What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it. My most recent book is , which was released in March 2014 by Writer’s Digest Books, the same publisher who produced my first book, . It really is the definitive guide to becoming a successful author. The Author Training Manual offers aspiring authors, or even published authors with a new book idea, a process to help … [Read more...]
No More Blank Screen: Blogging Ideas for Fiction Authors
So you have a blog--now what? Many fiction authors struggle coming up with blog topics, but blogging should never be a painful chore. "No More Blank Screen" contains over two hundred blog post ideas.The blog ideas and questions-to-ponder attempt to cover the full experience spectrum that is encountered along the path to publication and well beyond. Along with the blog ideas, … [Read more...]
Some People Think Your Book Has No Right to Exist
While I was at the London Book last April, one lady stood up and gave a seminar on how there were an ‘awful lot of bad books out there’. Another said that more and more writers are now expected to bear more of the risk – and even go as far as to complete their books without getting paid themselves. I feel really sorry for these people; I can’t tell you what a shame this is. … [Read more...]
How To Publish An Ebook On A Budget – An Author’s Guide to the Free Yet Professional Way to Get Your Writing Up For Sale on Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble NOOK, Smashwords and more
"Undeniably useful for anyone embarking on the great adventure that is e-publishing! It certainly was for me." LOUISE VOSS, Now The UK's Top Indie Kindle Author. Killing Cupid and Catch Your Death - Nos 1 and 2 in UK TOP 100.Do you want to turn your words and pictures into a professionally-presented ebook that's good enough to sell with little or no capital outlay? THIS ISN'T A … [Read more...]
Co-writing, Eight Questions to Ask Yourself Before Jumping In
I am the author or co-author of seven published fiction titles. Along the way I’ve had the experience of working with four different writers. I’ve spoken many times to libraries and book conventions about how it is to work with another author. Many questions have been asked about the process. I’ve narrowed the list down to the eight most voiced and will share them with you … [Read more...]
The Importance of Networking with Other Authors
In any business, networking is a good idea. But since writing is generally a fairly solitary and insular craft, you might be wondering why you would want to bother networking with other writers. After all, it could be a pretty dicey proposition. You don’t want to start discussing the finer points of your latest work with a colleague only to have him release a story that is … [Read more...]
Plug Your Book! Online Book Marketing for Authors, Book Publicity through Social Networking
> Get massive exposure for your book, no special computer skills needed -- trade published or self published, fiction or nonfiction> Discover why authors fail with paid advertising, pay-per-click, fee-based reviews, and "bestseller" campaigns> Blog to connect with readers, driving them to Amazon and bookstores> Boost your visibility with Google, use MySpace for viral marketing> … [Read more...]
Publishing Conferences, Expos, and Trade Shows-Why Go? What to Know
We are well into this new year and, as you look at the calendar in front of you and envision filling it with opportunities for you and your book, it is likely that publishing conferences, expos, and trade shows are high on your list of things to do. But attending these kinds of events can be daunting—especially if you don't investigate what they have to offer before deciding to … [Read more...]
The Realities of Self-Publishing
Writers need time to write. No matter how many things we do well, if we want to be successful, we will have to trust a lot of the details to other folks. Since October of 2005 when I began writing my first novel, I have been faced with many decisions and challenges. I would be lying if I said it was easy, however, my confidence has doubled since I decided to take my career … [Read more...]
Why (Some) Authors Fail
Sorry for the buzz kill title of this article, but instead of spreading pixie dust as many marketing articles do, I thought I'd take a hard look at the realities of self-defeating behavior and some of the things authors might buy into that will sabotage their careers. Over the years I’ve written a lot of articles on how to be successful, but to be successful you must first … [Read more...]