According to Bookscan, which is believed to capture 75-80 percent of all book sales, the number of printed books sold last year dipped to under 800 million. In 2021, a record 840 million were registered. However, when you factor in e=book and audiobook sales — or the fact that hundreds of millions of books are sold each year that Bookscan doesn’t register, such as from an event or direct sale from an author — the book world is quite healthy and conservatively moves about 1.5 billion book units annually. However, printed books purchased in physical stores is still the key to success for man ..read more

  It sounds simple enough, but ask yourself why you market. I am guessing it is for a number of reasons and benefits, and that is fine. All that I ask is that you set specific goals and targets. Once you know WHY you are marketing your book, you will be able to figure out WHO you are marketing to.   Is your marketing purpose based on getting sales? If so, how many books do you hope to sell this week, this month, this year? How many do you need to sell to break even? To make a certain profit size?   Is your marketing purpose based on building up your ego? If so, how ma ..read more

    Do writers get bullied? If so, how should they handle it?  Certainly, young writers in school may have to deal with traditional bullies, some of whom can taunt, tease, threaten, and abuse their victims unmercifully. Bullying can lead to violent encounters, verbal abuse, psychological torture, and force a victim into withdrawal, suicide, or dropping out of school.   Thanks to social media, bullying can continue beyond the school's walls, 24-7. In such cases, parents, teachers, and administrators, and law enforcement have to get involved and do what it takes to prot ..read more

  I was treated to seeing millions of dollars-worth of literary royalty on display earlier this month at the International Antiquarian Booksellers Association Book Fair.    The Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America was founded 75 years ago to encourage interest in rare books and manuscripts and to maintain the highest standards in the antiquarian book trade. The ABAA offers resources, vendors, authenticators, and information that helps encourage a vibrant marketplace to exist. The ABAA celebrated with a successful show in early April at an old Park Avenue armory in N ..read more

    What impresses a message upon another in a way that will get them interested in what you have to say — and to act upon your offer?    Yes, dear author, I am talking to you.    How and what will you say what will win another over to buy your book, a bookstore over to agree to have you speak, or a news media outlet to want to interview you?   Whatever you think should work, make sure it is something that you can say in 30 seconds or less — or that takes no more than 200 written words. Anything longer and people will tune you out or stop read ..read more

  The news media, particularly newspapers, is shrinking in size, influence, and capability. This is not only devastating for our democracy and safety, but it is detrimental to the process of authors seeking to promote their books. We need a stronger, more robust media in order for books to flourish. We readily acknowledge that a free society needs to remain informed, inspired, and protected from the lies, corruption, and secrets of our nation’s wealthy elites, corporate powers, government officials, and military forces. That means we need a vibrant, expansive, and honest news media to ..read more

   1. What inspired you to write this book? I wanted to be able to offer the psychological and spiritual tools I provide to my clients in private practice and coaching on a broader scale. I have been blessed with the opportunity to help thousands discover hope and healing from anxiety, depression, mood disorders, addiction, low self-esteem, and trauma. I designed this book to creatively touch the hearts of the many people who have been held back and/or effected by life challenge. In a world where 70% of the adult population has been impacted by trauma, I offer this book of tran ..read more

  1.      What inspired you to write this book? For a time, I was a Career coach, I witnessed persons looking for the perfect job, like me when I was starting out on my career. I began my career with the false notion that all management would always be fair with staff. And had a duty of care to do the right thing, both for the individual and the business. However, many managers fail on this point, which can damage the business and people. I desire that individuals progressing to management learn and understand their responsibility within an organisation.&nbs ..read more

  1. What inspired you to write this book? Some of my ideas and inspiration came from reading Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle. A couple of my characters are loosely based on several of his. growing up, I would imagine myself in Alagaesia interacting with Eragon and Murtagh, which is my inspiration for the main character Tura. Most of my writing are the types of books that I would enjoy reading.  2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for? Tura Saurbrook embarks on a quest for revenge and happens upon two elves on ..read more

    I was talking to a good friend the other day about his book publishing options. He wrote a collection of short stories and he wants to explore, other than Amazon KDP and Ingram Spark, or using a hybrid or self-publishing company, how he would go about securing a literary agent or directly winning over a book publisher. Like millions of other writers, he was clueless as to what to do or where to start. The first thing I told him was that the book, if even great, is not enough to win over most agents or publishers. They want to know why he is perfectly positioned or qualified to ..read more