Books are treasures, to be sure, but earning a living as a writer, or building a business using your authorship as a marketing tool, is why you wrote the book in the first place. I am quite sure you didn't plan to write it or put it up for sale (on Amazon and your website and Barnes & Noble online, and so many other places) just for your own pleasure. Continue reading

When challenges arise and you have to abandon your schedule, is the time lost, or found? How to turn chaos into a tool for productivity. Continue reading

Have a spreadsheet to keep quotes you want to use in the book (and why; even where, if you are able to note that) and stories you want to share. Add people you might like to interview. Continue reading

A scout mindset is an important skillset in today's culture of division, "alternate" facts, and information overload. But I was struck by how many of the tools Galef provides apply to authors and the way we construct books. Continue reading

It takes courage to be vulnerable and authentic to the whole world. When I meet people who say to me, "Everyone says I should write a book," I nod and ask, "What's holding you back?" Usually, they are overwhelmed by the concept. And, of course, all that writing. Continue reading

I've been playing with the ChatGPT free version for a few weeks now and I admit I'm impressed with what it can do. But I'm also concerned about the dangers inherent in this and other generative AI tools. Here, we'll review the excitement around the ways content creators can use... Continue reading

Ailey is reared in the north in the City but spends summers in the small Georgia town of Chicasetta, where her mother’s family has lived since their ancestors arrived from Africa in bondage. From an early age, Ailey fights a battle for belonging that’s made all the more difficult by a hovering trauma, as well as the whispers of women—her mother, Belle, her sister, Lydia, and a maternal line reaching back two centuries—that urge Ailey to succeed in their stead. Continue reading

We know it's not easy. As they say, if it was easy everybody would do it. And you'd have that book inside you published already. The herding cats analogy came to me as I was reading Building a Story Brand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen, by Donald Miller,... Continue reading

...video is flexible. It can go anywhere. It allows you to show up looking great because, after all, you didn't just create it in your pajamas, did you? Ok, maybe you did. Maybe that's who you are. But even then, there are things you can and should do to look good on camera. To make that first impression. Continue reading

Two: Your book must be complete. No wishy-washy maybe endings. Even in fiction, you must bring your story to a close. You may have more to say. You may already be starting another book or planning a series, but this book, the book you're announcing, must be complete. If you don't know whether or not it's complete, ask your beta readers. Continue reading

[A version of this post first appeared in our weekly newsletter, which of course you should sign up for. > > > >] I called this entry "manufactured marginalia" because a client had asked whether they should add their book to the IngramSpark platform in addition to Amazon's KDP (Kindle... Continue reading

This edition of Tips from Tom's inbox flows from the questions we get all the time in emails, calls, and in-person, in two basic flavors: "How much does it cost to get my book published?" And, "Why does it cost so much to publish?" As you might guess, the answers... Continue reading

The experts I talk to, and follow on LinkedIn, tell me this - it's about what you can do for someone else, and not what you've accomplished in your life. Yes, there's a place to validate your expertise (I would say it's in your posts, but that's a given, isn't it? Isn't it? 👀) . But put that after showcasing what you can do to solve a problem I have. Continue reading

In this edition of Marginalia, we’ll be digging into some of the lessons – and mysteries – from our earliest ancestors as they developed the ability to tell stories. And consider how that evolution may guide us in telling our own stories about ourselves and our businesses. My scribbled thoughts... Continue reading

You’re intent. Focused. You know what you need to do. You have your schedule for the day and you’re close to completing your top 3 tasks… all of which involve writing, writing, writing; or, shall we say, creating, creating, creating. Continue reading

One of the things I like about Dorothy is her use of the word alchemy, in relation to what she does. She says her work as a copywriter is to make something out of words that didn't exist before. A formula using letters and words for her clients. Making cool stuff happen. 📌 Continue reading

Innovate. Give your book idea serious attention. Be that author who cares so much about his audience, you put your best effort into your book. Continue reading

Having developed a resilient shift in mindset Tony saw opportunity where others experienced trauma. He saw an important, unmet need in the marketplace, which became his catalyst to serve others who were drifting along without an answer to their worry and dissatisfaction. Continue reading

Our talk begins with book clubs because I watched a podcast Penny did that talked about how to get your book into books clubs. Continue reading

More in tune with being a true entrepreneur, however, Josh and some friends of his decided to sell candy and drinks to their classmates. I'm not sure how old he was at this time, but old enough to know he could make a profit Continue reading

You are in charge of your social proof and your social shares. You are in charge of how many people see your work and how many people who might buy are told about it. These are your fans. Your audience. The market you're selling into. People who read the kinds of books you write. They aren't searching for you. They're searching for it - the story. Continue reading

Then, she says, you research. But, don't get lost in the research - you'll never accomplish anything if all you do is spend time researching. Continue reading

In fact, she believes she got spiritual guidance in her quest to find her father, and the long-lost relatives from that side of her family. People she had been separated from for more than 40 years. Talk about synchronicity! Talk about the stars lining up. Talk about something that was meant to be! Get the book and learn what I mean by all of that. Continue reading

As a content marketing strategist for coaches, consultants, and speakers worldwide, Melanie is on a mission to support and empower her clients to create clear messaging and content that shines a light on their individuality, skillset, and books. And she starts with herself. She shines like a million sunny afternoons at the park. Continue reading

A former high school math teacher turned tech-preneur - which we discuss later on in the video. Her insight into teaching comes honestly, from her mother who was a math teacher also. Parchelle is also an education design architect and video producer with a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction from Virginia Tech. Her journey to working with authors on their book content is an interesting one - watch and learn. Continue reading