Category Archives: Publishing Advice

Helpful Links for Authors

  I am constantly approached by authors — especially those contemplating self-publishing — with requests for how-to information about writing and publishing. That includes questions about resources, such as lists of cover artists, editors, proofreaders, where to buy ISBNs, etc. … Continue reading

Posted in Audiobooks, Book business, Marketing Advice, Publishing Advice, Self-Publishing, Traditional publishing, Writing Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Authors — Using Business Cards to Build Sales

  A common lament of authors is: How do I promote my books? I’ve tried to present a host of time-tested ideas in this blog. Author business cards constitute one of the cheapest, easiest methods to build a readership and … Continue reading

Posted in Book business, HUNTER: A Thriller, Marketing Advice, Publishing Advice, Self-Publishing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Authors — Beware the New Vanity Publishers

  As regular visitors know, I am a strong proponent of self-publishing options for most authors. However, I frequently encounter writers (including one posting a recent comment here) who have been victimized by self-publishing scams: “vanity publishing” companies, masquerading as … Continue reading

Posted in Book business, HUNTER: A Thriller, Marketing Advice, Publishing Advice, Self-Publishing, Traditional publishing, Vanity publishing scams | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Blockbuster Report Reveals Amazon Book Sales Data — and Great News for Indie Authors (updates including B&N)

  Authors — whether indie, traditionally, or “hybrid” published — have a new “must-read” report to chew on, and a new website to visit regularly. Previous analyses of book sales and author earnings have left out Amazon, the biggest single … Continue reading

Posted in Audiobooks, Book business, Publishing Advice, Self-Publishing, Traditional publishing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Real Key to Strong Book Sales

It has been a mantra in self-publishing circles that an author’s most reliable pathway to long-term financial success is to rapidly write and publish more and more books. This strategy is supposed to increase your exposure and name recognition, and … Continue reading

Posted in Book business, Marketing Advice, Publishing Advice, Self-Publishing, Writing Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

September 29 Maryland Writers Conference

  MARYLAND AREA WRITERS, MARK YOUR CALENDARS. On Sunday, Sept. 29, I’ll be speaking about “The Brave New World of Self-Publishing” at the “Just Write Writers Conference,” Bel Air Public Library, 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Bel Air, Maryland. My workshop … Continue reading

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Kindle MatchBook: Another Innovation for Readers and Authors

  Indie authors, listen up: Here is another example of how Amazon continually innovates on behalf of customers and indie authors, and stays ahead of its moribund competitors. If you have both a print and an ebook edition of your … Continue reading

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Authors, What Are Your REAL Priorities?

  One of my favorite people to read about the writing business is author-and-publisher Kristine Kathryn Rusch. Her series of “Business Rusch” columns are insightful, invaluable resources for anyone seeking to build a rewarding career as an author in today’s … Continue reading

Posted in Book business, Essays, HUNTER: A Thriller, Inspirational, Marketing Advice, Publishing Advice, Self-Publishing, Traditional publishing, Writing Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

So, You Think You Need a Publisher…

  One of the most common raps against self-publishing — put forward militantly by the publishing industry — is that any truly good writer will not only be discovered eventually by a reputable publisher (a “gatekeeper of literary quality”), but … Continue reading

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Interview with Suspense Author CJ West

  CJ West is the independent author of a host of suspense novels, including The End of Marking Time and The Winemaker’s Son. His most recent release is The Cat Bagger’s Apprentice. CJ spent twenty years helping companies solve computer … Continue reading

Posted in Author profiles, Inspirational, Interviews, Marketing Advice, Publishing Advice, Self-Publishing, Traditional publishing, Writing Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments