That underpants tricks has reminded me of a story about a Ugandan politician from about two years ago. During an election, she donated an ambulance to a hospital in the constituency she was standing in and then when she lost, she took it back.
I know what you mean about paying for rewards. It feels like you're 'buying' a review and there's always a question whether the person doing the review is going to be honest. Are they being positive, because they like it or because they are looking for a regular gig?
Yup, that's my concern. I watched a booktube video today about "toxic positivity" saying as much. That's a tricky one. Some people simply don't review books they are going to be negative about, and so, therefore, appear overly positive. Then there is the issue of appreciating the work it takes to write a book and taking that into account. And avoiding being critical for entertainment's sake.
Thanks, Guy. I’m glad you're enjoying the reviews. I'm writing myself at the moment with the aim of being self-published and the biggest thing I'm concerned about other than the writing is the cost involved in self-publishing. It's somewhat depressing prospect to pay out a small fortune, in my current circumstances, to get very little in return.
Hi Arron, yes, very difficult to do for free but you can keep the costs pretty low if you work at it. There is one thing I would consider essential. 1. ISBNs. They are expensive in the UK. (Can you believe they are free if you live in Canada?!). You could use the "free" ISBNs offered by Amazon and other publishers but you are giving away your publication rights if you do. That's it. But, if you want your book to look professional, you are going to need software for interior formatting, because doing it yourself in WORD is a hassle and rarely looks good. I use Vellum which is medium expensive (and I think it only works on Mac?). But, I would say it is worth every penny. Next, I would recommend buying a cover from one of the on-line cover stores (around about $100), because a professional looking cover will make a big difference. I make my own covers, but that is because I have a little training as an artist. My other expenses are Canva, where I buy the "professional level" access on a monthly basis only when I need it, and ProWritingAid/Grammerly, which I only buy access to when I need them.
I went through what you went through and there is only one way to know if your book is any good and that is to get it accepted by an approved agent. I know what I'm talking about. Good luck.
Thank you for the advice! Right at the moment I have gotten into this stubborn frame of mind where I am determined to go this alone and beat the system myself. I think it is partly a reaction to the indifference I have experienced with editors at magazines and a resulting lack of confidence in my writing ability. I think if an agent approved my work I'd not believe them and suspect some ulterior motive :))
@@guyriddihough My friend, look at the size of you and then look at the size of the system. And then ask yourself, which has the most energy? And do you think you have enough energy to beat the system? But you do have enough energy to play the system, to work the system. And enough intelligence to analyse the system. To get on you must do what works not what your ego wants. Tough words but it's a tough business. I've written 86 novels and had six best sellers so I kinda know what I'm talking about. And it's best that you give the public what they want, not what you think they want. Best wishes to you.
Looks self-published and amateurish.
That underpants tricks has reminded me of a story about a Ugandan politician from about two years ago. During an election, she donated an ambulance to a hospital in the constituency she was standing in and then when she lost, she took it back.
Ouch!
I know what you mean about paying for rewards. It feels like you're 'buying' a review and there's always a question whether the person doing the review is going to be honest. Are they being positive, because they like it or because they are looking for a regular gig?
Yup, that's my concern. I watched a booktube video today about "toxic positivity" saying as much. That's a tricky one. Some people simply don't review books they are going to be negative about, and so, therefore, appear overly positive. Then there is the issue of appreciating the work it takes to write a book and taking that into account. And avoiding being critical for entertainment's sake.
Thanks, Guy. I’m glad you're enjoying the reviews. I'm writing myself at the moment with the aim of being self-published and the biggest thing I'm concerned about other than the writing is the cost involved in self-publishing. It's somewhat depressing prospect to pay out a small fortune, in my current circumstances, to get very little in return.
Hi Arron, yes, very difficult to do for free but you can keep the costs pretty low if you work at it. There is one thing I would consider essential. 1. ISBNs. They are expensive in the UK. (Can you believe they are free if you live in Canada?!). You could use the "free" ISBNs offered by Amazon and other publishers but you are giving away your publication rights if you do. That's it. But, if you want your book to look professional, you are going to need software for interior formatting, because doing it yourself in WORD is a hassle and rarely looks good. I use Vellum which is medium expensive (and I think it only works on Mac?). But, I would say it is worth every penny. Next, I would recommend buying a cover from one of the on-line cover stores (around about $100), because a professional looking cover will make a big difference. I make my own covers, but that is because I have a little training as an artist. My other expenses are Canva, where I buy the "professional level" access on a monthly basis only when I need it, and ProWritingAid/Grammerly, which I only buy access to when I need them.
Love your video
such a piece of cutie little yorkie ♥️🐕
Thanks ❤
I went through what you went through and there is only one way to know if your book is any good and that is to get it accepted by an approved agent. I know what I'm talking about. Good luck.
Thank you for the advice! Right at the moment I have gotten into this stubborn frame of mind where I am determined to go this alone and beat the system myself. I think it is partly a reaction to the indifference I have experienced with editors at magazines and a resulting lack of confidence in my writing ability. I think if an agent approved my work I'd not believe them and suspect some ulterior motive :))
@@guyriddihough My friend, look at the size of you and then look at the size of the system. And then ask yourself, which has the most energy? And do you think you have enough energy to beat the system? But you do have enough energy to play the system, to work the system. And enough intelligence to analyse the system. To get on you must do what works not what your ego wants. Tough words but it's a tough business. I've written 86 novels and had six best sellers so I kinda know what I'm talking about. And it's best that you give the public what they want, not what you think they want. Best wishes to you.