Authors are in the business of selling books, and book signings are just one place for authors to connect with readers. There are many kinds of events beyond book signings that are the perfect place to snag a boatload of sales. This may take some thinking...

Hearing a “no” from a literary agent or editor for a publishing house is never easy. Very often, however, hopeful authors misinterpret brief personal notes added to a stock rejection letter. Sometimes the misconstrual leads the writer to give up when...

When it comes to book sales, there's nothing like the personal touch of in-person live events to reach new audiences and make new fans. But, why do some authors struggle to make a single sale while others are selling non-stop despite having books that...

It takes a lot of work to create complete characters with quirks, backstories, and motivations. Readers want to engage with characters who feel like real people, who act out consistent motivations and personalities. Whether you write stories that are...

Just like actors going to audition after audition, trying to land just one role, authors send query letter after query letter, trying to find agent representation and get a traditional publishing deal. Author Annie Sullivan says she wishes her early...

The author’s journey is a long and difficult path by itself; combine that with monitoring your health, putting food on the table, and maintaining relationships, it can seem downright impossible. But it can be done. It’s all a matter of balance. In...

Author platforms and branding work together to create meaningful strategies that allow authors to create awareness for their work and entice readers to buy their books. An author platform is an author's ability to reach readers, while branding is how...

Laurie McLean describes a literary agent’s role in the publishing process, including 12 ways an agent can help an author. Laurie also explains how to get a literary agent, the makings of a great author/agent relationship, and what an agent looks for...

Blogging is critical to every author’s platform. In this presentation, Blogging 101: WordPress for Authors, web designer and WordPress expert Linda Lee teaches the basics of blogging and the importance of having a defined approach to this activity...