Books and book authoring aren’t immune from this wave of change that all media are experiencing. While writing a book used to involve drafting a lengthy and complex book proposal that included such components as market research, a  target market description, and a few sample chapters, and only then searching for an agent who would pitch the work to a publisher, book authoring today can be much less complex and much more rewarding, thanks to self-publishing. If you are thinking about writing a book, consider these five reasons to self-publish it:

1. Cost. Self-publishing houses typically allow authors a greater share of the profit from the sales of their book. And often, you can choose to print as few (or as many) copies as the publisher is willing to print.
2. Timing. Because there is no requirement for extensive market research or an agent search, books can go from idea to print in much less time.
3. Content. It’s your book—the publisher prints exactly the words you want to see published.
4. Design. Do you want a specific font or a certain photograph on the cover? When you self-publish, you control the look of your book.
5. Control. The bottom line is that you’re in charge. If you want to retain control of your “baby,” self-publishing may be for you.

Of course, all of this control and flexibility means that the author has a lot more responsibility, as well. If the book is poorly written, if the jacket art is dull and lifeless, or if the layout is hard to read and confusing, there’s only one person to blame – you. And, if the book is in your garage and is not being marketed, you’re not going to get the personal and professional recognition you seek. It doesn’t even matter your book is a good one if no one knows about it. That’s why a strong marketing and media outreach plan is essential.

Fortunately, the professionals at Trade Press Services can help you write a great book and develop a stellar marketing campaign as well. You’ll still retain control, but the experts at TPS will guide and support you along the journey. Get started today—give Trade Press Services a call!

In business today, it’s not unusual to hear conversations that start out with “Some day, when I finish my book…” or “You ought to write a book.” In fact, writing a book is on many professionals’ “wish list” and “authors” are filled with excitement and anticipation as they picture themselves on TV, radio or in the news talking about their “best-seller”.

Then reality kicks in. First time authors discover just how much time and energy writing a book takes. It’s easy to go on overload and become overwhelmed by the hours spent writing, re-writing, editing, researching and pitching agents and publishers. What was first thought of straightforward project can easily turn into a nightmare with many sleepless nights, frustration and disappointment.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way. If you have a good idea, you can write a book. How? By working with Trade Press Services. We can help transform your ideas, experiences, wisdom and opinions into a well-crafted work of prose.

First, think about what original or unique perspectives you have. Identify what your compelling life experiences are that can be shared with others. Think about your ideas, beliefs and/or accomplishments that can help others. There’s always room for a new book that teaches, motivates, inspires, guides, and/or entertains.

Once you identify the premise for your book, then consider your audience. Who would benefit from your story or the information you want to share? Believe it or not, just knowing what you want to write about and for whom is half the battle.

Trade Press Services’ skilled, experienced writers can work with you to develop themes, break them down into chapters, and translate your thoughts and ideas into words on the page. We can interview subject matter experts or do original research to add context and credence to your manuscript. Working with a production schedule and set deadlines, Trade Press Services ensures that your project stays on task and on time. We make it easy for you, guiding you every step of the way. We’ll even help identify publishers that will ensure your book is professionally printed and bound. And it costs less than you might expect.

Yes, you can write that book! Start by contacting Trade Press Services today.

The popular PBS children’s show Reading Rainbow was canceled recently due to a lack of funding. It ended a 26-year run with host LeVar Burton (you may know him as Star Trek’s Geordi LaForge or Roots’ Kunta Kinte) during which the show taught children that reading could be a lot of fun.

A recent AP/Ipsos poll found that in 2007, one in four Americans didn’t even crack a book.

Around the country, newspapers are going under as subscribership drops and advertising revenues dry up.

Is the evidence overwhelming? Is reading…dead? And perhaps a more important question for you, the business leader: Is it worth spending your advertising dollars on print media? In short, yes.

Reading isn’t dead—not even close. Information is as important as ever. Today, the ability to rapidly consume, digest, and act on information is perhaps the most important skill an executive can possess.

Reading Rainbow wasn’t canceled because reading isn’t important. It was canceled because the Dept. of Education wanted to focus their funding on the how of reading—spelling, phonetics, grammar—and not so much on the why. Americans’ reading habits have bounced all over the charts over the years. And while newspapers are going away, real-time information sources on the Internet are exploding.

How do trade publications fit into this mix? For most industries, trade journals are still the top source of industry-specific news. Increasingly, print is being supplemented with the web, which can serve as an online archive for printed journals, a way to expand and enhance printed content, and a convenient way to provide timely, brief news updates.

But in the end, it’s the content that matters, regardless of how it’s delivered to your brain. Trade Press Services can help you position yourself and your company as subject matter experts whatever the media type. Call or e-mail us today to learn more.

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