Publishing Central Updates

Distribution can be as brutal as ad sales. But it doesn't have to be. Here are some thoughts on how to best work with and around the system... first up, the newsstand.

Everyone knows that a book’s back cover needs a bar code along with ISBN and price information, but once those are in place, new publishers often are unsure what to add to the back cover of their books. While there are many different views about what should be on a back cover, I believe the best use is to see the back of your book as a mini sales page, including four elements.

Michael Brooke's eighth article in his series on independent magazine survival gives advice on getting new subscribers. Is bigger better, or does slow and steady win the race?

While there has traditionally been a stigma attached to self-publishing, for some writers the option to self-publish has many advantages.

Started as a way to get free shoes, Sneaker Freaker has become a world-wide pheonomenon with a ton of influence in its niche.

When I speak to publishers about the benefits of Twitter, I get one of two reactions. They either respond enthusiastically, or they declare that Twitter is a complete waste of time.

Michael Brooke's seventh article in his series on independent magazine survival shows you which readers your magazine should be pursuing.

Are self-published authors not paying their dues? Are self-publishing services encouraging cheating the system? Brent Sampson thinks not.

This excerpt from The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing: How to Produce and Market Your Book on a Budget takes you through self-publishing from A to Z

A ball bearing publisher is not concerned primarily by size but rather by stature. What does that mean? Find out in the sixth installment of The Ball Bearing and the Beach Ball where Michael Brooke talks about focus.

Gloria Hildebrant, a freelance writer and editor, has contributed to many magazines over her career, but now has a magazine of her own. Along with co-publisher Mike Davis, she has a little over one year of publishing Escarpment Views under her belt. Learn how she's keeping her readers and advertisers happy, even in a tough economic climate.

Ben Franklin wasn’t born a gifted writer. He had a rigorous and demanding method to improve his writing that you can use too.

Michael Brooke's fifth article in his series on independent magazine survival shows how a niche publisher can attact and keep advertisers.

While some print magazines are looking at a bleak future, Suzanne Soto-Davis has her sights set high. Her two year-old magazine's 55+ demographic is growing, they're a boon to advertisers, and they are avid magazine readers.

Authors must find out who their readers are in order to build profitable lasting relationships with them. Identifying readers who buy books from bookstores and independent distributors is usually impossible. The solution? Bonus content online.

Michael Brooke's fourth article in his series on independent magazine survival explains how he approaches advertising.

It's fine to say that you don't need to have your books in brick and mortar bookstores as long as you've got the Internet, but every author and publisher wants that real world presence in their local bookstore, and especially in bookstore chains. Here's a strategy to make that happen.

Cynthia Moyer is a social enterprise publisher of a health and living magazine with one of the most unique twists to magazine publication we've seen. Each issue of Open Magazine is focused around one colour, and all the products, stories and articles are linked to that colour. Find out how colour, a social mission, and a strong desire to serve open minded, intelligent women, are driving explosive growth for one magazine.

Michael Brooke's third article in his series on independent magazine survival advises new publishers to be small. Very small.

While the submission process may feel like second nature to experienced writers, it's easy to forget that newcomers aren't aware of the specific procedures. And since everyone can benefit from a refresher course now and then, here's a rundown of the steps.