Friday Fun Facts: I Figured Out Jutoh!

Okay, this subject line may not mean much to you, but Jutoh is a software program that allows writers to format their own e-books. Formatting is one of the many areas where I had NO experience or expertise when it came to indie publishing, and as many authors do, I sought out formatters and paid someone to format my books for me.

What does this mean? Well, e-books need to be formatted in a particular file depending on the retailer/publishing platform/e-reader device. Kindles use mobi files, Nooks use epub files, pdf files are useful for other e-readers, etc.

The advantage of using someone else to format is that you can use that time to write. You can also be assured that the formatting will be professionally done and that the files won't be rejected when you upload them for publishing.

The disadvantage is that you're always paying someone else to do your formatting, and if/when you want to update the book files (like putting new links in the back), you have to pay that person again. And again.

An author friend of mine recommended using Jutoh, claiming it was very user-friendly  (and reasonably priced at only $39). Well, I was nervous. I had reservations even after I tried it. But! Lo and behold, after a few hours of tinkering and reading the User's Manual, I was able to produce a formatted file all by myself! This is huge. This will save me money and give me more control over updating my books whenever I want to.

Mac users, apparently Vellum is a great program for you to use -- check it out here.

I haven't mastered Jutoh, not by a long shot. But I have hope that I will become more comfortable using it and will save a great deal of money in the long run by formatting my own books (a typical novella can cost anywhere from $30+, and a full-length novel, $50+ for formatting).

What about you? If you're an indie writer, do you outsource your formatting, or do it yourself? Do you have a particular program you recommend?

Writers' Wednesday: Two Ways to Tease

Happy Hump Day! Today's post is for writers: among the many marketing strategies out there is the "teaser" picture, a visual that usually includes a book cover and titillating quote to make readers want to know more and buy the book. I am THE WORST when it comes to any kind of artistic design, but fortunately, there are websites out there that make it easy for even people like me to create some decent teaser images. Two I've used in the past are PicMonkey and Canva.

Here's an example:

Thankfully, it doesn't usually take too much time to create these, and while it's hard to say what the overall effect is on readers/purchasers, it can't hurt to have a few in your arsenal of promo, right?

Try them out...you might find them as fun as I do!  And if you have other websites you've used to create teasers, which do you like?

Monday Mentionables: A Sneak Peek at Setting Sail Today!

Happy Monday, everyone! I've posted an excerpt from SETTING SAIL, my brand new novella that will be releasing next month as part of the Passionate Kisses 2 boxed set, over at our Facebook page today. Stop by if you'd like to meet Jace and Pearl, the hero and heroine! 

Also, if you're interested in reading and reviewing this book, and you're able to do so and post your review on our release date of February 17, please let me know, and I'll send you an e-copy!