Mismatched in the Yoke

ACFW Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, marketing, Social Media, writing 13 Comments

by E.V. Sparrow With all the social media ads, gurus, and writing organizations flashing their beacons before us every time we do searches on any platform, how do we choose which ones are good for us as authors? Instead of flashing neon words telling us things like, “Stop here, we promise you success, or we love all authors, and will …

Say It Loud, Say It Proud with Your Email Signature

ACFW Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, marketing, tips 2 Comments

By Jill K Willis You’re a writer! Don’t be shy. Brand yourself as one even if you’re pre-published. No, especially if you’re pre-published. Build credibility for your work while you work. An easy, inexpensive way to do this is with your email signature. Every time you send an email, add your special writer’s signature to it. This reinforces your chosen …

Six Tips for a Low-Stress Book Release Month

ACFW Advice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, marketing, tips, writing 1 Comment

By Sarah Sundin Book releases can be the most exciting times! Seeing our books released into the wild is the fulfillment of our writerly dreams. But they can also be hectic and taxing. This week my thirteenth novel, When Twilight Breaks, releases. Here are a few tips for navigating your release month with grace—tips I’ve learned the hard way. Plan …

Lessons Learned about Promoting a Debut Novel

ACFW Advice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, marketing, tips, writing 11 Comments

By Frank A. DiBianca So, after years of writing, revising, professionally editing, finalizing, and submitting manuscripts to agents or publishers, your book has finally been published. But unless you’ve been published by one of the big houses, the lion’s share of selling your book is going to fall squarely in your lap. Now comes the big question. How do you …

Why Should a Writer be Part of Goodreads?

ACFW Advice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Goodreads, marketing, tips 2 Comments

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?

ACFW Advice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, marketing, Social Media, tips Leave a Comment

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 …

Speaking to Book Clubs, Is It Worth Your Time?

ACFW Advice, Authors and writing, Books, Friends of ACFW, marketing, Speaking, tips 4 Comments

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 …