Table of Contents
By Shelley Sturgeon
I’ve been muttering away to myself these past couple of days. You see, the groundhog saw his shadow where I live on Groundhog Day on Friday and legend has it that that means we’re in for another six weeks of winter. Unlike Joel, I’m not in sunny California and more winter here in the Great White North, my neck of the woods, means more snow and more cold and all that (not so!) great stuff. So, I’ve kind of been cursing out that silly groundhog. Still, I always try to find that silver lining, and if you think about it, what better reason to stay inside to avoid the cold and snow of winter than to work on a writing project? It’s also a great excuse to read. So, no matter where you are, but especially if you’re somewhere buried under all this white stuff like I am, why not find a warm and cozy spot to check out the great articles I’ve picked out for you this week?
And, before I forget, we have a special request today. Do you have a favorite free stock photo site? If so, could you mention it in the comments below? We’re trying to compile a HUGE list for the benefit of all of our readers. Thanks in advance. We appreciate you and your contributions—always!
Kristen Lamb on Kristen Lamb
Author Business 101: Books, Brand & Buds
“Publishing is a business, and—SURPRISE—so is being an author. By definition, anyone who decides to go pro is automatically an author business. ‘Business’ is what separates the hobbyists, dabblers, amateurs and wanna-be’s from true professionals.”
Sandra Beckwith on Build Book Buzz
7 tried and true ways to make a book cover decision
“I asked a couple of cover designers and a book sales pro to weigh in with their time-tested advice for making a book cover decision. Here’s what they had to say.”
Frances Caballo on Social Media Just For Writers
10 Pinterest Tips for Writers
“Pinterest isn’t just a vacation for my eyes. It’s a powerful social media network that, research indicates, nearly rivals Facebook in terms of traffic referral.”
Lynne Cantwell on Indies Unlimited
What Author Learning Center Is Teaching: Buyer Beware
“Here’s what Author Learning Center won’t tell you anywhere on its website (I checked): It’s owned and operated by Author Solutions, one of the most notorious names in vanity publishing.”
David Wogahn on Jane Friedman
The Essential First Step for New Authors: Book Reviews, Not Sales
“You need third-party confirmation to attract readers. You need (positive) independent assessment to convince readers to spend money and time—money AND time.”
Too Good To Miss
Passive Guy on The Passive Voice
New Author Earnings Report
“Who owns the information about how many books Dean (or any other author) sells and the prices at which those books are sold and the royalty rates Amazon and others pay to authors who self-publish with Amazon, Kobo, etc.?”
Self-Publishing News You Can Use
By Amy Collins
Barnes and Noble Expands Self-publishing Services
Just as CreateSpace announces that they will no longer be offering design and editorial help, Barnes and Noble dramatically expands their self-publishing services. The newly designed B&N Press site offers design and other publishing services to help get authors’ books out.
A statement from there press release states:
“The new Barnes & Noble Press enhances the self-publishing experience in many ways, including increased royalty rates for eBooks priced at $10.00 and above, as well as additional trim size options for print books. Barnes & Noble Press also continues to give qualified authors the opportunity to apply for signings and events at Barnes & Noble bookstores, as well as giving select authors the opportunity to sell their books in stores.”
This new website interface replaces NOOK and Nook customers will be transferred over to the new site automatically.
Links of Interest
Photo: BigStockPhoto
Unsplash is my go-to site. It’s photos are free.
For royalty-free images, I like Pixabay, VisualHunt, and LibreStock.