A One of a Kind Gift - Blurb

People love getting really creative, one-of-a-kind books for Christmas. Books that elicit a “where did you find this?” response. As the leading indie- and self-publishing platform, Blurb has an entire online bookstore full of unique books by an incredible array of undiscovered, self-published authors, artists, and photographers. And while these books probably aren't in your recipient’s bookshelf, many of them should be. 
So, if you’re thinking of giving unique gifts this year, consider these titles. Each costs around $40 USD or less:

Cookie Cravings by Maria Lichty and Heidi LarsenWe all have cookie cravings. Popular food blogger Maria Lichter decided to put them into something deliciously original: A baking book featuring 30 recipes you won’t find anywhere else.


Dog by My Side by Adam SchnitzerThis charming collection of original, vintage photos shows us that as long as there have been cameras, we’ve wanted to photograph our canine best friends. As a special bonus, there’s a glossary of the early photographic methods used in the original images. 


Around the World with a Toy Camera by Giorgio GiussaniPerfect for the photography or graffiti-art fan on your list. This book is an explosion of gritty color that explores the wonders of street art and analog photography. 


Food Stories by Elena ScottA short, wonderfully illustrated collection of recipes (and food stories) that will inspire you to pick up the knife and spatula—or just pen and paper. 

Things I Love by Carol Nehls and Jessica RoseIllustrated and written many years apart by a mother and daughter, this sweet rhyming story told by a fox is pure joy for all ages.


Patent Pending by Jordan NatyshenChicken goggles, air-conditioned rocking chairs, monkey jockeys for greyhounds… humankind has invented and sought to patent some amazing and crazy things. Illustrator Jordan Natyshen illustrates some of the strangest in this history of odd inventions. 


Tiny Horses are Everywhere by Thea LuxThe perfect stocking-stuffer for fans of off-beat humor, this undeniably nutty book is based on a Tumblr blog and combines simple photo collages of small horses in human environments with incredibly funny captions.

Rouleaux by Anastassia EliasWhat can you do with an empty roll of toilet paper? If you’re French artist Anastassia Elias, you create tiny dioramas inside of the discarded tubes. Inspired by art and movies, these pieces are beautifully crafted, fun, and unbelievably detailed. 


Low Fidelity by Bobby GrossmanIf you, or someone you love, listened to New York punk and new wave in the 70s, chances are your favorite artist can be found in this book. Bobby Grossman photographed Iggy Pop, David Byrne, The Ramones, Debbie Harry, Andy Warhol and many more. This book is a time capsule of—and a love letter to—a legendary time, place, and sound.


Take a second and head over to Blurb to see if you can end your search for that perfect gift this season! 

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Making an "About Me" Author Page

Many author’s pen there own biography page. Especially new and independent authors, the reason they give being, it’s more cost effective. However let me present why it’s probably not the best idea.

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Make an Emotional Connection to Your Readers

Emotions equate to sales:

The writing profession has had many lives. But today almost exclusively the fastest way to earn money as a writer is based on the ability to elicit an emotional response from readers. 

What some would equate to going viral. Your words can spread quickly and earnings rise quickly with a massive audience. This can even set the stage for future earnings. If, that is you’re able to make or paint an emotional connection for your reader.

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Build a Library, Build Your Audience

It is popularly quoted, there is no I in team. And many consider team building an essential to creating lasting success.

Let me however provide, two places there is an I. Library and Audience. Two places that exist to fill a need every author, writer, speaker has. 

Two places, also, you need to be if you hope to find success in writing/ publishing. It's not a misspelling, these two places have the eyes you need to improve your chance at success.

That's the point of you putting work into your writing; building an audience. But first you need to build a library.

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Getting inspired with Blurb (The Blurb Gift Center)

There are a lot of gifts you could give this holiday season, but when it comes to something really meaningful, there’s nothing quite like the gift of a book made with your own hands.
But before you start having visions of gluing and sewing together pages, check out the Blurb Gift Center.

Blurb lets you make seriously beautiful books using their free tools. Just add photos and text, choose your options (like paper and cover type), and then order. Of course, you do have to decide just what kind of book you want to make.
But relax, because the Blurb Gift Center has the perfect tools and some great ideas.

For instance, if you’ve got a genealogical bent, there’s the Blurb Family History Book.

For those with newborns (or those that know someone with a newborn), a Blurb Baby Book might be just the thing.

And if you’re the kind of person who keeps getting asked for copies of your recipes, think about making a Blurb Food Book.

This holiday season, make your gift recipients feel really special by making them something special. There really is a book for everyone.



Happy Book Making!

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