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When you hear the term “book marketing” you might immediately start thinking about BIG, grandiose plans. Month long book launches, expensive PR plans, a long list of things to get done sooner rather than later. Just thinking about all the … Read More

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure and honor to speak with many authors about their book marketing plans. The common question always seems to be, where do I start? The problem is, there is no set answer that fits … Read More

Last week New Shelves released an article on the American Library Association “State of America’s Libraries” annual report. This week we are focusing in on the ALA’s list of the most “challenged” books of 2020 – many of which were … Read More

Last week I had the opportunity to see the ethical side of the speaking industry and the slimy side. The Ethical Side The ethical side was hearing Debbie Allen at the Oregon Chapter of National Speakers Association September meeting. A … Read More

Released on April 5, 2021, this year’s State of America’s Libraries Report looks a bit different than in years past. As Stephanie Hlywak Director, Communications and Marketing Office American Library Association wrote in the opening of the report, “nothing about … Read More

Perhaps you were in a position similar to mine last year: The book on which I had worked so hard for two years—Different Strokes: Serena, Venus, and the Unfinished Black Tennis Revolution—came out during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. … Read More

When someone mentions “keywords” in relation to book marketing many authors instantly get overwhelmed. How do you find the right keywords for your book(s), much less use them? This article will remove the mystery of keywords for authors and walk … Read More

At some point, most authors—especially the first-timers—find themselves in the same place. You’ll be there, too, if you’re not already, i.e. with this bouncing baby book in your arms, that you want to introduce to the world—with no idea how … Read More

Many of you have recently received emails from Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) announcing that Amazon is changing file requirements for KDP ebooks. As often happens with change, there is some confusion about how this will change how authors and publishers … Read More

Authors use images when promoting their books,right? But, some stock image sites charge $$$. Today, I’d like to share with you my extensive list of FREE images sites. These images can potentially be used for book covers, social media and … Read More

(Originally published as Do This, Not That on TheBookDesigner.com) What We Did We had a client, Anna, who wanted a BookBub featured deal. Badly. We applied to BookBub month after month, offering her $9.99 ebook, Eat Happy Too, to BookBub … Read More

So you’ve written your masterpiece, edited it, and had a professional cover designed. You’re super stoked to share it with the world, but you’ve shot your wad getting it this far and you have no idea how you’re going to … Read More