A few months ago I shut off all my sites to client work. Although I still have lots of unfinished projects, there are two big differences in my life now. 1) I have time. And it’s amazing. I still work all day, but I’m working on projects that excite me, which keeps me energized; and the The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a...
Easy fixes and insider secrets to Kindle publishing If you aren’t already selling lots of books, it’s one of two problems. #1: Visibility – if nobody ever sees your book, no other factor (covers, reviews, description) is going to matter. #2: Your sales page Maybe you are driving traffic, and even doing some advertising, but...
I often see writing communities or forums online, and wonder whether I should sign up. They might only cost $25 a year. But will I get any value out of it? Here are some things to judge: 1. Look at the other members, if you can. Track them down. Are they successful? Do they have The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a haunted castle tour...
Today I’m stalking authors. I want to get my giveaway for YA authors shared more widely. So I’m chasing hashtags on Twitter and finding YA author lists and communities and direct messaging people. Normally, I wouldn’t do that: but I’m sharing a contest that will benefit YA writers, rather than promoting my own books, so...
Recently I recommended to an author that they review books in their genre. His concern was, authentic reviews are rarely all positive, and he doesn’t want to do bullshit fake positive reviews. The main point I was making, is – if you aren’t famous and nobody has heard of your book – blogging about yourself, The 3...
I’ve been working with authors for a long time; as both book editor, book designer and sometimes even publisher. I’ve helped thousands of them try to improve their book enough to sell – either to an agent, or to self-publish and actually be successful. During all that time I’ve met a lot of authors whose The 3 secrets...
Yesterday I went for sushi with a friend of mine who’s clever and tongue-in-cheek witty. She loves Haruki Murakami and has dark humor. Today I read a blog post from another friend – a simple scene about relationship conflict (who’s going to pay the bill) but written in a fun, engaging style. I don’t doubt that The 3...
UPDATE! I no longer recommend Thunderclap or similar programs – if you want people to support you by taking one action, there are better things to ask of them (like leaving a review of your book, sharing your book on their blog or website with links, etc). Social media isn’t really the place to sell books The 3 secrets to...
Today I received this email: Sorry to intrude, I know you are very busy, but you are the best person to ask. I have recently placed my first book on Amazon.com MERLIN 2035. Recently a Chinese book fair sent an email. No one has bought my book so far. Would it be worth $245 USD to The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a haunted castle tour...
I met a lot of people this week with excellent book ideas, they’d been sitting on for a year or more. I told them to get it done, so they can use it to build their platforms and traffic. And that they should finish this week. It’s much easier than you think, doesn’t have to take The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a...
I made this for an event recently, it was a handout – decided to post it here in case it’s helpful… #1 Write a book people want to read. #2 Connect with influencers or other authors in your genre/topic. Review their books. Share their stuff. Comment on their posts. Get noticed. #3 Set up a The 3 secrets to book marketing...
Today I saw that Hugh Howey had posted an article on book cover design. “That’s cool,” I think. Hugh Howey is one of the most successful self-publishing authors in the world. He started out with pretty unprofessional book covers that embody the design tastes of most indie authors (they focus on scenes and symbolism and The...
