As I repeatedly mention, we writers all want to satisfy the end-user, the reader. When we get invited to write a blog for someone else’s website, we have another person to please: the website owner. As a writer, I believe I am in the customer service business, so when...
We all need a business plan…even writers. Maybe, especially writers. We write because we love it. But how are we supposed to pay our bills? It doesn’t happen by accident. We, like anyone else in business, need a business plan. It’s essential in doing the work we love....
I do a lot of public speaking, probably one event per week. I’ve been doing it for decades. I speak to a wide variety of groups, including presentations for Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, Bouchercon, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Chongqing...
Speaking to groups and participating in interviews or presentations is not just a task, but a joyous opportunity to connect with new people, share my passion, and increase individual awareness in the community. If you're not yet involved in public speaking, I highly...
There are seemingly erudite writers who not only publish writing we expect, such as novels, nonfiction books, and short stories but also write essays. I used to wonder what an essay was and how to write and sell one. After years of playing with this and publishing...
In the past, authors relied on publishers to handle publicity, but today’s digital world has leveled the playing field. Authors can now directly connect with readers, bookstores, and media outlets, bypassing the middleman. Learn how to build your audience, market effectively, and establish meaningful relationships through online marketing.
Writers face a dilemma between crafting bestsellers that make immediate money or perennial books that endure and sell more over time. Both paths have their pros and cons, but the decision is ultimately up to the writer.
Marketing is essential for writers. It’s not just about promoting your book, but about promoting yourself. Writers must think about marketing before they even begin writing, ensuring their work is both promotable and visible in a crowded market.