How to Use Mind Mapping to Outline A Book

When I wrote my first book I used index cards. I wrote one element or idea on each card; such as, a topic, question, quotation, or a reference. Once I had all of my cards written, I sorted them into stacks of related topics. Within each stack, the cards were sorted into a logical order. Each stack eventually was a chapter in the book. Sometimes it was helpful to tack them on a bulletin board so that I could see them easily.   

A linear outline is often used listing the main topics with relevant information under each topic. From there you can form the paragraphs. The main topics could be the chapters in your books. This is more challenging for me since I am very visual and I don’t always see an immediate relationship to my ideas. I prefer to start with the cards and then move to a linear outline.

I recently came across mind mapping.  (The Mind Mapping expression is a registered trademark of Buzan Centres.) I have used the technique for several posts and a book that I am currently working on. A mind map is a perfect tool for a visual learner like me. I was using a form of mind mapping when I organized my cards on a bulletin board. It is easier to connect ideas and see what doesn’t fit or what should be moved to a new area. The more detail you include the easier it will be when compile your final document. The more you planning and research you do before you write the faster you will complete your book.

Diagram via flickr

Studies have shown that people don’t think in a linear manner. Thoughts often pop into our head and we jump from topic to topic. Mapping your thoughts will help you pull them together in an organized manner while cultivating your creativity. You can put all of your ideas down without worrying about how they fit together. Writing your ideas down in this way will lead you to think of unrelated ideas that may fit in another area.

Mind mapping is a fast way to create material because you write key words and ideas so when you sit down to write your ideas will already be organized. If you are organizing a lot of material for your book, mind mapping will make it easier to see your ideas and how they fit together. If you are suffering from writers block, mind mapping will stimulate creativity through brainstorming. Mind mapping is an effective way to start, organize and finish your book.

Windows has a free and premium version of mind mapping software. Of course you can find a more expensive version if you find it helpful. I have created my own mind map on paper or a dry erase board. 

How do you outline and organize your material for your book? Do you start with an outline or do you have another method?

Are You An Author, Small Publisher, Or Independent Book Seller? How Can We All Work Together?

The book market is changing rapidly and it is time for the small publishers, authors and independent book sellers to unite to keep a small piece of the pie. No matter if you are an author, small publishing company or independent book seller you are generally passionate about what you do and most likely do not do it just for the money.

If you are an author you may have difficulty getting your book noticed by a large publishing house, and if you self publish you will have trouble getting noticed by the bookstore chains. Small publishing companies do not have the marketing budget to promote the authors or give large advances on royalties. Independent book sellers are often reluctant to buy from small publishing houses and self published authors because they can not offer the standard 40% discount that the books sellers require to make a profit. We all struggle in our own way and if we are all going to survive we must learn what we can do to help each other.

So what can we do to work together?

Authors must take on the responsibility of promoting their own book. They have the passion to sell and promote their books.  Since most authors do not have the money to do a big marketing campaign they can develop an online platform.  They could have a blog to promote their book or topics related to the book. They could guest blog on other sites to promote their book or on a topic related to their book.  

If you are trying to get a bookseller to have your book on the shelf you should be aware that they are also trying to make money. You will have to give them a discount of at least 40-50%. Independent bookstores are in competition with the large bookstore chains. Most of the owners love books and are in the business because it is their passion. Authors with publish on demand books can sometimes convince a bookstore to stock their book by offering it on consignment. The author provides copies of their book and gives them to the bookstore to place on their shelves. The bookstore doesn't pay the author for the book until it sells. If it doesn't sell the book is returned to the author. This can work with an author who has a strong local following.  

Independent publishers are likely not independently wealthy and they typically are not in the business just for the money. Most of the independent publishers do not have the volume of sales to be able to have a large marketing budget. Publishers can have a blog related to writing, publishing and marketing books. They could also write book reviews and author interviews with a link to a small bookseller to buy the book.  The bookstore could offer a commission on sales from the referrals.

Independent bookstores generally do not have the time to do social networking. They should have a website but probably do not have time to blog or promote their store on twitter. But they could run a promotion on the book at the same time the author and publisher are promoting it with social networking. A book signing could also be set up at the same time. During that time total book sales could increase.

Lets brainstorm other ways we can work together. What are your suggestions?

4 Reasons You Need an Editor

We are very pleased today to have for Our Little Books Guest Post Wednesday, Marla Markman, head spell-checker at Markman Editorial Services. You will enjoy her post because she knows what she talks about! Make sure you check out her company, especially if you need editorial services for your manuscript.

You’ve broken through the dreaded writer’s block, you’ve heeded the “4 Tips to Good Self-Editing,” and your book or article has made the rounds to friends and associates. It’s ready for public consumption.

Not so fast! You should have another set of eyes look at it—and that’s what a good editor is all about. Following are four reasons why you need an editor:

1. A fresh, objective viewpoint:  After spending a lot of time writing your masterpiece, poring over it, and rewriting it countless times, you’re too close to your work to look at it objectively. You can’t tell if what you’ve written is effective, makes sense, or in some cases, is even factually correct. An editor will look at your work with a fresh viewpoint and make sure you’re saying what you think you’re saying.
2. Grammar, punctuation and spelling expertise:  I’ll always remember when I worked in the copy editing room of a magazine, and the CEO introduced us to a VIP as “the people who spell.” Although it was simplistic, he was correct. Editors live to find the wrong usage of “effect,” correct dangling participles, and other entertaining gaffes. The surest way for a writer to look like an amateur to turn in a book or post an article riddled with errors.
3. Structure, tone and readability perspective:  In addition to focusing on details, such as spelling and punctuation, an editor can be a “big picture person.” Does the story or article flow well, or does it need to be rearranged in a more logical order? How’s the tone? Does it speak to your intended audience? And finally, does it read well, or is it clunky and awkward? An editor can address and repair all these issues.
4. In short, someone to make you look good!  The best reason to hire an editor is because we help you shine by letting you focus on what you do best, whether that’s story-telling, marketing, sales, or whatever your expertise may be. Let us do our job—making your writing the best it can be—so you can excel at yours.

Marla Markman is head spell-checker at Markman Editorial Services, which supplies editing, design, content creation and project management services to businesses, nonprofits, websites and publishers. For more information, visit www.marlamarkman.com.

Traditional Publishing, Self Publishing or Co- Publishing. What is Right For You?

 Part 2 of 2

In our last post, we discussed the changing publishing world and the first type of publishing, traditional publishing. In this post, we will talk about a couple of other newer types of publishing.

If you choose to self publish your book, you will keep control over what your book looks like. However, that also means that you will be responsible for finding someone to edit your book, design the cover, design the interior, print the book and market your book.  This can be costly and you will have to learn the entire process yourself. It can be difficult to be objective with your work and the quality of the book could suffer. The advantage is that you have full control over the outcome of the book. This could be a good option if you have a book that fits a niche market and you are not looking to have a best-seller. 

There is a third option that doesn’t really fit into either category, and some have called it co-publishing. Some people believe that this is the best of both worlds. The publisher assists you every step of the way. They guide you through the editing process, consult on the cover design and assist with the marketing plan. The author shares the cost of producing the book with the publisher. In this type of relationship you have control over the outcome of the book but the publisher gives expert advice to ensure that you have a quality product that can be marketed in your niche market. This is a good option for someone that has a book that fits into a niche market but who does not want to take on the entire process themselves.

Publishing is changing. Despite the advances, traditional publishing will probably always exist and, rather than changing, some people still look down upon any book that is not published by a traditional publisher. However, even traditional publishers are realizing the changing publishing world as more and more people are getting their own books out into the markets through various different methods.  

What has been your experience with publishing? What do you think about the different kinds of publishing?

If you are interested in publishing a book and would like to explore the possibility of publishing in a little book format, please contact us at info@ourlittlebooks.com where one of our expert publishing consultants will talk with you about your options. Take the plunge! Become a published author.