Author News

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
The 2022 Literary Awards Program is Closed. What’s Next?
The 2022 Literary Awards Program is Closed. What’s Next? 1024 576 Reader Views
Well, it is that time of the year again. The 2022 Literary Awards Program is closed to submissions and our reviewers are busy, busy, busy getting all the titles read and reviewed. To that end, we have a couple of housekeeping notes and reminders. 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
The DO’s and DON’Ts of Submitting to Book Reviewers
The DO’s and DON’Ts of Submitting to Book Reviewers 1024 576 Reader Views
Book reviews are a great tool to encourage people to buy your book. The best way to get reviews is to roll up your sleeves and look for reviewers online that look professional and reliable. But before you send your books in, you must make sure you follow their guidelines. Yes, this means you must visit their website and find out everything you can about them. What genre they prefer, submission guidelines… etc.; and read a few reviews to see if they sound professional. 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
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
Deadlines and Details
Deadlines and Details 1024 576 Reader Views
How is it mid-November already?! We’re in the final two months of accepting submissions for the 2022-2023 Reader Views Literary Awards program and thought it prudent to send an update with some general information—and take the opportunity to brag a little bit about our marvelous sponsors! 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
What Defines Success as a Published Author? It Takes More than Talent!
What Defines Success as a Published Author? It Takes More than Talent! 1024 576 Reader Views
Many people begin writing because they have a talent for it, which is sometimes discovered by accident. I began writing when my mother gave me a diary for my thirteenth birthday. However, it wasn’t until I was 24 that I realized I was not bad! read more