As a self-published author, twice over so far, everything Em says I can identify with. Mistakenly I thought writing was about having a great idea, being creative, burning the midnight oil as you crafted a compelling plot, built believable characters and made sure you punctuated in all the right places. It is all this but as I’ve learnt over the last couple of years, it’s a lot more besides. On the basis you want others, over and above friends and family, to read your tome, promoting is the order of the day.
The Internet and the digitisation of almost everything has changed/is changing the world: an understatement to say the least. For authors and readers alike eBooks have opened up new opportunities that were inconceivable only a few years ago. As an author you now have the whole world as your market place. OK so all 7 billion inhabitants aren’t on the net yet but for all intense and purposes…
Traditional publishing is a slow moving dinosaur, eBooks are fleet of foot—they know no bounds in time nor distribution. Authors need new skills, new understandings, knowledge and experience to capitalise on this opportunity. If you type ‘self-publishing’ into Google the results are 235,000,000 entries! We are all pressed for time and no-one can filter out this lot. Em Craven has made an eminently successful attempt with this book. Based on her hard won knowledge and experience she will save you an enormous amount of time and effort.
A major benefit of eBooks, and particularly those in the “How to…” genre, is the interactivity that can be brought in. Books are no longer static but are now dynamic in nature. Every reader can find their own path through the content, choosing to delve deeper into one area or another. Reading becomes much more an individual experience; which is a good thing. Em is on the vanguard with her book, and she makes excellent use of the technique. And of course because it’s an eBook it shouldn’t go out of date: amendments, corrections and additions can be made and easily uploaded.
Additionally, for me, Em has a great writing style. She talks to you. I think people can get very stuffy/authoritative/pompous is their writing; Em cuts to the chase and says it like it is. She is direct and pulls no punches. For example when talking about marketing your book and the need to give it away free which for many is an anathema, she builds the case very well. Em speaks many truths, most of which, authors don’t want to hear but need to hear: setting expectations about sales, or the amount of work required is essential to know if you’re going to succeed as an writer.
On specifics, her chapter 3.1, second paragraph is essential and I couldn’t agree more. I’m not going to give away a spoiler here; the book is worth buying just for this insight. She breaks the whole subject down into 41 manageable chunks with a useful Table of Contents allowing you to dip in and out. And of course being an eBook, there is plenty of opportunity to annotate as you go so you can revisit the content that resonates with you.