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 are your favorite websites for author advice and guidance?
BRIAN CRAIG
I write law-related books and one of the best resources I use is: http://www.lawprose.org/
The LawProse website is maintained by Bryan Garner, editor of Black’s Law Dictionary, and numerous other books on legal writing. Garner’s Usage Tip of the Day is a free email sent by Bryan Garner that I read each day that gives tips on word usage.
Brian Craig is a lawyer in Logan, Utah where he also teaches online for Purdue University Global. He is the author of Cyberlaw: The Law of the Internet and Information Technology (Pearson, 2012). His next book, entitled Stringfellow Acid Pits: The Toxic and Legal Legacy, published by the University of Michigan Press, will be available in 2020.
KAYLA FIORAVANTI
I like Michael Hyatt’s website for author advice because he speaks to authors but also to business owners—and being an author is a business today. https://michaelhyatt.com/
Kayla Fioravanti is an award-winning author, aromatherapist, cosmetic formulator, and researcher of all things hemp. She is the author of twelve books, including The Art, Science, and Business of Aromatherapy, A Little Handbook on Topical Hemp CBD, and Puffy & Blue: The Chronicles of Nine Lives Together. Kayla is the co-owner of Ology Essentials, a research-driven hemp CBD company.
JOHN C. BUCKLEY
My Wise Guy Advice #1: Keep as much as you can under one roof.
As an Amazon #1 bestselling author writing non-fiction e-books, the challenge I personally face is connecting with other authors who have more experience or know-how than I do for support and expertise. At The Strengths Academy, we have a very specific marketing approach. I use Amazon KDP for our e-book publishing and marketing. They provide an all-in-one writer’s clearinghouse from design and compilation, to data and reports, to marketing campaigns and much, much more! The link is https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/
My Wise Guy Advice #2: Don’t reinvent the wheel…but keep a good grip on the steering wheel.
My primary focus is on writing and delivering e-books and short-read content in order to provide (free to low-cost) resources for opt-ins to build our mailing list. I contract out the necessary services that I don’t have time to do or don’t want to do. When I need to create a book cover, hire a professional editor, or issue press releases for my books, I use Fiverr. This site offers inexpensive options and expertise to get the work I need done from other professionals. The site is https://www.fiverr.com
Dr. John C. Buckley is an Amazon #1 bestselling non-fiction author and works extensively, training individuals and teams in discovering and developing their unique strengths. Dr. Buckley is a corporate training expert, professional speaker, and an executive strategy coach. He holds a Ph.D. in education and is the CEO of The Strengths Academy (www.thestrengthsacademy.com), a company focusing on educating and empowering people in their unique gifts and personal strengths.
HELENA BOUCHEZ
One of my favorite websites is ericvanderhope.com. Eric also has a fabulous private Facebook page called Publishing Made Simple. You can request access here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingmadesimple/ He is incredibly knowledgeable and relentlessly helpful. If you have any questions about how to self-publish your book, he’s a tremendous resource and very accessible.
Another great website is storygrid.com, which was established by veteran editor Shawn Coyne as a resource for writers who want to learn the principles of storytelling. Stevenpressfield.com is also a gem (Shawn is Steven’s editor). I’m also a student of Robert McKee (McKeeStory.com) and have been through his big story seminar (life-changing) as well as his story in business seminar (twice). McKee’s website has tons of content and resources related to story and the seminars are well worth the investment.
Helena Bouchez is a book strategist, developmental editor, and co-writer who works primarily with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts. Her super power is getting the great book that is in your head out and into the world—with a minimum of effort on your part. Contact her at helena@executivewords.com.
If you like this blog post, you’ll love our Author Toolkit covering websites, blogging and social media for authors. Check it out!
