10 Things I Didn’t Know About Becoming an Author
There are many things you learn as you go when you finally self-publish your first book. Here are 10 Things to put you ahead of the game.
The Writing of Book 3: Bright Blue Planet
After self-publishing Book 2, Jovian Son, I didn’t want to jump directly into writing Book 3. I hadn’t even planned to write a third book after the duology. But that soon changed because Evander Peterman, persistent and charismatic, kept barging into my office, spouting ideas of where to go with the story.
Are you a marketing expert?
Gordon MacKinney has written a guest blog about marketing and the Bookbub Featured Deal.
A Dating App for Your Book
I’m always on the lookout for new ways to connect with potential readers, and a few weeks ago, this one came to me. It’s called Booky Call, and it’s a new way to meet readers.
Sleeping with the Editor
Guest blogger Cookie Boyle started her book before meeting her husband. He had given her feedback on her plays, and she gave him feedback on his scripts. But her novel was different. It predated their time together, so she thought she could and should finish it on her own.
The Book Blog Tour
You’re ready send your book into the world, and the best way to do that is to shine a light on it. In a busy industry of constant new releases, a book blog tour can help.
How to Launch a Novel
Third time’s the charm, they say. They also say, “Live and learn.” I’ve launched two books so far, and I’ve learned A LOT from both of them.
It's January Again, Have You Ordered Your Planner Yet?
Are you a goal setter? While I have general, ongoing daily, weekly, and monthly goals, I’ve always felt a little lame about not being an annual sort of thinker.
Be a Better Self-Editor
Self-editing is about seeing what’s really there and recognizing what is not but should be. Here is a short checklist to help you do it well.
How to collaborate with indie authors
It’s not magic, and there’s nothing complicated about it. It begins simply by reaching out.
A somewhat snarky look at 5 self-publishing myths
These 5 self-publishing myths could be holding you back.
To give it away or not to give it away, that is the question
What do you think about independent authors who give their book away? If you're an author, do you give yours away? If you're a reader, do you think less of the book when you see that it's free? There are advocates for both sides of this coin, and I discuss the reasons for and against here.
Hone these crucial content-editing skills: POV and Setting
POV and Setting go hand in hand in creating a world your reader can visualize. Are you sure you have a good handle on them?
Reach your ideal readers
As independent authors, we need to find a comfortable way to reach the ideal readers of our books, but we also know that doing so is easier said than done. Learning how to talk about our books is the first hurdle.
Bring on the grit, says writer of romantic suspense
In this interview, indie author Tricia T. LaRochelle candidly shares what it took to prepare her first book for publication, what you can do right now to market your books, and much more.
How to be a writer
The other day, someone asked me the age-old question, “How do I become a writer?” My answer was, “Just start writing.” Of course, that’s the edited version of the real answer, which involves a lot more than any blog post can handle.
Interview with a self-publisher
In this interview conducted by Dawn Colclasure, I discuss why I decided to self-publish, the stigma on self-publishing, and the form of promotion that has worked the best for me.
9 Mistakes Self-Publishers Can (and Should) Avoid
I’ve been in publishing long enough to know there are several general mistakes—some of them seriously detrimental—that indie authors need to be aware of and avoid. By that I mean, don’t assume you’re the exception to the rule. If you are doing (or not doing) one of the things on this list, you are in serious danger of sabotaging your precious novel or nonfiction book.
Turn fact into fiction
When guest blogger Carla Luna decided to chart her course as an indie-published author, she knew she wanted to write a series of romantic comedies set in the world of archaeology. What better way to make use of her past profession than to fictionalize it?
Treat your all-important subscribers list like gold
If there’s one thing all the experts agree on these days, it’s the importance of your subscribers list.