Muddled title: This is especially important when considering an article in a trade journal. Authors may not have control over the headline in general interest magazines or newspapers, however, a well-crafted title can mean the difference in whether or not the article is read or ignored. It should be catchy and captivating, but not trite.

Poor content and writing: This should go without saying. The main benefit of great content in the digital age is that it can be shared rapidly with others who may be interested. The opposite is also true—poorly written content can make you, your company and your brand the subject of scorn.

Graphic support: Most design decisions are left up to the publication when it comes to articles, but well-crafted charts and graphics that the author provides can enhance a piece and make it more likely to catch the reader’s eye.

Poor distribution: The publication in which the article is placed is just as important as any of the above criteria. If your target audience isn’t reading the publication in which your article will appear, you’ve wasted your time.

No market: It’s important that your content is relevant: both timely and of value to the reader. If your subject is old news or doesn’t provide takeaways that benefit the reader, then it’s time to select another topic.

Trade Press Services can help you craft articles and publish books that score high marks on all of these points. E-mail us today or call us at (805) 496-8850.

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!