Review: Two-For-One: A Tirade and a How-To
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 28, 2011
Gotta admit, I was intrigued by the title. This "book", for lack of a better word, is divided into two parts. The first is a well-written diatribe on traditional publishing from the viewpoint of a scorned (but happy) self-publisher. It reads like an intelligent (if belligerent) blog posting more than anything else. If you're familiar with the self-pub vs. traditional argument, it doesn't cover any new ground. If you've been wondering why someone would choose to self-publish, this is a good way to find out.The second section - not hinted at in the pugnacious title -- is entitled "Helpful Hints". While its information that is readily available on the web for people considering self-publishing, if you are just starting on this journey, you might as well read it in this condensed, coalesced version. It's like the Cliff Notes of Self publishing. The Helpful Hints include:-- Editing: Do it. Repeatedly. Then have someone else do it. Then pay for it.-- Cover art: Whether you do it, or have someone else do it, make sure it looks professional (in various sizes!), or people won't bother with your book.-- Blurb: Make it enticing and informative-- Story: Lots of solid, but brief advice here about all aspects of writing fiction-- Tools:  Tips on how go from a manuscript to an epub or MOBI file.-- Publishing:A whirl-wind tour of Amazon, Smashwords, and BN, plus some other options.-- Pricing: Sell at the lowest price you feel comfortable with. Price should vary by length.-- Sales: Bad sales does not (necessarily) equal bad writing, for a variety of reasons.-- Professionalism: Be professional, always.-- Promotion: Quick overview of lots of topics.-- Recommended Reading  and Links: Two sections of useful resources for you.Even though I'm not entirely sure what to make of why Cooley chose to publish his tirade (and include a very practical how-to section afterward), I was impressed enough with the pacing and clarity of his style that I went and put a book of his on my wish list before posting this review.I would recommend this FREE selection highly to anyone thinking of dipping their toes into the waters of self-publishing.