Making progress towards publishing my first ebook

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Hello again; Well, I hate to be one of those people who only seems to have one subject. You know those people who every time you meet them or read one of their posts they have nothing else to talk about. In this case I am working towards my first ever ebook and there are a lot of decisions yet to be made. I want to thank you all for helping me out so much. I have made a few decisions, and I still need more help.

 

Chosen a price

 

First, I have settled on a price I have decided to go with $14.95. That seems to be the consensus of what would be the highest someone should charge for a first ebook. I have heard from several people who say that I can raise the price later if I feel like I have earned enough recognition to do so. I have also been told that I could start the book out at free and have it go up to my price after the first week. I think I want to start with my price from the beginning, so as soon as all the editing is done; that is what I will be doing.

 

Special offers

Next, I need to decide on inducements for my subscribers and those people who are part of my online community whether they are subscribers or not. I have decided that I will offer it for free to subscribers. And I also plan to offer it for free to members of my online support groups such as Bloggers Helping Bloggers on Linked in, Blog to Build Your Business on Google Plus, The Texas Laparoscopy Consultants Group on Face Book, and Harleena’s amazing community at Aha Now. I believe most will happily post a review of the ebook to amazon after reading it.

 

 

Online group yes or no?

 

I have also noticed that a lot of coaches have online communities on face book or their own websites. I was wondering what you think about me starting a private face book group as part of the launch? If I did that, is it something that I can mention as also having value? If it is something I want to include, could you please send me resources for the best site to create a community on as well as information about best practices?

 

More cover images

 

Now, to the more difficult decision the cover image. As I’m sure you can imagine this is more complicated because i am blind and cannot easily judge suggestions given to me for the cover. I thought me and Chelsea did a good job coming up with something. However, I did want to listen to your suggestions. Below, you will find some more options to choose from. I know people say not to give your readers too many options to choose from, but I couldn’t leave someone out after they gave so freely of their time and talents to make suggestions. I hope you will share your honest thoughts with me on them.

 

Lorraine’s suggestions

 

These first four images were created by Lorraine Reguly. She took Chelsea’s image and edited it. She did tell me about the different options, but I have decided not to try to repeat her descriptions to keep from influencing your opinions or decisions.

 

Max cover option 1

 

Max cover option 2

 

Max cover option 3

 

Max cover option 4

 

Angela’s suggestions

 

These next three were submitted by Angela McCall. She is a free lance writer and graphic designer. Again I’m not going to confuse things by adding her description.

 

Darkness into the light 1

 

Darkness into the light 2

 

Darkness into the light 3

 

Wanda’s offering

 

And this last one is from Wanda Anthony. Like Chelsea, Wanda is a visually impaired photographer and videographer. I appreciated her submitting her own take on the cover.

 

Book Cover 6

 

I realize that helping me choose a cover would be much easier for you if you knew more about what the book will be about, but I’m not about to give it all away. I want there to be a reason for people to download the book whether they are buying it or getting it for free. I want to be one of amazon’s best sellers so I can get their help promoting the book. Just know that it is written in my usual honest and open style. I share some of my experiences some of which you may have heard before if you have known me for long. And I do my best to connect with the reader and build a relationship that will lead to their success.

 

Hopefully, next week will have a post that doesn’t focus on the process of publishing the ebook. Like I said I am still nervous about this whole process. I want it to go well, and while my friends are telling me not to get my hopes up; I hope it is financially successful as well as personally fulfilling and professionally satisfying.

 

Lesson learned

 

When I started out to write the ebook, I had no idea what all would be involved. I only thought as far as writing the book. I didn’t anticipate needing an editor, but I can now see the wisdom of having hired one. While my writing sounds good to me on my computer, and many of my friends have complemented me on my writing style; I have to remember that amazon and online publishing in general is very competitive. I also have realized that the world is very visual, so to compete my work has to be visually appealing as well as providing information, inspiration, and motivation.

 

I also didn’t look far enough ahead to think about things like formatting the ebook for submission to amazon or the additional technical requirements of submitting to Create Space. I also hadn’t really thought about pricing, incentives, distribution, reviews, and more I still haven’t thought about. 🙂 But this is a good thing and my point. You shouldn’t let yourself get bogged down by or overwhelmed by all the details. If you just get started, you can take care of all the details as you move forward. You can learn the skills you need, or you can ask people to help you. And if you have a strong online community, you will get offers of help.

 

Sharing is caring

 

Here is where I ask you to help me share the post. And yes I would love it if you emailed this to your friends and family or posted it to your social media networks. But I wouldn’t be where I am without the help of a lot of great people. So, if you really want to show your appreciation, then please visit the websites mentioned above. Check out their posts, and share them online. I would be very grateful to you for this.

 

Well, that’s it for today. I appreciate your taking the time to read the post. I hope you will consider dropping me a line via the contact form. I love hearing from you and very little is off limits. If you have read much of my work, then you know if anything I am too open and honest. Also, I want to get to know you. I want to become your friend and help you with your problems. And I’d love to be part of your victories as well. Thanks again and take care out there, Max

 

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108 thoughts on “Making progress towards publishing my first ebook”

  2. I applaud you for taking the step to publish an ebook. On the outside it seems easy. When you start done that path it seems all is going well, and WHAM, you’re hit with all the things you need to know and learn to move forward. I’m right there myself. I have had to relearn stuff to pub my new book… LOL. All I can really add is keep on trucking… you’ll get there. As far as the cover, I like the last image the best. 🙂
    Susan Cooper recently posted…Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe: #RecipeMy Profile

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    • Hi susan; thanks so much for your encouragement. as they say the best thing for any problem is knowing you aren’t in it alone. and if lorraine wasn’t leading me by the hand who knows where i would be. I actually thought about publishing it without having it edited but wondered just how much slack people would be willing to give me because I followed my own advice and published an imperfect book instead of waiting for it to be a much better one. and yes a couple friends said i would have gotten a bit of a pass for being blind. but i want to do this one right. I have only delayed a few weeks because of it not years. and I’m not shooting for perfect just professional. 😉 interesting you liked the last one best. I tell you choosing an image is going to be the death of me. lol shared the recipe on the tlc site and told them to come back and say hi if they used it and enjoyed it. thanks again and best of luck with your own project. xoxo max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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  3. Hi Max,

    You are nearly there dear friend, so hold on 🙂

    Wow! Thanks so much for the free offer of the book for my blog community – the ABC (Aha!NOW Blog Community) or Ahaians as they are lovingly called. I know they ALL would LOVE this special offer from you and I am sure each one who reads it, would be more than happy to write a review as well.

    Coming to the price, I think I mentioned about it in my earlier post, and eventually you have to decide on what suits you, especially if you have spent on various things, including editing, the cover and other stuff. I would personally give it at a much lower price, being my first, but even this price seems alright I guess. Not a bad idea about clubbing it with your coaching 🙂

    About the cover, the last colored one isn’t bad either – adds color to the book cover. But I can understand why you went for the black and white one instead and that has a charm of it’s own. Out of all of these I would choose Angela’s #3 because it also looks the size of a book cover (rectangular) and apt too – go for this one – sure!

    I know how tough reaching such a decision can be because the more people you ask, the more the views, and eventually it’s you who has to decide. So, I wish you the best with things and we all look forward to reading your ebook now.

    Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a nice weekend, though I know you’d be busy working 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted…How to Write a Book And Get it Published: A Beginner’s GuideMy Profile

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    • hi harleena; thanks for being such a good friend. Yes, I know you told me to go lower on the price. If i had been able to edit it myself and feel confident it would appear professional then i could have probably gone with $2.49. I am going into this with my eyes wide open. if necessary I am prepared to lower the price based on early sales. the offer of the book for free to get reviews came from reading harsh’s post on aha now and exchanging emails with him. and I couldn’t think of a better group of people to offer it to than my family of bloggers at aha now. after all, my guest post on your site and the response to it went a long way towards encouraging me to share even more with my readers. I will consider the process of writing an ebook a success regardless of sales because I do realize it took a lot for me to get her. and it would take a lot for any of my readers to do so as well. but i’ll be honest enough to admit that I do hope for critical approval and financial success. I’d hate to have to take money from my next ride sale to pay for the editing. I’ve decided to be positive. I think given my community and the opportunities I have coming up to promote it; that I will do all right. thanks for your help and support my friend. take care, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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    • Thank you, Harleena. I second emotion what you just said on the Cover Book #3. That is how I feel also. Number #3 looks more like a book. And I’m used to seeing that shape offline and online. Majority of my professional Kindle book publisher use that vertical shape instead of the horizontal one.

      I love the black & white effect, what Max originally intended to do, because it gives more of a “mysterious” look. It’s like having your life first in the black & white mode then turned it on the color mode after reading the book.

      Thank you so much for liking it.

      God bless,
      Angela
      Angela McCall recently posted…How to Get a Job InterviewMy Profile

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      • You are most welcome Angela – and well done with all the other 2 covers too 🙂

        Yes, I felt the same way – it does give a real book feel, and even if Max ever wants to get it published later as a hard copy, it would work best for him.

        The black and white works best and perhaps it’s kind of also his world and how he sees it – and yes, there is a slight tinge of color to the mans face in #3 as he sees the light of day…just that wee bit (if it’s there as I can see a little), and it has a great affect this ways.

        I’d choose it yet again 🙂
        Harleena Singh recently posted…7 Harsh Realities Of Blogging That Bloggers Should KnowMy Profile

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        • hi harleena; i’m learning a lot by reading all the replies. I’m glad angela decided to come by and get the conversation going. since i do want to publish in hard copy your thoughts about number 3 looking like a hard copy book is a point in its favor. i have one person who has requested the first signed copy and wants to be sent several when its available to put out at her live events. and of course i will want to do the same. thanks sweet harleena. but i never expect anything less from you my friend, max
          maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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        • Max, I’m not sure how much you could see before then before you got blind completely. Some of the blind people used to see and their vision just got worse.

          If you could depict in your mind a tunnel and in the middle there’s a light and a man walking out. This photo is actually in color. But because the tunnel is on black & white, therefore the camera picks out the black & white tone instead. So some said this may look like black & white but actually there are some color to it except the majority that that camera picked out are the black & white colors.

          Above that photo is the verbage that says “Leading Out Of Your Darkeness Into Light”. The font are san-serif. Sorry about the jargon words here. San-serif means that the fonts do not have “tails” at the end. It is very simple. I chose that font because it’s SIMPLE and I’d like the photo to stand out more. I didn’t want to conflict the font & the image because it will be too busy and your book might look like a Christmas tree. Simple is Beautiful.

          Anyway, I’m not sure if I’m good at depicting to you the picture just by saying the words…but I hope you get the idea in your head…

          Angela
          Angela McCall recently posted…I Finally Got My Wacom TabletMy Profile

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        • Forgot to say…at the bottom of the book cover says “Maxwell Ivey Jr.” in a tad smaller font because we want the title of the book to stand out more before your name. Your name is secondary. The title of the book is first, right?

          Anyway, you want to use the white font over the black background. You don’t want to use a navy blue or dark gray on a black background since the tunnel is black. Believe this or not, the White against Black is what our eyes are drawn into the most. I know colors are nice. But in reality, it is what “catches” most of people’s eyes.

          Anyhoo…talk more later…
          Angela McCall recently posted…I Finally Got My Wacom TabletMy Profile

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  4. Hi Max,
    I just read this post and the last one at the same time, and I can’t believe how much you’ve accomplished in such a short period of time! I think your lesson of just getting in there and doing it instead of waiting for everything to be perfect is well illustrated in these two posts. Now, on to my responses…

    Cover: I like Angela’s options 2 and 3, but especially 3. One suggestion I have is to tweak the text to emphasize the words “darkness” and “light.” Everything about the photo is visually compelling, but I think the text could be emphasized a little more to point out those words.

    Pricing: I love the idea of bundling the book and an hour of coaching. I think you could charge a bit more, like $39.95.

    Facebook Group: Absolutely yes. I think it creates a sense of community and a great way to communicate with your people.

    Is that everything? I hope so. No, I forgot to congratulate you! You are not only accomplishing something great for yourself, but you’re living out an example for all the people you’ll be coaching. I’m inspired, and when I get ready to write my book, I know where to go for advice!

    Thanks for sharing,
    Meredith
    Meredith Wouters recently posted…New Adventures and an Etsy ShopMy Profile

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    • Hi Meredith; You are a wonderful friend. I am happy to hear that you are proud of me. I’m also enjoying the fact that I can and have inspired you my friend. It seems that most people like angela’s with two getting more votes than three but some of the votes came in on face book so they aren’t posted here. I have been exchanging emails with the owner of a group on face book, and he has offered to help me set up my own group. I will get more serious about that now. And its cool that you think i should ask for more for the book and an hour of coaching. I love what you said about the book being proof of the kind of coach i will be to potential clients. You know that’s one of the things I do best just showing up and doing what I can. No false modesty just acknowledging that I may be more of an example than a coach or mentor. but that’s the thing about not having had actual paying clients yet. each person I do eventually work with will be an opportunity not only to help them grow but to learn myself at the same time. and I’m no expert on the whole publishing thing. writing the book was relatively easy, but editing, publishing, promoting, pricing, etc is all new. will be happy to help when you do write that first book. and will be there cheering you on just like you have done for me sweetie, Max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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    • Hi Meredith,

      I see what you are saying. We can emphasize the “darkness” and “light” more. Great suggestions! 🙂 However, if the cover emphasize more on the “photo” per se, I think the text should be simplified. You don’t want to make this too busy.

      On the other hand, if the text is the main priority of the visual, then perhaps the “darkness” and “light” words can be more graphically expressed. What do you think?

      I enjoy brainstorming this. <3

      Angela
      Angela McCall recently posted…I Finally Got My Wacom TabletMy Profile

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      • Yes, I agree that the text shouldn’t be too busy. I like that it’s very simple and direct. It’s just that with a longer title like that, I feel that your eye should “land” on those two words a little more somehow. I think it’s a great idea to emphasize them graphically.

        Max has found a great resource in you – I have so much respect for people who know how to solve these kinds of problems!

        Reply

  5. First Max, congratulations on all you’ve done to get to this point. I am so proud of you.
    Next, I like the last image – by Wanda – best.
    I think your pricing sounds fine but I agree with Meredith – you could increase the price of the bundle a bit or like you say, start low and work up.
    Now I need to go check out Harleena’s community site and her post about How to write a post.
    Once again, Max – much success to you – you have certainly earned it.
    Lenie recently posted…Mammogram – Do You Know The Facts?My Profile

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    • Hi Lenie; Thanks so much for being part of my journey and my online family. I feel good to hear you and others are proud of me. It seems people are divided between the last one and either the second or third of angela’s offerings. naturally i would love to go with wanda as it would mean bringing another visually impaired person along for the ride. I have chelsea stark already the woman who took the photo who has limited periferral vision. and then there is me. 🙂 I appreciate all the people who lent their time and energy to helping create these ebook cover options. And I do feel encouraged that you are the second person to suggest that $39.95 for the bundle is a better choice. 🙂 perhaps I’m not thinking big enough. Maybe I should also offer the book plus four weeks of coaching at $199.95. of course, they wouldn’t have to do it every week. that could be once a month or twice a month. would have to specify a time limit then. lots to think about and many decisions to be made. thanks so much for your support my friend. take care, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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  6. Hi Max,

    Writing an e-book takes time and you need to devote many hours a day to make it perfect. I know when you get engaged with such type of things then its hard to update your blog regularly.
    But this is also important. It will help many bloggers who want to learn more.
    Its good to see the mentions you have added here.

    Thanks for sharing with us.:)

    Have a nice day
    ~Ravi
    Ravi Chahar recently posted…How To Set Default Category For Your Posts In WordPress?My Profile

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    • Hi Ravi; Yes, when you are expending energy on a new project and having to learn so many new things; it is hard to keep up your blogging. but you have to or you lose the audience that you need when the new thing is launched. its hard enough to attract people so you don’t want to have to start over. I’m just glad that my good friends and loyal readers like you haven’t already gotten tired of hearing about the ebook. I figure there has to be at least one more for the actual launch, and then since I am all about sharing results and finding success there will have to be a follow up detailing my feelings about the whole experience. I have been exchanging emails with some new friends who are yoga fans and or teachers and it seems I may be working on some yoga audio and or video for the blind. we’ll see. thanks again for staying with me. take care, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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    • hello my friend; thanks for sharing your thoughts. not being able to choose myself based on the visual aspect hearing everyone’s thoughts is very important. I value all of your contributions and hope we come up with something amazing. well i know we will. thanks for the good wishes on the ebook. I believe its something that by completing shows people especially potential clients what kind of person i am. and the eventual value of the book may be in personal satisfaction on a job well done and as a means for bringing in clients and selling future books or products. thanks again and take care, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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  8. Hi Max,

    You know I’m going to choose my book cover. I like the one that simply says, “Into The Light” because I think the original is too long as you know. The good part is, you get to choose for your own blog.

    I’m glad you decided to get the ebook edited before publishing. Having it ‘perfect’ lends credibility. Even though we all make mistakes we don’t want to see them in published materials. As they say, “You only get one chance to make a first impression”.

    I don’t know anything about pricing so I won’t speak to the idea one poster had about the price is too high. I don’t know if $4.95 is a good price or not either. I do think you should stick with whatever price you come up with unless you need to put it on sale down the road. Raise the price on subsequent books if you’d like. I think you are leaving money on the table if you make the book free to subscribers, and others in your current networks. These are the people who know your work. They know something about you and your accomplishments. People who know about you are the ones who will get your numbers up.

    Getting the word out to the masses is a job in itself. Seems like having some sales under your belt will help with future sales to the general public.

    I already have much to do and keep up with; I know I wouldn’t spend much time on another online community.

    I wish you all the best and I admire how you keep so many irons in the fire. I look forward to seeing your ebook available on Amazon and such places. Take care and keep smiling.

    Reply

    • Hi Wanda; I do greatly appreciate your submitting an image, and I’m happy several people have chosen it. unfortunately most of them who did voiced their opinion on face book rather than coming to the blog. well you can’t make them post. 🙂 I agree with you about the need for an editor. I wish I didn’t feel that need, but this will be the first time many people read my work. I don’t want them to just like it i want them to be blown away. I want it to be another time when they think a blind man wrote this, dang. and then they will think I have to write him, meet him, follow his blog, pay him, etc. and I’m noticing one of the most active discussions in a while here over helping me choose the image. just wish i could see good enough for about an hour to make my decision. but then again the fact that I am doing this and manage it without being able to see it is another advertising point. thanks so much. You are a great friend and hope to meet you someday, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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  9. Hi Max,

    I was waiting for your reply via email. But to my surprise I didn’t know you were going to post my Book Cover suggestions. I am flabbergasted. You really are full of surprises!! 😀

    I guess I have said to you on my email that I like the #3 book cover because of it’s size. The size of most books published in prints. We try to mimic it in the online world. Majority of the my professional kindle publisher friends used that “vertical” shape rather than the “horizontal” one. But everyone has their own preference, right?

    So I really hope that you make the right choices. I am here to support you 100% and again CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

    I’m proud of you.

    Angela
    Angela McCall recently posted…I Finally Got My Wacom TabletMy Profile

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    • Hi angela; it means a lot to hear you are proud of me. I really shouldn’t have gone so long without either thanking you so you knew i received your amazing work or telling you it would be in my post. since it is your work your creative baby i really should have asked first. I’m sorry if i worried you or stepped out of bounds. by the tone of your comment though it sounds like you are happy seeing the images here. I did edit the post so it says free lance writer and graphic designer. wouldn’t want people not knowing about all your talents. 😉 and it does seem that your third one makes a lot of sense because i could use the same image for the kindle version and the actual book when we submit to creative space. and i love the way the image hints at a transformation. thanks also for sparking one of the livelier conversations we have ever had on this blog. it all helps promote the book. you and all my lovely readers are helping to build a buzz for it. well am waiting on the editing and then will announce a cover image selection and start the next phase the sell sell sell and sell some more. to that point i have two podcast interviews and a guest post coming up next month. which reminds me I better get to editing that goes post. I want it to be amazing too. you rock angela. until later, max xoxo
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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      • Oh dear, you don’t have to change your “text” post. *LOL* I was just being witty. I am a Freelancer and also I am a Contractor. I do both. So far I am working on some of the Contract Jobs here in California. The sun is looking good on the other side. I am hopeful and I am positive that things always happen for a reason. I thank God for all of the blessings….

        Angela
        Angela McCall recently posted…How to Get a Job InterviewMy Profile

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  10. Hi Max,

    This is a huge milestone that you have reached. Writing a book on a whole is challenging – you have to deal with set backs and pushing to meet deadlines. But I can see that you have some great folks working with along with you.

    I am fond of Angela McCall’s #3 book cover. It just seem like to the best fit for me based on the purpose for which it is going to be used for. Looking forward tot he release and what you have to share. Blessings!
    Yvonne I. Wilson recently posted…How To Grow Yourself As a Leader Others Want to FollowMy Profile

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    • Hey Yvonne,

      *shakes your hand* pleased to meet you.

      Thank you for liking the book #3 cover. That is my suggestion also coz even if he keeps this online for Amazon or make a Print copy on this offline, he could use both format. Keep it in uniform.

      Have a nice day!

      God bless,
      Angela
      Angela McCall recently posted…I Finally Got My Wacom TabletMy Profile

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          • Hi Lorraine; we are both very strong resilient positive people who can overcome as you say. at this point i have no doubt i will figure it all out. I have too many awesome friends helping me not to. but at this point its just the age old problem of I don’t feel I am figuring it out fast enough. Impatience is something I haven’t had to deal with in a long time. this is because usually i could find some part of a given task that was familiar that i could do something about that i knew how to do. with the writing an ebook its full of things that I haven’t done before and am not sure which to do when/ 🙂 just don’t eat my brains. lol take care ssweetie, max
            maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

    • hi Yvonne; thanks for your encouragement. yes, there are a lot of steps along the way that’s why i tell people to do what they can and then worry about the rest of it as they go. otherwise you can overwhelm yourself and talk yourself out of your dream. I think you know what I’m talking about. I’m looking forward to having it live and reading the reviews. won’t be able to hang out at sardy’s or tavern on the green like they do on broadway but I have a kcup pod already picked out for that morning. 🙂 take care my friend, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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  11. I may not be able to offer much in the way of suggestions for book covers and I may be bad with amounts and pricing, but one thing I do know about is the writing. There are way too many unedited books nowadays. With the ability to self-publish there are way way too many sloppy books out there. It makes the entire indie community look bad. Once something is out there and you are expecting people to take it seriously and maybe even pay for it you can’t skimp on making it the best it can possibly be. It is nice you have someone as generous as Lorraine to edit and other friends to help you with cover choices. Keep striving for the best like you have been and you will do great. Take care.

    Reply

    • Hi Kerry; well i have met some great people who have helped me along the way. some have provided skills or abilities and others like you have offered friendship and emotional support. and i agree with you it is important to make an effort. of course i can’t take all the credit. lorraine convinced me that the online world is a visual one and so my book needs to be edited. and i don’t always get help for free. I am paying for more services lately, but thanks to making good friendships; often I have been helped for less than what they would usually charge for their services. people do like me, and because they know i genuinely want to improve myself and share to benefit others; they offer to help. I know that once you are online a while you will start to build up your own network your team kerry or team headache. 🙂 consider me a charter member. 🙂 and thanks for what you said about if content is any judge i have done a good job. thanks so much my friend, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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  13. Hi Max,

    I am so glad to be here and congratulate you on the completion of your book! That is a huge task, I know as I have published two e-books. A lot of effort, time and energy go into writing and I am so proud of you for having completed it to your satisfaction.

    Regarding the image, I think the second image by Angela is more captivating as it highlights the darkness and light but is rectangular and may not be suitable for kindle upload. They have specific dimensions and you have to flow those. So the third one would be the best option.

    I wish you all the best for a successful launch and I am sure you are going to be one of the top writers. Stay blessed!
    Balroop Singh recently posted…Money May Nourish Emotions But Can It Soothe Them?My Profile

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    • hi balroop; thanks for the kind words. If you have published, then you know there is no such thing as satisfaction with a book but at some point you have to accept that it can’t be made any better. What you said about submitting to kindle is correct which is why most people are going with the third one by angela. would appreciate any other suggestions you have especially in the area of publishing distribution and promotion. feel free to email me some of your past posts. thanks so much my friend, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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  14. I think you’ve done great to get this far in publishing your e-book and I’m sure you’ll deal well with the rest of the steps. As far as covers, I think I like Angela’s second one the best, but all are quite good.

    Reply

    • Hi donna; thanks for your kind words. I’m doing my best which is all any of us can do. i think we will be going with her third one though because it fits more with the format preferred by amazon. of course, I could end up having to sell it on my website as I’m still learning about all this stuff. I’m committed to getting it out there soon and appreciate your encouragement. take care, Max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

      Reply

    • Hi debra; thanks so much for the pat on the back. i feel a bit anxious right now. I wrote it and sent it to my editor. i think we have decided on the cover image. I’ve decided on giving it away for free to certain groups but need to figure out how that is actually done. More people are saying they are looking forward to reading and reviewing. starting to generate a buzz. but also have those friends and experts telling me not to get too excited because first time authors rarely make much money. we’ll see. part of the reason i wanted to offer it with coaching or a community if people think those are good ideas. so far most think my idea on the hour of coaching plus the book is under priced. i tell you writing the book is starting to feel like the easy part. 🙂 thanks again for your friendship, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

      Reply

  16. I am glad you got more selections for your cover. My publisher, who has final say, gave me couple cover selections. Basically, it was the same cover with the letters of the novel in different font. Good luck with your book.

    Reply

  17. Hey Max,

    Sounds like you’ve got some decisions made from the help of other commenters on your earlier post. I’m sure I’m pretty late with my thoughts but I’ll share them anyway.

    I think the Facebook group would definitely have to be up to you. It’s going to be very time consuming to respond to everyone and stay on top of things so although it might be enticing for some, that’s a lot of extra work for you.

    As far as the book cover goes, I prefer Angela’s #3 suggestion because it is a person walking into the light out of the darkness so I like that one much better.

    I think whichever way you go you’ll do very well.

    Good luck with it all and enjoy your week. You have more decisions to make.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted…Unleash Up To 53% More Social Shares With Visual ContentMy Profile

    Reply

    • Hi adrienne; thanks for stopping by. and your opinions are always welcomed and valued regardless of when i get to read them. you advised me against starting a second website pointing out how much more work it would be. I felt like i had to take the plunge so i chose to disagree with you on that one. in this case the face book group idea is more of it might be a good idea than i have to do it. if i did start one it would be a private group. but even those have their requirements. i think i really need to pull back a bit here and concentrate on doing what i have in front of me as well as possible. but i am planning on offering it with an hour of coaching at a discount. and I’m thinking that to make things easier on myself i may bypass amazon and sell directly from my website using e junkie. however, if i do that’ i don’t know how to handle reviews. am looking into selling it on amazon and my site. I think this is okay as long as i don’t advertise it for less on mine and as long as i don’t sign up for the kindle select program. e junkie would certainly be easier, and it would fit into my model of doing it how you can now instead of doing it the way you are supposed to or the way you would like to down the road. i really like to avoid doing anything someday. 😀 thanks for your input my friend. I love you adrienne. xoxo max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

      Reply

  19. I am so happy to read about your progress. All designs are good but I like most Angela’s #2 design. If you can do something with word , Darkness and Light to emphasize on them it will be great. One more thing that I want to add , second image is almost like a square as normally we see covers with #3 sizes and styles ( rectangular) , if #2 can be of the size of #3 it will look better.

    All the best.
    andleeb recently posted…A Way Out from Helplessness.My Profile

    Reply

    • hi andleeb; thanks for your help. i didn’t think of asking angela to reformat image two in the same way as image three. that makes a lot of sense. I will ask her and see what she says. so far people have been choosing her third option because it is in the proper format for a book cover. people say it is how they are used to seeing them online. thanks again for the help sweetie, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

      Reply

  20. I wish you nothing but luck. You’ve overcome major obstacles in your life. I think the market you’re going after is quite different than mine. As you say$29.99 is a deal if they get a counselling session which would normally be worth double. But I don’t know what to suggest to you. Cover choice is subjective although I will say I did like Angela’s.

    Best

    Reply

    • Hi Pat; first let me welcome you to my blog. I’m always happy to meet new people and have the chance to make new friends. yes i’m in personal development or self help and you are in fiction. I advise people to read often and that reading for pleasure is as important as reading for improvement. I use reading as rewards a lot. I wanted to leave a comment on your blog, but the captcha you use doesn’t offer a audio or non video option. tell jackie i said hi and that i hope her historical romances come with lots of sexy women and hot bedroom action to go along with the cattle driving and rooting tooting action. 😀 take care, max

      Reply

  21. Hi Max — I really like these two images best: The man in the tunnel and the man in the doorway. My advice about starting a Facebook group is to decide if you have the time to maintain it. You’re building a business and writing an e-book, both time-intensive endeavors. It wouldn’t be good for you to start a Facebook Group and raise people’s expectations that they would be part of an active community if you find you don’t have time to keep up with it. Something to think about.
    Jeannette Paladino recently posted…Powerful Images Don’t Need Any Words to Grab Your AttentionMy Profile

    Reply

    • hi jeannette; i can always count on my friends for good advice. i think I am going to put the idea of a fb group on the back burner for now. this is partly because of time concerns. and its partly because i really don’t want to do it on face book. I want to wait until I can do it on my own site so I can keep the group truly private and also have the traffic reside on my site. I’m really starting to get more about owning rather than renting even if the rent is free. and i just got a new opportunity that I think will help with building the business so time may be a problem. I’ve agreed to be a mentor to a blind college student whose goal is to own his own business and to have it be something other than a vending stand. thanks again my friend. xoxo max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

      Reply

    • Hi Lorraine; like i tell people we are already successes either the rest of the world doesn’t know it yet or our bank accounts haven’t caught up to us yet. 🙂 but we are definitely rocking it. I’m learning a lot through this process of publishing a book and hope others learn from my experiences. thanks for your help in this part of my journey. am looking forward to hearing what everyone else thinks of my book. take care my friend. xoxo max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

      Reply

  23. Hey Max! I like what Lorraine did with the original image in her #1. But I love the title she used with the use of “you” and “your.” It says “this is the book for you.” I love the shadowy figure in the image of Angela’s #2 image but the size is best in her #3. So if you take the image of Angela’s #2, the title from Lorraine’s #1, and the size from Angela’s #3, then I think you’re on to something awesome. If you decide NOT to start a membership group in the beginning, make sure you’re collecting your client email addresses so you’ll have a list of leads when you do decide it’s a good time to do this. I think you’ll be doing it at some point, it’s just a matter of how much new stuff do you want to tackle at once. I think the pricing ideas are perfect and you can always adjust when you see the results. I’m really excited for you and the direction you’re heading! Congratulations!
    Angela recently posted…A Princess for HalloweenMy Profile

    Reply

    • Hi angela; thanks so much for your support and the opinions on the images. it sounds like you took what everyone said and put it into one comment. i just wrote angela McCall about the images to see what she says. by the way great creative thinking on the haloween costumes. take care, max

      Reply

  24. I am going with Angela’s number 3 offering max. Love the fact that the man is actually walking out of the darkness and has made it to the light. Has an ethereal quality to it. Congratulations.
    Tim recently posted…Con Man of CairoMy Profile

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  25. Hi Max,

    Wow, you have accomplished a lot in such a short amount of time. Congratulations my friend for reaching such a great milestone and releasing your first e-book. Hard work pays off and you will see the fruits of your labor and you will definitely be surprised.

    I think the price you chose for the ebook is very reasonable and with your coaching, it will definitely be a must have.

    I second all who chose Angela’s 3rd cover!! It is well crafted and the picture explains the title perfectly plus the size is reasonable. I think Angela did a great job!!

    Thanks Max for taking the time to share with us your achievements and for asking for our input. Highly appreciated and I wish you all the success with this adventure.

    Enjoy the rest of your week.

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat
    Neamat Tawadrous recently posted…Why Ask Questions? And Who Is The Most Important Person To Ask Questions??My Profile

    Reply

    • hi neamat; i love that last line wishing you well in this adventure. you are right its all an adventure and i wish more bloggers and business people would look at it that way. I appreciate your confidence and encouragement. Its a big help to know so many are sure it will be a success. and including a mention of my coaching also helps with my confidence. seems most are in agreement with you on the image but quite a few think i am shooting too high on the ebook price for a first time author. we’ll see. thanks again for being such a good friend and a valued member of team ivey. xoxo max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

      Reply

    • hi Pat; yes its all a learning experience. i think the biggest mistake anyone can make is thinking they don’t have anything left to learn about a particular topic. I say that because the world changes so it can never be true. I also feel that way because if you get to that point, then you have lost your passion. at that point it has become a job not a calling or lifestyle. this ebook thing is definitely challenging me though. 🙂 right now my biggest issue is how to sell the book on amazon or e junkie and still give it away to those i want to have it without getting in trouble. I’m also trying to decide what distribution strategy puts more money in my pocket assuming there are sales. thanks for your help my friend. take care, max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

      Reply

    • Hi William; Thanks for the positive thoughts. I am looking forward to it too. it seems that waiting for it to be edited is taking forever. the truth is it hasn’t it just seems that way. and its my fault for not getting it to my editor sooner. I felt some fear and postponed submitting it to her thinking it wasn’t good enough yet. looking forward to your thoughts. and if you have any last minute suggestions on publishing an ebook feel free to let me know. thanks again, max

      Reply

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  31. Hey Max,

    Congrats on the eBook. Really looking forward to it.

    You seem to have alot of good suggestions from alot of people here. They gave you some great advice.

    Regarding the group, it’s an interesting concept. Would you be having it revolve around this one eBook? Or if you’re planning to write a bunch of eBooks, will it be around your brand?

    I do like Angela’s 3rd suggestion, to be completely honest.

    Congrats on this, Max.

    Have a great week.

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    Andrew M. Warner recently posted…How To Create Conversational Content That Captivates Your CommunityMy Profile

    Reply

    • hi andrew; thanks for the kind words. we did decide on angela’s third image. and i think i have decided against having a group until at least after the new year. as far as my brand, I’m not exactly sure what all that means. I understand the general concept. but you see there is a lot to it. I decided to change my twitter account to @maxwellivey hoping to use one feed for my amusement equipment sales as well as my writing speaking coaching etc. would love your thoughts on that idea. I’m trying to do the same with my linked in account. however i have two business pages on face book and google plus. thanks for your support my friend, max

      Reply

  32. Hi Max,

    When I set out to publish my first eBook I was overwhelmed by what I had to do. Too much, too quickly, I thought. With patience I took each little step at a time, nailing down my topic, my chapters, my design and other elements.

    Your covers look beyond awesome. Any work well for me. Your title is excellent too, as is your overall theme.

    This book will be a stunning success because you’re authentic and you’ve surrounded yourself with inspired, loving people who will help expand your presence quickly. Your diligent networking and honesty, and your willingness to test your perceived limits, helped to create your success.

    Blessings to you Max. You are 1 in over 7 billion, and I really mean that!

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted…12 Tips to Gain TrustMy Profile

    Reply

    • Hi Ryan; thanks so much for those kind words. I appreciate them all the more because I know you do really mean them. You are one of the most successful bloggers and writers out there and you too have a history of being authentic in all your dealings. I do feel like the book is a success and now that it is live I am just waiting for the fruits to arrive. I have made one sale so far and expect more to come. I also hope that the book will lead to my first coaching clients. darn it I forgot to post the coaching offers. would have forgot if i weren’t replying to this comment. thanks again and take care my friend. xoxo max
      maxwell ivey recently posted…Making progress towards publishing my first ebookMy Profile

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    mua Ban nha dat recently posted…mua Ban nha datMy Profile

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    • Hi Rosemary; Maybe its just your attitude about this early time. Its only wasted if you don’t get any writing done. I mean think about the old days when the better the writer was the fuller his or her trash can was. You could have come up with a very successful writing routine. I mean how many authors would pay fifteen minutes of thinking time to have who knows how many minutes or hours you have of productive writing time once that first stage is over. Here is what I do though. I settle on a topic. Then I think about it in my head. I will consider it while taking a shower, petting the dog, riding my stationary bike. Then I sit down and start writing. It sounds to me like what you are doing is working. And you know what they say about if it aint broke don’t fix it. But if you want to try doing your brain storming while working on other tasks. I find the more repetitive the task the more helpful it is to organizing my thoughts prior to writing. Wishing you all the best, Max

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  36. Wow! 91 comments at this point! Impressive!
    I liked the last one Lorraine created and, even better, the first one of second group, with Maxwell Ivey, Jr on the cover. My experience with ebooks are they they are typically priced between .99-3.99, but some may be more expensive.
    Good luck and hope you are recovering from your surgery.
    It seems you are doing fantastic!
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    Reply

    • Hi Amy Thanks for the comment. This post is about my first book which came out over four years ago. Still 91 or almost 100 comments is a big deal. Thanks for your opinions. Not sure about the book price, but I did offer print copies of it for 10 bucks at the book signing to give people a entry level priced book to choose among my other two higher priced books. Thanks again, Max

      Reply
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