The BDDesigner

• Resources for Serious Self-Publishers

  2007 Aug 07

  I often get asked questions about how to best market or sell self published books, and while I always share what knowledge I have, the truth is that there are others who know much more than I do, and from whom I've personally learned a lot. Below are what I consider the best two books on the subject that you'll find anywhere.
  
  First is the book POD People by author Jeremy Robinson. If you want to know anything about the POD business, or even better, how to utilize POD printing to successfully market and sell your book while avoiding all the inherent stigmas that often plague self-publishing, this honest and straightforward exploration of the subject is the book for you. In fact I'd say it should be required reading for all would-be self published authors. And Mr. Robinson has the credentials to prove that he knows of what he speaks, as his novels are doing very well on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as Lulu of course!
  
  David Rising did much research on Internet marketing, and he shares his discoveries with us in How to Get Published Free: Best in Self-Publishing & Print on Demand: Plus Marketing Your Book on The Internet: 3rd Edition. There are tricks one can use to give your book better exposure online, and this book is the number one resource on how to do just that. Filled with info on how to first publish and then market your literary offspring, this is another book that every self publisher should be required to own.
  
  And of course if you're interested in knowing how my writing journey began, you can purchase my book, A Writer's Journey in Poetry & Prose. Honestly, my book isn't nearly as informative as the others, but it does give you some insight into how and why I became a writer, and the journey that fateful decision has taken me on. I think it's a must-read as well, but I may not be all too objective in this particular case.
  
  These tidbits should be enough to get you started. I'll be sharing more links and info as we go along. Plus I'll give you tips on designing your book, how to effectively use Lulu to publish the best book possible, and much, much more.
  
  Hope you'll stick around and see what's in store for ya!
  
  - The BDDesigner
  
  
  

• New Blog, New Services, New Attitude!

  2007 Jun 08

  Welcome to the inaugural post for The BDDesigner, the new blog where I'll keep you appraised of what's new with BDDesign, share some tips and tricks I may come across to assist others in their own pursuits of professional designs, as well as tell you about any new products, services, promotional outlets, and more that I feel may be useful to you.
  
  Today let's discuss one of the brand new services we are offering today, eCover design! What are eCovers you ask? They are three-dimensional representations of book, CD, or software box used on the Internet for advertising purposes. They are widely used these days, and a quick search on Google will show you just how in demand they are. If you have a website, the most eye-catching way to showcase your product is with an eCover which provides visual interest to what would otherwise be a flat, static cover.
  
  Like anything else, eCovers alone aren't the miracle key to making sales, but they are a valuable piece of the marketing puzzle that helps present your work in the best, most professional-looking light. Obviously we feel we can do them better than anyone else, but regardless of whether you come to us or go elsewhere, you should really check them out!
  
  Until next time, this is The BDDesigner reminding you that although you may not be able to judge a book by its cover, your potential buyers will try. So strive for excellence in both your writing, promotion, and design!
  
  
  
  - The BDDesigner