2013 Winner Announcement
Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: Twitter Chat Recap
Today's authors have more alternatives than ever before. One of the biggest decisions you need to when writing your latest business book is whether to go the traditional publishing route or try self-publishing. And for book lovers the question is: "Is a traditionally published book better than a self published book?" A recent Twitter chat in honor the Business Book Awards covered this topic. We bring you highlights from the chat.
Special speakers included Ramon Ray (@RamonRay), author of newly released book, The Facebook Guide to Small Business Marketing; Nicole Fende (@NicoleAFende), who guides newbie authors through the process of writing, publishing and marketing their books; Jennifer Canzoneri, Marketing for BenBella Books (@BenBellaBooks), a boutique publishing company.
Leading the discussion was Ivana Taylor (@DIYMarketers), Publisher of DIYMarketers and Book Editor for Small Business Trends. Anita Campbell (@SmallBizTrends), founder of the Small Business Book Awards, and the co-author of Visual Marketing, published by Wiley also made an appearance.
Here are excerpts from the discussion beginning with a fairly obvious question prospective authors should ask themselves before even beginning the process.
@diymarketers book writing benefits are credibility first and foremost - deserved or not - #bizbookawards A1— Ramon Ray (@ramonray) February 20, 2013
A1. Definitely clout. Even if you don't make $ off the book, people are super-impressed. #bizbookawards— Susan Payton (@eggmarketing) February 20, 2013
Before you undertake a book project, whether self-publishing or publishing traditionally, you should first understand the kind of book likely to attract readers. Here's what a few participants in our Twitter chat said about the kinds of books that most interest them:
A7: Is it knowledge I am looking for? Does the book have good reviews? Doesn't matter who published it. #BizBookAwards— Howard Lewinter (@HowardLewinter) February 20, 2013
A7: Non-fiction I'm looking to meet a need.In skimming the book, will it help me? Does the author have real world exp? #BizBookAwards— Nicole Fende (@NicoleAFende) February 20, 2013
A7: I like a book that arouses my curiosity it can be on a topic I didn't even know I was interested in but makes me say Hmm #bizbookawards— Ileane Smith (@BasicBlogTips) February 20, 2013
When you decide to self-publish you're on your own when it comes to marketing, and even authors that go the traditional route today need to be involved in marketing. Here are some tips about how to make sure readers don't ignore your book.
@lauradburford @diymarketers We add a handwritten note in most packages that go out our doors. Small things add up! #BizBookAwards— BenBellaBooks (@BenBellaBooks) February 20, 2013
Q6: A bit more creative, offer a Skype chat with book clubs who buy a certain # of copies. Or a training session. #bizbookawards— Amy Fandrei (@amyfandrei) February 20, 2013
A6. Start building buzz early. @nicoleafende has helped me come up with creative ideas like this one: bit.ly/YGU6Qs #BizBookAwards— Matt Mansfield (@1KContentIdeas) February 20, 2013
With new technologies like print on demand, even the most expensive and technical part of the publishing process, printing the final copies of your book, has been dramatically simplified removing much of the stress and cost inherent in the process.
With POD there usually is a small up front investment.It's just much less than self-publishing on your own. #BizBookAwards— David Leonhardt (@amabaie) February 20, 2013
@shawn_hessinger We agree. With, print on demand, there's no upfront investment. #moremoney #BizBookAwards— MagCloud (@MagCloud) February 20, 2013
PS: This chat is in honor of the Small Business Book Awards. Now accepting nominations through March 3, 2013.
About
Welcome to the 5th Annual Small Business Book Awards for 2013, brought to you by the award-winning Small Business Trends. The Awards celebrate the best business books that entrepreneurs, small business owners, CEOs, managers, and their staffs should read.
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