Musings & Other Notable Tid-Bits From an Indie Author

From an Indie Author
1Brian Smith - http://briansmithpld.com

Why Write a Book?

Who are you writing it for?

How is Your Book Unique?
Brian Smith - http://briansmithpld.com 4

What’s The Title?
Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak
The Top Ten Sins Most Managers Make
& How to Avoid Them

Table of Contents
 Copyright ©
 Dedication
 Introduction
 Chapters – How many? What titles?
 Sub-Titles – How many? What titles?
 Acknowledgements
 Index, Notes and References
 About the Author

Layout & Book Size
 Choose font size, style and layout of the pages
 Visit your local book store and check out other books
related to your subject matter and to see what size of book
they used. Adopt a “Best Practice” mind set.
 I wanted a book that you could read on a plane and carry in
your briefcase or purse. Settled on 6 by 9

Start Writing
 Decide on a schedule.
 Write to the title and stay on topic
 Write – print out – edit
 Re-write – print out – edit
 I write – print out – edit – and write again until it flows
off my tongue without stumbling over the words.
 I read out loud – drives my cats crazy – but it has to
sound right to me or it isn’t right

Editing
 Convert word document into a PDF – the way it will
look in the book
 Make final changes
 Save completed chapter as a PDF file

Editing & More Editing
 After all the chapters have been written and converted
to a PDF in the books format I print out a number of
copies and give a copy to people who’s opinion I
respect and who will be honest with me when giving
feedback.
 Make revisions based on the feedback.
 Print out one final copy and give it one last look over.

Final Editing
 Letting go is the hardest part for me because I’m
always tweaking what I write but, you have to learn to
let go and give it up.

Does Your Cover Grab You?

Back Cover

ISBN & Bar Code
The Canadian ISBN Service System (CISS) – Library and Archives Canada
Created an account and listed myself – Brinley Publishing as the publisher of
record. You can get up to 6 ISBN numbers at no charge. You will need an ISBN
number for each edition. (hard cover, paperback and ebook)

File Conversion
 Formatting for Smashwords – ebook
 Formatting for Amazon KDP – paperback and ebook
 Conversions cost $60.00 US each
 ePUB and PDF formats
 Conversion done by Ebook Launch – Comox BC
 https://www.facebook.com/YellowDog.ePublishers
 http://www.freelancer.com
 http://www.elance.com

Publisher Options
 Brinley Publishing – Owning your own ISBN allows
you to be listed as the Publisher.
 Createspace - http://www.createspace.com
 Createspace - ebook store
 Smashwords – http://www.smashwords.com
 Lulu Publishing – http://www.lulu.com
 iUniversal Publishing – http://www.iuniversal.com
 Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Createspace – Printed Edition
 http://www.createspace.com
 Division of Amazon
 Book listed on Amazon
 Book web page
 They handle the sales on a 70/30 split
 You decide retail price and retain all rights
 You can order copies to sell at your book signings,
workshops and on your website

Smashwords – Ebook
 http://www.smashwords.com
 If you have any questions you can find answers on their
FAQ page:
https://www.smashwords.com/about/supportfaq
 Gets your ebook edition on
Kindle, Kobo, Sony, Apple, Diesel, Libraries, UK and
Europe
 Web page for your ebook
 They handle the sales on a 70/30 split
 You set retail price and retain all rights

Printer Options
 Createspace – Paperback USA Edition
 First Class Press – Paperback Canadian Edition
 Local printer for inventory to sell at book
signings, workshops and online
 Small independent book stores will carry your book on
consignment.
 Print on demand saves you carrying inventory. Same
price per book for 1 or 100
 First Class Press – Contact Larry Cavanaugh
Brian Smith - http://briansmithpld.com 19

Marketing
 Twitter: http://twitter.com/briansmithpld
 Linkedin: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/briansmithpld
 Google: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+BrianSmithpld
 25 Free Services to Help You Promote Your Book
http://dpc123.com
 Susan Kendrick - From Back Cover to Bestseller
http://www.WriteToYourMarket.com
 Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/briansmithpld

Create a Buzz
 Book Signings
 Interviews
 Book Reviews
 Articles
 Blogging
 Kobo ebook (Chapters)
 Nook ebook (Barnes & Noble)
 Kindle KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/reformedcontrolfreak

Wordpress Blog
http://briansmithpld.com/brian-smith-pld/blog

You Need a Web Site
 Web Site: http://briansmithpld.com
 Wordpress: http://www.wordpress.com
 Webmaster: Barbara Munshaw –
themunshawgroup@gmail.com
 Graphic Designs: Kimb Tiboni Manson –
kimbmanson@shaw.ca
 Book Cover Photo: Josh Jefferies Photography
www.joshjefferies.com

Projects on The Go
 Workbook to compliment my first book – Confessions
of a Reformed Control Freak. “Leadership Lessons
from a Reformed Control Freak – The Art of
Managing and Leading in the 21st Century”
 One of 20 authors collaborating on a “Global”
leadership development project. “Energize Your
Leadership – A New Beginning for Tired, Stuck or
Discouraged Leaders”

Which Title?
Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak
Musings and Other Notable Short Comings
or
Get a Grip!
You Can Live a Deliberate Life

Thank You
Questions and Answers?
Thank you for being here and participating in
today’s discussion. I wish you continued success.
Brian Smith – briansmithpld@gmail.com

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