Information and tips, focusing on publishing, publicity, promotional ideas, author profiles, design resources and more.
Another ‘AI is functionally equivalent to magic’ post. DragGAN is an experimental AI App that allows for extensive intuitive photo editing on the fly, including changing perspective, facial features, hair colour and length.
“the results are mesmeric. DragGAN is an interactive way of editing photos or works of art by tagging points on an image and just… dragging. The AI does all the hard work.”
Does a burning desire to write a book light a fire in your belly? Have you already begun to write but self-doubts have conquered your self-confidence? Do you have all the material ready to write but don’t know how to assemble it together?
I wrote Manuscript to Market to answer these very questions and more. I’m an editor who polished others’ books for publication. I never in a million years thought that I would write a book, yet I’ve now published four. I know what it feels like to write and then hand over my hours of inspiration (and perspiration) to someone else to get feedback from. Will they like it? Will they loathe it?
I wrote Manuscript to Market in response to a number of prompts.
The first came from a business colleague. He said if I was going into business as a book editor, I’d better write a book to show I knew what I was talking about. So, for all you businesspeople out there, let me tell you – writing a book is a business card on steroids! I have sold so many of my books to prospective authors and they now think I’m an expert.
Am I the only book editor around, or even the best? No, but I’m the only one they have met who can tell them what they need to know. This adds to my credibility and their reassurance. So, if you’re in business and want a product that does the marketing work for you, write a book. (How do you do that? Read mine!)
The second prompt came from my first-time author clients. They had great stories, engaging characters and dramatic plotlines, but few knew how to construct a good story arc with an appropriate pace, many didn’t know who they were writing for, and marketing ... well, isn’t that what the publisher does? Knowing how little some of these authors know about the book publishing world about understanding how they feel about their work motivated me to help them.
Every author I have worked with regards their book (rightly) as if it were their baby – precious, delicate, valuable. This gave me the structure for my book. From the birth of your baby (where the idea is in the head) to going to school (finding your editor) to dressing up (cover design, layout) and graduating (publishing), Manuscript to Market is a step-by-step guide to getting the idea in your head to a book in the hand.
Available at Susan’s website.
The Australian Society of Authors (ASP) has just released their 2023-24 Guide to the Australian Book Industry. The book contains the following elements:
Industry organisations
Industry newsletters
Literary magazines and journals
Literary podcasts
Reading communities
Sensitivity readers
Literary agents
Trade publishers
International book fairs
Literary festivals
Funding your work
Grants
Residencies and fellowships
Competitions
Literary Prizes
Publicising your work
Book publicists
Book review services
Bookshops for events
Speaker agencies
Understanding self-publishing
Self-publishing service providers
Custom publishers
Print book distributors
Printers
The book is free with an ASA membership, which is not cheap, but certainly worth considering if you are serious about your writing life. Another ASA title available in Kindle format is the Guide to Getting Published: Understanding and navigating Australia's book industry, available from Amazon.
If you have completed a first draft of your manuscript, but are unsure of the next step and need experienced guidance, the services of the Manuscript Appraisal Agency are worth considering. Their menu consists of the following:
In the highly competitive world of publishing, getting your manuscript read, assessed and/or edited can be the first step to finding success. The Manuscript Appraisal Agency can help you take those first publishing steps, getting your manuscript ready for agents, traditional publishers, and self-publishing.
We offer:
Manuscript Appraisals (assessments)
Editing (structural editing, copy editing and proof reading)
The MAA is an ethical service, not an entry point to a vanity press.
Thorpe-Bowker publishes an interesting newsletter on the independent publishing scene. Free subscription link here.
We highly recommend the experienced services of Euan Mitchell, an editor with a wealth of experience in large publishing houses and with independent authors. In the words of one of his author clients:
““Working with Dr Euan Mitchell was a wonderful experience. His knowledge and excellent advice have guided me to where I am now, with a growing number of readers. Some of the most positive feedback has been how well-edited, flawless and easy-to-read my novel is. This helped my readers to focus on enjoying the story and, for that, I cannot thank Euan enough. If you want someone to bring the best out of your work at a reasonable price, I highly recommend Dr Mitchell.””
Material Design 3 is the sophisticated underlying design scheme / language / science that underlies Google’s massive presence on the web. It deals with typefaces, colour schemes, icons, accessibility, navigation and more, and has a very large number of moving parts, including an interesting new colour model.
“Material is an adaptable system of guidelines, components, and tools that support the best practices of user interface design. Backed by open-source code, Material streamlines collaboration between designers and developers, and helps teams quickly build beautiful products.”
Ever wondered how your browser really works (or doesn’t, in some cases)? The Chrome-focused article linked here dives pretty deep into the underlying processes that keep your window to the Internet open.
Boxshot invites users to upload their book cover and spine, then fiddle with a variety of controls to arrive at a striking 3D rendering of said cover. The basic offering is free, with a paid version offering more bells and whistles.
“This 3D book cover generator is constantly rendering a realistic book model with the pictures you loaded. Every time you move the camera or change a parameter — the rendering starts from the beginning. It may take some time for the noise to come away and you get a nice and clear 3D image.”
Author of Red, Angela Dawson reports on her recent promotional activities and opportunities:
ABC Radio Melbourne: Angela Dawson publishes her novel Red - ABC
Plus, as well as Readings bookstores, I managed to get books into Dymocks, Camberwell after being part of a panel of authors presenting to a packed audience at Rivoli Cinemas, Camberwell, for their 'First Tuesday Book Club'. Catherine Deveny was one of them! Fun, but quite nerve racking! I got to speak for 15 mins, and afterwards we all sat in the foyer for book signings, like real authors!
I've entered lots of competitions, and so far have managed to get short listed in the Santa Fe Writers Project 2022 Literary Awards (27 selected out of 2000!)
This was their feedback:
Thank you for participating in the 2022 Literary Awards Program and, again, congrats on making it into the finalist lists! You beat out nearly 2000 manuscripts to get where you are.
While you did not make the winners' circle, your manuscript showed strong promise and shined through a rigorous judging process. Congratulations!
I'm still waiting for a few more comp results, some of which come out at the end of the year.
I have a few things I want to pursue - I've joined this FB page, which might help with getting some online traffic:
I even wrote a short blog today, after a massive hiatus!
There are definitely some great opportunities out there for writers to get their work critiqued. I found a few legitimate sites, including an American one which frequently has competitions with no entry fees - usually for short essays, poems. I'm on their monthly list for the newsletter. Their site states they are, 'One of the Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers'.
Winning Writers, Inc.
351 Pleasant Street Suite B PMB 222
Northampton, MA 01060-3998
USA
Her website can be found here.
Author and traveller Jacqueline Hodder describes the process she went through in choosing a book cover designer (spoiler alert: she used WorkingType Design).
An excellent overview of Maria’s writing philosophy and background can be found here. Her book “The Invisible Thread” is available on Amazon.
““her writing story was carved by her immigration story. Her Cypriot heritage has been an integral part of her writing journey. Maria writes with the ink that drops from her heart.””
Independent authors appearing at author events sometimes need additional branded material. Kathryn Gauci wanted her banners to stand out, featuring the covers, an atmospheric background, a selection of her awards and her web address. She kindly sent us a few photographs taken at a recent event.
Radio is an excellent medium for authors promoting their work — there is a significant overlap between readers and listeners (and a perfect overlap when it comes to audiobooks). Author Angela Dawson conducted a ten minute discussion with ABC presenter Jacinta Parsons.
During the depths of the pandemic Afternoons listener Angela J Dawson rang the talkback line and told Jacinta Parsons about the novel she was working on. Now the book, Red, is finished and published. Angela dropped into the studio for a chat about her humorous tale of a Top Gun obsessed pilot, and how she published it.
Guest Post contributed by Farlyn Lucas, Podcast Advertising.
Promoting your book can be a challenge. With the abundance of content available online, it can be difficult to get your book in front of the right people and generate buzz. This is where podcasts come in.
Podcasts have become increasingly popular, and there is no shortage of listeners. In fact, the number of podcast listeners increased by 15% during the COVID-19 lockdown in Australia, and an estimated 424.2 million listeners worldwide.
This presents a unique opportunity for independent authors and self-publishers to reach a wide audience and promote their books. With the right approach, podcasts can be an effective tool in maximizing your reach and promoting your book to a wider audience.
There are several benefits to using podcasts for book promotion. First, podcasts allow you to reach a targeted audience. You can connect with listeners who are already interested in your subject matter. This makes it more likely that they will be interested in your book as well.
Second, podcasts offer a more personal connection than other forms of marketing. When you appear on a podcast, you have the opportunity to talk directly to the listeners and engage with them in a way that is not possible with other forms of marketing. You can build trust with potential readers and increase the likelihood that they will purchase your book.
Third, podcasts can help to establish you as an expert in your field. When you appear on a podcast and share your knowledge and insights, you are demonstrating your expertise to the listeners. Through this, you can increase your credibility and build your reputation as an authority in your subject matter.
Podcast advertising can be a powerful tool for independent authors and self-publishers looking to promote their books and reach new audiences. Let’s cover the basics of how to get started with podcast advertising, including what you need to know, what to expect, and how to make the most of this promotional channel.
The first step in finding the right podcasts for your book is to research your target audience. Consider who your book is written for and what their interests and hobbies are. What types of podcasts do they listen to? What topics are they interested in?
You can find podcasts that cater to their interests and may be more likely to feature your book.
Next, look for podcasts in your niche or related to your book's topic. These podcasts are likely to have an audience that is interested in your book and may be more likely to share your book with their followers. You can use podcast directories such as iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher and search podcasts in your niche.
Another way to find podcasts for your book is to check out popular podcasts in your genre or niche. These podcasts may have a large following and a large reach, which can be beneficial for your book promotion.
Next, determine your advertising budget. Podcast advertising can range from a few dollars per episode to hundreds of dollars per episode, depending on the popularity of the podcast and the length of your ad. Keep in mind that podcast advertising can be more cost-effective than traditional advertising methods, so it's important to determine what you're willing to spend.
Step 4: Connect with Podcasters
Once you've identified a few podcasts that you're interested in advertising with, it's time to connect with the podcasters. This can be done through social media or email. Be professional and respectful in your approach and clearly explain how your book fits into their audience's interests. If the podcaster agrees to work with you, they will likely provide you with specific instructions on what you need to do next.
Your ad should be concise, attention-grabbing, and memorable. Most podcast ads are around 60 seconds long, so be sure to make the most of that time. Consider using humor, storytelling, or a unique angle to make your ad stand out. If you're not confident in your ability to create an effective ad, consider hiring a professional to help.
Once your ad is ready, it's time to launch your campaign. This is when you'll start hearing your ad on podcasts and reaching new audiences. It's important to track your results and make adjustments to your campaign as needed. This may include adjusting your ad, changing the podcasts you're advertising with, or adjusting your budget.
Hosted by veteran indie author, Dave Chesson, this podcast is perfect for self-publishers looking to learn more about book marketing, book promotion, and book design. Dave covers a wide range of topics, from ebook formatting to advanced book promotion strategies, making it a valuable resource for any indie author.
Host Joanna Penn is a bestselling author and entrepreneur who shares valuable insights and advice on publishing, marketing, and entrepreneurship. She covers a wide range of topics, including book design, book marketing, and the business of self-publishing, making this podcast a must-listen for indie authors.
Hosted by multi-published author, Christine Stinson, this podcast provides tips and insights into the writing and publishing process. Christine covers a wide range of topics, including writing techniques, publishing options, and book marketing, making this podcast a valuable resource for any Australian author looking to publish their book.
Hosted by best-selling author, J.A. Mellon, this podcast provides practical advice and inspiration for self-publishers. J.A. covers a wide range of topics, from writing and editing to book marketing and promotion, making this podcast a must-listen for any Australian author looking to take their publishing journey to the next level.
Using podcasts for book promotion can be a highly effective way to reach new audiences and promote your book. With the right preparation and research, you can find the right podcasts and make the most of your appearances. The podcast industry has experienced substantial growth, providing numerous and dynamic opportunities for book promotion. Regardless of whether one is a self-published or traditionally published author, the integration of podcasts into a comprehensive book promotion strategy is highly recommended.
Marion Hughes, author of the tense and well-written thrillers Watch Your Back and I’m Back has kindly written an account of some of her recent and upcoming promotional activities…
In 2022, I conducted author talks at the following libraries:
Hastings Library Tuesday April 5
Foster Library Thursday Sep 1
Mirboo North Library Thursday Sep 1
Rosebud Library Tuesday 13th Sep
Belgrave Library Saturday 26th November
2023 booked in for:
Langwarrin library - Libraries after dark Thursday 4th May
Wednesday 30th August Wodonga Library
Wednesday 30th August Albury city Library Museum
Thursday 31st August Shepparton Library evening session
My talks incorporated an overview of my background, discussed my writing journey, and offered insights into how I write and my motivation for writing. Included was an outline of the plots, characters and themes of books one and two of my trilogy, 'The Dark illusion,' selected excerpts and anecdotes that helped shape my writing and time for audience questions at the end.
A selection of audience feedback comments:
A fascinating look at the writing process
I loved the talk and will definitely be reading your books
A captivating author talk! Great to hear about the writing process and inspiration for the books
Feedback on Watch Your Back: a fast-paced thriller with a cleverly worked plot and stunning surprises. A can't put down read.
I particularly liked hearing excerpts from the books.I enjoyed participating in the discussion at the end.
Addictive short video service TikTok might look like another nail in the coffin of traditional publishing, but there is a corner of that frenetic online realm that celebrates a love of reading. BookTok is a very popular and active sub-community on TikTok, an aggregation of accounts interested in books and reading. Books that achieve ‘buzz’ on Booktok often go on to very respectable sales, a development that the big publishers are acutely aware of and attempt to exploit. There is room in BookTok for savvy independent authors and several examples of impressive success. Wikipedia has a good summary with plenty of links.
In April 2022, I released my debut novel, ‘The King of Rhye,’ after a productive six months working alongside Sid Harta Publishers. It entered the world to a fair reception (for an untested indie author); though as anticipated, it did not smash any records or win any Nobel Prizes. Nearly a year later, it will be receiving a shot in the arm, with the imminent release of an audiobook likely to find another modest reader base.
By my own estimation, the true success of ‘The King of Rhye’ has been its permeation into various corners of cultural awareness. It has moved sideways, into several other forms of media, both auditory and visual, to create not so much a story as a multisensory experience. There now exists an official soundtrack of original music, produced for songs lifted directly from the story. A rich (and expanding) gallery of bespoke ‘canonical’ art adorns social media pages, clothes, other merchandise, the cover of vinyl records and the walls of my house. It is also soon to receive its second language publication, having been diligently translated to French. It is anticipated that the French version will hit the market later in 2023.
Not too bad, for a book less than one year old.
I attribute this ‘lateral progression’ to a combination of two main factors. The first: a consistent and front-loaded assault on selected social media. The second: an awareness of target audience, and a reasonable understanding of how best to capture that audience’s attention.
For completeness, it is worth highlighting that Lady Luck certainly played a role (I should have included her in Acknowledgements). One or two steps of the journey came courtesy of the right people stumbling over my work at the right time. I guess that is something that may or may not happen to any author, in their fledgling career.
A few words, then, about my approach to social media. I am now a man in my early forties. I am well aware that a plethora of social media platforms exist these days; every time I turn around, the youth of today have launched a new one (most of which, I’ll be honest, I don’t understand). I am most active on Facebook (being somewhere on the cusp of Gen X and Gen Y). As it turns out, my target demographic also use this as their go-to place for doomscrolling. Of course, I did know this before I started, so it was no accident that I chose Facebook as the main place to launch my campaign.
I also started early, which I think a lot of wannabe authors don’t think to do. They write their book, then they start trying to sell it to an audience. I started over a year before the eventual release date. I told people what I was aiming to do, what I hoped to achieve with it, and what they might expect from it. From humble beginnings, I built a following. Slowly. It still isn’t huge, but it has grown consistently. That takes time – there are almost no ‘overnight sensations’, despite the illusion.
I don’t pay for Facebook ads. That worked, exactly one time, right at the beginning. Eventually, the algorithm only shows your sponsored ads to people who already follow you. So, it was necessary to use other platforms to increase exposure that way. I have a Reddit presence (useful), an Instagram page (quite useful), a LinkedIn profile (useless) and am dabbling in YouTube – which has the potential to be the most useful of all, if I actually had the time to produce a series of videos.
I’m aware that TikTok can work, but I’m horrible at dances, so I’ll leave it alone.
Next, to discuss target audience. One might say that I had the advantage of being able to ride on the coattails of one of the world’s largest rock music fandoms, in finding people who might pay attention to my book (‘The King of Rhye’ is an ode to the wonderful music of Queen). But it is more complicated than that: linking your work to an existing cultural phenomenon only works if you also know how to harness the connection.
It needed to be clear in my language, in my visual style, and in the way I presented my project, that I understand what fans love about the band. I also needed to reach for the stars themselves, and see just what support I might be able to garner from the inner sanctum. I contacted Queen, via the International Fan Club. Whilst guitarist Brian May has been too busy with the endless stream of commitments, I did learn that he is generous and willing to embrace the efforts of fans to further Queen’s legacy. He did offer to help promote ‘The King of Rhye’; an offer that was seen by many, and not only gave me a boost of confidence, but also gave the project credibility in the eyes of others.
To broaden the potential reader base, I had to also emphasise that this is not just a book for Queen fans. It is at its heart, a fantasy epic in the ‘Hero’s Journey’ tradition. To that end, I became involved in a number of online fantasy author groups, getting involved in discussion as often as I could; helping other budding authors with editing, and taking opportunities to introduce myself and what I was doing in return. It all helped.
Once ‘The King of Rhye’ was finally released, I focused my attention in again, to invest some energy in my local community. I live in a town of strong social connections, so I found that pursuing radio interviews and a showing at the regional library was also beneficial. Word of mouth travels quickly.
To speak of ‘people stumbling over my work at the right time’: the Queen connection brought British illustrator Luc Hudson, and French musicians Louis Henry Chambat and Thibaut Sergeant (‘Fat Bottomed Boys’) into my sphere of awareness. They introduced themselves to me; gentlemen in completely separate walks of life, on the far side of the world, due to a shared interest and a united sense of purpose. They found me because I made my mission statement clear, and because I highlighted the strengths of my work – the worldwide love for a classic rock band.
Where has all of this gotten me? I travelled to Europe in late 2022, to present my book at a convention. I built more of an audience. Demand for a follow-up has swelled. Certainly, another story was in the offing; but now that promotion has produced momentum, I draft my second novel knowing that a hum of anticipation already builds.
I have loved this journey. It has been worth every moment of effort.
Craig Mulhall
‘The King of Rhye’ © 2022 Sid Harta Publishers
Books Go Social occupies a niche I have been interested in for a while — helping independent authors unfamiliar with social media to promote their books.
They offer:
Assistance with Amazon advertising
Editing of book descriptions
Netgalley campaigns
Assistance with email campaigns
Facebook advertising
Focus on the UK and US markets only, the two largest English speaking markets
According to their introduction: “Our Amazon and Facebook Ads for authors have received over three hundred million impressions (views) by readers. You will reach more readers with us. We advertise books on Amazon US and UK and have 11 Twitter accounts with 450,867 real followers (Nov, 2021 count). We also can email your book offers to 150,000+ readers. And our YouTube channel has 1,000+ followers who can see any book trailer or video interview you send us.”
“We know where the most effective places to run ads are for your book, and how to build your long-term monthly royalties and your career as a writer.”
Google Reviews are generally positive, and the business responds to comments. A representative sample: “I've used Books Go Social the past few years for a number of services, and they consistently over-deliver. The Books Go Social team is fast and efficient at helping authors figure out how to move their books into the marketplace and get them selling.”
The package prices are not exorbitant, and may be worth trying when you have done your due diligence…
