Secrets of 3 successful book launches: connecting ideas and people

Secrets of 3 successful book launches: connecting ideas and people

I’ve been studying successful book launches. The key is a self-reinforcing surge built on ideas and people, together. Let’s start with preliminary results from my author survey. Among 172 published nonfiction authors, the most successful book promotion tactics were the following (in this order): Public speaking engagements. Solicit back-cover blurbs. Encourage people to post Amazon…

Join me Monday 20 April, 5pm ET for author support and learning

Join me Monday 20 April, 5pm ET for author support and learning

It’s time for our weekly checkin. All nonfiction writers are invited. Today’s reading is from the truly excellent book The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. Our focus topic is book promotion — what works for writers, both the famous and those just starting out. Join on Zoom here. Password is IronImp

Reflections from five years of “Without Bullshit”
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Reflections from five years of “Without Bullshit”

On March 26, 2015, I launched this blog and my freelance business. In this moment when we’re all looking forward in terror, I’m looking backward and reflecting. Maybe there is something to be learned from my last five years — and if you’ve been suddenly thrust into freelancing, perhaps it can help you. Before I…

The Internet Archive is ripping off authors to create its “Internet Emergency Library”

The Internet Archive is ripping off authors to create its “Internet Emergency Library”

In response to the global pandemic, the Internet Archive is making 1.4 million books available for free until June 30, or until the end of our “national emergency.” Sounds great. Unless you’re an author, in which case this is simple smash-and-grab raid on your copyright. Let’s get a few facts straight here. First off, many…

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Join me at 4PM ET today, Monday 23 March, for the nonfiction author connection

I’m starting a Zoom room today at 4PM. Here’s what’s happening: A reading from a master of nonfiction writing. Discussion — how did he do it? Your questions Join me here: https://zoom.us/j/326376698 If this is useful, I’ll repeat. Hope to see you there. Put it in your calendar!

What authors need to know about printing. (Yes, printing.)

What authors need to know about printing. (Yes, printing.)

Your job is to write. The publisher’s job is to turn what you write into a book. So why should you worry about printing? Those ink-stained wretches can handle it, right? Not quite. Musicians need to know about microphones. Architects need to know about plumbing. If they don’t, what they conceive doesn’t come out quite…