Before the advent of Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, an author only needed to demonstrate to agents, editors, and publishers that his or her book had a potential audience. Today, an author has to show customers waiting to buy the book when it is released. Book marketing in the digital era of transmedia is about pulling readers in to the author’s platform rather than pushing books out through the retailer’s door. Movie stars, newscasters, athletes, politicians and other public figures can demonstrate their audience platform based on box office numbers, Nielson ratings, million dollar contracts, popular votes, and news coverage. This explains why so many celebrities get book deals. Artists, activists, professors and other professionals build audience platform with every lecture, public speaking engagement, conference, workshop or exhibition. If you have prestigious degrees or positions, a powerful network and know key influencers, you have a built-in platform. But to persuade a publisher that you have a real customer base, you must show where you make an impact and give proof of audience engagement. This can be through quantitative measures (Google Analytics, Moz rank, size of your email list) or qualitative evidence (testimonials from opinion leaders, high profile reviews of your manuscript, news coverage or feature articles). Building an audience platform is not something you do overnight. It’s not a one-time event. Jane Friedman has a short video explaining the importance of starting early for your long term career goals. Building an audience platform is also not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires…
You’ve heard about the mechanic who never has time to change the oil, bang out the dings, clean out the pop cans or repair the ripped upholstery in her own car? I’m behind the dashboard seven days a week. I drive at high speeds and over rough terrain on the electronic byways of the internet. I keep clients’ motors running smooth and fix them when… [Read More]
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Memoir is not fiction, yet some of the literary conventions used in the genre of memoir are the same as those used in novels. Plot, dialogue, and character are three shared devices. Fiction and memoir share a structural emphasis on narrative arc. In fiction, this is called a plot line. After setting the scene and introducing the characters through some dialogue and action, there is… [Read More]
Sitting down to start one’s memoir is a daunting task. Remember memoir is a slice of life, not your entire biography. But where to begin? It’s not always obvious where to start. So finding a way to slip into your story might be easier if you find a side entrance. These memoir prompts are intended to stir up your memories and get you to set… [Read More]
What does a book development editor do? Professionally assess your manuscript or book concept for its publishing potential Offer critical feedback and editorial guidance Serve as writing coach as the author completes a manuscript Collaborate in the development of a winning book proposal Position and package the book concept to specific publishers Research what publishers are looking for in the current market Conduct market research… [Read More]
It is both an honor and a privilege to be the featured Business of the Month at Alternatives Federal Credit Union. Alternatives (AFCU) is a regional Community Development Financial Institution. This isn’t your ordinary credit union. Member-owned, locally controlled and self-supporting, AFCU works to meet the financial needs of the members of the community. They believe that by controlling the flow of funds within a small… [Read More]