The purpose of this page is to introduce a number of services which will assist you in providing the information needed to get your JustLocal book page up and running.

We have also included related services, such as cost-effective editing assistance, marketing and self-publishing advice.

As always, we appreciate suggestions and if there are any other services you'd like to see, feel free to contact us via email on: book@JustLocal.com.au.


If you don't have the appropriate software to create a PDF extract of your book, visit the FREE Software page which is available from the main JustLocal web site: www.JustLocal.com.au.

If you're planning to self-publish, it's a very good idea to become conversant with PDF writers as printers will accept high-resolution PDFs of your book regardless of what program you use to create them, be it Word, Publisher or a more recognised layout program, such as InDesign.

Another great application of the PDF is the e-book. It's a cost-effective way to get your work 'out there'.


Many authors don't realise that writing a great book is only the beginning. Even the most amazing book in the world won't get sold unless the author and/or their publisher actively promotes it. In the publishing world, authors are often left by the wayside as the shelf-life for books is just not very long.

The great thing about the Internet is that your book can have as much shelf space as JK Rowling's latest offering. Of course, the trick is not only having a web page or site, but also marketing it and getting traffic to it.

Fortunately, if you've signed up with us, you're off to a great start as JustLocal has a fabulous Google rating. In fact, our authors' pages often rank higher than their own web sites!

• Some authors may wish to further utilise their JustLocal book page we create to promote their book and make it appear as their web site.
  
  This can be done by purchasing a .com domain (e.g. www.authorname.com).
  
  A good approach for setting up a domain for about US$10 can be found in MyAnswers solution 1707. Click here for further information.
  
  That is great value for those without web pages: a web page for your book with an order form for US$10 a year.
  


• Some authors may also wish to promote themselves with their own web site and link to their page in the JustLocal book project.
  
  This approach can be both very cost effective and a lot of fun as you can create your own piece of personalised web real estate. To view a web site created by Rising Star Designs & Communication to promote an author, visit www.romathomson.com.au.
  
  
• A blog is also a great way to promote your book. You can then use your page on the JustLocal book project as an order form. Write articles in your blog and let your readers know what you are up to, perhaps where they might catch up with you at a book signing.
  
  We use a FREE blog with the JustLocal book project to do reviews and share news. Check out our blog to get some ideas for your own.

A web site is a fantastic start, but you also have to work on your offline marketing efforts to drive traffic to your site. You will need to include your web site address on flyers, business cards, invoices, etc.


An image is required on the JustLocal book page to promote your book.

We suggest giving this a go yourself or getting a friend to create one to save money.

The image must be 100 pixels wide by 50 pixels high, must be less than 1024 bytes and be saved in the png format.

If you need software to accomplish this task, the FREE Software page on JustLocal is worth a look.

Alternatively, if you'd like someone to create an image based on your artwork or some text, we can organise to have the image created for a reasonable fee.


The JustLocal book project is a cooperative marketing project. Here are a number of ways you can help promote the project:

• Send email to family, friends and contacts
• Add a link to a web page or blog
• Place notices on work or school notice boards
• Pass the word on
• Write an article promoting the project

Renée Barber of Rising Star Designs & Communication has created a flyer for this project for those who may wish to put notices on a notice board.

The e-version of the 1.57 Mb flyer can be downloaded by clicking here. Alternatively, if you'd like to print out smaller versions, click here.

Summary

We look forward to helping you get the word out about your books.

As with anything, the more creative you are, and the more time, energy and money you put into marketing yourself and your work, the more rewards you'll reap.