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Ask Sheila
A Q&A Blog with ALC Manager of Author Education, Sheila Manna
How can I create or build my own author website?
Author Learning Center
Question: How can I create or build my own author website? Answer: An author website acts as a central “hub” for all other marketing, promotional, and branding efforts. It’s a place where potential readers, industry decision-...
25 Jul 2022
I have a book that has Bible scriptures and original material. How can I use these scriptures without violating the copyright law?
Author Learning Center
Disclaimer: This article provides an overview of the basic principles of Bible copyright in the United States. The material contained in this article is NOT legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client or other confidential relationship betwe...
14 Jul 2022
What do I do to monetize my book?
Author Learning Center
Question: What do I do to monetize my book? Answer: Only a small percentage of authors are able to earn a comfortable living through just their books. Most authors must maintain other sources of income through unrelated careers or part-time jo...
28 Jun 2022
Have a Question for Sheila? CLICK HERE!
Author Learning Center
Bi-weekly, ALC's Manager of Author Education Sheila Manna candidly weighs in on questions asked by you, the ALC community. She's tackling it all — book reviews, writing fiction based on real life, overcoming writing obstacles, understandin...
16 Jun 2022
What is essential for a book launch?
Author Learning Center
Question: What is essential for a book launch? Answer: A book launch is a momentous occasion and serves not only as a means for releasing your book into the world, but also as a celebration for your amazing accomplishment. Congratulations on r...
6 Jun 2022
I'm currently struggling with why I should write my book and why anyone other than family would want to read it.
Author Learning Center
Question: I'm currently struggling with why I should write my book and why anyone other than family would want to read it. Answer: First, please know you are not alone in feeling this way. Most writers go through periods of serious self-doubt,...
20 May 2022
I am considering writing a novel based on my traveling experiences but not as an autobiography. Do you have any advice on how I can formulate my experiences into a fictional format?
Author Learning Center
Question: I am considering writing a novel based on my traveling experiences but not as an autobiography. Do you have any advice on how I can formulate my experiences into a fictional format? Answer: It is very common for writers to use real l...
5 May 2022
How can we get a review in a newspaper or magazine? Libraries rely on these reviews before choosing to order copies of my books.
Author Learning Center
Question: How can we get a review in a newspaper or magazine? Libraries rely on these reviews before choosing to order copies of my books. Answer: Book reviews are an essential element when trying to increase interest in your book, whether bui...
20 Apr 2022
What is the best way to find information and answers on the Author Learning Center website?
Author Learning Center
Question: What is the best way to find information and answers on the Author Learning Center website? Answer: The Author Learning Center offers a vast library of resources covering topics related to writing, editing, publishing, and marketing....
4 Apr 2022
What can I do to get my book out there? What are some great, affordable methods of advertising?
Author Learning Center
Question: What can I do to get my book out there? What are some great, affordable methods of advertising? Answer: To advertise something means to pay an outlet to publically promote your product. While there are plenty of free ways to promote ...
21 Mar 2022
What are the 3 best speech recognition tools for authors?
Author Learning Center
Question: What are the 3 best speech recognition tools for authors? Answer: Adding a speech recognition tool to your writing toolbox can be beneficial for many reasons. Also known as “dictation software”, this technology converts s...
9 Mar 2022
What is the best source of information for someone who has never made a podcast? A step-by-step process would be great.
Author Learning Center
Question: What is the best source of information for someone who has never made a podcast? A step-by-step process would be great. Answer: Podcasts are a fast-growing communication medium and can be a great way for authors to connect with reade...
24 Feb 2022
What is the best introduction for the next book when continuing the story from your first book?
Author Learning Center
Question: What is the best introduction for the next book when continuing the story from your first book? Answer: It sounds like you are writing a sequel. By definition, a sequel is a publication that continues the story or develops the theme ...
10 Feb 2022
I have a book for children published on Amazon for age 6 to 12, what is the best way to promote it?
Author Learning Center
Question: I have a book for children published on Amazon for age 6 to 12, what is the best way to promote it? Answer: Book marketing can present some unique challenges for children’s authors because your book has to appeal to two groups ...
28 Jan 2022
I have had a severe hiatus from my writing schedule because of a crisis in my life. What are some best practices to get back on track and get my mind back into the game?
Author Learning Center
Question: I have had a severe hiatus from my writing schedule because of a crisis in my life. What are some best practices to get back on track and get my mind back into the game? Answer: It’s not uncommon for writers to hit serious road...
14 Jan 2022
I have a self-published book that needs a marketing plan. What’s the number one, foolproof, best first step?
Author Learning Center
Question: I have a self-published book that needs a marketing plan. What’s the number one, foolproof, best first step? Answer: Two words – target audience. According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultur...
16 Dec 2021
I have two nearly completed manuscripts and I’m only interested getting them out as eBooks. How can I set about accomplishing this?
Author Learning Center
Question: I have two nearly completed manuscripts and I’m only interested getting them out as eBooks. How can I set about accomplishing this? Answer: It’s no secret that
eBooks have experienced
growing popularity in recent years. T...
2 Dec 2021
Have a question for Keith? Click here to submit.
Author Learning Center
Bi-weekly, ALC President Keith candidly weighs in on questions asked by you, the ALC community. He's tackling it all — pen names, character development, editing tips, publishing options, marketing considerations...and more! Got a quest...
29 Nov 2021
How do you figure out which literary agent to go with? Are some better than others for the subject matter you are writing about?
Author Learning Center
Question: How do you figure out which literary agent to go with? Are some better than others for the subject matter you are writing about? Answer:
The relationship between author and agent
is symbiotic and represents a partnership, so it needs...
18 Nov 2021
I would like your advice on how to organize research when writing a novel.
Author Learning Center
Question: I would like your advice on how to organize research when writing a novel. Answer: Fiction writers are tasked with making their creations as authentic and relatable as possible, while also making them fun and engaging. The stori...
4 Nov 2021
How can I get my book edited without shelling out a fortune?
Author Learning Center
Question: How can I get my book edited without shelling out a fortune? Answer: A well-crafted, polished manuscript won’t happen in the first draft. Period. Getting your story ready for readers requires thorough editing and revision. Give...
21 Oct 2021
How can an author use Kickstarter to fund a self-published book best?
Author Learning Center
Question: How can an author use Kickstarter to fund a self-published book best? Answer: From start-up companies to music, films to books, people use crowdfunding to finance their passions and creative projects. Authors can use crowdfunding sit...
6 Oct 2021
I would like to see a more comprehensive webinar on writing CONFLICT in fiction.
Author Learning Center
Question: I would like to see a more comprehensive webinar on writing CONFLICT in fiction. Answer: Thank you for the suggestion. This is something we will consider, as conflict is an essential element in any good story. Conflict arises wh...
23 Sep 2021
I have written and published 4 books and I'm working on fifth. I have no idea on how to write a book outline.
Author Learning Center
QUESTION: I have written and published 4 books and I'm working on fifth. I have no idea on how to write a book outline. ANSWER: Spoiler alert - Not all writers use outlines. Some prefer to swing from the hip. This method of winging it or ...
10 Sep 2021
I don’t know anyone who personally believes they can write a “perfect” query letter. Can you give some guidance, with examples of good vs. bad?
Author Learning Center
QUESTION: I don’t know anyone who personally believes they can write a “perfect” query letter. Can you give some guidance, with examples of good vs. bad? ANSWER: If you’re struggling with crafting the “perfec...
26 Aug 2021
I am a new author. Are there tax deductions available to authors?
Author Learning Center
QUESTION: I am a new author. Are there tax deductions available to authors? Disclaimer: This article provides general self-employment tax information that may apply to writers and authors in the United States, depending on tax filing stat...
12 Aug 2021
When should one use an addendum?
Author Learning Center
QUESTION: When should one use an addendum? ANSWER: The front and back matter of a book contain important information about the author, publisher, and subject matter. These elements
make a book appear more professional
. They also provide reader...
30 Jul 2021
How do you write a hook strong enough to make an agent fall in love with your characters and/or plot in the first five pages?
Author Learning Center
QUESTION: How do you write a hook strong enough to make an agent fall in love with your characters and/or plot in the first five pages? ANSWER: Literary agents receive an overwhelming amount of manuscript submissions on a weekly basis and lack...
16 Jul 2021
Like many writers, I hate to grapple with the synopsis…Are there any tricks to getting a synopsis as short and meaningful as possible? Are they even necessary, despite what agents say in their guidelines?
Author Learning Center
QUESTION: Like many writers, I hate to grapple with the synopsis. I can write an interesting novel, I can almost manage an intriguing query, but the synopsis is torture…Are there any tricks to getting a synopsis as short and meaningful as poss...
25 Jun 2021
Is it wise to use some tools from writing fiction while writing non-fiction?
Author Learning Center
QUESTION: Is it wise to use some tools from writing fiction while writing non-fiction? ANSWER: There is a definitely a place for fiction writing elements and techniques in certain types of nonfiction. Creative nonfiction (CNF), also called nar...
11 Jun 2021
I am writing a book for 6-8 year olds. I would appreciate any tips for a terrific book cover design. And, also any advice on book title choice.
Author Learning Center
QUESTION: I am writing a book for 6-8 year olds. I would appreciate any tips for a terrific book cover design. And, also any advice on book title choice. ANSWER: Books that target children ages 6 to 8 typically fall into the “early reade...
1 Jun 2021
Have a question for Keith? Click here to submit.
Author Learning Center
Bi-weekly, ALC President Keith candidly weighs in on questions asked by you, the ALC community. He's tackling it all — pen names, character development, editing tips, publishing options, marketing considerations...and more! Got a quest...
25 May 2021
How do I oversee a work that has essays from contributing authors?
Author Learning Center
Question: How do I oversee a work that has essays from contributing authors? Answer: Personal essay, poetry, and story collections can be great avenues for publishing short form writing. Whether you’re pulling together a collection of ju...
13 May 2021
In writing and self-publishing a book, when should you apply for a copyright?
Author Learning Center
Disclaimer: This article provides an overview of the basic principles of copyright in the United States. The material contained in this article is NOT legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client or other confidential relationship between the...
15 Apr 2021
I just published my first little poetry book. I am not sure how I have to promote my book to people so they can buy it.
Author Learning Center
Question: I just published my first little poetry book. I am not sure how I have to promote my book to people so they can buy it. Answer: When it comes to book marketing and selling, poetry books are no different from fiction novels or nonfict...
2 Apr 2021
How can I get a review of a couple chapters of my book so that I know I am on the right track?
Author Learning Center
Question: How can I get a review of a couple chapters of my book so that I know I am on the right track? Answer: Getting feedback on your manuscript is a critical part of the writing and editing process. While it can be intimidating to have ot...
5 Mar 2021
What are the basic steps to be successful at the beginning of writing your first book and autobiography?
Author Learning Center
Question: What are the basic steps to be successful at the beginning of writing your first book and autobiography? Answer: I often say to writers, “Having an idea for a book is easy, but writing a good book to the finish and marketing it ...
19 Feb 2021
I have received several calls about converting my book to a movie, people claiming to have reviewed it and with connections to producers can advance it to film – for a fee of several thousand dollars. Are all of these a scam?
Author Learning Center
Question: I have received several calls about converting my book to a movie, people claiming to have reviewed it and with connections to producers can advance it to film – for a fee of several thousand dollars. Are all of these a scam?&nb...
5 Feb 2021
I have nearly finished draft 1 of my novel. I often hear people do multiple drafts. Is there a particular approach that seems to work best in editing each draft?
Author Learning Center
Question: I have nearly finished draft 1 of my novel. I often hear people do multiple drafts. Is there a particular approach that seems to work best in editing each draft? Answer: The book editing process can differ greatly for every auth...
22 Jan 2021
I seem to have trouble with character description at times. I would like to know how to build strong characters in my novels.
Author Learning Center
Question: I seem to have trouble with character description at times. I would like to know how to build strong characters in my novels. Answer: All great stories include several essential elements including a well-structured plot, an opening h...
8 Jan 2021
Are writing contests a realistic way to get published? How can you tell which ones are legit?
Author Learning Center
Question: Are writing contests a realistic way to get published? How can you tell which ones are legit? Answer: It’s always nice to have someone acknowledge your hard work, and it’s especially encouraging to be recognized with an a...
17 Dec 2020
Pros and cons of using a pen name. How would you actually do that?
Author Learning Center
Question: Pros and cons of using a pen name. How would you actually do that? Answer: A pen name is a fictitious author name that is used in place of a writer’s real name. Many writers consider using a pen name (also known as a “pse...
3 Dec 2020
As an author, what are some things you should pay close attention to as you revise your manuscript?
Author Learning Center
Question: As an author, what are some things you should pay close attention to as you revise your manuscript? Answer: The manuscript revision process can be long, daunting, and frustrating, but is so important to the overall quality and succes...
20 Nov 2020
If you self-publish a manuscript, can that manuscript later be sold to a publisher and be re-published?
Author Learning Center
Question: If you self-publish a manuscript, can that manuscript later be sold to a publisher and be re-published? Answer: This question comes up in almost every traditional publishing-related webinar or workshop that I present. It’s...
6 Nov 2020
What are the three most typical mistakes authors make in the publishing process?
Author Learning Center
Question: What are the three most typical mistakes authors make in the publishing process? Answer: Mistake #1: Not understanding your publishing options There are more choices and opportunities than ever before to get a book into the hands of ...
23 Oct 2020