Book Camp by Independent Press Award (spring) / NYC Big Book Award (fall) / Book CAMP

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER Get ready for an electrifying immersion in all things book publishing! IPA Book CAMP 2024 gathers approachable, passionate experts eager to share their wisdom with an engaged audience. Dive deep, spark new ideas, and forge valuable friendships that will propel your publishing efforts forward. Don’t delay in registering. You can register here: https://www.ipabookcamp.com/. Book CAMP is three days of knowledge-sharing! On June 23 to June 25, 2024, IPA Book CAMP 2024 brings together top book experts, ready to fuel your publishing journey with actionable insights and inspiring connections. Leave with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and a supportive network of peers. We will also be celebrating the young talent in our business with BookCAMP’s “40 Under 40 in Publishing” on June 23, 2024. Check out page 5 to learn how you can nominate someone who is making a direct contribution to publishing, and read about some current nominees. Don’t be shy - feel free to share what you are doing in publishing as well! In this issue: Brace yourself for book-selling fireworks! The ever-insightful Brian Feinblum ignites our minds with 27 explosive strategies for author bookselling success. Dive into his illuminating ideas on page 10, and feel free to share your own sparks of inspiration (Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com)! Always pithy, Brian always lights up my brain, like a match to kindling, with his ideas that bring illumination to my efforts. Next, ready to become a local literary legend? Read on! Unleash your self-published masterpiece onto local bookstore shelves by reading the article on page 8 and 9 on how to get your book into the community bookstore. This article lays out smart tactics to turn the gatekeepers into cheerleaders, helping your sales soar – no bestseller list needed. Independently published books are constantly pushed aside by bookstores in favor for the Big 5 publishing company’s books, and this guideful article unveils powerful strategies for conquering those shelves. With our proven tactics, you’ll crack the local bookstore code, and witness your book blossom on local shelves. Until next issue…

Ted Olczak Publisher

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NOMINATE THE

Looking for the Next Generation:

Nominations Open for “40 Under 40 in Publishing”: Celebrate Rising Stars! Nominations are now open for the prestigious “40 Under 40 in Publishing” award! We’re searching for dynamic individuals under 40 who are making a significant impact on the publishing world. Show your appreciation by nominating your favorite “mover & shaker” in any role! Whether it’s your exceptional editorial assistant, a visionary editor, an influential literary agent, a creative designer, a savvy digital marketing manager, a social media whiz, an insightful blogger, a dedicated publisher, or a game-changer in sales & marketing, special sales, finance, or legal—we want to hear about them! (And don’t hesitate to nominate yourself if you’re making waves!) Every nominated individual will be recognized in BookCAMP magazine and personally acknowledged by BookCAMP’s publisher Ted Olczak. On June 23rd, all nominees will be celebrated at a special recognition ceremony during our BookCAMP 2024 event. Nominate someone incredible today!

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Here are a few nominees for 2024: Natasha Kane,

Summer Stewart,

Trio House Press, Acquisitions and Marketing Editor

Unsolicited Press, Publisher Summer is a poet and editor living in the PNW. Prior to co-founding the press, she gained experience through in-print & online journalism and freelance copyediting. Her poetry has been published in Forth Magazine, Ampersand Lit, Two Cities Review, Beacon Magazine, Pear Drop Magazine, Euphony, and Nameless Magazine. She holds an MFA from Portland State.

Natasha Kane is a talented editor, book designer, and innovator. She has served as primary editor on several poetry titles, and all of the authors who work with her marvel at her skills at both global revisions and smaller editing, with great attention to detail. Natasha also is a talented book designer, formatting book interiors to complement the content of the books. In addition to editing, Natasha also supervises interns and volunteers, designing marketing and social media strategy and assigning tasks, motivating, encouraging, and mentoring these volunteers as they learn about publishing and work to bring books into the world and find readers for those books.

Summer is the co-founder of our small press and she works tirelessly to promote and publish works written by underserved and underrepresented groups. The woman champions every one of us and pushes against the rules in publishing that prevent exceptional writers from having their words read widely.

In Natasha’s own words, “Beyond the typical work of editing and marketing, I really work to foster good communication channels for each of my poets to make them feel supported in their publication process. I find that keeping the energy uplifting builds a sense of camaraderie for each book publication.”

In Summer’s own words, “As a womxn-owned, all-volunteer small publisher that doesn’t worry about profits as much as championing exceptional literature, we have the privilege of partnering with authors skirting the fringes of the lit world. We’ve worked with emerging and award-winning authors such as Heather Lang-Cassera, Douglas Cole, Francis Daulerio, Shann Ray, Amy Shimshon-Santo, Brook Bhagat, Kris Amos, and John W. Bateman. Our authors have gone on to be nominated for and/or win awards such as the Pushcart Prize, Ohioana Book Award, Pen/Faulkner Award, International Book Award, Eric Hoffer Book Award, LAMBDA, Independent Press Award, NYC Big Book Award, and many more.

At my local bookstore, Femme Fire Books, I host monthly writing workshops for my community. It’s my intention for the teaching skills that I work to improve at the university to be useful for writers in my community who cannot afford college-level courses. These monthly workshops have been a wonderful way for me to create a safe-judgment-free zone for my community to come together and experiment with different writing genres. I think I have made a difference in publishing in advocating for the poetry I believe the world needs now. Not just in our Open Reading selection of manuscripts, but also through marketing. Poetry is a genre that piques the curiosity of readers but there seems to be a lack of confidence in interpreting the work. By advocating for poetry as a way to learn more about our world, I think the genre is becoming more accessible to readers everywhere. Additionally, I find that adapting my editing skills per poet allows each poet’s unique voice to shine through.

The vibe at Unsolicited Press is rebellious, relentless, and philanthropic. All of the net profit is funneled back into the business to maintain operations. Additionally, we love supporting non-profits that are doing so much good by donating a portion of our proceeds to support their missions. We’ve published 225+ writers to date and have already contracted out through 2026.” SUM UP in a sentence: She is fiercely protective of the writers that works with and will do anything to help them succeed.

SUM UP in a word: Discerning

Cory Firestine,

Unbound Edition Press, Assistant Editor, Special Projects; Managing Editor, “Revel” Cory works for a small independent publishing company, and serves as assistant editor and manages special projects (anthologies, etc.) for the press. He also serves as the managing editor for “Revel,” a new literary journal from the press. He wears many different hats — editorial, contracts, event logistics and management, file management — and he makes sure every author, every title, every colleague has what they need to be successful. In Cory’s own words, “I am still quite fresh in the publishing industry, having only been in it for going on three years. However, since I have been with Unbound Edition Press the entire time, and since it is such a small, independent publisher, I have had to learn many areas of the publishing industry very quickly, and efficiently…Since I have been with Unbound Edition Press, before the press’s official first release, we have successfully launched fifteen titles (as of 26 January, 2024, will be twenty by June 2024) to much praise. Most of our authors come from very different backgrounds, with our titles exploring so many different types of stories that bring up essential questions for readers to ask themselves. My contribution to the field is my part in being an advocate for these often marginalized voices — women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, immigrants, etc. — because their stories are necessary to the world, and I am proud of my contributions.”

We want to celebrating excellence in publishing: Submit Your Nomination for Publishing’s 40 Under 40 at

SUM UP in a sentence: Cory is passionate about the publishing industry and works exceptionally hard for the press to bring beautiful, groundbreaking books into the world.

https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookcamp-40under40 www.IndependentPressAward.com

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PR ES D AR AW

WIN NE

INDEPENDENT

• 23 20

WHO CAN ENTER?

Print and audiobooks can be submitted by: • Independent publishers • University presses • Hybrid publishers • Association presses • Self-published authors If you are a big five publishing house, you must submit your books to our fall competition, NYCBigBookAward.com, which has a separate committee and entry fee. Outside of the big five publishing houses, any publisher or author may submit to both competitions, IndependentPressAward.com (every spring); and NYCBigBookAward.com (every fall). See webpages for complete details.

WHEN CAN I ENTER the Independent Press Award? We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months, with two hard deadlines: (1) March 2024 to August 30, 2024; (2) September 1, 2024 to December 30, 2024 All entries must be postmarked no later than December 30, 2024. This final deadline will not be extended. What if I miss the deadline? Enter our fall program NYCBigBookAward.com as we take books until August 30th. ENTRY FEE $125 per title/per category, plus $75 for any additional category

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS Decide which books (copyright date within the past three years is recommended but not required) to enter into this year’s competition. 2 Calculate the total entry fee. Choose which categories, https://www.independentpressaward.com/categories, to enter each book into. You may enter a book into as many categories as you’d like. The fee for the first category is $125. Any additional book categories for that same book is $75 per category. • SINGLE BOOK, MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200. 1

Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, and “Book Two” in Mystery and New Fiction (first-time published), the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, so $200 + 200 = $400 in total book entry fees. 3 Download a form from this page, OR submit the entry form online on this page, https://www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 Complete form 4 Duplicate each Entry Label if you are entering multiple categories. For print books, a copy of the completed Entry Label must be placed inside the front cover of every book submitted. Up to four physical copies for entry into four or more categories. Audiobooks, a single copy of the completed Entry Label must be submitted along with either an Audible gift code or Authors’ Direct code. IF SUBMITTING ONLINE and sending a book directly from Amazon.com or other retailer/printer, NO PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED to accompany the book(s). 5 Pay via PayPal button on the website or mail a check, along with your books and printed entry form, and ship to:

INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD 63 Clinton Road Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 USA www.IndependentPressAward.com www.IndependentPressAward.com

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Unlocking the

SECRET DOOR: Keys to Getting Your Book into Local Bookstores

Independently published books in independent book- magic happen for both of you? stores? Snowball chance in hell you say, not anymore! Selling a book is different from marketing a book. It’s The stigma attached to self-published books is rap- the bookseller’s job to sell your book, not to create idly fading. Once relegated to dusty bargain bins, a comprehensive marketing plan - that’s your job as high-quality self-published works, along with hybrid the author to get done. Start with the bookseller thempublished books, are now confidently lining indie selves, their business, the community they serve. bookstore shelves. Authors are raising the bar, crafting compelling narratives and achieving professional pro- Know your bookseller duction standards. But how do you, as a self-published To sell your book to indie bookstores, you need to truauthor, navigate this changing landscape and secure a ly walk their shelves. Understand what they are stockcoveted spot in an independent bookstore? ing, is your genre appropriate? First, love is not enough, but that is where it starts, so get to know your bookseller. Booksellers love to handsell the story and the author. They won’t be impressed by how many copies you sell on Amazon.com, but rather you as an author and why readers will want to read your book. Authors pour their hearts into writing, and for independent booksellers, selling those stories is not just a job, it’s a mission. These cherished community hubs, staffed by passionate bibliophiles, yearn to champion great reads. Walk into any local bookstore, and ask for help, and you’ll instantly see the passion.

Become a familiar face, buy their curated picks, and encourage your readers to do the same. Supporting them first shows you’re a committed literary citizen, not just a self-promotional visitor. Remember, your success is intertwined.

Research, Respect, Repeat: Don’t just walk in cold. Research the owner’s background, what books they champion, and their typical author events. Check out their social media pages. Learn the community’s pulse. This intel fuels your pitch. Don’t just talk about your book; talk about how it fills But even with overflowing love for books, survival a gap in their existing bookish tapestry. Show respect depends on sales. So, how can you, the author, work for their curated space, and your pitch will resonate. hand-in-hand with these bookstores to make book www.IndependentPressAward.com

www.nycbigbookaward.com

Beyond Browsing: Dive into the Bookish Ecosystem: Today’s indie bookstores are community hubs, not just retail hubs. They host events, nurture local writers, and even publish unique content. Before pitching your book, dig deeper than genre sections. Understand their values, their audience, and their events. Tailor your pitch to show how your work resonates with their ecosystem. Become a bridge, not just a book.

reputable distributor, and making sure you have a distributor they work with, be it Ingram, Baker & Taylor, etc., your book joins a streamlined system for ordering, selling, and invoicing in bulk. Imagine saving them the hassle of one-on-one work – that’s how you pave the way for a smooth partnership and make your book an attractive addition to their shelves.

Be on Bookshop.org. While Amazon and Barnes & Noble may be houseBe a Partner, Not Just a Product: hold names, there’s another platform gaining traction Think beyond selling copies. Offer to participate in among book lovers with a heart for local communities: their events, promote their bookstore to your readers, Bookshop.org. Setting up an author page on Bookor even collaborate on community initiatives. Show shop.org can be a brilliant move for you and the literthat you’re not just dropping off your book; you’re in- ary world: vesting in their success. When you see their bookstore as an extension of your own platform, it’s a win-win for Support Indie Bookstores, One Purchase at a Time: everyone. Unlike its bigger counterparts, Bookshop.org doesn’t keep its profits. Instead, they donate a portion of every Remember, independent bookstores aren’t just retail- sale to a local bookstore of your choice. This means ers; they’re literary communities. Approach them with supporting your book directly translates to supporting respect, understanding, and a genuine desire to col- the vibrant ecosystem of independent bookstores that laborate. That’s the key to unlocking a successful part- nurture readers and authors alike. Imagine your book nership. purchase fueling storytime events for children, author readings in cozy cafes, and a thriving hub for literary Find the price sweet spot: conversations in your community. Having your book priced too high or too low can be an issue. Does a higher price cut out buyers? Does too Have a Marketing Plan in Place: low of a price mean an inferior book? Aim for a price If you are focusing on a local store, mobilize your that reflects the value you offer compared to similar friends and family to visit the bookstore and inquire books in your genre and format. Don’t undercut your- about your book. Encourage them to purchase copself, but avoid being seen as overpriced either. Stay ies over time, gradually creating a demand for your within the price range of those books where you are work. This grassroots approach shows the bookstore shelved. a pre-existing interest in your book and increases the likelihood of them stocking it. Booksellers are much Discounted and returnable: more receptive to you if they have sold copies and can Consignment & being able to make a profit: see a track record. Bookstores expect to be able to return the books they don’t sell, which means you need to make your book You can get your book sold through the independent returnable at the same cost you invoiced them. In ad- bookstores channel, but getting your book into indedition, bookstores need to make a profit to survive, pendent bookstores requires research, planning, and and expect a significant discount. genuine passion. But by followUsually starting at at least 40% and ing these tips and approaching up to slightly more than half at 55% bookstores with respect and to give you the best opportunity to partnership, you can unlock a sell your books. successful distribution channel and contribute to the vibrant Have distribution world of independent bookIndie bookstores juggle a thoustores. sand tasks, and managing individual orders can be a time-consuming headache. That’s where distributors come in! By using a www.IndependentPressAward.com

www.nycbigbookaward.com

Ways Authors SELL BOOKS

By Brian Feinblum 1. Update or set-up your email signature to include your new book’s title and website. 2. Join Facebook or LinkedIn groups of like-minded genre authors or of fans of your type of books. 3. Inform online influencers, bloggers, and podcasters of your book – not just that it exists or what it’s about, but why they should care. 4. Build or revise your web site to feature your newest book. 5. Create a calendar to plan out your marketing activities and PR needs. 6. Build up a bank of content that you will need for your blog, podcast, and social media platforms. 7. Send emails no more often than once a month to people you have on your list. Keep building the list by giving away free content in exchange for one’s email address. 8. Create an elevator speech that includes what your book is about, why you are best qualified to write it, who it is for, and why people need/want it. Keep to about 200 words or a 30-40 second speech. 9. Define your reader’s targeted demographics and start to make note of where they exist – online and in the real world. 10. Explore sites that market books, such as BookGorilla, GoodReads, KindleBoards, BookBub, etc.

11. Get close friends and family to: -Buy your book on amazon and leave book reviews. -Ask their friends and family to do the same. -Post on social media about your book. -Buy multiple copies to give as gifts. 12. Identify your keywords for Search Engine Optimization. 13. Post your information on Amazon Author Central. 14. Consider running Facebook, Amazon, or Google ads for your book ONLY if you have published three or more books, OR, your book is on a hot, must-have topic, such as: How to Get Rich, How to Get A Job, or something that has a bigger payoff other than just selling a book. Maybe you have a pricey webinar or you sell other products and services. Advertise those – or the book, if it leads to higher-cost items being sold. 15. Set up Google Alerts to monitor your name, your book’s title, and your book’s genre/industry. 16. Research appropriate book awards and apply if your book qualifies. 17. Give away free books – e-books and or print books – to promote yourself. 18. Create these marketing materials: --Press kit --Postcard --Flier --Bookmark --Business cards

19. Consult www.brownielocks.com to see what holidays, anniversaries, or honorary days tie into your book’s subject matter. Use them as an excuse to market your book. 20. Create a QR code that people can scan to buy your book. 21. Inform your college alumni association/ magazine about your book. 22. Contact bookstores, libraries, and other places to speak about your book. 23. Create a list of news media you plan to reach out to – and draft pitches that you want to send. Find magazines, blogs, and websites that you can explore for book reviews, interviews, feature stories, or honorable mentions. 24. Seek out paid book reviews from legit reviewers and book publishing journals. 25. Create a two-minute author video or book trailer and share it on YouTube. 26. Host live events on FacebookLive, YouTubeLive, InstagramLive, Meetup, etc. 27. Solicit testimonials or endorsements from people with an expertise or respected title, like a best-selling author, professor, professional, or executive/manager at a company, non-profit, school, or government agency.

ABOUT ME Brian Feinblum is a leading book promoter and marketer based in New York, having helped thousands of authors to succeed over the past three decades. He founded his award-winning blog, www.bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com, a dozen years ago and has garnered over 3.5 million page views. He can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com www.IndependentPressAward.com

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Printed Word’s PUBLISHING SERVICES and PRODUCTS AUDIOBOOKS

DESIGN

DeepZen, uses NLP and TTS systems specifically for long-form content to provide publishers with a tool to grow their audiobook catalog quickly, conveniently, and cost-efficiently. DeepZen’s technology replicates human voice and enables high-quality, life-like audiobook production using voices licensed from narrators. Register https://portal.deepzen.io/ and listen to the library of voices here https://portal.deepzen.io/voices. Email hello@deepzen.io or inquiry at https://deepzen.io/.

1106 Design, Michele DeFilippo, owner Do you want to learn more about working with 1106 Design? Great! We want to know all about you and your book too! https://1106design.com/contact-us/ Phone: (602) 866-3226 Toelke Associates has over 25 years’ experience in all aspects of custom book & publication design. We provide complete design & production services that are tailored to your unique project with specialization in illustrated non-fiction, exhibition catalogs, and historical / cultural subjects. www.toelkeassociates.com • Voice/text: Ron 518-392-3040 | Amelia 518-755-3215

AUTHOR SERVICES Amnet Author Services Ready to publish your book? A personalized package at an unbeatable price! High quality editing, proofreading, cover design, formatting, translation services. https://bit.ly/amnet_AS

DISTRIBUTORS Cardinal Publishers Group, Tom Dougherty, President A full service national book distributor. 2402 Shadeland Ave A, Indianapolis, IN 46219 | (317) 352-8200

SPARK Publications-custom publishing Professionally custom publish your non-fiction business book, cookbook, or coffee-table book. High-level editing, design, publishing, consulting, and hand-holding services for business owners & leaders. No Royalties. In business 25 years. SPARKpublications.com/books

EDITING SERVICES Write On, Inc., Nonfiction Book Editor Editing for indie authors writing on business/leadership, self-help, true crime. Work with a seasoned editor who literally wrote the award-winning book: Cover to Cover: What First-Time Authors Need to Know about Editing. Sample edit, assessment and project pricing for the level of edit your book needs and deserves. Free ebook and more information on editorial services. www.WriteOnInc.com

eBooks2go About eBooks2go: eBooks2go is the single source for all of your book publishing needs. We offer an array of affordable solutions to assist self-publishing authors at every stage of the publishing process including cover design, eBook conversions, hardcover and paperback book printing, worldwide distribution, marketing packages, and much more. Email: info@ebooks2go.net • Phone Number: +1 (847) 598-1150 ext. 4141 Website: https://www.ebooks2go.net

PRINTERS Lightning Press Book Printing, Ron Balinski, President Bookstore Quality Book Printing - Quality and Attentive Service. Get a FREE quote! ron@lightning-press.com www.lightning-press.com 140 Furler Street, Totowa, NJ 07512 | Tel: (973) 890-4422

BOOK AWARDS Independent Press Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every spring; awards independent authors and publishers. https://www.independentpressaward.com/ • gabby@IndependentPressAward.com

REVIEWS

NYC Big Book Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every fall; awards authors and publishers of all persuasions: independent, self, and traditionally published books. www.nycBigBookAward.com • gabby@nycBigBookAwards.com

Get discovered with a BlueInk Review! Honest, credible book reviews written by professional critics and respected by booksellers, librarians and readers nationwide. www.blueinkreview.com

BUSINESS BROKERS & SERVICES

SALES & MARKETING YOUR AD COULD BE HERE reaching over 10,000 authors and publishers Or here: https://issuu.com/independentpressaward reaching over 10,000 librarians and booksellers, 20,000 additional book lovers and consumers. Contact the Publisher Ted Olczak Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com