By Kass Fogle By day, I don my Human Resources cap and march into the office ready to drive results through project work, endless meetings, and to-do lists. But like anyone’s plan for the day, mine turns on a dime and the prioritized, color-coded time blocks that organize my day crumble around me. Sometimes the same goes for my writing, …
Why Should a Writer be Part of Goodreads?
By DiAnn Mills The biggest reason for a writer to jump onboard Goodreads is from their own words: “It’s the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations.” I’m convinced this social media platform is essential to a novelist’s recognition by readers and publishers. Let’s unpack what that means: If I’m looking for a book to read, I can explore …
Self-Promotion: The Ugly, The Bad… and The Good?
By Michael Anthony Torres Thanks to Steve Laube for the questions that inspired this meditation. The increasing demand for self-promotion is arguably a by-product of the internet and the democratization of publicity. Surely, there are many more who could speak to this from more of an industry insider’s perspective; but when I was a young adult reader, I don’t recall …
10 Myths about Marketing Your Book
By DiAnn Mills What’s stopping you from marketing your book? Indecision about the tools? Fear of failure or success? How to approach social media? Heard so many cons that you’re afraid? Now is the time to debunk the following 10 myths so you can be a marketing rock star. Myth #1: All I have to do is one thing: write …
The Book Review Conundrum
By Nora St. Laurent Authors want them because it helps sales and readers are not sure what to say in them so many don’t write them. Where do you find readers that will write reviews? We’ve heard of some creative ways authors have found new readers. They’ve thought outside the box. One author told us that she sold more books …
Speaking to Book Clubs, Is It Worth Your Time?
By Nora St. Laurent Having run two book clubs, inside of a book store, and one that met on-line, I have witnessed the excitement felt by readers, firsthand when they can either meet with an author, or speak with them on an IP (Computer) call. The energy in the room is palpable and this becomes the reader’s version of meeting …
Three Steps to Getting Impressive Endorsements for Your Book
By Lara Helmling If you’ve ever been in a meeting with a publisher, you’ve probably been asked this question: “Do you know anyone who will endorse your book?” “Uhhhh.” Most of my first-time authors say, “I don’t know anybody.” Maybe you do or maybe you don’t know anybody, but you can still get valuable endorsements. I’ve broken the process down …
5 Reasons Authors Should be on Goodreads
By Amber Schamel To Goodreads, or not to Goodreads…that seems to be a question. Since it’s one of my all time favorite sites, I thought I’d address this question and give 5 reasons why I think authors should consider joining and interacting on the site. Goodreads is especially for book lovers! To market our books, we first have to find …
Why “Brand” Matters…Or Does it Really?
By Cynthia Herron As a writer, you’ve probably given some thought to your “brand.” (And if you haven’t, now’s the time!) “Brand” to an author is what water is to wildflowers. It quenches, sustains, and breathes life into an otherwise drab existence. For instance, in today’s world where we’re surrounded with a buffet of opportunity, I’m always intrigued by people’s …
Does Social Media Sell Books?
By DiAnn Mills Whenever I speak about the value of social media, writers groan, frown, and complain. Too many writers are not willing to get past the learning curve needed to develop their brand. My response is always a focus on a writer’s life requiring flexibility to learn craft, marketing, publishing, and branding. If a new technique in the writing …