Sue Collier | August 25, 2010
This is the first in a new series that will focus on the independent publisher. If you’d like to be featured, please let me know!
Your name: Phil Simon
Your website/blog: www.philsimonsystems.com
Your bibliography: Why New Systems Fail and The Next Wave of Technologies
1. What is your background? I am an independent technology consultant, author, writer, and dynamic [...]
Sue Collier | August 24, 2010
The buzz around the blogosphere is all about Seth Godin and his claim that he is finished with traditional publishing. (If you don’t know who Seth Godin is, well, get out from under that rock! Then read his bio here; basically he is a hugely influential marketer with a popular blog. He’s traditionally published lots [...]
Sue Collier | August 16, 2010
I was reading a blog post yesterday on “Why Self-Publishing Hurts Real Writers” — I know, “real writers”? It was asterisked, but basically the post author’s explanation is that because he is Argentine he doesn’t need to be politically correct — and I had a long, incensed comment all typed out and ready to go. [...]
Sue Collier | July 26, 2010
Guest blogger: Fiona Ingram
I live in South Africa and I am published in the USA. Distance has made it impossible for me to go the traditional marketing route. Online is all I have open to me. I have worked very hard to go from “Fiona Who?” to not quite “Aha, Fiona Ingram, the famous children’s [...]
Sue Collier | July 7, 2010
Guest blogger: Dana Lynn Smith
This post, the third of a three-part series on building an author platform, highlights the importance of connections. Part one of this author platform series covers branding, while part two discusses reputation.
When selling your book, it’s not just what you know, it’s who you know!
To sell books in today’s marketplace, you [...]
Sue Collier | June 30, 2010
So I read a post on self-publishing over a Kidlit today. I’ve commented there, but I couldn’t resist more pontificating.
I’ll start by saying that I am not the average person who has no idea what lurks in slush. I spent many years in the trade, going through those very awful slush piles that [...]
Sue Collier | June 25, 2010
When I talk with most authors, I find that writing their book isn’t the biggest challenge; marketing is. Many authors tend to be more introverted, so blatant promotion of their work makes them very uncomfortable. It’s disappointing when I see authors invest so much of themselves—emotionally and financially—into their book only to see their enthusiasm [...]
Sue Collier | June 15, 2010
Guest blogger: Scott Appleton
Note to readers: I connected with Scott on another blog and was impressed with his self-publishing success. I hope you enjoy his post–and I do think you will learn a thing or two from his determination and perseverence!
When I finished writing a fantasy manuscript, I had little to no knowledge of what [...]
Sue Collier | June 7, 2010
(Cross-posted at the Writer’s Digest website.)
What message do you find yourself repeating over and over to writers?
Sue: The difference between true self-publishing and the so-called “self-publishing companies”—and why that difference is so important for authors to understand.
Marilyn: Marketing. Marketing. Marketing. It’s mandatory in today’s publishing environment to be proactive and get behind your own work.
Would [...]
Sue Collier | June 4, 2010
Part 2 of a 3-part article
Guest blogger: Dana Lynn Smith
Your author platform determines your reach and influence in the market. Part one of this author platform series discusses the importance of branding. Today’s post covers building a reputation.
Your author reputation is a factor of how well known you are, what you are known for, [...]