However, as David talks about all the many details that go into creating a print or ebook (from honing ideas, to assessing the right cover and design, to finding the right audience), his passion for helping writers shines through.
Braughler Books (www.braughlerbooks.com) was officially launched in June 2015, shortly after David left Greyden Press.
“Greyden’s mission moved its vision away from helping writers with self-publishing,” David explains. “However, my passion for that work was stronger than ever, so I decided it was time for me to launch out on my own, with a full service company that helps writers who want to go the self-publishing route.”
David worked in commercial print sales for Greyden Press before building up a niche in helping writers with self-publishing. He credits his experience at the company with helping him grow his own skills in understanding the technical side of publishing (layout, design, production) that writers often don’t consider when they first think ‘I’d like to write a book!’
He was with Greyden for seven years.
A quick glance through Braughler Books online store reveals a wide variety of titles, from quirky-sounding book “31 Days to Finding Your Inner Sass: Shortcuts to Girlfriend Happiness” to “WWII Radio Man.” Subjects range from art to memoir to nonfiction to cookbooks to children’s books and more.
David grew up in Erie, Penn., and came to the Dayton area shortly after high school. He graduated from Wright State University in 1990 with a degree in marketing and also studied photography and is an avid photographer. Prior to joining Greyden, David worked in various capacities in software sales. He lives in Springboro with his wife and children.
“When I first meet with writers, I want to hear first about why the writer wrote his or her book, and who he or she wrote it for,” David says. “I meet with writers in person, often in a coffee shop, and I am keen to hear about their own passion for their work first. It’s important to start with that rather than the technical details of types of covers, for example. Knowing their passion helps me become a book coach, so to speak.”
David is upfront that his company doesn’t provide marketing services, though he directs writers to resources for that if they’re interested.
“I believe in being realistic, in explaining the pros and cons of self-publishing. It’s a lot of work, even when engaging my services,” David says.
“Once the books are ready, I like to deliver the copies to the writer myself whenever possible,” David says, “even if that means driving for a while. There’s something special about looking at a client who, for example, has a memoir or a how-to book that’s a labor of love, and saying in person, ‘Here’s the book you wrote,’ and seeing them light up at seeing the physical copies for the first time.”
With that, David pauses and grins before adding, “I like the romantic nature of the book business!”
Events
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m., Books & Co. at The Greene, Beavercreek: Lisa McMann will introduce "Island of Graves," Book 6 in her Unwanteds Series, a middle-grade dystopian fantasy series.
Next Sunday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m.: Gem City Poetry Stage will take place at University of Dayton's Art Street (330 Kiefaber St., Dayton), Gallery B, starting with a featured reader and followed by an open mic.
Sept. 28-Oct. 3: Banned Books Week will be celebrated at the East Branch (2008 Wyoming St., Dayton) of the Dayton Metro Library with a living display of readers in a "jail" reading from their favorite challenged books. The living display, held during the branch's open hours, draws awareness to the freedom to read. For more information or to inquire about participating as a reader, contact branch librarian Eric Wirick via email at EWirick@daytonmetrolibrary.org or call 937-496-8930.
Now through Sept. 30: Enter the 18th annual Dayton Metro Library Poetry Contest. Entries accepted online (www.daytonmetrolibrary.org) and at all library locations.
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