The beginning is the most important part of the work. –Plato The first page sells the book. The last page sells the next book. –Mickey Spillane The first page of a chapter sells the chapter; the last page sells the next chapter. Agents, editors and book buyers only read far enough to make a decision. […]
When Gutenberg printed the first Bible back in the 15th century, books laid a stepping stone for the evolution of mankind. Many things have changed drastically since then, but the number of books printed has been growing steadily. More than 2 million books are published worldwide each year, with thousands of young writers riding on […]
While non-fiction may conjure images of the dusty tomes in your local library, it’s actually an increasingly popular type of online content. Every how-to article, every review, every business blog is an example of non-fiction writing, aimed at inspiring the reader. And as these posts are normally aimed in encouraging the reader to do something, […]
When soliciting advice from editors themselves regarding what to look for in an editor, you might be surprised by how much their feedback can resemble the question of what to look for in a partner; “honesty,” “good communication,” “teamwork,” “common interests” to name a few. And that’s because when you hire the right editor, they […]
Each year I look forward to the process of planning my goals for the upcoming year, and I always aim high. There was one year where I set my goals lower so I wouldn’t be disappointed if I didn’t meet them all. Oh, how I regretted that decision! What I learned was that I’m highly […]
When you’re setting out to launch your book into the world, you will be faced with a lot of competition. There are millions of book titles available today, which means that book categories are jam packed. At this very moment, here are the total number of titles listed on Amazon for various nonfiction book categories: […]
You are the most important person in publishing because you make it go. Technology enables you to control the two basic challenges of being a writer: creating content and communicating about it. The phrase “unpublished author” is obsolete. All you need is a manuscript. You have more options for getting your work published at less […]
Publishers know what an average reader likes. They have specific expectations that you, as an author, have to meet if you want to get your book published through them. They shape your content and mold you as a writer. In a way, they butcher your work to make it fit into their own understanding of […]
Nonfiction authors know the importance of citing sources in their work. But sometimes it can get confusing figuring out how to correctly quote and give credit to your sources within your text without losing your flow of thought. When it comes to citing sources in your manuscript, there are some general style guidelines to follow. […]
Before you even begin to write a book, you need to find out what other books exist on your topic. If you are pitching to a traditional publisher, this exercise is a required part of the process. But even if you are self-publishing, you should evaluate your competition so that you know how to position […]
Live Workshops and Training Classes
If you enjoy teaching, then workshops and training classes may be a great option for you. Similar to consulting packages, you can develop your programs in just about any way that you choose. The simplest option, and a good place to start, is to create a half-day event, which would be a three or four-hour […]
Each month, the Nonfiction Authors Association asks a burning publishing question of the industry’s best, brightest, and most innovative experts. Here’s what they have to say! NFAA: What is the best piece of advice you’d offer to an author about working with a book cover designer? LEWIS AGRELL — THE AGRELL GROUP When authors have […]
The S Theory of Storytelling: Compelling Fiction Readers to Turn the Page by Michael Larsen
The beginning is the most important part of the work. –Plato The first page sells the book. The last page sells the next book. –Mickey Spillane The first page of a chapter sells the chapter; the last page sells the next chapter. Agents, editors and book buyers only read far enough to make a decision. […]
Member of the Week: Barbara Schiffman, Author of The Akashic Muse
Name: Barbara Schiffman Book Title: The Akashic Muse: Collaborating With Your Soul and the Akashic Records for Writing and Other Creative Endeavors Your book’s Amazon purchase link: http://tinyurl.com/akashicmuse-bschi What is your book about? The Akashic Muse is my “creativity workshop in a book.” In it I share insights from 40 years as a creativity/writing coach […]
Live Workshops and Training Classes
If you enjoy teaching, then workshops and training classes may be a great option for you. Similar to consulting packages, you can develop your programs in just about any way that you choose. The simplest option, and a good place to start, is to create a half-day event, which would be a three or four-hour […]
Each month, the Nonfiction Authors Association asks a burning publishing question of the industry’s best, brightest, and most innovative experts. Here’s what they have to say! NFAA: What is the best piece of advice you’d offer to an author about working with a book cover designer? LEWIS AGRELL — THE AGRELL GROUP When authors have […]
The S Theory of Storytelling: Compelling Fiction Readers to Turn the Page by Michael Larsen
The beginning is the most important part of the work. –Plato The first page sells the book. The last page sells the next book. –Mickey Spillane The first page of a chapter sells the chapter; the last page sells the next chapter. Agents, editors and book buyers only read far enough to make a decision. […]
Consulting and Coaching Opportunities Your Non-Fiction Book Can Open
Writing a nonfiction book based on your area of expertise is an easy lead-in for consulting and coaching opportunities. In fact, these opportunities will probably come looking for you whether you want them or not! After I wrote my first book, The Business Startup Checklist and Planning Guide, I began receiving requests for consulting services. […]
What You Can Learn from TED Speakers
One of my favorite things to do when I have some free time is to watch videos on TED.com. If you’ve somehow missed the TED phenomenon, you should know that the site features 20 minute presentations from some of the world’s top thought leaders. Speakers for TED events are selected on an invite-only basis. You […]
13 Guesses About the Future of Writing and Publishing by Michael Larsen
New writers self-publish, and build their platform and community of fans until they prove their potential, and agents and publishers find them. Successful writers are among the most powerful people in publishing. They are CEOs of one-person, multimedia, multinational conglomerates–contentpreneurs who use craft, creativity, innovation and social media to create and sell their work, and […]
Connect with Us
Connect with us on the following social media platforms.