My first year of book producing and selling was a massive, enormous learning curve, and I suspect will continue to be so for some time to come! As I approach the anniversary of the logbooks' inception, I wanted to share some of the things I have learned since this idea germinated last March. production This … Continue reading Self-publishing Update
Selling Booklets
My birdwatching logbooks are starting to get known, and they have done well with the 'little gift' and stocking filler market that Christmas encompasses. I have procured some stands, and this means the books can be displayed upright and front-on which really is necessary. Having a stand with a number of sections invites a picking … Continue reading Selling Booklets
Gardners Books/Wholesaler update
In my previous post, I had mentioned that my booklets had been accepted by Gardners, and were available to purchase as a Special Order Line. I had previously been told that after an invoice had been processed, a discount would show on the potential purchaser's system, but it would appear that would not be the … Continue reading Gardners Books/Wholesaler update
Getting in to Gardners Books
I am still getting to grips with the process as it's quite complicated, but this is what I have come to understand so far. Bear with me... In order to get my logbooks in to bookshops, I need a wholesaler. Although retailers can buy the books direct from me (and this is the case with … Continue reading Getting in to Gardners Books
Two more books, and a Nightjar
I have finished my two "Birds of..." logbooks now, and have pinged them over to the proofreaders (my parents!) to be checked before printing. They have quite similar birds, the Isle of Wight and Rye Harbour both being south coast locations, and I found it more difficult to write the copy for the birds I've … Continue reading Two more books, and a Nightjar
Marketing Self-Published Books
Sooo now the fun begins. I have slightly (!) gone about this the wrong way round insomuch as the whole process started with an idea that's been floating around in my head for ages, and then I suddenly decided to get on with it. Most advice seems to revolve around getting your fans and followers … Continue reading Marketing Self-Published Books
Display ideas
I love the booklet format as it's the perfect size for your pocket when out and about, but they need to be displayed in such a way that the covers are seen to full effect...not so easy when they're on a shelf. I had considered using the bellyband that are used for packing the books … Continue reading Display ideas
The new books are here!
My booklets have arrived. They look absolutely amazing and I am really pleased with how they've turned out. You can buy them here on the website for £5.99 including free UK postage. Coast & Clifftop Birds: Coast & Clifftop Birds Logbook14 x 9cm logbook on birds of the sea and shore£5.99Click here to purchase. Town … Continue reading The new books are here!
Sample books, and last-minute hitches
My sample books arrived! I was so relieved that they feel really nice: fabulous quality and beautiful smooth paper. I tried writing in them with a variety of pens to see about bleed through but only the Sharpie was a bit suspect, which frankly is to be expected. I didn't like the feel of the … Continue reading Sample books, and last-minute hitches
Blue paper
I'm finding it interesting how much the books are driving themselves, and although I have the bulk of the birds I need to put a book together, there are inevitably ones which I feel would be more appropriate or necessary so I need to paint them. I love playing with the white space and the … Continue reading Blue paper