Florida Publishers Association

How do you find out what publishers exist in a foreign market?

2012-01-16T09:56:00.000-08:00

How do you find a foreign rights publishing partner? First, identify what publishers exist in a foreign market. Second, choose two or three publishers to contact.

How do you find out what publishers exist in a foreign market?

Each book fair provides access to those publishers exhibiting at a particular fair. The Frankfurt Book Fair provides access to its directory of exhibitors for a nominal fee. Publishers Global (www.publishersglobal.com) provides free online access to its database of publishers. The International Literary Marketplace (www.literarymarketplace.com) maintains a listing of global publishers as part of its online database and is often available in printed form in the reference section of major libraries.

Tip: Publishers and/or authors will typically try to set up meetings with prospective foreign publishing partners prior to attending the Frankfurt Book Fair. While at the fair, however, look for booths run by publishing associations that represent all publishers within that given country or region. Most have free books containing contact information for all publishers who are members of their associations, even if some of those publishers aren’t current-year exhibitors. Ask the each booth representative to help you mark those publishing companies that he or she thinks would publish your kind of book. Then visit those selected publishers at their booths or follow up by reviewing their websites. Better yet, try to contact trade associations prior to attending the fair and ask if they will mail you a book or email you a digital copy of the contact information contained in their books.

Brandon Royal is a board member of the Florida Publishers Association and owner of Maven Publishing. He can be reached at info@mavenpublishing.com.

What are foreign book rights?

2012-01-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

Traditionally, there have been two kinds of foreign rights up for grabs: foreign language translation rights and English language reprint rights (also known as co-edition rights). A publisher in Spain, for instance, might want both rights in order to translate your work into Spanish and also sell the original English language edition of your work in Spain as well.

Nowadays, another type of foreign rights is in play: eBook rights. Within a given country or region, a publisher might want to sell your book as an eBook, whether translated in a foreign language or sold in English within that country. If a foreign publisher wants English-language eBook rights, check to ensure that it won’t conflict with sales you may already be making in those channels. For example, giving a foreign publisher English-language eBook rights would mean that they (not you) have the right to sell your eBook on Amazon (Kindle) or Apple (iTunes) in their particular country.

It is important to distinguish between selling rights and buying rights. You sell rights when you want a foreign publisher to translate and sell your book in a foreign market. You buy rights when you want to translate a book into English and sell it in your own home market. Both directions make money, although selling rights and translating books is the more expensive route. Many large publishers both buy and sell rights during the Frankfurt Book Fair (as well as at other major fairs such as Book Expo America, London Book Fair, and Bologna Book Fair, the latter famous for specializing in children’s books).

Brandon Royal is a board member of the Florida Publishers Association and owner of Maven Publishing. He can be reached at info@mavenpublishing.com.

Resistant to e-Publishing?

2011-12-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

Prior to attending my first FPA Conference, this Gold Medalist had been resistant to e-publishing; but based on information garnered from the presentations and through networking with FPA members, I am currently following through with exploring this option. It is also very rewarding to know that there is a support system in FPA that will guide me over the "rough spots." Attending the conference was well worth the small investment in time and finances.

K.B. Schaller, author

Journey by the Sackcloth Moon

www.KBSchaller.com

Frankfurt Book Fair and the Foreign Rights Game

2011-12-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

In October of this year, I completed a pilgrimage that I believe every writer, author, or publisher should complete at least once in a lifetime. I attended the 2011 Frankfurt Book Fair, which is not only the world’s largest book fair boosting a 500-year tradition but also one that has become synonymous with “the buying and selling of foreign book rights.”

Rather than choosing to become an exhibitor assigned to a booth at a fixed location, I chose to attend as a trade show visitor. This enabled me to roam freely to contact the publishers I wanted to meet and to discuss the sale of rights for several of my own independently published book titles.

They say that the fair is the equivalent of six football fields; I know I put in 8 to 10 miles a day walking the different halls during the first three days of the fair. There are also some 250 events taking place within all the various halls at designated venues. As you walk the aisles of any particular hall you invariably hear sounds of applause that erupt whenever one of these events is ending.

Bottom line: I came away with some three-dozen foreign rights book leads which I estimate will turn into a dozen foreign rights deals. Assuming you have some marketable titles, the fair can really pay off, even if you have minimal experience in the rights area.

Brandon Royal is a board member of the Florida Publishing Association and owner of Maven Publishing. He can be reached at info@mavenpublishing.com.

“I’ll have a latte and War and Peace.”

2011-12-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

A lonely egret, a grumpy teenager, a heroic World War II tailgunner, and a Southern Belle—these were just a few of the characters of the award-winning books on display at the Florida Publishers Association Fall Conference. The speakers were top-notch offering a plethora of information in today’s upside-down world of publishing. A fascinating concept was the cutting edge offering of an Espresso Book Machine (EBM) that can print and create a bound book in a matter of minutes. EBMs may one day be coming to your favorite coffee shop. As author Charles Sobczak so cleverly put it, “I’ll have a latte and War and Peace.”

Olivia deBelle Byrd

Author of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown—Anecdotes of a Southern Belle

Olivia deBelle Byrd is a self-proclaimed Southern Belle who resides in Panama City, Florida, with her husband, Tommy. She is the author of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown—Anecdotes of a Southern Belle, which is her first collection of humorous essays. Like many Southerners, Olivia has a penchant for turning ordinary happenings into entertainment. Visit her website at www.oliviadebellebyrd.com

Books and Bellies

2011-11-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

A funny thing happened before a recent book signing of my published book Miss Hildreth Wore Brown—Anecdotes of a Southern Belle. A new library had just been built in my hometown and the library foundation had graciously asked me to do a book signing. The event would be complete with a Southern tea and beautiful belles in antebellum dresses using the catchy theme “Books and Belles.” The Sunday before this lovely event, the announcement came out in our local newspaper, but due to a sleepy proof editor the event was billed “Books and Bellies—A Taste of the South.” The head of the library foundation immediately called with the words, “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. My friend said to look on the bright side—maybe a lot of people will come just to see exactly what she is going to do!”

I assured this gracious gal that if they were expecting a belly dance they would be sorely disappointed. As I explained, “I was raised by a host of Southern women and threatened within an inch of my life if I ever showed my belly in public. I am still not over it. This belly has yet to see the light of day.”

As my birthright, I passed this on to my daughter. It is true I had to give in to bikinis, but if she were not within two inches of a beach, her belly was not to be seen. Before she left the house, I even made her perform the “belly test,” as she exasperatedly called it. She had to raise both arms so I could be sure her shirt covered every inch of her belly. If you are raised by a slew of Southern women, some lessons stick for life. Trust me on this one!

I have had book signings where tea, homemade pound cake, cheese straws, and Mississippi Mud were served. I have spoken at book clubs, luncheons, garden clubs, and discussion groups. I have been on blogs, guest posts, facebook, and twitter. This author has dressed in a straw brimmed hat, white gloves, camellias, and a brown suit. But I stand my ground on this one. I do not care what the newspaper says. This Southern Belle is not displaying her belly—not even to sell a book!

How to approach an editor?

2011-09-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Take a leaf from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” and be “bloody, bold and resolute.” By that I mean, don’t follow in the Scottish king’s footsteps – he killed a lot of people – but feel free to do the unexpected in order to be memorable. Editors receive lots of query letters and manuscripts, and even when they are well written, they may not stand out all that much. Pick up the phone to introduce yourself and your book. If you happen to visit a city where a publishing company is located, go to its offices to say hello. A friend of mine got an editor of St. Martin’s Press in New York to read his manuscript that way (even though they don’t take unsolicited material). He got a nice rejection letter, too, which made it clear that the editor had read it. Make sure you don’t outstay your welcome, though. And when the editor asks, “What is your book about?” don’t tell him the whole story. Have a 2-3 sentence response at your fingertips.

-Chris Angermann, FPA President

10 Things authors need at Booths or Festivals!

2011-09-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

Working an author booth at a local festival or fair can be a fun way to directly connect with the community. It can land you contacts that can lead to other appearances, and you can most times sell your product directly to the public. But, as with all things, it pays to be prepared.

If Outside, Prepare for Bad or Changing Weather.
Prepare for cool temperatures in the fall (many of us don't own coats in FL); prepare to pack up or cover up the booth quickly to protect product; protect yourself from the sun, which is actually closer to Earth in winter; and always be personally prepared for rain. Your booth may be a long distance from your vehicle.
Follow the Event's Guidelines to the Letter. Review the guidelines before you go. Know what you can and can't do.
Take a Small Cooler. Bring a cooler filled with ice and your favorite refreshments. Don't forget medications that must be cooled.
Plan for Payment. If you will be selling your product to the public, plan ahead for how you will receive payment. Will you take credit cards? If so, how? Will you accept checks? Will you hold off on shipment until they clear? Will you accept cash? If so, plan to bring change and a receipt book.
Plan to Pay Taxes on Sales. Don't plan on ignoring the fact that you should be collecting sales taxes from customers and then paying the state (that's cheating); instead, read up on sales taxes before you go. The State of Florida offers much assistance at their website.
Don't Forget Your Business Cards. You never know who you'll meet.
Bring Flyers on Your Products. Many people won't buy at the show but will buy later from home on their computer. Make sure your product's flyer gives them the information they need to buy after the show. You may even want to offer a show (fair or festival) discount to encourage at-show sales.
Bring a Cover for the Table. Many festivals' tables are in awful shape or just downright ugly, and you can cover them quickly and easily with a colorful, freshly laundered twin flat sheet or rectangular table cloth.
Bring a Stand for Your Product. Don't put your book down flat on a table. Get it up on a book stand so it can be seen by passersby. You can get cheap, acrylic ones at an office supply store.
Print Signs at Home. Don't make handwritten signs when you get to the festival; they look tacky and homespun. Decide what you want to say on your signs, print them in large, large type (that can be seen from across the aisle) and slip them in clear acrylic sign holders (again, available at office supply stores). "Register to Win!" and "Meet the Author" are always good sign choices, and freebies are always a good draw.

Betsy Lampe is the marketing manager for Rainbow Books, Inc., a 33-year-old publisher of self-help and how-to nonfiction, and mystery and historical fiction. rbibooks@aol.com

Eighty percent of success is showing up.

2011-09-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

The above quote is one of filmmaker Woody Allen’s most popular. And if Woody is correct (and I think he is) then I am well on my way on the road to success as an independent publisher. Why am I so confident? Because I showed up. You see, I had the pleasure of attending last year’s Publishing University, the premier conference for those of us who are involved in independent and small press publishing. Hosted by the Independent Book Publishers Association each spring around BookExpo America, the event brings together the best and brightest in the independent publishing arena to share their strategies for success, and lessons learned from non-success, with their fellow publishers.

As a complete newbie, I was excited to pick the brains of those who I had only heard about, and introduce myself to those who I hadn’t. I knew I was given a three-day pass to glean as much wisdom as my mind and notebook would hold. I was not disappointed. Over the next few issues, I’d like to share some of the ideas that not only took hold, but actually worked when I put them into practice. Hopefully this will inspire those who are just embarking on the path of independent publishing or will affirm those who have been at it for a while.

If there was one outstanding message that I heard during my time at the conference it would be this: 80% of success is showing up. True, it may not have been said in a way that would make Woody proud, but the concept was surely there. I gleaned it from Marketing and PR Seminars. Social Networking Workshops, Basic Publishing Classes, and even during casual conversations with new friends at lunch or dinner.

We all know that writing a great book and having a great cover is important. But it’s just part of the equation. And I’ll go out on a limb here and peg it at 20% of the equation. I know that sounds low. For those of us who write and publish, it may sound ridiculous. After all, it took us what, a year, maybe two, to get our book written. And we may have shelled out some serious bucks for a good book design. But we’ve all heard about great books with great covers languishing in a warehouse or someone’s garage. We’ve also heard about not-so-great books with not-so-great covers that fly out off the shelves. What’s the difference? I believe the author is committed to showing up.

I made the commitment to show up at Publishing University, but I was broke. So I applied for scholarship money, I drove (stopping halfway to spend the night with relatives) to save money on airfare. I parked my car at my cousin’s house north of the city and took the train in so I wouldn’t have to sell my soul for parking. I got a great deal at a beautiful hotel a few blocks from the event on Priceline ($89 per night). I ate breakfast at local joints on the way to the event and grabbed pizza at night. I was almost tempted to stand on the street corner holding a sign reading: Will Attend Publishers Conference for Food. In other words, I wheeled and dealed my way to showing up.

Once there, my tenacity was rewarded as I heard that creative positioning and building relationships are two major keys to getting your book sold. That a book rarely sells itself – the author must also sell his or herself. This concept was eye opening but I took it to heart. Then I put it into practice when I returned home. I continue to hone the specifics, but the principles are solid. Here are some in a nutshell (in future articles I will go into detail on the how’s and what’s of each):

Write a good book and spend as much money as you can for good book design. If the book is not well written and interesting it may not ever get read. Take the time to polish your work, then get a good editor. In the meantime, spend money on a good book designer because it is true: people do judge a book by the cover.
If you are just starting out, place your book locally, then regionally. Visit the shops and introduce yourself and your book. Be flexible on your terms and offer to help them promote it. Of course you want it available in bookstores, but non-bookstores may be your best bet. I have some gift shops that outsell bookstores 50 to 1. Think about places that would be natural but unusual for a book – my cookbook is available in gift shops, bridal shops, cooking shops, spice shops, bed and breakfasts…you get the picture.
You’ve written a book. You’ve done something that a majority of people want to do but haven’t. That in itself makes you special. Put together a presentation and make yourself available as speaker/presenter. I have found that there are a lot of places that are looking for speakers. True, they may not pay, but you will be able to sell your book and get your name out. And besides, you never know who may be in attendance that could boost your career (more on that in a later article).
Research local and regional arts markets, art walks, and farmer’s markets. They are always looking for variety in their vendors. Spend some money on professionally designed poster boards of your book and pick up a good folding table and First Up tent from Wal-Mart then book yourself at these events. (Important Note: Don’t bring a chair. You want to stand and engage folk, not bore them with you aloofness).
Get acquainted with local media folk. I mean, really get acquainted. Sure, send out the requisite press release, but follow up with a friendly phone call or visit. Ask them what they need and offer to help them. You’d be surprised what a media person in your corner can do for you and your book.

These are just a few of the ideas I gleaned and put into practice from PUB-U. I hope I haven’t come across as an expert. I’m not. I’m still learning and I’ve made some mistakes. But ‘showing up’ is one principle that I’m committed to. Publishing University is coming up quickly. If this event is new to you, or if it’s one you’ve known about and always wanted to attend, I have only one recommendation to offer: show up. Because if you do, you’re 80% on your way to success.

Warren Caterson is the author of “Table for Two – The Cookbook for Couples”. He is a full-time writer and foodie who has studied at the Southeast Institute of Culinary Arts. Whether he is cooking for two or two hundred, he is convinced that life, joy, and communion can be found in a freshly prepared, and shared, meal. Warren and his family reside in Dunedin, Florida. He invites you to drop by if you’re in the area. There’s always something cooking. And there’s always enough.

Feel free to check out some of Warren’s recipes and helpful hints at: www.tablefortwocooks.com

Do Awards Make a Difference?

2011-09-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

The answer is Yes* (I’ll address the asterisk in a moment).

In this increasingly competitive age of publishing, it is important to make your book stand out in whatever ways you can. An award from a reputable organization says that your book is worth reading. A reader faced with a choice of buying your book with its shiny gold sticker on the cover versus one without will likely be lured by the glitz of your award. Being able to call yourself an award-winning author has its marketing advantages, too. It makes your book more appealing to bookstores, gift stores, and schools.

Do your research on awards contests before your book is published. There are hundreds of contests out there, so narrow it down to those that will make a difference to your target audience. Make sure that the contest is legitimate. There are many companies that are very willing to take your entry fee and give you a completely meaningless award. Look for the most prestigious contests for which your book is eligible. Carefully read the guidelines and submit your book correctly and on time. Enter in multiple categories if they apply to you to give yourself more of a chance. You may not always win, but if and when you do, congratulate yourself and share the news with the world. And that leads to our asterisk.

* Winning an award can make a difference. But just as in every facet of book publishing, it is really up to you, the author, to take advantage of the opportunity and market, market, market. Don’t rely on the awards organization or those shiny little stickers to speak for you. Write your own press release. Announce it on the social networks. Post it on your website. Toot your own horn!

-Ellen Wolfson Valladares, FPA Secretary

Promoting books with Blog Talk Radio.

2011-08-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

In any eMarket the goal is to reach a target audience, then build that audience. Blog Talk Radio, a free web application allowing users to host live online radio shows, creates a radio show about YOU. Exactly what the "E" world was missing! Authors can broadcast during their audiences' prime times, whenever that may be. (Cooking dinner, driving, exercising, at work, etc.)

How does it work? Read your blogs online no more than twenty minutes in length. Any longer and listeners tend to tune out. The station generates new material that can be converted into audio CDs or MP3s for iTunes. Your Blog Talk Radio Show then becomes an audio book income!

Remember. "That published book is only a calling card saying how wonderful you are!" -Mary Agnes Antonopoulos

-Mark Wayne Adams, FPA Board Member

How do I find a good editor?

2011-08-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

When you complete your manuscript, you are eager to get input. The important thing to remember is that the first people you often turn to – your mother, spouse, or children -- are not your editors. Whether you are self-publishing or sending your manuscript to an agent or publisher, you will need a professional editor who preferably has experience in your book’s genre.

Treat your editor search as if you were looking for the right doctor. Talk to other authors about their recommendations. Check the resources offered by your writers or publishers associations. For instance, the Society of Children’s Writers and Book Illustrators offers their members a list of editors who specialize in children’s books. Regardless of where you get the name from, take the time to check the editor’s previous works and references.

And finally, talk with the editor. Find out if they do both overall story editing and line editing, or if you will need another editor? Do they charge by the project or the page? Have they edited one or more books in your genre? Ultimately, this has to be a person with whom you feel comfortable working. So trust your instincts.

-Ellen Wolfson Valladares, FPA Secretary

How well should my manuscript be edited before I send it out to a publisher?

2011-08-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

Very well. Don’t show a fool an unfinished product.

These days, many submission readers and editors are gate keepers whose job it is to eliminate 90% of what comes across the transom. As a result, they’re looking for reasons to say, “no,” rather than searching for the next great American novel. Lots of spilling errorrs and grammutical misteaks provide an easy out for them to turn you down. Don’t give them that opportunity. Submit a good-looking, well-written, copy edited manuscript. If your book is accepted, expect more editing to come.

Publishers have their own requirements and interests, and they will want your book to reflect them. That’s OK, and it becomes a negotiation. Bottom line: do the editorial suggestions improve the work? If they do, say “yes.” If not, fight for your prose!

-Chris Angermann, FPA President

When should I start to think about marketing for my book?

2011-08-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

Ideally before you’ve written a single word. Short of that, before you go to print.

I know, most writers want to spend their time doing what they know and love best – putting their ideas into finely honed sentences and paragraphs. But in these times of internet and niche marketing, unless you’re willing to put on your marketer-promo hat, your book will likely collect dust or whatever the equivalent is for an e-book adrift in cyberspace. Remember, you’re competing with more than a million new titles, and your publisher won’t have the resources to promote you the way you and your work deserve to be publicized. And if you’re a self-published author – well, there you are. So take the time, each and every day, after you’ve dedicated your best creative juices to your manuscript, to do something, anything to get the word out. Believe me, it is easier to raise interest in “coming attractions” than “just published.”

-Chris Angermann, FPA President