First Word

This week we're going to talk about how to "herd pages," meaning book organization. I recently did a writers' workshop where book organization became the main topic. Many writers struggle with getting their books into an understandable format that works. This week, though, let's discuss organization of nonfiction books vs. fiction (two different animals). In some ways, organizing a nonfiction book is much more formulaic - that is, unless you're doing a biography or memoir. Memoirs are more like fiction books, and you can take several different approaches.   When it comes to nonfiction books, here are some basic tenants to structure (consider this your quick-tip guide):   Preface - you may or may not want one. A subject matter expert often writes the preface. This person has reviewed your book and comments about what the reader is about to read. When it comes to nonfiction book you definitely want to invite someone to write it who has a ...

This week's topic: writing from experience. Many years ago I went and listened to Alice Walker , who wrote The Color Purple , speak about writing. I was in my twenties and eager to make it as a writer. As is the case with most young people, I thought I had the emotional depth to tackle any subject. Walker said she didn't hit her stride as a writer until she hit her forties. Screeeeeccchhhh! What? She added, she didn't feel she could have written her great works as a young writer without experience to tell the story right (I'm paraphrasing).   I was young. I wanted to write - and I wanted to write something that would resonate with people, make them think. Was I too young, as Walker was suggesting? The answer is complicated. As writers we do need experience to pull from, which gives us a frame of reference. Can you still write about something you've never experienced? Yes, but it's still based on a frame of reference. You write from your knowle...

I was recently thinking how important it is to truly and completely believe in yourself when you're doing just about anything much less writing a book. I'm no different than any of my authors. I have my writer's block, my insecurities, my concerns ... anytime you're putting something out in the public eye for scrutiny-and you're a sensitive artist-you are going to have to face whatever may come.   It's amazing how we can have 20 positive reviews yet one negative one, and all of our attention goes on it. I feel you. I've been down that insane rabbit hole a time or two myself. Yet as a book coach, I try to tell clients not to let one bad apple spoil the bunch. So I was thinking about it.   This whole roulette wheel that puts your book between 0 to somewhere in the middle to best-seller is unpredictable. Clients want me to reassure them, yes, it's a best seller. I am asked all of the time, "Can you assure me this will be a be...

Today's topic - book pricing ... I get routinely asked, "How should I price my book?" A lot of authors will want a low price without considering their breakeven point. If the cost per book exceeds the actual royalty you receive per book, you're going to automatically start in the red and never be able to get past it. Now eBook sales can mitigate this problem since you only have a one-time conversion fee.   My advice though is to never price your book so you're actually losing money. Even if you're making a small profit per book, go that direction and mitigate it with eBook sales. I know many authors are concerned about pricing their books out of the market. So, that is why I suggest at least some profit if you want to lower your price based on that concern; but do not flip it over. Going upside down on any project is always a losing proposition - that is, unless...   You're doing a book to enhance your image or career . If you wr...

This week let's discuss audio books, which has become a $1 billion industry as of 2018. Last year when I attended the Great Valley Bookfest , I noticed readers kept asking me, "Do you have audio books?" The answer was no, but it made me think about it. Then the other day I got asked if we wanted to convert one of our best-selling books to an audio book - for a price, of course. That book didn't lend itself to conversion anyway. The question did pique my curiosity. I did a little research...   The audio book market is rapidly increasing. According to the Audio Publishers Association , sales for audio books were $940 million in 2018. The market had increased by 24.5% over sales in 2017, which is a large increase. Projected growth indicates that sales figures will top $1 billion in 2019. This lucrative marketplace does offer opportunities.   For indie authors, what are some of the considerations when answering the question, "Should I do an a...

September 15 launches National Hispanic Heritage Month, and new book celebrates the culture and its rich history. MONTGOMERY, Alabama – A celebration of the Latino and Hispanic cultures   and contributions to the USA and the world began September 15 through October 15 to highlight diversity, culture, and traditions. The new book Queen of the Flowers – Memories of a Puerto Rican Girl released just in time to recognize the island’s culture and history through author Delia Cerpa’s deft storytelling about her childhood memories growing up in this tropical paradise. “National Hispanic Heritage Month gives all people of Latin and Hispanic cultures an opportunity to share their unique experiences to enrich society’s knowledge about who they are their traditions and contributions ,” said Cerpa. “My book offers readers an insight into my childhood years during the 1940s-1950s to talk about my experiences, family life, and culture from a bygone era.” Schools all over the USA...

Since I got divorced in 2012, I have been on a personal journey to find not just love, but true love a la Cinderella style. I know many "feminists" are not going to like what I have to say in this article. I'm not trying to please anyone or make a political statement. I'm going to talk about what is basic to relationships and love. I've reached these conclusions not by reading books, which I have read many self-help books, but by experience.  I will start with some points (these are points not rules).   Looking to be completed by a man, forget about it ? I'm not looking for the "you-complete-me" line -- and I'm not thinking I would want to hear it. Looking outside of yourself for completion has nothing to do with real love. If you look outside instead of inside you're very likely to never feel peace of mind. Although I don't like telling women what has become the "bubblegum" advice from dating sites, which is like Field o...