If writers need to blog in order to make connections with their audience, what should they blog about? It’s a tricky question for many of us — especially if you write fiction. But even a non-fiction author needs to fine-tune the overall blog topic. These are my tips for finding the way forward that is particularly suited to YOU. And there is ONE key thing that really matters! (Includes downloadable worksheet.)
Self-publishing tips
These articles explore a range of self-publishing topics, including whether to self-publish in the first place, how to decide formats and techniques, and tips for making your self-publishing more enjoyable and successful.
Do authors really need to blog?
There’s plenty of debate about whether authors and hopeful authors should blog. “Spend your time writing your BOOKS instead,” say many. So, do we really need to blog? Here’s what I’ve discovered.
4 useful blogs to get you started in self-publishing
The internet is awash with writing and publishing blogs. Which ones are worth reading? I dip into lots of blogs, but I don’t want to overwhelm you! So I had a little think and came up with this Sampler of just four blogs, to help you get started on the self-publishing path.
Is my book ready for beta readers yet?
Beta Readers are those wonderful people who critique your manuscript, usually as an exchange — they read yours and you read theirs. Many people are not quite sure of the best time in the development of their book to ask for a beta read. This timeline — adapted from the traditional publishing process — can help you plan your project.
Why you shouldn’t ask Beta Readers to do copy editing
A Beta Reader critiques your manuscript, and provides feedback to help you improve it. Lots of people will suggest asking a beta reader to copy edit your work. I don’t recommend that, and here’s why.
Should you use photos on your author blog?
The right images can help draw readers to your blog, or get them to click on that link to read the rest of a post.
But how do we choose photos and illustrations, and how do we use them?
These are some things that I’ve learned about how to use images, and where to find them.
Book Promotion: Should you appear in your book trailer?
Usually, you won’t see an author appearing in their own book trailer. But sometimes it’s exactly the right thing to do.
Making videos for your author blog
Everyone says we have to include video on our blogs these days, but how do we do it? Not only do we have to be author, publisher, marketing manager and general dogsbody, but apparently Martin Scorsese and Gwyneth Paltrow too! In this post, I’ll talk you through a short video I just made for my […]
The New World of Self Publishing
Self-publishing used to mean 15 boxes of books going mouldy in your garage, but new technologies have changed all that. Find out how it works.
