Category: Staff Articles

Writing advice and insights from the staff of Indies Unlimited.

Twitter Tutorial Tuesday

Author K. S. Brooks
Author K. S. Brooks

Yeah yeah, I know.  You’re on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, LibraryThing, Google+, LinkedIn, eHarmony and who knows what else.  If you’re like me, you’re wondering if these things are helping at all in the promotion of your book(s).

Sometimes it’s not about where you are, but “how” you are using those tools.  Here’s a tip on how you can use Twitter just a little bit better – and it’s something you only have to do once!

This is very quick and very easy. All we’re going to do is “spruce up” your profile. It’s really about making yourself more accessible – and giving people the opportunity to find out more about you in a quick and convenient fashion. Continue reading “Twitter Tutorial Tuesday”

Listmania – why is it important? by Rosanne Dingli

Author Rosanne Dingli. Photo Credit Jill Beaver
Author Rosanne Dingli. Photo Credit Jill Beaver

Amazon is the mecca for readers of all kinds, and it is fast becoming one of the world’s most innovative publishers. So it has turned itself into a place for authors and readers to interface. Few others do it so successfully and with such apparent ease. The facilities Amazon offers make it the online traffic cop for books. It’s where people look first for direction. If a book is not on Amazon, it’s virtually invisible. Whether or not people make actual purchases there, it’s where they go to seek books. One way they look for the next thing to read is on Listmania!

In an age where the sheer quantity of available reading material can be overwhelming, readers like recommendations of different kinds. Listamania! is where lots are to be found. Recommendations in list form are rather special, because they group books by certain criteria. They can save time, they can prevent confusion and disappointment, and they can introduce a reader to new books and authors, sometimes in unusual combinations. Continue reading “Listmania – why is it important? by Rosanne Dingli”

Book Signing Basics Part One

Lust for Danger at B. DaltonA first time author asked about book signings. Here is my input/advice:

Honestly? Book signings are a pain in the ass. That’s only because they’re a lot of work and preparation for a usually small return on investment. They are a necessity, nonetheless.

Don’t be discouraged if only a couple of people show up and you don’t sell any books. That’s normal for a first book. And to add insult to injury, the most commonly asked questions (depending on if you’re in a mall or stand-alone book store) will be A) where are the Harry Potter books? and B) where is the restroom or food court. Be prepared for that and DO NOT take it personally. It’s no reflection on you whatsoever. It takes time to build a following where people will actually want to be where you are… Continue reading “Book Signing Basics Part One”

Open Q & A with Benevolent Evil Mastermind Stephen Hise

As you all know I am a friendly, helpful, and  approachable guy.  People have always come to me for advice—well, not advice per se, more like questions really. Questions like:

“Would you mind sitting somewhere else?”

“Where’s my wallet?”

“What are you doing outside that window?”

“When was the last time you saw the decedent?”

You know—the usual stuff. Obviously people see me as a guy with the answers. Probably not the answers you are looking for, but answers nonetheless. I’ve decided to put my amazing powers of snark at your service. So go ahead and ask a question. I will answer you. After all, it costs you nothing to ask and profits you nothing to receive my answer. Probably because IU is a non-profit organization—as far as I can tell.

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