January 14 BAIPA Meeting
Jim Azevedo, Marketing Director of Smashwords
(Morning Speaker + Afternoon Workshop)
Here’s a preview of the BAIPA January meeting by presenter Jim Azevedo.
My morning session will be more of an introduction to ebooks, how to create them and how to get them into online retail stores and public libraries. Perhaps more importantly, we’ll cover the why — that is, why are we talking about ebooks in the first place, and why do ebooks matter to indie authors and publishers.
The afternoon session builds upon the morning session by revealing real-world best practices that have helped indie authors reach the top of the charts.
An Introduction to Ebook Self-Publishing
It’s easier to self-publish an ebook than you might imagine. No technical experience necessary! In this introductory, jargon-free primer to ebook self-publishing, we’ll cover the basics. You’ll be presented an ebook publishing checklist covering everything you need to know to get started. The session will begin by providing an overview of the latest ebook market trends, and then we’ll provide detailed guidance on ebook creation, pricing and distribution. Attendees will learn how to get their books distributed to libraries and major ebook retailers. This session is ideal for both aspiring authors working on their first book, as well as professional authors who are investigating ebook self-publishing for the first time.
The Secrets of Ebook Publishing Success
In the next Smashwords workshop, Jim will reveal the best practices of the most successful self-published ebook authors. Among the best practices he’ll discuss, a significant amount of time (and about 20% of the slide presentation) will be devoted to cover images. You’ll see several bestselling cover examples from multiple genres, hear key advice about cover design development, and be shown a case study example from a NY Times bestseller. Simple, yet important strategies will be uncovered to help make your books more accessible, more discoverable and more desirable to readers. Authors and publishers will depart the afternoon session having learned how to self-publish with greater pride and professionalism.