My Story Blog
Judge a Book by its Cover
My Story
4th Edition
By Linda Sachs
How many times have you heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?”
Many times, right? It’s a clever way to say, “Don’t pass up something wonderful just because you don’t like the way it looks.” Unfortunately, for books, this is an accurate phrase. There are thousands of books published every day, and we judge book covers. We can easily pass it by if the cover doesn’t catch the reader’s eye.
A book has to stand out in its genre. However, this can’t cross the line of being so unique it no longer fits into its intended genre. Self-publishing has led me to discover and study many variables involved in constructing, publishing, and promoting my books. The importance of a cover is high on the list to get right.
Today I’m happy to share my cover reveal with you. Katrina did the cover and illustrations for both my children’s books. I love her work and I adore the scene she designed for this cover. It nicely sums up what you will experience inside the book and fits in perfectly with children’s picture book genre.
Click the COVER REVEAL link below and let me know if you love it as much as I do.
COVER REVEAL
Happy Reading,
Linda
Linda Sachs Books
This or That
~My Story~
3rd Edition
3rd Edition
When I wrote my first book in 1990, traditional publishing was the affordable way. From my local library, I could find a list of publishers currently accepting manuscripts inside an enormous book. I would carefully record contact information and submission requirements for my specific genre. Then write what I hoped was a decent query letter with synopsis. Next, I took my letter and printed hard copy to the post office to mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope inside so I could receive my acceptance letter, then wait.
The path to land a publisher’s interest remains a long and difficult one. That hasn’t changed, except most require you to use an agent to submit your manuscript. The internet has been a game changer for authors everywhere. Today you don’t need a gigantic book. Simply search the web to find all contacts and information you need. The internet has made self publishing another avenue for writers, with Amazon KDP and Ingram Spark making it affordable. A multitude of information is at your fingertip and support is around every corner.
Let's look at some of the differences between traditional and self-publish, and why some authors choose the latter, including some established authors.
The path to land a publisher’s interest remains a long and difficult one. That hasn’t changed, except most require you to use an agent to submit your manuscript. The internet has been a game changer for authors everywhere. Today you don’t need a gigantic book. Simply search the web to find all contacts and information you need. The internet has made self publishing another avenue for writers, with Amazon KDP and Ingram Spark making it affordable. A multitude of information is at your fingertip and support is around every corner.
Let's look at some of the differences between traditional and self-publish, and why some authors choose the latter, including some established authors.
When you look at the reasonings above, perhaps you see why writers desire to follow the traditional path. A big reason for not choosing the that path is the ability to maintain control of your work. For established authors with marketing experience, it makes sense to self-publish, keep their book rights and make more money at the same time.
It took a lot of time, trial and error, to make my book publish worthy. I decided I didn't want to give it to a publisher. Beyond the marketing support, cash advance and feeling of acceptance you get from the traditional publishing route, you still sign over your book. As a children’s picture book author, this could also mean they choose the illustrator. The final copy might be nothing you envisioned.
For me, for now, the indie author path is the one I have chosen. We all have options in life. It’s a privilege that we do. This path may look simple, but it’s the craziest path I have ever walked, and what’s crazier—is I’m actually having fun.
It took a lot of time, trial and error, to make my book publish worthy. I decided I didn't want to give it to a publisher. Beyond the marketing support, cash advance and feeling of acceptance you get from the traditional publishing route, you still sign over your book. As a children’s picture book author, this could also mean they choose the illustrator. The final copy might be nothing you envisioned.
For me, for now, the indie author path is the one I have chosen. We all have options in life. It’s a privilege that we do. This path may look simple, but it’s the craziest path I have ever walked, and what’s crazier—is I’m actually having fun.
Good Editing
~My Story~
2nd Edition
2nd Edition
As a young child, I wrote my first story, based on pictures I saw inside a cartoon book. Being too young to spell all the words I wanted to say, I employed my brothers to help me write my first story. I still remember feeling overwhelmed with pride for this accomplishment, and I planned to write forever.
However, my joy was temporary. When I presented my masterpiece to my parents to read, their horrified expression told me my brothers had let me down, and my story was not the genre I intended it to be. A little discouraged, I didn’t give up my desire to write. Though I learned my first valuable lesson - find good professional editing for your work.
However, my joy was temporary. When I presented my masterpiece to my parents to read, their horrified expression told me my brothers had let me down, and my story was not the genre I intended it to be. A little discouraged, I didn’t give up my desire to write. Though I learned my first valuable lesson - find good professional editing for your work.
Can you publish your book without a professional editor? Certainly! But your reader will recognize the subpar writing, and your book sales will reflect this.
Research to find your editor. Someone you can connect and work with. For myself, I searched among connections on social media sites, and looked for an editor who works in my genre, and then researched the editor’s testimonies. The editor I chose for What a Muck, understood where I needed help, and I’m confident she will make my book the best it can be.
That being said, the editing process can be extremely challenging, and disheartening. You submit your beautiful baby and hope the editor thinks it’s beautiful too, but technically they seldom do.
-A good editor is considerate of the writer’s ego. However, their job isn’t to make you feel good. Their job is with your writing and to make it great.
-A good editor will ensure your story keeps the author’s voice and style.
-A good editor has lots of experience and understands your genre.
Take your time and find a professional editor.
Here are two links I have connected with. Maybe you will find them helpful too when editing any of your writing projects.
Write Down the Line
ProWritingAid
Research to find your editor. Someone you can connect and work with. For myself, I searched among connections on social media sites, and looked for an editor who works in my genre, and then researched the editor’s testimonies. The editor I chose for What a Muck, understood where I needed help, and I’m confident she will make my book the best it can be.
That being said, the editing process can be extremely challenging, and disheartening. You submit your beautiful baby and hope the editor thinks it’s beautiful too, but technically they seldom do.
-A good editor is considerate of the writer’s ego. However, their job isn’t to make you feel good. Their job is with your writing and to make it great.
-A good editor will ensure your story keeps the author’s voice and style.
-A good editor has lots of experience and understands your genre.
Take your time and find a professional editor.
Here are two links I have connected with. Maybe you will find them helpful too when editing any of your writing projects.
Write Down the Line
ProWritingAid
Kayaking
~My Story~
1st Edition
1st Edition
Should someone who is afraid of water, and not a strong swimmer, entertain thoughts of kayaking?
Although I know things can go wrong, this sport appeals to me. I see myself, with paddle in hand, on a calm lake or river, on a warm sunny day breathing in all the freshness that nature offers. A peaceful and enjoyable outdoor sport.
In the past I have gone canoeing, once with another inexperienced rower. I learned a leisure canoe trip can be difficult if you don’t know who should paddle and on which side! With a kayak, it’s just you. Making the challenge greater.
If you have a desire to try something new, you work to make it happen. Learn the basics. Practice while keeping close to shore until your confidence builds, and each time out gets easier.
My thoughts about kayaking are like my early thoughts of writing. My debut book No More Pets, turned from the tranquil vision of writing and publishing a book to the exertion of learning on the job. I wrote and edited the book. My daughter had the illustrations completed. Friesen Press was on board to help complete the publication. What more did I need to do? Later I learned the easy part was the writing part.
Challenge yourself. It could lead to moments you wouldn’t get to discover if never ventured. Join me as I paddle along the publication path for What a Muck. I will share with you the choices I make throughout the publication process.
-self-published vs. traditional
-steps to edit your story
-judge a book by its cover
-plan launch day
-why you need a website
-is social media important, and how do you use it?
-get reviews
And more!
Email questions you have about writing. I will try to help answer them or suggest links that may be helpful.
Read to someone you love today.
Linda Sachs Books
Although I know things can go wrong, this sport appeals to me. I see myself, with paddle in hand, on a calm lake or river, on a warm sunny day breathing in all the freshness that nature offers. A peaceful and enjoyable outdoor sport.
In the past I have gone canoeing, once with another inexperienced rower. I learned a leisure canoe trip can be difficult if you don’t know who should paddle and on which side! With a kayak, it’s just you. Making the challenge greater.
If you have a desire to try something new, you work to make it happen. Learn the basics. Practice while keeping close to shore until your confidence builds, and each time out gets easier.
My thoughts about kayaking are like my early thoughts of writing. My debut book No More Pets, turned from the tranquil vision of writing and publishing a book to the exertion of learning on the job. I wrote and edited the book. My daughter had the illustrations completed. Friesen Press was on board to help complete the publication. What more did I need to do? Later I learned the easy part was the writing part.
Challenge yourself. It could lead to moments you wouldn’t get to discover if never ventured. Join me as I paddle along the publication path for What a Muck. I will share with you the choices I make throughout the publication process.
-self-published vs. traditional
-steps to edit your story
-judge a book by its cover
-plan launch day
-why you need a website
-is social media important, and how do you use it?
-get reviews
And more!
Email questions you have about writing. I will try to help answer them or suggest links that may be helpful.
Read to someone you love today.
Linda Sachs Books
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