Ask KeithQ&A blog with ALC President Keith Ogorekhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/atomTelligent Community (Build: 10.1.0.6983)2025-12-03T12:06:00ZHow can I maintain a productive writing schedule and get my first draft completed when I have obligations such as a job, family, and other responsibilities?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/how-can-i-maintain-a-productive-writing-schedule-and-get-my-first-draft-completed-when-i-have-obligations-such-as-a-job-family-and-other-responsibilities2026-06-30T13:28:00Z2026-06-30T13:28:00ZQuestion: How can I maintain a productive writing schedule and get my first draft completed when I have obligations such as a job, family, and other responsibilities?
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Writing a book can be very challenging, not only because the task of...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/how-can-i-maintain-a-productive-writing-schedule-and-get-my-first-draft-completed-when-i-have-obligations-such-as-a-job-family-and-other-responsibilities">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=147&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaI really struggle with writing dialogue. What are some ways I can improve dialogue in my stories?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-really-struggle-with-writing-dialogue-what-are-some-ways-i-can-improve-dialogue-in-my-stories2026-06-17T16:44:00Z2026-06-17T16:44:00ZQuestion: I really struggle with writing dialogue. What are some ways I can improve dialogue in my stories?
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Writing great dialogue is a common challenge for many writers. This is because the way we talk and the way we think do not alwa...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-really-struggle-with-writing-dialogue-what-are-some-ways-i-can-improve-dialogue-in-my-stories">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=146&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaWhat is Print-on-Demand (POD) and what are the benefits of this printing method when compared to offset printing?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/what-is-print-on-demand-pod-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-printing-method-when-compared-to-offset-printing2026-06-04T14:29:00Z2026-06-04T14:29:00ZQuestion: What is Print-on-Demand (POD) and what are the benefits of this printing method when compared to offset printing?
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As with most industries, technological advancements have brought about new opportunities and efficiencies for a...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/what-is-print-on-demand-pod-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-printing-method-when-compared-to-offset-printing">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=145&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaHow can authors utilize Substack to communicate with readers, share their writing, and build a following?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/how-can-authors-utilize-substack-to-communicate-with-readers-share-their-writing-and-build-a-following2026-05-19T13:45:00Z2026-05-19T13:45:00ZQuestion: How can authors utilize Substack to communicate with readers, share their writing, and build a following?
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With tens of millions of subscriptions and millions of paid subscribers across the platform, Substack has quickly becom...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/how-can-authors-utilize-substack-to-communicate-with-readers-share-their-writing-and-build-a-following">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=144&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaWhat is an editorial assessment and why should I get one before investing in professional editing?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/what-is-an-editorial-assessment-and-why-should-i-get-one-before-investing-in-professional-editing2026-05-05T11:48:00Z2026-05-05T11:48:00ZQuestion: What is an editorial assessment and why should I get one before investing in professional editing?
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The manuscript revision process can be long, daunting, and frustrating, but is so important to the overall quality and succes...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/what-is-an-editorial-assessment-and-why-should-i-get-one-before-investing-in-professional-editing">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=143&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaWhat types of questions will I get asked about my book, whether from readers, editors, agents, interviewers, booksellers, librarians, or event planners?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/what-types-of-questions-will-i-get-asked-about-my-book-whether-from-readers-editors-agents-interviewers-booksellers-librarians-or-event-planners2026-04-23T16:40:00Z2026-04-23T16:40:00ZQuestion: What types of questions will I get asked about my book, whether from readers, editors, agents, interviewers, booksellers, librarians, or event planners?
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There are many points in the writing and publishing journey when you wi...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/what-types-of-questions-will-i-get-asked-about-my-book-whether-from-readers-editors-agents-interviewers-booksellers-librarians-or-event-planners">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=142&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaI am ready to start editing my first manuscript. What are common mistakes editors see first-time writers making that I should look for?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-am-ready-to-start-editing-my-first-manuscript-what-are-common-mistakes-editors-see-first-time-writers-making-that-i-should-look-for2026-04-09T13:42:00Z2026-04-09T13:42:00ZQuestion: I am ready to start editing my first manuscript. What are common mistakes editors see first-time writers making that I should look for?
Answer:
Writing a book can be very challenging, not only because the task of writing takes skill...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-am-ready-to-start-editing-my-first-manuscript-what-are-common-mistakes-editors-see-first-time-writers-making-that-i-should-look-for">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=141&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaI would like to pursue a traditional publishing deal for my book, but I’m not sure it is a good fit for a major publishing house. What other types of traditional publishers are out there?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-would-like-to-pursue-a-traditional-publishing-deal-for-my-book-but-i-m-not-sure-it-is-a-good-fit-for-a-major-publishing-house-what-other-types-of-traditional-publishers-are-out-there2026-03-27T17:21:00Z2026-03-27T17:21:00ZQuestion: I would like to pursue a traditional publishing deal for my book, but I’m not sure it is a good fit for a major publishing house. What other types of traditional publishers are out there?
Answer:
Most authors are familiar with...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-would-like-to-pursue-a-traditional-publishing-deal-for-my-book-but-i-m-not-sure-it-is-a-good-fit-for-a-major-publishing-house-what-other-types-of-traditional-publishers-are-out-there">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=140&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaI’m struggling to get sales on Amazon because my book isn’t showing in searches or getting noticed. How can I make it stand out and reach more readers?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-m-struggling-to-get-sales-on-amazon-because-my-book-isn-t-showing-in-searches-or-getting-noticed-how-can-i-make-it-stand-out-and-reach-more-readers2026-03-11T16:05:00Z2026-03-11T16:05:00ZQuestion: I’m struggling to get sales on Amazon because my book isn’t showing in searches or getting noticed. How can I make it stand out and reach more readers?
Answer:
For many authors, Amazon is their primary distribution and sa...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-m-struggling-to-get-sales-on-amazon-because-my-book-isn-t-showing-in-searches-or-getting-noticed-how-can-i-make-it-stand-out-and-reach-more-readers">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=139&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaI am considering writing a book on my area of expertise. How can this benefit me, and what should I keep in mind to ensure my book appeals to my intended audience?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-am-considering-writing-a-book-on-my-area-of-expertise-how-can-this-benefit-me-and-what-should-i-keep-in-mind-to-ensure-my-book-appeals-to-my-intended-audience2026-02-26T20:52:00Z2026-02-26T20:52:00ZQuestion: I am considering writing a book on my area of expertise. How can this benefit me, and what should I keep in mind to ensure my book appeals to my intended audience?
Answer:
If you have authority or expertise in a specific field, you m...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-am-considering-writing-a-book-on-my-area-of-expertise-how-can-this-benefit-me-and-what-should-i-keep-in-mind-to-ensure-my-book-appeals-to-my-intended-audience">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=138&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaAs a new author, do I need to be set up as a business to sell my work?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/as-a-new-author-do-i-need-to-be-set-up-as-a-business-to-sell-my-work2026-02-12T20:08:00Z2026-02-12T20:08:00ZDisclaimer: This article provides an overview of the basic principles of registering a DBA or LLC in the United States. The material contained in this article is NOT legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client or other confidential relations...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/as-a-new-author-do-i-need-to-be-set-up-as-a-business-to-sell-my-work">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=137&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaAs an author, should I be using LinkedIn to create awareness for my work and increase my readership? If so, how?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/as-an-author-should-i-be-using-linkedin-to-create-awareness-for-my-work-and-increase-my-readership-if-so-how2026-01-29T15:32:00Z2026-01-29T15:32:00ZQuestion: As an author, should I be using LinkedIn to create awareness for my work and increase my readership? If so, how?
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Understanding the types of users on the various social media platforms can greatly inform where you choose to f...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/as-an-author-should-i-be-using-linkedin-to-create-awareness-for-my-work-and-increase-my-readership-if-so-how">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=136&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaHow can I connect with other writers and industry professionals without it seeming forced or insincere?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/how-can-i-connect-with-other-writers-and-industry-professionals-without-it-seeming-forced-or-insincere2026-01-15T13:32:00Z2026-01-15T13:32:00ZQuestion: How can I connect with other writers and industry professionals without it seeming forced or insincere?
Answer:
Writing a book can be a very solitary act, requiring months or even years of individual effort, focus, and discipli...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/how-can-i-connect-with-other-writers-and-industry-professionals-without-it-seeming-forced-or-insincere">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=135&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaAs an author, how can I protect my work, my privacy, and my business?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/as-an-author-how-can-i-protect-my-work-my-privacy-and-my-business2025-12-15T18:09:00Z2025-12-15T18:09:00ZQuestion: As an author, how can I protect my work, my privacy, and my business?
Answer:
The writing process is a solitary journey where your creativity and imagination can explore in the privacy of your writing space. Once your work is publis...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/as-an-author-how-can-i-protect-my-work-my-privacy-and-my-business">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=134&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smannaThere seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding artificial intelligence in regards to writing and publishing. Is it okay to use AI to assist with writing, editing, and marketing my book?https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/there-seems-to-be-a-lot-of-controversy-surrounding-ai-in-regards-to-writing-and-publishing-is-it-okay-to-use-artificial-intelligence-to-assist-with-writing-editing-and-marketing-my-book2025-12-03T17:06:00Z2025-12-03T17:06:00ZQuestion: There seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding artificial intelligence in regards to writing and publishing. Is it okay to use AI to assist with writing, editing, and marketing my book?
Answer:
The increase in generative AI ...(<a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/there-seems-to-be-a-lot-of-controversy-surrounding-ai-in-regards-to-writing-and-publishing-is-it-okay-to-use-artificial-intelligence-to-assist-with-writing-editing-and-marketing-my-book">read more</a>)<img src="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/aggbug?PostID=133&AppID=2&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Author Learning Centerhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/members/smanna