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14 years raising a helicopter
by Julie W. Buscher
Homer, the quick-silver-streak 'copter!
My comments, lessons learned and advice: Make sure you've a solid figure agreed upon with editor (dollar amt., hourly fee and how many hrs. involved) and an understanding with the editor as to what duties he or she is to perform before you hire the person. I'd carefully research editors prior to hiring, but was surprised and flabbergasted at the final figure charged by my woman editor. However, I strongly recommend having your book profesionally edited, and then following advice of editor. Chris Rogers and I first published my book in eBook version; however,I don't recommend doing this, instead, concentrate on getting your book published in print, and then do an ebook or audio book later, if you wish. I've had books in my possession since end of August 2007, and never dreamed that marketing would take so much time, effort, and as many $$ as you want to and can afford to spend. Start your marketing at least a yr. prior to book's estimated publication date. For almost 2 yrs., I thoroughly researched printers, not only in the U.S., but also Canada and the Orient, obtaining estimates and copies of their published books, before narrowing my choice to two printers. Also, I obtained recommendations from other authors who'd used the printers. A self-published author cannot be too careful in this area. After agreeing upon and signing with my printer and paying one-half of costs of books, it was only then we discovered that the printer's computer equipment was antiquated. Also, the process of choosing the "right" printer was a bit harder for me as my book was done in 4-color; also the dimensions were not standard, being landscape format. I recommend sticking with portrait format. I did a first-run of 4,000 books so as to get the lesser unit price; however I don't recommend getting this many books at first unless you've already many buyers waiting to purchase your book; my particular experience proved that 2,000 units would have been plenty.There's also POD printing to consider. Beware, pay attention to, and find out, IN ADVANCE, what the printers' hidden shipping charges are and what each charge means before you have books shipped,-- be prepared to pay more $$. Ask the printer first! The printer usually quotes only one sum for shipping; however, we learned that the truck will only deliver to your garage door(or storage area), and you're responsible for renting a big dolly, and also a big, heavy-duty "lift" so that books can be lifted down from truck's end to garage/storage level. These two pieces of equipment add approx. $700-$1000 more to the quoted shipping price from printers location to your location. We learned this only after receiving the final invoice together with the "shipping information sheet " which set forth all the additional equipment an author has to get and pay for. A big shock. Do not "assume." So far, I've found my best niche markets to be aircraft museums, aircraft gift shops and online stores, and such,--all are resellers. I'm also contacting hospital gift shops/pharmacies. Still need to & want to contact elementary schools, as they're a good niche market. Take advantage of Christmas sales. Start contacting potential buyers in Sept. SO, write and get your children's book published! Remember that you can't "talk down" to kids anymore; they are very sophisticated these days! A GOOD children's book will always be in demand, depending on how much time & effort you devote to marketing; the children's book market is somewhat oversaturated and very competitive. The "hot" children's book market is the Middle Grades, 6th - 10th graders. Also anything in non-fiction. P.S. tip from a new children's book author: He goes door-to-door around his neighborhood, taking along his little nephew. Their sales pitch: "Hello, I'm your neighbor and I just published my full color children's book. It's only $________. Would you like to purchase one?" He's enjoyed good success. Visit Homer the Helicopter.
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