Stepping Stones Magazine
For Writers and Those Who Love Them
Resources
The Creative Side
Literary Elements:
http://www.casusf.edu/lis/lis6585/class/litelem.html
Write Attitude: An inspirational video for writers.
http://www.writeattitude.net/about.php
The Psychology of Creating Characters:
http://www.booklaurie.com/workshops_flaw2.php
Creating Your Hero's Fatal Flaw:
http://www.booklaurie.com/workshops_flaw2.php
Kathy Carmichael's Page on Writing a Synopsis:
http://www.kathycarmichael.com/synopsis.clearwater.fiction.html
The Creative Side
Literary Elements:
http://www.casusf.edu/lis/lis6585/class/litelem.html
Write Attitude: An inspirational video for writers.
http://www.writeattitude.net/about.php
The Psychology of Creating Characters:
http://www.booklaurie.com/workshops_flaw2.php
Creating Your Hero's Fatal Flaw:
http://www.booklaurie.com/workshops_flaw2.php
Kathy Carmichael's Page on Writing a Synopsis:
http://www.kathycarmichael.com/synopsis.clearwater.fiction.html
The Elements of Style / Strunk
http://www.bartleby.com/141/
Deb's Historical Research Page:
http://home.insightbb.com/~d.lawson/
The Business Side
Association of Authors Representatives:
http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do
Preditors & Editors:
http://www.invirtuo.cc/prededitors/peba.htm
The Authors Guild Advice for Contract Advice:
http://www.authorsguild.org/?p=100
A Novice Writer's Guide to Rights:
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/dec97/cew3.htm
Simple Record Keeping and Tax Deductions for Writers by Pamela Thibodeaux
http://www.go-publish-yourself.com/articles/writing-related/thibodeauxp.php
Marketing
How to Get a Book Reviewed by Bloomburg: http://www.bloomsburyreview.com/How%20To%20Get%20Your%20Book%20Reviewed.pdf
The Writer's Life Interviews
http://thewriterslife.homestead.com/Author_Interviews.html
List of Independent Bookstores by State:
http://www.newpages.com/bookstores/default.htm
List of U.S. Libraries:
http://www.publiclibraries.com/
Links
Brenda Hill's Novel Editing, Plotting Help, & Writers' Resources: http://www.brendahillseaman.com/index.htm
Self-editing by Lori Handeland: http://www.eclectics.com/articles/selfediting.html
Taxes & the Writer: http://http://www.publishlawyer.com/carousel8.htm
Marketing and Promotional Tips
Marketing is getting your books into the hands of readers.
Promotion is building an image --- a name.
THE BASICS
Create a flyer for your book. I use Micrographx Windows Draw 6 using the greeting card feature. Any good graphic program will work. Place your book cover on the front. Beneath it include the title and your name. Inside the flyer include a brief synopsis, review blurbs, your website, and ordering information. Make an order form and insert an order form in the flyer. This form is for purchasing books directly from you, if you choose to do that, and is convenient for people who do not own computers or are not at ease making online purchases.
Bookmarkers: Most publishers will provide their authors with some promotional materials. If yours does not, you can order them online or from a reputable printer. Yes, you can make them at home, but they will not be as professional looking. It's always best to get the best.
Business Cards: Business cards are a great way to lead people to your website. Keep it simple with your name and website. You may want to include a book cover or other graphic that reflects your writing. There are many online printers that do a good job on business cards. Vista print offers 250 free cards. I make my own at home.
Solicit an interview with your local newspaper. Call and introduce yourself. Mail or email a synopsis of your book, the cover, some review blurbs, and contact information.
Query book reviewers: Be selective. Be sure these are real book reviewers. Never pay to have a book reviewed. A few I like are Historical Fiction Review and Reviewers International for online reviews.
Visit your local library with book in hand. Avail yourself to book talks, workshops, book clubs, and library events.
Bookplates: Using Avery sticker paper, create bookplates of your own. Mine have Celtic boarders that give them an historical appeal. Offer these to your readers from your website.
Writer's Blog: It's all the craze. Keep it upbeat, positive, and informative, as well as graphically pleasing. Add to it often, so readers will return to see what news you have to write about.
Website: This is one of the most, if not the most, important avenue for marketing and promotion. There are some internet providers that offer free websites. Study bestselling authors' websites. What do they include. The usual features are, Biography, Books, Coming Events. In addition to these you could include readers' comments, book review blurbs, a blog, pictures, book plates, interviews that you have had. If you are selling books on your own, include a printable order form for those readers who are not comfortable making purchases online. Get a P.O. Box to keep your home address private. Be sure to have your book covers up and a brief synopsis of each book.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Visit bookstores, sign any copies they have of your book. Bring along stickers that say 'signed by author' and offer to place these on the covers.
Write articles for online websites and include a byline with your book title and website url.
Write an online newsletter in a field either related to your book or a topic you are passionate about.