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?
Self-Publishing
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
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
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
Resources for Indie Authorpreneurs
As an indie author/authorpreneur, there are a lot of things to keep in mind in order to successfully run your business. Here are some resources that address various aspects of being an indiepreneur: "9 Inexpensive Revenue Streams for Broke or Struggling Authors" on The Book Designers: Includes selling special reports, templates, subscription newsletters, classes, private … [Read more...] about Resources for Indie Authorpreneurs
Learning to Code
Digital publishing can encompass more than making ebooks. Lately, I've been learning how to code, because it opens up a lot of possibilities, like building apps or interactive websites, or even Alexa skills. Although I know HTML and CSS, there's still a lot to learn. But it's been a lot of fun so far! In case you're interested in learning how to program, here are some of … [Read more...] about Learning to Code
Keeping Up To Date With Social Media Platforms
We all know every social media platform is different, and as indie authors you should have different approaches for each. Each platform is constantly updating and evolving. Here's the latest on some of them. Twitter Some people use Twitter to tweet novels, one line at a time. People also use Twitter to share news and stay in touch. People also build bots and in some cases, … [Read more...] about Keeping Up To Date With Social Media Platforms
Two Indie Author Choices: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Although Amazon works with a wide variety of industries now, it originated in books. And it still dominates the book industry. The Wall Street Journal recently wrote about how Amazon "commands an unrivaled customer base for the books, e-books and audiobooks it publishes." Part of what helped Amazon with ebooks is KDP, the platform where indie authors can upload and sell … [Read more...] about Two Indie Author Choices: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Editing in the Writing Process
Editing is an important part of the writing process. But sometimes, it's easy to get so excited about having a first draft, it's hard to take things to the next level. Publisher's Weekly has a post about how every writer needs an editor, even if the writer is an editor. In brief, it takes a lot of courage and perseverance. These worries can go both ways. The Write Life also … [Read more...] about Editing in the Writing Process
Becoming a Speaker
One of my goals this year is to do more speaking gigs. I've done a few, mostly about dinosaurs (but also about self-publishing). There are many articles out there about the benefits of public speaking. As an author, it can be a way to help sell more books, or vice-versa: you can publish a book in your niche to get more speaking gigs. Additionally, getting more comfortable … [Read more...] about Becoming a Speaker
