Do authors absolutely need to blog?
My reasons to start My Musings three years ago were twofold. First, best-selling authors were suggesting that blogging was one of the best tools in the writer’s platform for developing a following and building a relationship with readers. Once having established this relationship, I hoped to convert these fans to book readers. Second, I wanted to chronicle my journey into writing and self…
Reasons why writers need to understand finances
Shrewd writers, like industry leaders, understand the importance of finances. When making decisions, they look at the impact the options will have on the bottom line. They trust the numbers more than their guts. To be a successful author, you must see yourself as the CEO of your writing business. Whether you are a published…
To supercharge your sales, use your best-looking portraits
In the past, I’ve talked about the importance for authors to see themselves as authorpreneurs, the CEOs of their writing business. Just like with those corporate leaders, authors need professional portraits. Writers know that people judge a book by its cover. The more compelling the cover, the greater the odds that a reader will pick up the book…
You need to know who you are before you can find direction
Little did I know that attending a Webinar about creating a media kit would lead me down such a rabbit hole. Like Alice, I am on a search for self-identity. When I look in the mirror, I no longer see the fledgling author, nor do I see the seasoned authorpreneur, an author who manages her writing business. Even though I…
Add impact to your blog with these free tools
For a little more than two years, I have been blogging and marketing my book. Over time, I have collected tools to help me work more efficiently and effectively. Some I used only temporarily, other are permanent implements in by writer’s toolbox. Let me tell you about them and how you can add impact to your…
A good way to pump up weak book sales
Recently Lisa Day, an author friend suggested adding a virtual book tour, sometimes known as a book blog tour, to my author platform’s arsenal. Always looking for a way to pump up weak book sales, I searched the internet to find out more. This is what I found. A virtual book tour is similar to going to stores or signing events…
The most effective digital marketing tool is your email list
An article I recently read stated that the most effective digital marketing tool is your email list. According to the author, email is the most effective tactic for building awareness, boosting sales, and keeping a following. If so, I am missing a great opportunity in my author platform–my email list contains less than 80 names. So how do…
Creating a book marketing plan
In a recent blog (To be a successful writer, look to business), I wrote about the need to take a business approach to writing. I expounded the necessity for indie authors to become “authorpreneurs” to get the clarity needed to make sound decisions. Whether you decide to use a publicist or do the work yourself,…
Catering to your tribe
This is the third post in the series Developing a Stellar Social Presence: Attract, Bond, and Cater. In business, the number one go-to person is the one who can best help you make appropriate contacts for promoting you and your business. Developing a stellar social presence is akin to becoming that invaluable business contact. In…
Build your tribe with bonding
This is the second post in the series Developing a Stellar Social Presence: Attract, Bond, and Cater. In the previous post in this series, I discussed ways to attract followers. I asked you to imagine a business networking luncheon at which you were trying to make contacts. In business, the person who develops bonds with…