Category Archives: marketing
Minutes 201604
201604 minutes Sunday April 17th
Nearly twenty people gave up two hours of a sunny Sunday afternoon to attend April’s Writers’ Mill meeting and hear the talk from Steve Theme. Of those, many were able to buy copies of his book, and we hope you’ll remember to post reviews when you’ve read it. Steve would like you to know he’s happy to be contacted with questions at any time via the “contact form” on his website: http://stevetheme.com/contact/ Continue reading Minutes 201604
Interesting Links for March/April
You’ve guessed it. Walt is the source for many (but not all) of these links. Follow. Read. Learn. Enjoy! (Oh, and join Facebook, where you’ll find much more on our private Writers Mill page,, with thanks to Catherin!)
Get writing!
Be both inspired and inspiring. There are some really cool ideas in this: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/simple-ways-to-repurpose-content/
A nicely imaginative post suggests how to deal with those obstacles keeping you from writing: http://willamettewriters.org/2016/02/4-obstacles-keeping-finishing-manuscript/
If the book feels too big to tackle and you’re not sure where to start: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/three-things-before-you-write-a-book/
Follow the rules to become an author? http://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2015/08/24/become-an-author-5-basic-rules/
Describe your book!
From back-cover copy to elevator pitch, how would you describe your book? http://buildbookbuzz.com/amazon-book-description/
Print your book!
Fonts are scary stuff. You may not be hugely wiser after reading this, but you’ll be better informed: https://designschool.canva.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-font-pairing/
Meanwhile, here’s an interesting e-conversation about fonts: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1697027/1697027-6120823027480485892
Practice better writing!
What shape is your story? This video’s well worth watching (only 4 minutes) http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/03/simple-shapes-of-stories/
Want to outline your book? http://self-publishingschool.com/11-ways-outline-book/
A checklist to help your story: https://mystorydoctor.com/12588-2/
Use Point of view to create good writing https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/want-a-page-turner-you-need-deep-pov/
Create that summary: http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bd398af5e14b804a37b7f273a&id=ba869c80d6
Tell the world about your writing!
A letter to librarians – if you’re trying to get speaking engagements, or get books into libraries, this one might help: http://indigoseapressblog.com/2016/03/20/library-book-tour-letter-by-christine-husom/
How to pitch, which also helps with how to query: http://willamettewriters.org/wwcon/pitching-with-confidence/
Lots of book marketing comments from real authors: http://selfpublishingadvice.org/book-marketing-shots-in-the-dark/
Use the Internet!
Is there a way to effectively use blogs, facebook, twitter etc? http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/20-plus-social-media-hacks-and-tips-from-the-pros/
A cool way to look at platforms, with lots of practical advice: http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2016/03/jason-gracia/
Some great stuff about what to put on your author website: http://writetodone.com/creating-author-websites/
And on the “about me” page of the site (or blog): http://buildbookbuzz.com/an-about-me-page-that-sizzles/
Go to conferences!
August 12-14 Willamette Writers conference: http://willamettewriters.org/wwcon/
November 5 Wordstock: http://www.literary-arts.org/2016/03/wordstock-2016-news-and-updates/
Send that query letter!
Master’s review – deadline March 31st – reading fee $20 http://mastersreview.com/short-story-award-for-new-writers/
Women only (sorry, men), WoW is inviting queries for short sweet non-fiction posts before April 10 http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101417136261&ca=35072501-8a54-4708-885e-2a3376bed932
Minutes 201603
With thanks to Jean for these minutes of March’s meeting:
Writers’ Mill Minutes, March 20, 2016
Cedar Mill Library, Beaverton
Seventeen people attended the meeting, including one newcomer. Ron Davis led the meeting while Sheila Deeth is visiting her son in Colorado Springs and watching snow melt. Jean Harkin took Minutes, and David Lutes provided snacks. Continue reading Minutes 201603
Don’t Miss These Opportunities!
Michael Wong at the Beaverton Resource guide is looking for authors to feature in the newspaper. If you are interested, contact Sheila for more information.
www.BeavertonResourceGuide.com
AND !!! DRUM ROLL PLEASE !!!
The Beaverton City Library will host a free local authors’ book fair on Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12375 SW Fifth Street. The library is seeking writers from Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas counties to apply for a space to share and promote their latest work. All genres are welcome, including adult, young adult, and children’s literature.
Selected authors will receive table space to discuss and sell their books. There is no cost to participate and authors will keep 100 percent of proceeds from sales. In exchange, the library requests that each participating author donate two books, one of which will be raffled off to attendees and the other of which will be considered for inclusion in the library’s collection. Donated books not added to the collection will be sold by the New Friends of the Beaverton Library to support library programs and services.
Up to six authors will be invited to speak or read from their work at the event. Participants will be chosen by random drawing.
Applications are due on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.
For more information or to request an application, contact Helen Butler at hbutler@BeavertonOregon.gov.
This month’s interesting links
February contest deadlines: https://mastersreview.com/february-deadlines-14-contests-and-lit-mags-with-deadlines-this-month/
Plus lots more deadlines in this free download. If you’re writing short pieces, you really should get this: https://mastersreview.com/free-download-literary-calendar-jan-june/
All about ISBNs http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/01/book-isbn-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions/
How to write a picture book. This is wonderful – just read it, even if you don’t want to write one: http://www.buzzfeed.com/macbarnett/how-to-write-a-picture-book-i066#.ecqKzERxn
Prose poetry? Poetic prose? Find out more https://madmimi.com/s/18f647?o=tm
You’ve written the book. Why is no one reading it? http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1d3577f0f5a155c4813f5ff47&id=530b5d9c2c&e=a3918d2369 or for some serious thought-provoking suggestions http://www.macgregorliterary.com/blog/what-does-a-writer-need-to-know-about-marketing/
Want to avoid some blogging mistakes? http://www.writersonthemove.com/2014/06/4-major-mistakes-to-avoid-when-writing.html
become a successful blogger http://thewritelife.com/how-to-be-a-successful-blogger/
or are you still wondering why you’d want to blog? http://buildbookbuzz.com/how-to-blog-your-way-to-discoverability/
Interested in copy editing? Be sure to read down the page for useful advice – it’s not just an ad for the course. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=edd09410-d4ff-4ad1-ab2a-29ad8b015a43&c=6551b3e0-156d-11e5-acb5-d4ae52724810&ch=655a3f60-156d-11e5-acb5-d4ae52724810
Is your manuscript too long… too wordy…? https://lewiseditorial.wordpress.com/2016/02/04/10-tips-for-trimming-a-lengthy-manuscript/
Are there any song lyrics in your manuscript? http://indigoseapressblog.com/2016/01/20/using-copyrighted-song-lyrics-by-christine-husom/
Using all your senses: http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/01/use-all-five-senses-to-enrich-your-writing/
Working on your website or blog?
How to make your website:
http://www.websitecreationworkshop.com/2015/041515-webinar
How to blog:
https://lorelle.wordpress.com/classes-and-workshops/wordpress-school/
Where to blog:
wordpress.com http://www.websitecreationworkshop.com/blog/wordpress-tips/wordpress-com-vs-org/
What to blog:
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/postaday/ebook-grow-traffic/
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/postaday/ebook-photography-101/
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/08/19/post-slugs/
http://us7.campaign-archive2.com/?u=14aa1ed268746f2f95111e155&id=4ac51ee94b&e=debe365ea4
dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/platforms-are-overrated/
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/10/23/engaging-followers/
Bring readers to your blog:
Some marketing links
Again, more old links as we clean up the site:
Need more book reviews?
http://randomwritingrants.com/2015/06/08/how-and-where-to-obtain-book-reviews-by-james-rose/
Deadlines and marketing:
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2015/07/a-book-publishing-timeline-for-holiday-sales/
Yes you can:
http://www.voicecatcher.org/archives/3666
http://www.writermag.com/2014/10/17/non-traditional-book-launch/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2015/04/book-marketing-ideas/
Query Letters and Book Blurbs:
http://www.writersonthemove.com/2014/03/11-essentials-of-good-query-letter.html
http://siamckye.blogspot.com/2015/01/beating-blurb-blues-part-one.html
Book videos:
http://blog.zazzle.com/2015/02/09/10-tips-video-posts/
When to market
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2015/04/5-ways-to-get-publicity-for-your-book-launch/
Book promotion, Social Media & Marketing:
http://www.bookbaby.com/free-guide/frugal-book-promoter
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/26-tips-improving-social-media-marketing/
http://bookarma.net/blog/author_platform/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2014/11/marketing-your-book-on-goodreads/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2014/11/marketing-your-book-on-goodreads/
https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/help
http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2014/07/28/book-marketing-on-social-media/
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2014/07/seven-deadly-sins-of-book-promotion/
http://www.authormedia.com/89-book-marketing-ideas-that-will-change-your-life/
Did you miss the reading?
The Writers’ Mill reading went really well on Sunday. We had about 35 people there altogether, and we successfully negotiated microphone, cables and chairs to entertain them. The staff at Cedar Mill Library were fantastic and had the room all set up ready before we arrived. They even had water available for the speakers (this speaker really really appreciated that!), plus hot drinks on the table in the entry. We just added chocolate (and this speaker really really appreciated chocolate too!).
Of course, we also added anecdotes, snippets, chapters, essays, questions, information about our group, and even some jokes. It all worked really well.
Matthew probably got the most laughs, with his humorous and informative rendition of story and research. 
Minnie offered a delightfully unique take on Jennifer’s cat story.
Fred listened intently.
Joe asked great questions. 
And the door prize was surely won by the very best man!
Many thanks for our unofficial 
photographer, Jean Harkin, and I hope you enjoy this small selection from her great pictures.
If you weren’t there on Sunday, you missed a really fun event, but I hope this blogpost allows you to share in the flavor. What do you think? Should we do it again? Powells anyone?