Thanks for this helpful feedback, Conda. I’ll add that the irony of that whole self-publishing-to-getting-picked-up-by-a-traditional-publisher situation is that the book won’t get picked up without an impressive sales track record. At that point, do you really need to go with a publisher?

I love your advice about taking the time to learn. I want to cry when I hear from authors who spent 5 figures to get a book produced. They end up with boxes and boxes and boxes of books and then ask, “Now what?” It’s so unfortunate.

Thanks for stopping by — and please come back!

Sandy

Robert, I’m not familiar with that company (there are SO many!). Did you have to pay to get the book produced?

Sandy

One is Christian Faith Publishing, who gives the author 100% of proceeds from sales, then author pays them 50 cents per book sold. Are you familiar with this company?

Thanks, Eric. I feel bad for people who are new to this because it does take time to not only learn all that’s involved, but to also figure out who to listen to and who to tune out. Many times, when they’re at the point where they’re starting to learn, new authors also want to make decisions so they can move forward. But it’s better to wait and acquire knowledge first — it could prevent expensive mistakes.

Sandy

I like how you expressed this, Douglas — “an emotional need to dominate a discussion.” That’s perfect. And what an interesting observation about focus groups. It certainly makes sense. I suspect that would apply to juries, too. What do you think?

Sandy

I’m so glad to hear that, Ian. All of Jane’s information is topnotch, so you’ll want to follow her.

Sandy

Having been the marketing and advertising business for more than 35 years, I learned that Focus Groups are the least dependable way to learn about a client’s product or service. All it takes is one (or two) dominant personalities to overwhelm the whole discussion, thus making the findings invalid.