Resources for Indie Writers
The purpose of this page is to be a quick reference guide to for authors wishing to independently publish their works as eBooks, paperbacks and audiobooks.
Disclaimer: Should you choose to use any of the services listed on this page, the author of this page assumes no liability.
Grammar
Tip #1: Avoid the "me first" mentality. Always put the other person first.
Example: My sister and I went to the store. Tip #2: Homophones - words that sound the same but are spelled different. Example: Their (possessive) There (location) They're (contraction for they are). Your (possessive) You're (contraction for you are) Too (meaning also) Two (the number 2) To (denoting motion toward something). When writing, take a moment to check to be sure you're using the correct spelling of the word. Tip #3: The As Trap Avoid the overuse of the word as. If you find that you are using as a lot, you might want to find another word and change it up a bit. Use words like when, while, then, or because to make clear time and cause. Example: When I was in the tanning booth, someone stole my wallet. Example: Because I was talking my, soon-to-be ex-, wife left the room. Tip #4: Than vs Then Than is a comparison word. ie: She is prettier than her sister. Then denotes time. ie: There was a flash of lightning then the crash of thunder. Tip #5: Writing Numbers - Always spell out number at the beginning of a sentence. - Spell out numbers from 2,100 to 9,900 when they are expressed in hundreds. Example: twenty-one hundred - Spell out ages of persons and things, centuries, street numbers (up to twenty), military bodies, political divisions and sub-divisions and sessions of Congress. - Spell out the time of day when A.M. and P.M. are not used. - Use numerals when doing technical writing, siting a page number, house numbers and streets above twenty, measurements, hours of the day when using A.M. and P.M.* (*printed matter uses small caps for the abbreviations A.M. and P.M.) - Spell out the dates when the day precedes the month or the month is omitted. Example: The fifth of May.... Example: On the fifth the revolution.... Tip #6: Capital Rules -If words are directed by a person to himself or are merely unspoken thoughts, capitalize the first word but do not use quotation marks. Example: He said to himself, Here we go again! -Do not capitalize words indicating position or occupation when they are not used as titles. Example: The architect, Riley, and the treasurer, Chuck, were always at odds. -Do capitalize titles used in direct address expect when they can be applied to a wide class of people. Example: Yes, Your Honor, I understand. Example: The lords of the land rode into battle. |
Editing Services
Joyce Reynolds-Ward - Joyce offers editorial experience in both developmental and line editing. She's worked with professional writers, small presses, and students. Her background includes an education Masters degree with a focus on remedial writing, and she's spent time as the consulting professional in writing workshops associated with Miscon and Orycon.
FORMATing Services
Running Horse Author Services
- Indie author Pam Bainbridge-Cowan assists authors with formatting manuscripts for print and eBooks. Check out her website for her fees and her availability by clicking on the heading . Book Cover Designers & ARTISTS
J Caleb Design Is Extremely knowledgeable about genres and making your book stand out. Fast, reasonable and easy to do business.
Contact: jcalebdesign@gmail.com Covers by Roslyn
rOSLYN IS AN EXTREMELY TALENTED DESIGNER. WORKING WITH YOU TO DESIGN THE PERFECT COVER FOR YOUR BOOK. Contact: Roslyn McFarland oLHA bODNAR IS A TALENTED AND CONSCIENTIOUS ARTIST. SHE WILL WORK WITH YOU UNTIL YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE END RESULT.
(SHE DREW THE CHARACTERS ON THE Charlie mACcREADY mYSTERY SERIES.) CONTACT: OLKABODNAR14@GMAIL.COM ISBN NUMBERS
AN ISBN ENSURES YOUR BOOK'S INFORMATION WILL BE STORED IN TEH BOOKS IN PRINT DATABASE WHICH IS CONSULTED BY PUBLISHERS, RETAILERS AND LIBRARIES AROUND THE WORLD.
BOWKER IDENTIFIER SERVICES OFFERS A VARIETY OF PACKAGES AND SERVICES INCLUDING REGISTERING AND COPYRIGHTING YOUR BOOK. |
Where to Publish
Trade Paperback/Print on Demand
INGRAM SPARK: - THE MAJOR BOOK DISTRIBUTOR FOR BOOKSTORES OFFERS A RETURN POLICY FOR p.O.D. BOOKS THAT NO OTHER PRINTER DOES, this IS KEY TO GETTING YOUR BOOKS INTO BOOKSTORES. THEY OFFER BOTH PHYSICAL BOOKS PUBLICATION AS WELL AS DIGITAL FOR A NOMINAL FEEL. wELL WORTH IT FOR THE SERVICES THEY OFFER. Digital eBooks DRAFT 2 DIGITAL - user friendly interface, free isbn, formatting guide. They make your eBook available for multiple e-Readers. Offers ability to DOWNLOAD .MOBI (kINDLE), .EPUB (iPAD), .PDF VERSIONS OF YOUR EBOOK. additionally THEY OFFER PRINT BOOKS SERVICES AND AUDIO BOOK SERVICES. Amazon Kindle & KDP - user friendly interface and helpful formatting tips. KDP Marketing promotions available if you agree to publish your eBook exclusively through them for 90-days. These promotions have varied success. Indie-friendly Bookstores
Books N Time - Silverton, Oregon
Jan's Paperbacks - Beaverton Oregon Interstellar Overdrive - Vancouver Vintage Books - Vancouver Cover to Cover - Vancouver Writers Groups & Support
Northwest Independent Writers Association (NIWA)
Offers support and marketing opportunities to its Indie Authors/Members. Bloggers who support indies with great advice: J.A. Konrath Kristine Kathryn Rusch Dean Wesley Smith MARKETING / WEB ADS
MOCKUP SHOTS - GET 3D MOCKUPS, .GIFS, AND VIDEOS OF YOUR BOOK FOR TWITTER ADS, FACEBOOK ADS, ETC.
mOCKUP SHOTS HAS A ONE-TIME FEE FOR LIFE AND OFFERS A WIDE SELECTION OF ADS. EXAMPLES: |