"Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” --Mark Twain One of the recent controversies in publishing involves the creation of an app called Clean Reader that has authors of every level crying censorship. Built by two parents who claim their daughter was upset by the amount and … [Read more...] about Clean Reader Controversy: Censorship, or Right to Read?
indie author
Amazon Makes it Easier than Ever to Leave a Review
Book reviews are the bane of many authors' existence, not for their negative remarks or hurtful nature, but mostly for the fact that many authors feel the frustration of not getting reviews in the first place. This is especially common among authors who run free book promotions or offer their titles for free or reduced prices as part of the KDP Select benefits. The complaint is … [Read more...] about Amazon Makes it Easier than Ever to Leave a Review
Self Publishing Erotica: If You Write It, There’s an Audience for It
First it was Big Foot. Then the Loch Ness Monster. Dinosaur CEOs came along shortly after. There was even a book featuring a dominating HDMI cable. And now, even basic office supplies are getting in on the sexy fun. What is it about authors writing erotica featuring mythical creatures, prehistoric has-beens, and random household objects? Yes, this is the world of … [Read more...] about Self Publishing Erotica: If You Write It, There’s an Audience for It
Censoring Indie Authors
With so much attention focused on the US when it comes to self-publishing, it's easy to forget that this is a worldwide indie author movement, and that companies like Kobo are connecting readers across the globe, making it possible for a reader in Denmark to enjoy a work of science fiction written by an author in sub-Saharan Africa. But while US authors happily further the … [Read more...] about Censoring Indie Authors
First Round of Reader-Selected Kindle Scout Titles Ready for Pre-Order
Amazon is always on the lookout for ways to improve both the reading and the publishing experiences, and the introduction of Kindle Scout is no exception. The process, which is aimed at helping uncover worthy books, levels the playing field in a number of ways by allowing reading consumers to have a say in the selection process. “Since we opened our doors we’ve been busy … [Read more...] about First Round of Reader-Selected Kindle Scout Titles Ready for Pre-Order
Wattpad Adds Tools for Greater Engagement
One of the sleeping giants in the world of self-publishing is the unassuming platform Wattpad. While the rest of the industry battles it out to be the biggest names with the flashiest systems and lure the most authors or books, Wattpad has quietly been amassing a user base of forty million registered users who actively engage in the site's content and communities. How … [Read more...] about Wattpad Adds Tools for Greater Engagement
Some Authors are a Victim of Malware on their Websites
Authors often have to contend with deadlines, book promotions and social media campaigns in order to draw attention to their latest novel. Whether you are traditionally or self-published the process is more or less the same. Websites are critical to an author, not only does it promote your back catalog of content, but it serves as a nexus point for your online identity. Some … [Read more...] about Some Authors are a Victim of Malware on their Websites
Move Over, 50 Shades: Skrawl Has a Whole New Fan Fic Community
Readers and movie goers have had a lot to say about 50 Shades of Grey: some love it, others would rather eat the book than be forced to read it. But however consumers feel about the content, the story line, and the misrepresentation of the BDSM lifestyle, there is no question that 50 Shades was a game changer. Besides bringing erotica into the mainstream and opening the door … [Read more...] about Move Over, 50 Shades: Skrawl Has a Whole New Fan Fic Community
Hosting an Author Giveaway – Part II
In yesterday's post on Amazon's new giveaway tool, there were some initial steps for ensuring the platform works for you as best it can. Here are some follow up steps to take to make sure you're getting the most from your efforts. 3. Speaking of Winners (and the losers, for that matter) - Make sure you're taking full advantage of the winner and loser messages on your … [Read more...] about Hosting an Author Giveaway – Part II
Tips for Authors Hosting an Amazon Giveaway – Part I
Amazon's new giveaway tool was only launched this week but it has already received more than its fair share of criticism. Complaints about favoriting Twitter followers and automatically receiving notifications every time those people tweet are valid; it didn't have to work that way. But the demands from consumers for a centralized location of all the giveaways so they can just … [Read more...] about Tips for Authors Hosting an Amazon Giveaway – Part I