Why Authors Walk Away From Good, Big 5 Publishers
UK author Harry Bingham describes the four stages of his career, and why he’s decided to self-publish after good experiences with traditional houses.
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Write the Book That Keeps You Awake at Night Scared
Do you have a project that confuses you, or feels dangerous? That’s what you should write says Mark Wisniewski.
How to Tell If Back Story Is Sabotaging Your Novel
Most novels have some amount of back story—because they rarely start from the beginning of a character’s life. However, writers tend to misuse it or include too much.
The Strategic Use of Book Giveaways and How They Can Increase Earnings Potential
Giving away your work isn’t a problem if you’ve developed a strategy around it, and know how to turn new readers into fans.
5 On: Victoria Zackheim
Author and editor Victoria Zackheim discusses (among other things) the art of marketing when published by a press with a limited budget and the keys to successful personal essays.
10 Resolutions for a Saner Internet—and Life
For me, the hardest thing about being online is remembering what I think and the “why” that I’m working for. The multiplicity of voices can make you forget your center.
How Ebooks Have Changed the Print Marketplace: Digital Book World, Day 3
Nielsen offers specific figures on how ebook sales have affected print sales in adult fiction, adult nonfiction, and juvenile categories.
Amazon Discusses Kindle Unlimited & Kindle Select Participation: Digital Book World, Day 2
Amazon says that Kindle Select participation is healthy, and that the Kindle Unlimited ebook subscription service is leading to more reading and sales.
The Status of the Children’s Book Market: Digital Book World, Day 1
Nielsen offers fascinating insights into how the children’s market is driving growth in the overall publishing industry.
How to Avoid Misery Over Rejection
Why you should ensure you have as many stories on submission as possible.
Platform Building for Authors [30-Minute Video Interview]
In a 30-minute video interview, I discuss the basics of author platform.
Building Your Business As An Author [Interview]
I was delighted to be a guest on Stephen Campbell’s podcast, The Author Biz.
Updated & Expanded: How to Get Your Book Published
I’ve revisited my No. 1 post on how to get published—adding more advice and instruction.
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Successful Author?
At conferences, I’m often asked by writers if they “have what it takes” to be a successful writer. I usually interpret that question as: “Do I have talent?”
Facebook for Authors: Getting Started Guide
This 101 guide describes best practices for authors using Facebook for book marketing, with tips on when you should set up a fan page.
2 Easy Ways to Measure the Impact of Your Social Media Use
Learn how to easily study the impact of your social media use on your marketing and promotion efforts.
10 Tips on Writing Dialogue
Fiction writer Rowena Macdonald says she finds writing dialogue much easier than constructing a plot.
Indies & Audiobooks: An Alternative to ACX
If you don’t like the terms offered by Amazon’s ACX for selling your audiobook, you do have an alternative. Author Lee Stephen explains the path he took.
How True and Factual Does Your Memoir Have to Be? 5 Principles
Can we trust our memories as “facts?” And what if others disagree? How do we explain our creative process and answer their protests?
