Monthly Archives: October 2013

How to Publish Your Book

publish your own book unconventional guide

Most of my friends (and including myself) have at some point said that we’d love to publish a novel. Since November is National Novel Writing Month and I’ve signed up for the NanoWriMo challenge, I wanted to share something that budding novelist may want to use. As you’ve seen in previous posts, I’m a huge fan of Chris Guillbeau and his micro-business philosophy.

He’s all about finding unconventional ways to make a business around the things you love and he has a guide for those hoping to get their works published. He has teamed up with David Fugate, a veteran literary agent who has sold 1,000+ books to dozens of publishers. Together they’ve created a detailed tactical and practical road-map and guide to getting it done.

Want to Publish Your Own Book?

As with other unconventional guides, there is a ton of information and resources that not only give you an overview of the process, but actual guides to help, including:

  • supplemental interviews
  • recordings
  • transcripts
  • sample contracts & proposals
  • Q&A with various editors

There are 3 customized versions you can get the guides, depending on just beginning on your book or if you’re getting your book out sooner. No matter which one you select, each version includes the main PDF guide and FREE updates for life.

publish your own book unconventional guide

The Hemingway ($129)

For everyone ready to get on the fast track to publishing their book… now. Get this one if you don’t want to waste any time.

  • The Monster PDF Guide. A huge, 45,000 word report written by master agent David Fugate, chock-full of sound advice on how to make your book a success.
  • Video interview on Book Marketing with Jonathan Fields. The bestselling author of Uncertainty (Portfolio 2011), Jonathan is also the founder of Tribal Author, a community that helps authors develop careers that lead to multiple book deals.
  • An extended audio interview with Chris Guillebeau on community building and how it relates to publishing. Learn how Chris pursues both traditional publishing and self-publishing to grow his audience and reach different kinds of readers.
  • Three 25-minute MP3 audio interviews with editors from Crown, Hudson Street Press and Little, Brown about what they’re looking for from aspiring authors.
  • PLUS! An additional interview with David Fugate explaining the book proposal process and why traditional books will continue to thrive
  • Detailed transcripts of all interviews and audio sessions

The Austen ($79)

This version is designed to help you get your book proposal accepted and get you started on writing your book.

  • The Monster PDF Guide. A huge, 45,000 word report written by master agent David Fugate, chock-full of sound advice on how to make your book a success.
  • An extended audio interview with Chris Guillebeau on community building and how it relates to publishing. Learn how Chris pursues both traditional publishing and self-publishing to grow his audience and reach different kinds of readers.
  • Three 25-minute MP3 audio interviews with editors from Crown, Hudson Street Press and Little, Brown about what they’re looking for from aspiring authors.
  • Detailed transcripts of all interviews and audio sessions

Click here if  The Austen version suits your writing and publishing needs.

The Fitzgerald ($58)

For those starting out on the idea for their book and want a frugal option, this guide will give you the information to let you test the waters.

  • The Monster PDF Guide. A huge, 45,000 word report written by master agent David Fugate, chock-full of sound advice on how to make your book a success.
  • Three 25-minute MP3 audio interviews with editors from Crown, Hudson Street Press and Little, Brown about what they’re looking for from aspiring authors.
  • Detailed transcripts of all interviews and audio sessions

Click here if  The Fitzgerald version suits your publishing needs.

Whatever you choose, I wish you the best on your publishing dreams!

Thoughts on the Publishing Your Book

How many of you are interested in becoming an author?

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Snagging a Great Hotel Deal with Drury Hotels

hotel stay at drury inn

We just got back from St. Louis after attending FINCON. We had a great time at the conference and I found a new hotel that I loved during our stay. It wasn’t our plan to go there, but I’m so happy it worked out that way.

Due to my procrastination, we found ourselves in a bind. With several conferences in town and the St. Louis Cardinals battling the Dodgers for a spot in the World series, hotel rooms were scarce, especially in our part of downtown. I was able to reserve a spot a block away from the conference, but I was told that they were booked for Friday and Saturday. That meant that my first two days were spent looking for deals by phone and web.

On Friday morning, I checked with front desk and they told me they still didn’t have rooms so I called around and found most rates in the $300+/night. Not willing to pay that much, I went online to find a hotel deal with Kayak. We needed to find something in our price range and hopefully in walking distance of the conference. That’s when I saw Drury Inn, two blocks from the conference AND within our planned budget price. I immediately booked it and told my husband I would be back right before check out time to move our stuff.hotel stay at drury inn

Discovering Drury Hotel

I hadn’t heard of the chain, but their competitive price  online motivated me to try them out and I’m so happy I did. Since check-out our first hotel was 12pm, I called Drury Inn to see if they could let us check in early or at least leave our luggage at their place until we could get a room. I spoke with a sweet woman named Jean who said they’d be happy to help us. So my husband and I got took our toddler and bags and walked over to the hotel, relieved to have found a solution to our problems.

And now the fun part. I discovered that my reservation was for the Drury Inn at another location downtown, one much further away.  I kicked myself for not paying attention to the details and explained to Aleanna our problem. Much to my surprise, she came to the rescue and delivered a solution to our problems.

She checked their inventory, found a room, honored our Kayak rate, called the location to cancel and let us check in early. It might not seem like a big deal to some, but I have worked at hotel with numerous locations in a town and if customers came in with the same problem we had, I’d be instructed to have them go to the other location. My former boss was firm about getting the highest rate for rooms.

With their downtown location right by the baseball stadium and business conferences, the Drury Inn was losing money to keep us. They could’ve charge double and still have someone book the room. I have no doubt about that.

Just because of that I was impressed, but there was more to like about the place.

What’s Included for the Price

One thing that irritates me about some hotels is that the advertised price online doesn’t reflect the real costs. It’s one thing to have taxes, but some chains will have numerous fees added in. With Drury we were pleasantly surprised at how much was included with our room rates.

  • Free wifi
  • Free hot breakfast (sausage patties, pancakes, eggs, and more)
  • 5:30 Kickback – Free happy hour (3 drinks for those 21 and over) and evening meal (chili, nachos, hot dogs, and more)

By the way, I also found out that if you stay Friday and Saturday night, your rate drops to $69 (plus taxes) if you stay Sunday.

Thoughts on Drury Hotels

the entire trip was enhanced by stay at the hotel. All of the staff  were courteous and kind. I’m so happy we discovered Drury and I will gladly stay again. I highly recommend you give them a try if an opportunity presents itself. Have any of you stayed with them? What was your experience?

Photo Credit: Drury

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