability to publish the book yourself. As far as the public is concerned, you’ll do just as well publishing under a name of your choosing. It is best not to use your name as the publisher’s name, however. Use something different enough for people to not know right away that it’s you publishing the books. The only problem of course, is that this doesn’t work with book sellers who continue to rely on the traditional publishing houses for their product.

Do you want to learn how to write a book in 24 hours? Take my brand new free course here: http://www.learningcreators.com/

Do you want to read more free information like this? Go to my blog: http://www.learningcreators.com/blog/

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

Tips For Writing Your First Book – Important Things to Remember About Books by Glen Ford

“The publishing industry is undergoing monumental changes,” says spokesperson Melanie Walsh, “including an ongoing exponential growth in e-book sales, a change in book buying trends, and a new generation of readers who want everything now on their reading device.”

The AiA plans to be at the forefront of this change, representing authors who choose independence over traditional publishing. “It seems difficult for some people in the industry to understand and accept, but there is a large contingent of new-breed authors who choose to self-publish up-front because it is best for them. It’s not a case of settling for an easier alternative,” says AiA administrator, Cara Edwards. AiA member Zoe Winters explains this attitude in her video series, “Zoe Who?”

Planning is underway for the AiA’s inaugural conference to be held in San Francisco in July 2012. A Call for Submissions has now been issued, and given the quality of early responses, organizers expect to deliver a relevant, valuable program on all aspects of self-publishing. Interested speakers have until 1 November 2010 to make a submission on a range of topics including market forces, the process, design, technology, professionalism, and innovation. A strong delegation of independent authors is also expected, and a social program will be a highlight of the three-day conference.

The Association of Independent Authors (http://www.independent-authors.org/) is a membership organization of independent authors predominantly from the USA, Canada, Asia, UK and Australia. Membership is also open to authors who have published traditionally who are now planning to publish their future work, and reverted rights.

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

New Organization Formed for Independent Authors

The book club is free to everyone living in and around Chicago interested in reading and meeting live to discuss today’s most exceptional books that promote personal and professional growth. This most commonly includes books in the genres of Psychology, Self-Help, and Business, and also occasionally Health, Spirituality and Biography, and tends toward new books or those published within the last several years.

Each month, Personal Growth Chicago Book Club members vote on one of three books to read and discuss in the following month. The three books to choose from are primarily culled from members who attend the book club discussions. Members meet monthly at a convenient central location in Chicago to discuss the winning book.

In its inaugural meeting in July 2010, for example, over thirty book club members met at Whole Foods in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago to discuss the book, What EveryBODY is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed Reading People, by Joe Navarro. Members rate each discussion at the book group’s website, and this discussion received five out of five stars.

“I started The Personal Growth Chicago Book Club for two reasons,” notes Brian Vaszily. “First, discussing the best personal growth books being published today with other locals who share a passion for reading greatly enhances the lessons and enjoyment of those books versus reading them alone. Membership already consists of a diverse mix of people from throughout the Chicago area – different careers, ethnicities, races, lifestyles, and economic backgrounds, and those from different neighborhoods within the city and different suburbs – and so discussing these books inevitably reveals some amazing and useful new perspectives! By extension, they’re a great way for people to network, as well.”

“On a more personal note,” Vaszily continues, “I also launched The Personal Growth Chicago Book Club to engage with live people from the Chicago area who share a love of reading, discussing ideas, expanding their horizons and improving their life. Through my books, videos and the Intense Experiences newsletter, I reach tens of thousands of people weekly, but they’re located throughout the world. That’s me sitting alone in front of a computer thinking, feeling, writing, recording and editing most of the week; I’m so grateful my work now reaches so many people, but frankly I missed meeting new people in person who are dedicated to reading and growing personally and professionally.”

The Personal Growth Chicago Book Club is free and easy for anyone to join at http://www.meetup.com/chicago-book-club-1, where you can also learn more about the club, contact founder Brian Vaszily, and vote from amongst three new personal growth books on the one book you want to read and discuss with other members in the coming month.

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

Free The Personal Growth Chicago Book Club

Copyright © 2009 Good Books

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