Journals aren’t just for teenagers. As the new options for self-publishing allow more first-time authors to try their hand at selling their material, more authors than ever are traversing uncharted territory. This can be both exciting, and frustrating...

In the new, fast paced world of self-publishing the list of tasks an author must perform to be successful seems to be never ending. One the biggest and most valuable promotional tasks you'll need to accomplish when introducing your book to the world...

If you’re an author planning to market your own book, the first thing I would suggest is to take advantage of social media. If you don’t already have experience with social media, it can be a little daunting, but there are usually plenty of people who...

A book can be turned into a great marketing tool and help you get your next speaking engagement. This works especially well with non-fiction books. If you have published a non-fiction book, you may be able to break it into logical topics. Refer to the...

So your book’s finally complete, you can sit back and enjoy a vacation, right? Wrong. As you move further along on the self-publishing time line, the day will come when you are going to have to reach out and involve others in bringing your project...

If you have ever searched for a job, you have probably been advised to create and perfect your elevator speech. In other words, know how to describe who you are and your expertise in a few simple sentences. That way, if you ever run into someone who...

You have written a wonderful book and want to see it published. You believe that forming a partnership with an agent will be best course of action in your journey toward publication, but you have no idea how to approach an agent. Are there any rules...

Why Have a Website? Every self-published author should understand the purpose of a website. Readers are likely to conclude that an author who doesn’t have a website hasn’t taken time to create a viable business in the real world. Your website serves...

Selling your book can be hard. It is important to make your book stand out, as competition can be overwhelming. At large bookstores like Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes and Noble, your book may get little attention in the sea of other books. Book signings...

Writers understand the value of community, sharing ideas, and getting an honest critique of a writing effort. Critique groups and writing groups can offer these benefits, but finding the right forum isn’t always easy. In addition to the considerations...