Writing a Book

I published the first copies of my second book in November, 2022. It took hundreds of hours to write 365 stories over the previous year. I did include a few stories and articles from my first book but most of the stories in book two were new. I decided to include a few black and white pictures in the second book to enhance the content.

Self-publishing has some advantages. I found a wonderful printer on the internet named DiggyPOD which stands for Digital Printing On Demand. They are a small company in a small town in Michigan. Their staff has been so helpful and the quality of their products are outstanding.

I am able to print a limited number of books at a time. I usually order my books in batches of 100 copies. This is cost effective and includes the shipping. One hundred books weigh over 100 pounds. The printer sends me updates on the publishing process and estimated shipping date. I love to track the shipment on the internet as my books thread their way across the country from rural Michigan to Walnut, California.

One of the other benefits of self-publishing is it enables me to correct mistakes and improve the quality of each new batch. When I read the first copies of my newest book I discovered spelling errors and spacing problems. For example one story was about a Mexican food restaurant that served all you can eat dinners for $1.49. I wasn’t sure how to spell the name of the restaurant. Was it Pancho’s or Poncho’s? A friend explained to me one spelling is a personal name while the second spelling is something you wear. So the first 100 copies of my book are spelled one way and the next 100 books are spelled the other way.

Printing is not cheap.  One hundred books costs about $1,200 to print. My first book was listed at $20 per copy. My second book is listed at $25. But one of my best marketing strategies was to offer two books at a lower price. I sold the first book at two copies for $30 and the second book at two copies for $40. My goal is not to make money. My goal to get as many books into the hands of as many people as possible. I also give a way a lot of books too. I am humbled and grateful when someone buys a book for themselves and buys a book to give to a friend or neighbor. Let me encourage you to consider writing a book. Make the effort to put your thoughts and ideas on paper. Consider printing some copies to sell or simply share with others. I highly recommend DiggyPOD for your printer. You will be glad you did and your family and friends will too!

Mark Hopper has now published two encouraging books that you will enjoy. His first book is titled “Let Me Encourage You” published in 2020. The cost is $20 for one or two for $30. His newest book is titled “Let Me Encourage You More” and is available for $25 per book or two for $40. (add $5 for shipping) Both books contain 365 stories (one for every day of the year). Order you books at markh@efreedb.org. Visit my web site at Letmarkencourageyou.com