Books for Writers Series by Joanna Penn

Do you want to successfully self-publish? There are thousands of new books being published every day, but many self-published books quickly sink to the bottom of the pile. Many authors are frustrated because there are so many options for self-publishing, and they don't know which one to choose or what will be best for their book. Others spend thousands of dollars to publish and end up broken-hearted with the result. But it doesn't have to be this way... moreDo you want to successfully self-publish? There are thousands of new books being published every day, but many self-published books quickly sink to the bottom of the pile. Many authors are frustrated because there are so many options for self-publishing, and they don't know which one to choose or what will be best for their book. Others spend thousands of dollars to publish and end up broken-hearted with the result. But it doesn't have to be this way. I've spent the last seven years self-publishing bestselling fiction and non-fiction books and in 2011, I left my day job to become a full-time author entrepreneur. I've made lots of mistakes along the way, but through the process of self-publishing 17 books, I've learned the most effective way to publish and market your books. In this book, I'll share everything with you. The book includes: - What you need to know before you self-publish - Why self-publishing an ebook is a good idea - How to format an ebook - Exclusivity and going direct - How to self-publish an ebook - Why self-publish a print book - Print-on-demand will change your life - What you need to know before you print - How to self-publish a print book - What to do if you want help with the publishing process - After self-publishing - How much does it cost to self-publish? - How do you get paid when you self-publish? - Book marketing principles - How to market fiction - How to market non-fiction Plus, links to more useful resources. If you're ready to successfully self-publish, then download a sample or buy now. You can also get your free Author 2.0 Blueprint and mini-course at TheCreativePenn.com/blueprint (just copy and paste into your browser) less

The first job of an author is, of course, to write great books, but these days, their second job is to market them.Marketing isn't a skill that most authors have naturally, and there is little formal training. But when your book hits the shelves, and the sales don't start rolling in, there's only two things an author can do. Keep writing more books and ... Get to grips with marketing... moreThe first job of an author is, of course, to write great books, but these days, their second job is to market them.Marketing isn't a skill that most authors have naturally, and there is little formal training. But when your book hits the shelves, and the sales don't start rolling in, there's only two things an author can do. Keep writing more books and ... Get to grips with marketing. This book is for authors who want to sell more books, but it's also for those writers who want to think more like an entrepreneur. It's for traditionally published authors who want to take control of their future, and for self-published authors who want to jumpstart a career. There are some short-term tactics for those who want to kick up immediate sales, but the focus of the book is more about instilling values and marketing principles that will help your long-term career as a writer. It's also about going beyond just the book, because the methods in this guide can take you from being an author into professional speaking, making money from other products and creating opportunities that you can't even imagine yet. There are no rules in this game, but learning this kind of authentic marketing has certainly changed my life, so read on and I'll share everything I know with you.How To Market A Book covers an extensive range of marketing principles, strategies and tactics: Part 1: Marketing Principles - including myths, how to balance your time, co-opetition and generosity Part 2: Prerequisites for Success - including an understanding of yourself and your target market, professional editing and cover design, your book page on the retailer websites, pricing and the use of freePart 3: No Platform Needed - Short-term Marketing - including how to get book reviews, paid advertising, using traditional media and tips for TV, radio and press releases Part 4: The Author Platform - Long-term Marketing - including the reasons why a platform is a good thing, author branding, your author website, list-building and email marketing, content marketing and blogging, audio and podcasting, video and book trailers, social networking, professional speaking, and becoming an author-entrepreneur. Part 5: Launching Your Book - including how launching has changed, soft launch, launch spikes, post launch and relaunches as well as lessons learned from some major book launches. Plus/ tips for when you get overwhelmed and plenty more links to further resources. less

Being a writer is not just about typing.It's also about surviving the roller-coaster of the creative journey.Self-doubt, fear of failure, the need for validation, perfectionism, writer's block, comparisonitis, overwhelm, and much more. When you're going through these things, it can feel like you're alone. But actually, they are part of the creative process, and every author goes through them too... moreBeing a writer is not just about typing.It's also about surviving the roller-coaster of the creative journey.Self-doubt, fear of failure, the need for validation, perfectionism, writer's block, comparisonitis, overwhelm, and much more. When you're going through these things, it can feel like you're alone. But actually, they are part of the creative process, and every author goes through them too.This book collects the mindset issues that writers experience, that I have been through myself over the last nine years, and that perhaps you will experience at different times on the creative journey.Each small chapter tackles a possible issue and then offers an antidote, so that you can dip in and out over time. It includes excerpts from my own personal journals as well as quotes from well-known writers. I hope it helps you on the road to becoming a successful author.The book includes:Part 1: Mindset Aspects of Creativity and WritingSelf-doubt and imposter syndrome Need for validation Fear of failure Fear of rejection and criticism Your inner critic Fear of judgment Perfectionism Writer's block and procrastination "I'm not creative. I don't have any ideas" "My writing isn't original" "Why write? There are too many books in the world already" "I don't have the time or self-discipline to write" "I'm not finding writing much fun. It's hard work." "I keep starting things and not finishing them" Dealing with friends, family and writer's groups "How do I find my voice?" Comparisonitis or "Everyone is better than me" Part 2: Mindset Aspects after PublishingAnti-climax and creative dissatisfaction What is your definition of success? What happens when you tell people that you're an author? "I'm overwhelmed" Dealing with fans, authenticity and drawing the line Haters gonna hate Ambition, fame and fortune Giving up Part 3: Tips for Success on the Author JourneyKnow thyself Understand and hone your creative process Develop professional habits Manage professional relationships Take control of your writing career Find your community Keep learning Schedule rest and take time off Think long term. Create a body of work less

Do you suffer from physical pain relating to your writing life?Are you struggling with back pain, weight gain related to sedentary working, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, neck pain, eye strain, stress, loneliness, digestive issues, or Repetitive Strain Injury?These are the most common issues reported by writers and if you struggle with any of them, you are not alone. Writing is not a physically healthy job, but if you want a long-term writing career, then you need to look after your body... moreDo you suffer from physical pain relating to your writing life?Are you struggling with back pain, weight gain related to sedentary working, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, neck pain, eye strain, stress, loneliness, digestive issues, or Repetitive Strain Injury?These are the most common issues reported by writers and if you struggle with any of them, you are not alone. Writing is not a physically healthy job, but if you want a long-term writing career, then you need to look after your body.I've been through my own pain journey over the last six years. I used to get crippling migraines that sent me to a dark room, and back pain so bad that I couldn't sleep, as well as stress levels so high that I wasn't able to breathe normally.Now, my back pain, migraines and RSI have almost gone completely, and I manage my writing life in a far healthier way than ever before. I share my personal journey and insights with you in this book.My co-author is Dr Euan Lawson, who shares his insights into how we can reduce pain, improve health and build a writing career for the long term.The book covers:Introduction and survey results from 1200 writersWhy writing is great for your health>>> Part 1: The Unhealthy Writer Stress, anxiety, burnoutBack, neck and shoulder painWriter's cramp and Repetitive Strain InjuryA personal journey to a pain-free backWriting with chronic painSedentary life and inactivitySleep problems/ insomniaEye strain, headaches, and migraineA personal story of headaches and migraineLoneliness and isolationWeight gain or weight lossJoanna's Letter to SugarDigestive issues and IBSA personal journey through IBS with FODMAPMood and mental healthWriting with depressionAlcohol, coffee, drugs and other substances>>> Part 2: The Healthy Writer Build resilienceImprove your workspaceFind a communityStart movingSort out your dietSort out your sleepDevelop healthy habitsHow to use dictation for healthier writing lifeLessons learned about writing from walking a double ultra-marathonBreathing, mindfulness, and meditationYoga and writingLongevity: writing for the long-termIt's time to be a healthy writer! less

The first non-fiction book I wrote changed my life. Sure, it helped other people, but mostly it altered the course of my life – so much so that 10 years later, I make a living with my writing. In this book, I'll share everything I've learned along the way and save you time, effort and frustration on your author journey.Why write a non-fiction book?Can I write a book if I'm not the expert?Originality... moreThe first non-fiction book I wrote changed my life. Sure, it helped other people, but mostly it altered the course of my life – so much so that 10 years later, I make a living with my writing. In this book, I'll share everything I've learned along the way and save you time, effort and frustration on your author journey.Why write a non-fiction book?Can I write a book if I'm not the expert?Originality. Or, there are so many other books on this topicWho are you? Personal stories and the writer's voiceThe day a non-fiction book changed my lifeFear and self-doubtTypes of non-fiction booksBusiness models for non-fiction booksWho is your book for? Identify your target marketDecide on the topic for your bookDecide on your book titleYour author name and pseudonymsHow long does your book have to be?How long will it take to write the book?Your perspective on timeWriting a book proposalGather and organize existing materialResearch, interviews, surveys, and social listeningStructure and organize the bookHow to write the first draft How to dictate your bookTurn your blog/podcasts/videos/talks into a bookSpeed and qualityFocus and shiny object syndromeWriter's blockCo-writing a non-fiction bookHow to turn a boring book into an engaging readElements of fiction in non-fictionTruth and perfectionismLegal Using real people, quotes, lyrics, images, and citing sourcesSelf-editing a bookHow to find and work with professional editorsYour publishing optionsThe different formats for your bookNon-fiction book coversBook formatting for non-fictionPricing your bookYour book sales descriptionCategories and keywordsTurn your non-fiction book into a multimedia courseUpdating your books over timeTwo models of marketing and the importance of mindsetBook-centered marketingPaid advertising for non-fiction booksAuthor-centered marketing. The power of a personal brandBuild your author websiteBuild an email listIntegrate email marketing with your bookContent marketing for non-fiction booksMy non-fiction marketing journeyConclusion and your next steps. It's time to (finally) write your non-fiction book. less

Do you want to create, publish and market your audiobooks? Are you ready to use podcasting to grow your author brand and reach more readers with your books? Audiobooks are the fastest-growing segment in publishing with double-digit growth in markets across the world. Podcasting has gone mainstream with listeners consuming audio on mobile phones and in-car devices, as well as through smart speakers... moreDo you want to create, publish and market your audiobooks? Are you ready to use podcasting to grow your author brand and reach more readers with your books? Audiobooks are the fastest-growing segment in publishing with double-digit growth in markets across the world. Podcasting has gone mainstream with listeners consuming audio on mobile phones and in-car devices, as well as through smart speakers. Advancements in voice technology continue to expand possibilities for audio creation and marketing. With such rapid growth in opportunity, how can you position your books in an increasingly voice-first world? I've been podcasting for over a decade as well as narrating and producing my own audiobooks since 2014. I'm an avid consumer of audio content and I'm also experimenting with AI voice technologies. In this book, I'll share everything I know so you can position your books and your author brand for the next shift in reader behavior. You will Introduction Why audio and why now? The audio first ecosystem The audio mindset Part 1: Audiobooks Types of audiobooks Writing, adapting and editing your work for audio Intellectual property considerations for audiobooks Your options for audiobook publishing and licensing How to find and work with a professional narrator Reasons to narrate your own audiobook Audiobook narration tips Recording studio options Audiobook recording, editing, and production How to self-publish an audiobook How long does an audiobook take to produce? How do audiobook readers discover audiobooks? How to market audiobooks The money side of audiobooks Part 2: Podcasting Why podcasting is important for authors The difference between audiobooks and podcasting Types of podcasts How to research and pitch podcasters How to be a great podcast guest Should you start your own podcast? Podcast prerequisites Intellectual property considerations for podcasting Podcasting equipment and software Podcast structure How to be a great podcast host Podcast distribution Show notes and transcripts Collaboration and freelancers Podcast workflow and tools How to launch a podcast How to market a podcast Repurpose your content The money side of podcasting Part 3: Voice Technologies Overview of voice technologies Speech to dictation Text to speech Voice assistants, smart speakers and devices Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of voice If you want to position your books and your author brand for audio growth, then check out the book now! less