Word Magic
When you write fiction, it’s a complex activity. How could it not be? You want to your reader to believe in your story. You want it to feel real—so real in fact, that he becomes one or more of your characters. Sometimes we can manage that. Often however, we fall far short. It’s hard to get the story in our … Read more
Are you a self-publishing author? Here’s a big tip: start preparing for Christmas holiday sales NOW. It’s July; we’re in the second half of the year. Christmas goodies appear in stores early: consider having your fiction and nonfiction selling by October, at the latest. Speaking of October, if you write fiction, consider writing a few horror stories for Halloween. I … Read more
Struggling with self-publishing your fiction? Self-publishing is wonderful for authors. You don’t need literary agents, acquisitions editors, et al. But… Many thousands of new novels are published each and every week. Each novel has a hopeful author, who’s struggling to win readers. Stop struggling. Build a relationship with your readers, instead. Self-publishing: build a relationship with your readers How do … Read more
Have you been procrastinating on your self-publishing ambitions? Procrastination is a challenge for both nonfiction and fiction authors. Nonfiction authors distrust their inspiration. One author told me: “I’ve already started three books—but there’s dozens of nonfiction books on those topics already.” Have you nixed an idea because “it’s already been done?” When you’re looking for nonfiction ideas, competition should encourage … Read more
You’re a self-publishing author. Do you have a website? Perhaps you’re using your site to promote your books, but sales are made on Amazon, or one of the other book retailers. Why not sell books directly from your own website as well as on the big sites? You’re a self-publishing author: sell your books on your own website When I … Read more