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YouTube Shorts: What Authors Need to Know
As platforms continue to copycat their competitors, one of the more recent entries in that race is YouTube Shorts, which mimic TikTok and Instagram Reels. Let’s talk about pros and cons, and how authors can use YouTube Shorts.
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New Amazon Author Pages
Just in time for a new year, author pages on Amazon have been redesigned. The redesign is a good move. But authors need to be aware of some changes.
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Do You Need a Signature Book Title?
A signature book title is one that people immediately know and associate the author with when they see it. But do authors really need to strive to create one for their books? I share examples and tips.
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Do Authors Need Logos?
A familiar request came from an author via email. “Which of these logos do you like best?” I responded that I wouldn’t go with any of them, and it had nothing to do with the art. Here's why I say authors don't need logos.
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Amazon Ads, Amazon Attribution Tags and Social Media Ads for Marketing Your Books
I took the new Amazon Attribution Tags system for a test drive to see if it really does help authors track mystery sales sources on Amazon generated off Amazon, such as social media ads. Here's how it went (or didn't).
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Used Books as Gifts: Trash or Treasure?
If you received a used book as a gift, would you think the giver was cheap or that they had found a treasure for you? Here are a few different factors to consider.
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Will I Quit Twitter?
December 2022 marks the end of my 14th year on Twitter. In light of the chaos from its acquisition by billionaire Elon Musk, will it also be the end of me using Twitter? Let’s talk about that since I’m sure many of you are also considering your future on Twitter.
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Audiobook Trends and ACX Updates
I have just wrapped production on a new audiobook. In doing this latest book, I ran across some updates to ACX, Audible, and some eye-opening audiobook trends that I’ll discuss here.
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Kindle Create Update for 2022
I just published another book on Kindle Direct Publishing. It was a good test for the latest 2022 version of Kindle Create, KDP’s free book formatting software. Here's what's improved, and what KDP still needs to address.
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Find Out How People Are Finding Your Books with Amazon Attribution Tags
Finally! Amazon has introduced a way for authors to measure sales generated by non-Amazon channels like organic social media posts and paid ads. It is called Amazon Attribution. Find out how it works.
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You're Doing Niche Marketing Wrong for Your Books
I see authors and low content book creators forging ahead full steam to write or design their books before they decide on the niche markets their books will serve and what those markets could want and need. This is totally backwards if you’re hoping to make sales. I explain why.
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My YouTube Journey: Handles, Shorts, Chapters, and More
I celebrated 13 years of having a YouTube channel. A whole lot has changed, and keeps changing on YouTube, mostly for the better, even though using it effectively is still a challenge. I’ll talk about some newer features that can impact authors and small businesses.
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Does Your Book Have Spine Problems?
On a recent video I did about KDP print-on-demand quality and quality control, one of my favorite author people commented about how she learned to cope with limitations on book spines for print-on-demand. I share what you need to know about book spine design.
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Trademarks, Copyrights, and Book Title Issues
In this article, I will provide some definitions and discussion of trademarks, copyrights, and titles, particularly as they relate to authors and self-publishing.
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KDP Print-on-Demand Quality vs. Quality Control
I got called out on one of my videos where I ranted about authors being overly sensitive about what they perceive as KDP print-on-demand quality issues. Out of respect for that author’s concerns, let me address each of them here.
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Spotify Audiobooks: What Self-Published Authors Need to Know
In September 2022, Spotify launched audiobooks on its music and podcast platform. How does this affect the audiobook market? Will it impact self-published audiobook authors, especially those on Amazon’s ACX and Audible?
- 0
Is It Time to Quit Self-Publishing?
All authors suffer from a “shall I stay or shall I go” moment at some point. Probably more now as book and content markets become more competitive. Here are some things to consider as you consider continuing your self-publishing career.
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Why Are Your Book Sales Down?
Two authors were complaining about sudden downturns in their book sales. What is happening and why? Could it happen for your self-published book? Can you do anything about it?
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Ethereum, The Merge, NFTs, Climate Change and Self Publishing
Update on the impact of Ethereum, The Merge, NFTs, and climate change on self publishing.
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Why People Don't Want to Pay for Subscription Content
People who have a relationship with a creator are more likely to become paying and continuing subscribers. But that's not a given. I discuss why people don't want to pay for subscription content on Patreon, YouTube, etc.
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One Stat That Should Worry Subscription Content Creators
In response to inflation, if consumers realize their money is dripping away month after month for subscriptions, they may have an epiphany moment and start scrutinizing those costs. I discuss the stat that shows this is happening, and how this impacts content creators and authors.
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AI Writing Assistants: What You Need to Know About Robot Ghostwriters
A friend of mine said she’s begun using an artificial intelligence “ghostwriter,” or AI writing assistant. You tell it what you want to write, and the AI will write it for you. I discuss questions and concerns about how this tech could impact you and the writing industry.
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Amazon Ad Tips for Traditionally Published Authors
Are Amazon ads worth doing for traditionally published authors? I’m not so sure. Let me explain why based on my experience from running Amazon ads for my self-published books since 2016.
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Do Kindle Free eBook Promotions Boost Book Sales?
One of the reasons self-published authors sign up for KDP Select on Kindle Direct Publishing is to do Free Kindle eBook Promotions. I’m not a big fan of free eBook giveaways, whether on Amazon KDP or other platforms. Here’s why.
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Does Word-of-Mouth Marketing Work for Authors?
I’m a bit put off by billionaire Mark Cuban's brag of spending no money on marketing for his new venture, relying totally on word of mouth. Authors may look at this, thinking they can spend no money or resources on marketing, too. Let me explain why this may not work.
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Help! My Self-Published Book Isn't Selling
Pretty regularly, I come across a post from an author on social media where they’re crying about their low book sales. After reviewing many of these posts, I’d like to share some general observations about what ails these authors, their books, and their book sales.
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Why You Shouldn't Include Thank You Gifts in Orders
Let’s discuss why over-delivering by including "thank you" gifts with customer purchases will undercut your creative income and why it’s a behavior you need to stop immediately.
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Protecting Your Book Idea While Building Fans Before Publishing
Authors may have concerns about protecting their writing work but want to build fans for their work prior to publishing. Lots to unpack here!
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Why You Shouldn't Worry About Returns and Refunds of Your Self-Published Book
Some customers will be disappointed with what they purchase, regardless of what you offer. Admit it; you’re not happy with everything you buy. I don’t fret that somehow my books or content are bad if they are returned for a refund. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry about it either.
- 0
Google Play Auto-Narration for Self-Publishing Audiobooks
Google Play now enables authors and publishers to create audiobooks using text-to-speech (TTS) robot voices. Let’s talk about what these technological advances are, how they will impact audiobooks, and what that means for authors who are self-publishing audiobooks.
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Author Headshot Photos: What You Need to Know
Do you always have to get professional photos for your author headshots? Can you use selfies? Are there any rules for using photos in books? I share what you need to know about author headshot photos for your books.
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What the Books as Decor Trend Means for Authors
I'm known for saying that book covers aren't as important as authors think. But what if the book cover is the real value of the book and not the writing in it? I discuss the emerging and disturbing "books as decor" trend and what it means for authors.
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Amazon A+ Content for Self-Published Authors on KDP
As you’re shopping on Amazon, you may have run across product pages that include additional photos and content to help promote the product. This is referred to as A+ Content on Amazon. It’s now available for authors who self-publish on KDP, Kindle Direct Publishing. I share my experience with it.
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Marketing Your Book on Amazon With Keywords
Authors are often confused and frustrated when using keywords to market their self-published books on Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing. I explain why and how to approach this aspect of your book marketing.
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Book Marketing Challenges for Self-Published Books in Multiple Formats
Self-published authors need to understand that their books can have multiple sub-markets based on the book format. Markets for print books, eBooks, and audiobooks are discussed.
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S.M.A.R.T. Goals for Self-Published Authors
While the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting method is sound theoretically, it often has its flaws in practice. Let’s see how self-published authors get goals wrong.
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Are Book Fairs and Trade Shows Worth Doing for Self Publishing?
After many years in and around trade shows and fairs, I’ll share what I learned, and how it all applies, or doesn’t, to self published authors’ book marketing.
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Does KDP Select Affect Self-Published Book Sales?
An author asked if opting into KDP Select would affect paperback sales. Well, yes, it can. Here’s how.
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Self-Published Book Marketing Bloopers
As authors and creators, how do we get book marketing wrong? Have we really gotten it wrong? How do you drill down to find your real audience? I discuss.
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Hiring PR Help for Your Self-Published Book
I discuss what the PR game is all about. And now that social media has become even more of a force than mass media for smaller businesses and authors, I’ll talk about that, too, as it relates to promotions for your book.
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Publishing Companies vs. Publishers
To avoid getting disappointed or scammed, authors must understand the distinctions among publishing companies, publishers, and self-publishing platforms.
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What Are Trigger Warnings for Books?
What authors need to know about trigger warnings for books and other content.
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Avoiding Age Bias in Self-Publishing
As authors, we have to be very careful about “aging” our audiences. And this goes in both directions of the age spectrum. Let’s talk about a few of the pitfalls to avoid in age classifications for your readers.
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Book-Reading Trends Authors Need to Know
I share book-reading trends that could be impacting book sales for authors.
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Amazon Best Sellers Rank Explained for Authors
What does your book's Amazon Best Sellers Rank (BSR) actually mean? I explain Amazon BSR, category rankings, and NPD Bookscan reports for authors.
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What Is #Booktok?
TikTok is a short video content-sharing social network that covers every imaginable topic, including a large community called #booktok. What is #booktok, and how can self-published authors take advantage of it?
- 0
Self-Publishing Your Poetry
Selling your self-published poetry is tough. I share why poetry is such a marketing challenge, and some tips to make your poetry more market-friendly.
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NFTs for Self-Publishing Explained
What are NFTs, and how can authors use them to self-publish?
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What is Zestworld?
A new creator platform for comics, Zestworld, is projected to be introduced in early 2022. It is a self publishing monetization platform dedicated to comic creators, but with additional benefits in managing creative rights.
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How to Do an Email List Cleanup
Let’s talk about what an email list cleanup is, why you might want to do it, and how and when to do it.
- 0
How to Forecast Self-Published Book Sales
Figuring out how many potential book buyers you have is the first step in forecasting your self-published book sales. Learn how to do it.
- 0
Do You Really Need to Write and Self-Publish a Book?
Is self-publishing a book the best way to get your message or story to the world? Do you understand your motivations for wanting to write a book? I offer some food for thought on whether writing and self-publishing a book is really worth your while.
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4 Myths About Getting Your Self-Published Book in Indie Bookstores
Do you dream of seeing your self-published book on the shelves of your local independent (indie) bookstore? I bust some myths about indie bookstores and self-publishing, and I share what you need to know about the indie bookstore business.
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Is Your Book Bad? Or Is Your Book Marketing Bad?
What is a bad book? What is bad marketing? How can you know whether your self-published book or your book marketing is bad?
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Global Supply Chain Issues and Self Publishing
You’ve probably seen stories in the news about the post-pandemic global supply chain woes and how it might impact the availability of print books, especially during the holiday season. Here’s what you need to know about the current supply chain issues and what it means for self publishing.
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KDP Hardcover Printing Review
In 2021, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) self-publishing platform introduced hardcover book printing. Here’s what you need to know about creating a hardcover edition for your book on KDP.
- 14
Can Merchandising Help Get Your Self-Published Book in Bookstores?
Can merchandising incentives and displays incentivize bookstores to carry your self-published book? Probably not. I explain why.
- 24
Why Self Publishing is About Marketing, Not Writing
An author friend of mine asked if I could expand on something I said in a YouTube video, which was that self publishing is more about marketing than writing. Here we go.
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Should You Self-Publish a Box Set of Books?
Big-name record labels and musicians sell box sets (or boxed sets) and bundles, as do big publishers and authors. Can small, self-published authors do it, too? Yes! Here's what you need to know.
- 20
Unpublishing a Book on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Wondering if you should take your book off the market on Kindle Direct Publishing? I've unpublished a number of my Kindle ebooks. Here’s what you need to know.
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Downsides of Donating Self-Published Book Profits to Charity
"I’m going to donate all my self-published book’s profits to charity." I’d suggest simply making a cash donation to your favorite charity instead of sharing your book’s profits. Let me explain why.
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Does Self-Publishing on Multiple Platforms Multiply Book Sales?
When self-publishing a book on one platform, such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark, is it okay to publish it on another one, too? And does self-publishing your books on multiple platforms really increase book sales?
- 12
Self-Published Book Marketing Without Social Media
One question that I frequently receive (and that pops up regularly in author forums) asks what else can be used to market one’s self-published books other than social media. So, let’s look at book marketing without social media and discuss whether it’s even possible.
- 18
What Authors Need to Know About Bartering for Services
Authors who need book design or editing often consider bartering for these services, especially if finances are a concern. Learn when and how bartering works in writing and self-publishing.
- 18
Why It's Difficult to Sell Custom Card Decks and Journals on Etsy
Creating and self-publishing a custom card deck or journal is easy. Selling it is not. Let’s dig into the topic of selling these products on creator selling platforms such as Etsy.
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Self Publishing Fan Fiction: What You Need to Know
The whole subject of fan fiction puts me in a panic. Let me explain why along with what you need to know about the legal and marketing challenges it entails.
- 22
Should You Rewrite Your Self-Published Fiction Book?
Let’s explore why authors may feel compelled to rewrite self-published fiction works and whether it’s advisable to do so.
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How to Advertise Fiction vs. Nonfiction Books
Is the book-advertising process different for fiction and nonfiction? Yes and no. Here's what you need to know.
- 24
Why I Quit Coaching Authors
It’s easy to get sucked into a coaching scenario when your author friends ask for some “help” with their books. Don’t take the bait unless you’re ready for what’s ahead. I share why from my personal experience.
- 14
How to Get Media Coverage for Your Self-Published Book
Getting mass media coverage for self-published books is really, really tough. As a former trade newspaper editor for 15 years, let me share why that is, along with some tips for improving your chances of getting media coverage.
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Why Your Self-Published Book May Not Help People
If your goal is to get your message into the hands, hearts, and minds of lots of people you want to influence, self-publishing a book might not be the best way to accomplish that. I explain why.
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Why I Don't Care About Amazon Best Seller Rank for My Books
A question about Amazon's best seller rank (BSR) came in from one of my YouTube video watchers. He asked if my Amazon advertising made an impact on my Amazon BSR. Honestly, I don’t know. And, honestly, I don’t care. Let me explain why.
- 12
How to Self-Publish Coloring Books and Activity Books
Low-content coloring books and activity books for markets of all ages represent a continuing opportunity for authors interested in self-publishing. Here's what you need to know about publishing them on Kindle Direct Publishing. Examples are included.
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Audio Podcasting Versus Video Podcasting: Should You Do Both?
Is it better to do an audio-only podcast, video podcast, or both? Here’s what you need to know before deciding.
- 12
Why Multi-Genre Books Don't Work
Can a book span multiple genres? Authors sometimes write such books on purpose, but for some authors, a multi-genre book is a symptom of their awkward motivations and inexperience. Here's what you need to know.
- 20
Substack, Patreon, and Medium: What You Need to Know
For authors, paid subscription email newsletters and content monetization platforms can be an additional non-book profit center or income stream. Some authors may even use them in lieu of publishing books or blogs. But are they really moneymakers? Let’s explore the facts and fiction about them.
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Virtual Swag - Should You Use Digital Promotional Products for Marketing and Events in a Socially Distanced World?
As the internet and social media developed, a new type of promotional product emerged: virtual swag, delivered electronically to recipients. But is virtual swag the answer for events and marketing that have moved online? Not always. I explain why.
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How to Evaluate Collaboration and Affiliate Offers
When I receive collaboration offers, I ignore most of them. Some of them are just not legit. Others just want too much. And some are just not a good fit. Let’s discuss how to evaluate collaboration opportunities because some of them are more trouble than they’re worth.
- 10
9 Things Self-Published Authors Need to Know About Branded Merch
I’ve encountered self-published authors who are interested in doing branded merchandise (or “branded merch”) for their books. While there are very economical and efficient ways to do that with print on demand these days, it still may not be worth the effort. I discuss.
- 18
Are You a Self-Published Author or an Authorpreneur?
Self-publishers come in two varieties: self-published authors and authorpreneurs. While they both publish books, their motives are completely different. Find out which one you are.
- 16
Book Marketing Challenge: Closet Readers
Readers who privately consume books to avoid judgment from other people about their book choices are "closet readers." Here's what you need to know about the challenges of marketing your self published book to them.
- 14
Book Printing FAQ for Self-Publishing
Almost anything is possible when it comes to book printing if money is no object. If you don’t have that kind of cash, then you need to consider your book printing options carefully. I provide insight on some frequently asked questions (FAQ) and comments about book printing for self-publishing.
- 29
Should You Offer Signed Copies of Your Self-Published Book?
Authors often offer signed copies of their books for their loyal fans. But is offering them more hassle and expense than they're worth, especially for self-published authors? I discuss the logistic challenges of offering signed copies.
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Choosing Categories for Your Self-Published Book on Amazon
While self-published authors should choose Amazon categories for their books that align with their subject matter, some authors get overly concerned about them. I explain why they shouldn't be.
- 22
Using Stories Features on Social Media: What You Need to Know
Stories, which are posts that disappear after 24 hours, are becoming a fixture on social media platforms. But why are they so popular? And what are best practices for using them?
- 14
Do You Have What It Takes to Self-Publish? Take the Quiz
Writing your book is just the first step in your self-publishing journey. Though you might not believe me now, it’s also the easiest part of being a self-published author. So let’s see how ready you are for what comes next by taking the quiz.
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Should You Use a Pen Name for Your Self-Published Books?
Pen names, or pseudonyms, can sound like a good idea for building an author brand or identity, preserving privacy, and being able to explore different writing genres. But using them can have an impact, positive or negative, on your book sales and even your life. Find out how.
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Book Launch Day: Ideas and Tips
An author I follow on social media was launching her first self-published book. She asked her followers about what to do on book launch day. Was it a regular day? Should there be some celebration or events? Here are some insights and ideas for the day your self-published book goes live.
- 20
Are You Self Publishing Too Many Books?
A popular theory says that your next book helps market your last book. True to a point. The danger in this is that authors think that by self publishing more books, they won't have to do book marketing. Sadly, this works against them. So how do you kick the habit of self publishing too many books?
- 14
What Is a Reader Magnet for Book Marketing?
Reader magnets are usually freebie eBooks that self-published authors give away in exchange for collecting a reader’s email address and/or contact information. But do they really work to build an email list of fans and book sales?
- 21
What to Do When Another Book Has the Same Title as Yours
Have you ever come across a book with a similar (or identical) title to your book? Worried that this will overshadow your visibility on Amazon and Google, even though yours was published much earlier? Here's what you need to know.
- 18
Self Publishing a Co-Authored Book: What You Need to Know
Self publishing a co-authored book is really “ourself” publishing. Collaborating on a book can be a fun and fulfilling project between family, friends, or colleagues. But co-authored books add several issues to all the challenges of individual self-publishing.
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What Skills Do Self Published Authors Need to Have?
Even though self publishing is easier than it’s ever been in history, as a self published author, you still need to have these non-writing skills.
- 14
What You Need to Know About Selling Bulk Orders of Self-Published Books
Many self-published authors want to sell large quantities of their books to organizations such as schools or corporations. Could bulk sales work for you> Here's what you need to know.
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Do You Really Need to Write a Memoir or Biography?
There’s really nothing wrong with wanting to memorialize one’s personal or family history through self publishing a memoir or biography. But many of these "legacy" authors don't understand what they're about to attempt. I explain.
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Everything You Need to Know About Self-Publishing a Book Series
Self-publishing a book series can be a major undertaking that involves significant planning and marketing. Here's what you need to know before taking on such a large project.
- 12
What Are the Best Niches for Self-Published Books?
“What are the best niches?” This is understandably a question that many self-published authors have. We want to make sure that we get a return on our self-publishing investments. Not an easy question to answer! I discuss what a “best” niche is and how to find ones that are worth pursuing.
- 14
How to Handle Book Writing Requests That Are Impossible Dreams
Almost everyone seems to want to write a book, though many can't or shouldn't. Don't get trapped into a book writing project to fulfill someone else's impossible dream! I explain why and how.
- 14
Do You Understand Your Author Relationship With Amazon?
I often see “I won’t work with Amazon” outbursts from self-published authors on social media. Most of them just don't understand their relationship with Amazon. I'll explain what that relationship is.
- 28
Using Photos in Self-Published Books: What You Need to Know
Photos present a host of problems when used in self-published books. Here's what you need to know to keep you out of legal trouble, and improve your book.
- 14
How to Make Money Podcasting: What Are Your Possibilities?
Podcasts are the hot, evolving content format. But is anyone making money from them? I discuss how to make money podcasting, and if it's a real possibility for you.
- 26
Why A 4-Star Review on Amazon Isn't Bad
Authors and sellers on Amazon fret about getting anything less than 5-star ratings and reviews. But that fear is not justified! I will explain why.
- 16
Should Influencer Marketing Be Used for Self-Published Books?
Using influencer marketing is a new and evolving marketing channel for advertisers. But is it good to use for self-published books? I discuss what authors need to know, and reveal who the best influencers to boost book sales are.
- 20
What Is a Book Foreword?
Do you know what a foreword is? It's an optional short chapter in a book that provides additional information or insight about the book or the author, written by someone other than the author. Learn how to use a foreword in this article.
- 18
Lead Generation Books Don't Build Sales... and Here's Why
Lead generation nonfiction books can be great marketing tools for building your expert status in your field and might help generate sales leads. But I’ve seen so many entrepreneur and small business authors get overwhelmed, over-invested, and disappointed with them. I explain why.
- 18
Is Your Self Published Book Too Original?
Some authors are concerned about people stealing their original book “ideas.” Others are concerned about getting their self published books out into the market before someone else with the same "original" idea gets there first. But having a book idea that's too original it's good either. I explain.
- 20
"Star Trek" Episodes About Viruses, Epidemics, and Pandemics
Viruses, both on and off the starship Enterprise, have been the focus of several "Star Trek" episodes.
- 16
Are Libraries Helpful for Self Published Book Promotion?
I often see posts in author forums from new authors who are very interested in getting their self published books into local public libraries. This is one of the most inefficient book promotion efforts. I explain why in this rant.
- 25
Why You Might Not Want to Do a Book Giveaway Promotion for Your Self-Published Book
A book giveaway sounds like a great idea for both you, the self-published writer, and the lucky reader. However promising this tactic sounds in theory, it could actually end up backfiring. Find out why.
- 16
Has Your Self Published Book Become Irrelevant?
What if your book becomes irrelevant? Yes, it could happen. I share how to determine if your book is irrelevant, as well as how to deal with the issue. This will be of particular interest to nonfiction authors.
- 22
Does Pricing Your Kindle Book at 99 Cents Boost Sales?
I’ve found that authors default to the cheapest price for a variety of reasons, none of which are in their best interest. Discover why 99 cents isn't the best price for Kindle eBooks.
- 20
Will Your Self-Published Book Sales Grow Over Time?
How can you continue to make money after the initial launch of your book? Is it realistic to believe that self-published book sales will continue and increase over time? Find out here.
- 19
How Will Voice Technology Affect Self-Published Authors?
Self-published authors need to understand how a voice technology-oriented future will affect them. Learn to start readjusting your thinking so that you don’t become irrelevant.
- 19
Promoting Holiday Sales for Your Self-Published Books
It sounds like a good idea to promote sales of your self-published books during the holidays, right? In theory, it is. But just because it's the biggest gift-buying season of the year doesn't mean it's the best sales season for your book. Discover tips for holiday book promotions.
- 20
What Is TikTok? Is It Worth Using for Business?
TikTok is a social media network that started in China, and merged in the former Music.ly. It's now making inroads into the U.S. Is it the next big thing in social media? And is it worth using for small business?
- 20
What Are Low Content Books?
I used to define low content print books as those that aren’t traditional text-based content, lumping coloring books, workbooks, puzzle and crossword puzzle books, and journals in that grouping. But in 2022, Kindle Direct Publishing redefined the category. Here’s what low content books are now.
- 27
Kindle Direct Publishing vs. Ingramspark: What You Need to Know
Should you self-publish your book on both Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark? I compare the two self-publishing platforms, as well as explain why to pick and stick with one or the other.
- 18
You Just Wrote a Book. Now What?
“My friend has just finished her book. What should she do next to get a book deal from a publisher or self-publish?” Loaded question! Here's an article you can share (or use yourself!) about what comes next after you've written a book.
- 19
Print Quality Concerns About Self-Published Books From Kindle Direct Publishing
In online author forums for self-published authors, you’ll see a variety of concerns on book printing quality, particularly for print-on-demand printing done by Kindle Direct Publishing. The problem is the authors’ inexperience with the printing process and tech. Find out what you need to know.
- 12
Advantages of Corporate Social Responsibility: Another Look
In early 2013, I published an article titled, "Corporate Social Responsibility: Advantages to Your Business." While that dealt more with defining corporate social responsibility (CSR), this article discusses current challenges with the movement.
- 16
What Is an Editorial Review?
Customer reviews aren’t the only reviews that can give your book credibility and visibility. Editorial reviews can provide valuable insight into your book for potential readers. Here's what you need to know.
- 18
Do People Hate What You Write or Create? How to Know
If you have low views on your blog, videos, or social media, does that mean your content is bad? How about if your have low sales for your books? You could say that the market has spoken! But let’s break down what might be happening before you say your market hates what you create.
- 12
Selling Your Self Published Book at Events and Expos
Selling your self-published book at an event, expo, or trade show sounds like a great idea... until you understand what it really costs. Here's what you need to know!
- 20
What You Need to Know About Becoming a Cross-Genre Author
Going cross-genre (writing books in multiple genres) is tempting. While crossing genres successfully demonstrates the breadth and flexibility of your writing skills, it can also present a host of challenges for book promotion and sales efforts.
- 17
Beyond the Book Launch: Selling Your Self-Published Books' Backlist
When a book is no longer new, it becomes part of your backlist, which is all the books which you have previously published, but are older than about a year. However, backlist book sales over long periods of time demand long-term marketing tactics. Find out what it takes to sell your older books.
- 12
Self-Publishing Guides and Directories: What You Need to Know
Authors with in-depth knowledge of a field can share their expertise with readers through guides and directories. Find out what it takes to self-publish these specialty publications.
- 14
Should You Unpublish and Republish Your Old Self-Published Books?
After the original publication, authors are sometimes tempted to rewrite and republish their books. But is it worth it? Here's what you need to know.
- 10
What Are Native Social Media Posts?
Native social media posts are content that is designed around the limitations of a particular social network. Native posts are favored by social networks since they keep users on the network and seeing ads. This presents challenges for marketers. Discover ways to work in this new social landscape.
- 16
Networking Tips: You Can't Serve Everyone
If you tell people that your entrepreneurial or small business can serve everyone, please stop. You can't and you shouldn't. I explain why.
- 22
Can Your Book Really Change the World?
So many authors self publish or get a book deal with the hope of changing the world. But is that really possible? I discuss why it may or may not.
- 15
Do You Really Want Mass Distribution for Your Self-Published Book?
Many self-published authors seem enamored with getting mass distribution for their books. And they want it now! But that can be difficult to achieve. Learn why.
- 17
Top Mistakes When Starting a Podcast
Here’s a roundup of some of the common mistakes hosts make when starting a podcast.
- 18
Reaching out to Bloggers for Book Reviews of Your Self Published Book
How should you reach out to bloggers to review your self-published book? What are Amazon policies about these reviews? Best practices are discussed.
- 14
Do You Really Want Feedback on Your Self-Published Book Cover?
When self-published authors post their book cover art asking for feedback, I have to admit that I don’t know how to respond. The reason for my hesitation is that I don’t know what the authors really want. Feedback or flattery? Learn how to properly ask for book cover feedback.
- 12
Advertising for Branding Versus Advertising for Sales
Retailing giant John Wanamaker is famous for saying that only half of his advertising worked, but that he didn't know which half. His quote still accurately expresses the frustrations with advertising businesses of all sizes feel. Discover why it's so frustrating and what to do about it.
- 15
Advertising Acronyms Explained
PPC, CAC, CTR, RoAS . . . what do they all mean? Advertising professionals throw these terms around that could baffle those unfamiliar with them. Common advertising acronyms are decrypted, and their importance is explained.
- 13
How to Set Realistic Sales Expectations for Your Self-Published Book
Don't believe the hype that self-published book sales are easy! Discover what's really possible when it comes to these sales.
- 12
Instagram Live and Facebook Live: What You Need to Know Before You Go Live
Instagram Live and Facebook Live are very popular in the social media universe, and even more networks are starting to offer live content creation. Learn why going live is so hot and how to make it more viewer-friendly for your audience.
- 20
Self-Published Authors: What If There Was No Amazon?
What if Amazon went away? What would authors do, particularly those who self-publish using Kindle Direct Publishing? Here are some thought exercises to help you future-proof your book writing investments.
- 12
Getting Freelance Copywriting Gigs: What You Need to Know
Freelance copywriting is like any other creative endeavor pursued professionally. You need to have connection and skill. Do online courses offering help you build skill and connections? I discuss ways to break into freelance copywriting.
- 22
Are Your Copywriting Skills Outdated?
Are yesterday's copywriting relevant in today’s advertising environments? Here's how the field of advertising has changed and, how those changes impact the field of copywriting.
- 24
Anthology Books: How Valuable Are They for Authors?
Can you leverage your participation in an anthology book to get more writing opportunities? I discuss anthology books' value for authors.
- 20
Saying No to Coffee When Networking
Is it networking or something else? Sometimes people say they want to have coffee with you, but they really want your time, energy, and expertise. Here are tips for ditching these unwanted invites.
- 12
Why I Don't Recommend Book Launch Teams for Self-Publishing Authors
Assembling a book launch team is a popular way to market a book. But I don't recommend them for self-published authors, and I don't participate in them anymore. This is why.
- 10
Book Promotions Using Swag: What You Need to Know
Swag, also known as promotional products, can be a creative way to promote books. But you need to understand what you're buying to avoid blowing your budget!
- 10
Create a Survey Online: What You Need to Know
Surveys can be a great way to get people engaged online and to get valuable market research for your business. Find out what you need to know when you create a survey online.
- 14
How to Record an Audiobook With More Consistent Vocal Quality
You're going to sound different every time you do an audiobook recording, but you need to be consistent to pass audiobook quality tests and to improve the user experience. Here are tips for getting more consistent vocal quality.
- 23
Online Business Networking Sites: Are They Worth Joining?
There are a number of online business networking sites that seem to offer efficient and effective networking opportunities for small businesses. But are they worth it?
- 30
Should You Set up a Book Page on Your Website?
Should you set up a separate page on your website for your self published book? Sounds like a great idea in theory. But there are several things to consider.
- 22
A Small Business Is Not a Business Baby
The myth of starting a business in a garage and then growing it into a mega corporation is alive and well in our culture. But that doesn’t mean every small business can or should become a mega corporation... and that's okay. Learn why a small business is not a business baby.
- 13
Podcast Audio Dramas: What Fiction Authors Need to Consider
Podcasts aren’t all just news and talk. Podcast audio dramas, or narrative podcasts, are growing in popularity. Could this be an opportunity for self-published fiction authors? Here’s what you need to know!
- 12
Marketing Your Self-Published Audiobook: What You Need to Know
While audiobooks are books, there are some unique issues when it comes to marketing them. Find out what you need to know about marketing your self-published audiobook.
- 16
Should You Quit Your Podcast? How to Decide if It's Still Worth It
Metrics, costs, competition, and your enjoyment all factor into whether or not podcasting is worth your time. Here are some important things to consider.
- 11
Get More Followers on Instagram With Engagement Pods or Groups? What You Need to Know
Engagement pods, or engagement groups, have been suggested to get more followers on Instagram. But these are nothing new. This has been going on for a very long time, only in different forms. Here's what you need to know about this tactic.
- 14
How to Make an Audiobook for (Almost) Free by Doing It Yourself
Self-publishing an audiobook can be expensive! But there is a way to make an audiobook for almost free if you're willing to learn how and do the work yourself.
- 8
Marketing a Podcast and Marketing With Podcasts: The Challenges of Both
One of today's marketing mantras is to use a podcast for marketing. There's just one issue—you have to market the podcast! The challenges of marketing a podcast and using them to build your business are discussed.
- 22
Quit Using Social Media Like It's 2008
I’m still seeing people use the same stupid social media tricks they did in 2008. Hope you'll pardon my rant as I discuss some examples from my recent Instagram adventures.
- 18
Using Visual Social Media Platforms for Non-Visual Businesses
To reach new potential customers and fans, non-visual professionals and businesses need to be on social media networks, even the more visual ones like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Discover some ways to make your non-visual business more visual and visible.
- 10
Entrepreneur Versus Freelancer: What's the Difference?
Are you really an entrepreneur... or just a freelancer? It may seem like a question of semantics. But knowing the difference can keep you from losing money and your mind.
- 10
Self Publishing Print-on-Demand Books for Less
Self-publishing print books with print-on-demand (POD) can be cost-effective, but that doesn't mean it's cheap. Here are tips for photos, color, and book size that can make POD books more affordable.
- 12
Amazon Marketing Services Advertising for Self-Published Books
Should you aim to win in the ad bidding wars on Amazon Marketing Services to advertise your self-published books? No! Learn how to set an ad bid for your book and budget.
- 12
Stock Photo Issues for Self-Published Cookbooks and How-To Books
If you're struggling to find photos for your cookbook or how-to book, you might be tempted to use a stock photo instead. Don't! Here's why.
- 15
How to Choose and Attract Podcast Guests for Your Show
Thinking of hosting a guest on your podcast? Here's how to pick and attract good guests—and how to avoid the bad ones.
- 14
Pros and Cons of Different Podcast Programming Formats
Should a podcast be a solo show, include guests, or be cohosted? Each programming format brings advantages and disadvantages, as discussed here.
- 41
Biggest Writing Mistakes for Books and Blogs
From reading scores of manuscripts and thousands (upon thousands) of blog posts, I frequently encounter these big writing mistakes. Are you guilty of making them?
- 26
Book Writing Tips for Nonfiction: Avoiding the Expressway Syndrome
Nonfiction books that drone on and on, chapter after chapter, are like driving on today's featureless expressways. Discover book writing tips that keep a nonfiction work organized and moving forward.
- 16
Book Signing Event Challenges: Protecting Your Sales and Profits
I received a couple of questions about challenges with book signing events. I provide insight on these situations to help protect sales and profits for self-published authors.
- 14
Why Your Book Editor May Not Want to Talk to You
Some authors want to have a lot of conversation with their book editors. But that might put editors in a different role than what they should be. Find out why your editor may not want to talk to you.
- 8
Email Marketing Alternatives: Are Push Web Notifications and Chat Bots the Answer?
Getting people to subscribe to email marketing lists is getting tough. So marketers are turning to alternatives that are still permission-based, but without sharing email. See what push web notifications and chatbots are all about, and why they might not be a panacea to email marketing challenges.
- 10
Why I Don't Care If My Social Media Followers Become Customers
You might be using social media wrong! See why I don't expect or force sales from my social media followers. . .and why you shouldn't either.
- 20
Authors, Would You and Your Book Survive on "Shark Tank?"
Authors often want sales but hate selling. Here's a tip that can help authors get in the right mindset: Pretend you're going to be a contestant on "Shark Tank."
- 16
What Are Micro-Influencers?
While logic would dictate that hiring an influencer that has a huge following would be a good investment, that's not always true. Learn more about working with micro-influencers, experts and personalities that have hundreds of followers, not millions.
- 14
HearMeOut App: The Future of Social Media?
It's been billed as an audio social network. But is it really the future of social media--or podcasting--or neither? Here's my HearMeOut app review of using it on my iPhone in the real world.
- 20
Book Formatting Versus Book Layout and Design: What You Need to Know
Now that Amazon's Createspace no longer offers book formatting or book layout, self-published authors will have to look elsewhere for these services. Find out what you need to know when buying.
- 8
Social Media Tips for Small Business Owners: Are Notifications Running (or Ruining) Your Life?
Notifications—the pings, dings, and pop-up alerts—that appear on your smartphone could be running or ruining or life as a small business owner. Discover social media tips for dealing with them.
- 14
What Is Thought Leadership?
A thought leader is someone who influences a community, network, industry, or the public because of his or her expertise, knowledge, and experience in a particular field. But what does that mean?
- 22
Self-Publishing Companies' Book Marketing Services: What You Need to Know
Self-publishing companies may say they'll help you with book marketing or promotion. But what does that mean? I'll tell you what you need to know when figuring out if their services are worth it.
- 16
Ad-Free Blog Sites: The Future or the End of Blogging?
Ad-free blog sites sound great in theory. Bloggers can get paid for their content without income from ads that annoy readers. But there are significant challenges to this model.
- 12
What Is Owned Media?
Owned media is a hedge against marketing investments in volatile social media networks. But it is not a panacea and has its own risks.
- 20
What Is an ISBN Number?
One of the decisions you need to make when self-publishing is about your ISBN number. What you decide can have implications for the future of your book or eBooks.
- 21
How to Turn Your Kindle eBook Into a Print Book
Self-published authors can now publish a print book through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). But it's not easy. I share my experience and tips for converting an eBook into a print book on KDP.
- 12
What Is Localization for Book Editing?
Localization is reviewing and editing communications (text, audio, video) to make sure they follow the language standards and idiosyncrasies of the intended audience. Find out more about these edits.
- 12
Podcasting Considerations for Authors
Podcasting is very popular. But are they useful for self published authors? Here are issues to consider before doing a podcast.
- 13
Book Reviews: Why Authors Need to Do Them
Authors can be so concerned about getting book reviews for their books that they fail to do book reviews for other authors. Discover the benefits of supporting other writers with book reviews.
- 12
How I Decide Whether to Follow You on Instagram or Twitter
As I ramp up my activity on Instagram for business, I’ve had some good reminders about what makes someone worthy of following on social media. See why I'll follow you or not.
- 12
Should You Hire a Writing Coach, a Book Coach, or an Editor?
When authors need help writing a book, they may turn to a writing coach, book coach, or editor. But which one is the right one for you? All three options are discussed.
- 8
Kindle Free eBook Promotions and Countdown Deals: Are They Worth Doing?
When you publish your eBooks on KDP and enroll them in KDP Select, you can promote them with Kindle Free eBook Promotions and Kindle Countdown Deals. But are they worth it? Here's the real deal.
- 19
Using Amazon Marketing Services for Advertising Kindle eBooks: What I've Learned
Ever thought of using Amazon Marketing Services for advertising your Kindle eBooks? I share the basics of using the program, as well as what I've learned from using it for my Kindle eBooks.
- 12
KDP Select, Kindle Unlimited, and Kindle Lending Programs Explained
Self-publishing eBooks on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform is pretty easy. What’s not so easy is figuring out how all the Kindle programs impact your income. I'll explain.
- 27
How to Write a Book Review on Amazon
With online buying being so based on product reviews these days, book reviews can be important for both authors and buyers. Learn how to write a book review on Amazon that's helpful for everyone!
- 10
Instagram for Business: Dos and Don'ts
As I continue my Instagram-for-business adventure, here are some dos and don'ts I've discovered that can help build your following and create a positive experience for both you and your followers.
- 6
What Is Earned Media?
Earned media can be "free" advertising and public relations. But you can't obtain it without an investment. See how media mentions and social sharing are earned.
- 9
What to Do If Your Book Writing Project Is Stalled
If you started writing a book then got sidetracked by life or even other writing endeavors, it may be hard to get going again. Find out what to do if your book writing is stalled.
- 17
Should You Get a Critique for Your Book Manuscript?
A critique is an often overlooked process that can help authors ready their book manuscripts for more detailed editing. See what a critique is and how it helps.
- 20
Serial Entrepreneur or Serial Failure?
Ever run into people who proudly declare that they are serial entrepreneurs like it’s a badge of honor? In some cases, it is. But in other cases, it's just a cover for serial failure. See why.
- 7
Small Business Sales Tips for Dealing With Confused Buyers
Confused buyers can be some of the worst customers ever! They can be high maintenance and low profit. Discover some ways to deal with them.
- 14
What to Avoid When Self-Publishing Your First Book
After reviewing many book manuscripts, I've identified some of the most common problems authors make for themselves when self-publishing. Does your book suffer from one of them?
- 11
How to Create an Audio Book
If you self-publish, you might be wondering how to create an audio book edition. It's much more complex than self-publishing a print book or eBook! This Q&A answers your questions.
- 18
Networking No-No: Presenting Yourself as Bigger Than You Are
Presenting your small business as bigger than it is is not only bad etiquette, but can lead to unhappy customers. Don't fall into this networking trap!
- 14
When to Use a Semicolon ... or Not
Semicolons are the most misunderstood and misused of punctuation marks. Learn some simple rules for using them ... or avoiding them.