An Overview of Traditional and Self-Publishing

“There’s a lot more to publishing a book than writing it and slapping a cover on it” writes Vince Flynn.

So, if you have completed a manuscript; carefully consider whether you want it by traditional publishers through an agent or through professional self-publishers to publish book in UK; it’s completely your call.

Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each to arrive at a decision what you want to opt for.

Pros and cons of traditional publishing-

To get to a traditional publisher, you will have to make use of an agent. If luck favours you heavily, only then you will be signed on by them.

Pros are

• Everything is taken care of by the publisher.
• You pay nothing (except heftily to the agent).
• Your book will be available in physical bookstores.
• It has an undertone of prestige.

Cons are

• A lot of time is wasted both in approaching them and the process of publication.
• Authors have limited creative control.
• Publisher’s contracts favours the publisher.
• Royalty received by you are peanuts.

Pros and cons of self-publishing-

Pros are

• Publishing requires a maximum of few weeks.
• You don’t require any agent. So money saved.
• Even first-time writers’ books are published.
• Authors have creative control over their books.
• Higher margins with complete royalty are the best part of self-publishing book convertors. Print on demand defeats the need of a warehouse.
• Support in marketing of books through creation of book/author website & trailers.
• High-quality printing and book distribution networks similar to traditionally published authors.
• If your book is time-specific, then your purpose will be served because it will reach the market sooner.

Cons

• You will have to pay for the professional services such as book layouts, editing, illustrations, etc.

Publishers such as White Magic Studios will help you with the whole publishing package other than illustration services as well.

Source: https://bookcoverdesigner.business.blog/2022/09/28/an-overview-of-traditional-and-self-publishing/

How Else Can You Reach More Readers Other Than Writing a Great Manuscript?

It’s very important to write a great manuscript to be able to impress your writers. But the journey of writing a good book doesn’t end there.

Yes, you’re right! Formatting/editing, attractive layouts, illustrated book covers, conversion into e-books, creating websites, etc. are yet to be done. If there’s an under appreciated project, a self-publisher & illustrated book cover designer as White Magic Studios can transform it into something magical.

We’ve just survived a pandemic where life came to a standstill. But the sales of books increased. Hence books, authors and readers are here to stay. To get that piece of writing onto your audience’s hands, you need to affirm:-

@You- the author should be known to the reader.

@The book is recommended by someone the reader trusts.

@The book must satisfy the reader’s needs. Fictional books should provide readers with some sort of entertainment. Similarly, non-fictional books should educate him; say for weight loss or how to have alcohol in moderation for harmless effects.

@The book must be promoted as a form of gift.

Your marketing strategy should be such that it’s in sync to the purchasing needs of your audience- logical and emotional.

Don’t forget: Book front covers are very important.

Let’s try to understand, how to impress the readers:-

• We have just understood that you shouldn’t shy away from making yourself known. Go for podcasts &interviews.

• Get your author’s website created by professionals such as e-book cover creator and make yourself visible on social media.

• Obtain book reviews. Ask for reviews. Research say that 88% people buy a book depending on reviews.

• Market according to the needs. Let your target audience know how they would benefit from your book.

• Promote your book as a great gift. Did you know that one-fourth of books are bought as gifts? Employ children’s book illustrator to create great gifts for kids.

How can you be a successful publisher?

A successful publisher must combine the aspects of vision, imagination, team leadership, ability to work with both creative and commercial acumen, and most importantly should have a passion for books.

It is an indie publisher who sees the value of an author’s special work & aids in self-publishing or the author herself/himself takes the reins of publishing sometimes.

Nurture these qualities to become a successful self-publisher. Take this piece of advice to associate with an indie publisher who will take care of the technicalities like book formatting services.

Promotion tactics

A self-publisher should understand the publishing and promotion tactics & work on to meet a reader’s expectations (say though book illustration design).

Preparedness

Self-publishers should have a thorough knowledge of the industry/audience for which a piece of writing has been developed and offer propositions accordingly.

Upgrade yourselves continually.

Competent self-publishers, UK like White Magic Studios leave no stone unturned to give the best to publishing a book with innovative ideas.

Perseverance/Sense of purpose

Perseverance or a sense of purpose is the mark of a truly successful self-publishing author. You may take the help of an indie publisher who is an expert. You may sometimes falter due to setbacks, but do not be let down.

Punctuality

After you have completed writing the manuscript, set a time line for the publication. Self-publishers like White Magic Studios will value your time & efforts. They know that some manuscripts are of no value if not published at a certain time.

 Positivity/Passion

An indie publisher is very positive & passionate (they have been in this field long enough) & naturally this contagious positivity impacts authors as well.

Approach publishing houses which offers the quality and world-wide distribution; both online and offline (in the best libraries of the world) but at prices that self-publishers can afford to. Publishers such as White Magic Studios are the perfect answer to your query- book cover designers near me.

Source: https://bookcoverdesigneruk.wordpress.com/2022/08/04/how-can-you-be-a-successful-publisher/

Most Popular Genre of Books

Genre is the theme or storyline of a book; which it can be categorised into. The best way to start writing a story is by picking the right genre, if you are doubtful of what to write. But there is no definitive formula.

Being a writer; delving into a world of writing a book, whether self-publishing e-book or a paper back, it’s only natural to be doubtful

The only problem is that there are so many genres out there. Don’t stress; we’ve got you covered! We have the current trending literary genres you can try out right here!

You can encourage the profitability of your book if more people are interested in reading it. This means-select a trending book genre.

Romance is the most popular and profitable genre till date, that makes up for 50% of books sold, in the fiction book category. It has 2 major sub-categories: contemporary romance and historical romance.

Next in line in fiction are; crime and thrillers. Someone told, “Horror, let's face it, is basically pretty dumb. You're writing about events that are preposterous, and the trick is to dress them up in language so compelling that the reader doesn't care.”

Mystery, fantasy, science fiction are also very popular.

In the non-fiction category, apart from religious books; cookbooks, self-help books, memoirs, art and photography books, biographies etc. find a place on the top of the list.

In recent years, e-books and audio-books are becoming increasingly popular. So it is advisable to get your books converted to e-books as well. Book designers such as White Magic Studios will be of service

Last, but not the least, write books of that genre which you personally read or which interests you.

After you have completed writing a book of a genre of your choice, let the rest of the publishing necessities such as formatting, editing, layouts, or an attractive book cover design, e-book conversions etc. be accomplished by professionals & illustrated book cover designer as White Magic Studios. More people will be interested in picking it up now off the shelves.

Difference between proof reading and editing

Have you completed writing your book? Now, you must be wondering- “How do I publish my own book!”

You are totally confused after a look up on the internet. Instead, why don’t you contact a professional agency such as White Magic Studios, to find out! A good agent will tell you in clear terms, without beating about the bushes, all the details.

There’s a lot to be done before your book is published. Proof reading, editing, creating e-book cover design, layouts, illustrations, creating book covers- front and back etc...

If you want a truly professional piece put together, chances are that you’d have to go for both editing and proof reading from expert resources.

Well aren’t proof reading and editing the same?Don’t they both mean corrections to be done?

No, they aren’t!

The differences are dependent on:-

Time when they are performed;

Editing takes place after the first draft of the manuscript. It continues till the end.

Proof reading takes place on the final draft, before the book is finalized and published.

The kind of issue which is addressed;

The editing process is all about making sure that the writing is structured, flows well &makes sense.

Proof reading is about the tricky spelling and grammatical errors, so that everything comes out neatly, without any inconsistencies.

The big picture;

In the big picture, editing is for addressing to the writer’s core issues. Editing can convert a not so good writing to an interesting read.

On the other hand, proof-reading is about the technical part done on an already good piece of writing.

No of words;

In editing, usually the total number of words reduces, due to the removal of unnecessary words; unlike proof reading.

Time required;

The amount of time required is more in editing because a lot of collaboration is required between you- the writer and the editor.

It is hard to proofread a manuscript you have just finished writing- it’s still too familiar and you tend to skip over a lot of errors.

If you are an indie author, the right decision would be to partner with an agency as White Magic Studios. You will be provided with an illustration artist on hire too.

Source: http://bookcoverdesigneruk.wikidot.com/difference-between-proof-reading-and-editing

Purpose of book illustrations and book cover illustrations

“Illustrations can be a big window: a looking glass into the author's imagination.” Tony DiTerlizzi told.

Do you wonder why best-selling magazines are filled with attractive pictures and illustrations? Why are children’s books full of pictures?

Illustrations are focal to enhancing the entire reading experience. Thus it creates the best likelihood of enhanced sales as well. As Tony rightly said, an author can express himself/herself through illustrations more than words. A well-illustrated book attracts young readers and adults alike.

Are illustrations important?

Yes!

Why? Let’s walk through the reasons why a book illustration agency is more important than you think.

• Illustrations provide readers, young and otherwise;visuals of the characters, settings, surroundings and also sets the mood of the situation. Readers can immediately relate with the story.

• It’s a tool for analysis, interpretation, active engagement other than enjoyment. Excellent tool for developing children’s analytical and interpretative skills.

• Immediate understanding of the characters by kids due to their visual appeal. They even relate to them very well. Illustrations help the early readers to associate objects and actions with words.

 Illustrations on the covers and inside too (by White Magic Studios)

• Story telling is made easier through book cover illustrations and also in the book. Hire an illustrator to make it fun for kids to discover clues in that inform them about vital elements of the story. You can go through the illustrations in Space Travels With Our Dog or The Secret Of Santa’s Door accomplished by White Magic Studios.

• Illustrations on book cover is the most important factor for any book to be successful. Well thought book cover layouts tells a lot about the book; meanwhile keeping the suspense intact.

• Illustrations makes expressing abstract ideas easy. It is complimentary to writing. It conveys humour easily.

Comics with lots of drawings appeal to kids and they love reading them more, than their text books devoid of any illustrations. People perceive images faster than words and illustrations are more attractive than other forms of visual communication. In an e-book conversion, 3D illustrations and animations help push up the sales of the book immensely.

Hence, if you want to raise the popularity of your book, tie up with book design agencies such as White Magic Studios who will help you with the book cover designs and also book formatting services.

Source: https://bookcoverdesigneruk.mystrikingly.com/blog/purpose-of-book-illustrations-and-book-cover-illustrations

Skills essential for new writers

There’s more to being a writer than just writing.

No! Not book covers illustrations, book front covers, book cover design, book formatting services, e-book conversion, self-publishing a book. These will be taken care of by the professional book design agencies.

Confused? “Writing skills is the only prerogative for a writer. What more does he require?” you’d say. No! Wrong! There are other finer details that a writer has to concentrate on; to elevate the enjoyable reading experience of your audience.

Let’s understand some finer skills required of a writer.

• Communication skills: It may seem obvious but writers should be able to express themselves well. Book illustrations accomplished by book illustration agency helps to a great extent in this regard. 

• Adaptability: If you are writing for a company or for someone, you have to be flexible. You may have to change from your style of writing to that; what suits their requirements. 

• Discipline: Writing is a creative field and you may not have ideas; what to write about, some days. But you should make it a habit of picking up the pen (or keyboard) and start writing. The write-up follows gradually. 

• Research: Before you embark on any writing project, it’s imperative to research in that particular field. Be itfiction which refers to plots, settings, and characters created from the imagination; or nonfiction which refers to factual stories focusedon actual events and people. 

How can one be organized in his thoughts with so much mess around 

• Organizational skills: You should be organized; as in where you are keeping your stuff; in which folder or where on the desk. 

Now that you are all prepared, compose yourself, relax in that cool corner of yours, take out your notebook or laptop and pour out your creativity. The outcome is bound to be wonderful.

P.S: You cannot or shouldn’t try to do all the other book related activities such as to convert book to e-book, book formatting services, book trailers and such other aspects by yourselves. Hire an illustrator or a book design agency like White Magic Studios to do them for you. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Source: http://bookcoverdesigneruk.wikidot.com/skills-essential-for-new-writers