Breakthrough Author Magazine December 2023

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Publisher’s Corner Juliet Clark is a six- time author, speaker and podcaster who has spent the last twenty years helping authors, coaches, speakers, and small businesses all over the world build expert audiences.

She started out as a mystery novelist and is best known or her books Gypsy, Granny Heist, and Dead by Dawn, and Pitchslapped. At age 46, she received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an avid hiker and golfer.

Gratitude and attitude are not challenges, they are choices.” ~Robert Braathe

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2023 is ending and it’s time to gear up for 2024. This month’s magazine is dedicated to making your planning easier. Melanie Herschorn shares ideas to help you make a bigger impact with your book. Having a great hook is the best way to get yourself booked on media. Jacquie Jordan shares tips for creating a killer hook. New contributor Ally Berthiaume writes about five goals you need to kick off your writing in 2024 and get the job completed! One of our other new contributors, Fran Asaro, shares what it takes to monetize on YouTube. As video becomes a bigger component of influence building- Fran is the woman to watch!

New author Traycee Mayer has written a book about leadership. The Leadership Contradiction stands out with Traycee’s approach to nurturing and leading with love in the workplace.

Love and gratitude, Love and Gratitude, Juliet

Ensuring Your Website is Accessible and ADA Compliant In today’s digital world, having an accessible, ADA compliant website is crucial. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public accommodations to provide equal access to all. This includes online spaces like websites.

Besides it just being the right thing to do, (IMHO), making sure your website adheres to ADA standards for accessibility opens your business to new audiences and helps protect from legal issues. Here are some tips: Offer Alternate Text for Images Visually impaired users rely on screen readers to describe images aloud.

Providing detailed alternate (alt) text ensures content is conveyed. Alt text should succinctly explain the image purpose and content.

Add Headings and Organize Content Well-structured page layouts and clear headings allow screen reader navigation and improve all user experience. Bulleted lists, short paragraphs and strong visual hierarchy enhance legibility.

Support Screen Magnifiers Visually impaired users often magnify screen content. Ensure icons and links have ample spacing for magnification and use large, high contrast fonts.

Avoid cluttered design.

Add Captions and Transcripts to Audio/Video Media should include text alternatives like captions, transcripts

or descriptions. This benefits users unable to hear audio clearly and also improves SEO. Ensure Links Make Sense Out of Context Screen readers read link text before the full context is known. Links should describe what the page contains, not generic text like “click here.”

Design Accessible Forms Label form fields clearly. Group related elements with fieldset/legend.

Mark required/optional fields. Explain error messages and provide multiple submission formats.

Navigate by Keyboard All website functions should be available using only a keyboard. This helps those who cannot use a mouse.

Ensure logical tab order, visible focus indicators and clear navigation.

While technical guidelines may seem complex, web accessibility simply means including all users. With some consideration in the design process, your website can equitably serve the disabled community. Partnering with users and experts throughout development is key to maximizing accessibility.

Following core web accessibility principles optimizes experiences for all your visitors and futureproofs your online presence. Most importantly, inclusive design fosters belonging and independence for the 15% of people globally living with disabilities.

There are plugins that you can use to help with accessibility as well.

If you have any questions on how to make your website accessible, let’s connect!

Iris Goldfeder is a long-time entrepreneur with more than 25 years of success in the marketing field. Her passion is to help her clients grow their businesses and her motto is- “I meet you where you are.” Iris firmly believes, “If you’re not online, you’re not an option!”

Contact info: iris@gasstovecreative.com

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I don’t like to mix business (numbers) with pleasure (writing), but when it comes to achieving next year’s writing goals, it’s hard not to. If you want to be successful over the next twelve months in bringing a book from the blank page to your local bookstore, have your eyes on these numbers.

#1

Word count You’ll hear the word ‘word count’ a lot. Nearly every publishing professional you speak to will ask you, “What’s your word count?” They mean the total length of your manuscript. (See #2.) But there’s another way to look at word count that can help your during the drafting stage, and that’s to know the average number of words you can draft in a time block.

By knowing how many words you can draft in a writing block and dividing the total projected word count of your manuscript, you can calculate how many writing blocks you’ll need to complete a draft. So, if you can write 300 words in 30 minutes and you’re projecting a 50,000-word book, you can get one draft completed in 167 writing blocks, give or take. Then, you build a writing schedule around that formula to see how fast you can complete a draft.

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#2

Manuscript length The total word count for your entire manuscript is super critical to several pieces of the publishing puzzle. First, there are some industry-standard ranges for word count by genre. These are good to use as a guideline. If you’re falling too short it could indicate the manuscript is underdeveloped.

If you’ve overshot by several thousand, it could indicate the manuscript is overcooked.

At the end of the day, use the amount of words you need, but don’t ignore the ranges completely.

Second, editors–developmental, mechanical, line, and copy–and proofreaders typically price their services on a price-perword basis. Sometimes they price based on pages per hour.

Either way, the longer your manuscript, the larger the cost for editing.

#4

#3

Timeline When you’re thinking about writing and publishing a book, understanding how much time you’ll need versus how much time you think you need is important. Often times in the last quarter of the year I’ll speak to a potential client who says they’d like to start in January and see their book in print by the end of the year. Yet, not a single word has been written.

Here’s the problem with this one-year plan. A lot of indie and hybrid presses need four to six months minimum to publish. That means you knock four to six months off your drafting and revising time frame. Now with only six to eight months left, the author has to determine if it’s realistic to draft, revise, edit (and repeat…)

35,000 words or more while maintaining their current job and lifestyle.

Alyssa Berthiaume (usually known as Ally, but published under A.Y.) is the founder of The Write Place, Right Time, her virtual boutique of book coaching and ghostwriting services. Berthiaume serves leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries across North America and Europe in writing the books that will light up their world and ours. Berthiaume is also the award-winning author of Dear Universe, I Get it Now: Letters on the Art and Journey of Being Brave and Being Me and the co-author of Do Not Write a Book...Until You Read This one.

Publishing costs

Just like editors and proofreaders, indie and hybrid presses also charge based on the length of your manuscript, especially if they’re including all the editing. Even if they aren’t including the editing, there are a number of other things based on the size of your book–like typesetting. Your publisher is responsible for ensuring your book is produced and the bigger the book, the higher the costs.

#5

Your total investment

Before you promise yourself this next year is YOUR year to bring a book to market, ensure you know your total investment in time and money. Consider how long a book you think you’re going to write so you can determine how long it may take you and also what your long-term costs might be (like editing and publishing) to bring that book to your bookshelf.

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The Future of Video

Embracing Social Selling in 2024 From 2014-2016, VP of Growth at Hubspot, Brian Balfour, wrote the current digital marketing playbook. It goes like this: “Provide lots of valuable information for a target audience and make your brand the leading authority for what you do on the internet.”

Now, the CEO of Reforge, Brian no longer believes this is a viable strategy. People are no longer buying from brands, he says; they’re buying from people. Post the same content to a business page and a personal page, and the

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personal post will get 10X or more engagement than the business post.

A post on LinkedIn that includes a personal picture will receive a major boost from the algorithm.

As we move into 2024, it’s clear that the future of marketing is in social selling.

Those of you already proficient with video will have a significant advantage in transitioning to a social selling model. Video is the most personable medium online;

it creates the kind of connection with your audience that’s usually reserved for live interactions.

That’s why it’s crucial to become comfortable enough with video that you’re able to let your personality shine through.

NOTE: If you missed our last article, discover your video personality by going to: https:// clockwiseproductions.com/quiz/ The rise of Social Selling also means that websites are becoming a less important part of your overall marketing package. A lot

We know that adding a video to a landing page on a website can increase conversion rates by up to 80%. of the trust and authority that would formerly be established through a blog is now happening on social profiles.

The social post is the new blog, and the profile page is the new landing page.

Whereas before I would go to someone’s social profile to find their website link, more and more I find myself doing the opposite. Going to someone’s website only to click through and view their LinkedIn page.

Understanding and utilizing social selling means treating your social profiles with the same degree of thoughtfulness that you would reserve for your website home page. Can someone go to your LinkedIn page and sign up for your email list? If not, it might be time for a refresh.

We know that adding a video to a landing page on a website can increase conversion rates by up to 80%. If that’s the case for websites, imagine the difference that video can make when you add it to your social profile.

Hi! We’re Robin Friend Stift and Nina Froriep of Clock Wise Productions, a New York City based video marketing company.

We teach authors, speakers, business coaches, and consultants to create easy and impactful video content for LinkedIn so they can enlighten, change, and disrupt the status quo of their industry. And we’re super excited that Juliet asked us to be your video marketing experts for 2023.

Over the next 12 months, we plan on giving you a quick overview of all aspects of video marketing to get your creative juices flowing and to get your most burning video marketing questions answered. AND, to that end we would love to hear from you! Send us a DM on LinkedIn or email Nina: nina@clockwiseproductions.com or DM her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ in/nina-froriep/.

Nina Froriep helps mission-driven entrepreneurs to grow their business with consistent and easyto-implement video marketing through one-onone coaching or peer-learning. I’m a filmmaker, producer and director with 30 years experience and a small business owner of 23 years. I’ve seen it all from the early days on independent features, to big national TV commercials, corporate megashows and many documentary films.

Our preferred social platform is LinkedIn (it’s where our audience is).

If you want to see what “living” your Video Personality™️ looks like, follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin. com/in/nina-froriep/.

And please reach out if you have any questions about getting started with video marketing or using video on LinkedIn to grow your audience and attract ideal clients: nina@ clockwiseproductions.com.

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Monetizing Your YouTube Channel Turning Views into Sales

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Hello there, fellow content creators and authors!

Chapter 1: Understand Your Audience

Chapter 2: Utilize Affiliate Marketing

So, you’ve embarked on a journey as a YouTuberauthor, and you’re wondering, “How can I turn these views into book sales?”

Well, today, let’s dive into the art of monetizing your YouTube channel, combining creativity with strategy to boost your income.

Question: Who are your viewers, and what are their needs?

Question: Can I make money by recommending products or books?

Answer: Your audience is your foundation. Get to know them – their preferences, reading habits, and what they crave.

Tailor your content and book recommendations accordingly.

Answer: Certainly! Partner with relevant affiliate programs. When viewers use your affiliate links to make a purchase, you earn a commission. Keep it genuine

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and recommend what you truly value.

Chapter 6: Sponsored Content

Chapter 3: Direct Book Sales

Question: Is collaborating with brands a valuable option?

Question: Why not sell my books directly through my channel?

Answer: You’re onto something! Set up an online store, link it to your videos, and offer exclusive deals to your subscribers. It’s like having your own virtual bookshop.

Chapter 4: Explore Crowdfunding

Answer: It can be! Partner with brands relevant to your content. Be transparent with your audience, and endorse products you truly believe in. Sponsored content can be mutually beneficial.

Chapter 7: Maximize Ad Revenue Question: How does ad revenue work on YouTube?

Question: Can viewers contribute to my book projects?

Answer: Absolutely!

Platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter let you connect with your most dedicated fans. Offer unique rewards, like sneak peeks or personalized stories, in return for their support.

Chapter 5: Embrace Merchandising Question: How can merch boost my income?

Answer: Get creative with merch! Design branded goodies like T-shirts, mugs, or bookmarks featuring your book covers. Your viewers can proudly show their love for your work, and you can earn extra income.

Answer: Ads are like an added bonus. Once your channel meets certain requirements, enable ads. You’ll earn a share of the ad revenue based on views and engagement.

Answer: Absolutely!

Host virtual book events, Q&A sessions, or writing workshops. Charge a nominal fee for participation or exclusive content access.

Chapter 10: Continual Learning and Adaptation Question: Is there a secret formula to monetization?

Answer: Not quite, but staying informed is crucial.

YouTube’s policies and monetization options evolve.

Keep learning, adapt your strategy, and continue engaging with your audience.

Conclusion There you have it, fellow content creators and authors!

Chapter 9: Virtual Book Events

Monetizing your YouTube channel is about blending your creativity with strategic thinking. Whether it’s through affiliate marketing, selling your books, crowdfunding, or sponsored content, there are numerous avenues to explore.

Stay authentic, connect with your audience, and enjoy the journey of turning those views into sales. Your books deserve the spotlight, and with YouTube as your platform, the possibilities are limitless.

Happy creating and may your earnings grow along with your channel’s success!

Question: Can virtual book launches generate income?

Next month we’ll discuss how to get more views!

Chapter 8: Offer Exclusive Content Question: Can exclusivity attract paying subscribers?

Answer: Absolutely!

Platforms like YouTube Memberships allow you to provide premium content to subscribers for a monthly fee. Offer them sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes access, or early book releases.

Fran Asaro is a YouTube creator and mentor.

Helping creators optimize and monetize their channels.

Connect with Fran YouTube Channel Join her Senior Tuber Facebook Community Schedule a 30-minute Q&A call with Fran and get your questions answered.

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News Hooks

This is the hot-topic umbrella or the topic title of your pitch.

Excerpt from The Ultimate On-Camera Guidebook: Hosts*Experts*Influencers

by Jacquie Jordan (@TVGuestpert) & Shannon O’Dowd (@theshannonodowd)

The hook is the title of the show segment. We recommend making this clever or compelling.

For example, if you are pitching a topic about how people can lose weight by exercising with their dog, you could title it “How Your Dog Can Help You Lose Weight.” Big snoozer, right? Instead, we’d strongly suggest a title more along the lines of “Fighting Fat with Furry Friends.” See the difference? Sometimes all it takes is a simple play on words to create an engaging hook.

On the day that President Trump’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star was destroyed with a pickaxe, the editors at Huffington Post crafted this bit of cleverness by titling an article “Trump Star Struck.” No matter which end of the political spectrum you lean toward, that is a catchy hook.

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If you were pitching a segment idea about whether or not the local city government should approve a beekeeping project, rather than calling it “Why the City Needs a Beekeeping Facility” you might call it “To Bee or Not to Bee in the City.” Sometimes it’s the simple shock factor that works.

Watch the shows you want to be on. How do they tease segments when they go to a commercial break? An example with our topic earlier would be “When we come back, we’ll talk about Fighting Fat with Furry Friends.” How long are their guest experts on air? Are most of their segments how-to? Do they use their guest experts to chime in on personal story segments? Do they have demo segments? The answers to these questions will help you craft the most engaging hook for that show.

I am a big believer that content is key to any successful booking and subsequent appearance. I can say that paying attention to news hooks is as important in the pitching process as is the execution itself.

In Get on TV!, I discuss news hooks as relevant to creating pitches such as: Current Events Holidays / Anniversaries New Study / Statistics Celebrities

I am a big believer that content is key to any successful booking and subsequent appearance.

Jacquie is the founder and CEO of the 15-year-old cuttingedge, media and content development, promotions and booking platform, TVGuestpert that offers full-service promotion, marketing, business strategy and media services for her clients, partners and collaborators, TVGuestpert Publishing - a NY Times Best Selling publishing house, and The Guestpert Academy - an online program offering visibility, media training and TVGuestpert OnCamera Training. She is also a two-time Emmy nominated TV Producer, three-time author and the host of Front & Center with Jacquie Jordan, a broadcast podcast.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE DIMINISHING ART OF ILLUSTRATON

The art of illustration has a rich history. From medieval manuscripts to the Golden Age of Illustration in the early 20th century giving rise to renowned illustrators such as Norman Rockwell, illustration has added another dimension to books and magazines.

In 1976, I dropped out of Boston University and moved to NYC. Attending the School of Visual Arts, I studied illustration with David Edward Byrd, the artist who designed many of the Filmore East posters as well as the poster for the Woodstock Festival and the play Godspell.

After graduating I worked for Joe Caroff, the designer behind many iconic graphics such as the West Side Story movie poster, the 007 logo and the movie poster for the film Manhattan.

What it took to take a design from the idea stage to finished art required many highly focused hours of skilled precision.

In 2023, the art of illustration and graphic design is a diminishing profession traded off to the advent of instant design templates and AI illustrations. AI can very well complement human creativity and enhance efficiency, but it cannot

replicate the depth and nuance of the human creative process involved in illustration.

As a publisher, I feel illustration is a valuable enhancement for many titles.

Beyond children’s books, illustration can visually articulate the written word adding an enhanced experience for the reader. AI’s impact on book illustration depends on how it is integrated into the creative process.

AI’s promise of ‘one click’ designs may reduce the creative energy that is a result of human consciousness not computation. It also raises the ethical questions regarding the originality of content, impacting the perception of creative energy and the value of humanauthored work.

I do see how AI can be an excellent collaborative tool for an illustrator in such areas as generating backgrounds and exploring the color palette.

Additionally, AI can expand the possibilities for the illustrator to explore new styles and techniques. Yet, there is something special about an illustration that flows from the mind to the hand generated exclusively by a human being.

AUTHOR BIO Jared Rosen is the founder Of DreamSculpt.

As an innovator in digital media publishing, he has published over 50 media enhanced e-books for many best-selling authors and filmmakers and has published dozens of books in print. Jared is the author of three books including the groundbreaking book The Flip. As a thought leader he has presented in venues ranging from TED X Malibu, to McKinsey and Company, Sydney, Australia. In 2000, Jared co-created the Children’s Emotional Literacy Project endorsed by Mayor Richard Riordan and Norman Lear.

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Why Isn’t my Book Selling?

Book Marketing Blunders You Could Have Avoided Many authors have high expectations for their book sales. Most of them because disillusioned by how difficult selling books can be. The fact is that most of the reasons your published book isn’t selling could have been avoided from the start. Your book sales are bolstered by what you do while you are writing and publishing.

Steps to Take Before Your Book Is Published products, and services, readers 1. Build your author avatar.

Honor them by doing the work to Understand who your reader is share that this story encouraged connect with them through your and how big the market is. A book them to work with her. author platform and writing. that is not niched probably will 5. Work with a professional editor/ 3. Audience validation. Test your not sell. An author’s first step book developer. We all HATE the material on the market. The is to build an author avatar and red pen. The truth is that red pen market does not lie. If people are then validate the audience. That makes our book better. A good not flocking to your content, they means that once you identify developer will help an aspiring will not flock to your book. your audience, create marketing author write a book without that supports that audience and 4. Test your content/book material. fluff that bogs down the writing, validates their interest. You can When you see an ad on TV, it has jargon that confuses readers, and write the world’s best book but more than likely been tested on organize the material to speak to if you do not have an audience a focus group. A focus group is a the reader experience. established that is interested, group of people that consume a your book will not sell. piece of content and give feedback. 6. Don’t write a book in four months or less. There are too many Invite like-minded people to read 2. Understand your consumers. workshops that encourage a parts of your book and give you Study why they buy, the language quick book over a good book. A feedback. Several years ago, an they use, what motivates them, good book is written, rewritten, author gave a book to a group, and and what turns them off. This rewritten some more, and just they encouraged her to share a is the biggest part of market when you thought you couldn’t deeply vulnerable story that she research that authors do not stand to look at your book again, was hesitant to share. She took understand. Ask yourself what there will be more rewrites. It their advice. Today she says that is the psychology behind your buyers and the content? The can be exhausting but it is very was the best advice she received. book is about your consumers. necessary.

When she sells her books,

Understanding and taking the time to do the research will ensure that your book is in the hands of the right readers and that it sells.

Juliet Clark is a six- time author, speaker and podcaster who has spent the last twenty years helping authors, coaches, speakers, and small businesses all over the world build expert audiences.

She started out as a mystery novelist and is best known or her books Gypsy, Granny Heist, and Dead by Dawn, and Pitchslapped. At age 46, she received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an avid hiker and golfer.

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3 Tips for Keeping Your Sanity During the Holidays Ah, December, the most hectic time of the year. Besides all the usual work, kids, and everyday life stuff, we pile on with holiday parties, big meals, shopping, and more. All that can feel overwhelming.

Where does a book fit into that?

If you have been working on a book but find yourself ripping out your hair because there just aren’t enough hours in the day during this last month of the year, then implementing a few simple strategies can really help.

If you are a person who has a belief that you must work your tush off until you collapse exhausted at the end of the day, this may be difficult for you. I encourage you to start with baby steps because you will benefit through December and beyond.

Tip 1: Set your alarm for 15 minutes and do a daily writing sprint. This can be on a project or in a journal – it really is up to you. The key is no judgement and no stopping until the alarm sounds.

Why do this? So often we get it into our heads that we must be perfect.

If you have ever thought that every word that flows from a professional author’s pen is gold, then think again.

First drafts always stink. That’s why we call them vomit drafts. You have to get the ideas down on the page so that the magic can begin to happen.

The shaping and forming happens more in the second draft… and third.

So no editing (aka: blocking) during the first draft stage.

Tip 2: Find your optimal style. What works best for you? Do you prefer to work hard for x number of days in a row and then take a day or two off? Or do you need shorter, more frequent breaks? I personally take

mini breaks of between 15 minutes and one hour (usually to eat something) during my workdays because, when I get tired, I start to feel blocked. Some people recommend pushing through that feeling, but for me, it shuts me down. If I take a break, I can come back refreshed.

What constitutes a break? Well, that depends on you. For me personally, sometimes I find I just need to eat something refreshing, like fruit.

Other times, I take short walks, or do yoga stretches in my living room.

Later in the day, when I get more fatigued, I like to go swimming. And when I really get to the end of my tether, I take a vacation, even if it’s just a computer-free weekend binge watching movies.

Tip 3: Be sure your break doesn’t turn into never finishing your book.

Decide on a return time or date and stick to it. For example: if you want to put your project away and devote yourself to your family and friends during the holidays, then do it.

Decide on your return date. Perhaps it will be the first Monday after New Year’s Day. Then go ahead and relax, eat, drink, be merry. Enjoy with no guilt and no regrets. You deserve it.

That balance helps keep us on track.

Kristy Boyd Johnson is an award-winning children’s author, and has ghostwritten over 30 books for entrepreneurs over the years. She is a sought-after developmental editor and transformational book coach. She recently launched Starseed Journey Retreats because she can’t imagine anything better than being a beautiful location with beautiful people who want to reconnect with their deepest selves through writing.

Writing a book is always a challenge.

You are not alone. There is support out there, especially right here in the pages of this magazine.

Take advantage of our advice and expertise and it will get easier.

Happy holidays!

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Make a Big with Your Book Have you ever stopped to consider the endless opportunities available to you when you publish a book?

Here are just some of the doors that your book can open for you: • You are sharing your message on top podcasts with millions of listeners.

• You are speaking on stages, looking out at hundreds of captivated audience members who are hanging off your every word.

• You are selling books around the world (in different languages too).

• You are featured in magazines and on TV. • You are changing lives and making money doing it.

Now imagine for a moment, what it will be like when your wildest dreams for your book come true. Whether that’s getting into Oprah’s magazine or sharing a stage with Tony Robbins, hold onto that dream because when you develop a strategy to market your book, everything is possible.

Conversely, if you decide to focus all your energy, effort, and money on the publishing piece, and believe that simply by having your book available for purchase you will be able to make that huge impact, the odds are not in your favor.

The Number 1 mistake new authors make is ignoring the need to market their book. They believe that posting a few times on social media, doing a local book signing, and becoming an Amazon bestseller will be more than enough to get them the results they desire.

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But the reality is, there are as many 4 million books published every year, and standing out in a crowded market place requires a strategic marketing plan. The “if you build it, they will come” mentality is why 90 percent of all selfpublished authors only sell 100 books or less, ever. But here’s the good news: you are reading this right now, so you don’t have to be a statistic.

I invite you now to take the first step toward ensuring your book’s success by picking up a copy of my new book Make a Big Impact with Your Book. If your goal is to inspire, educate, or entertain, you will be equipped with the tools and strategies you need to make your mark as an author.

Whether you are in the middle of writing, you’ve just published, or you published a while ago and have seen little traction, this book will be your roadmap to achieving long-term success in the competitive world of publishing. Inside you will find expert insights for building awareness and credibility in your field, targeted marketing techniques and innovative ways to reach vour ideal audience, how to stand out in a crowded market, as well as strategies to help you increase books sales and leave a profound impact on the world.

Your book has an important message, now it’s time to share it. To make your big impact, visit vipbook.marketing/ impact today.

Melanie Herschorn wants to make your book and brand sparkle online. As a content marketing strategist for coaches, consultants, and speakers worldwide, she’s on a mission to support and empower her clients to create clear messaging and content that shines a light on their individual experience, skillset, and books. With her unique combination of entrepreneurship, award-winning journalism and PR experience, Melanie guides her clients to attract and nurture leads and position themselves as industry experts. She also loves to provide book marketing tips on her show, AUTHORity Marketing LIVE!

The Leadership Contradiction After spending thirty years in management in the hospitality industry, Traycee Mayer has seen it all. Like most women in management, she chooses to lead with love and compassion. In Traycee’s new book, The Leadership Contradiction, she highlights the “Humble Leader.”

The essence of the “Humble Leader” lies in recognizing our own individuality while embracing humility and creating space for others to discover their true selves. Humility, in this context, is defined as a modest view of one’s own importance, encompassing authenticity, gratitude, compassion, and selfcompassion. One of the key tenets of the humble leader is recognizing the value in others is a source of genuine joy and inner happiness.

Traycee, who is an executive coach and business leader, highlights the beauty of supporting and caring for others, allowing them to be seen, heard, and flourish. The author shares an interaction from her early management career, emphasizing the importance of building genuine connections with employees and treating them as valuable assets.

She stresses the significance of practicing humility in leadership, especially during high-pressure situations, and the impact it has on human connection, team morale, and organizational success. The focus is on daily acts of appreciation and making people feel valued, leading to a fulfilling work environment that extends happiness to employees’ families. Ultimately, the author encourages leaders to recognize their responsibilities in shaping a positive work culture where employees feel respected, appreciated, and empowered.

Traycee shares personal and professional experiences where employees felt unseen or unappreciated,

hindering their growth and potential.

The author recalls an impactful moment when a friend sent her a card with an uplifting message, inspiring her to use similar cards as a way to spread positivity.

She describes instances where they gifted these cards to strangers, like a barista who handled frustrated customers with grace or a flight attendant who demonstrated dedication despite challenging times. The author highlights the power of simple gestures of kindness to uplift others and foster connections in a seemingly disconnected world. They encourage readers to see the value in others and strive to lift them up each day, as it brings joy not only to the recipients but also to themselves.

Another of her tenets is “Shining a Light on Their Path.” Traycee beautifully highlights the importance of being a heart-centered leader and uplifting others. The message emphasizes the significance of helping individuals see the best in themselves and embracing their unique gifts. By offering acts of kindness, listening attentively, and creating space for self-expression, leaders can empower their teams and foster growth and support. This approach of lighting the path for others allows individuals to tap into their full potential and leads to a motivated and dedicated workforce.

Traycee Mayer navigated her authentic path in leadership roles for over 4 decades.

Once you read this book you will discover you are not the only one who is uncertain about the choices you have made.

After reading about her journey you will discover that each of us has our own unique path, and all the struggles were part of the voyage to become our own true selves.

Furthermore, the passage reminds us of the value of human connections, the power of listening, and the impact of kindness in our interactions with others. It emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive and loving environment, where individuals are seen, heard, and valued. Ultimately, by casting a light on the path for others, leaders can encourage their teams to shine and achieve remarkable results.

Check out Traycee Mayer’s new leadership paradigm by clicking here.

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Unleashing the Power of Content:

How Authors Can Grow Their Audience

In today’s digital age, authors have unprecedented opportunities to connect with readers beyond the pages of their books. Through strategic content creation and distribution, authors can expand their reach, build a dedicated audience, and establish themselves as authorities in their respective genres. This article explores key strategies authors can employ to leverage content for audience growth.

Blog with Authority (Blogging Isn’t Dead!)

Maintaining an active blog is a powerful way for authors to engage with their audience.

By providing valuable insights, sharing personal experiences, and offering writing tips, authors can forge a deeper connection with readers. Consistent, highquality blog posts not only showcase

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expertise but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering a community around their work. Making sure you’re using keywords and good SEO wherever you post these blogs will boost your Google rankings and put you higher in the search results.

Engage on Social Media Platforms Social media platforms offer authors a direct line of communication with their audience. By sharing updates about upcoming projects, snippets of their writing process, and behind-thescenes glimpses into their lives, authors can create a sense of intimacy with their readers.

Engaging with comments and messages further strengthens this bond, making readers feel valued and heard. Social media

Providing exclusive content to your dedicated followers can be a powerful incentive for audience growth.

might seem overwhelming but it is an absolute necessity in today’s world, especially for authors.

loyal readers but also entice new ones to join your community.

This is such an underutilized gem in the world of authors.

Create Compelling Visual Content Visual content, including graphics, images, and videos, can be a dynamic tool for authors to enhance their online presence. Consider creating eye-catching promotional materials for book launches, visual quotes from your work, or short video clips discussing your writing process. These elements can captivate your audience and provide a memorable visual identity for your brand. If you aren’t equipped to do this yourself, hire someone on Fiverr or an online platform and let them handle the nitty gritty part. Platforms like Canva make it easy to create stunning sets of images for a relatively low monthly fee.

Host Virtual Events and Webinars In the digital age, authors can connect with their audience through virtual events and webinars. These platforms provide opportunities for authors to discuss their work, answer reader questions, and provide valuable insights into the writing process. Such events foster a sense of community and allow for direct interaction, making readers feel more connected to you as an author and your work.

Guest Post on Reputable Platforms Collaborating with established blogs, literary magazines, or platforms related to your genre can significantly expand your reach. Guest posting allows authors to tap into existing audiences and introduce their work to a new group of potential readers. Ensure that the content you contribute is tailored to the platform’s audience and offers unique, valuable insights. If you’re not sure what to write, find a firm like my own, that offers this as a one-time or ongoing service.

Offer Exclusive Content Providing exclusive content to your dedicated followers can be a powerful incentive for audience growth. This could include bonus chapters, short stories, or special access to early drafts. By offering these extras, you not only reward your most

Leverage Email Marketing Building an email list enables authors to maintain direct contact with their audience.

Regular newsletters can provide updates on upcoming releases, exclusive content, and personal reflections. Craft compelling subject lines and valuable content to ensure that your emails are eagerly anticipated and opened. There are plenty of websites that will help you formulate SEO friendly subject lines. WARNING: Do not overwhelm your email subscribers. If you’re sending multiple emails a day, you’re going to scare everyone off.

Incorporating these strategies into your author platform can significantly impact your ability to grow and engage with your audience. Remember, successful audience growth is a journey that requires consistent effort, authenticity, and a genuine desire to connect with your readers. By leveraging the power of content, you have an amazing opportunity to foster a loyal community that not only supports your work but also becomes a source of inspiration and encouragement.

AUTHOR BIO International Content Expert Sara Burke is the Founder of HLCC, a content creation firm dedicated to boosting small businesses around the world. Sara has authored three books, and ghostwritten over 100 books, ebooks and workbooks. Sara recently launched The New American Dream, a podcast dedicated to helping business owners understand how our changing business ecosystem can support their success.

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Unearthing the Power of Podcasting Why It Reigns Supreme for Authors In the digital age, authors are presented with a plethora of platforms to engage with their audience. While traditional mediums like books and blogs remain relevant, podcasting has emerged as a powerful tool for authors to connect with readers in a unique and compelling way. Let’s explore the myriad reasons why podcasting stands out as a superior platform for authors.

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Voice Adds Depth to Narrative One of the most distinctive advantages of podcasting is the ability to infuse your writing with your own voice. Hearing an author read or talk about their own work adds an extra layer of depth and intimacy to the narrative. This personal touch creates a stronger connection between the author and the audience, allowing listeners to experience the story in the way it was meant to be told.

Reach a Wider Audience Podcasting has seen explosive growth in recent years, with millions of listeners tuning in regularly and not a ton of podcasters consistently posting content. By entering the podcasting realm, authors can tap into this vast and diverse audience.

Podcasts have a global reach, enabling authors to connect with listeners from different cultures and backgrounds, expanding their fan base beyond traditional geographical boundaries.

Podcasting is a dynamic and transformative medium that empowers authors to connect with their audience in a deeply personal and engaging way.

Foster a Deeper Connection Hearing an author speak directly to their audience can create a powerful emotional connection. Podcasting allows authors to share personal anecdotes, discuss their writing process, and provide insights into their creative journey. This transparency and authenticity resonate with listeners, fostering a deeper sense of trust and loyalty.

Diversify Content and Format Podcasting offers authors a versatile platform to experiment with different content formats. Beyond traditional readings, authors can engage listeners with interviews, discussions, and even interactive segments. This diversity keeps the content fresh and engaging, appealing to a wider range of listeners with varying preferences.

Enhance Visibility and Branding A well-crafted podcast can serve as a powerful branding tool for authors. Consistent, quality content establishes the author as an authority in their field, building credibility and trust with the audience.

Additionally, podcasts can be shared across various platforms, increasing the author’s visibility and attracting new followers.

Monetize Creatively Podcasting offers authors multiple avenues for monetization. From sponsorship deals to merchandise sales and Patreon subscriptions, authors can generate revenue while providing valuable content to their audience. Additionally, authors can use their podcast to promote their books, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between their written work and their podcast.

Tracy Hazzard is a seasoned media expert with over 2600 interviews from articles in Authority Magazine, BuzzFeed, and her Inc. Magazine column; and from her multiple topranked videocasts and podcasts like The Binge Factor and Feed Your Brand – one of CIO’s Top 26 Entrepreneur Podcasts.

Tracy brings diverse views from what works and what doesn’t work in marketing, branding and media from thought leaders and industry icons redefining success around the globe. Tracy’s unique gift to the podcasting, marketing, and branding world is being able to identify that unique binge-able factor – the thing that makes people come back again and again, listen actively, share as raving fans, and buy everything you have to sell.

Flexibility and Accessibility Podcasting provides authors with the flexibility to create content on their own terms. Whether you’re a full-time writer or juggling multiple responsibilities, podcasts can be recorded and released at your own pace. Furthermore, podcasts are easily accessible to listeners, who can tune in on various devices and platforms, ensuring your content reaches a broad audience.

Podcasting is a dynamic and transformative medium that empowers authors to connect with their audience in a deeply personal and engaging way. By embracing this platform, authors can unlock new levels of creativity, reach a wider audience, and establish a lasting connection with their readers. With the growing popularity of podcasting, there’s no better time for authors to harness its potential and elevate their presence in the literary world.

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