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There is a change sweeping South Africa – Literally

May 2, 2013 in Self Publishing, youth inspirational, youth motivational, Youth reading

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In the past if one wanted to buy a book they would go to the nearest bookstore and make the purchase, easy!

It was all so conventional; the publisher printed books, bookstores stocked them, and customers went and bought them. Well some customers anyway. It’s been mentioned that in South Africa only 1% of the population are regular book buyers. When EBooks arrived, it might have had an effect on the regular buying market (in South Africa) but probably not necessarily in a positive way. Due to the outlay needed for an E-reader, and the need for an internet connection to download, the majority of South Africans still wouldn’t be able to get their hands on a book

But things are changing!

You’ve just got to love creative minds, especially when they create something that will have a huge impact on the market. Nope for once I’m not talking about myself, I’m talking about a company called Paperight.
In South Africa and many other developing countries, books are considered to be quite expensive and inaccessible to many of the population. What Paperight has done is to create a technology so that small print and copy-shops, can offer a print on demand service.
As a Publisher, whether independent or conventional, all that needs to be done is to upload the manuscript- whether fiction, non-fiction or even a school text book, to Paperight, fill out the metadata and detail about the titles and they do the rest. The copy-shops have access to the titles and are able to print and ring bind the books on demand. The publisher determines the royalty fee and the selling price is calculated. The books are sold slightly cheaper than in regular bookstores, are in areas where conventional bookstores wouldn’t usually open up, so it’s a win win situation for a market that wouldn’t usually be able to access reading materials.

As an independent publisher this makes for an ideal world. My 3 interactive, developmental books are available, in both print and EBook formats, globally via Amazon. In South Africa they are available in bookstores and via my website, and now they are available, via Paperight, to people who are being effected mostly by this phenomenal literary change. If we want more people to read, then people need access to books. This seems to be happening!

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It’s OK to beg to expose yourself!

April 4, 2013 in Self Publishing, youth inspirational, youth motivational, Youth reading

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When my initial publisher went out of business, leaving me with the final book manuscript, I decided that I was going to try and get signed by another publisher. I trawled websites and spoke to a number of them wanting to find out exactly what they required when it came to submitting a proposal why they should sign me as an author. Besides the usual; synopsis, sample chapters, about the author and genre etc, the one thing that stood out was that they wanted to know how I was going to market the book. Market the book? I mean come on I’m the author, I write, I shouldn’t be the sales person responsible for selling the title! Oh how wrong was I….

Gone are the days when a publisher looks at a title and the author and decides to produce the book expecting that the marketing be left up to them. Publishing is a business about the bottom line and everyone owes their pound of flesh. They will definitely do their bit but who better than the author to market the book?

A marketing strategy is important which should include, who will review the book and expose it to potential readers. There are so many books published on a daily basis that getting the word out there, that your title should be read, is crucial. There are different avenues to explore. Social networking, book launches and mainstream media like; radio, tv, magazines/newspapers and portals such as websites through which renowned reviewers express their opinions pertaining to recently released titles.

My latest  title, The Journey that’s Ours was recently released (about 2 weeks ago) And I feel very proud. But, I knew that if the book wasn’t exposed it wouldn’t be bought, and if it wasn’t being bought then nobody was reading it. If nobody was reading it then my message wasn’t being received, and that would be a huge blow to my ego.

So what did I do? (I mean, who likes a deflated ego!)

For the last 7 days I’ve been phoning and emailing all of my contacts, which include; magazine/newspaper book reviewers, literary- promoting radio and TV shows and reviewers that have their own websites. I told them about my book, about me and about the message that I’m trying to get across. I then told them to expect a review copy of my book and the 1Sheeter  and then I begged them for some exposure. (It’s really OK to do that – beg, when no one can see you on the other side of a telephone or computer.) I then couriered, posted and hand delivered the books to all the said parties. And that’s what it takes plus some, to get the word out that the book is available in hard copy and EBook format. Whether being published by a mainstream publisher or as an independent publisher, the groundwork has to be done to get the word out there. No one else is going to do it and there’s nothing worse than a pile of books taking up space in the lounge, dining room, bedroom and bathroom.

And the returns…?

In one short week The Journey that’s Ours has been reviewed on Bookchat, one of the premier children’s book review sites in South Africa which reaches a global audience. The reviewer is honest and to the point – no bells and whistles, but the title is recommended. I have also been asked to be part of the Franschhoek Literary festival for young readers, one of, if not, the biggest book festival in South Africa. And this is what it’s about. Getting exposure.

The behind the scenes work might be tedious, but I’d rather do it for myself knowing that if I had a mainstream publisher I’d be doing it anyway…

 

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Your book is launched. Congrats…but is now the time to sit back and relax?

March 13, 2013 in Self Publishing, youth motivational, Youth reading

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This week saw the launch of my 4th title The Journey that’ Ours As you can imagine it was a massive week  for me and yes I do feel very proud. But it got me thinking about the launch of my first book The Magic that’s Ours which was  launched way back in 2005.

I remember that after the launch of that book I sat back feeling very self-satisfied and thought that now the book is out all is good and well and I can relax. I can’t even begin to imagine how many books are launched on a daily basis, but I’m sure it’s more than all the fingers on both my hands. So more is needed than just to launch a book. It has to be marketed.

Every author should have a website . Every media outlet needs to be contacted with a 1sheeter. This 1sheeter should have links to the website. The 1sheeter should be sent to all the relevant  radio, TV, print-media as well as all social networking sites. The word has to get out by any means possible that the book is now released and available. One cannot be shy at this time – be brave – caution thrown to the wind etc. BUT as the media gets inundated with loads of requests more is needed to be done so that the released title sticks out.

The world of publishing is changing dramatically with EBooks now outselling print copies by about 15%. So it’s cheaper to produce a book, but more importantly it’s now easier to give away gifts with every book launch. A gift give away is a great promotional tool to get people interested and excited about the book release. I mean who doesn’t like a gift ?

So here it is. All of my books which have been written for the youth, but not the photographic coffee- table book, are now available in both print and EBook format. And the gift is…?

For every purchase from my website of The Journey that’s Ours, in either EBook or print copy during this week only, the purchaser will receive free EBook copies of The Magic that’s Ours, The Power that’s Ours, AND a visualization guided-meditation download. 3 gifts for the price of one book. Xmas come early? Oh no wait…Happy Easter!  My website has been very busy this week. I haven’t had to do much except monitor that all of the gifts are being sent out correctly. You’ve just got to love technology.

So thanks to all for the kind wishes that  have been sent, it is truly appreciated.

Come the weekend I will pat myself on the back,(thanks to yoga), I’ll  put my feet up and have that long overdue glass of champagne. Come next week I’m going to be hassling all the media outlets about  reviews, interviews and exposure….

 

 

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You know you’re an expert when “O” magazine asks for your opinion

January 14, 2013 in Photography, Self Publishing, youth inspirational, youth motivational, Youth reading

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As an author, whether writing; historical, developmental, or factual, etc pieces, one needs to be honest  and believe in what they’re writing about. Once others start to believe in what you’re doing then they’ll  take you seriously. If they take you seriously then you could be deemed and expert. If you’re deemed an expert then they’ll appreciate your opinion.

My books written for the youth; The Magic that’s Ours and The Power that’s Ours, are all about the gift of imagination, goal- setting, visualisation techniques, affirmations, the importance of belief and self- belief. I had to continuously prove to myself that what I’m writing about is the truth, so I used them to self – publish the said books as well as a photographic coffee table book Down The Line.  I mean if I can’t set and achieve my goals then how can I expect others to believe in what I’m writing about.

But they do. So much so that Oprah’s magazine, “O”, asked me my thoughts about creative visualisation – one of the tools I used to create my books. Below is my input.

 

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Does a radio interview make you an expert?

November 19, 2012 in Self Publishing, youth inspirational, youth motivational, Youth reading

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If you’ve got nothing better to do tonight (In South Africa) you can tune in and listen to me being interviewed by Masechabe Mtolo on SAFM’s Talkshop at 20h40. SAFM between 104- 109FM. The talk is all about the importance goal setting for the youth as per my book The Power that’s Ours

 

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Is a 1 sheeter a South American daily bowel movement?

November 13, 2012 in Photography, Portraiture, Self Publishing, Travel, youth inspirational, youth motivational, Youth reading

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I’m not sure how many books get launched around the world on a daily basis but I imagine it must be a few more than a couple.

Post-launch the book enters into a very competitive environment jostling against many for reviews and media exposure. Reviews and media exposure are crucial to continuously remind potential suitors why your book should be the one that they spend their hard earned cash on.

Who does one approach? (Mainstream)

Print media –  editors, feature editors and book editors/ reviewers

Radio/TV – Programme and content managers. For this medium  live interviews are an option and in this case confidence is key as a wavering voice or a nervous presence is picked up by the camera and microphone.

Online media – content managers. This can be a review in a newsletter/blog or a live interview to be posted on Youtube.

How does one get exposure?

Editors and Content managers are busy people who receive countless review requests on a daily basis. At times the  topic of the review requested fits in with an upcoming content theme so a response will be quick and positive – but on other occasions it will just be herded on to to the ever increasingly pile of requests.

One has to stand out when sending through a 1 sheeter. A 1 sheeter is exactly what it says –  1 page of what the book is about, including information about the author and all detail – including; selling price and where the book is available. Information  longer than 1 page is not recommended as the busy editors etc don’t have the time to read a novel about why the book should be reviewed/mentioned. A suggestion is to write up a 1 sheeter template that can be kept on file and adjusted accordingly.

As correspondence will be via email – use a catchy heading  to grab attention. If  there is an interesting story on how the book came about BRIEFLY describe it in the 1 sheeter. If you’re  some form of expert on the subject mention it. Try to use something that will make your request more interesting than the competition.

Offer signed copy give-aways to readers or listeners as an incentive.

Don’t give up – persistence is key. There is a distinct possibility that your emailed 1 sheeter will slip through the cracks the first/second time around. Just keep trying. Don’t worry about offending the Contacts as you won’t. Sooner or later – if you keep at it – they will let you know if your book fits in with their themes, publication or programming schedule.

 

 

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A photographic coffee-table book paid for by Corporate sponsorship

August 22, 2012 in Photography, Self Publishing, youth inspirational, youth motivational, Youth reading

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As painful as a recession is for most it can offer up some well hidden treats. Being a professional photographer www.garyhirson.com I got completely hammered by the financial meltdown which resulted in some dramatic life changes. I had to move out of the city and commute, by train, everyday. (A very small price compared to some) It was while I was travelling on The Southern Line – which runs between Cape Town and Simonstown on the southern tip of Africa I realised that here was a story to be photographed.

Metrorail- the holding company- weren’t open to the idea but after countless phone calls and emails they finally relented and gave me a permit – one of the only times an independent photographer has been allowed to photograph their trains.

July 2nd 2011 was the day that the last photograph was taken by me on the subject. Since then editing, dealing with amazing designers and fantastic  illustrators  has been what ‘s occupied my time…and of course raising finance via Corporate sponsorship

Initially I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with the pictures, the idea for a coffee table book  only came about  later. As I’d previously published 2 books for the youth www.calminstorm.com I decided that I was going to self publish this book. But much finance would be needed.

Over the last while I’ve blogged about Corporate sponsorship – especially linking it to Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. This was a bit of a different ball game as this couldn’t really be linked to any CSR initiative, but it could be sold as a Corporate gift.

Today I’m not going to carry on about the benefits of seeking Corporate sponsorship-I will in my next few posts. All I’m going to say is that 13 months after taking the last photograph, today my coffee table book goes to print – paid for by Corporate sponsorship. A mini -celebration is most definitely on the cards.

Below is an advance Information sheet about the book with sales details to follow.

Down The Line , by G Hirson

The Southern Line train-line snakes between Cape Town and Simonstown – 37 kilometres of some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa. But talk about incongruities. The windows at times are so grimy that the mountains and ocean are mere smudges in the distance. Some of the modern coaches are spruced-up, others smeared with offensive graffiti. Businessmen in suits rub shoulders with bling hipsters; beggars share seats with tourists. Some commuters sit comfortably while others hang out the moving carriages, hoping to arrive at their station alive and on time.
Over 3.5 million commuters depend on the line monthly, but a late, idling, or cancelled train is common. Yet at times it all seems so smooth. Ticket office open, security guards patrolling, trains on schedule, and spotless coaches make for an effortless journey Down The Line.
Down The Line consists of 118 colour and black & white images portraying an honest reportage of the diversity in South Africa which include images of; of the trains, stations, personnel and commuters from the first train in the morning until the last train at night. The 15 personal paragraphs accompanying the pictures -given by commuters- gives a clear understanding of South African commuting life on this well travelled line.
On very few occasions – if any- has a photographer been allowed to photograph this line resulting in no other photographic coffee-table books on the subject. This book isn’t a normal “glossy” travel book but rather an artistic, authentic, photo-essay. It is not a promotional book for Metrorail.

Down The Line I will soon be available in soft cover. 

Gary Hirson is a professional photographer, entrepreneur, independent publisher and writer.

Publication Details
Retail Price: TBC
From the website: TBC
Postage: TBC
ISBN: ISBN 978-0-620-52729-3
Imprint: Calm in Storm
Publication date: September 2012
Format: 245 x 200mm, 180pages, soft cover
Category: Coffee Table Book – Art
Ordering: - TBC

 

 

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Celebrating Nelson Mandela’s birthday by inspiring the youth to read.

July 19, 2012 in Self Publishing, youth inspirational, youth motivational, Youth reading

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July 18th  is Nelson Mandela’s birthday. Everyone in South Africa is asked to contribute something for 67 minutes. Metropolitan Health Group sponsored 1000 copies of The Power that’s Ours and donated it to the pupils of the Trevor Manuel Primary school in Fisantekraal. A community with an alarmingly high unemployment rate. I was asked to speak there to help inspire the youth. It turned out to be a day where the children had so much fun and received so many gifts that they thought that Christmas had come early.

Below is the press release that appears in various different publications.

Press Release: 18 July 2012

‘Unleashing the power’ in Fisantekraal this Mandela Day

“The Power that’s Ours” was the inspiration behind Metropolitan Health’s staff visit to Fisantekraal this Mandela Day.

Fisantekraal is an area which is home to a mainly farming community. Over 45% of the population are under 19 years old, most are unemployed and very few have a high school education. Many people would view it as an area without hope, but Nosipho Yedwa, Marketing Manager of Metropolitan Health, sees only its potential.

Volunteers from Metropolitan Health helped with painting of 18 toilets at the Trevor Manuel Primary School, planting of a vegetable patch – which residents and children were urged to maintain on an ongoing basis – and donated food, inspirational books and stationery to the community.

“We decided to partner with the Philippi Trust and the Department of Social Development to help with some of the community’s more immediate needs such as the upgrade of the school toilets. But, more importantly, we wanted to inspire the community to realise that they have the power to achieve their dreams, and equip them with the tools to do this,” Yedwa said.

The programme included a motivational talk by Gary Hirson of Calm in Storm, which is a social enterprise that promotes literacy to the youth as well as introduces tools such as: goal-setting, imagination, positive thinking and self-belief.

The Power that's Ours, celebrating Nelson Mandela's birthday.

Helping to inspire the youth

This was followed by a workshop by Resilient Kids SA, which empowers and equip communities to take care of their vulnerable children.

“It was a wonderful community event, which really captured our hearts. We are delighted that our involvement in this community will go beyond Mandela Day. We have a lot planned to empower the youth of Fisantekraal to create rich, fulfilling lives for themselves.

“We would like to thank our staff who gave their time to help brighten the lives of those less fortunate, the Department of Social Development and the Western Cape Department of Education for partnering with us to make this day a success,”