Back Cover Blurbs

Ok, since we've mastered the author bio, here's another fun, short writing assignment--the back cover blurb.

If you need help, aside from actually reading blurbs to learn how to write them, check out this advice:

How To Write a Blurb (Back Cover Copy) by Marilynn Byerly

How to Write a Blurb by Helen Williams

Happy blurbing,
Beth

More Promo Ideas II

Here are more good ideas....just because they both showed up in my inbox today!

15 Favorite Ways to Develop Your Author Platform by Patrice-Anne Rutledge

Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Free Articles for Authors and Editors (lotsa links)

Keep up the promo work,
Beth

Publicity

I've been slaving away at editor-requested edits on a short story this week and in a moment of respite started thinking. What are my publicity options if the editor offers me a contract? I mean, I know the basics--which is that authors really need to do most of their own publicity unless they've nailed a 6 figure deal (and even then don't rely on the publisher) or have a publicist to do the thinking & legwork.

Here are some thoughts on where to go for publicity once that book/story publication grows nearer:

Armed and Ready: A Guide to Publicity Materials by Kate Stine

Free Publicity for Your Book by Patrika Vaughn

Blog: The Publicity Hound

Free Publicity for Your Book at Midwest Book Review

And one last post from one of my favorite, most insightful writer's writer:

16 Ways to Get Free Publicity by Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Get out there and spread the word!

Beth

Article: Seasonal Promo

Really insightful, thoughtful article--just the thing I've come to expect from Patricia Fry (a writer's writer, for sure!)

Patricia shares with us ideas on how to use the holidays year-round in your favor when it comes to promoting your work. I dare you to read it and not get excited by ideas that pop up!

Seasonal Promotion by Patricia Fry

And if you're interested, here are a few places you can find worldwide holidays listed to suit nearly every interest/fancy/topic:

holidays.net

earthcalendar.com

world-calendar.com


Happy holiday-ing,
Beth

The Value of Networking

Let's face it--writing is a lonely job. Not necessarily in a bad way (though the stories of authors battling depression lie in the back of our consciousness), but what all that alone time with words does is help create nervousness, panic and sometimes fear in the heart of the author when it comes to speaking up on behalf of yourself and your work.

And nothing--nothing outside of not writing--can be more detrimental to your writing career. I actually got my start in freelancing (in a national magazine no less) the first time I publically admitted I was a writer, so the value of networking resonates deeply with me.

Whether you're published or up-and-coming, never underestimate networking. Interestingly enough, as I considered this topic, I read a new issue of one of my fave writing ezines, the Fabulist Flash, which happened to have the entire issue focused on networking. Gregory shares the best insight in his weekly newsletter. Sign up yourself for free while you're there.

The Fabulist Flash vol. 123: Networking

Happy, happy networking
Beth

Resource: Writers Website Planner

If one of your goals in the new year is to create an author's website, here's an interesting site with lots of things to think about in the planning stage of your site. Not a lot of hands-on activities toward creating your web presence, just some considerations to take into account when designing the site of your dreams:

Writers Website Planner
http://www.writerswebsiteplanner.com/index.html

Happy Planning,

Beth