Updated December 9, 2024
Editing is one of those skill sets that many people claim to do well but which few actually do. And while it’s probably the most important service an author can seek out (second only to book cover design), it’s often undervalued. Most authors have no idea how to assess an editor’s work, which can lead to disastrous outcomes, such as an editor adding new mistakes or altering the original intent of your writing.
Who cares? is one of the most common assaults memoir writers are subjected to, and it’s usually lobbed at them by their own inner critic. Memoir writers face critical voices—their own and others’—who state that the story/message/idea is trivial, boring, not worth sharing. It’s so important for memoirists to get past these messages in order to set free the story that wants to be told. Here are some tips for memoir writers, especially those struggling with their inner critics, whose primary goal is to engage readers.
Being a modern author comes with the expectation (and sometimes pressure) to do price promotions, which involves lowering the price of your e-book and creating some kind of visibility campaign in association with that “sale.” It’s not so much a matter of whether you’ll do one, but rather why, how soon, how much, how long, how often, and how to do one well. So let’s review those points, shall we?
Updated December 2, 2024
A book’s subtitle is a powerful complement to its title, providing context, hooking readers, and conveying the book’s essence. Its purpose varies by genre—clarifying the book’s intent, highlighting themes, or boosting discoverability with keywords. A strong subtitle bridges curiosity and understanding, guiding readers to connect with your work.
As an author advocate, part of me dislikes creating a top ten list with a negative slant, and yet, it’s so easy to get things wrong in book publishing that it’s easy to come up with a list like the one below, which is hardly comprehensive. If you recognize your book in any of these errors, don’t fret. Part of becoming an author, and especially a self-published author, has to do with learning the ropes and doing it better each time around to avoid common mistakes authors make.
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