Rick Brambrink started his self-publishing career in 2010 and already has seven books with more on the way. He has a passion for touring Victorian style homes and meeting with the owners. Rick is currently the president of the James J. Hill Society and will be holding a presentation at the Princeton Depot on November 13.
Another event coming up is ‘The Titanic’s of the Great Lakes’. It is about the two passenger ships that James J. Hill had on the great lakes. There will be one model ship on display along with all of the photos and blue prints of the ships. James built two passenger ships that sailed only on the great lakes, North West and North Land. They were sister ships and they were the largest and fastest ships on the great lakes at the time they were built and many years later. Please comment if interested in more info on event.
Let’s welcome Rick Brambrink,
Real Answer Real Authors: Why did you decide to publish?
Rick: I decided to publish because I think that it is important to record history. The first book that we published was in architectural style. We wanted to record historic fences and gates of historic mansions. Then we went into coloring books but also kept that on the historic side. Recording history is very important no matter what form it is in.
RARA: What titles have you published to date?
Rick: Grand Fences and Gates of the James J. Hill House, Summit Avenue Coloring Book, Cathedral of Saint Paul Coloring Book, Glensheen the Historic Congdon Estate Coloring Book, Minnesota North Shore Coloring Book, Twin Cities Coloring Book and Summit Avenue Mansions.
RARA: How are you currently marketing your book and what has given you the best results?
Rick: We do books on locations that have a good customer base. We make sure that before we do a book that they are willing to sell it. I have a good relationship with all of my customers so that they are willing to keep selling them.
RARA: Are there any books or websites that you have found the most useful?
Rick: I know that having a good website is very useful. But I have did not research publishing books before I got into the business. My business partner already had some background experience with publishing a book, I just had to be the front guy and make things happen. I have not read any books on publishing.
RARA: What has been your greatest challenge in self publishing?
Rick: Getting the word out on a new book.
RARA: What is the best advice or tip you can give a new and aspiring author?
Rick: Don’t think that all you have to do is publish a book and watch the money roll in, you have to work long and hard at it to get your book to sell. You have to stay in contact with the book stores at all times and make sure they don’t run out of your book. It’s not easy.
Check out my previous author interviews and blogs on prelaunch marketing, cover/manuscript setup and working with a printer. If you are not following, just click the follow button on the right hand side to be emailed when new blogs are posted. If you would like to be included in the author interview series and get some (free) book exposure – just email me at jill@mirabooksmart.com
As always, I appreciate any comments, suggestions or feedback. If you have a blog topic you want me to cover – send it over.
…and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.
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