Self-Publishing: The Pros, the Cons, and Legitimate Companies You Can Use

A balanced guide to the pros and cons of self-publishing, plus legitimate platforms writers can trust and vanity presses to avoid.

Self-publishing has transformed the publishing world. Writers no longer need to secure a traditional publishing deal to see their work in print or available online. 

Today, authors can publish ebooks, paperbacks, and even audiobooks themselves, often with global reach.

However, self-publishing is not automatically the right choice for everyone. It comes with clear advantages, genuine drawbacks, and a landscape that includes both reputable platforms and firms best avoided.

This guide looks at the pros and cons of self-publishing and highlights legitimate companies writers can use with confidence.

The Pros of Self-Publishing

1. Creative Control

Self-publishing allows you to retain full control over:

Content and tone

Cover design

Pricing

Release dates

Updates and revisions

There is no editorial board to persuade and no requirement to reshape your work to fit a market trend.

For many writers, this freedom is invaluable.

2. Faster Time to Publication

Traditional publishing can take literally years from submission to publication.

Self-publishing can take:

Weeks

Or even days

This is particularly beneficial for:

Timely non-fiction

Serial fiction

Bloggers and content creators

Writers responding to current events or trends

3. Higher Royalty Rates

Self-published authors typically earn a much higher percentage per sale than traditionally published authors.

While exact rates vary, self-publishing platforms often offer:

Significantly higher ebook royalties

Transparent payment systems

Regular reporting

You may sell fewer copies, but earn more per copy.

4. Ownership of Rights

When you self-publish, you generally retain:

Copyright

Distribution rights

Translation and adaptation rights

This gives you flexibility for future opportunities, including audiobooks, foreign editions, or licensing.

The Cons of Self-Publishing

1. Upfront Costs

Self-publishing is not free if done properly.

Potential costs include:

Professional editing

Cover design

Formatting

ISBNs (depending on platform and country

Cutting corners here can harm credibility and sales.

2. No Built-In Marketing

Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing rarely includes:

Marketing campaigns

Media outreach

Bookshop placement

You are responsible for:

Promotion

Audience building

Visibility

Many books fail not due to quality, but because nobody knows they exist.

3. Discoverability Is Challenging

Online marketplaces are crowded.

Standing out requires:

Strong metadata and keywords

Good cover design

Consistent promotion

Patience

Success is often gradual rather than immediate.

4. Quality Control Is Your Responsibility

There is no external gatekeeper.

That means:

Mistakes can slip through

Poor presentation can damage reputation

Reviews may be unforgiving

Professional standards still matter — even when self-publishing.

Legitimate Self-Publishing Platforms You Can Use

The following platforms are widely regarded as reputable, transparent, and non-exploitative.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Best for:

Ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks

Global reach

Pros:

Easy to use

Huge marketplace

No upfront publishing fees

Considerations:

Competitive environment

Exclusivity if you enrol in certain programmes

IngramSpark

Best for:

Print distribution to bookshops and libraries

Pros:

Professional-grade printing

Wide distribution channels

Suitable for authors targeting bookshops

Considerations:

Setup fees

More complex interface

Draft2Digital

Best for:

Wide ebook distribution beyond Amazon

Pros:

Distributes to multiple retailers

Simple dashboard

No upfront fees

Considerations:

Slightly lower royalties due to aggregator model

Kobo Writing Life

Best for:

International and UK-friendly ebook distribution

Pros:

Strong presence outside the US

Transparent reporting

No publishing fees

Considerations:

Smaller market share than Amazon

Apple Books for Authors

Best for:

Direct access to Apple’s ecosystem

Pros:

High-quality storefront

Good international reach

Considerations:

Requires Apple-compatible setup

A Word of Caution: Vanity Presses

Be wary of companies that:

Charge large upfront fees

Promise guaranteed sales or bestseller status

Market themselves as “hybrid publishers” without transparency

Lock you into restrictive contracts

A legitimate self-publishing platform:

Does not require thousands of pounds upfront

Allows you to leave

Does not claim to market your book magically

If a company makes publishing sound effortless and expensive, proceed carefully.

Is Self-Publishing Right for You?

Self-publishing suits writers who:

Value independence

Are willing to learn

Accept responsibility for quality and promotion

Prefer long-term growth over instant validation

It may not suit writers who:

Want full marketing support

Dislike technical processes

Prefer traditional gatekeeping

Neither route is “better” — they are simply different.

Final Thoughts: An Empowering Option, Not a Shortcut

Self-publishing is not a shortcut to success, but it is a legitimate, empowering route for writers who want control, flexibility, and ownership.

Done well, it can be deeply rewarding.

Done carelessly, it can be frustrating.

The key is informed choice, realistic expectations, and professional standards.

Confronting Impostor Syndrome: A Writer's Guide to Self-Validation

In the creative realm, writers often find themselves grappling with an invisible adversary known as impostor syndrome. 

This psychological phenomenon manifests as persistent feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and a pervasive fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of success. 

While it's a common struggle among many creatives, understanding and effectively dealing with impostor syndrome is crucial for personal growth and creative fulfillment. 

In this blog post, we'll explore how writers can identify impostor syndrome and employ strategies to overcome its debilitating effects.

Identifying Impostor Syndrome:

Self-Doubt: Writers experiencing impostor syndrome often doubt their abilities and accomplishments, attributing their success to luck or external factors rather than their own skill and effort.

Perfectionism: The relentless pursuit of perfection can lead writers to feel like they are never good enough, fueling feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness.

Comparison Trap: Constantly comparing oneself to others, especially successful writers, can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and amplify impostor syndrome.

Fear of Failure: Writers may harbor an intense fear of failure, viewing any setbacks or rejections as confirmation of their inadequacy rather than as opportunities for growth.

Dealing with Impostor Syndrome:

Acknowledge and Accept: The first step in overcoming impostor syndrome is to acknowledge its existence and accept that it's a common struggle among many writers. Recognising that these feelings are not unique to you can be liberating and empowering.

Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Confront the negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that fuel impostor syndrome. Replace self-doubt with affirmations of your skills, talents, and achievements. Remind yourself of past successes and the hard work you've put into your craft. 

Embrace Imperfection: Understand that perfection is an unrealistic standard and that making mistakes is an inevitable part of the creative process. Embrace imperfection as an opportunity for growth and learning rather than a reflection of your worth as a writer.

Set Realistic Goals: Break down your writing goals into manageable tasks and celebrate small victories along the way. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and recognize that success is a journey, not a destination.

Cultivate Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, especially during moments of self-doubt and vulnerability. Practice self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.

Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to fellow writers, mentors, or mental health professionals for support and guidance. Sharing your struggles with trusted individuals can provide valuable perspective and reassurance that you're not alone in your journey.

Writer's Block: Impostor syndrome is also a cause of writer's block as it can gnaw away at the confidence of a writer which can bring about writer's block.

Impostor syndrome is a formidable foe that can hinder a writer's confidence and creative expression if left unchecked. By identifying the signs of impostor syndrome and implementing strategies to combat its effects, writers can reclaim their sense of self-worth and embrace their unique voice and talents. 

Remember, you are not an impostor! You are a skilled and deserving writer with valuable stories to share with the world. Trust in your abilities, honor your journey, and never underestimate the power of self-validation in overcoming impostor syndrome.

Unlocking Creativity: 10 Strategies to Spark Your Imagination

Creativity is a powerful force that resides within each of us, waiting to be unleashed. Whether you're an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to infuse more innovation into your daily life, unlocking your creativity can lead to a richer and more fulfilling existence. 

In this blog post, we will explore 10 strategies to spark your imagination and ignite the creative flame within.

Embrace Curiosity:

Curiosity is the driving force behind creativity. Cultivate a curious mindset by asking questions, exploring new subjects, and challenging your own assumptions. Engage with the world around you with a childlike wonder, and you'll find that curiosity is a key catalyst for creative thinking.

Divergent Thinking:

Break away from linear thinking and embrace divergent thinking. This involves generating a multitude of ideas without judgment. Use brainstorming sessions, mind maps, or freewriting to explore various possibilities without limiting yourself. Allow your mind to wander freely, and you might stumble upon unexpected creative gems.

Connect the Unrelated:

Creative breakthroughs often occur when seemingly unrelated concepts come together. Make a conscious effort to connect ideas from different domains. This cross-pollination can lead to innovative solutions and unique perspectives that others may have overlooked.

Create a Stimulating Environment:

Your physical surroundings can significantly impact your creativity. Surround yourself with colors, textures, and objects that inspire you. Consider introducing elements like plants, artwork, or ambient music into your workspace to create an environment that nurtures creative thinking.

Mindful Meditation:

Clearing your mind through meditation can create space for new ideas to emerge. Take time each day to practice mindfulness, allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment. This practice can enhance your ability to focus, reduce mental clutter, and open the door to creative insights.

Embrace Constraints:

Paradoxically, constraints can foster creativity. Instead of seeing limitations as roadblocks, view them as challenges that encourage you to think outside the box. Constraints force you to find inventive solutions and can lead to more innovative outcomes.

Collaborate and Share Ideas:

Engage in collaborative discussions with others to exchange perspectives and stimulate creativity. Sharing ideas, even in their early stages, can lead to valuable feedback and insights. Collaborative efforts often result in solutions that are greater than the sum of their parts.

Take Breaks and Rest:

Creativity flourishes when the mind is given room to breathe. Take breaks, go for a walk, or simply rest when needed. Stepping away from a problem can provide a fresh perspective and allow your subconscious mind to work on solutions in the background.

Embrace Failure:

Don't fear failure; embrace it as a stepping stone to success. Many groundbreaking ideas arise from the lessons learned through failure. Understand that not every idea will be a masterpiece, and each misstep brings you one step closer to a creative breakthrough.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset:

Adopt a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Embrace the process of creativity, understanding that it's a journey with twists, turns, and the occasional setback. This mindset will fuel your resilience and keep the creative flame burning.

Creativity is a skill that can be developed and honed with practice. By incorporating these 10 strategies into your daily life, you can unlock your creative potential and cultivate a mindset that embraces innovation. Remember, creativity knows no bounds, let your imagination soar and watch as new ideas and possibilities unfold before you.

Crafting the Perfect Pitch: How Authors Can Woo Publishers

So, you've penned your manuscript, revised it a dozen times, and now you're ready to take the next step in your writing journey, finding a publisher. 

In a world that's bursting with talent, it's crucial to know how to make your book stand out. To do that, you need to craft a compelling pitch. A strong pitch can be your foot in the door to the publishing world, and we're here to guide you through the process.

Understand Your Audience

Before you even think about approaching a publisher, you need to understand your audience and your book's market. What genre does your book fall into? 

Who is your target readership? What other books are similar to yours, and who publishes them? The more you know about your audience and where your book fits in, the better you can tailor your pitch to appeal to publishers who specialize in your genre.

Write a Stellar Query Letter

A query letter is your first point of contact with a publisher. It should be concise, engaging, and professional. Here's what to include:

A strong hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing sentence or two that encapsulates the essence of your book. Make the publisher want to keep reading.

A brief synopsis: Summarise your book's plot and major themes. Be specific and give a sense of what makes your story unique.

Author information: Provide a brief bio that highlights your relevant writing experience and any publications or awards.

A personalised touch: Mention why you're reaching out to this specific publisher. Did you enjoy one of their recent releases? Have you met them at a writer's conference? Personalise your letter to show you've done your homework.

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

Imagine you're in an elevator with a publisher, and you only have a minute to pitch your book. What would you say? Your elevator pitch should be a concise, one- to two-sentence summary of your book that conveys its essence and what makes it unique. Practice this pitch until it's smooth and captivating.

Create a Compelling Book Proposal

If a publisher expresses interest based on your query letter, they may request a book proposal. This is a more detailed document that includes:

A cover letter: A brief introduction summarizing your book and why you believe it's a good fit for the publisher.

A synopsis: A more in-depth summary of your book, including the main plot, character development, and any unique selling points.

Market analysis: Explain your book's target market and how it fits into the current literary landscape.

Author bio: Provide a more extensive bio, emphasising your qualifications and credibility as a writer.

Marketing and promotion plan: Describe your ideas for promoting your book, such as book tours, social media, or author events.

Sample chapters: Include the first few chapters of your manuscript to showcase your writing style.

Polish Your Online Presence

Publishers often research authors online before making a decision. Make sure your online presence is professional and engaging. This includes your author website, social media profiles, and any other platforms where you connect with readers.

Be Persistent and Patient

Rejection is a part of the publishing world. Don't be disheartened by rejection letters. Keep refining your pitch and sending it out to other publishers. Persistence can pay off, and many successful authors faced numerous rejections before finding the right publisher.

Crafting a compelling pitch is an essential step in the journey of getting your book published. Understanding your audience, perfecting your query letter, creating a comprehensive book proposal, and polishing your online presence are key elements in this process. 

Remember, patience and persistence are vital, as the path to getting published can be long and challenging. Keep honing your pitch, and you'll increase your chances of catching the attention of a publisher who believes in your work as much as you do. Good luck on your publishing journey!

(Image courtesy of Javier Rodriguez from Pixabay)

Crafting Captivating Poetry: A Guide to Writing Poems People Will Want to Read

Poetry is a beautiful and powerful form of artistic expression that has the ability to touch the hearts and minds of its readers. 

But, to create poetry that people will want to read, you need more than just words; you need to evoke emotions, tell a story, and make a connection with your readers. 

In this blog post, we will explore the art of writing poetry that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression with them.

Find Your Inspiration

To create poetry that resonates with readers, you must start with inspiration. Inspiration can come from anywhere, perhaps a personal experience, a powerful emotion, a painting, a song, or a simple moment in nature. The key is to be open to the world around you and find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Embrace Your Authentic Voice

Your voice is what sets your poetry apart from others. Don't try to imitate someone else's style or tone; instead, embrace your authentic voice. Your unique perspective and experiences are what make your poetry distinctive and relatable to other people.

Craft a Strong Title

The title is the first thing readers will see, and it can be the hook that draws them into your poem. It should provide a glimpse into the theme, tone, or subject matter of the poem while piquing their curiosity.

Choose the Right Form

Poetry comes in various forms, from traditional sonnets and haikus to free verse. Select the form that best suits your message and your style. Different forms can evoke different emotions, so choose one that complements your poem's content.

Show, Don't Tell

In poetry, it's often more effective to show rather than to tell. Use vivid imagery, sensory details, and figurative language (such as metaphors and similes) to paint a picture and allow readers to experience the emotions rather than simply being told about them.

Use Evocative Language

Every word in your poem should serve a purpose. Choose your words with great care, opting for vivid, precise, and emotionally charged language. Pay careful attention to the sounds and rhythms of the words as well, as they contribute to the overall musicality of the poem.

Create a Strong Opening

The first lines of your poem are vital. Crucial, in fact. They should engage your readers and set the tone for the rest of the piece. Consider using a striking image, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful statement to grab your reader's attention.

Build Emotional Resonance

Emotions are the heart of all poetry. Whether it's love, loss, joy, or despair, your poem should elicit an emotional response in your readers. Share your emotions authentically, and let them shine through your words.

Edit and Revise

Writing poetry is an iterative process. After your first draft, take the time to revise and refine your work. Cut unnecessary words, rearrange lines, and fine-tune the rhythm and flow of your poem. A well-edited poem is more likely to engage and resonate with your readers.

Share Your Work

Don't keep your poetry hidden away. Share your work with others through readings, social media, or by submitting it to literary magazines and competitions. Constructive feedback can help you grow as a poet and gain a wider readership.

Writing poetry that people will want to read is an art that combines personal expression, careful craftsmanship, and the ability to connect with the human experience. By finding inspiration, embracing your unique voice, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can craft poems that captivate readers and leave a lasting impression. So, pick up your pen or iPad and start creating poetry that will touch the hearts and minds of others.

(Images1 courtesy of Chrissy S from Pixabay and Ghinzo from Pixabay)

Search for best beer writer launched

Have you got what it takes to be the Beer Writer of the Year 2011 and win a cool £1,000?

The British Guild of Beer Writers has today announced the launch of its annual competition for beer writing, giving writers about beer the fantastic opportunity to enter their work in seven different categories, with one of the category winners to be named as the Beer Writer of the Year and receive the coveted Michael Jackson Gold Tankard Award.

The competition is open to writers, broadcasters, photographers, poets, illustrators, designers, webmasters and bloggers whose work has broadened the public’s knowledge of beer and pubs.

Guild chairman Tim Hampson said, “We received over 400 entries to the Awards last year – a record level that reflects the vibrancy of beer writing in the UK. We look forward to receiving another bumper crop of articles, books and blogs about beer this year, and to rewarding those whose work is judged the best.”

Nominations and entries are being sought for seven categories:

Molson Coors’ Award for Best Writing in National Publications - prize £1,000 & £500
For the best writing or broadcasting aimed at a general audience, published in the national (and international) press, consumer magazines, books, national television and radio.

Adnams Award for Best Writing in Regional Publications - prize £1,000 & £500
For the best writing or broadcasting aimed at a specific local or regional audience, published in local and regional newspapers, magazines, radio, television and CAMRA newsletters.

Fuller’s ESB Award for Best Writing for the Beer and Pub Trade - prize £1,000 & £500
For the best writing or broadcasting aimed at the brewing and pub industry, published in trade and company newspapers, newsletters, magazines, reports and websites.

Brains SA Gold Award for Best Use of Online Media - £1,000 & £500
For the best use of blogs, websites and social media, whether that be writing or use of other tools such as video or social networking.

Budweiser Budvar John White Travel Bursary - prize £1,000 plus trip to Czech Republic
For the best travel-themed beer writing (or beer-themed travel writing) or broadcasting. Entries can be from national, local or regional media, books, trade publications or online.

Shepherd Neame 1698 Award for Beer and Food Writing - prize £1,000
For the best writing or broadcasting on the subject of matching beer with food (an area formerly dominated by wine). Entries can be from national, local or regional media, books, trade publications or online.

Guild of Beer Writers Award for Corporate Communications – prize trophy to the winner
For the best writing/communication in a corporate environment. Entries can be for in-house or customer magazines, internal or external websites or corporate films/video blogs. This is a new award for 2011 and has been introduced to recognise the excellent work to promote beer which is produced by or on behalf of brewers, pub companies and other related organisations.

Winners to be announced at a prestigious beer banquet:

The winners will be announced at the British Guild of Beer Writers annual awards dinner. The event is being held on 1 December at the Park Plaza Riverbank in central London and will, as in previous years, be one of the beer industry’s ‘must attend’ events. The hotel’s chef will be working with experts from the Guild to create a beer and food matching menu to delight and challenge the 200 dinner guests.

The judges:

Judges are drawn from the worlds of journalism and brewing. Chair of judges is Simon Jenkins, winner of the 2010 Beer Writer of the Year title, who is joined on the panel by: Fiona Matthias, executive editor of The Sunday Telegraph; Martin Ross, journalist, writer and home brewer; Martin Kellaway, founder of Wharfebank Brewery in Leeds and Joanna Copestick, who has commissioned and published a number of books about beer.

How to enter:

Full details of how to enter will be found on the British Guild of Beer Writers website - www.beerwriters.co.uk/awards.php. Entries should be received by the closing date of Friday 9th September, and must have been published between 30 September 2010 and 31 August 2011.

FACTFILE:

Michael Jackson (27 March 1942 – 30 August 2007) who was known as the beer hunter, dedicated over 30 years to discovering, recording and then sharing the world’s finest beers in his numerous books, articles and TV broadcasts. He was the first Chairman of the British Guild of Beer Writers.

www.beerwriters.co.uk

A forgotten hero of journalism and writing: GK Chesteron - A forgotten hero

G K Chesterton was once one of the most famous writers in Britain, if not the world. He made several highly popular tours of the United States of America.

He was a journalist who wrote hundreds of articles -many of them never published in anthology form, so copious was his output. But all of them seemed to be of a high standard. He also wrote a number of books, the best remembered being the fantasy novel, "The Man Who Was Thursday".

But he has long faded into an undeserved obscurity. He wrote on a wide variety of topics. From what to do on a wet day to the advent of fads and cults and from new religions to the dangers of civil servants and "experts" from charities who seem more interested in following their own rules than looking after the people whose interests they were supposed to look after. No change there, then?

The following quotes from his writings show that Chesterton still has much to say to the modern world.

"There is a road from the eye to the heart that does not go through the intellect" The Defendant, 1901

"Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity." The Defendant, 1901

"Happiness is a mystery like religion, and should never be rationalised." Heretics, 1905

"If a man wishes to know the origin of human society, to know what society, philosophically speaking, really is, let him not go into the British Museum; let him go into society." Heretics 1905

"The artistic temperament is a disease that afflicts amateurs." Heretics, 1905

"The word 'orthodoxy' not only no longer means being right; it practically means being wrong." Heretics, 1905

"Truth must necessarily be stranger than fiction; for fiction is the creation of the human mind and therefore congenial to it." The Club of Queer Trades, 1905

"We talk of wild animals; but man is the only wild animal. It is man that has broken out. All other animals are tame animals; following the rugged respectability of the tribe or type." Orthodoxy, 1909

"The men who really believe in themselves are all in lunatic asylums." Orthodoxy 1909

"What is bad in the candid friend is simply that he is not candid. He is keeping something back - his own gloomy pleasure in saying unpleasant things." Orthodoxy, 1909

"Virtue is not the absence of vice or the avoidance of moral dangers; virtue is a vivid and separate thing, like pain or a particular smell." Tremendous Trifles, 1909

"To be clever enough to get all that money, one must be stupid enough to want it." The Innocence of Father Brown 1911

Overheard in a bookshop “Did Beatrix Potter ever write any books about dinosaurs?”

Every bookseller has stories about some of the weird and wonderful comments they have overheard in their bookshop whilst on the shop floor, not to mention a whole host of quirky customer queries. To celebrate Independent Booksellers Week, independent booksellers from across the UK have been invited to share some of their favourites...

SIMPLY BOOKS, Bramhill, Greater Manchester

Elderly chap came in on Saturday and asked whether we had one of Delia Smith’s books called Cooking for Sluts… didn’t bat an eyelid when I said the book I thought he was looking for was called How to Cheat at Cooking.

GROVE BOOKSHOP, Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Customer: I’m looking for a book, all I know is that it’s by a Scottish archaeologist who is on television

Bookshop Owner: Might it be this one, The History of Scotland, by Neil Oliver?

Customer: Oh, no, this was a much taller gentleman.

FOREST BOOKSHOP, Coleford, Gloucestershire

Customer: Do you have the latest book by Jackie Collins?

Ian (bookseller): Well there’s Lethal Seduction, her latest in paperback.

Customer: I’ve read that.

Ian: Or, ‘Goddess of Vengeance’ which is in hardback only.

Customer: No, I won’t bother with that one, the hardbacks are all dearer, for some reason…

THE MAINSTREET TRADING COMPANY, St Boswells

Customer: I’d like a Where’s Wally book please.

Bookshop owner: Our system says we have one in stock, but I, ah, can’t find it!

FALMOUTH BOOKSELLER, Falmouth, Cornwall

Customer: Have you got Lionel Ritchie’s Wardrobe?

(Same customer): Also, do you have the AA book of Milne?

RIPPING YARNS, London

Customer (to their friend): God, the Famous Five titles really were crap, weren’t they? Five Go Camping…Five Go Off in a Caravan…If it were Five Go Down to a Crack House it might be more exciting.

****
Customer: Do you have a copy of Jane Eyre?

Bookseller: Actually, I just sold that this morning, sorry!

Customer : Oh. Have you read it?

Bookseller: Yep, it’s one of my favourite books.

Customer: Oh great (sits down), could you tell me all about it? I have an essay to write on it by tomorrow.

****
Customer: Do you have any books on star signs?

Bookseller: Yes, our esoteric section is over here.

Customer: Good. It’s just I really need to check mine – I have an overwhelming feeling that something
bad is going to happen.

****
Customer: Do you have a book that lists aphrodisiacs? I’ve got a date on Friday

DEVIZES BOOKS, Devizes, Wiltshire

Bookseller: Do you need a bag for your books?

Customer: No, it’s OK, I have a cardigan.

BUY THE BOOK, Oakham, Leicestershire

Bookseller: Good afternoon, Buy The Book in Oakham, how may I help?

Gentleman: Can I book a double room please.

Bookseller: (after brief, confused pause): I’m sorry sir, I think you have the wrong number – we are a
bookshop.

Gentleman: (undeterred): OK, can I have a twin then?

www.independentbooksellersweek.org.uk

INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS WEEK, 18th- 25th JUNE 2011
Independent Booksellers Week (IBW), now in its fifth year, is a celebration of independent bookshops nationwide, and the important part that ‘indies’ play in their communities and the excellent, personal service they provide for customers.

Hundreds of events and promotions will be taking place at independent bookshops around the country. Local bookshops who take part in IBW are supported by the BA with the preparation of toolkit packs, including information on how to engage with the local community and media, and point-of-sale materials.

Brand new for 2011 is National Reading Group Day, which takes place on Saturday 25th June, a new initiative spearheaded by BA President, Jane Streeter, which will allow booksellers to focus on the Reading Group phenomenon, organise their own Reading Group Day, or partner with other organisations, such as local libraries, to create a lively reading group initiative.

THE BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION
The Booksellers Association (BA) of the United Kingdom and Ireland Limited [“BA”], representing over 95% of the specialist booksellers in the UK and Ireland, is committed to providing the widest possible range of services to its membership, the value of which far outweigh the cost of being a member.The BA is an inclusive association, representing bookshop chains, general and specialist independents, institutional suppliers, wholesalers, and supermarkets who sell books. 

The Association is very active in representing booksellers’ interests to publishers, the UK Government and the European Commission. But the BA particularly focuses on providing services to help its members increase sales and reduce costs, e.g. Electronic Gift Cards, which help facilitate the gifting of books in a modern, easy and attractive way (only BA members can sell and exchange Book Tokens). 

The BA also organises the annual Book Industry Conference, the conference for academic booksellers and publishers, and is a sponsor of The London Book Fair.

Welcome to Be That Writer

Welcome to Be That Writer.

Be That Writer is a free online course for people who want to be writers.

You could well have read books on writing, visited other online resources on how to be a writer, you may even have paid for courses on how to be a writer.

Be That Writer is different. Be That Writer will help you to become that writer who you have always wanted to be.

Be That Writer will tell you something that most other writing resources will probably not have told you. Much of what you will have read on becoming a writer is nonsense! Oh, yes, it will have been well-meaning, but nonsense all the same!

You will have been told: "Write about what you know." Really? Did you know that one of the most prolific and widely read writers of "Western fiction" (otherwise known as cowboy fiction) writes all his books from his home in Newcastle, England?

And if we should only write about what we know, how would  Lindsey Davis be able to write about her hero the Roman private enquiry agent Marcus Didius Falco? After all, if we are only to write about what we should know, how could any historically set novel or non-fiction article ever be written?

So rather than saying only write about what you know the BTW (Be That Writer) maxim would be extended out to say: "Write about what you know about... or what you can research."

Over time, Be That Writer will show you what you can write about, how to research it, who to write for, how to write and how NOT to write. The author behind Be That Writer is not only a published author and writer he works as a commissioning editor and will offer you valuable tips on what NOT to do when writing articles for publication in magazines and newspapers.