WordStroker

4 Stages of Editing That Every Self-Published Author Should Know

by Janet Thomson on

As a book publicist and consultant, I shouldn’t have to edit your book while reading it, and I definitely shouldn’t take your money without informing you of my concerns.

Many authors rush to get their manuscripts out jeopardizing its quality. If your book sucks, you’ll have a difficult time positioning yourself as an expert, building an audience, getting great reviews or profiting from sales.

Here’s my advice – don’t neglect the editorial process before sending your manuscript to print. Below, I’ve briefly outlined the process that’s followed by traditional publishing houses; however, self-published authors should incorporate some of these.

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5 Reasons You Should Become a Book Reviewer

by William Yatscoff on

Are you telling me you aren’t a book reviewer already? Actually you became a reviewer the first time you picked up a book. I’m sure you gave it a read through and then told the nearest person about it. That’s the moment you became a reviewer.

The question is why haven’t you made it official? If you’re reading this, then it’s possible there’s a hidden reviewer inside of you. And, if you’re still on the fence about it, I’ve outlined five reasons you should become a book reviewer.

It’s Fun

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SMB Blogging Contest Summer Explosion

by Janet Thomson on

contests grows relationships

I’ve decided to go outside my comfort zone and enter my first ever blogging competition.

The competition is hosted by the Gushcloud and UBL Small Business Marketing Blog Outreach Blogging Contest. There are cash prizes and non cash prizes offered for entering.Participants are required to write a blog post between 900 and 2000 words on the topic Best Business Advice for Small Businesses. When I initially read the title, my immediate thought was boy do I have a story to tell.

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Interview with Twitter Party Master Karl Staib of Party Biz Connect

by Janet Thomson on

Karl Staib, Twitter Party Master

I’m excited to have Karl Staib of Party Biz Connect as our guest today. I first met Karl after reading his popular blog post 6 Ways to Supercharge Your Writing at Copyblogger.

That post received 116 comments, 1,141 tweets, 230 shares and 49 google+ — pretty impressive, huh? Although Karl’s content was engaging and offered great advice for writers struggling to generate compelling content, I was intrigued with this idea of throwing Twitter parties.

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5 Media Mistakes That Make You Look Dumb

by Janet Thomson on

don't make these media mistakes

Connecting with the media can be somewhat intimidating. However, if you speak their language and follow instructions, you are half-way there. This is particularly important when sending out review copies to book editors or book bloggers.

Let’s imagine that your book arrives and lands on Maggie the Book Sorter’s desk. As customary, Maggie sorts books in three categories – “not a prayer,” “at a glance looks interesting,” and “must read now.” Trust me you want to be in the third pile.

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Interview with Book Blogger, Kim Ukura

by Janet Thomson on

Book Blogger, Kim Ukura

I’m excited to have Kim Ukura as our inaugural interviewee here at Wordstroker. I came across her article Chazen shares role he played at fashion giant and was immediately intrigued with her writing style, and inspired by the story.

When I read her bio and discovered she is a book blogger, I went to her website, and spent hours reading through her material. I knew I had to connect with her. I drafted my pitch email, sent it off, and within 24 hours she graciously accepted.

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How to Write a Media Release: Quick Tips

by Janet Thomson on

market with media releases

Last week I wrote the post 10 Press Release Examples That Build Media Buzz, which sparked great interest particularly from a new visitor Ntathu Allen of Yoga Inspires, whose comment is responsible for this week’s blog post.

When preparing to write a press release, it’s important to keep a journalistic approach especially if you want to get the media’s attention. Although there is much debate about traditional versus non-traditional methods, I would argue that you can’t get away from the five “Ws” who is the release targeted, what is the release about, when is this information relevant, where can it be found, why is this information important, and the “H” how the information benefit the intended target, this is classic Journalism 101.

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10 Press Release Examples That Build Media Buzz

by Janet Thomson on

the workhorse of media

A press release is the media workhorse of print media. Not only does it have the potential to reach journalist and producers, but if distributed online it can help build links to your website, attract bloggers, ultimately serving as your search engine optimized (SEO) secret weapon.

Now that you understand how lethal this workhorse is – why aren’t you using it more in your marketing arsenal? When consulting with potential clients regarding the use of releases in their book marketing campaigns, the number one question I here is when should a press release be sent?

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7 Platform Building Strategies That Get You Noticed

by Janet Thomson on

platform building gets you noticed

One of the biggest challenges for authors is building a loyal following. If you want to be successful and considered an authority on your topic, then you need to start building your platform now. This is particularly critical if you are searching for a publisher.

I understand that tooting your own horn can put you in an uncomfortable position. I’ve experienced it myself as I build my own business. Recently, in a VIP coaching session, my mentor stated that her female corporate clients have a hard time seeing themselves as experts.

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4 Book Review Sites You Must Consider

by Janet Thomson on

early book reviews helps marketing

Publicity for your book should start at least six months before it hit the bookshelves.

This allows you to get the manuscript into the hands of some influential editors whose endorsements could position your book for success.

Most book review editors take on a limited number of projects per month, which is why it is imperative that you get your finished book or manuscript to them early.

Remember that a favorable review is not guaranteed, but to increase your odds of a good one give them something to work with– a well written book.

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