Top 10 List for 2013: Good News from Swenson Book Development LLC
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December 27, 2013
Heirloom flower, Brooktondale, NY 2012

It has been a very good year for Swenson Book Development LLC and we credit the successes and accomplishments of our clients during 2013. 1.  Did someone slip President Obama’s speechwriter an advance copy of Seymour Smidt’s manuscript? His December address riffed on pages from Sy’s chapters offering a historical analysis of growing income inequality. I am so thankful Sy has recovered from a terrible car accident… [Read More]

Start the New Year with a Writing Group
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December 20, 2013

In January, Jill Swenson starts intensive writing workshops in the Ithaca area intended for those who seek to improve their writing craft and/or have a work-in-progress. At each session, every writer will present new work.  Participants are expected to attend every session and bring two double-spaced pages of text with photocopies for the group. Each writer will read their selection out loud and the group… [Read More]

Never underestimate the power of your email lists in your book’s marketing strategy
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December 13, 2013

The single most effective marketing method for book sales remains the power of a personal recommendation. It’s advertising you just can’t buy. Hence so much focus on reviews and endorsements for your book. This also explains the current appeal of social media marketing in an author’s marketing toolkit.  If your friend on Facebook likes a book, you might too. Pinterest, Instagram, Vine, Tumblr, and Twitter… [Read More]

Contact Relations Management for Authors
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December 6, 2013
Swenson Book Development, LLC- Art Image 23

From the start of a writing project, an author needs to find a way to organize all of their contact information. Everywhere you go as an author, you will meet people whom you will want to reach when your book is released. It is never too soon to start your database of professional connections. Business cards, slips of paper, cocktail napkins, ripped corners from envelopes,… [Read More]

Preparations for reading your work-in-progress
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November 22, 2013

You  created a strong relationship with your local bookstore. You shop there. You know the staff and are familiar with the inventory, programs and events. And now you’ve committed yourself to a public reading of your work-in-progress at your local independent bookstore. How can an author best prepare to make the experience – for the bookstore, for those who attend, and for an author – a… [Read More]

Good writing is rewriting
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November 15, 2013
Using Citation Machine - Project Gutenberg Image

You’ve polished your manuscript. Encouraged by friends and family who read earlier versions, you incorporated their feedback and suggestions into your final draft. Following a style guide, you also checked spelling and grammar. You’ve taken your work to the best of your abilities and are proud of your efforts. Then, you deliver the document to an editor for professional review. And that’s when self-doubt kicks in…. [Read More]

How to fail or succeed in your social media strategy
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November 8, 2013

The return on your investment of time and energy spent on building an audience platform depends largely on an author’s strategy. I’ve observed too many authors spinning their wheels with the challenges of the technology, losing sight of the objectives, and missing opportunities to learn more how to market their own books. Here are some tactics that lead to epic failures in social media strategies… [Read More]

Becoming an author is about more than your writing
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November 1, 2013

Coaching a writer to become an author involves more than writing. I’ve had the good fortune to work with writers for 30 years and I’ve discovered one secret to an author’s success that has nothing to do with their writing talents: professional behavior. I see too many good writers make mistakes without knowing they inflict self-injury to their publishing efforts. Here’s a list of things… [Read More]

When Writing Isn’t the Source of Your Authority as an Author
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October 25, 2013

Writing is not easy. As a developmental editor I have had the pleasure of working with fine artists, storytellers, public speakers, radio journalists, scientists, and college professors on book projects.For many, their authority as an author is based on skills and talents other than writing. Here are some tips I gathered from other professionals that may help others stand on their authority based on expertise… [Read More]