For my day job, I've been doing a lot of what's called content design. Content is everywhere, and that includes in software products, as technical documentation, in emails, on marketing websites, and more. For authors, it can be useful to think about content design, since it also involves SEO and search, measuring the effectiveness of content you put out there, and creating … [Read more...] about Designing Effective Content
Job Boards and Resources for Writers and the Publishing Industry
When it comes to books and jobs, there are a few routes you can go: the writing route and the publishing industry route. For people interested in getting involved with book publishing, and being in the industry, there are a number of job listing sites. Some of the ones I've found helpful over the years include: Publisher's Weekly Jobzone Publishers Lunch Job Board … [Read more...] about Job Boards and Resources for Writers and the Publishing Industry
An Interview With Danielle Ledezma, Author of Izzy in El Mareo
Danielle Ledezma is the author of Izzy in El Mareo. Read on for her interview. Izzy’s trying to cope with life, love, and loneliness, but her fast life in Houston is rapidly spinning out of control. So when the twenty-three-year-old American takes a job at an international resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, she hopes her old life is behind her at last—and with it, all the … [Read more...] about An Interview With Danielle Ledezma, Author of Izzy in El Mareo
Guest Post: How to Create a Social Media Marketing Plan?
By Marquis Matson After blogging sites started becoming popular in the late 90s, early into the 2000s, sites such as LinkedIn and MySpace quickly gained prominence. By 2005, social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube had made their debut, creating entirely new ways through which people across the globe could communicate, share with each other, and do … [Read more...] about Guest Post: How to Create a Social Media Marketing Plan?
Guest Post: How Indie Authors Can Establish a Strong Digital Presence
By Josh Wardini In an era heavily dominated by technology, it is not so surprising to find the publishing world gradually moving into online selling, whether it is print, ebook, or audio books. As an integral part of independent publishing, marketing is even more imperative in the digital era. Readers tend to do their research online, from new releases to the authors they … [Read more...] about Guest Post: How Indie Authors Can Establish a Strong Digital Presence
Guest Post: 5 Digital Marketing Tricks to Give Authors a Competitive Edge
By Mariah T. When you’re an author, exposure is everything. You can get the competitive edge that you need with a few digital marketing tricks. As you get your book in front of more people, you can potentially increase your sales. Social Media The popularity of social media is increasing exponentially. It’s important that you utilize all of the different social media … [Read more...] about Guest Post: 5 Digital Marketing Tricks to Give Authors a Competitive Edge
Finding Books and Other Content To Read
Reading is an interactive and magical experience. Here are some sources to find books and other things to read: Book Boon: Download free ebooks and textbooks. Free Ebook Foundation / Unglue.it: Free ebooks. Gluejar: "In the business of advancing internet infrastructure for libraries, publishers, researchers, and readers of all types." Book Mooch: Give away … [Read more...] about Finding Books and Other Content To Read
Tips and Tricks for Coding
I've recently started learning how to code, and it's been pretty great making things. With that in mind, here are some resources and tips on programming: "How to create offline HTML5 web apps in 5 easy steps" on Cats Who Code "As a software engineer, what are some tools you use that save a huge amount of your time?" on Quora StackBlitz: The online IDE for web … [Read more...] about Tips and Tricks for Coding
Becoming A Writer (And Improving Your Writing)
Writing comes in all shapes and sizes. Here is a list of links to help you get started writing and also make your writing better. Getting Started Writing "How to establish a writing routine for 2019" on Publication Coach: Advice includes making time, committing, and developing rituals. "Authors, Are You Applying What You Learned Last Year To Your Current Writing?" on … [Read more...] about Becoming A Writer (And Improving Your Writing)
21+ Magazines To Write For
Writing for magazines is a great way to build your portfolio (quick self-promotion: you can see my new portfolio here). Here are some magazines and presses that accept submissions, in a variety of genres. Some pay for work, some do not. Please read the submission guidelines! Vestal Review: Flash fiction. All-Story: Short fiction. Sleet Magazine: Poems, flash fiction, … [Read more...] about 21+ Magazines To Write For
Tips and Tricks for Launching a Book
Launching a book is an important step in the publishing process. Here are some resources that can help you prepare: "Why Bad Things Happen to Good Titles: A 27-point pre-launch checklist" on Book Business. Make sure your book is ready. Lulu Titlescorer. See how strong your book's title is. UKRifter's Random Book or Game Title Generator. To help you generate ideas for … [Read more...] about Tips and Tricks for Launching a Book
Resources For Finding An Agent
Following up on my post about going the traditional or self published route, here are some resources if you want to go the traditional route and find an agent: Agent Query: A searchable database of literary agents. Jericho Agent Match: A service that lists all agents in the U.S. and U.K. Curtis Agency: Located in New York. MacKenzie Wolf: Full service literary … [Read more...] about Resources For Finding An Agent
Writers: Traditional or Self Publish
When it comes to books, authors have many options for how they want to connect with readers. The first question to ask is, do you want to be traditionally published or do you want to self publish? Jane Friedman has a great breakdown of the publishing paths, the value of each route, and things to watch out for. The Porch Swing Chronicles also has a post about being a hybrid … [Read more...] about Writers: Traditional or Self Publish
Marketing Practices and Strategies for Indie Authors
Marketing is a key component of any indie author's business strategy. This year, I've been at least loosely following BookWork's month by month marketing plan. The early months are more about research and figuring out who to connect with, and then building on that throughout the year. Some other marketing ideas and practices to consider include: "Best Marketing … [Read more...] about Marketing Practices and Strategies for Indie Authors
Guest Post: 4 Pro Tips on Writing Injuries
By Mariah If done well, writing about long-term injuries can add an important element to a work of fiction. The character's psychological development from the initial shock to adapting to the consequences of his injury provides an emotional and uplifting story that can inspire readers. Injuries of all kinds will affect people in different ways, and those responses can lead … [Read more...] about Guest Post: 4 Pro Tips on Writing Injuries
