self-publishing

Should Writers/Journalists Let Facebook Host Their Websites and Newsletters? No. Here’s Why.

Published on March 18, 2021 book marketing, promotional pitfalls, self-publishing, social media, writing career advice

You can bet that the minute you post something that Facebook (or any of your readers for that matter) doesn’t like, you’re going to…

Can Amazon Steal Authors’ Books, and Republish Them?

Published on March 11, 2021 amazon, copyrights, legal, self-publishing

“If Amazon can blatantly rip off a vendor’s hard-line design, what’s to stop them from hijacking an author’s book?”

Promote Your OWN Website, Not Your Publisher’s

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.

I won’t earn a profit on my book so I can use other authors’ works under fair use

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.

How I used “Plan B” and “Plan Z” to Sell Books During the Lockdown – by Kathryn Haueisen

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.

A publisher wants $4,000 to market my book to OTHER publishers?!

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.

Yes, We’re Weird! And, That’s Why We’re Still in Business!!

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…