Ronda J. Del Boccio's Blog: Writing is pure Bliss, page 46

How Can Giving Away My Book Help Me Get More Customers?

Send to KindleHow Can Giving Away My Kindle Book Help Me Get More Leads?

It may sound counter-intuitive, but giving away your book for a few days can do so much for your business and your reputation. Every business owner needs to get more leads every single day, and a well-constructed book can work for you 24/7.

As a matter of fact, when you set up yuor book in the right way, it makes people crave more of you.

Terry’s Tale of Woe

Here’s a quick story of a FAILED Kindle book.

An entrepreneur whom I’ll call Terry wrote a minibook that he sold on Kindle for 99 cents as an introcutory offer. Thats where Terry went RIGHT.

Hundreds of people bought his book, but once they opened it and read it, there was a BIG problem, because Terry made 1 of the 3 biggest mistakes many authors make.

He had NO call to action. That means he failed to direct people to his website in a productive, profit-producing way.

What most people do is say, “Visit my website at blablabla.com for more information.” That makes me NUTS! Who has time to aimlessly VISIT websites?

But even that would have been better than what Terry did. He didn’t even MENTION his website ANYWHERE in the book. Ugh! He didn’t even give any information about him and why anybody should consider him an expert.

What’s an Entrepreneur to Do?

If you’ve made Terry’s mistake, don’t worry! The beauty of a digital publishing service like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is that you can update the book. Then let Amazon know about the update (and make sure it’s juicy enough to make them want to tell all the buyers).

Once the enhanced version of the book with the call to action & more is live, give the book away for a few days. Here’s how.

How to Give Your Book away on Kindle

Once your book is uploaded to Kindle Direct Publishing, enroll in KDP Select. This gives your book greater exposure, pays you when someone borrows yuor Kindle book, and lets you give it away for up to 5 days during a 90 day period.

Watch the video.

How Can Giving Away My Book Get More Leads?

When your book directs readers to come to your website for a bonus ro gift, that book is doing its job toget more leads.

When your book brings you consulting/coaching clients, that book is doing its job to get more leads for you.

Want more help with writeing a book?

The easiest way to start is to get the FREE Author Profit Pack,  which gives you a number of easy, useful tools, such as a template for the perfect chapter and the 7 essential elements of your book. You also get a free weekly tip to keep you in action. Get it now at WriteOnPurpose.com/free

Follow your bliss,

Ronda Del Boccio, The Story Lady

#1 bestselling author and Celebrity Author Mentor

One last thing…

I’m Ronda Del Boccio, a best selling, award-winning author of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Most of my tales take you on adventures that deepen your understanding of what it means to be alive. I also turn visionaries into best selling books. Curious? Start by getting Awakened Author Tips & Tools.

Connect: My books on Amazon – Facebook – Twitter

PS Are you a current or budding author who could use a little help along your own adventure Get weekly success tips and tools FREE, plus a cool set of tools to keep you going. Join free now!

First Name:

Email address:

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Is ANY 5 Star Review Good Enough?

Send to KindleDo you keep it real?

Since more positive reviews are seen as the goal, there may be a temptation for authors to..

Pay for positive reviews on a site like Fiverr.
Trade reviews even if you haven’ read the book.
Specifically ask people for 5-star reviews VS requesting an honest one

Just say NO.

Fake reviews on Amazon are an ongoing problem. Some people set up fake Amazon accounts and post them. Sometimes it is to be malicious to put down a book. Other times the reviews are positive but unreal.

Why so many false reviewers?

The author of this article in the New York Times  explains it well.

The boundless demand for positive reviews has made the review system an arms race of sorts. As more five-star reviews are handed out, even more five-star reviews are needed. Few want to risk being left behind.  See original sourcee

the culture says more high reviews means a better book or product. True only if the reviews are real.

I have received Fake Reviews – but I never encourage or pay for them!

Yes, sad but true. It’s definitely hard to get people to ctually DO a review even when they promise they will. One of my entrepreneur friends used my book to help him with his own and promised a review…2 years ago.

BUT I’d still rather have real reviews by people who have actually READ the book and put it to use.

Here’s a phony review of Stop the Time Bandit.

Review by KristenT – see original source.

This book is well written and helpful. The author has put extra efforts in writing such a masterpiece. The quality of material of this book is worth more than its price. Easy to understand content for everyone. From me, I will definitely rate this book and the author’s efforts a 5-STAR. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Here’s a review of Instant Author Formula. Review by KristenT.  See original source.

This book, Instant Author Formula: 6 Simple Recipes for How to Write a Book FAST,is well written and helpful. The author has put extra efforts in writing such a masterpiece. The quality of material of this book is worth more than its price. Easy to understand content for everyone. From me, I will definitely rate this book and the author’s efforts a 5-STAR. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Notice a pattern? You will when you see the Amazon profile. Can we say “fake customer”?

The reviewer’s cookbook reviews start like t his: “This cookbook contain Top class delicious and easy recipes. Each recipe is “
The reviewer’s fiction reviews start like this: “A thoroughly enjoyable read! I totally love it.”

Are Fake Reviews Useful?

Yes and no

Yes to the extent that people like to see a high number of reviews, particular 4 and 5 star. Since most people who get a book don’t review it, any high ratings are golden.

No because they’re not real and not useful to a potential buyer.

One purpose of a review is to help customers make a buying decision. Watch for my article on writing a truly useful book review.

I like this comment from Huff Post Books.

The pathway to success in book publishing is not found in the snake oil of fake reviews. Just because something can be done online, does not mean it should be See original source.

Seek out only REAL ratings

You may, as I  have, receive naughty knock-offs, but please don’t go to Fiverr and pay for them and don’t trade them!

Follow your BLISS,

Ronda Del Boccio

One last thing…

I’m Ronda Del Boccio, a best selling, award-winning author of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Most of my tales take you on adventures that deepen your understanding of what it means to be alive. I also turn visionaries into best selling books. Curious? Start by getting Awakened Author Tips & Tools.

Connect: My books on Amazon – Facebook – Twitter

Are you a current or budding author who could use a little help along your own adventure Get weekly success tips and tools FREE, plus a cool set of tools to keep you going. Join free now!

First Name:

Email address:

Writing a Book: Your Book is a Door

Send to Kindle“If your business is a house, your book is a door.”
 – Ronda Del Boccio in Instant Author Formula

So many business owners who are thinking of writing a book get all in a twist about it, making it harder than it needs to be.

First and foremost, yes, you want to write a GOOD book…but that doesn’t mean long.

When you have a simple recipe, you can become thet author of a book upon which you will feel proud to see your name with very little effort.

Here is a review of the book Instant Author Formula: 6 Simple Ways to Write a Book Fast.

See original source.

Got clarity that I don’t have to wait to write the Ultimate Guide to Starting a Home Business; write a series instead!” March 16, 2014

By jane gardner

I am going to write a book now after reading “Instant Author Formula”. As Ronda says, my book is not my business”;

it doesn’t have to be the ultimate guide to my business. I need to get off my butt and write solving one problem with one solution with one book.

Writing THE BOOK on how to start a home business was stopping me as I have other priorities in my business. Rondo gave me clarity that I don’t have to wait to write the Ultimate Guide to Home Business; I can write a small book helping others start a homebased business and get it out there to help others and then write a series of small books on further challenges in homebased business.

The “butt kicking” in the book as well as the simple templates for creating books quickly has helped me to put a “How-to” edition back on my marketing plan. I loved the analogy that if your business is the house, a book is a door that leads people into your business. Also, there is a great reminder that even a small book can have a great call to action for the reader which  can also lead them into your business.

A huge thank-you to Jane Gardner for this excellent review. She discovered the power of a small book that solves a problem.

Give your reader what they WNAT to buy, not what you think they SHOULD want!

Time for you to give that old “Do It” muscle a workout and become an author. You gain:

Instant credibility
VIP status
more leads
Media ops
and more

Instant Author Formula teaches 6 simple ways to write a book, including an interview book, Q&A and tips book. Download it to your Kindle device or free app right now WriteonPurposecom/instant.

I hope it helps you! Be sure to claim the bonuses that come with it.

Follow your BLISS,

Ronda Del Boccio

One last thing…

I’m Ronda Del Boccio, a best selling, award-winning author of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Most of my tales take you on adventures that deepen your understanding of what it means to be alive. I also turn visionaries into best selling books. Curious? Start by getting Awakened Author Tips & Tools.

Connect: My books on Amazon – Facebook – Twitter

Are you a current or budding author who could use a little help along your own adventure Get weekly success tips and tools FREE, plus a cool set of tools to keep you going. Join free now!

First Name:

Email address:

Helen Keller Quote: The Best and Most Beautiful

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Helen Keller inspires me.I created this in honor of her birthday. please feel encouraged to share it.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart”

Helen Keller inspirational qote

Follow your bliss!

Ronda Del Boccio,

#1 best selling author of The Peace Seed.

 

Author Insights: Interview with Alexi Lawless, Romantic Suspense Author of Complicated Creatures, Part One

Send to KindleAuthor Insights: Interview with Alexi Lawless, Romantic Suspense Author of Complicated Creatures, Part One

Today you meet novelist Alexi Lawless, who abandoned corporate comforts to take on writing. Her first book, Complicated Creatures, is available now.

I love to get inside the author’s mind. Any author is on an adventure, and now you will ride along, so to speak, with Alexi Lawless on HERS.

You’ll see the whole interview in a moment, first, check out the book and my review.

Complicated Creatures

“It’s normal to love a dangerous woman. They know how to wield their power, and they are not  afraid of yours. They make you work for everything you get and it’s all the sweeter once you get it…”

What happens when curiosity becomes obsession?

From author Alexi LAWLESS, the first part in a provocative series…

Luck is Jack Roman’s middle name— and Chicago is his Empire. He lives to work, loves to play, and makes no commitments. But when the mysterious S. Wyatt moves into the adjoining penthouse, he’s immediately drawn to her, a striking, elusive woman who transitions seamlessly from wood-paneled board rooms to high-stakes, high-risk rescue operations in the most dangerous parts of the world.

Intrigued by her self-possession, aroused by her incredible passion, and disarmed by a vulnerability she cannot hide, Jack pursues her into the nexus of her dangerous present and her enigmatic past. An entire world is revealed to Jack, where living for pleasure becomes fighting for survival. And the only woman he wants may be the one he cannot have…

COMPLICATED CREATURES is a mesmerizing, labyrinthine romantic suspense that will leave you wondering: Do you really want to know everything about the one you love?

To read an Excerpt, scroll back up to the book cover and click on “Look Inside”.

“A Stellar Read!”
“Alluring, Suspenseful & Compelling…”
“Sharp, Lush and Vivid Writing Style”
“Warning!! This Book is Addictive!!”

I  gave it a 5-star review on Amazon.

Here is my review of Complicated Creatures.

A romantic suspense novel with real SUBSTANCE!,June 24, 2014 

I love suspense. I sometimes enjoy romance and sometimes not so much. Depends on whether there’s any real emotional depth or not. In this case, there is.

Complicated Creatures excited me, engaged my imagination, and gave me characters with real emotions. Sure, there’s some steam, but the characters truly come across as people. They jump off the page. It’s unusual to find a first time novelist who writes this well.

I love this book and am excited to read the rest of the series.

Follow your BLISS,

Ronda Del Boccio

I hope you enjoy this interview. Be sure to pick up the book if it interests you, and share this with your friends.

Ronda Del Boccio of WriteOnPurpose.com interviews Alexi Lawless

How Does an Experienced Writer’s Brain Work?

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Did you ever wonder what goes on in the brain of a writer? Well, science is now giving us a glimpse into that previously uncharted territory.

I always imagine my brain as an adventure land, full of amusement park rides, secret passages, labyrinths, and all the characters who haven’t yet made it onto paper. OK I have a vivid imagination. GO figure.

Well, it seems that researchers now can use a special kind of mRI to catch writers in the act of verbal calisthenics. Now, the MRI is normally like being inside a big vitamin pill, but this one involves probes and a desk. SO the author can actually play with words and be scanned.

Ooh, shades of alien abduction just jumped into my mind. Yeah, go figure I’m a writer.

I have always imagined it to be true, but having research to back up a hypothesis is a good thing.

Here’s an excerpt from the New York Times article.

As the scientists  report in a new study i n the journal NeuroImage, the brains of expert writers appeared to work differently, even  before they set pen to paper. During brainstorming, the  novice writers activated their  visual centers. By contrast, the brains of expert writers showed more activity in regions involved  in speech.

Practiced wordsmiths think differently before they begin the mechanical aspect of their creation. Very interesting.  There is also a specific part of the brain that activates, called the caudate nucleus. Here’s another bit from the NYT article:

The caudate nucleus is a familiar part of the brain for scientists like Dr. Lotze who study expertise. It plays an essential role in the skill that comes with practice, including activities like board games.

When we first start learning a skill — be it playing a piano or playing basketball — we use a lot of conscious effort. With practice, those actions become more automatic. The caudate nucleus and nearby regions start to coordinate the brain’s activity as this shift happens.

Practice Makes Natural.

This makes sense. Think about the conscious effort you expend learning something new, say a computer application or a new game. You have to think about each action, right? That’s like the novice author mind. o shame there. You’re learning.

The novice also tends to see a mind movie, whereas the adept processes based on speech pattern. They’re already in the experience they’re translating to the page.

How do you become a better writer?

What You Get Is What You See

Send to KindlePlease enjoy today's #declaration. 

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What Chocolate Goes with My Favorite Books? The Books and Chocolate Blog Hop

Send to KindleThe Chocolate Book Tour

Have you ever participated in a blog hop before? This is my first time like THIS. Each participant shares our favorite books and what chocolates would go with them. It’s usually chocolate and wine, but I just drink wine from a box and am both clueless about wines and not a big fan of them, so I’m sticking to chocolates for the most part. The Chocolate Blog Hop It all started with Greta Boris.Greta tagged Rossandra White.

Greta Boris is the author of The Wine and Chocolate Workout – Eat, Drink, and Lose Weight as well as forging the path for a new fiction genre, cozy horror. Go to GretaBoris.com for a free copy of her latest short story:  FAT – A Ghost Story. and sinfully great tips for living happy and healthy. (Available on Amazon.)

I hope you enjoy my additions to the tour!

Ronda’s Book + Chocolate Picks

This reminds me of shopping on Amazon. Here are some of my favorite books and their “people who like this book would enjoy…” treats.

Iron Druid Series by Kevin Hearne

I love this series. it’s about a handsome “young” druid with mad combat skills and a nerdy wit who has managed (one wonders how sometimes) to keep himself from being killed…for over 2,000 years! He has a penchant for aggravating the Gods. Did he just stick to annoying the Celtic deities of his own origin? NO. various panthea (or pantheons, whichever you prefer, as both are correct) of deities across the globe.

Atticus, our hero, has an Irish wolfhound named Oberon, who makes jokes at the most inopportune moments, adding humor throughout the series. This hound naturally loves sausages, bacon, and most any other meat, but especially those.

What chocolate goes with the Iron Druid series? The book is dark at times and nutty at others. I would snack on bacon dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in almonds for the humans only. Be sure to have some dipped in WHITE chocolate (and skip the nuts), so the hound can eat some without being poisoned. Get the book: If you haven’t read this series, start with book 1, which is Hounded. I listen to them in the Audible.com edition

A modern Witch Series by Debora Geary

This books are about a community of witches with cool powers who “fetch” new people into their midst. The first fetchling happened to be shopping on the internet in the ice cream aisle of a grocery store. Being a witch was the furthest thing for her mind. SHe didn’t believe in them nor have a clue she had powers. I love the whole series. Each of the characters has his or her turn to be the focal point. Their are struggles based on self development and getting along in community.

And there are lots and lots and LOTS of COOKIES eaten. I absolutely HAVE to bake very time I read one of the novels. If you enjoy fun books about people who genuinely try to make the world a better place, you’ll enjoy this series. She also has a new Witch Central series, which I haven’t yet started. I know they’ll be great. I se she has several other titles as well.

What kind of chocolate goes with the series? Chocolate chip cookies with nuts, of course! I would even go so far as to recommend a mixture of chocolate chips and mixed nuts.  I’m sendig her my recipe for Nutella cookies. Get the book: If you’re new to the series, start with A Modern Witch

 Once there were Sad Songs by Velda Brotherton

This is a spicy book with substance. It’s a romance that also deals with issues of Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) in the form of a Vietnam veteran who, as the book begins,  has never gotten past it to build a new life. The tale as plenty of other complications as well, and some steamy love scenes.

Her work is often described as “Sexy, dark and gritty,” and that fits. The funny thing is, Velda looks like a mild-mannered grandmother, but her writing is decadent!

 

What kind of chocolate goes with the book? It has to be rich and decadent, so I pair Godiva chocolates with her books. Velda also writes nonfiction, and she has an impressive number of historical romances and other works to her credit. SHe also teaches writers workshops. Get the book: Get Once There Were Sad Songs and watch for some new books coming soon. Now, switching to one of my favorite NONFICTION authors.

Author’s Quick Guide Series by Kristen Eckstein

Kristen Eckstein is a prolific nonfiction author who helps people publish their books. She created a fabulous set of brief, targeted reference books for writers called the Author’s Quick Guide series.

I recommend these to my students, because they get to the heart of the matter and answer that particular burning question you may have about one single aspect of the process.

This title, the AQG to Organizing Your Nonfiction Book, helps you put that book together so you can start writing.

What kind of chocolate goes with Kristen’s work? Kristen makes her own chocolate. Can you believe it? And she provides the recipe for it in her book Beachpreneurs: Recipes for Success. I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the Chocolate tour!

Join the Books, chocolate and Wine Blog Hop!

Want to be tagged next to provide YOUR favorite pairings? Let me know in the comments and I’ll message you with details. Follow your BLISS, Ronda Del Boccio

One last thing…

I’m Ronda Del Boccio, a best selling, award-winning author of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Most of my tales take you on adventures that deepen your understanding of what it means to be alive. I also turn visionaries into best selling books. Curious? Start by getting Awakened Author Tips & Tools.

Connect: My books on Amazon - Facebook – Twitter

PS Are you a current or budding  author who could use a little help along your own adventure Get weekly success tips and tools FREE, plus a cool set of tools to keep you going. Join free now!

First Name:

Email address:

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How Can Amazon Best Sellers Help Any Author Sell More Books?

Send to KindleHow Can Amazon Best Sellers Help Any Author Sell More Books?

It’s often not until after a book is published that an author starts thinking about how to sell more books. Today on the Awakened Author Premium Call,  I helped members look at some things on Amazon to help us all understand what’s hot.

I think of market research as a treasure hunt. It’s a game that helps me reach more people. Look for the Awakened Author hashtag #AwakenedAuthor for more help and tips for authors.

The best time to start thinking about book marketing is NOW, wherever you are in your process, and the earlier the better! 

Where’s the best place to go – Google or Amazon?

Google has its place, but remember this. Google is a SEARCH engine. Amazon is a BUYING engine.

You may start with Google to get an overall idea, but jump quickly to where people put their money where their mouth is – Amazon.

People go to Google to look up stuff. They go to Amazon with an intention to buy. That’s why you want to use Amazon for the bulk of your market research.

It’s important to know what’s selling.

Even if you think you’re allergic to marketing, the truth is you touch more people when you sell more books.  Makes sense, right? So get over yourself and relax into the fun of sharing your message with more of the world.

Here’s how to see what sells so you can model success.

Go to Amazon.com
Search Books (in Amazon’s search box)
Click Best Sellers
Look at the overall best sellers. Click on them. Take notes on anything that stands out in the description, cover, author page, etc.
Now, click on your genre and see bestsellers in that category under books. Take notes.

Model the success of others to cut your own learning curve..

Seeing what works is the easiest shortcut to help you.
Notice the way the successful book descriptions are written. Follow the pattern.
Look at author pages and adopt ideas.
Get title ideas by seeing what titles work well in your niche/genre.
Get inspiration for your cover by following the leaders.

Need more help with your book?

Whether you are just formulating your book idea, well under way, or already published, you can get live weekly help along your author journey. Each week’s teaching is recorded for you to listen on the go or anywhere.

Today’s audio is already in the Premium Members private podcast. If you are a member, go listen as soon as you can. If not, you an begin your 7 day free trial right now and listen to today’s training, which goes into more detail than this post.ea.

Follow your B.L.I.S.S.!

Ronda Del Boccio

best selling author, speaker and mentor, today helping you sell more books.