1. Jay Leno's warmup guy
The celebrity-memoir is a popular category of book, but we've always been drawn to the memoir of people who worked with celebrities, but didn't really become a celebrity themselves. Read this piece for a great example of what we mean. Sounds like a fun book.
2. Should I enroll in KDP Select?
Just Publishing Advice gives you the pros and cons of KDP Select. We've had an author or two try it, but as soon as they did, they were no longer our authors. That's part of the deal.
3. The backstory and lasting impact of "The Jungle"
"The Jungle" is a classic, but this article in DNAinfo.com has all sorts of details about the backstory that you might not know. For instance, Upton Sinclair only lived in Chicago briefly while he wrote it.
4. RIP Harper Lee
One of the all-time great authors died this week. Her reputation might have been dimished slightly by the release of her "prequel" last year, but nothing can take away the lasting power and inspiration of her classic "To Kill a Mockingbird". It's simply one of the best novels ever written.
5. Self Publishing is About Breaking the Rules
Derek Haines at the Vandal points out something that all "traditional" authors should think about--there really aren't any rules in publishing anymore. The only rule is "try it and see if it works". He has a few good examples in this article.
6. The importance of keywords to ranking your book on amazon
There are some really great tips here. When you submit your book or e-book to amazon you have a few chances to submit keywords. Choosing those wisely is essential.
7. Eckhartz Press' Latest Release: Monkey in the Middle
Our publishing company (Eckhartz Press) has a new book available for pre-order. It's called "Monkey in the Middle and it's an incredible memoir. Comedian Dobie Maxwell tells the tale of how his life was affected by not one, but two bank robberies. Monkey in the Middle is hilarious, tragic, joyous, dark, and smart. In short, it’s just like the real life narrator of the story; Dobie Maxwell himself.
