I recently read an interesting article on how to save the book publishing industry. The link to the article is below, but first my thoughts. The problems facing the book publishing industry will create opportunities for creative-thinking publishers and new entrants. If we think about driving forces, we still have millions of people writing books and even more people seeking to be educated and entertained.

As a short-run digital printer, I’ve often looked into the future and thought that in this new age, digital printers may be in a good position. The way I see it, once ebooks find their place among readers and are downloaded much like music is on itunes, then an entire new distribution system will emerge. Readers may use ebooks to browse/read many titles and then some of these readers may order hard copies. In addition, while hard copy book sales may decrease, I doubt they will go away entirely in my lifetime.

The key to driving this change may be as simple as changing the pricing structure. This is the point of the article I found at http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/5/how_to_save_the_book_publishing_indus You might want to click on over and read. It’s quite interesting.

Author Blasts is the Authors On The Net Podcast. If you are a member of AON and you have a book, we would like to interview you. Simply send us an email at info@authorsonthenet.com. We are also interested in speaking with publishers, distributors, book designers, editors and other people who have a publishing or book promotion message.

In today’s podcast, we speak with author and publishing expert, Patricia Fry. Patricia Fry has been writing for publication since 1973 and earning a living as a freelance writer, author and publisher for nearly twenty years. Hundreds of her articles have appeared in about 260 different magazines including Writer’s Digest, Authorship, Canadian Author, Freelance Writer’s Report, Spannet, SPAWNews, PMA Independent, Writer’s connection and many more.

Patricia is the author of 25 (and counting) published books and she is the president of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) www.spawn.org. You can also reach Patricia through her website, www.matilajapress.com Enjoy!

Listen to Author Blasts show now.

http://authorsonthenet.com/audio/PatriciaFry050508.mp3

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I just picked up the following article by Kareen Ross. Kareen also runs a forum at www.authorsonthenet.com about book cover design. If your ambition is to get Barnes & Noble to sell your book, then designing your book like the other books in your genre and using a professional designer is worth every penny you’ll spend. Your title and your book cover are two of your most important marketing tools. Here’s Kareen’s article: Read the rest of this entry »

On our Self-Publishing in a Box chart, action step number 10 is about placing your book in online bookstores. Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble and a number of other online places will place your book. We do not, however, recommend approaching Barnes & Noble bookstores until you are ready, which is usually after you have built up a strong online presence and you have a professional book. Here’s why: Read the rest of this entry »

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=June_Ahern]June Ahern

I signed the contract yesterday to self-publish my first fictional novel, one that I had patiently attempted to find an agent or publisher to see its worth. Alas, it was not to be in my time frame of patience thus I forged on to self publish.

I just uploaded the manuscript, bio with picture and the book cover. They’ll get back to me. Them - those I found on the web after a haphazard search. That path to finding the “right” POD company has been a journey of - duh? how? should I?, oh no! now what? - and finally, oh, what the heck.

Once, I read on a Writer’s Forum where one person wrote, “Self-publishing authors only do to stroke their egos.” And I say, so? The majority of artist need a stroking of the ego as it can help to validate one’s art and worth. He continued, “If their work was any good an agent would have picked it up.” No. Even agents will tell you this isn’t so.

So, I stroke on, patting my back while telling myself, “Publish this story. It’s worth it. It’s good. Your mother told you it is.”

Anyway, I admit that my fictional novel isn’t to enlighten the world or be the world’s best seller. It’s a fun, touching piece of my imagination. I like the story, my people will like the story or at least, as one client said if she doesn’t, she’ll comment with, “Well, at least you fulfilled your goal” pulling a line from me, her life coach. And, to those who say, “Some authors take 10 years or more to bring finish their books” I say, the earth is spinning faster - so, to you, new authors and wanna be authors, I say, go for it. Follow through. Do it right, hire an editor and proof reader. Don’t, just don’t spend a lot of money on your first edition.Order the amount you believe you can sell and then stretch your goal a bit, and order a few more. There’s always the cashier at your local 711 and gas station. If nothing else you’ve got your Christmas gifts already.

I took a risk - I stretched my vision - out - further - like walking the plank while pulling the wrist free from the tied ropes. It is like walking down a dark alley after mid-night and repeating, “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.” Good luck, new self-published authors!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=June_Ahern http://EzineArticles.com/?Full–Of-Hope-And-Fear—The-Unknown-Author-Braves-Publishing&id=960862

Authors On The Net is an author mastermind community helping authors learn how to use the Internet to self-publish and promote books. Registration is free and once you are a member you can watch videos on how to build a blog and read tutorials on how to use Amazon, how to conduct online press releases and many other topics. We’ll also get you started on building your unique book selling plan.