Archive for April, 2009
Office Shortcuts to Make Your Work Day Efficient
By Janice Robeson
Templates
As a writer you may find yourself using certain forms over and over again—but for different destinations. I have learned to create a template; then, when that same situation comes up again, I have an example to look at and can save time.
For instance, Publisher X may have certain guidelines, while Publisher Y [...]
How Fiction Authors Can Land Radio and TV Interviews
Q: How does an unknown author with a new novel pitch a radio station for an interview?
A: Radio and TV stations are not that excited about interviewing fiction authors… they are excited about interviewing authors about an issue. If your novel is centered around an issue, you’ll have a much easier time landing a broadcast [...]
10 Common Requests that Will Make Your Designer Revolt
By Thomas McGee
Most designers invest a huge chunk of time studying colors, fonts, layouts, images, and how they all work together to make a quality piece. Designers also examine other books in the market to:
see what the current trends are
learn what makes a good cover design
evaluate what catches a book buyer’s attention
It’s always in an [...]
Local Author Book Signings Boost Sales
Retailers are always looking for new ideas to draw customers into their stores. A local author book signing helps boost their business and creates buzz for your book.
Holidays and commemorative days/months that are closely tied into your book’s theme are the perfect time to offer yourself as a “special event” or “open house” [...]
How to Create an Author Accounting System
By Scott Hembree
All authors need an accounting system to keep their book business ship-shape. Here are some pointers to help you develop an effective system:
1. Track where each book goes, whether it is a retail sale, a wholesale sale, a giveaway, or a review copy
2. Know how much you spend on every book [...]
How to Create an Author Brand
Brand: A trademark or distinctive name identifying a product or a manufacturer. (dictionary.com)
As an author you should brand yourself in a way that represents your passion or your ministry. But how to do that? Start by answering these questions:
What drives your writing (i.e. why do write what you do?)?
What message resonates with you that you [...]
How to Seek Endorsements For Your Book
By Tammy Hopf
You’re browsing the bookshelf at your local bookstore, trying to decide which books to buy. You pick up a book and notice that it’s endorsed by a well-known person you admire. Are you more likely to buy the book?
Yes! Many people base their book buying decisions on endorsements.
While endorsements aren’t mandatory, they can [...]
Editors: Friends or Foes?
By Barbara Kois
Guest columnist
The first time an editor marked up an article I had written, I felt the air leaking (gushing) out of my emotional balloon. I had labored thoughtfully over every word, every comma, every simile – and she was picking it apart!
I gritted my teeth and went through each suggested change and [...]
Reaching A Target Market
By Adam Cothes
What’s your book’s market? A market is the audience you want to reach. If you don’t know who your market is you’ll have a hard time reaching them.
Many authors tell me, “I want to reach the whole world.” That’s a great goal, but every trip starts with one step. Start by reaching one [...]
