July 2, 2015

Stand on your own

I have just noticed that writers are complaining online about KDP Unlimited now paying per page read or something like that. It doesn't apply to me as my books don't qualify for the program (because I give them away for free on my site), so I wasn't paying much attention to this talk, but right now EVERYONE EVERYWHERE is talking about it, so I thought I'd add my piece of mind to the conversation.

I invite you to stand on your own.

DISTRIBUTE YOUR BOOKS YOURSELF AND RELY ON PEOPLE, NOT ON BUSINESSES.

June 16, 2015

Distributing your self-published books: CreateSpace + IngramSpark

by Ksenia Anske

"Hi Ksenia. I'm researching which way to go with self-publishing and am veering toward CreateSpace. [I heard] you use them with your books but that you are looking at Ingram for libraries and bookstores. I didn't realize that you could use both, but what I liked about Ingram is that they have access to the bookstores. Did you get your own ISBN #'s? I've read that is the way to go. I'd appreciate any guidance you can give me."

Thank you for reaching out, Mandy. I suppose it's time I summarize my experience with both channels. It's been two months since I have pulled Rosehead and Irkadura from CreateSpace's expanded distribution channels and posted them on IngramSpark (Ingram's indie distribution arm).

April 21, 2015

Why you should put your book on Wattpad ASAP

by Ksenia Anske

How do you like the idea of sharing your ebooks for free? If you don't like it, if it doesn't sit well with you, then this blog post is not for you. There are as many ways to get the word out about your book as there are writers. What I'm doing with my books is not considered a traditional way of marketing them. It works for me, it might not work for you.

However, if you're an indie like me who has started with nothing, may I put a bug in your ear and give you an idea that might propel your readership upward? If so, stock up on your favorite snack, make yourself comfortable, and read on.

April 5, 2015

My books are now on Ingram! What does it mean?

by Ksenia Anske

My books are on Ingram now! Hooray!!! Well, not all of my books, only Rosehead and Irkadura, and you will understand the significance of the image above shortly. So, what does this mean and why is this important?

Many of you have asked for my books to be in libraries and in bookstores, but since I'm an indie, I had to figure out how to do it myself. So the first thing I did was I got extended distribution on CreateSpace. Several of you have requested my books in the libraries, and they have happily bought copies, and you sent me pictures! Yay!!! A bookstore I did a reading at sold my books! Double yay!!! I thought I was done.

Nope.

February 4, 2015

Switching extended print book distribution from CreateSpace to Ingram

by Ksenia Anske

BOOKSTORES ARE ASKING FOR MY BOOKS!

That's the good news.

MY BOOKS ARE DISTRIBUTED VIA CREATESPACE AND ARE NON-RETURNABLE!

That's the bad news.

But I did what Hugh Howey said to do! He published all his books through CreateSpace before he hit it big. He even got free CreateSpace ISBNs for all of them! Well, yeah, but after he did hit it big, his giant traditional publisher took care of the extended distribution. Actually, I don't know. I'd have to ask Hugh. I'm assuming it did. Now, before I confuse you any more, let me explain to you the hurdle I'm up against, what I did, what I will do, and what I suggest you do, if you're wading out into the self-publishing world for the first time and want your books to be available in bookstores and libraries.