• book

    Adding a Copyright to Your Book

    As soon as your work is created into a tangible medium (finished book) its given copyright protection automatically.So why do people buy a copyright?  To sue someone for plagiarism or infringing on their work.  You need to file a copyright to sue.  However, you don’t need to file it until that time occurs, which it likely never will.  You can write your book, sell it for years, and one day find out someone is selling your book under a different name or stole a core idea.  At that point file for a copyright to sue.A copyright notice can be placed in your book.  It has no legal standing, but can help prevent people who don’t fully understand the law from infringing on your work.  It’s also official looking and a copyright notice wouldn’t hurt.  I advise the majority of authors to skip the fees of filing, which can cost you $35 or as much as $500 if you have an attorney do it. Another misunderstanding is that a copyright notice needs to have the © symbol.  Since the copyright notice doesn’t mean anything anyway, the symbol doesn’t add or subtract from that meaning.  It does look more official so to make it in most document software you hit ( then a capital C followed by another ).  After hitting space it should automatically turn to the © symbol.If you’re writing a book that is making hundreds to thousands a month, it may be worth filing for a copyright.  You can only get statutory damages for infringements that took place after the registration or after publication.But you don’t even need to file a copyright or sue someone to file a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice, send a cease and desist letter, or request licensing for the work being used.  Most copyright lawsuits don’t amount to much.  There are exceptions, of course.If you plan to protect your copyright, you need to do so quickly.  Let’s say a portion of your book leaks to the internet and circulates for a few years.  You decide enough is enough and decide to sue one of the infringers.  It’s not likely you will win.  You didn’t protect it originally and it's wide spread yet you're suing one source.  Protecting your copyright is an all or nothing approach from the start.  I say save the money and take action when action needs to be taken.  Anything else is a waste of $35 dollars.Your book name isn’t copyrighted, it's your content that is.  So another book can take your name.  That would get into trademarking and involves a lot more.  It’s not common to trademark your book name, unless you have a blockbuster series and then it may be something to look into.Here is a generic copyright notice you can place in your book:Copyright ©  (YEAR) (YOURNAME)  All rights reserved.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical r... Readmore

  • Alex Foster

    How to Get Amazon Book Reviews

    By: Sam AllenHow to Get Kindle and Other Book Reviews on AmazonEvery author struggles with this, especially with a new book.  We had an email conversation with Alex Foster about his thoughts on reviews.  After all he has self-published over 300 Kindle books under different pen names. Alex Foster actually wrote a book called Kindle Reviews.We figured he would know a thing or two.  So thank you Alex for your contribution! BookinformWhy are positive reviews so important for new books? Alex FosterIt’s a green light or a red light (negative reviews) for potential buyers of your book.  It’s especially important for a newly launched book to get positives rolling in.  People are naturally apprehensive about books without reviews. BookinformWhat is the number one way to get more positive reviews? Alex FosterI would say providing value that’s worth more than the sticker price.  There is a correlation between price and perceived value to the reader.  Was what you offered less valued, equally valued or more valued than what they paid for?  That’s subjective, of course, but as the author you should be confident you “over” provided what you promised, while not price gouging your customers. BookinformWhat about giving rewards, or free offers in exchange for a positive review? Alex FosterI am strongly against that option.  It’s actually not really an option either.  It’s against Amazon policy to pay or offer something in return for a review.  Now that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.  I know a few high selling authors doing just that.   I feel it’s downright unethical, though.You can get reviews removed by Amazon if they catch you and if word gets out, you’ve lost credibility.  You can, and I do in all my books, request a review.  At the end of my book I say something along the lines of: “If you like this book please consider leaving a review.”  I then have a link directly to the review for the book.  Requesting is fine, but doing a quid pro quo isn’t. BookinformWhat should be the first thing an author does when launching a new book? Alex FosterSend a copy to all your friends and family and ask them if they liked the book to give a review.  I have self-published hundreds of books, so I wore out my welcome with this tactic long ago.  But it's a great way to jump start your reviews.It’s actually against Amazon policy to have family review your book.  If the family shares the same last name as the owner of the KDP account from which the book was published, Amazon won’t allow the post.It’s completely ethical in my book.  I think the “same last name” thing is to stop authors from reviewing their own books more than anything. Credit cards need to be associated with an Amazon account before you can leave a review. Making it difficult to make accounts under different names.  So do it at your own risk, but that’s the most common way most people will launch a book and get the reviews rolling in.There is nothing wrong with giving out your book for free and asking for a revi... Readmore

  • publisher

    Publisher Scams

    As an author looking to work with a publisher, you know that you need to submit your book to a lot of people to statistically raise your chances of getting picked up.Authors submit to people at writing conventions, directly to publishers, to agents, to editors and to everything in between, either in person, online or by mail.The inherent desperation felt by a lot of authors opens a market for taking advantage of you.  Your manuscript can fall into the hands of someone looking to make some fast money with no intention of helping you.Anyone working under a publisher, like editors, agents, owners etc, will never ask you for a fee.  The most common scam request to an author goes a little something like this:“We received your manuscript but are unable to read through it due to the amount of manuscripts we get spammed with everyday.  We now require a $50 fee to get your book read and considered.  We only offer this to the manuscripts we feel are good enough to take a look at.”Or some variation of that same message.  It sounds understandable.  It’s not a lot and it will finally get your book read by a company! An editor is usually the first person to read a manuscript and 9 times out of 10 they only read the first page.  They can tell your level of writing skill and the way you handle your language structure right from the start.  If they like what they see they will pass it on to the next stage of approval.  Reading the first page takes seconds to a few minutes.  The filtering process to the next stage of approval doesn't involve reading the entire book nor does it require a fee.Any request for money is a big red flag.  Be careful.  It’s hard work getting noticed and published.  Consider doing self-publishing under a pen name for books that you can’t get picked up by a publisher.  That way they can provide some income while you work on your next book and aren't sitting dormant waiting for someone to notice.Protect yourself and research companies that reach out to you about your book. Readmore

  • keyboards

    Keyboards for Writers

    By: Sam AllenFor Writers Not All Keyboards are the SameIf you're like most writers you use the keyboard that came with your computer.  Or after your kids spilled something on it ran to the store to pick one up for around $20.If that sounds familiar you're likely typing on a membrane keyboard.  They are pretty nice, nothing special and are super cheap to manufacture.  But another type of keyboard is becoming more popular among professional writers called mechanical keyboards.The gaming industry has brought a demand for such keyboards and demand helps keep costs under control.  You're still looking at spending $100 or higher, but here are the benefits you get as a writer:Lasts FOREVER!Well maybe not forever but the construction of mechanical keyboards allow them to last a very long time.  A mechanical keyboard is built to take abuse from gamers slamming the keys repeatedly for hours on end.  A mechanical keyboard has what it takes to outlast any membrane keyboard you can find.Let’s Get PhysicalMechanical keyboards use an actual physical switch under each key.  When you press a key it pushes a switch that sends the signal to your computer representing which key you pressed.  Why is that a big deal?  With a membrane computer the distance you depress a key is much longer and you know you pressed the key correctly when you hit bottom with the key stopping.With a mechanical key the distance is much shorter and doesn’t need to be depressed the whole way.  Mechanical keyboards feel very different to type on.  It's going to be a bit of a learning curve.  However, the speed at which you can type with a mechanical keyboard will be noticed right from the start.What’s That?  I Can’t Hear You Over my Typing!The switches are loud.   You can get quiet ones but the benefit of the audible click sound is that it provides audio feedback, which will also make typing faster and more enjoyable.A number of authors prefer Lenovo Thinkpad laptops due to the audible click their keyboards make.  They aren't mechanical but do offer a similar sound.With the physical feel of the switch and its loud audible click you have a very responsive writing experience.  For a taste of the experience between a mechanical keyboard and a membrane keyboard, think of the difference between using a trackpad versus a mouse.The more feedback you can get from typing the better the experience.  If you need a quieter keyboard, Razer sells one called a BlackWidow Ultimate.  They may also have others in their “Stealth Edition” that offer softer volume keys.Heavy!Mechanical keyboards weigh a few pounds.  Doesn't sound like much, but if you have a membrane keyboard that slides around you know that it can be a pain.You won’t get any sliding around on your desk with a three pound keyboard.  Where you place them is where they stay.  Again, they are made to be slammed by gamers so you get a very solid tool for writing.Learning CurveOnce you make the switch, your fingers and hands will get tired quicker.  Yo... Readmore

  • book covers

    Self-Publisher’s Guide to Getting the Best eCovers Possible

    By: Sam AllenWe had a chance to talk to an author who writes under the pen name Charles Moore.  Charles Moore writes books for self-publishers who are looking for guides on writing both fiction and nonfiction. He recommended learning to make your own eCovers, but for part-time writers or writers who just would rather not, he had this to say:As a self-publisher focused on perfecting your work, you come to a bottleneck in the creative process when you go to publish it.You don’t get a free cover from a publisher using a highly paid graphic designer specialising in book covers.   Most book buyers can quickly tell a self-published book from a published book in seconds based on the look of its cover.With publishers spending $5,000 and up on cover design for top selling published books, how can a self-publisher compete with that?  Well guess what?  You can’t.  But, here is how you can get as close as possible to a $5,000 cover for under $100.The cheapest route is Fiverr. If you have ordered an eCover design before, you probably did it like many others, giving them just the info they asked for: Name of book Author name SubtitleThe graphic designer doesn't have much to go off of and you probably ended up with a sub-par book cover.  You say, “Great job, thanks so much!” and move on.  After all, what did you expect for $5 dollars…For a professional level book cover check out Hugeorange.com and eLance.com.  Both places have professional cover designers for cheap.  ($100 to $50)Here is a time tested, proven guide to getting that perfect cover you have in mind.  Give your graphic designer this:1. List exactly what you want on the cover and where.2.  Graphic designers either use generic fonts or crazy, creative fonts.  Go to www.dafont.com and pick the font you want and send them the link and name.  Make sure it’s easy to read in a thumbnail by testing it in different sizes in your writing software.3.  Have a brief message about what your cover should show.  For example, “A business theme without people, showing world currency, and an abstract backdrop.”  This will give a clear setting for your cover.4. Find two to five examples of book covers you like, possibly artwork and other design elements.  You can visit stock photo websites to purchase artwork or places like www.diviantart.com to purchase more fiction based art work.  For $5, you’re unlikely to get a custom drawing, but they may offer that as an additional gig.5.  Ask for a Jpeg as well as an editable version of the file.6.  When you get the work, post it on a forum for writers or readers, as well as friends and family, and get some feedback.7.  $5 dollars isn’t much, so I either take the feedback I got from my testers back to the original designer and buy another gig, or buy another gig from a new designer, attaching the file that they can edit as well as the feedback I want implemented.This process will ensure you get an ecover more in line with what you're looking for.  You only get one shot at makin... Readmore

Oliver the Adventurous Engineer: Learn with Oliver how to build your very own personal computer! (STEM Team Oliver Book Series) (Author Interview)


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL6ZFW5C

What inspired you to write about a young boy's journey into the world of computer engineering?

I drew from my own experiences. I’ve always loved computers and tech since I was young.  The sheer potential they held, the ability to create something from nothing, seemed mesmerizing. I can still remember that first time I sat in front of a personal computer during elementry school. It was a Macintosh - hitting the keys and seeing the results of my input directly on a screen was a thrill.  My passion for technology was ignited during these years.

The second inspiration for me draws from the real-life stories of young minds shaping the tech landscape today. Their resilience and desire for innovation are a compelling narrative thread. This made me want  to  tell a story that not only mirrors my own techno-coming-of-age but also pays homage to the new young pioneers of our digital era.

 

How did you ensure the accuracy of the technical aspects of the book, especially concerning computer building?

I leveraged not only my own experience in tech but the power of online and up to date resources and how-to videos as integral components of my research for Olvier the Adventurous Engineer and the STEM Team Olvier series. Recognizing the dynamic nature of technology, these digital sources became indispensable guides, offering real-time insights into the latest advancements in computer engineering.  

The hope is that this book provides a good guide which inspires and resonatates with readers who have never navigated the complexities of personal computer builing.

 

Oliver's story takes place in a small American midwestern town. Why did you choose this setting, and how does it influence Oliver's journey?

Having recently transplanted myself from New England to the Midwest, it seemed a compelling backdrop to the narrative. I found it a place far from the well known tech hubs and a place where I would like  to see kids, especially in more rural areas of our country,  expand beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings.

In this digital age, where connectivity knows no bounds, the intersection of technology and growth can take center stage for many kids who will be the innovators of the future.  The ability to harness the power of technology as a catalyst for exploration and growth, with the focus on benefiting the world, became a poignant message I wanted to share and communicate.

 

Can you speak to the importance of STEM education and how Oliver's adventure might inspire young readers to delve into these subjects?

The significance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is a fundamental base of Oliver's journey and the narrative at large. Stemming from a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of knowledge, the book series attempts to illuminate the pathways paved by STEM disciplines.

By weaving the narrative around Oliver's journey into personal computer building, the story is meant to demystify the often-intimidating world of STEM for young readers. It is a call to discover the fun aspects of  science and technology and use them as benefits by encouraging knowledge and innovation for young readers.

Cultivating STEM literacy is not just a choice but a necessity. Oliver's experiences are crafted to resonate with young imaginations, to ignite a spark of curiosity which in turn may evolve into a profound interest in STEM subjects. The story aims to foster an appreciation for the creativity and problem-solving inherient in these disciplines.

Oliver's character and his conterparts in the STEM Team Oliver book series are deliberately portrayed as relatable, embodying the idea that anyone—regardless of background or circumstance—can find inspiration in STEM. It's a deliberate effort to break down perceived barriers and empower young readers to see themselves as protagonists in their own STEM narratives.

 

Were there any personal experiences or individuals in your life that influenced the creation of the character, Oliver?

Children and young teens that have an interest in technology are inspirations. I wanted to make Oliver as relatable as I could to the demographic. In some of the early character develpment, Oilver was proven to be relatable to young family members and children of friends. I also see a little bit of Oliver in myself. 

The heartbeat of Oliver's character finds tone in the spirit of children and young teens who harbor an innate curiosity for technology. Their boundless enthusiasm, coupled with an appetite for exploration, became a source of inspiration. In crafting Oliver, I sought to extract the essence of this demographic—capturing the wide-eyed wonder, the uninhibited curiosity, and the untapped potential that defines these formative years.

Oliver and the other characters in STEM Team Oliver  are intentionally crafted to be relatable. It's a conscious effort to bridge the gap between fiction and reality, allowing young readers to see reflections of themselves.

My aim is to create a series that resonates deeply with the readers, sparking their imagination and kindling the flame of possibility within each one of them related to tech.

 

Throughout the book, Oliver faces numerous challenges. Which was your favorite to write, and why?

Oliver's challenges each offered its unique set of complexity and triumph. However, if pressed to pick a favorite, it would undoubtedly be Oliver's initial challenge — the meticulous process of researching and assembling a comprehensive list of components for his personal computer build.

This particular challenge held a special place for me, in many ways, it mirrored my own passage in crafting this story. The act of researching and assembling the component list and installation steps mirrored the real-world tasks I undertook with the research for writing the book.

 

The theme of perseverance is prevalent throughout the book. Why did you feel it was essential to emphasize this trait in Oliver's character?

The thought of building a personal computer for many adults seems daunting in itself. Perseverance courses through the veins of Oliver's narrative. Had Oliver not possessed this trait he may not have seen the build through. Without perseverance, where would our character be? The decision to emphasize this trait in Oliver's character was born out of a profound acknowledgment of its real-world significance. Young Oliver serves as a reminder that the journey toward completion involves one step at a time.

Oliver's perseverance is a callout to the spirit of youth and the capacity for growth that lies within each young mind. By placing this trait at the forefront, the narrative becomes a vehicle for instilling a sense of determination in the readers, encouraging them to approach challenges with fortitude and view setbacks as stepping stones toward success.

How do you envision readers, especially those who are unfamiliar with computer engineering, engaging with Oliver's story?

In crafting Oliver the Adventurous Engineer and curating the broader STEM Team Oliver book series, the guiding principle was to demystify the complex world of STEM. The challenge lay not just in making STEM topics accessible but in developing a narrative that resonates with readers across diverse backgrounds, especially those unfamiliar with the tech and engineering.

The story is intentionally designed to be relatable, making technology not only comprehensible but also enjoyable. The idea is to keep tech understandable, approachable, and, most importantly, fun.

Oliver's story is made to invite readers of all backgrounds and levels of familiarity with technology to enjoy. The hope is that even those with no prior exposure to computer engineering, will find themselves drawn into the world of STEM with a sense of curiosity and excitement.

Perhaps even to build their own personal computer!

 

Beyond just building a computer, what are the broader life lessons you hope readers will take away from Oliver's adventure?

It is my sincere hope that readers, through Oliver's example, find inspiration to surmount their own technological challenge no matter their background.

Ultimately, Oliver's adventure is more than a tale—it's a conduit for inspiring the next generation of thinkers, inventors, and problem-solvers. It is my hope that through this narrative, young readers will be encouraged to not only embrace STEM education but to envision themselves as architects of a future shaped by their insatiable curiosity and passion for exploration.


Are there any plans to continue Oliver's journey in future books, perhaps exploring other areas of STEM?

Yes, Olvier the Adventurous Engineer is book one of a six-part series. The STEM Team Oliver series is a thrilling adventure - following a group of inquisitive young minds on their quest to unravel the mysteries of the scientific world. They tackle exciting challenges, encounter fascinating concepts, and solve problems using their knowledge of STEM principles.

Throughout the series, readers will be introduced to a diverse range of STEM topics, including computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Each book seamlessly integrates engaging narratives with vivid illustrations, making complex concepts accessible and captivating for young readers.

 

 

 

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