Published on March 7, 2021
author, author scams, book marketing, pod complaints, Print on demand, self-publishing, writing career advice, writing scams
Author Andy was so excited! His new book was finished and he’d just approved his print galley. It was time to start selling books! His publishing company put his book up for sale on their website and sent him the URL where he could send people who wanted to purchase his book.
Andy didn’t have his own website or blog, but he didn’t think that would be a problem. Unfortunately, it was, on several fronts. And, while Andy and the other authors below are fictitious, the scenarios are based on real complaints we’ve received from authors over the years. In every case, had the author had their own website or blog, he or she would have lost few, if any, sales.
Published on March 4, 2021
author, copyrights, legal, self-publishing, writing career advice
By contacting me today, this author may have avoided a lawsuit, or two, or a few.
Published on February 19, 2021
author, book marketing, book signing advice, bookstores, diversify your writing income, Networking, Print on demand, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing career advice
With lockdowns dashing plans for my book rollout, I had to come up with new marketing strategies. Creativity can overcome adversity in difficult times.
Published on February 19, 2021
author scams, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing scams
They are simply luring in authors, and then upselling them on worthless services.
Published on February 13, 2021
Print on demand, self-publishing, traditional publishing
I was always a weird (um, naughty) kid. I never aligned myself with social norms. I recognized when something was ridiculous, even if “everyone else” was doing it. I would do things differently, despite the fact that…
Published on February 5, 2021
author, copyrights, self-publishing, storytelling, traditional publishing
Aside from the copyright infringement implications, I have a moral problem with this as well…
Published on January 29, 2021
author, editing, Print on demand, self-publishing, writing career advice, writing tips
If I had a nickel for all of the authors who have told me they didn’t think readers would mind a few typos.
Published on January 28, 2021
author, copyrights, legal, self-publishing
“I realized later that maybe I was not supposed to do that. I tried for find the original artists to ask permission but…”
Published on January 22, 2021
author, book marketing, self-publishing, traditional publishing
Sales of print books are still higher than sales of ebooks.
Published on January 13, 2021
promotional pitfalls, self-publishing, writing scams
An author recently asked his webmaster to complete a publishing contract on his behalf (which was, of course, not legally binding). What the author learned later, however, was quite disturbing…
