BookCAMP May 2024, Vol. 2, Issue 2

Publisher’s Letter

Publishing. We don’t do it for the money, we do it because we believe in what we do. It’s more than a business, ‘IT’ matters. People matter. Ideas matter. Everything matters.

Having been coast-tocoast, meeting publishers, authors, editors, marketers, I realize that every day is a new day with new ideas in this ever-evolutionary industry. There is always

a tremendous amount of excitement, passion, and urgency in everything we do. Publishing is tough, but when readers connect with our work, it’s immensely gratifying.

With so much at stake, I was thinking about what it takes to make independent publishing happen. So, I looked at those who work tirelessly, starting with the “40 under Forty”, and making an impact on our industry.

In this issue, I share many of the nomination forms entries I received about the people that are making it happen every single day. They have integrity. They are principled. They are authentic. They are extremely hard working. They blur job functions. They empower others. They are inclusive. They give voice to those who are hardly heard from. They strive at everything they do, and help the people around them be successful. They raise people up. They use technology. They are progressive. They train, and give training. They give back. They are involved. Simply put, they are talented.

They are the young ‘movers and shakers’. Some need more opportunities, as they have shown others in our industry, and take notice of them. In a constant state of uplifting people, resources, and the work, they prove how hard this work is, and with results that matter.

Independent publishing is as passionate and as collaborative a field you can get, driven by a desire to make a difference. Looking at these qualities of these contributors is what it takes to make success in this industry. Let’s celebrate them!

Join us at BookCAMP 2024 on June 23, 2024 to receive and recognize them and their efforts.

Until next issue,

Ted OlczakPublisher

Table Of Contents

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission from the publisher.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher.

To submit your book for review, send to: Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. Allow 12 - 16 weeks. Unpaid reviews are not guaranteed. Falcon Reviews are guaranteed paid reviews and can be obtained at the moment at https:// www.independentpressaward.com/falconreviews.

For more details about BookCAMP magazine, please visit our website at https:// printedwordreviews.com/

(self-, hybrid), any

To submit your book, visit our websites:

Fall 2024: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ (More consumer focused; different judging; allows for all authors and publishers to participate; announced in the fall of every year) or Spring 2025: https://www.independentpressaward.com/

To advertise, please contact Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com, or visit our website, https://www.independentpressaward.com/advertise

Book CAMP by Printed Word Reviews magazine, Online format Library of Congress ISSN: 2994-4406 is published 5 times a year. Questions or comments are welcomed, please contact the Publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com.

a. Four issues of BookCamp Magazine included at NO CHARGE with an annual membership.

b. BONUS: Want to find the right Master of Fine Arts program?, Learn more about Small Press and Fall Trade Book Fairs? (AUGUST 2024 special supplement)

c. Full access to our Publishing Professionals database. You will find literary agents, designers, distributors, editors, marketers, printers, publicity firms, publishers, other publishing professionals.

d. Sign up now & receive an ADDITIONAL BONUSES as we add them throughout the year! (Outside of the United States /International digital magazine only). https://www.independentpressaward.com/membership

Legacy: Unearthing a

Libraries, Microfiche, and the Power of Research

Often overlooked, libraries are essential resources that bring stories back to life, serving as the sole guardians for some narratives. Author Muhammad Obaidur Rahim shares how his research and the coordination of libraries resurrected an almost forgotten story.

Who was this man who spoke endlessly and repeatedly about the importance of “insurance”? Fueled by a childhood curiosity about his father Khuda Buksh’s professional life, Rahim decided to delve deeper. The problem was Rahim began his research in 2000, a solid 26 years after his father’s passing in 1974. Rahim’s challenge was how to collect data on his father with so many years having passed; and with no book on Buksh in Bangladesh, where was he to start? Could Rahim get help halfway around the world? He reached out to libraries in the U.S., starting with the Library of Congress.

The Library of Congress was a wealth of information. Rahim found that various U.S. libraries had microfiche archives of foreign newspapers. Subsequently, he received microfiche from the Library of Congress, Michigan State University Library, Center of Research Library in Chicago, IL and Princeton University Library in Princeton, New Jersey.

The newspaper’s microfiche was invaluable to his research work. Not only was the resource there in multiple libraries, but Rahim was tremendously grateful for the help and support he received from the librarians themselves. The local librarians helped him with microfiche readers. Rahim began the laborious task of going through decades of newspapers (1947 - 1974) from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The time invested paid off. Without the newspapers, it would not have been impossible to write his book Khuda Buksh: The Pioneer of Life Insurance in Bangladesh.

Rahim is convinced the U.S. libraries are a gold mine for researchers, specifically for foreign authors residing in the U.S. interested in historical data, and information on all subjects. Furthermore, Rahim stated that the librarians’ help was invaluable and that he could not express in words the support he received from them. Without them,

his book would not have been a reality. Shown here, Rahim provided actual samples of microfiche archives retrieved from US libraries.

Rahim, so impressed by the US libraries, took the lead in establishing a Khuda Buksh Memorial Library in rural Bangladesh www.khudabukshlegacy.com. His hope is that this will continue the legacy of Khuda Buksh’s compassion.

Nikki Steele,

Editorial Manager

Nikki has been working tirelessly for authors for four years for Write Bloody because she believes in the power of poetry to change people and lift them out of the muck. She has worked long nights, overtime, dealt with every problem possible in the publishing business with charm and ease. She is a true hard worker.

SUM UP in a sentence: Her ability to sympathize with the authors she manages is what makes her special.

Samantha Atzeni,

Read Furiously, Co-Publisher/Editorial Director

Samantha has been Read Furiously’s driving force since the company’s inception in 2015. Over the years she has helped shape and define what it means to run a press focused on inclusivity, social values, and a sustainable reading journey. From the work with young writers and first time authors helping them to find their voices and bring their work to life, to innovations such as the One ‘n Done series, Samantha has spent her career making sure that there’s a seat at the table for everyone, even if that means building another table to make sure of it.

SUM UP in a sentence: Samantha Atzeni has one of the strongest value systems in the industry and uses that as a driving force in every decision she makes as a publisher.

Caleb True,

Managing Editor, Dynamo Verlag

Caleb single-handedly founded Dynamo Verlag, a small press. Over the last nine years, he has built it into a thriving community of writers. Tirelessly seeking out writing that is thought-provoking, cool, lovely, weird, and original, he presents it in beautiful books and events. This not only makes his readers crave more, but also inspires them to create themselves.

Caleb is a boutique publisher who really cares about producing the best books for his authors, both in appearance and quality. He is an event organizer who plans multiple readings for his authors who win the annual book prize across multiple states. Furthermore, he is willing to take a chance on people who exhibit experimental and interesting poetic and prose-writing.

SUM UP in a sentence:

Caleb is his authors’ biggest advocate and fan

Dimitri Reyes,

CavanKerry Press, Director of Marketing & Communications

Dimitri is constantly working to advance the work of countless up-and-coming authors, especially those from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other underserved communities. He does a tremendous amount of community work, event coordination, and networking which has actively raised the profile of innumerable writers. At CavanKerry, the work he does is invaluable in pushing the press forward to be as progressive and inclusive as possible. We owe a great deal of our continued success and our ability to work with more diverse authors directly to his tireless efforts.

SUM UP in a sentence:

He is earnest, genuine, and dogged in his efforts to make the world a more welcoming, just, and equitable place.

Stevie Edwards,

Poetry Editor, The South Carolina Review

Stevie founded Muzzle Magazine in their early twenties. Muzzle Magazine was pivotal in bringing new voices, particularly from women and marginalized groups, into broader recognition. They are an award winning poet with a chapbook and three full-length collections. They worked as a Senior Editor for many years at YesYes Books and was the project editor for numerous award winning poetry collections including As She Appears by Shelley Wong which was longlisted for the National Book Award and won the Lambda Award for Lesbian Poetry. They are currently the Poetry Editor at The South Carolina Review.

SUM UP in a sentence:

An insightful mind, a generous heart, a powerful work ethic

Alternative Marketing Strategies

BEYOND BOOKSTORES: “How Non-Bookstore Marketing Is Different from Trade Marketing”

By Brian Jud

You know how to sell books through bookstores, bricks and clicks. But there is another way to sell books, and it could be more profitable for you: special-sales marketing -also called non-bookstore marketing or non-traditional marketing. It is the process of selling books to buyers other than through bookstores.

Special-sales marketing is divided into two sections: retail and non-retail. Examples of special retail markets are discount stores, warehouse clubs, airport stores, gift shops, supermarkets, etc. Non-retail opportunities may be found among buyers in corporations, associations, schools and the military.

In retail marketing (trade and special sales) you produce a book, price it, create distribution and then promote it. Unsold books are returned for full credit. Sales are pulled through the distribution network, and the quantity of books sold is a function of the quantity and quality of the author’s promotion.

But in non-retail marketing you follow a different course. The process begins with promotion to establish awareness of, and need for, the content that is offered. Since there is

no distributor, you find potential buyers and make sales calls. You sell the content of the book and decide upon the form in which the content will be delivered (book, booklet, ebook, workshop, seminar, etc.). Then you agree on the number of units to be purchased, and then negotiate the price and delivery. Sales are typically I large, nonreturnable quantities.

Special-sales marketing is not instead of, but in addition to bookstore marketing. For example, what if you had a book on dog care? You could sell it through bookstores or pet shops. In addition, you could get a pet-food producer to place a coupon for a free copy of your book on (or in) every 20-pound bag of their dog food.

Keri-Rae Barnum,

President at New Shelves Books

Keri is one of the most creative and forward thinking marketing executives in the book industry ever. She keeps her eye on upcoming trends and never lets yesterday’s successes cloud her ability to see what will work for her client’s tomorrow. She is open to learning new technologies and shares everything she learns freely each week on FREE ADVICE FRIDAY. Her willingness to share her knowledge and the successes she has brought to her clients has made her beloved in an industry where too many authors have been hurt. She is dedicated to being a voice of integrity and honesty in a role that can make or break an author’s success.

SUM UP in a sentence: Keri freely gives back to this community.

Special-sales marketing is not separate from, but coincidental to trade marketing. It entails a joint marketing strategy that unfolds as part of an overall business strategy.

Brian Jud is the Executive Director of the Association of Publishers for Special Sales (APSS – www.bookapss.org) and author of How to Make Real Money Selling Books. Contact Brian at brianjud@ bookmarketing.com or www. premiumbookcompany.com

Suzi F. Garcia,

Co-Publisher, Noemi Press

Suzi F. Garcia is a consummate professional wearing several very important hats in the publishing community, championing books and writing by LGBTQ+ folks and women of color. Her editorial eye is unmatched, and she deserves to be recognized for her work.

SUM UP in a sentence: Passion

Katie Miller,

Publishing at BiggerPockets

Katie is a brilliant independent publishing executive who has grown from a team of one (herself) to our team of six, with more than 3 million books sold in the last five years. Katie’s focus on relationships helps our team build strong connections and always operate with a policy of honesty and kindness. As her direct report of five years, she has been a mentor and inspiration! She also volunteers as part of the IBPA editorial board and is an investor-entrepreneur who has spoken on various podcasts about her portfolio.

SUM UP in a sentence:

Katie never forgets that publishing is a people business—the numbers matter, but relationships matter more.

Kenechi Uzor,

Iskanchi Press

Kenechi Uzor is breaking grounds with his new US-based press (Iskanchi Press) dedicated exclusively to publishing African books. The mission of the press is to promote authentic African perspectives through a variety of African books, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature written in, or translated into, English. Their aim is to redress the negative presumptions about Africa, satisfy the American reader’s interest in diverse expressions, and serve the needs of African immigrants and minorities interested in seeing a more nuanced representation of themselves and their stories in the world.

SUM UP in a sentence: Excellence

L Scully,

Working Title Boston/Madness Press

L Scully is not just a writer, but an enthusiastic supporter of the poetry and arts scene. Working Title Boston provides venues for underrepresented voices. Madness Press a lit mag & virtual home for queer, trans, & neurodiverse experiences. L Scully is a vital voice for the trans community and is a strong mental health advocate.

L Scully is a force to be reckoned with. They are not only a writer, but an advocate and community organizer. They are bringing events to not just Boston, but all over the United States and beyond.

SUM UP in a sentence: Making room for everyone

Cody Sexton,

Publisher at Anxiety Press

In addition to being one of the most talented book cover designers you’ll ever meet, no one has more to build a community out of a bunch of outsiders/misfits/ne’er-dowells as Cody has. He is fundamentally one of the most decent people I have ever met - not just in publishing - but in life.

SUM UP in a sentence: Integrity

Tiffany Storrs,

Editor in Chief Roi Faineant Press

SUM UP in a sentence: Tiffany is a visionary and took an idea to a reality with the help of a team and has upheld the values of inclusion and equality in the execution of this wonderful press.

ZS Donald,

Managing Editor, Diode Editions

ZS Donald’s multifaceted role encompasses not only the oversight of publishing processes but also extends to tireless support for poets, innovative promotional strategies, skillful web design, and creative book cover design.

In the world of literary publishing, the role of a managing editor is often unsung, yet it remains pivotal to the success of any publication. ZS Donald exemplifies this role through their unwavering commitment to Diode Editions. Their approach to managing the editorial process is about maintaining timelines, ensuring quality, and creating a nurturing space where poets and writers feel valued and supported. This nurturing environment has been instrumental in the emergence and growth of numerous poets, many of whom have achieved significant acclaim.

Their innovative promotion strategies have successfully captivated and engaged diverse audiences. Through social media campaigns, email marketing, and collaborations, they have significantly elevated the visibility of Diode Editions. This increased visibility benefits the publication and the poets and writers whose works deserve recognition.

The aesthetic aspect of publishing is another area ZS Donald has had a significant impact. Their expertise in web design is evident in the Diode Editions website, which is user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. This balance of functionality and design makes it an inviting space for readers and contributors alike. Furthermore, the book cover designs curated and sometimes created by ZS Donald are nothing short of art. These covers do not just protect and enclose; they tell a story, invite curiosity, and resonate with the essence of the poetry within.

It is essential to highlight that ZS Donald’s contributions extend beyond the confines of their designated role. They are a mentor, a supporter, a creative force, and an advocate for poetry and the arts. Their passion for literature is infectious, and their dedication is inspiring., championing voices that might otherwise go unheard. Their commitment to supporting poets, exceptional work in publication and promotions, expertise in web and book cover design, and overall contribution to the literary community deserve recognition and celebration.

SUM UP in a sentence: Passion.

Ben DeVos,

Apocalypse Party, Editor-In-Chief

Ben DeVos has created one of the most successful horror publishing companies by the age of 30, and continues to grow and expand his small press in new and exciting ways.

SUM UP in a sentence: The ability to curate exceptional titles by some of horror’s most talented authors.

Michelle Dotter,

Editor in Chief/Publisher, Dzanc Books

Michelle Dotter has run the independent nonprofit press Dzanc Books for seven years, working as its sole full-time employee and putting out between 8-14 award-winning books of literary fiction. She also runs the press’s expansive internship program, taking roughly 60 interns per year, as a passion project.

SUM UP in a sentence:Dedication and loyalty to her press and authors

PUBLISHING SERVICES and PRODUCTS

AUDIOBOOKS

DeepZen, uses NLP and TTS systems specifically for long-form content to provide publishers with a tool to grow their audiobook catalog quickly, conveniently, and cost-efficiently. DeepZen’s technology replicates human voice and enables high-quality, life-like audiobook production using voices licensed from narrators.

Register https://portal.deepzen.io/ and listen to the library of voices here https://portal.deepzen.io/voices.

Email hello@deepzen.io or inquiry at https://deepzen.io/.

AUTHOR SERVICES

Amnet Author Services

Ready to publish your book?

A personalized package at an unbeatable price! High quality editing, proofreading, cover design, formatting, translation services. https://bit.ly/amnet_AS

At My World Publishing we manage an author’s project through every detail: writing, editing, production, publication, distribution, even marketing. We have recently been submitted to the US Congressional Record for being a new model of publishing that helps protect authors—a model where you keep your rights, royalties, and profits. Contact Amanda Miller at Amanda@MyWordPublishing.com or visit www.MyWordPublishing.com

SPARK Publications-custom publishing

Professionally custom publish your non-fiction business book, cookbook, or coffee-table book. High-level editing, design, publishing, consulting, and hand-holding services for business owners & leaders. No Royalties. In business 25 years. SPARKpublications.com/books

eBooks2go

About eBooks2go: eBooks2go is the single source for all of your book publishing needs. We offer an array of affordable solutions to assist self-publishing authors at every stage of the publishing process including cover design, eBook conversions, hardcover and paperback book printing, worldwide distribution, marketing packages, and much more.

Email: info@ebooks2go.net • Phone Number: +1 (847) 598-1150 ext. 4141 Website: https://www.ebooks2go.net

BOOK AWARDS

Independent Press Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every spring; awards independent authors and publishers. https://www.independentpressaward.com/ • gabby@IndependentPressAward.com

NYC Big Book Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every fall; awards authors and publishers of all persuasions: independent, self, and traditionally published books. www.nycBigBookAward.com • gabby@nycBigBookAwards.com

BUSINESS BROKERS & SERVICES

DESIGN

1106 Design, Michele DeFilippo, owner

Do you want to learn more about working with 1106 Design? Great! We want to know all about you and your book too! https://1106design.com/contact-us/ Phone: (602) 866-3226

Toelke Associates has over 25 years’ experience in all aspects of custom book & publication design. We provide complete design & production services that are tailored to your unique project with specialization in illustrated non-fiction, exhibition catalogs, and historical / cultural subjects. www.toelkeassociates.com • Voice/text: Ron 518-392-3040 | Amelia 518-755-3215

DISTRIBUTORS

Cardinal Publishers Group, Tom Dougherty, President

A full service national book distributor.

2402 Shadeland Ave A, Indianapolis, IN 46219 | (317) 352-8200

EDITING SERVICES

Write On, Inc., Nonfiction Book Editor

Editing for indie authors writing on business/leadership, self-help, true crime. Work with a seasoned editor who literally wrote the award-winning book: Cover to Cover: What First-Time Authors Need to Know about Editing. Sample edit, assessment and project pricing for the level of edit your book needs and deserves. Free ebook and more information on editorial services. www.WriteOnInc.com

PRINTERS

Lightning Press Book Printing, Ron Balinski, President Bookstore Quality Book Printing - Quality and Attentive Service.

Get a FREE quote! ron@lightning-press.com www.lightning-press.com 140 Furler Street, Totowa, NJ 07512 | Tel: (973) 890-4422

Print Nation is your trusted partner for all your printing and marketing needs. We specialize in high-quality printing solutions and include hardcover books, softcover books, high-end 32pt business cards, flyers, stickers, etc. designed to leave a lasting impression. Our primary goal is to provide our clients with the highest quality products, a quick turnaround time, and exceptional customer service. www.printnation.com• Mention BookCAMP magazine for special discount.

REVIEWS

Get discovered with a BlueInk Review!

Honest, credible book reviews written by professional critics and respected by booksellers, librarians and readers nationwide. www.blueinkreview.com

Falcon Reviews: Reviews call a significant amount of attention to your book. By purchasing a FALCON Review by Printed Word Reviews, you will have the opportunity to get noticed by agents, book buyers, publishers and other industry influencers. Receive an affordable book review that can generously boost your writing career. www.independentpressaward.com/falconreviews

SALES & MARKETING

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE reaching over 10,000 authors and publishers

Or here: https://issuu.com/independentpressaward reaching over 10,000 librarians and booksellers, 20,000 additional book lovers and consumers. Contact the Publisher Ted Olczak Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com