Sell More Books: Our Books on Writing and Publishing for Authors

Our Books on Writing and Publishing:

Writing Conversations
Spend 365 days with your favorite authors, learning the craft of writing.

Book Description
About the Author
Author Interview
Early Reviews
Order Book

NEWS FLASH: Writing Conversations won an Honorable Mention
in the Forward Reviews Book of the Year Awards!

Wisdom Creek Press released a new book to assist authors, poets, screen writers, and other writers in their search for insider knowledge of the writing and publishing industry.

“Writing Conversations teaches me how to write in a completely different way,” said author J. Steve Miller. “Each day, I can read a passage by a successful author about the craft and reflect on that wisdom as I begin a new day of writing. This practice evokes feelings of waking up each morning to enjoy my coffee with one of my favorite authors, who gives me five minutes of advice and then bids me farewell, saying "Well, that's my tip for the day. I hope you find it helpful in today's writing!"

Uses include:

A handy reference for newbies to the writing business.
Inspiration for those days when writer’s block frustrates your progress.
Ideas for taking your writing to the next level.

According to award-winning author Catherine McCall, “Are you a writer who appreciates advice from experienced writers? Do you enjoy reading about how authors feel about their own books, how they cope with struggles inherent to the writer's life, or how they experience life after publication? If so, this book is for you. But it's not only for you, because it's also appropriate for readers who simply enjoy knowing how their favorite authors feel about different topics. There's a quote for each day of the year, and also a subject index, listed in alphabetical order, which I appreciate very much. WRITING CONVERSATIONS delivers exactly what it says it does, and it does so through the caring hand of an author who has obviously done her homework."

Paperback: 218 pages
Price: $14.95
Publisher: Wisdom Creek Press, LLC (July 15, 2010)

About the Author

Cherie K. Miller is the founder and president of Wisdom Creek Press, LLC and works with the Masters in American Studies program at Kennesaw State University. She is the current President of the Georgia Writers Association, a state-wide nonprofit organization promoting authorship in Georgia. She has published books, written for national magazines and written a newspaper column for a Chicago newspaper. She achieved her MA in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University in 2007. For more information on Cherie, visit www.cheriekmiller.com.

Author Interview

WCPress: Congratulations on releasing another book!

CKM: Thank you! I'm delighted with how it turned out and just hope it helps other authors as much as it's helping me. As I’ve spent time with new authors, I’ve discovered that they really don’t have a broad knowledge of the publishing industry. I carefully chose these quotes from reading biographies or other books published by authors. They cover many different aspects of writing.

WCP: So it's obviously targeted to authors...

CKM: ...and aspiring authors! As President of the Georgia Authors Association – a state-wide organization whose mission is to encourage authorship and literacy in Georgia – I’ve met many, many authors. There are also many others who come fearful of applying the label of “author” to themselves. It’s more a lack of knowledge than a lack of skill.

WCP: There are plenty of courses and books in print on how to write. What new angle do you offer?

CKM: I love to read authors of all kinds and take insights from how they write to apply to my own writing life. But I’ve found it equally as valuable to learn from them how to find an agent, how to work with an editor and how to manage a writing schedule. By taking advice from one author each morning, I'm able to reflect on it each day and actually apply it to my writing. This is especially helpful when one of those distressing days shows up and I feel horrible uninspired to create. The right quote at the right time feels like that author is speaking to the heart of my despair. It can turn a day around for me.

WCP: Who are some of your favorite authors that you quote?

CKM: Of course, since I was compiling these quotes, I was able to choose from my favorite authors. When I studied for my Master’s degree in Professional Writing I was exposed to many, many terrific authors. In my Creative Nonfiction class, taught by Dr. Linda Niemann, we read “Wild Minds” by Natalie Goldberg. When I took Magazine Writing, I read Ann Lamott’s “Bird by Bird.” One of my very favorite essays by Ann is entitled “Shitty First Drafts.” It gave me the permission to write badly when I was sure that everyone around me was writing stellar, perfect first drafts. A book I’ve reread many times is “On Writing” by the former English professor and prolific author, Stephen King. His advice is always invaluable.

Sometimes the most memorable and surprising quote came from an author I knew but had no idea of the challenges they’ve overcome to be an author. Fannie Flagg, author of “Fried Green Tomatoes,” shared how her dyslexia hampers her ability to write so she uses a clothesline to pin up her chapters. What a wonderful idea!

WCP: Who do you envision as the audience for this book?

CKM: If you’re wanted to learn more about the business of publishing, if you want to improve your writing or if you’re feeling dry and dusty, lacking inspiration, this is J-U-S-T the book for you. It’d also make a great birthday or Christmas gift for those authors in your life. Show them that you value their talent for writing!

Early Reviews

Review by J. Steve Miller, President of Legacy Educational Resources
As a professional writer, I'm forever honing my craft by learning from authors. I love to read biographies of great writers, having just finished A.E. Hotchner's Papa Hemingway. I also devour "how-to" books such as William Zinsser's On Writing Well and Stephen King's On Writing.

Writing Conversations teaches me in a different way. Each day, I can read a passage by a successful author about the craft and reflect on that wisdom as I begin a new day of writing. This practice evokes feelings of waking up each morning to enjoy my coffee with one of my favorite authors, who gives me five minutes of advice and then bids me farewell, saying "Well, that's my tip for the day. I hope you find it helpful in today's writing!"

The passages cover not only the act of writing, but the writing life - including tips on scheduling and marketing. It's truly an extraordinary collection of practical and motivating advice.

Review by Catherine McCall, author of “When the Piano Stops, A Memoir of Healing from Sexual Abuse”

Are you a writer who appreciates advice from experienced writers? Do you enjoy reading about how authors feel about their own books, how they cope with struggles inherent to the writer's life, or how they experience life after publication? If so, this book is for you. But it's not only for you, because it's also appropriate for readers who simply enjoy knowing how their favorite authors feel about different topics. There's a quote for each day of the year, and also a subject index, listed in alphabetical order, which I appreciate very much. WRITING CONVERSATIONS delivers exactly what it says it does, and it does so through the caring hand of an author who has obviously done her homework.

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Sell More Books!

Book Description
Table of Contents
Free Intro and Chapter in PDF
About the Author
Author Interview
Early Blurbs & Reviews
Order Book

Book Description

Atlanta: May, 2011. Wisdom Creek Press released a new book for authors titled Sell More Books! It gives writers:

Insider tips on writing and publishing a marketable book.
The latest on publishing options, social networking, and "tried and true" book marketing tactics.
Hundreds of practical book-selling strategies that authors can implement immediately, whether they're self-published or traditionally published.

An analysis of which methods will most likely work for specific books, and which methods might be a complete waste of time.

Ideas for marketing on a low budget.

Sell More Books was named as an Award Winner in the Writing and Publishing category of The USA Best Books 2011 Awards. It more recently won a Pinnacle Award in the How To category.

According to Dr. Robert E. McGinnis, author of 15 young adult novels, Sell More Books! is "filled with useful tips I don't find elsewhere. A masterpiece of research, wisdom, and encouragement."

Paperback: 300 pages
Price: $16.95
Publisher: Wisdom Creek Press, LLC (May 15, 2011)

Table of Contents

Part I: Rethink Book Marketing in Light of the Revolutions

Chapter 1 - Four Digital Revolutions that Can Make Nobodies Awesome

Part II - From Nobody to Somebody: Build Platforms with a Marketable Book and a Cool Online Presence

Chapter 2 – Why Market Your Book?
Chapter 3 – Write a Marketable Book
Chapter 4 – Write a Title and Subtitle That Attracts Audiences
Chapter 5 – Attract People with your Cover
Chapter 6 – Publish through the Most Marketable Channel
Chapter 7 – Get Lots of Blurbs from All Kinds of People
Chapter 8 – Optimize Your Amazon and Barnes & Noble Pages
Chapter 9 – Build a Professional Online PresenceChapter
10 – Submit Your Book to Contests

Part III - Let the World Know About Your Book

Chapter 11 – Check Your Attitudes toward Marketing
Chapter 12 – Use Guiding Principles to Prioritize Initiatives
Chapter 13 – Seek Early Reviews from Respected Book Review Sources
Chapter 14 – Seek Reviews and Endorsements from Busy Blogs
Chapter 15 – Seek Reviews and Endorsements from Other Publications
Chapter 16 – Attract Attention through Social Media
Chapter 17 – Optimize Digital Sales
Chapter 18 – Sell Your Book in Brick and Mortar Stores
Chapter 19 – Help Reporters and Journalists with their Articles
Chapter 20 – Consider Radio (Even if You’re Shy!)
Chapter 21 – Consider Speaking (Even if You’re Shy!)
Chapter 22 – John Kremer’s Twelve Tips for Low-Profile Authors
Chapter 23 – Bulk Sales Beyond the Bookstore: An Interview with Brian Jud
Chapter 24 – Consider Press (News) Releases
Chapter 25 – Sell Even More Books!

Appendix 1 – Never Stop Learning! (Further Reading and Resources)Appendix 2 – 200+ Ways that Low Profile Authors Can Market Their Books
Index

About the Authors

J. Steve Miller loves to write and sell his books. As founder and president of Legacy Educational Resources, he publishes resources that are used by educators in every state and over 30 countries. His book on contemporary church music was used as a text and translated into Dutch, German, Romanian, Spanish and Russian. He has spoken from Atlanta to Moscow. Find him at www.jstevemiller.com or www.enjoyyourwriting.com.

Cherie K. Miller is the founder and president of Wisdom Creek Press and works with the Masters in American Studies program at Kennesaw State University. She is the current President of the Georgia Writers Association, a state-wide nonprofit organization promoting authorship in Georgia. She has published books, written for national magazines and written a newspaper column for a Chicago newspaper. She earned her MA in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University in 2007. For more information on Cherie, visit www.cheriekmiller.com.

John Kremer and Brian Jud each contributed chapters. They're two of today's most highly respected names in book marketing.

Blythe Daniel and Stephanie Richards are book publicists who contributed significantly to Steve and Cherie's understanding of marketing books.

Interview with J. Steve Miller

WCPress: Why another book on book marketing?

JSM: While many books are available, few take into account the latest in publishing and marketing. We find that most authors are confused and overwhelmed by all the options. Thus, there's a need to simplify the task and help authors narrow down their best choices.

WCP: Why target low profile authors?

JSM: Because publishing and marketing are different for them in many ways. Typically, low profile authors discover that bookstores and big media want the big names. It's easy to get discouraged. But I found success in marketing my books, even though I lacked a platform. I wrote an award-winning personal finance book when I had no degrees in personal finance and no vocational experience as a financial planner. My book on music was published by a respected traditional publisher, Tyndale House, even though I held no degrees in music; neither was I a professional musician. I think I've picked up some tricks along the way that can help other low profile authors.

WCP: So is this all about your personal experience?

JSM: No. Although I describe what's worked for me (and what totally failed!) I read widely in book marketing and ran my ideas by many authors and publishers. Real experience from a wide variety of people has a way of making a mess of tidy formulas! I saw that what sold tons of books for one author may not work at all for another, and what works for one book may be totally inappropriate for another.

WCP: Do you recommend social networking, such as Twitter and Facebook?

JSM: For some authors and for some books, they work great. Other authors may be wasting their time. To me, it boils down to finding and connecting with the readers and influencers on your topic/genre. I try to help authors understand whether or not these will work for their books.

WCP: What about blogging?

JSM: A blog can be a great hub for many authors - the first place to send people who want to find out more about you and your books and your social media presence. Also consider a blog for maintaining a press page, much like the page we're on now. But I'd suggest that many people who are trying to post several substantive blogs per week in order to build a following, if it's solely to sell your books, you may be wasting valuable time. Again, each topic and each author will have to think through an appropriate strategy. I try to cover that as well in the book.

WCP: Thanks for your time and good luck helping fellow authors with their publishing and marketing!

JSM: Thanks so much!

Early Blurbs & Reviews

“Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, the author must do the promotion. This book provides solid guidance and is full of valuable tips.”

- Dan ng author of over 125 books and revisions, recognized authority on book marketing, promoting and distributing, author of The Self-Publishing Manual

“…a comprehensive guide to marketing a book…[a] well-written, engaging resource that’s loaded with specific tips…. Brimming with creative ideas, Sell More Books! should prove to be a low profile author’s best friend.”

- ForeWord Reviews

“While there are many books out there that will give you the old clichés about how to market your book, none of them has the up-to-date expertise of Steve and Cherie Miller’s Sell More Books! They not only know how to sell books in these times, but give easy explanations to both novice and long-time professional alike. If you buy one book to improve and update your book marketing skills, buy this one.”

- A. Louise Staman, Editor of Tiger Iron Press, winner of ten national literary awards

“This book will be my desk reference for helping my book marketing clients sell more of their books. I will use it as a textbook to help student writing interns working with the Georgia Writers Association and will recommend it to our members. It is a valuable tool for authors in this digital environment, whether they are traditionally or self-published.”

- Lisa M. Russell – freelance book marketer, online content writer and curricula writer – serves as administrator for the Georgia Writers Association, working in English Education at Kennesaw State University

“This book is chock full of helpful information, delightfully communicated. It’s very user-friendly, no matter what stage of the writing/publishing/marketing process the author is in. I’ve read quite a few books on marketing your books and this one is by far the best. I can’t wait to pass it on to my author friends!”

- Catherine McCall, blogger for Psychology Today, marriage and family therapist, author of When the Piano Stops

“Highly recommended! The Millers took a wealth of experience, knowledge, and research and packed them into one place. Sell More Books! takes the mystery out of marketing, and provides resources that would normally have taken weeks or months to uncover. Yet, for a typically ‘boring but necessary’ topic, they held my interest until the end. The face of publishing has changed, and whether you are an independent author or traditionally published, marketing is now the responsibility of the author. Every writer should own a copy.”

- Eddie Snipes, President of the Christian Authors Guild, author of I Call Him Dancer

"Far from a rehash of the same old stuff, Sell More Books! gives the up-to-date details of how authors are actually selling books in a digital age. While the extensive research and careful documentation give it authority, the easy-to-read style and refreshing candor (e.g., personal marketing initiatives that sold no books at all) made it a delight to read."

- Lorilyn Roberts, media professional, author of Children of Dreams

"Should be considered mandatory reading for all aspiring authors and fledgling self-publishers."

- Midwest Book Review

"Steve and Cherie Miller have put together a powerful and much-needed resource for the 21st century author. In this competitive, fast-changing publishing environment, you can't go wrong if you follow their practical, proven advice on getting your book out there and noticed. The Millers are the best friends and mentors that today's motivated authors could ever have."

- Peter Wallace, host of "Day1" radio program and author of eight books, including Living Loved and Connected

Sell More Books! is an honest guide for authors full of candor, useful tools, and a bit of humor. The Millers blended all of these to provide a useful and easy-to-read book that will walk you through the complex maze of publishing on your journey to realize your dreams.

- Debra J. Slover, author of the U.N.I.Q.U.E. series of leadership development books for kids and adults

“I wish I’d had this book when I started writing mine. It takes a practical and insightful look at the author’s entire process – from improving your writing to getting published to marketing your book. As a low profile author, I’m intimately acquainted with the unique challenges of building a platform from scratch. Steve and Cherie understand those challenges and give clear guidance to overcoming them.”

- Danny Kofke, elementary special education teacher, author of How to Survive (and Sometimes Thrive) on a Teacher’s Salary

Review from ForeWord Reviews

Writers who aspire to have their books published can become demoralized by the state of the publishing industry. It may seem next to impossible to get a "traditional" publisher interested in a manuscript. Even if the work does get published, the author quickly realizes it is his or her personal efforts to market the book, not the publisher's, that lead to sales.

That's why "low profile" authors will appreciate J. Steve and Cherie K. Miller's Sell More Books! Steve Miller, who admits to being a low-profile yet successful book author, tells his own book marketing story in this well-written, engaging resource that's loaded with specific tips on how to increase a book's visibility and sales.

This is not a book about how to get published; in fact, the authors spend only one chapter on the three basic types of publishing: traditional publisher, self-published, and vanity publisher. Instead, the Millers make the point that, regardless of how the book is published, marketing will make or break it.

The authors begin in Part I by covering the "four digital revolutions" that have changed publishing, a useful overview for even the established author. In Part II, the Millers describe how to create a marketable book, discussing such important elements as "blurbs" (the endorsements typically found on the book's back cover and in the front matter), contests, and optimizing a book's page on Amazon.com.

Part III is a comprehensive guide to marketing a book. It includes an in-depth discussion of how to secure book reviews from publications and blogs, how to make the best use of social media, how to optimize digital sales, and how to take advantage of opportunities to sell in retailers other than bookstores. The authors also cover the basics of promotion–press releases, radio show appearances, public speaking, and more. The Millers even managed to get two other well-known book marketing experts, John Kremer and Brian Jud, to write chapters in this section.

Sell More Books! concludes with a chapter on the importance of execution that contains some essential tips for how to make things happen. Two helpful appendices are included: "200+ Ways that Low Profile Authors Can Market their Books," and "Never Stop Learning," a section that also has a link to the book's web site, which the authors promise to update with resources.

As J. Steve Miller and Cherie K. Miller say, "If you put this book down and pick up the next without formulating a book-selling strategy and executing it, don't be surprised if you fail to sell more books." This, along with the rest of the book, is sound advice. Brimming with creative ideas, Sell More Books! should prove to be a low-profile author's best friend.

Barry Silverstein
April 7, 2011

View or Purchase Book on Amazon.com

"Steve and Cherie are authors who care about their fellow authors. Plus, they've done their homework to cut through the hype and discover what really works for regular authors who don't already lead huge followings."