Why Google Alerts Are Helpful By Diane Craver

Long ago, in less digital times, major corporations and public figures paid a lot of money to companies to grab any mention of its clients in hundreds of magazines and newspapers. Today, you can do this yourself for free by using Google alerts…

Marketing to Bookstores – Still a Waste of Time?

I have been repeatedly frustrated that I cannot get books on big box or independent bookstore shelves. My book is “up” on many of the store websites for online sales (including many of the top independent booksellers), BUT I still can’t get the actual book in front of potential readers.
I have a big radio interview coming up and I have no place to direct people (other than my publisher’s and other websites) to go buy a copy. I can’t even wiggle into the University bookstores and I can’t help feeling a bit embarrassed about it.

How I’m Successfully Promoting My Book, Marlene’s Piano By Jill Charles

After five years of writing, researching and editing my historical fiction novel, Marlene’s Piano, I looked for a publisher who shared my commitment to writing. A friend referred me to BookLocker.com. When I compared their services to Lulu.com, Amazon.com and other print-on-demand publishers, BookLocker offered the assistance I needed with formatting and cover art and the greatest autonomy for a writer…

Fall’s Last Hurrah!

Our good friends Scott and Kelly left last Wednesday. On Thursday, we packed up the RV and drove to the KOA in Bar Harbor for one last Fall hurrah…

Warning Signs of a Potential Deadbeat

Karen S. wrote in last week, asking:
Thank you every week for an always informative newsletter! I have a question that I suspect concerns many writers and that I hope you’ll answer in an upcoming e-issue. How can we find out whether businesses and groups that solicit writing via the Web are legit and really do pay?
One way to avoid getting scammed by a potential client (who may be a deadbeat) is to Google their name with terms like “owes me” and “scam”. However, every deadbeat has a first victim and there are signs to look for before and while you’re working for them…

Another Happy BookLocker Author :)

Hi, Angela, and everyone!
I don’t know if it’s possible to keep this short, because this experience has been tremendous.
Every step of this process has been a great and pleasurable learning experience, from the straight and candid information provided on the website, all the way through to the formatting, proofing, publishing, ordering, and delivery of the great final product that is like a baby to me. When/if I write another book, I will definitely be coming back to you.
Since I’ve shared my publishing journey, no fewer than a dozen folks have spoken to me about their own thoughts and aspirations to become published writers, much of which is due to my constant comments about how much my publisher ROCKS, always going above and beyond, always encouraging and educating me as an author.
For several years, I researched and considered many POD options, and none come close to what Booklocker offers and delivers. NONE. Thank goodness, I found you.
Please keep up the good work. Up and coming writers like me need you to keep us inspired, educated, and motivated.
I cannot thank you enough.
Regina Swint
The Other Side of 30

Write Onward and Upward! By Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

I worked hard on my magnum opus, stealing time away from spelling, arithmetic, and social studies to write. When my work, titled Good-bye, Dixie!, was complete, I carried it home to my parents with pride. I was in the fifth grade. That first novel never saw publication but it still holds a place of honor in a bottom desk drawer at my mother’s house. And, while my childish scrawls tell a basic story, much of what I wrote is amusing to an adult eye. I have a fond spot in my heart, however, because without “Good-bye Dixie”, I might not be a writer…