- Can Book Giveaways Hurt Sales?
Some authors condone the practice on the premise that a book in the hands of a reader may encourage that reader to buy more books. Especially if the book is part of a series, the reader may wish to collect the entire set. Using a book as the proverbial carrot, too, may guide readers to the author's website, where they may find titles appealing enough to purchase. Also, an author seen as being so generous may develop a following in a faithful readership that will benefit them in the long run. - How to Get Your Book Rejected, Part One
Please know that when I pass on a manuscript, the decision is not borne of a desire to be sadistic or hurtful to authors. You won't find me in a dungeon lit by a single bulb, cackling with glee as manuscript after manuscript is stabbed repeatedly with a rubber stamped marked PASS. Our staff is comprised of authors, and we know the hard work, the dedication, and the emotion involved when writing a story. In our collective histories, we too have received rejection notices, and we know how disappointing it is. We wanted to scream, cuss, and eat everything in sight to dull the pain. - How to Get Your Book Rejected, Part Two
In Part One of this series, I mentioned briefly the importance of knowing the markets to which you submit. If you are an aspiring romance novelist sending your work to a publisher where the bread and butter is paid for by hard science fiction, chances are you are not going to have much luck. - How to Get Your Book Rejected, Part Three
In a large publishing house like Bantam or Kensington, literally thousands of manuscripts are sent annually by aspiring and established authors seeking publication. For the small press pub or eBook publisher, there could be hundreds of queries and submissions sent each year or, depending upon popularity, each month. Having to wade through all this prose, whether in hard copy or onscreen, can put great strain on the eyes. When you think of how quickly these editors need to fill publication schedules, that is a lot of work to read non-stop. - Alternative Resources for Book Review
Often I am asked how does one go about getting reviews for a novel. Most authors I have met over the years have been under the impression that the only valid reviews are found in the newspaper or in a trade periodical. While such reviews can be a feather in an author's cap, particularly if they are positive, they should not be considered the only source of PR for a book. - Using YouTube to Promote Your Book
Because YouTube is essentially built by registered members who contribute their own video content, it should also be noted that authors can take advantage of the site's popularity and usability to increase their own exposure. Lately, I have noticed authors creating "trailers" to advertise their books and using YouTube for distribution. It may take a bit of work to figure out how to do so, but using YouTube to promote your books can propel an effective word of mouth campaign that draws readers to your book. - Tip For A Successful Booksigning
You have your book. You hold it confidently in both hands, taking in the design of the cover and savoring the feel of each page as they slide between your fingers. When you think of all the hard working - the writing, the editing, and arduous search for a publisher - you know this moment is to be treasured. It goes without saying that the prospect of selling the book is both exciting and nerve-wracking.
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