By Ashley Wilson When you think of the most common difficulties facing writers, you probably think of writer's block, time management, and burnout. Have you ever stopped to wonder how many hours the average writer loses to tech-related issues? In the modern world, the vast majority of writers use computers with word processing applications for their craft. Some amongst … [Read more...] about Guest Post: 4 Computer Hacks for Writers
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Cool Projects, Fun Tools, and Interesting Reads
It's almost the end of the year, so I thought it'd be fun to do a smörgåsbord type of post. So here's a mix of cool projects, tools, and reads that get you thinking, to inspire you. Cool Projects The Rhythm of Food "I Created 5 Maps That Show How Small Our World Actually Is" on Bored Panda IndyKids! (A free paper by kids, for kids) "Thinking About Starting Your Own … [Read more...] about Cool Projects, Fun Tools, and Interesting Reads
Guest Post: The Complete List of Infographic Tools and Platforms (Updated for 2019)
By Andre Oentoro There are millions of content being published every day, in many different forms tooㅡ articles, videos, social media posts, and others. Some people like to read written blog posts, while others prefer something more visual like videos. Each has its own benefits. Words can explain something deeper and more throughout, while visual content attracts people’s … [Read more...] about Guest Post: The Complete List of Infographic Tools and Platforms (Updated for 2019)
Guest Post: The 6 Best Tools for Video Marketing
By Candy Video marketing is an attractive, versatile, and extremely effective way to reach your target audiences. As all we know, the mother of all social networks, Facebook, has been strongly favoring video content in its news feeds. To help you create compelling, inspiring, and actionable marketing videos, I list some main video marketing tools that you should know. 1. … [Read more...] about Guest Post: The 6 Best Tools for Video Marketing
A List of 194 Tools and Resources: Apps, Trends, Marketing Tips, and More
It's about that time again for another roundup post. This time I've got a bunch of tools and resources that cover a wide range of topics, from freelancing to marketing to reading and more. Book Creation Tools/Help Book Creator Comic Book Paper Omnibook Vellum Vivliostyle (and why it's important) "Automated Cleanup for Word Manuscripts" Beyond XML … [Read more...] about A List of 194 Tools and Resources: Apps, Trends, Marketing Tips, and More
A List of Tools for Freelance and Indie Authors
Having trouble staying motivated? Sometimes it helps to use some new tools to keep you organized and ready to work. Here are some new tools and resources I've found: Mattermost: An open-source chatting tool, so you can easily connect with clients, editors, publicists, or anyone on your author street team. Compatible with Slack. Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator: To help … [Read more...] about A List of Tools for Freelance and Indie Authors
209 Examples and Trends Impacting the Future of Storytelling
Storytelling comes in a variety of formats: as books, articles, podcasts, films, and more. It seems every week there's something new and cool coming out of the works, so I thought I'd highlight some of them here (in no particular order). Also, there's a lot that can be learned from other people's stories! New Tech / Tools / Platforms Book Marketing Book Title Generator … [Read more...] about 209 Examples and Trends Impacting the Future of Storytelling
Indie Author Marketing Guide: A Primer to Social Media
Social media is a big part of indie author marketing strategies these days. But for those just starting out, it may seem daunting. When I first began using social media for platform building, I felt slightly overwhelmed. But now, after lots of practice and just incorporating social media into my daily routine, I've come to embrace it. And instead of seeing it like a chore, I … [Read more...] about Indie Author Marketing Guide: A Primer to Social Media
Indie Authors: Writing and Publishing Tools
It seems that every day I come across a new site or tool that can help with writing, editing, promoting, or pretty much any stage in the publishing process. (The Book Designer has a great article explaining why authors should embrace new technologies.) Here are links to a few of the best ones: Writing Citation Styles: A repository for help with citations and … [Read more...] about Indie Authors: Writing and Publishing Tools
Design Tips and Tricks
Design is an important of any aspect. For indie authors, this could mean books or websites, or any other digital or physical products they sell. With that in mind, here are some design tips and tricks, in case you feel like learning a new skill! Read about the latest features in Adobe InDesign, which can help with book design Learn about design systems with Atomic … [Read more...] about Design Tips and Tricks
Annotating and Having Fun With Data
Being able to share data in a number of different ways is one of the perks of living in the digital age. Warning: this post is for the fellow geeks out there. Annotation Online I'll start with sharing some cool annotation tools. According to Library Journal: Web annotations are an attempt to recreate and extend that functionality as a new layer of interactivity and linking … [Read more...] about Annotating and Having Fun With Data
Ebook Formatting Options for Indie Authors
For indie authors, one great way to save money when it comes to publishing your books is to learn how to make your own ebooks. Personally, when it comes to creating ebooks, I recommend using Sigil, and I teach an online course on Udemy on how to use Sigil and other free tools to create your own beautiful ebooks. But there are a myriad of other options. Below are some … [Read more...] about Ebook Formatting Options for Indie Authors
Fun Tools for Authors
I do love a good list. Below are some tools that can help you as an author, whether you're looking to write, find books to read, research words, and more. Authors.me: Platform for connecting authors with agents and publishers. AZ Screen Recorder: An app that lets you record your Android screen. Beemgee: Tools for authors. Binded: Gives you copyright certificates for … [Read more...] about Fun Tools for Authors
Book Insights Based on Data
Data is powerful, and can provide a lot of insights. Data also makes it easier to market books. For example, having good metadata makes it easier for readers to find certain books online. Here are some tips for how to use data to your advantage, as well as some awesome examples of what we can learn from data. Metadata "3 Ways You Can Plant Metadata in Your Book Blurb" on … [Read more...] about Book Insights Based on Data
Guest Post: Proofreading Style and Grammar with Document Grader
By Patrick Roberts Patrick Roberts is the creator of Document Grader, a tool designed to grade writing on a deeper level than the average grammar checking program. Authors can easily use the tool to help with their work. Document Grader goes beyond finding superficial grammar or spelling mistakes, as most grammar checking tools already do. Instead, the service highlights a … [Read more...] about Guest Post: Proofreading Style and Grammar with Document Grader