Maximizing Your Backlist

With a special nod to author estates

By Ethan Ellenberg
Posted on 8/15/2018

It’s a whole new world of author opportunity for anyone with a backlist, and that includes the estates of deceased authors. I’ve written this post to provide an overview of what authors and heirs should be monitoring and pursuing.

High Concept, High Appeal

How a high-concept idea can make your story fresh and engaging

By Anabelle Bryant
Posted on 8/1/2018

High concept. What is it? It’s a buzz phrase and hot topic—a desired goal for any fresh story premise. Engage in conversation at any notable author conference or book festival, and the subject comes up quickly. But what does it mean?

The Best Writers Groups: More than Critiquing

The perks to cultivating a support system that goes beyond critiquing

By Kristy Demas
Posted on 8/1/2018

“Who is your support network? Who is encouraging you? If you don’t have anyone positive around you, you need to change that.”  —  Jane Friedman, “5 Things More Important than Talent,” Writer Unboxed

A-Game Advice: Instant Interview

Instant interview: virtual convos that leverage your team and talent

By Damon Suede
Posted on 8/1/2018

A-Game Advice is a monthly column offering practical tips for winning promo that fits your personal style, strategy, and measure of success.

Econ 101 of E-book Pricing

Strategies to help you choose the right price for your e-books

By Alisha Bloom, Esq.
Posted on 8/1/2018

If you’re an e-book reader, as many of us are, you probably know what prices e-books are offered at and how much you’re willing to pay for them. You also might have heard other readers say things like, “$12.99 for an e-book? What’s the publisher thinking?” Or, “I don’t bother with free or 99-cent e-books, they’re usually not worth my time.” Or, “I won’t pay more than $2.99 for a new-to-me author, but I’d pay $4.99 or sometimes more for an e-book from an author I love.”

Debunking the Myth of the Muse

How to take control of your creativity and be your own muse

By Liz Lounsbury
Posted on 8/1/2018

We’ve all heard the myth of the muse: the benevolent muse, the loving muse, the annoying muse, the shunning muse. At times, writers laud, compliment, lament, and curse the muse.

Talking Reinvention from the Agent Perspective

By Trish Milburn
Posted on 7/25/2018

The process of an author reinventing herself and her career often doesn’t just involve the author. Choices can be influenced by editors, agents, and even readers. There was a workshop at the RWA Conference this year called Author Reinvention from the Agent Perspective with agents Michelle Grajkowski, Kevan Lyon, and Courtney Miller-Callihan. I caught up with Grajkowski, who—full disclosure—is my agent, about her views on the topic. Agent Pattie Steele-Perkins added her perspective on one of my questions.

Transition to Success: Networking at Conference

Networking at conference

By Donna Alward
Posted on 7/1/2018

With RWA2018 right around the corner, this month’s column centers on the ever-important networking opportunities available for authors. Whether informal or part of a structured event, face-to-face meetings can provide wonderful opportunities to make new connections.

A-Game Advice: Verbal Impact

Verbal impact: what powers your public presence

By Damon Suede
Posted on 7/1/2018

What kind of mojo shapes and steers you as an author?