Independent Bookstores: Our Favorites, Past and Present
Let’s Celebrate Independent Bookstores! April 28 is National Independent Bookstore Day. How will you honor the day? Cambridge, MA, where I attended both college and grad school, had to be one of the most independent bookstore-rich towns in the 80’s and 90’s. You could find the independent bookstore that fed your particular craving, solved your specific problem or could help you conquer your current challenge—all in that uniquely book-scented environment, each store with its singular decor, texture and ambiance. All The Bookstores I Have Loved Before I bought my first volume of Mary Oliver’s poetry at the Grolier Poetry Book Shop in… Read more
“Which Book Should I Write?”: Writing Advice from a Book Coach
“Which book should I write?” I hear this question often and happen to have just received an email asking for advice on the topic. In today’s post I offer several ways to examine and explore the question of which book to write. A Markets View of “Which Book Should I Write?” In the case of the author who wrote me this morning, the three books were for three very different audiences. I advised the aspiring author to think about the future with each book. Imagine yourself connecting with each of those audiences (so answer these questions for each separate audience): How… Read more
Should I Edit as I Write? Plow Ahead? Help!
“Should I edit as I write?” “Should I really write a crummy first draft? It feels so raw and uncomfortable.” “I keep finding myself wordsmithing and then I get so little writing done. Is that okay?” The short answer is that everyone finds what works for them, and you’ll need to experiment and see what works for you. Generally, I do encourage emerging authors to write a rough first draft and edit later. There’s a freedom and power to getting it all down and then working with the raw material. However, not always. Here are my… You’re not sure whether… Read more
8 Tips to Get Great Amazon Book Reviews
One strategy that can help catapult your book to page one on Amazon results are your Amazon book reviews. Of course, your book needs to be categorized well on Amazon (with the right keywords and categories). It needs to be well-written, too! But after these “givens” reviews rock. Why are Amazon Book Reviews Important? #1: Amazon Takes Reviews Seriously. The Amazon Algorithm looks at book purchases but also at reviews. A large number of 5 star reviews (and 4 star as well) shows Amazon that the book has merit among readers. Amazon will, however, discount reviews if they are from… Read more
Beta Readers: How to Find Them & Questions to Ask
Beta readers, also known as pre-readers, are a writer’s best friend—or can be. What are Beta Readers? Beta readers are people who will read a sample chapter (or the whole book) and give you feedback, while you are in the writing or editing phases of your book. When to Look for Beta Readers Generally, you want to have a fairly strong draft to send to beta readers. That way, you make the best use of their time and will get the most benefit. However, if you feel stuck and feel you need feedback before your chapter is polished, that’s fine…. Read more
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