Short Version The Complete Guide to Pay What You Want Pricing: How You Can Share Your Work and Still Make a Profit by Tom Morkes has inspired me to experiment with this pricing model in my own business. It’s filled with solid, practical advice. Check it out. The Long Version There’s an old (really old) […]
Book Reviews and Recommendations
One of the greatest gifts someone can give you is a reference to a good book.
I read a large number of books - many as research for the books I write, others just because I love to read them. My topic areas include business and marketing, writing, and cognitive science.
These are links to the book review posts. Visit the Resources pages to find suggested readings for either writing or marketing.
The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan [A Book Review]
Short Version The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan by Stephanie Chandler and Karl W. Palachuk is a comprehensive guide to publishing a nonfiction book, filled with great advice for indie authors. This is now my go-to book to recommend to new and aspiring nonfiction authors. Long version When I decided to self-publish my first book in […]
Using ProWritingAid [A Software Review]
ProWritingAid Review: Short Version ProWritingAid bills itself as “a grammar guru, style editor, and writing mentor in one package.” Although it lacks the intelligence of a human editor, it’s darned good at finding weak spots and opportunities to strengthen your writing. It can certainly help you polish your prose. Long Version Software is a mixed blessing […]
Review of Sandra Beckwith’s Book Marketing 101 Course
Short Version Sandra Beckwith’s Book Marketing 101 for Nonfiction course is a valuable survey of marketing techniques, anchored by a strong marketing plan. Its advice applies to both traditionally published and indie authors. (Fiction writers should examine the companion course, Book Marketing 101 for Fiction.) Long Version In a college curriculum, classes numbered 101 are […]
Grit for Writers by Tamar Sloan [A Book Review]
Short Version Grit for Writers by Tamar Sloan is a guide to cultivating your most important attribute as a writer: grit. If you find yourself discouraged, flagging, or in doubt, you’ll find support and solid advice here. Long Version Success in writing is a long game. It takes time to build the skills, bulk up […]
From Page to Stage: Speaking for Writers
Short Version Like it or not, speaking is part of the author’s overall marketing toolbox. With her new book From Page to Stage, Betsy Graziani Fasbinder offers excellent advice for becoming a better advocate for your book, whether on the stage, at an in-person reading, or on a podcast interview. Long Version: Why You Need […]