When should you publish your book?
Does it really make a difference when you publish your book? It sure does. Most newbie self-published authors don’t really think too much about when they want to launch their books. They are much too focused on the quality of their writing and the process…
What are your publishing goals?
New authors “ready to publish” often come to me with a shiny edited manuscript, ready to just convert it to PDF, pop it onto Amazon, and start raking in cash. Then they start asking questions. “How do I market my book?” “Which platform should I…
It’s legal, but there are still limits!
Are you allowed to use brands/trademarks/company names in your writing? This is one of those questions I get all the time. A prevailing myth amongst writers is that using names like Google and Coke in their books is against the law. This is not true….
The importance of micro influencers in self-publishing
Did you know that 49% of consumers base their buying decisions on influencer recommendations? That means that 49% of your market will only consider buying your book if it is recommended to them by an influencer they trust! Now, in the case of most self-publishing budgets,…
What is this show-don’t-tell thing anyway?
‘Show don’t tell’ is arguably the one thing most new authors struggle with the most. It’s something I find myself explaining again and again. One of my recent clients simply could not get the hang of even differentiating between show and tell. It’s the same…
Not sure how to write a press release for your book?
Distributing a press release for your book is a vital step in your self-publishing journey. This is your chance to get noticed and be featured in the media. But journalists and book editors are busy people, so it’s important that you know what you’re doing. A…
How do I price my self-published book?
Pricing your book is not an exact science. There are many factors to consider when deciding on a price for your book. For example, an established author can charge more than a first-time author. A longer, more ‘academic’ book can be much more expensive than…
What type of editing is right for me?
Authors are always asking me about the differences between proofreading, copy editing, and developmental editing. Isn’t it all the same thing, collectively knows as editing? Nope! Be careful. Some editors quote a flat fee for ‘editing’ without specifying exactly what they will be doing. Watch…
The Killer Query Letter
So your book is finally done. After months, years, of perseverance and hard work, you are ready to publish your novel. And you’ve got your eye on traditional publishing. To many authors, the #1 goal is still to get traditionally published. If this is your…
Build writing habits that last
I’m currently reading James Clear’s bestseller Atomic Habits, which looks at the neuroscience behind habits to explain why it’s so easy to stick to some habits (eating all the carbs) and so difficult to establish and maintain others (writing, exercising). I highly recommend this book! As someone who struggles daily with…