Sue Collier | September 3, 2010
Now that I’ve got my own book out (The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, 5th Edition), I have big plans to hit the speaking circuit. Although I have taught classes on self-publishing, presenting myself as a “speaker” is new territory. I thought it would be useful to write about what I’ve learned from talking with other speakers, [...]
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 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 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, [...]
Sue Collier | May 28, 2010
Let’s face it: Unless you are a celebrity, traveling the country and hitting up bookstore after bookstore for signings is probably not going to sell many books. You’ll more than likely spend way more for travel than you’ll make in book sales. Enter the virtual age. From the comfort of your own home or office, you [...]
Sue Collier | May 21, 2010
Title: The Wealthy Author: The Fast Profit Method for Writing, Publishing & Selling Your Non-Fiction Book
Authors: Joe Gregory and Debbie Jenkins
Publishing Academy, 2009
Back cover synopsis: Renegade publishers, Debbie Jenkins and Joe Gregory, share their hard-won experience to show you exactly how to make a fast and impressive income as a non-fiction author in six easy-to-follow [...]
Sue Collier | May 20, 2010
Note: This is part 1 of a 3-part article
Guest blogger: Dana Lynn Smith
As a book author, you’ve probably seen the term author platform used a lot, but you may be wondering: what is a platform and how do I get one?
Your author platform determines your reach in the market and it’s a valuable tool in [...]