If you’re just getting started in professional speaking, one of the most important pieces of marketing collateral you will need is a speaker sheet. This is a simple document that can be given to those who would book you to speak at an event, and also available for download from your website. There are a […]
When you’re invited to speak at an event, you are usually offered a display table where you can sell your books or display promotional materials (and if you aren’t offered one, be sure to ask!). Here is a checklist of items to bring along to ensure you’re prepared. Large rolling suitcase—This makes it easy to […]
While you may think you have good public speaking skills, that doesn’t always mean that you will dazzle an audience. Professional speakers spend years developing and refining their craft. At the very least, you should put some effort into cultivating your skills so that leave your audience with a great impression. Here’s how: 1. Develop […]
Whether you want to speak for free to sell books at the back of the room or you want to get paid to speak, there are many ways you can locate speaking opportunities. When you do locate opportunities, don’t be afraid to pitch yourself via phone or email. Just make sure you’re prepared with an […]
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: How do you get yourself booked for speaking engagements? PATRICK SCHWERDTFEGER I secure paid speaking engagements with three distinct strategies: First, I maintain a video blog and embed […]
As an author, if you want to increase your book sales and reach more potential readers, get yourself out on the speaking circuit. There are countless opportunities to speak at events in your own backyard including service organizations like Rotary and Kiwanis, chambers of commerce, schools, hospitals and trade association meetings and events. Following are […]
Recently I spoke with an author who was preparing to release a new business book. He doesn’t yet have a platform and wanted to know the best ways to make his book profitable. This isn’t uncommon; most new authors lack a platform (AKA: audience), which makes it much harder to follow the traditional book marketing […]
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 […]
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 […]
If you want speaking to become a revenue stream for you, start by getting as many free engagements under your belt as possible. Then begin reaching out to companies and conferences that need speakers. Professional speakers typically earn $2,500 to $10,000 and up for a keynote presentation, plus travel expenses. It can be a lucrative […]
How to Blog for Other Websites: Simple Steps to Guest Blogging, Including Sample Pitch
Blogging for other websites allows you to reach a whole new audience, gain exposure, build credibility, and potentially drive traffic back to your site. Here’s how to become a guest blogger: 1. Locate sites you want to write for. The first step is to find appropriate sites, and that means sites that reach your target […]
How to Sell Your Book to Colleges for Use in Courses
One of the many benefits of writing nonfiction is that we can educate our readers. Whether we do that with a how-to guide, a memoir, history, science, or other kind of reference book, many well-written nonfiction books have the potential to be adopted into curriculum for college courses. Getting colleges to adopt my books as […]
Understanding Publishing Contracts
If a publisher offers you a contract, get ready for your head to spin. These contracts can vary greatly in what they offer and what they expect from the author. In general, a contract will outline the following: Payment Terms A book advance fee ranging from $2500-$10,000 is most typical for first time authors without […]
Author Name: The Rev. Anita E. Keire Book Title: Walking on Water: Skeptics and Believers Discuss Whether Jesus Matters Synopsis Walking on Water: Skeptics and Believers Discuss Whether Jesus Matters introduces the rudiments of the Christian faith from a non-denominational, non-doctrinaire perspective for youth, millennials, religiously unaffiliated, as well as all generations including senior citizens. It […]
How to Blog for Other Websites: Simple Steps to Guest Blogging, Including Sample Pitch
Blogging for other websites allows you to reach a whole new audience, gain exposure, build credibility, and potentially drive traffic back to your site. Here’s how to become a guest blogger: 1. Locate sites you want to write for. The first step is to find appropriate sites, and that means sites that reach your target […]
How to Sell Your Book to Colleges for Use in Courses
One of the many benefits of writing nonfiction is that we can educate our readers. Whether we do that with a how-to guide, a memoir, history, science, or other kind of reference book, many well-written nonfiction books have the potential to be adopted into curriculum for college courses. Getting colleges to adopt my books as […]
Understanding Publishing Contracts
If a publisher offers you a contract, get ready for your head to spin. These contracts can vary greatly in what they offer and what they expect from the author. In general, a contract will outline the following: Payment Terms A book advance fee ranging from $2500-$10,000 is most typical for first time authors without […]
How to Tap into the Marketing Power of Street Teams, Super Fans and Micro-Influencers
Guest post by Penny Sansevieri Did you know that 95% of books are sold via personal recommendation? There is no doubt that the biggest source of sales for just about any type of product is personal recommendations. Remember the last time you heard a friend tell you that XYZ was an awesome product, or book […]
How to Write an Effective Author Bio
As an author, there will be many situations where you will need to contribute your bio for promotional purposes. Your bio is often needed on your website in the “About” page and the “Media/Press” page, the back cover of your book, the last page of your book, at the end of articles or blog posts […]
8 Tips for a Marketable Nonfiction Book Proposal by Melanie Votaw
Over the years, I’ve met many first-time authors who underestimate the difficulty of writing a successful nonfiction book proposal. Writers often lack the marketing skills that proposals require, and they fail to realize one important fact: A book proposal is a business plan for their book. If you remember that and also keep these tips […]
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