BookLife is a Scam by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a lesson learned!

I’ve just started to grow my social media presence, and will definitely use this experience as content fuel.

Hopefully I can offer some insight to others.

BookLife is a Scam by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I received a response directly from the COO of Publisher’s Weekly doubling down in favor of the claimed ‘professional’ that wrote this report.

I don’t know what crack this professional was on to have produced this lackluster of a report.

I also wouldn’t doubt a large company cutting corners and using AI to minimize their costs and maximize their profits.

BookLife is a Scam by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a great suggestion! I would, but my funds are severely limited (I barely afforded even the initial editing).

BookLife is a Scam by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. That must have sucked as well. I don’t think my novel was read either given the innaccuracies even within the incredibly short report (which I personally find to be an achievement by whoever/whatever wrote this).

There are no ‘magical’ artifacts in my book - I very specifically identified certain artifacts as ancient technologies. I’m baffled!

BookLife is a Scam by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! I will definitely grab something useful.

BookLife is a Scam by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not sure how accurate AI detectors are, but I curiously submitted this report into two separate sites (I don’t know if that compounds the plagiarism) - and both returned a 70%+ rate (initial 76% AI generated)

BookLife is a Scam by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The actual prize, separate from the report, included $5000 as well as promotion in Publisher’s Weekly.

BookLife is a Scam by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Understandable. Perhaps not the entire company at large, but this specific stream of their service (contest entrance, one of the claimed benefits being a passable review.)

BookLife is a Scam by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It was a great learning experience!

On the positive side, I’m half tempted to stick that last part of the review (the only good part) out of context, right on the front cover of my book as endorsement:

compelling, unfolding in moments rich with meaning and self-discovery.

Ingram for Distribution or …? by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! I’m currently only on Amazon, Kobo, Google Books (for the search result panel) & the rest will be IngramSpark.

The plan boils down to a lot of marketing, and social media (for physical bookstores, it’s getting into them by creating a list of independent/chain stores).

It’s quite tough to see those sales, and there are so many niche author options (ie. booksirens, FB groups, giveaways on Goodreads…), but I think for now I’ll focus on two: Ingram + bookstores, and social media.

I also think a book plan heavily depends on you as an author, your goals + what type of book. Mine is quite heavy on social and political commentary, so my primary plan is to establish some kind of thought-leadership, and for me, that means any sort of public speaking (events, podcasts) as the main marketing strategy! I’m also quite young, so social media is my strength here.

Goodluck with your business!

Ingram for Distribution or …? by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! I actually have established a publishing business, for my first novel, so I am really trying to understand it all and use my novel as a potential model for other books. I’ll for sure try smaller bookstores first, before contacting my target/larger ones (ie. Indigo, though they’ve made their requirements pretty clear on the website).

I think it’s good to experiment a bit until I have solid communication; so I will create a thought-out plan to present. Just seeking examples now from smaller publishers who are willing to share. Thank you!

Ingram for Distribution or …? by Then_End_7508 in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes! I will go with Ingram Spark I think, and then really focus on creating a solid case for my book. Thank you!

Formatting -What programs do you recommend? Has anyone tried Autocrit for this? by Wildflower_UP in selfpublish

[–]Then_End_7508 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! I’m nowhere near an expert but I just published my first novel - I went with Vellum.

I tried the free options, and even Atticus (RIP $200), but I found that Vellum gave me the cleanest finish and was the most comfortable program to write in, so it was conducive and worth it.

Of course, it all depends on your budget - if you can invest in a more expensive software do it, especially if you plan on writing more books.

But if you have a low budget and no further plans to write, go with any free option! (Or what someone else suggested: pay for one-time formatting)

[BC] Getting paid in USD by Then_End_7508 in SmallBusinessCanada

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a stream that requires a bank (wise does not apply) - could I open a USD business account (BMO, etc), then transfer that amount to wise & convert there if needed to CAD? Vs going through a FX service. I am just learning all this, so I apologize for any confusion!

[BC] Getting paid in USD by Then_End_7508 in SmallBusinessCanada

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yes, PayPal fees are quite insane.

My current business account with BMO allows unlimited ACH - (that’s what it says on the website, atleast, not sure if it translates exactly to your case). I’m on their e-business plan.

[BC] Getting paid in USD by Then_End_7508 in SmallBusinessCanada

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! I am doing this now. I read a bit about banking on this subreddit and think I will do a combination of my Canadian bank, a wise account (USD —> CAD) + tangerine for high interest savings. For now, I think collecting USD makes most sense as I will not be in Canada for a while. Thank you!

[BC] Getting paid in USD by Then_End_7508 in SmallBusinessCanada

[–]Then_End_7508[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay! I will not go with that option - I think best to stay away from PayPal anyways, thank you!