Other Stuff

For the past few years I’ve been studying the craft of writing better books, and found woefully few useful resources on how to actually plot, write and edit your book to increase engagement. Working with cowriters, clients and writing students, I’ve started collecting new strategies to check and improve your writing without paying a developmental editor. I’m putting all that …

A few years ago I made this epic list of 300+ fonts to use for every genre. But the truth is, I rarely use those anymore, and some are even cringeworthy. So recently I spent a lot of time going through my collection and choosing NEW fantasy fonts I love. Keep in mind: most of these have decorative swirls or …

I just sent out an email with a broken link; click here or on the images below to watch the first video to my book writing video and the first week’s lesson of my writing summer camp. Thanks! Derek SELL MORE BOOKS (without spam). I wrote a free book with all my best book launch and marketing tips - if …

Yesterday I had a long Facebook conversation with an author who had previously done a strong physical book launch (hard book copies to influencers at events). After the launch, the sales dried up, because: 1. You can’t count on humans to do things 2. Physical book launches at events are expensive 3. No long-term, ONLINE platform for organic visibility 4. …

I’ve never put much thought into personal branding – I had a bunch of stuff I liked, but I couldn’t put them all together in way that made sense. My first header logo was a dumpster fire. I’ve had to learn to withhold enthusiasm, and add more space, because less is more. I’ve always focused on simple, minimal WordPress websites …

When I first started writing fiction, I needed someone to believe in me. I was ecstatic to get my first BookBub deal – a deal that helped me get 20,000 downloads for book one in my series and earn $8,297 in the same month. I thought I’d made it. Together, we were unbeatable. But now you’re always busy with other …

For years I’ve been wishing for some kind of automated, daily accountability to keep me inspired and motivated – and I’ve heard a lot of other authors asking for the same thing. The problem is, writing can be a very personal goal, and sometimes it’s hard to self-motivate, especially if nobody else really cares about what you’re trying to do. …

Almost always, if an author isn’t selling, it’s because their page isn’t converting. You need 3 things to succeed, a great blurb, cover, and enough reviews to offset skepticism. I can help you fix those things; I can also help craft your pitch or hook – which is critical for your amazon page. I can also do keyword and category …

I’m reposting this news to give it a signal boost – concern was raised by author Katie M. John who shared this image:   This is alarming, since so many of us use Facebook as part of our book marketing and promotion strategy. Katie wrote a great summary so I’m posting it here: Okay, I’ve seen the beginnings of a wildfire and …

I’m sharing this because I enjoy it: the struggle of putting down feelings into words. Hugo von Hofmannsthal The Letter of Lord Chandos THIS is the letter Philip, Lord Chandos, younger son of the Earl of Bath, wrote to Francis Bacon, later Baron Verulam, Viscount St. Albans, apologizing for his complete abandonment of literary ac­tivity.     For it is, …