It’s Not About the Money…It’s About the Contract, Timing, and Price
Michael weights in on Brenna Aubrey’s decision to turn down a six-figure advance.
Generating Marketing Buzz
Our proven expert, Michael J. Sullivan, lays out a marketing plan designed to generate buzz (and sales) for books.
Marketing 101: Making Exceptional Covers
Michael J. Sullivan has been delivering some of the best advice and insight into self-publishing offered on the web, and he’s not stopping yet. Today – how to get yourself an awesome cover!
Some Free Advice
Michael J. Sullivan gives some advice about when and how much of your book to make free.
The Rise of Audio Books
Michael J. Sullivan explores the world of audio books and subsidiary rights: Should you hang on to them? Will they be a significant source of income? Just how well are audio works doing?
Marketing 101: Book Launch – 6 months out
What you need to know about marketing and promoting your book.
Not All Small Presses Are Equal
Michael J. Sullivan provides insight on the types of things you should be concerned with when signing a contract with small presses.
Race to the Bottom – A follow up
Recently I wrote a post The Race to the Bottom, where I talked about the disturbing trend of low priced ebooks. After the post went live I had an excellent discussion on line with a number of people. That conversation made me think about the various factors in today’s landscape so it begged for a follow-up piece.
Demystifying Contracts #5: Agency – When Things Go Bad
In my last article: Demystifying Contracts #4: Agency – Terminating Contracts I was exploring the tip of an iceberg…in that case it was what happens when you no longer are getting along with your agent and would like to find another one. But this is just one of the possible problems that may occur and when evaluating the contract. There are others, and in fact it is best to look at a contract considering all the various worst case scenarios. So let’s look at some.
Demystifying Contracts #4: Agency – Terminating Contracts
Getting out can be harder than getting in – read your contracts!
Some Thoughts About Free Ebooks
Ever since Amazon announced it’s Amazon Select program (December 2011) the plethora of free books has significantly decreased the effectiveness of this type of promotion.
Dear Self-published authors, it’s your turn to listen up
Last week I did a post entitled: Dear Publishers, listen to authors and put reader’s first where I held traditional publisher’s feet to the fire for things they were doing wrong and I thought they should address. […]
Epic Fantasy Analysis September 27, 2013
Sorry, I ran this data a few days ago but didn’t have time to finish the analysis. Once again it’s time to take a closer look at the Amazon’s Epic Fantasy Bestseller list for the Kindle. […]
Dear Publishers, listen to authors and put reader’s first
Indie authors are doing well because they know it’s all about the reader.
Why I’m Not A Fan Of Tip Jars
A person who had previously pirated my books mentioned they loved them so much that they wanted to contribute monetarily.
Bundling Ebooks With Print Versions
What is really needed is the ability to bundle ebooks with print books regardless of where the print book is purchased.
Epic Fantasy Analysis September 09, 2013
Time once again to take a closer look at the Amazon’s Epic Fantasy Bestseller list for the Kindle.
Marketing 101: Strategies for Growing your Email List
Sending emails without one’s permission is what is commonly know as spam and you don’t want to get a reputation for being a “spammy author.”
Epic Fantasy Analysis August 18, 2013
Traditional publishing continues to dominate with 56% of the books published through that route. Self-publishing still is doing well with nearly 40%. Small press and Amazon titles makes up very few of the overall list.
Marketing 101: Email Lists Management Software
If you do only one marketing initiative, it should be to make a concerted effort to develop and maintain your email list.
Marketing 101: Authors and Reading Communities
I’m a member of two really large and really great reading communities: Goodreads /r/Fantasy on reddit Recently in /r/Fantasy there was a post about self-promotion. And I was pleased to see that I was called […]
Marketing 101: Walk Before You Run
I think one of the biggest mistakes that authors make with regards to marketing is spending huge amounts of time that will produce very few results. This is usually a byproduct of being excited that […]
Marketing 101: Book giveaways
I’m often asked what is the “biggest bang for your buck” from a marketing perspective, and the answer is hands down: Book Giveaways. But here’s the thing. They have to be done the “right way.” […]
Excerpt: THE CROWN TOWER by Michael J. Sullivan
SOMETIMES FRIENDSHIPS ARE FORGED IN BLOOD Two men who hate each other. One impossible mission. A legend in the making. Synopsis Hadrian Blackwater, a warrior with nothing to fight for is paired with Royce Melborn, […]
Pulling Back the Publishing Veil: Sales for Various Print Options
One of the things that you give up with traditional publishing is decisions on things such as price, cover design, and formats that the book will be produced in. I’m starting to see more and […]
What Traditional Publishing Can Learn From Self-publishing
One of the first things you learn as a traditionally published author is that you have very little control over a great many things about your books. Cover design, format (hard cover, trade paperback, or […]
A Publisher’s Perspective on Profits: ebooks vs print
In early June 2013, Harper Collins held an investor’s day where it presented financial data through the company’s third quarter. The CEO, Brian Murray presented more than 100 slides but the most interesting one was the […]
Marketing 101: Start with the Right Attitude
Marketing. Is there any other word that instills more fear in a writer? I don’t think so. When authors talk about marketing, here are the things commonly mentioned: I’m an introvert; I don’t want to […]
Publishing: Let’s stop comparing apples and oranges
Ever since the Taleist Report (a survey of 1,000 self-published authors) came out I see it everywhere. Online comments or articles saying most self-published authors don’t earn more than $500. When compared with the $5,000 average […]
Latest Posts
Recent Comments