7 secrets successful artists and writers use to build an effective platform.

January 24, 2012 by ·

What is a platform?
Being the architect of your project is only the first step to your success as a writer or artist. Your platform is your connection to the public. This should include website, blog, social networks, conferences, book signings, art exhibits, speaking engagements and appearances on radio and television. The effectiveness of your platform will determine how well you’re able to connect with your audience and that will greatly impact your success.

Here are seven secrets to help you to start building your platform.

Filed Under: Writing ·

How To Sell More Books

December 24, 2011 by ·

Just a short list of ideas that might help you sell more books.

Giveaways
Consider giving some things away with your book. Digital content is always a good resource and adds value to the purchase of a book. Maybe you have a worksheet or some additional material that will compliment the book. This can all be included as bonus material to help increase the perceived value of the book.

Also consider giving free print material such as a “poster” of artwork from the book. Themed bookmarks as bonus items is also a good idea.

Build Partnerships
Another helpful idea is to consider partnering with other authors and content creators. You can either trade some copies of your book for copies of their material, which can then be added to your list of bonus items, or some content creators will be happy to give you content for free in exchange for exposure to their work.

Incentives for customers
Another good idea is to offer incentives to customers who buy multiple books (3, 5, 10 or more). Either offer additional bonus material for buying multiple copies, or consider having a lunch, dinner or after launch party with customers who buy large quantities. This might seem strange, but if the book is a good resource, many people will consider buying multiple copies as gifts or giveaways.

Book Signings
One of the most common forms of book promotion is a book signing event at a local book retailer or library. While this is well known to most authors, it is often under promoted by the authors themselves. Don’t just leave it up to the venue to announce book signings, take the lead in your own campaign and get the word out through as many sources as possible. Press releases, blog posts, twitter and Facebook announcements are a good place to start and there are many more.

Set Time Limits
Remember to put a time limit on the promotional give aways. This adds a sense of urgency to the promotion, and also allows you to plan for post launch parties or other events that might be related to the book launch.

Yes, I’m aware that many of you have probably come up with a few or maybe even most of these ideas on your own, but maybe you’re having trouble with the logistics. If that’s the case and you want someone to help please checkout www.MisterWords.com.

Filed Under: Writing · Tagged: , ,

Researching and writing serial fiction.

December 6, 2011 by ·

Interview with Author Ron Gavalik
Grit CityRon Gavalik is a writer and author of Grit City, an ongoing story of a dark and calamitous world where the nefarious rule. He is also the publisher of a new literary medium called emotobooks. In this interview Ron shares his influences, how he prepares for a story and some insight about Grit City and what emotobooks actually are.

Read the full interview with Writer Ron Gavalik

Filed Under: Writing ·

Ideas for Writing Blog Posts

December 2, 2011 by ·

Today’s post was supposed to be on how I managed to quadruple traffic to my blog in one night, but that article is still in the works. It’s a bit more detailed than I originally thought, and it’s taking longer then I expected. So while I’m working on that, I thought I’d give you one that will help you with your own blog, in the meantime.

Ever find yourself falling short on ideas for writing blog posts?

Here’s a handful of ideas that have helped me come up with new content for my blog when I hit a block. Read More

Filed Under: Writing ·
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