July 29, 2013
Blog
June 19, 2013
Too good to bury: an interview with David Oppegaard
By BlueInk Review guest blogger, Paul Goat Allen
Although David Oppegaard is undeniably an extraordinary writer — his debut novel “The Suicide Collectors,” published in 2008 by St. Martin’s Press, is one of the most disturbing and singularly unique works of apocalyptic fiction I’ve ever read — his experience navigating the publishing gauntlet is anything […]
June 10, 2013
5 ways a bad back cover blurb can kill a good book
By BlueInk Guest Blogger, Paul Goat Allen
This may sound crazy but the back cover blurb for your novel — essentially a synoptic teaser — just may be the most important part of your self-published book. Here’s why:
Some readers out there will buy a book solely on cover art — […]
June 3, 2013
How do traditionally published authors complete the sentence: “Self publishing is…”? Their answers might surprise you
By BlueInk Review Guest Blogger, Paul Goat Allen
I thought it would be interesting to ask a bunch of established authors — writers who have found some semblance of commercial and/or critical success through traditional publishing — to finish this simple open-ended statement “Self publishing is…” to see if there were […]
May 27, 2013
5 mistakes that will doom any self-published book
By BlueInk Review Guest Blogger, Paul Goat Allen
I’ve read and reviewed enough books to know that self-published authors make common blunders that absolutely ruin the reading experience for me. These are giant red flags – ear-piercing alarms – warning me of an imminent bad read.
Consider this a public service […]
May 20, 2013
The elephant is dead: a brief (personal) history of self-publishing
The landscape of self-publishing today is radically different than it was when I self-published my first collection of poetry 25 years ago. It was the Dark Ages back then and achieving success as an author—critically and commercially—was like trying to find the Grail.
May 7, 2013
Put down your axe, self-publishers! Keeping your writing grudge-free
When was the last time this happened to you: You’re well into a new book, enjoying the subject and the writing both, when the author takes an unexpected side trip to tell you about her horrible boss, or his dreadful parents, or the ex-spouse from hell. The writing changes tone and your interest in the book essentially stops there.
August 13, 2012
There and back again: from traditionally published to self-published, author offers his invaluable advice.
By BlueInk Review Guest Blogger, Paul Goat Allen
Adam Connell published his debut novel “Counterfeit Kings” in 2004 and then effectively disappeared for almost a decade. His journey in that time is filled with invaluable insights, particularly to anyone considering becoming an author. After being chewed up and spit out by conventional publishing, the author […]
February 13, 2012
From lizards to lit: a year of self-publishing observations!
Patti Thorn, BlueInk Managing Partner
It’s been just over a year since BlueInk launched. Since then, we’ve vetted hundreds of self-published books — everything from literary novels to thrillers to children’s picture books to heartfelt memoirs. We reviewed a 600-page novel set in the South. We reviewed a fingernail-slim story about one man’s thoughts on […]
January 11, 2012
Lessons self-publishers could learn from Tim Tebow… and other New Year’s resolutions
By Patti Thorn, BlueInk Managing Partner
Anyone who has tried self-publishing knows that it’s a contact sport; there are countless mental blows to absorb.
First, you face a tough lineup of naysayers who try to talk you out the endeavor. Then, you have to tackle your own critical inner voice that’s telling you you’re wasting […]