2013-09-08

This post is part of a weekly series on YWP, aptly titled “The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up”.

Each Sunday, I will endeavour to provide you with a curated list of the best articles I have seen throughout the week that relate to building your platform.

The featured articles cover topics on book marketing and promotion, blogging, social media and self-publishing. (I may even throw in a few inspirational and fun posts, just so that it’s not all work and no play!)

What Can YOU Do to Improve the Self-Publishing Industry?

Freelance writer, blogger and self-published author, Molly Greene, recently gave me the opportunity to weigh in on the topic of self-improvement — or more exactly, self-publishing improvement.

Here is the question she posed:

“What can self-published authors do as individuals that will ultimately improve the process or reputation of the industry in a way that benefits us all? Specifically, what skill or action can we acquire or do – aside from honing our writing skills – that will help enhance this business for everyone?”

You can find my two cents, as well as the responses of some well known self-publishing authorities, in Molly’s article here: How Self-Published Authors Can Improve Our Industry.

What do you think?

How would you respond to Molly’s question?

I’d love to hear your thoughts or find out what you are currently doing to change the self-publishing industry for the better! Make sure you add your insights in the comments below so we can help each other create positive change for self-published authors and the writing industry as a whole.

Now on to the best-of-the-best with this week’s list of featured articles!

Featured Articles

How To Influence People: The Most Overlooked Secret from Jeff Goins at Goins Writer

Sometimes the answer is so simple, you could just kick yourself.

101 Ways to Blog as a Book Author from John Kremer at Book Marketing Bestsellers

If you’re ever at a loss for content for your author website, just take a gander at this list of 101 ideas to gain inspiration.

8 Reasons You Need a Business Plan for Your Book from Nina Amir at Write Nonfiction Now

Why do you need a business plan for your book? According to Nina: “The reason why is simple: A business plan helps you produce a marketable book—one that sells.” I’m in!

Goodreads for Authors with Patrick Brown from Joanna Penn at The Creative Penn

An information rich podcast interview with Patrick Brown, Director of Author Marketing and Community Manager at Goodreads.

How To Find the Best Blogs – Guest Post Mastery from Gary Korisko at Become a Blogger

Ready to start guest blogging? Learn how to successfully launch your guest post campaign by targeting the right blogs.

Book Marketing Project: Create a Mailing List Freebie and Write Your Welcome Email from Toni (the geek) at Duolit

September’s Book Marketing Project at Duolit is just the thing to get your email opt-ins climbing–just make sure you actually do the work!

How to Publish an Ebook: Resources for Authors from Jane Friedman at Jane Friedman

Extraordinary helpful list of resources for authors on ebook publishing and services.

Networking Tips for Shy Authors from Chris Robley at The BookBaby Blog

Chris rounds up a list of resources to help us shy writers navigate the social scene with a little less pain and awkwardness.

Increase Website Traffic: The Ultimate Blueprint for More Website Traffic from Ana Hoffman at Traffic Generation Cafe

Another super-comprehensive post by Ana to walk us through several ways–content leverage, relationship marketing, social marketing, SEO and more–to seriously increase our website traffic.

43 Creative Ways to Breathe Life Back into Your Blog from Uttoran Sen at Boost Blog Traffic

Add this list to John’s list of 101 ways to blog as a book author and there’s really no excuses left for a boring blog!

Why Are We Still Having Dilemmas About Self-Publishing? It’s Done from Michael J. Holley at Michael J. Holley, Writer

In his post, Michael points out that “The industry seems caught up in a loop at the moment while the actual market is changing around it.” He also claims that for a new writer, there is no better option than self-publishing. What do you think?

12 Most Useful Things to Know About Social Media and Defamation from Sara Hawkins at 12 Most

Sara is a lawyer and the creator of a blog law series for bloggers and entrepreneurs. In her article, she discusses how what we say on social media matters and provides some guidelines to keep ourselves protected and informed.

10 Ways to Build Authority as An Online Writer from Demian Farnworth at Coppyblogger

Learn how to gain influence and increase your authority with these proven practices.

Just For Fun

And just for fun today, here are two (valid?) quotes on the business of writing…



 

Hope you enjoyed the round up today, and remember to add your thoughts on what can be done to improve the image, development and growth of the self-publishing industry. Let’s get a positive discussion going!

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