Last month, we cleared your marketing schedule of all the tasks that waste your time. This month, I am going to show you how to perform effective outreach that will build an audience for your books without taking up valuable writing time. What is outreach? The term outreach is used to describe a range of […]
Author Archive
Save $30 on a BookLife review of your book—published in Publishers Weekly
Posted byLeading US book trade publication Publishers Weekly (PW) has launched BookLife Reviews, a paid reviews service for self-published authors. BookLife Reviews are thorough, professional assessments of your work—with expert marketing insights—written by PW reviewers. If the author is happy with the final review, it runs in the BookLife section of PW’s print magazine and website. […]
Darwin bookseller Sean Guy on stocking self-published books, and handselling ‘The Firebringer’
Posted bySean Guy is a bookseller at The Bookshop Darwin, and the author of 14 novels. He spoke to Australian Self-Publisher about his experience selling his own titles at The Bookshop, shared his tips for writers wanting to get their titles into bookshops, and talked about his most recent novel, The Firebringer. Tell us a bit about […]
Smashwords launches presales option
Posted byIn the US, Smashwords has developed a new tool for indie authors to create, manage and merchandise ebook sales, reports Publishers Weekly. Smashwords Presales will allow authors and publishers to let readers buy an ebook before its public on-sale date, as well as acting as a tool for authors and publishers to get in touch […]
US self-publishing stats rise
Posted byIn the US, self-publishing grew at a rate of 40% in 2018, with more than one million books self-published for the second year in a row, according to a report published by Bowker. More than 1.6 million self-published print and ebooks with registered ISBNs were published in the US in 2018, up from just over […]
Indie Publishing Conference: ‘Fundamentals’ program wrap-up
Posted byThe Small Press Network’s (SPN) annual Independent Publishing Conference was held at the Wheeler Centre, Melbourne, on 26–28 November. As part of the conference, the ‘Fundamentals’ program on Saturday is intended to offer ‘very practical information sessions and workshops aimed at those just starting out in publishing or as a refresher for those with more […]
Finding what works (and doesn’t work) in your marketing plan
Posted byCultivating an active, long-term fan base for your work is key to becoming a successful independent publisher. However, building a substantial body of work is also critical, so you need to develop a balance between time spent growing and managing your fan base and writing time. The challenge is not identifying the things that waste […]
Know your metadata, and other tips on modern marketing
Posted byWhen asked to nominate the biggest challenge facing marketers today, publishing consultant Rachael McDiarmid says her answer often surprises: ‘My tip for all marketers is to know your metadata—it’s all about bibliographic data, search and discoverability, and ensuring the supply chain has accurate information about your books. Only then can you market successfully.’ Andrea Hanke […]
‘Dinner Detectives’ books to be developed for TV
Posted byMelbourne-based production studio BES Animation has acquired world broadcast and digital content rights to self-published picture book series ‘Dinner Detectives’, with plans to develop the books into a multi-platform TV and digital offering. BES Animation, best known for the children’s animated television series Kitty Is Not A Cat, will develop the ‘Dinner Detective’ books into […]
Full program announced for SPN conference 2019
Posted byThe Small Press Network (SPN) has announced the full program for its 2019 Independent Publishing Conference, which will run at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne from 21–23 November. It will feature 80 speakers in 36 different sessions, as well as two book launches and the presentation of the Most Underrated Book Award. This year’s trade […]