In a quick presentation, Barbara talked about her love for reading and her blog for Publishers Weekly. She has a team of readers who review books but are not allowed to write negative reviews. If they don't like a book, they pass it on to another reader with the understanding that your taste is not mine. What I don't like you may like. Now if no one like the book, then no review will be posted.
Barbara insisted that anything related to the book is the author's responsibility.
If the book cover is ugly, it's the author's fault even if the author never chose that book cover. A reader will never think of blaming the artist!
If the book contains typos, it's the author's fault even if last minute corrections by the editor introduced the typos. A reader will never think of blaming the editor!
If the price is too high, it's the author's fault even if the author has no say in the price decided upon by the publisher. A reader will never think of blaming the publisher!
The reader knows you, the author. He/She doesn't know your editor, artist, or publisher! So be ready to accept full responsibility for your book. By the same token, you will get full credit if your book is a bestseller.
A reader is usually loyal to the author she likes and will buy all her books, without looking at the price.
A reader will also stay with you, whether you are NY oublished or self-published, or change publisher.
On the other hand, when it comes to unknown authors, or authors who are not bestseller celebrities, you should have something to attract attention: book cover, blurb, price and great voice as revealed by a sample of the book or the first pages.
Keep these advice in mind when you publish your next book.
Blurb: A heartwarming holiday story set in South Florida.
Dedicated to her patients, the serious Dr. Madelyn Ramsay never had time for fun. An unexpected health problem jolts her into the realization that there’s more to life than just work. She longs to surrender to the magic of Christmas.
But can she handle the charming and secretive Dr. Nick Preston who carries his own package of disillusions? Can she allow two newborn twins to worm their way into her heart?
Stay tuned for VALENTINE BABIES, the next book in the Holidays Babies Series, that will be published next week.
2 comments:
That is so true, Mona, and it's part of the reason why everyone should NOT attempt to self-publish. The responsibilities are enormous. Readers are why we write, and they are not very forgiving. Ultimately, every book with our name must be as close to perfect as possible no matter who is the publisher.
Very true words, Mona. This blog is a keeper.
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