2. Unicorn For Writers
You’re a writer, and you’ve written something wonderful,
but what do you do next? Here at Unicorn for Writers, LLC we can
help you navigate the confusing and complicated road to
publishing.
Perhaps you need your query letter created or reviewed, a
hot marketing plan created, contracts negotiated, copyrights
registered, self publishing recommendations, customized agent(s)
recommendations, permissions cleared, subsidiary rights sold,
reversion of rights requested and obtained, or your manuscript
evaluated or edited, Unicorn for Writers is the publishing expert
for you.
Unicorn for Writers is uniquely designed to arm writers with
the practical know-how to get their manuscript through or
around the gatekeepers of the publishing world. Today, between
multinational media corporations and global entertainment
conglomerates, getting a publisher's attention takes more than a
great idea and a flair for the written word. Whether you like it or
not, publishers view your manuscript as much as a business
proposition as a work of art.
3. Unicorn For Writers
Jan Kardys’ diverse book publishing career included executive
positions at ten of the major book publishers - Doubleday, St.
Martin's Press, Scholastic, Macmillan, Scribner's, Little, Brown &
Company, Warner Books, Harcourt
Brace Jovanovich, Lippincott & Crowell, Publishers, Simon &
Schuster/Prentice Hall. Her experiences are in editorial,
art/production, subsidiary rights, contracts, copyrights,
permissions, book agenting, editing, writers conferences, --and
now as a freelance editor and publishing consultant. Jan also
worked for Google for three years and has Internet
sales/marketing training.
Jeanne E. Rogers is a self-published author who has successfully
plotted a course through the difficult and sometimes frustrating
world of writing, and publishing. She is familiar with all aspects of
social media necessary to successfully self-publish and market a
book. She is active on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest,
Goodreads, and others. Her experience with self-publishing via
CreateSpace, both in book and eBook format, has provided her
with invaluable experience that she enjoys sharing with her fellow
writers. Jeanne is a member of the Society of Environmental
Journalists, the ALA, AIA, CAPA, IBPA, IWC, and SCBWI."
5. Unicorn For Writers
BOOK PUBLISHING CLASSES
Greenwich Cont. Ed. Greenwich, CT (Link
to Greenwich Continuing Education)
Monday, Sept. 16, 2013- October 28, 2013
Norwalk Community College (Link to
Norwalk Community College)
Saturday, October 19, 2013 –
November 9, 2013 9:30-11:30 am
LIBRARY EVENTS
Bethel Library, CT (Link to Bethel Library)
Thursday: October 31, 2013 6-8 pm
January 30, 2014 10am - 12 April 10,
2014 6-8 pm
Events
6. Unicorn For Writers
MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION
"Nothing stinks like a pile of unpublished writing." Sylvia Plath.
You have finally finished your book, and you are delighted with the results.
You have rewritten it at least a dozen times. The characters are alive in
your head, or your nonfiction book conveys the facts just as you hoped,
and you long to get published.
But, is your manuscript ready?
Too often writers crash through the gates without really preparing their
final manuscript. They assume that an agent or editor will handle the
editing and revisions. Too many times, a writer will email submissions and
enclose material, which truly isn't ready for an agent, and certainly, not for
a book editor.
Not every writer has the appropriate connections necessary to obtain
practical and editorial suggestions. They may not be able to cover all of the
following important issues: Characters (major and minor character
development), descriptions, plots, subplots, action, scene development
and setup, suggestions for revisions, climaxes, book proposal reviews
(nonfiction), and other items.
Unicorn for Writers LLC, will provide 10-20 pages (depending upon the
length of your book) of detailed comments on the above areas, and
provide you with invaluable assistance with our professional manuscript
evaluations.
See Price List.
7. Unicorn For Writers
MANUSCRIPT EDITING
After completing your novel or nonfiction book the next step is to
find an excellent book editor who can carefully and accurately
protect the integrity of your book. Our purpose is to enhance
your final version by offering editorial suggestions and changes.
Once we offer suggestions, we will help you revise, modify or
adapt your manuscript so it is suitable for submission.
For fiction, Unicorn for Writers will help you consider the
following important factors:
Characterization (fully developed main and secondary
characters), Plot structure and subplots, Climaxes, Conflicts,
Dialogue, Point of view, and much more.
For nonfiction book projects we focus on the structure, outline
and direction of your idea, and how you implemented it. Also, we
carefully study your writing style and give you detailed feedback
on how to improve your book.
At Unicorn for Writers LLC, we are concerned with the integrity of
your words, and most importantly, all the great details that are
necessary in order to make your fiction, or nonfiction book ready
for publication.
See Price List.
8. Unicorn For Writers
CHAPTER EVALUATION
If you are a new writer or a seasoned
professional, you need a review of the first
chapter (or several chapters) of your book
before you proceed to publication, or querying a
literary agent. As a writer, you need sound and
honest advice about all aspects of these early
chapters in order to gain insights on how to
proceed with your book.
In the changing world of publishing, it is wise to
hook your reader from the early pages for your
novel, and paint the messages of any nonfiction
project.
Unicorn for Writers will provide 10 pages
(depending upon the length of your book) of
detailed comments, and provide you with
invaluable assistance with our professional
manuscript evaluations.
See Price List
9. Unicorn For Writers
FIRST FIVE PAGES
The First Five Pages of your manuscript should speak volumes
about you as a writer. In addition, they should be sterling and
hook the reader. If you want to get the attention of a literary
agent, book editor or publisher, you need to focus on these five
pages.
In order to stay out of the rejection pile, it is important to learn
how to master the art of enticing your readers with your
opening pages. If you hook them emotionally and intellectually
with these early pages your reader won't be able to put your
book down! It’s all about what you write, and how you write
those pages that will make this happen.
How many times have you gone to a bookstore or read the
beginning of a novel or nonfiction book and thought the writer
was brilliant in capturing your imagination, while other books
didn't heat up until the end of chapter four?
Unicorn for Writers is not only concerned about the craft of
writing, but we will offer practical, structured, and meaningful
suggestions for your first five pages that will give you the
direction you need in order to capture the imagination of your
audience.
See fee sheet.
10. Unicorn For Writers
COPYEDITING & PROOFREADING
Traditionally, a copyeditor and a proofreader held separate functions in
a publishing company. However, at Unicorn for Writers we have
combined these services in order to assist you with your book.
What does a great copyeditor and proofreader do for you? Unicorn for
Writers will help you with the following:
Mechanical editing, which is grammar,
Usage,
Spelling,
Punctuation,
Logic,
Syntax,
Structure,
Fact-checking, and
Queries.
Creativity and critical thinking are involved in copyediting and
proofreading your book. We’ll help you get it into the best condition
prior to your submitting it to an agent, editor, or book publisher. If you
should decide to self-publish your work, you’ll want it to be in the best
possible form. Unicorn for Writers is delighted to help you produce a
well-crafted manuscript. We’ll help you create it.
See Price List.
11. Unicorn For Writers
ONE PAGE SUMMARY CREATION
A book summary is a comprehensive and concise description
of the plot, main points of the book, and major characters. A
well-written synopsis succeeds in doing more than just
summarizing your book. It attracts and holds the interest of
your readers, which includes potential agents and publishers.
The main purpose is to write an enticing summary that will
compel the reader to want more.
Unicorn for Writers will create a one-page summary for you,
or review and rewrite your existing piece. We will prepare a
concise and delightful book summary to tantalize any reader,
especially a literary agent, book editor and publisher.
See Price List.
12. Unicorn For Writers
ONE PAGE SUMMARY REVIEW & REWRITE
A book summary is a comprehensive and concise description
of the plot, main points of the book, and major characters,
of a nonfiction book. A well-written synopsis succeeds in
doing more than just summarizing your book. It attracts and
holds the interest of your readers, which includes potential
agents and publishers. The main purpose is to write an
enticing summary that will compel the reader to want more.
Unicorn for Writers will review and/or rewrite your one-
page summary for you. You will receive a concise and
delightful book summary to tantalize any reader, especially a
literary agent, book editor and publisher.
See Price List.
13. Unicorn For Writers
OUTLINE CREATION & REVIEW
The purpose of an outline is to describe each chapter as its own entity.
It is also a great way to organize your thoughts and feelings, and any
research you may have gathered for your book. Organizing your book
this way, helps you to work out plotting problems and develop
character arcs.
Some literary agents and editors may request chapter-by-chapter
outlines for novels, as well as a full synopsis. However, with nonfiction
proposals, a chapter-by-chapter outline is essential.
Unicorn for Writers will review your existing outline and provide
helpful comments, or create a chapter-by-chapter outline using a
range from a few paragraphs to two page per chapter.
See Price List
14. Unicorn For Writers
GHOSTWRITERS
A ghostwriter is a writer who writes books, reports,
textbooks, or other materials without getting official or
legal credit for the work.
For some projects a ghostwriter will completely write the
book without any input from the official author. This type
of work is owned and copyrighted by another person or
corporation.
An excellent ghostwriter will spend a great deal of time
researching, writing, and editing, and the fees vary
depending on the project.
Unicorn for Writers will consider all types of ghostwriting
projects - for example, a consultant may pay a ghostwriter
to write a book on a topic for them in their professional
field, a medical company needs a ghostwriter for a booklet
or pamphlet, or a company or organization may need our
assistance behind the scenes for a book, website, or other
material.
At Unicorn for Writers we offer various degrees of
involvement in the production of your finished book or
written material in any form - print or electronic version.
See Price List.
15. Unicorn For Writers
COMPETITION EVALUATION & RESEARCH
Before you write your book, you should research your
competition. Literary Agents, Book Editors, Book Publishers, and
Bookstores need this vital information in order to make a key decision
on whether or not to sell and/or publish your book. Whether you self
publish or sell your book to a traditional book publisher, you need to
know the competing books, (what is currently published and in print).
After all, a book is a product in the marketplace, and you must
understand your book’s position in the book world.
Unicorn for Writers will provide a list of at least twenty top competing
books that are in print. This information will be provided to you in the
below listed format. We will also provide a brief description outlining
the similarities and differences from your proposed book.
Title
Author
Publisher
Copyright date and year of publication
Price
ISBN (all versions)
Number of pages
Number of illustrations/photographs
Special features of the book
The important question is:
“How will my book compete in the market with similar books?”
See price list.
16. Unicorn For Writers
TITLE CREATION
What’s in a name, or should we ask, ‘What’s in a title?’
The answer: EVERYTHING!
A title can attract and hold a reader’s attention. It can ‘speak’
to you, and beckon you. It can intrigue you to the point where
you will not be able to ignore it - you must read on.
Titles name a book, and names are important. A good name
can make or break you. A title conveys the essence of the
story to the casual looker, and it can also brand your book.
Examples of some great titles:
HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, GONE WITH THE WIND, TO KILL A
MOCKINGBIRD, THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE,
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE
It is true that your traditional book publisher may wish to
change your selected title, but you should present your book
to agents and editors with the best title possible. Selecting
the perfect title for your book is the beginning of marketing
your product. Your title sets the tone, and draws the readers
into your world, and it targets your readers. Unicorn for
Writers can help you "market" your book and make someone
want to read it.
.
See Price List.
17. Unicorn For Writers
IN DEPTH CHARACTER ANALYSIS
A good character analysis should describe a
character's actions, ethics, motivations, and
emotions. It should also describe your
major character's behavior and effect on
other characters in your story.
At Unicorn for Writers LLC, we will create a
concise, thoughtful and useful character
analysis for one or more of your characters.
In addition, we will give you a brief
assessment for each character and offer
suggestions for how you can improve them
in your book.
See Price List
18. Unicorn For Writers
QUERY LETTER CREATION
A query letter should leave the reader hungry to read more!
A query letter to a literary agent, publisher or editor should be
concise, intriguing and well crafted. It should contain
information about you, and information describing your book.
This one page letter is crucial in providing a positive first
impression, and is the first step in obtaining a literary agent. It
therefore needs to include certain required elements, and your
personal sales pitch.
There are guidelines and professional rules to follow for query
letters. These guidelines and rules are different depending on
the whether or not your book is fiction or nonfiction. In
addition, there are different letters required for children’s books,
novels, magazine articles, and more. You must be familiar with
the submission guidelines of the agents, editors, and publishers,
prior to composing your query letter. A creative and fascinating
query letter will grab their attention and help you stand out in
the crowd.
As a writer, you need a comprehensive strategy for presenting
your ideas in a way that will increase your chances of
publication. Unicorn for Writers LLC has the publishing
experience and skills to review your query letter and provide
comments to improve it. Let us help you create an impressive
query letter customized for your book.
See Price List
19. Unicorn For Writers
BOOK PROPOSAL REVIEW-CREATION
BOOK PROPOSAL REVIEW
For writers of nonfiction, the book proposal is the key to publication.
In many cases, the book proposal is written before the book itself, and
will determine whether or not the author is contracted with a
publisher or agent. The unique publishing experience of the Unicorn
for Writers staff allows us to evaluate and critique book proposals on
wide variety of topics. We will review your written material and your
proposal. Is your idea solid? Is your formatting attractive and effective?
Is your argument clear? Is your proposal an accurate reflection of your
work?
We will provide comments and suggestions on your proposal; along
with one to two pages of professional critique. We will ensure that the
next draft of your proposal is in condition for submission.
See Price List
BOOK PROPOSAL CREATION
You have the knowledge and passion to write your nonfiction book.
Ideas abound, inspiration illuminates. The muses speak to you directly.
But when it comes to condensing your brilliant idea into a succinct and
effective book proposal, you draw a blank. The professionals at
Unicorn for Writers are here to help. After a personal consultation to
discuss your project, we can create a book proposal for you that will
make your project attractive, organized, and formatted to industry
specifications. If you have written material for your book, we will
review it to make sure your proposal accurately reflects your work.
See Price List
21. Unicorn For Writers
PERMISSIONS
Permissions Evaluation for your Book
Permissions Obtained and Cleared for your Book
If you plan on using material from a book, magazine, newspaper,
website, lyrics, or any other source material, in your publication, you
must obtain written permission from the copyright owner to use that
material. The only exception is fair use material, and material that is in
the public domain.
**Located on the book’s copyright page, and you will find the
publisher, title, author’s name, and copyright notice.
Unicorn for Writers LLC will clear permissions for you or provide advice
on how to clear permissions for your book. For an additional fee, we
will obtain the permission licenses for you from the copyright
holder, and negotiate the best fees possible so you can use copyright
material in your work.
See Price List.
22. Unicorn For Writers
eBook FORMATTING
The eBook has made an impact on the publishing world. It’s
not enough to have a book in print. It is now important to
have your book available in eBook format as well. In fact,
the experts predict that eventually, there will be more
eBook editions sold than print editions.
There are various devices for reading an eBook - Amazon's
Kindle, Apple's iPad, iPhone and iPod, and others.
Formatting a manuscript in preparation for an eBook
requires extension work and coding. You can't simply
upload a PDF version of your manuscript and create an
eBook version, as it won't display well on all digital
devices.
Unicorn for Writers has the experts to ensure your book is
properly coded and formatted for your electronic version.
See price list
23. AUDIO RECORDINGS
According to the Audio Publishers Association the total number of audio
books published in the last three years has doubled. This is an additional
source of income for self-published and traditional published authors.
Many major book publishers wish to obtain audio rights in order to license
them to an audio publisher. The split is generally 50% to the Publisher and
50% to the Author, and there are some special exceptions in the splits. The
percentage allocated for the author will be paid to the Author or Authors'
Agent only after the advance paid for the book has earned out, and at
times, an author might never see any income from this sale.
If any agent retains these rights on behalf of the author (the agent's client),
the agent should attempt to sell these rights to an audio publisher.
However, there are only a few literary agencies that have a person devoted
to exclusively handle audio book rights for all their authors.
Unicorn for Writers will focus on these important rights, and either request
a reversion of rights for unlicensed rights from a book publisher, check on
the status of your existing audio licenses and check your audio rights
royalty statements, contact your literary agent to get the ball moving on
licensing these rights, and/or focus on selling these audio rights for you.
See Price List.
Unicorn For Writers
25. Unicorn For Writers
Publishing Agreements-Prepared
As a published or self published author you will need to either prepare
or review various agreements related to your work. Such agreements
might include, publishing agreements, or work for hire agreements
with freelance editors, copyeditors, web designers, programmers,
artists, and other parties. If you are published you may need a
reversion of rights letter (or a partial reversion of rights agreement).
You may need to request a cancellation and return of advance
documents. You may be considering a subsidiary rights agreement
with a foreign publisher, or special sales agreements.
Unicorn for Writers has a wealth of experience drafting, negotiating,
and revising a comprehensive range of contracts for wide variety of
publishing rights. These rights could involve U.S., U.K., and other
jurisdictions. They may include adults’ and children’s book
agreements, contributor agreements (for illustrators, photographers,
translators, and designers), co-edition agreements with museum and
galleries, co-publishing arrangements, reprint and other subsidiary
rights, electronic and audio agreements. This could be a very difficult
area to navigate.
It would be a pleasure to assist you.
See Price List.
26. Unicorn For Writers
Agent-Recommendations
Finding the right agent is one of your main objectives. Many new
writers will not do the research necessary in order to find the right
agent for their book. Research includes, the agent's background,
submission guidelines, and area of interests. The number one reason
the aspiring writer gets rejected is because the writer has approached
an agent who is inappropriate for his/her book. Understanding the
complex publishing world is challenging. Even if you do find the
perfect match, you need to know who, when and how to approach
each agent.
Unicorn for Writers has the contacts, and the experience to provide
you with a detailed list of agents that are appropriate for your book. In
addition, we document the reasons why we selected these literary
agents. We will recommend only those agents who have experience
selling books to publishers that are a match to your book's
genre/subject matter.
See price list
27. Unicorn For Writers
Publishers-Recommendations
Finding the right publisher is one of your main objectives regardless of whether
you use an agent to sell your book to a traditional book publisher, and
negotiate a book deal with this publisher, or if you submit to publishers who
will consider your book without being represented by a literary agent.
Many new writers will not do the research necessary in order to find the right
publisher for their book. Research includes the publisher’s list of titles (front
and back list), submission guidelines, and area of interests. The number one
reason the aspiring writer gets rejected is because the writer has approached a
publisher who is inappropriate for his/her book. Understanding the complex
publishing world is challenging, and requires time consuming research and
consideration. Even if you do find the perfect match, you need to know who,
when and how to approach each publisher and the right editor at each
publishing house.
Unicorn for Writers has the contacts, and the experience to provide you with a
detailed list of publishers that are appropriate for your book. In addition, we
document the reasons why we selected these publishers. We will recommend
only those publishers that are a match to your book's genre/subject matter.
See price list.
28. Unicorn For Writers
Book Printers-Recommendations
Finding the right printer is important if you self publish. Many new
writers will not do the research necessary in order to find the
appropriate printer for their book. Research includes the printer's work
history, background, printing submission guidelines, bindings, paper
samples, and the printer’s minimum print runs. Understanding the
complex print world is challenging and can be costly if the wrong
printer is used for your book.
Unicorn for Writers has the contacts, and the experience to provide
you with a detailed list of printers that are appropriate for your book.
In addition, we document the reasons why we selected these
printers. We will recommend only those printers who have experience
printing your type of book - e.g., cookbook, four color children’s book,
coffee table book, photo essay book, mass market paperback, trade
paperback, or a hardcover book.
See price list.
29. Unicorn For Writers
Book Distributors-Recommendations
Book Distribution is the method of getting your books from the
printer to the reader. The key to your success as a published author is
finding the right book distributor for your book. A traditional book
publisher will not allow you to sell your book in a bookstore without
using their sales force, and they have book distributors that they have
worked with for years. However, if you self-publish you have many
options: personal website, Amazon, Baker & Taylor and many other
major and small book distributors.
A great book distributor can reach many sales channels - online
retailers, bookstores, libraries, academic institutions and other outlets.
At Unicorn for Writers we will recommend book distributors that will
handle all the hassles of credit card transactions and order fulfillment.
See Price List.
30. Unicorn For Writers
E-Publishing - Recommendations
An eBook or digital book can be read worldwide without the
cost of traditional printing and book distribution. This opens the
doors to a new frontier for writers. However, converting a
manuscript for an eReader can be difficult and confusing. What
company is right for you?
E Publishing, eBook, electronic display rights, electronic
multimedia rights are new terms for many writers. With all the
changes in electronic publishing today, it is important for writers
to learn about the definitions, terms and conditions in a
publishing agreement related to eBooks and all the new media
changes. Before you give everything away in your publishing
agreement, you must understand what rights you are giving to
your book publisher. You must consider these issues before you
sign an agreement.
At Unicorn for Writers we can assist you with eBook conversion
options as well as protect your assets as you negotiate
publishing agreements related to electronic rights and eBooks.
See Price List.
31. Unicorn For Writers
Contract Review & Negotiation
Whether you need a book publisher’s or literary agent’s contract
reviewed, drafted, negotiated, and/or revised, we have over 35 years
of experience with publishing agreements. Our experience involves a
comprehensive range of contracts for a wide variety of publishing
rights involving the United States, United Kingdom, and other
jurisdictions, including adults’ and children’s book agreements,
contributor agreements (for illustrators, photographers, translators,
and designers), co-edition agreements with museums and galleries,
co-publishing arrangements, reprint and other subsidiary rights, eBook
agreements, work for hire, permission licenses, amendment letters,
book club, paperback licenses, electronic and audio agreements.
See Price List
32. Unicorn For Writers
Subsidiary Rights
Subsidiary Rights are ancillary rights that are granted by an Author to a
traditional book publisher which are licensed to another party or
publisher. For example, first serial rights, second serial rights, book
club rights, reprint rights, large print rights, audio rights, electronic
display rights, electronic multimedia rights, paperback rights, foreign
rights, British rights, and other subsidiary rights. Generally, a major
publisher has a Subsidiary Rights Department, which controls and
licenses these rights for the publisher on behalf of the Author. There
are various income splits between the Author and book publisher once
the book advance has earned out, and at the next royalty period the
author receives their allocated share of the subsidiary rights income.
For example, the split for second serial rights are 50% to the Author
and 50% to the book publisher. If the serial rights sale to a magazine is
$1,000 (after the book advance has earned out), the author will
receive $500 and the publisher will receive $500. However, 15% of the
Author's share will be allocated to the Author's literary agent.
Unicorn for Writers has the experience and knowledge to license these
rights for self published Authors, and/or to advise traditionally
published Authors on subsidiary rights in their publishing agreements
before the contract is signed with the original book publisher. If the
original book-publishing contract has been fully executed, Unicorn for
Writers can recommend placement of these rights and possible
amendments to reacquire any rights not exercised.
See Price List
33. Unicorn For Writers
Special Sales
A special sale is selling a book outside the traditional trade book
marketplace, such as a bookstore.
Special Sales are made up of the following channels of distribution:
Specialty Retail, Mail Order (Direct Response), Specialty Wholesale,
Educational Wholesale, Display Marketers, Premium & Corporate
Sales, and Custom Publishing/Proprietary.
A premium is a book or audio that is used for promotional purposes.
Premiums are often sold to corporations who are looking to add value
to a product or to bring product awareness to consumers. Premiums
are used as corporate gifts, promotional giveaways, gift-with-
purchases, or as a purchase-with-purchase.
Many major book publishers have a Special Sales Department for their
front list and backlist titles. However, rarely are self-published authors
equipped for selling their books in these markets. In the event you
have been published by a traditional publisher and can obtain a
reversion of special sales and/or premium rights, these rights and
books can be promoted and sold in these non-traditional
marketplaces. At Unicorn for Writers we are delighted to license or sell
your books in these markets.
See Price List.
34. Unicorn For Writers
Social Media Package
The Internet has changed the way people communicate.
It has also changed the way people market themselves and their
businesses. Selling your book is a business and knowing how to use
the Internet to your advantage is absolutely necessary if you are to
promote yourself and your book successfully.
Your first task is to gain credibility and influence, become known, and
create a platform on which to build your business and later, create
ancillary products.
As Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other social media sites
expand with new users daily, more published authors are turning to
these sites to build up a book's release, attract a loyal audience and
increase sales. Social media lets you connect to your target audience in
a way that is quick, easy and often free.
At Unicorn for Writers we have the skills and experience to map a
strategic plan customized for your book using top social media sites
and marketing concepts with instructions for you to expedite your
plan. If you wish, we have a more detailed plan that handles these
services for you for at an additional fee.
See Price List.
35. Unicorn For Writers
Media Training
Readers want to personally know authors. In order to
market your book properly, you will need to be able to
speak about it and yourself. If you get nervous and fumble
when speaking in front of people we can help. If you don’t
know how to handle a radio or TV interview, we will show
you how.
Get valuable insight on how to pitch your book and how to
engage and hold the interest of your audience. Our media
trainers will teach you how to effectively introduce
yourself, and how to pitch your book in two magnetic
sentences. Learn how to train yourself to speak clearly and
with confidence, flair, focus, and poise.
Today’s publishers today demand that a prospective author
possess strong presentation skills, and Unicorn for Writers
will provide guidance in the art of the broadcast interview
as well as a variety of public speaking venues.
See Price List.
36. Unicorn For Writers
Marketing Platform Creation
In general, major book publishers do not have time to market and
promote your book. However, your book will appear in their online or
print catalog, and on the publisher's website. A publisher’s sales force
will attempt to sell your book to various bookstores and chains, but
there are many limitations on what each major publisher can do for
your book. Unless you are a best selling author, you are facing the
marketing world without this assistance.
Essentially, your marketing platform or plan should cover these
categories:
1. Print
2. Internet (website/blog)
3. Special Appearances and Special Events
4. Radio 5. TV
6. Social media
At Unicorn for Writers, we take great pleasure in creating a custom
designed marketing platform for your unique book, which will attract
readers. For an additional fee, we can implement the marketing
platform for you.
See Price List.
37. Unicorn For Writers
Book Trailers and/or Book Reviews
BOOK TRAILERS
A book trailer is an exciting way to advertise your book. A good book trailer
will engage and entice your potential readers. In other words, book trailers,
or book videos, are a great way to promote you and bring attention to your
books. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to reach your target audience.
You will be able to use a book trailer to generate book sales through video-
sharing sites, websites, social-networking sites, blogs, and any book related
sites on the Internet.
Unicorn for Writers LLC, works closely with experienced and talented
filmmakers who will produce an affordable book trailer for you. We offer
various price ranges for your book's promotion efforts.
See Price List.
BOOK REVIEWS
An excellent review of your book can generate excitement, create fans, and,
most importantly, generate sales. Have Unicorn for Writers obtain a review
for you, or write a review.
Unicorn for Writers will create a review for you. The cost will be based on
the length of the book. ($350 - $500).
Unicorn for Writers will arrange for a review of your book by one of our
experts. Please call us for a quote.
See Price List.
38. Unicorn For Writers
Tag Lines, Jacket Flap Copy
TAG LINES
A tag line is a short, simple and tight slogan for your book. Your tag line is
important to your brand, genre, and provides essential information about your
story.
Unicorn for Writers will either review your tag line or create a tag line for your
book.
See Price List.
JACKET FLAP COPY
Your jacket flap copy gives potential readers an exciting, brief summary of your
story. Its purpose is to hook the reader, and entice them to purchase your book.
Flap copy is an important selling tool, and it should be concise, well written and
intriguing. If you are considering self-publishing your book as a soft copy only,
consider having flap copy written for the back of your book.
Unicorn for Writers will either review your flap copy and offer suggested
changes, or we will create flap copy for your book.
See Price List.
39. Unicorn For Writers
Website Layout
A website is an important component of your author platform. You
should be planning a website well in advance of publishing your
manuscript.
So, what should you be considering? What information, and what
message should your website contain? When creating a website, you
need to think about the information you want to convey to your
potential readers. Should you use images, an author picture, bio
information, contact information and/or event pages? How many
pages should you have on your site and should you add audio and
media?
The layout of a web page is usually what people think of when they
begin to create web design. If the layout is poorly planned, doesn't
work well, or doesn’t convey the right message to your readers, then
your readers won't stay on your site. You need to know what web
design works; what keeps readers interested and intrigued enough to
stay, and return.
Authors need some key headers for their website and blog in order to
attract readers. At Unicorn for Writers we have the experience with
website design and layout which is your logical first step before the
website is programmed using a template, free website service, or a
professional software package.
See Price List.
40. Unicorn For Writers
Business Cards, Postcards,
Bookmarks, Printed Items
One of your first tasks as a writer is to learn how to effectively market
your creation. A large part of that marketing task is networking with
potential book buyers in order to successfully sell your book. Your key
to making a first, and lasting impression must be a strong one. This
first impression will become your brand, and it must reflect you and
your book. Your business cards, postcards, printed excerpts (first 25
pages), and bookmarks are your calling card.
You should consider:
Mugs
T-Shirts
Lens Cloths
Mouse Pads
Journals
Key Chains
Magnets, and many more.
Unicorn for Writers will help you to creatively design, according to your
written specifications, your special brand. You will be able to
collaborate with our team using one of our talented artists and/or
graphic designers. In today’s changing publishing world, you need a
smart, concise and stylized image for your book and its associated
media. This design will become your brand, and will remain with you
throughout your writing career.
See Price List.
41. Unicorn For Writers
Stickers, Banners, Brochures, Ads,
Promotional Materials
Today it is vital to learn how to effectively promote and sell your book.
Therefore, creative and fresh ideas are essential and one way to approach this is
to consider your book as a product.
If you add stickers with awards on your book or create a image of your cover
there are many uses for these stickers. For example, if you have a children's book
you could create stickers of some of your characters for a coloring book or
sheet.
Many nonfiction books or even novels could benefit from printed opening pages
or excerpts, which could be placed in a brochure or booklet. These could be
given out gratis to potential book buyers. In addition, some books will be ideal
for ads placed in the appropriate magazine online or in print.
We can also create for you lens cloths, tablecloths, mugs, shirts, calendars,
mouse pads, notebooks, bookmarks, etc. Or we can license
merchandising/commercial rights for your book.
Unicorn for Writers enjoys the creative process of recommending the correct
tools and promotional materials for your book.
See Price List.
42. Unicorn For Writers
Library Labels
As a published author, you should be building a platform,
which will help you to introduce your book to the public. Part
of your platform should include presenting to the public. One
of the best ways to introduce yourself, and the material in
your book, is via PowerPoint library presentations. These
presentations can create interest in the subject matter of
your book, and at the same time provide you with a vehicle
to sell your book to the public.
In order to arrange library presentations, you will need to
send a proposal letters to libraries in your state, and
surrounding states.
Unicorn for Writers already has in stock printed labels for the
following states: CT, NY, NJ, VT, NH, RI, MA, ME, DE, and FL.
All our addresses for these libraries are current and checked
monthly.
Our future plans include printed library labels for all fifty (50)
states.
See Price List.
43. Unicorn For Writers
PowerPoint Designs
A wonderful way to capture your audience is with a PowerPoint
presentation for use at a library event, or during your
promotional tour for your book. Simply take your laptop and
projector on the road and connect with your potential book
buyers. Open the show with a stunning presentation, which
organizes your message, excerpts your book, and delights you
attendees.
Unicorn for Writers has a team of talented PowerPoint designers
and writers who will capture your topic and book excerpts with
fascinating designs, colorful images, text, and sound.
See Price List.
44. Unicorn For Writers
Book Cover Design
You can judge a book by its cover, and most readers do.
The book jacket and cover of your book is the first impression that a potential
reader sees. It is an important image that should impress your public. You want
your readers to be drawn to the book, and it’s your book cover that will help you
achieve this goal. You want it to stand out, display your professionalism, convey
the message of the story, and clearly express the genre, and age group you want to
reach. Your cover must captivate and charm your potential audience.
Many authors focus on their manuscript, but forget about having a cover that
complements and effectively shares the value of its content. Knowing your
intended audience, and what will appeal to them, will guide your decisions for a
successful cover design and text. Your title, and any other headlines and content
on your cover should speak directly to your potential readers.
At Unicorn for Writers we work with a team of talented and experienced book
cover designers, and graphic artists who will help us to help you create a stunning
cover designed especially for your book and its genre.
See Price List.
45. Unicorn For Writers
Illustrations
Some of the most important books in the world are also stunningly
beautiful. They have become iconic masterpieces in their own right.
The outer and inner make up the whole.
Some books, due to their subject matter, require illustrations. Other
books are simply enhanced by them. Illustrations help readers
associate words with objects, and clarify the author’s message by
bringing that message to life, with a drawing.
Unicorn for Writers works with talented artists, and graphic designers
who will create astonishing illustrations for all types of books -
children's, novels, historical, textbook, academic, and many other
genres.
Let us help you convey the message or enrich the story your book was
written to deliver.
See Price List.
46. Unicorn For Writers
Artist Recommendations
Whether you are a self published author seeking interior or cover art,
or a published author who wishes to enhance your website with
illustrations, selecting the appropriate artist is key for your success.
Unicorn for Writers has a team of talented people who can connect
you with the correct artist for any project - your book, website,
brochure, or other online or printed material.
See Price List.
47. Unicorn For Writers
Picture Book Art Review
You've written a picture book and illustrated it. Now, you
need expert comments about your book before you send it
off to literary agents, artist agents and publishers. You wish
to test the market, to know what it will accept.
The rules for creating a picture book are very specific, and
you will need to learn the format for a thirty-two page
children's book, as well as what you can expect relative to
submitting a picture book with art to potential publishers
and/or agents.
Unicorn for Writers will appraise your picture book and
provide a detailed two-page review of what you can do to
create a book that is ready to submit to publishers, or
agents.
See Price List.