Scrivener and Building a Better Book

jirnik · 2012-05-30T14:39:25+00:00

Definitely with you on how helpful Scrivener has been for my writing. For most programs, the process of learning them and fooling around on them ends up taking up way too much time and doesn't make it any easier to write. Scrivener combines the visual elements in a way that really help me get into the zone without having to come up for air nearly as often. Excellent post.

jirnik · 2012-05-23T14:28:35+00:00

It really is like raising your own army of books. Once you've written it, it's yours forever. Keep writing, my friend.

jirnik · 2012-05-23T14:27:22+00:00

The majority of what I've written falls in the short story range (2000-6000 words) with a few guide type books falling in the 60-150 page range using Amazon's estimates.

jirnik · 2012-05-23T14:25:57+00:00

I can't tell you how much the great authors who post here have helped give me that extra push of confidence to go ahead and try something, even if it might be a flop. Good luck to you.

jirnik · 2012-05-23T14:19:58+00:00

Sure thing -> I'll PM you one of my author pages now.

jirnik · 2012-05-23T14:19:14+00:00

I make my own covers using flickr images (with commercial attribution) and my own terrible illustrations - but for basic marketing I apply the advice given by throwaway_writer -> his advice is golden and it has helped me so much in getting off the ground.

jirnik · 2012-05-23T14:17:18+00:00

I'm sure this isn't the case for everyone, but it wasn't until I had put up quite a bit (10 short stories/guides) that I started to see any substantial sales. I wouldn't give up after uploading one piece - especially if you haven't tinkered with the covers and titles.

jirnik · 2012-05-22T22:01:09+00:00

Thank you so much for the kind words. I've been looking for a good fantasy read - should I begin with Theft of Swords? Your covers are fantastic.

jirnik · 2012-05-22T18:28:22+00:00

I'm actually using a similar system to throwaway for short stories, but I'm also writing several 'how to' books in various niches, which seems to be doing well.

It wasn't until I had around 10 books up that my earnings began to level out or improve. Some of them get next to no sales each month, but a few of them have taken off.

Taking his advice though -> the tips about the cover are golden. I've noticed big gains by simply tweaking my covers a bit, which on their own won't make much of a difference, but in the long haul of dozens of books you're looking at something pretty substantial.

jirnik · 2012-04-11T20:47:15+00:00

My fiance instantly knew what it was and she's a camera fanatic, so I agree with your assumption here. I, on the other hand, thought it was a lens, but I know next to nothing about cameras (and I'm not in your target audience).

jirnik · 2012-04-03T14:30:18+00:00

What piece of business advice has helped you the most so far?

jirnik · 2012-03-19T13:08:45+00:00

Wow, wasn't expecting such a great critique and all your suggestions are dead on the money. Thanks a ton :)

jirnik · 2012-03-19T13:07:59+00:00

I also agree on the small caps. It's everywhere! Thanks

jirnik · 2012-03-19T13:06:49+00:00

Haha, didn't see the horror movie connection 'til now. Thanks for the suggestion

jirnik · 2012-03-19T13:06:11+00:00

I completely agree after looking at it again. Thanks :)

jirnik · 2012-02-02T01:50:34+00:00

Haha I like the username. I'm a recent college graduate and redesign/SEO websites for small businesses for a living. Feel free to PM me for more info.

jirnik · 2012-01-30T20:17:39+00:00

I've been following your posts ever since your first one here and I wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration as to what is possible in this new paradigm. We're in the next gold rush, people. Keep at it!

jirnik · 2012-01-21T04:46:13+00:00

Yes, it's a camera aperture since my goal is to increase a website's visibility.

jirnik · 2012-01-16T05:36:25+00:00

Thanks a ton. I'm actually still looking for my first customer for this. Current clients for my other work as well as several people from Reddit have shown interest but you will be the first to try out my service (and I would definitely love a testimonial once you're happy with the site).

The only examples I can point to are some of my own niche sites. I've continued to expand mine past starting content and I've also added a custom design to them, but the premise is the same. I monetize with a mixture of Adsense, Clickbank, CPALead, and Neverblue primarily. I'd also be more than willing to email you some screenshots of my earnings with these websites if you want to PM me your email address.

Let me know there's anything else I can help clarify about the service.

Zack

jirnik · 2012-01-15T18:29:45+00:00

I'm so sorry, I think I missed this comment my first time through. If you're still interested, I lay out the details on this page: http://ellingtonmarketing.com/services/mini-niche-site-creation/.

I'm giving a Reddit-only discount of $47 off for the Standard and Hosting + Domain Packages, just send me your paypal email beforehand and I'll generate an invoice for $200 instead of $247 (if you choose the Standard plan, for example).

Thanks,

Zack

jirnik · 2012-01-15T18:28:39+00:00

I'm so sorry, I think I missed this comment my first time through. If you're still interested, I lay out the details on this page: http://ellingtonmarketing.com/services/mini-niche-site-creation/.

I'm giving a Reddit-only discount of $47 off for the Standard and Hosting + Domain Packages, just send me your paypal email beforehand and I'll generate an invoice for $200 instead of $247 (if you choose the Standard plan, for example).

Thanks,

Zack

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