Jason Matthews's Blog, page 7
April 1, 2014
Writer’s Digest Webinar for Ebook Authors, Critique Included Plus Q n A
Register today to attend this live webinar!
Live Writer’s Digest Webinar Date: Thursday, April 10, 2014
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Length: 90 minutes
Price: $89.99
Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for one year. You do not have to attend the live event to get a recording of the presentation. In all WD webinars, no question goes unanswered. Attendees have the ability to chat with the instructor during the live event and ask questions. You will receive a copy of the webinar presentation in an e-mail that goes out one week after the live event. The answers to questions not covered in the live presentation will be included in this e-mail as well.
ABOUT THE CRITIQUE
All registrants are invited to submit a choice of 1 of the 3 options below for evaluation and critique. All submissions will be evaluated and are guaranteed a written critique by Jason Matthews.
Option #1: An actual ebook’s formatting and design. Submissions in MSWord.
Option #2: Amazon or other retailer’s book link to ensure they’re discoverable in regards to keywords for titles, description and categories.
Option #3: A link to the blog/website that serves as your main marketing tool for a critique of what is presently useful and what’s missing or recommended.
Please Note: Even if you can’t attend the live webinar,registering for this live version will enable you to receive the On Demand webinar and a personal critique of your material. Purchasing the On Demand version after the live event will not include a critique.
ABOUT THE WEBINAR
Ebooks are revolutionizing the world of authors, readers and retailers. The advent of digital publishing enables any writer to reach her/his audience all over the world instantly and free of cost to the author. Royalties are far better than those of traditional publishing, with most retailers paying authors 70% of each ebook sale. Because of this, ebooks are exploding with opportunity. It’s never been a better time to be an author and sell ebooks, but it’s also necessary to do it wisely. The successful author must do more than just write a great book; they also need to understand aspects of book production and make themselves visible to a global population of readers.
This new live webinar teaches how to be successful with ebooks. Topics include the ingredients to a great ebook, formatting, cover design, uploading to retailers, using websites and social media. Discussion covers the art of doing-it-yourself when possible and also hiring out affordably for items like editing and cover design.
The instructor is Jason Matthews, a writer, how-to expert, avid blogger and self-publishing coach. He works with indie authors around the globe and speaks at writing conferences on these topics.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
How to stand out as an author in the global business of ebooks
Formatting essentials your book must have
How to make eye-catching covers that hook readers
Which retailers matter most and specifics when uploading there
How to use keywords so more readers find your book
Social media tips to limit time and maximize results
The key ingredients for a successful blog or website
INSTRUCTOR
Jason Matthews is a novelist, blogger and self-publishing coach. He works with writers around the world through every phase of book creation and marketing. His specialties include building author platform, selling at major retailers, social media, blogging and SEO. He’s the founder of a Facebook group with over 1,900 writers and hosts a weekly Indie Authors series on Google Plus discussing current topics and interviewing top indies. His novels and how-to guides include:
The Little Universe
Jim’s Life
How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks All for Free
Get On Google Front Page
How to Make Your Own Free Website: And Your Free Blog Too
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Writers with books nearly finished
Writers who aren’t familiar with publishing options
Authors who want to sell more books
Writers who need to save money on hiring out
Authors who want to understand keywords better
Writers looking for resources for cover design
Writers who feel intimidated by the technology
Authors wanting new ideas for marketing
HOW DOES THE CRITIQUE WORK?
All registrants are invited to submit a choice of 1 of the 3 options below for evaluation and critique. All submissions will be evaluated and are guaranteed a written critique by Jason Matthews. Instructions on how to submit your work are sent after you officially register.
Option #1: An actual ebook’s formatting and design. Submissions in MSWord.
Option #2: Amazon or other retailer’s book link to ensure they’re discoverable in regards to keywords for titles, description and categories.
Option #3: A link to the blog/website that serves as your main marketing tool for a critique of what is presently useful and what’s missing or recommended.
HOW DOES THE WEBINAR WORK?
The webinar is broadcasted via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer speakers or over your telephone. The live webinar’s visual presentation is displayed directly from the Presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions being read and answered by the Presenter for the entire class to hear. In the event some questions are not answered during the live session, an e-mail with questions and answers will be sent to all webinar attendees. By attending the live webinar and/or asking questions, your full name may be stated during the live event and captured in the recording.
REGISTER HERE
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March 24, 2014
When We Die with Dr. Lani Leary Ph.D. Indie Authors #71
Dr. Lani Leary Ph.D. is an author, speaker, psychotherapist and hospice counselor. She has assisted over 500 people and their families during final days.
Amazon pages:
http://www.amazon.com/One-Has-Die-Alone-Meaningful-ebook/dp/B005GG0MGU/
http://www.amazon.com/Jason-Matthews/e/B004A8W4BG/
http://www.amazon.com/Marla-Miller/e/B000APJYSE/
Websites:
http://drlanileary.com/
http://www.thelittleuniverse.com
http://marlamiller.com/
G+ Pages:
Dr. Lani Leary – https://plus.google.com/103693740233696643278/posts
Jason Matthews — https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews/posts
Marla Miller — https://plus.google.com/104880672110890238358/posts
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Home page of How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks.
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March 18, 2014
NOOK Press Opens to European Authors
Authors living in many European countries just got another avenue opened for selling ebooks. Barnes & Noble’s NOOK Press self-publishing wing has expanded its reach. What do you think–hooray or it’s about time? From the retailer:
You may notice some changes the next time you log into NOOK Press. We’ve been working hard to get NOOK Press ready for some new guests – starting today, publishers in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium will be able to publish with NOOK Press and reach Barnes & Noble’s millions of book-loving customers. This means even more great indie content for customers and increased visibility for you and your NOOK Books in the months to come!
The changes we’ve made for this international expansion mean you can now:
View nookpress.com in 7 languages: Work and publish in US English, UK English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Dutch. Select a new language in the dropdown from any page in NOOK Press.
Set your EUR (€) list prices. If you have indicated that you have Worldwide Rights, we’ll automatically convert the EUR list price from your USD list price as we do for GBP prices, or you can enter your own EUR price.
Thanks to the changes we’ve made, your titles will soon be on sale in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium if you’ve selected Worldwide Rights in the NOOK Book Details of your project. Because we have a very high volume of NOOK Press content, we are making your titles available in those countries over several months. We appreciate your patience as we work to put all NOOK Press content on sale in our new marketplaces.
With these expanded sales opportunities, it’s a great time to set up a vendor account and get all of your books on sale, if you have not already done so. By signing up now, you’ll have NOOK Books on sale in just 72 hours. If you are looking for self-publishing advice or inspiration from fellow authors, we’ve got you covered. Check out the NOOK Press Blog, which we’ve launched as another way to bring together writers and readers and to expand the conversation about self-publishing, both here and in Europe.
We want to assure you that we’ve been working hard to implement the new features at NOOK Press – including testing, testing, testing! As we open up NOOK Press to international publishers, our primary concern is to make sure that your experience is seamless. In case we missed something, please let us know so that we can fix it right away. We’ve added a new contact form so that you can send our support team an email directly from within NOOK Press.
We want to take this time to thank you for being a valued partner, and to wish you continued success in your self-publishing with NOOK!
Will B&N stay afloat in the ebook business? What are your thoughts?
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Home page of How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks.
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March 3, 2014
PeopleReads for the Best Ebook Deals
PeopleReads sends emails and tweets announcing the best free and bargain books. For readers, it’s a great way to find specials. For authors, it provides more bang for your advertising buck as well as free promotional options. I had the pleasure of interviewing site developer and author, Van Heerling.
Van, your site advertized one of my novels, and sales that month went up by 461%. It was surprisingly worthwhile. What are you hearing from other authors who promoted on your site?
One of the greatest compliments is when I hear the author has broken new ground in regards to their Amazon ranking. Or that they finally received that new review they have been waiting for. Personally I am always happy to see an author come back to PeopleReads to submit a different title or the same title to run again. Perhaps I am not wasting my nights after all!
How did PeopleReads get its start?
I am a big fan of the Indie movement. I have probably over a hundred (genuine) author friends all over the world now. PeopleReads began out of frustration and an impulse to help authors. I was getting frustrated with the larger book promotional sites. After being rejected a few times myself (despite 100+ reviews with an average rating of 4.3 or better) I felt there was something missing. So I took my fate into my own hands and built a site that would be more amenable to the Indie Author (traditional books are welcome too of course). That’s really it. I treat my readers and authors like human beings and I go out of my way to help. I know how hard all of this can be. I am right there in the mess with all of them.
There are many sites promoting new books; what makes your site different?
Besides offering standard listings I also offer New Release Listings. It can be difficult to get a new book in front of an audience. The New Release Listing does just that. There isn’t a review requirement. This means a book can have zero reviews and still be listed. However I should mention that if a title does have reviews it must have at least 3.9 stars to be considered.
In addition to this, I have a Non-Guaranteed Listing. These are free for the author; however, I do not list all Non-Guaranteed listings. The Non-Guaranteed listing gives almost anyone a chance to be listed. I donate literally dozens of hours a month to these listings. (Please note: Non-Guaranteed listings are not as far reaching as paid listings of course).
How do you use social media (e.g. Twitter) to spread your message?
I belong to a great group of writers. We all promote our books. It has become quite extensive. Generally a tweet will be RTed at least a dozen times. I have seen as many as 25 RTs in some cases. This really helps to get the word out. (Follow @PeopleReads for these deals.)
Your prices are so reasonable; do you expect that to change as PeopleReads gains even more followers?
Yes, as the costs go up so do the fees. At the moment this is more of a labor of love. I work well into the night. Sometimes past 3 a.m. Most of the revenue is put back into Giveaways and operational costs. I don’t mind working for “free” if I am building something. I have been in business for a long time. I know that it takes time to build. My philosophy is to help others pursue their dreams and eventually I will be carried along as well. It’s not a perfect philosophy but it has served me well.
What do readers like most about PeopleReads?
You have to remember this is a thankless business for the most part. The reader opens their daily email and clicks on their interests and moves on to Amazon. I don’t hear from readers all the time, but those who have contacted me seem to like the layout of the site and the Giveaways.
Tell us about your monthly giveaways?
At the moment PeopleReads is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite, and also a fifty and twenty-five dollar Amazon gift card. For a chance to win, all one has to do is subscribe before March 30th. Three separate winners will be chosen. Here is the link: http://www.peoplereads.com/for-readers.
Van says, “I would rather live seeking my own dream and fail everyday, than to live one day pursuing someone else’s dream, for which I carry no faith.
Van Heerling is the author of Malaika, Dreams of Eli, and Desert Pigeons. He lives in California with the lingering spirit of Redford—his adopted morbidly obese cat, which was more of a paperweight than a feisty feline, his wife and boy and their very alive kitty—Abigail.
Thank you, Van.
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Home page of How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks.
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February 24, 2014
4 Indie Authors Readers Should Know
I’ve read books by all of the authors below. These women are talented, professional and have established deep roots in the publishing communities. All are enjoying a growing success.
My I present–Alana Woods. “I was born in England but moved to Australia with my family when I was three and I’ve been an Aussie in heart and soul ever since. Love the place.”
As a writer I took to heart the maxim ‘Write what you know’. My two published thrillers, suspense intrigue thrillers, were sparked by jobs I’ve held: AUTOMATON by five years in court reporting and IMBROGLIO after several years at a weapons research facility. I’m working on a third, DRAGLINE, corporate legal suspense, building on insider knowledge gained while working with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Once that’s published I’m off in to the great unknown, writing-wise, with an idea that’s right outside my present comfort zone—and I’m looking forward to getting cracking!
Alana Woods 
Next may I present–Lynne Spreen. “After spending a career in human resources, I was able to start writing fulltime. I wrote a bi-weekly newspaper column and did freelance work for magazines for a couple of years. Then, joyously, I was able to pursue my lifetime dream of writing a novel. In addition I have a VERY busy blog, at AnyShinyThing.com (“Midlife Magic”), and I invite you to join us there, as we explore the second half of life. Here’s what we talk about: At a certain point are we too old to start over? Should we be winding down or blowing things up? How best to travel this later-in-life pathway? Come sit around our electronic campfire. Let’s figure things out together.”
Lynne, what are you currently working on? The sequel to Dakota Blues. The title is Tropical Blues.
How does your work differ from others in the same genre? I write coming-of-age stories about people over 40.
Why do you write what you write? I have a compulsion to find the good in getting older.
How does your writing process work? Chuck Sambuchino said, there are five versions of your novel: the one-line, the elevator speech, the 2-page synopsis, the full synopsis, and the full manuscript. I start with the one-line and work my way up. And I’m a plotter. I outline, strategize, walk around the house mumbling, write a lot of notes to myself that I can never find later, and complain about life interfering with my progress.
Lynne Spreen 
Next may I present–Sonia Marsh. Sonia Marsh is the award-winning author of the travel memoir, Freeways to Flip-Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island.
Her story is about chucking it all and uprooting her family—with teenagers—to reconnect on an island in Belize. Her memoir has received 7 awards, including 1st Place, in the “Autobiography/Memoir E-Lit Awards 2012/13.
Sonia is the founder of the “My Gutsy Story®” series. The first anthology in that series, My Gutsy Story® Anthology: True Stories of Love, Courage and Adventure From Around the World, was a silver honoree in the 2013 Benjamin Franklin Digital Awards.
She has lived in many countries – Denmark, Nigeria, France, England, the U.S. and Belize – and considers herself a citizen of the world.
As a successful indie author, Sonia knows how to market books both online and in person. She is committed to helping authors succeed in selling their own books and now offers ”gutsy” book marketing and coaching to authors. Contact her at: sonia@soniamarsh.com or visit her website: http://soniamarsh.com
Sonia, what are you currently working on? As an author, I realize that my first book (memoir) is a business card to speak. So now I’m focusing on two things: a). Motivating audiences to live a “Gutsy” life and to not postpone their dreams. b). Developing Webinars, presentations and consultations to help authors with their marketing both before and after their book is published.
How does your work differ from others in the same genre? My memoir is contemporary, and a quick pitch is, “I took my affluent teenagers to live in a hut in Belize.” Most people are intrigued to read a story about a family moving from today’s modern comforts, to a simple life in a jungle hut in Central America, and how my teens, adapted and changed.
Why do you write what you write? To inspire and motivate people to take action and overcome obstacles in their lives.
How does your writing process work? I spend hours on social media and marketing, and focusing on helping other authors and speaking to groups. Since I don’t write novels, I am hoping to live in another part of the world, so I can write more “gutsy” adventure type memoirs.
Sonia Marsh 
Next may I present–Marla Miller. Marla began her freelance writing career 25 years ago after birthing three children and ending a career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. While still nursing her youngest daughter, she nabbed a columnist gig at a local newspaper. Her new found writing career kicked into high gear during her kids “wonder years.” For 16 years, she wrote columns for the OC Register’s lifestyle magazine before becoming founding editor-in-chief of an O.C. coastal lifestyle magazine.
Her first book debuted in 1999. Marla wrote All American Girls, the only authorized biography of the iconic World Cup/Gold Medal winning U.S Women’s National Soccer Team that Simon & Schuster published. Her sports oriented columns appeared in Oxygen.com and International Soccer Magazine.
Marla began teaching MarketingtheMuse Workshops in 2003. Her message to writers is constant: It’s not good enough to write well. Marketing is key if you expect to sell; a lesson learned during the marketing phase of All American Girls. Though ‘indie’ publishing was still years away, this publishing experience taught Marla that most traditionally authors receive very little help from marketing departments.
Marla, what are you currently working on? The marketing of Deadly Little Secrets, my novel e-published at KDP Select , is never ending so every day I do something to promote this suspense tale set in 1985 and about the early years of the AIDS pandemic. Now that I’m deep into the indie movement, I want more books out here. Ebooks fit perfectly with my MarketingtheMuse teaching brand so I will be epublishing an ebook that includes literary agents and my favorite craft tool that most writers hate, query letters. I’m gathering my data now. I also have another novel I will epublish soon, perhaps serializing it on my site first. This one is women’s fiction and you guessed it, a guy is involved…actually a few.
How does your work differ from others in the same genre? I’m not published in one genre. Part of my platform includes teaching and workshopping with writers, a divergent group that usually reflect many genres as do my interests in writing/literature.
Why do you write what you write? For 25 years, I wrote for newspapers and magazines and when you do that, you tend to specialize. I specialized in nonprofits, food/restauranteurs, health/wellness/psychology and sports. While I was getting paid and my writing edited by my employer/editor(s), I began to dip my toes into fiction. I love crafting tales about my characters, especially characters who aren’t what they seem.
How does your writing process work? My process varies but new ideas tend to be provoked by a psychological and/or societal circumstance that I either can’t figure out or want to know more about.
Marla Miller 
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February 18, 2014
eBookSoda Daily Deals for Readers and Authors
eBookSoda has daily deals for readers and authors. With millions of books out there, it’s hard to find the stuff you like. eBookSoda emails you with great deals on highly rated ebooks in your favorite genres. So sit back and let us do all the hard work.
They’re currently accepting submissions for ebooks to promote at no charge. Once the site is established, the promotions will cost money–so get in while the offer lasts. They do add their Amazon affiliate tag for sales income though the site is presently without ads. You can include links to your book at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Apple, Smashwords, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Google Play and more. (Global Amazon links are always wise, and there is an “other site” option.)
Authors can apply to have their books featured. Books must be have a good cover, be free of obvious typos, average 3.5-star or higher reviews with 8 review minimum (unless brand new), priced at or under $4.99 and meet other requirements. Multiple titles are okay but they ask for a 2-week period between submissions and 60 days before the same title is resubmitted.
How to promote?
Send us your title by completing the online submission form.
We’ll review your book and let you know if it’s been selected.
If successful, we’ll create your promotion, email it to our readers and feature it on our website.
For a limited time, eBookSoda won’t cost you a thing to promote your book. All we ask in return is that you spread the word to friends, fellow authors and readers on Facebook, Twitter and anywhere else you can think of! (Google Plus, Pinterest, more?)
With the explosion in new books, promotion sites pop up frequently. Some don’t last more than a few months. Does this one have a competitive edge–what are your thoughts?
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Home page of How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks.
Subscribe to this blog for updates on indie authors and self-publishing. add me to Google Plus circles +Jason Matthews
February 13, 2014
Author Earnings by Hugh Howey for Better Publishing
Indie author extraordinaire, Hugh Howey, has created a site for authors to benefit each other via collective experience-knowledge-ambition and hopefully the resulting power of that wisdom. Whether you’re a reader, aspiring or published author, this site has value and potential to create industry change.
The goal of http://authorearnings.com/ is “to gather and share information so that writers can make informed decisions. Our secondary mission is to call for change within the publishing community for better pay and fairer terms in all contracts.”
What changes might they assist or even implement?
minimum percentage royalties on ebook sales
length in years of license terms
author’s say in pricing
ebooks included or discounted with purchase of print books
DRM abolished or not
abolishment of non-competitive clauses
ebook rights back to author in certain situations
Amazon 70% royalties for all price points
new writer’s guild with annual membership fee
Visit the website to participate in the data collection, even without sharing any information like your name or email address.
The Author Survey is the spot to–add your data! No matter where you are in your publishing career, your data can help other writers better understand this rapidly changing market. Take this anonymous survey and view the results.
You may also sign the petition if you–would you like to make your voice heard? Whether you are a reader, an aspiring writer, or a published author, sign here to allow us to advocate for you.
And of course, you may sign up for future updates. I took the survey and signed everything. What about you; what are your thoughts?
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Home page of How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks.
Subscribe to this blog for updates on indie authors and self-publishing. add me to Google Plus circles +Jason Matthews
February 10, 2014
Self Publishing with Joanna Penn, Indie Authors #70
Joanna Penn is an author, international speaker and entrepreneur based in London, England. She was voted as one of The Guardian UK Top 100 creative professionals 2013.
Amazon author pages:
http://www.amazon.com/Joanna-Penn/e/B002BM8ICW/
http://Author.to/JasonMatthews
http://www.amazon.com/Marla-Miller/e/B000APJYSE
Websites:
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/
http://www.thelittleuniverse.com
http://marlamiller.com/
G+ Pages:
Joanna Penn – https://plus.google.com/+JoannaPenn/posts
Jason Matthews — https://plus.google.com/+JasonMatthews/posts
Marla Miller — https://plus.google.com/104880672110890238358/posts
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Home page of How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks.
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February 3, 2014
AUTHORSdB Adds Retail Links
AUTHORSdB is a data base for books and authors with a similar look to IMDb for films, TV and stars. They just added retailers links: those shiny “BUY NOW” icons directing readers to e-stores all over the world.
Amazon US and UK are the only current Amazons, and most of the major sellers are represented with perhaps Google Play being the big omission. It would be wise if they had a global Amazon link, something all authors should be using as book links for more international sales. Presently at AUTHORSdB you can only create a global Amazon link with their “Or Buy Here” icon, which is probably designed for the author’s website/blog.
A new year is upon us at Authorsdb.com, with over 4000+ members. The website is designed specifically to help authors and to get them listed in the popular search engines, such as Google. Thus, giving the author and their masterpieces the best exposure possible on the internet today.
Here’s what’s new:
AUTHOR BOOKSHELF Add you book listing to your author profile (see example). Simply click on ‘Submit a Book’ and enter your book details. Do not have time to add your books with direct links to your online booksellers such as Amazon? Check out our VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICES. Look out for our TOP10 weekly books.
BOOK COVER CONTEST The winners of the 2013 Book Cover Contest have been announced. Details are posted here http://authorsdb.com/author-publicity/book-cover-contest , including the Judge’s Corner. With close to 30,000 votes this year and a very busy Facebook campaign, the amount of exposure to authors has been phenomenal. The 2014 Book Cover Contest is now open.
COMMUNITY HUB The new Community Hub is a great place to share what is happening this year as an author. Add your book blog tours, your twitter feeds or your Facebook or Blog Page updates.
Your custom page URL can be linked into any of your promotions, giving your fans a simple one-stop-shop feel or see who is trending, add your Breaking News or recommend a book.
Not sure how many readers peruse the site or if our books will come up high for SEO factors there, but it feels like a worthwhile thing to do. What are your thoughts?
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Home page of How to Make, Market and Sell Ebooks.
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January 27, 2014
Author to Mogul? Branding Expert Sheri Fink
Branding expert Sheri Fink, #1 best-selling, multiple award-winning children’s author, creator of “The Whimsical World of Sheri Fink” and international speaker, shares her tips.
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