Guest Writer

Are You Making the Most of Your Promotional Opportunities?
Are You Making the Most of Your Promotional Opportunities? 1024 576 Reader Views
Independent bookstores, chains, and cultural outlets offer writers opportunities to show our books and generate sales. Whether they’re called author signings, author events, or store promotions, these exposures are excellent opportunities to boost book sales. read more
A Laptop is a Writer’s Best Friend
A Laptop is a Writer’s Best Friend 1024 576 Reader Views
One thing that a writer needs is to be is adaptable. Whether it’s improvising on what we use to write with (or on!), writers have to be able to get that writing done no matter what the situation is. read more
Seven Most Important Lessons I Learned at Writing Conferences
Seven Most Important Lessons I Learned at Writing Conferences 1024 576 Reader Views
In every author interview I’ve given, one question invariably comes up. “What suggestions do you have for new and aspiring writers?” Although I could offer specific and concrete recommendations like write every day or commit to a 1000’s of words daily, I choose to go a different route. My first suggestion is always the same. Attend a writers’ conference. read more
Four Fulfilling Careers For Avid Readers
Four Fulfilling Careers For Avid Readers 1024 576 Reader Views
Whether you like the feel of physical books or the convenience of e-books, there is nothing quite like reading something interesting or moving. And despite the world becoming increasingly visual, many people still love to read. Recent studies found that reading in the US experienced an uptick during the pandemic lockdowns with 75% of Americans saying they had read a book in 2021. Meanwhile, people are also picking up e-books more, with a recorded 30% compared to 25% in the previous year. With more people falling in love with reading, there will be more job seekers looking for a career that utilizes their new passion. read more
Getting Up-To-Date On What Front and Back Matter Can Do for You
Getting Up-To-Date On What Front and Back Matter Can Do for You 1024 576 Reader Views
To Reader Views’ Blog Subscribers and Visitors: I am celebrating the coming release of the 3rd Edition of the winningest book in my #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers with an excerpt of what my publisher says is about 50% new material. The Frugal Editor will be released in January of 2023 (just in time for New Year’s resolutions for writers serious about their careers!). I chose to share a few pages from the chapter on front and back matter of books because so many authors–both traditionally published and self-published–don’t use those pages as effectively as they could for the good of their book or for the good of their careers. In fact, maybe traditionally published authors’ books suffer more from this neglect and, the sad part is, these marketing wonders can usually be negotiated. So here is a sneak peek courtesy of Reader Views (and with permission from my publisher Modern History Press who didn’t scrimp on either of these career boosters including the kind of Index even academics will appreciate!): A Sneak-Peek at the 3rd Edition of The Frugal Editor read more
Learning to Love Amazon
Learning to Love Amazon 1024 576 Reader Views
Something just popped up in Facebook Memories feature I just couldn’t resist passing along to my Reader Views friends because Modern History Press is releasing my The Frugal Editor in its third edition this month and I will be working with the very entity that authors love to hate. You probably know I’m talking about Amazon.  read more
No Tricks All Treats – Halloween Around the World
No Tricks All Treats – Halloween Around the World 1024 576 Reader Views
Today, I want to be frivolous since it’s my favorite holiday – Halloween.  What’s not to like? Children and adults assume any personality, animal, object, character, or whim of their imagination by donning a mask or an entire costume, and everyone can get a massive sugar fix. read more
Diversity in Children’s Books
Diversity in Children’s Books 1024 576 Reader Views
As I often mention, I am a strong proponent of diverse, inclusive books that act as mirrors and windows for children. So, I naturally gravitate to diverse books where I can learn about people with customs and life experiences that differ from mine. Unfortunately, however, it seems many children’s books with diverse characters focus mainly on the struggles caused by their diversity. read more
On Toni Morrison, Reviewers, and Other Sad Tales
On Toni Morrison, Reviewers, and Other Sad Tales 1024 576 Reader Views
Carolyn Howard Johnson weighs in on Toni Morrison, Review Publication Outlets, Book Banning and Self-Publishing bias in this must-read article. read more
“True Publishing Includes Marketing… or How I Developed My Book Marketing World View
“True Publishing Includes Marketing… or How I Developed My Book Marketing World View 1024 576 Reader Views
I have come to believe there is a right way to publish for every author and every project—not necessarily one right way—and that “right way” may vary from author to author and from project to project. The trick is to know as much about the publishing industry as possible before moving ahead on the path you choose for any given book and any given author’s personality. read more