This Week in the Blogs, September 8 – 14, 2013

Fall is fast approaching, and that’s when a lot of books, programs, sites, businesses and just about everyone else are launching new promotions. It’s a crowded world out there, but that doesn’t stop the intrepid self-publisher from doing what it takes to make her books stand out. This week I’ve collected some great blog posts that will help you get farther down that road. Enjoy.

Mark Coker on Huffington Post
eBook Preorders Help Indie Authors Hit Bestseller Lists
“With preorders, an author’s ebook is listed in advance of the official “onsale” date. During the preorder period, customers can read a sample teaser of the book and place advance orders. The book accumulates orders leading up to the official release date.”

Frances Caballo on Social Media Just for Writers
How Authors Can Reach 20 Million Readers on Goodreads
“There have been times when Goodreads was a tad confusing to me so I tuned in to the Nonfiction Authors Association teleseminar recently featuring Patrick Brown, Director of Author Marketing and Community Manager at Goodreads. It was a rich discussion and what I share here are some of the highlights.”

Henneke on Copyblogger
How to Leverage the Power of the Kindle Ecosystem to Build Your Business
“In a web full of clutter and spam, a well-written book attracts attention, raises your profile, and shows off your expertise. 4-star and 5-star reviews are an awesome form of social proof.”

Porter Anderson on Jane Friedman
WRITING ON THE ETHER: But Wait. Do We Even Like Bundling?
“‘Bundling,’ the provision of one format with another, isn’t a new concept to us in our digi-rotic stress, of course. But, as it has done in the past, Amazon has caught many in the industry! the industry! with a move that seems somehow to confront us earlier than expected.”

Carol Wyer on Indies Unlimited
Radio Interview Pointers
“I now consider myself a veteran of the radio circuit, having given about approximately sixty interviews on BBC radio stations scattered about the UK, in the US, Australia and even New Zealand. I made mistakes along the way but now will happily chat to anyone on air for hours hardly repeating myself, apart from saying “I think” about fifteen times an interview. So here are a few pointers if you are going on a radio show.”