#5 - Obtaining a Web Site

I had presumed that creating a web site to help promote my book would be simple. For some, perhaps? For me, more than intended. Those I’ve spoken with uniformly recommend I obtain one.
My preliminary exploration included this criteria – I wanted something reasonably simple, one I could manage and update myself when and if necessary. Also wanted something inexpensive – under $300 (preferably less) if possible. My current personal BLOG seemed not the vehicle to promote the book. Also need one-on-one help/guidance in assembling the layout and features from someone who knows the process.
Another wrinkle: I want to use . That domain is registered to my nephew (intended for his son 8 years old - also named Jack). He’s willing to relinquish control to me. I called my nephew to explain the problem. I learned he's built several websites and volunteered to build mine. We've agreed he will retain control, maintain the site and make edits as I need changes. Great kid! Now I need to determine what it should contain and prepare the material.

A unique touch to scene breaks

Those of you familiar with my story "In Dangerous Waters" recall that my primary character, Mike, carried his father’s rank emblem with him in his pocket at all times. The emblem, a brass oak leaf, is used as the rank symbol for Navy Lieutenant Commanders, and for Army, Air Force and Marine Corps Majors. Mike’s reliance on the emblem as a token of his father’s guidance made it a likely candidate for the novel to replace the 3-dot ellipsis symbol often used by others to denote a scene break. It might also be used as a publisher’s icon on the book’s spine. Pete, my publication coach, was able to craft the emblem and size it suitably for the scene breaks in the final manuscript.

#3 - What do I all myself?

Pete Masterson advised I pick a publisher name, one I’d be doing business as (DBA) since my intention was to have a commercial publishing firm do the actual hands on printing and distribution work. This need was unexpected, but, I understand, relatively standard. Fortunately I’d learned of the need before my visit to the Livermore library. The Bowker volumes there offered a mind-boggling record of publishers whether or not a DBA firm. Easy enough so far, right?

Pete advised I not use the DBA name I’d used in my earlier consulting work. Also recommended I not use my actual name as part of the DBA name selected. After a few days trying to imagine something catchy, and without noticeable success, I narrowed the list of potential DBA names to about 50. The Bowker listing search cut that number to about twelve. My wife cut it down to 5. The ones we really found attractive were either already in use or had negative regional implications. A coin flip selected “Alamo Hills Press.” It’s now been approved and filed by the Contra Costa County registry as a legitimate (and taxable, I find) doing-business-as (fictitious) name.

#2 - Is My Proposed Title Unique?

The self-publishing journey involved exploring relatively unknown realms and issues. Two key element of my story needed to be resolved. The first, was my intended title unique, or would I run the risk of controversy with some author who had chosen the same title? Thanks to the multiple search engines available on the web, that search took the better part of a day. It turned out my title was unique so far as the web was concerned. There were numerous references to “Dangerous Waters” but “In Dangerous Waters” had apparently not been claimed before.

The second stage of the same search involved searching Bowker’s international registry “Books in Print.” “Just check the library. They all have copies,” was the advice received from friends. Not so, in our area at least. Only the main library in downtown San Francisco, and the new library in Livermore were listed as having copies. Livermore was closer so problem solved. A simple search of the Bowker collection confirmed that no other author or publisher had duplicated my proposed title as of the 2008 edition, the latest published.

Intro to Self Publishing - #1

Since my last posting you probably wondered if I’d forgotten all of you. Not so.

Earlier in the Spring I announced my intention to end the fruitless search for an agent for my novel “In Dangerous Waters.” The novel is complete. I think it’s a good story, and most of my critique group seem to agree.

Self-publishing (dealt with in several terms, I find) has become increasingly popular, even in the case of some big name authors. I took a short course on the topic and did some reading. If others can do that, why can’t I? I can, and will. Or more directly, as I post this, I have – begun the steps, that is. I’m not “published” yet but soon will be. I’d like to share some of that excursion with you.

Since the BLOG provides a convenient path to tell you of my experiences, I plan to post several times, usually as relevant events occur in the self-publishing process as I experience them. I welcome your questions on any related issue.

For starters, let’s look at my first active step. The class and reading proved some background, a place to pick up some of the terminology and an overall understanding of how the self-publishing process compared with the tradition path. They also convinced me I needed experienced help if I hoped for a book in hand, and eventually available in e-book format as well.

A member of the CWC Mt. Diablo Branch, through the “Back Fence”, recommended I contact Pete Masterson, himself a published author, who specializes in formatting content for authors as well as managing the entire process from raw draft to book in hand. Pete is well-regarded and past president of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (that may not be the exact title.) Pete and I hit if off right away with a phone call and a lengthy discussion. He appeared pleased I’d done much of my homework, would be a cooperative client, and had a good idea of what was ahead of me, but simply needed some experienced help.

So we began.

More on Self-Publishing

On Saturday May 1, 2010 I attended an excellent one-day seminar in San Francisco titled "Self Publishing Bootcamp" conducted by Lisa Alpine and Carla King. My frustration from the so-far fruitless search for an agent for my novel "In Dangerous Waters" dictated I look for some alternative. Somehow the book will be published, probably on a small scale (unless lightning strikes) but that's enough. Self-publishing was a realm I hadn't explored to any extent before.

Great credit goes to the two women who conducted the workshop. I came away overwhelmed. Still trying to sort through the myriad alternative techniques, approaches, and avenues to pursue. I particularly like the tips offered - what to look for and what to avoid. Some appeared obvious, but many not so.

Their offering of particular value - yet to be explored in detail - are a wide range of resources. I plan to spend significant time filtering the maze to identify which pertain to my publishing objective and which do note. A game plan will have to evolve, but at this point, while nearly overwhelmed with the data presented, I'm beginning to research the resources provided by the class. I had no idea of the range of related information and support available. First time I can honestly say I've been overwhelmed in MANY years.

If you have the opportunity to participate in a future workshop I recommend you do so. Presenters are superior, knowledgeable, and truly helpful. The course could easily be expanded for another day, perhaps more considering the material to be offered and mastered.

One more time . . .

Workload required my editor Elisabeth Tuck to take a brief break so I decided to give the "final" manuscript the old "one more time" re-read and edit. Glad I did. Only minor things surfaced, but I wanted to give her as clean a final draft as possible. I expect her final review within two weeks or so. Next step is to get serious about selecting a publisher - one that can do the things with the story I don't want to do, or actually know how to do. For example, I'll need a good cover graphic. Found one that looked good on the computer screen but too dark when printed - no pizazz. Also need to revise earlier drafts for a back cover piece. I'm allowing three months to take care of the completion of the production of the story to a paper-book. Next move is to convert that to an electronic version on Amazon for users of electronic readers. Then--on to the next story, now only just begun. For those of you who have explored this BLOG, check back about July 1, 2010 for an update on how you can obtain a copy for your own pleasure or for friends and neighbors. The book is a good read for everyone, early teens and beyond and no requirement to be familiar with things Navy or sailor lingo. It's a people story, not a war story.