10 Secrets to a Bestseller: An Author's Guide to Self-Publishing

by Tim McConnehey, Paul B Skousen (Foreword by)

Overview

***Featured in Forbes and The Star

Calling all writers! 10 Secrets to a Bestseller is the self-publishing guide you’ve been looking for.

Whether you’ve dreamed of writing the Great American Novel, have a series of techno-thrillers in your drawer, or are drafting a self-help fitness book, you know in your heart of hearts that you’re a writer. You know it because you have always felt the drive to write; because you’re constantly coming up with new ideas; because you have something to say to the world . . .

The only problem is getting the world to listen.

That’s where 10 Secrets to a Bestseller: An Author’s Guide to Self-Publishing comes in. Thoughtfully crafted by Tim McConnehey, the creative force behind numerous award-winning and bestselling books, this in-depth, approachable guide will help you navigate the complex world of self-publishing, from crucial steps like researching your market and designing a great cover, to challenges like finding the right editor.

In the past, authors were limited to a fine chemistry between themselves, an agent, and a publisher, and the selling process became increasingly focused on the commercially viable (as defined by the editor, marketing . . . everyone but the reader). Now, a diversity of self-publishing options has opened up a whole new world to aspiring authors where they can reach their readers directly—but a world so diverse it can be bewildering. McConnehey helps you make sense of the process involved in bringing your book to market. Looking at real-world success stories from his self-publishing company, Izzard Ink, you’ll learn the added value of professional design, what should be on your pre-publishing checklist, why proofreading is an essential (though often overlooked) step, how to market and distribute your book in ways proven to maximize your sales, and much more.

Whether you’re just beginning to outline your first memoir or you’re well into your fifth novel, 10 Secrets to a Bestseller will help you get your work into the hands of readers and take your writing career to the next level.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781630729035
Publisher:	Izzard Ink
Publication date:	08/01/2017
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

As a multifaceted publishing visionary, Tim McConnehey specializes in the publishing of e-books through his company, Izzard Ink Publishing. And when he says multifaceted, he means it! Tim directs eight teams covering every facet of publishing, including finance, distribution, marketing, website development, art, public relations, cover and interior design, audiobook production, editing, and copyright. Through his background in corporate training, business management, and business development, McConnehey acquired extensive experience in client service. And as someone who is never satisfied with the status quo, he came up with the idea of creating Izzard Ink Publishing after reading an article about e-books in the Wall Street Journal. Izzard Ink Publishing has now grown from that initial idea into a business that has sold over 300,000 books, with a client list that has sold over 45 million books combined-all accomplished by delivering exceptional personalized client service and working with the best people in publishing. Through McConnehey's promotion and marketing of their books, Izzard Ink's authors have been featured on Fox News, C-Span's Book TV, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications throughout the country. McConnehey has a B.A. in International Business from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, and lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife Wendy and their two children. In his free time, he loves to restore old cars and motorcycles. To learn more about Tim McConnehey and Izzard Ink Publishing, visit: www.izzardink.com.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD xiii



INTRODUCTION



There’s No Self-Publishing Magic xvii



STEP 1



Do Your Research 1



STEP 2



Complete Manuscript Rough Draft 9



STEP 3



Copy and Content Editing 17



STEP 4



Complete Manuscript Final Draft 29



STEP 5



Assemble a Team of Qualified Professionals 37



STEP 6



Five Professional Reviews 59



STEP 7



The All-Important Cover 67



STEP 8



Going to Retail 103



STEP 9



Marketing, Distribution and PR 121



STEP 10



Do’s and Don’ts of Publishing 141



BONUS



Three Secrets to Book Publishing 145



FINALLY



About Izzard 155



GLOSSARY 157



ABOUT THE AUTHOR 167

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Tim McConnehey and Izzard Ink Publishing

“I have worked with the world’s leading multinational companies for my books, as well as managing my many speaking engagements. Izzard Ink’s consultation services were some of the best. I am especially grateful for the guidance with my website and social media marketing campaigns. Izzard Ink’s focus is on building authors and people. I would recommend Izzard Ink for any published or non-published author, regardless of the phase they are in the process.”—Dan Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Significance, National Speaker Association Hall of Fame

“My husband, W. Cleon Skousen, wrote several books, including The Naked Communist and The Naked Capitalist. We were so happy when each of those became bestsellers. I was told that, at last count, those two books had sold more than two million copies combined. I’ve had Izzard Ink refresh five of Cleon’s books and all of them turned out crisp and new and attractive.”—Jewel P. Skousen, editor and spouse of USA Today and New York Times bestselling author W. Cleon Skousen

“I am a self-publishing author/publisher and have had the best experience, bar none, with the Izzard Ink group. They are the best bunch of hard-working professionals that I have ever had the privilege of working with; I would recommend them to anyone looking to design a cover, create a beautiful interior, and I would recommend them for all your creative publishing needs. Tim McConnehey has held my hand through the entire process and answered my questions at all hours of the day and night. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”—Diane Merrill Wigginton, author and owner of Jeweled Dagger Publishing

“I owe my new friends at Izzard Ink a tremendous debt of gratitude. They walked me through self-publishing 101 and helped me turn my non-sellers into great sellers. One title was a bestseller on Amazon. Until I met Izzard, I didn’t know how little I knew about post-writing development to produce a polished, professional-looking book. They cared about making me a success. And where some prior efforts produced a couple of duds, they guided me to help so I could repair the flaws and try again. It was worth it. Highly recommend Izzard Ink. Sometimes you just need somebody who knows the way.”—Paul Skousen, bestselling author and former White House CIA analyst

“Working with Tim was as effective as it was enjoyable. As a first-time author speaking on the phone with Tim for the first time, one of the first things he said to me was, ‘I just want to see your book be successful.’ That simple statement was the clear motivation of every interaction we had from that very first conversation all the way to me holding a finished copy of my book in my hands. It is immediately clear when speaking with Tim that his knowledge of this business is only surpassed by his willingness to help. I couldn’t be more satisfied and grateful for his help to make my book a reality. I would recommend Izzard Ink to anyone and everyone without any hesitation. Tim and the Izzard Ink team offer professional advice and hands-on help that truly does range from A to Z.”—Robbie Tripp, public speaker and author of Create Rebellion

From the Publisher