Where Authors Go to Become Seriously Successful
The weekend is here … here’s three items to goose your power as an author and indie publisher.
Validate Your Topic and Words
Are people interested in your topic … your area of expertise? Do a quick search to find out how many are using a key phrase that describes you and/or what your do and/or the topic of your book. It’s time for a key word search. Go to KeyWordSpy.com and see what the number is …
There comes a time when books are put out to a pasture of some sorts.
Remaindered is the term that is the most frequently used.
Some refer to remaindered books as printed books that are no longer selling well and whose remaining unsold copies are being liquidated by the publisher at greatly reduced prices. True from the traditional publishing standpoint. BUT, it could also mean that as an indie publisher/author–you need more room in your storage; your work …
As an author, do you think of yourself as just the author? And wear only the author hat … most likely, you would rather be writing.
Or, do you think of yourself as an author … and a business owner—the business owner of all things authoring? Or, if appropriate, as the business owner of a small publishing company? Meaning that once your book is written, and in production, you put your author hat down and …
The wise author applies for the LCCN before the book is printed.
(Library of Congress Catalog Control Number)
One question that most authors don’t know to ask is, “How do I get the LCCN?” What’s a LCCN? Good question—it’s the Library of Congress number that shows that you exist, and the one that any library that you are pitching your book to wants to know you …
When someone asks you—anyone—what’s the Vision for your Book, and for you the Author, what do you say? Do you stammer and stutter? Do you feel like you project the “deer in the highlight” gaze? Or are you direct and succinct?
For the visionary founder of Virgin, Richard Branson, he’s been an entrepreneur from the get-go. Virgin was seeded when he was 20 years old—since then; he’s created an empire that includes eight separate billion-dollar companies …
Another phone call. Another author who is frustrated confused and stressed out. Another author who step into publishing without wearing the “author beware” hat.
“I’ve been taken.” “My book looks awful.” “The publisher hasn’t delivered on anything it promised.” “There are too many hidden charges.” “I’m not getting paid.” “I thought this was a reputable publisher.” “I’ve been screwed …”
Look in the mirror. Did you really check out the company? …
Which book path is for you–traditional … self … independent–which? Four words can get you focused: timing, control, quality and money. All are key factors when it comes to publishing.
Timing—if your manuscript is completed, you can have it edited, cover and interiors designed, printed and in your hands within four months or less. With traditional publishing, you can have your manuscript completed and it will most likely be in your hands in 18 months.
Control—if you …
Book Award Announcement Season is here. Congratulations to Author U members Mary Jo Fay, Cheryl Carpinello and Lois Hjelmstad who all picked up Global eBook awards for their books recently.
What do you do when you win a book award? The savvy author tells others about it. Don’t count on your publisher to do it if you are published by someone other than your own company.
It’s time for you to start bragging … and formally announce you …
End of Summer and Fall kick off the Book Award submission season. Will the author be honored for his or her words and book? Or will the Book Boot be felt? The question every author needs to ask is, “Did I do the best job in writing, in presenting, in connecting with my crowd—the people who need, want my words?” In other words, “Did I rush to publish?”
Working with authors every day, there are routine hiccups that …
Don’t you love it when authors actually take their own advice? In a blog that was published some time ago, Author U had a special guest featured within our blog. Dana Lynn Smith put together a Virtual Blog Tour for her book, Virtual Book Tour Magic. Let’s revisit the key elements. Virtual Blog Tours are quite common now … don’t bypass it in your book marketing plans.
Here’s why this book makes marketing sense for today’s author:
The author has …
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