Recently I’ve been making a lot of video, doing some webinars, and preparing to launch my first online courses. One thing that’s always bothered me (maybe the reason it took me a year to even feel comfortable enough on camera to begin) is that I have ugly teeth. Most of my teeth needed root canals, The 3 secrets to book...
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...
I’ve learned so much about self-publishing in the last few years, and now – as I begin to focus on publishing more books of my own – I wanted to share my appreciation for some of the amazing people who keep me inspired. I started this list awhile back thinking I could get pictures with The 3 secrets to book marketing, and a...
You are being called to greater things, feel stifled in the mundane and boring roles society has carved out for you, and want a grand adventure. You want to follow your passion but somehow make enough money to survive on. If you start talking with people about all your ideas, you’ll inevitably come across three The 3 secrets to book...
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 was at a conference this weekend talking to a lot of smart people; many of whom wanted to write a book. They’d inevitably ask, “are you self-publishing?” and then scowl, because they “want a real, physical book, not just an ebook.” I explained that print on demand has been around for a decade and The 3 secrets...
I started listening to positive affirmations/motivational mp3s and recordings years ago; my favorites are Kelly Howell and David McGraw. But I wanted something that was just for authors and writers, so I made my own. I made this first video to help authors struggling with finding time for their writing. Sometimes subconscious fears are the...
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...
