Jon Reviews KindleSpy — a Must-Have Tool for Kindle Publishing

By Jon Bard

In this video, Jon reviews KindleSpy, a powerful program that digs into Amazon’s Kindle bestseller lists and delivers information that can help any eBook author succeed.

 

Jon will demonstrate how KindleSpy:

 

 

* helps you determine which Kindle niches have buyers and which ones don’t (spoiler alert: don’t even think about writing an kids’ eBook about motorcycles.  There is, however, a similar niche that’s golden!)

* shows you which words appear most often in the titles and descriptions of current bestsellers in your niche

* allows you “reverse engineer” successful eBooks in your niche, and will even give you a specific roadmap for how to successfully promote your eBook

 

If you’re already publishing for Kindle or just thinking about it, you should watch this video.  It could save you a lot of time, money and heartache.

 

If you want to get KindleSpy, here’s a special affiliate link that will save you $50….

http://ift.tt/2crCyf4

 

 

 

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: Jon Reviews KindleSpy — a Must-Have Tool for Kindle Publishing

Traditional Writer Versus Indie Writer

By Guest Author

by Tracy Bryan

 

When a writer — whether a traditional writer or an indie writer — imagines a story, they usually can’t wait to bring it to life somehow. Most writers need to get it out of their head and put it somewhere else — on paper, in their computer, even at the bottom of a grocery list.

 

This is just the beginning of the creative process that the typical writer practices. Writers create art in the form of words. Some writers have great art and some writers not so much. The point is, all writers create something and they go through a process in order to create it.

 

This commonality that writers share gives them a reason to celebrate… together.

 

Unfortunately, like most human activities in life, there is competition. In the publishing world, where writers live, competition exists between other writers, between writers and agents, between writers and editors, and between writers and publishers.

 

There are so many elements of the publishing world that work against the common goal of most writers and their creative process. Competition is just one element that breeds negativity among writers. Publisher’s demands, editor’s needs and agent’s requests, are other elements that all get it the way of the creative process. Not to mention the cesspool of marketing schemes that writers need to solely wade through in order to find reputable ways of promoting their works. Who can a writer trust?

 

Finally, there is the reader. Even our readers (sometimes unintentionally) can be threatening to us. One bad review can diminish the creative and fragile process that we have tried to create.

 

So, how can we as writers make a difference and not succumb to the peril and rivalry of the publishing world?

 

Support each other.

 

It’s that simple. No one writer is expected to love every single work of another writer, but snubbing them is not a solution. Every writer should strive to create the highest level of excellence that they are capable of, while inspiring this in other writers, particularly new writers. This support is also an important part of the process.

 

Clique-ing together in a group of creators, and excluding certain creators because they are different, unique or unskilled, just isn’t acceptable behavior. In a way, this is bullying. Creators are a sensitive bunch for the most part, especially writers. Remember, they are pulling words out of their head and forming it together in hopes of creating something. This leaves them vulnerable, insecure at times and hyper sensitive to criticism.

 

The golden rule of ‘treating someone like you want to be treated’ seems like a good way to start in trying to solidify a positive union among writers. Wouldn’t this be great? We would have writers everywhere sticking up for one another, merely because they have empathy and respect for each other. Try mentoring a writer who is not already a part of your writing community or empower in a writer who is less experienced than you helpful techniques that they can benefit from.

 

Another form of support is to break down the walls of exclusion. This is everywhere. A writer being excluded from a contest, critique group, writing organization or review forum, and/or marketing opportunity simply because they don’t write a specific genre, or they don’t publish in a particular way, or they don’t have enough educational credentials. Wall, wall, wall. We have to stop labeling people!

 

The publishing world is still in a constant flux. Indie publishing is still on the rise and more writers are considering self-publishing. Traditional publishing houses are merging together and/or forcing some smaller presses out of the industry. Writers are being faced with the dilemma of having to decide which route to take and in some cases, which side to be on. Overall, they are at most times left with the responsibilities of designing their own marketing plan. All of this combined causes competition in the market and a rift among guess who… the writers.

 

Are there more ways that we can eliminate this rift? Possibly. If writers stick together, pull each other up, and use our creative energies together, we may just create a nurturing place to create. A place where we can all overcome the threatening elements of the publishing world. A place of happiness, where each of us reaches a level of success that we are all worthy of.

 

Together, let’s try to create an almost perfect, creative world.

 

Tracy Bryan is an award winning self-published author for kids aged 4-12. She writes whimsical non-fiction picture books about emotions, coping skills, mental health and mindfulness. Currently, Tracy has just released her debut fiction picture book called Put Away Your Phone!  View the book trailer.

 

Tracy writes a monthly personal Blog for adults on her website and one for kids aged 6-12 called The Awesomeness Blog. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads & Amazon. To learn more about Tracy or contact her, please email tracy@tracybryan.com or visit her website tracybryan.com. 

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: Traditional Writer Versus Indie Writer

FULL WEBINAR: How to Create Your Own Children’s Book App

By Jon Bard

 

 

Our full webinar with Karen Robertson, children’s app author, founder of the Book App Alliance and author of the The Author’s Guide to Book Apps.

 

 

 

 

 

The WriteForKids special price ends Wednesday, November 25 and will not be repeated.

 

Click here to download notes for this webinar

 

Thanks to Karen for an amazing webinar!

 
 

(If for any reason you have problems watching this video, click here to view it on YouTube).
 
 
 

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: FULL WEBINAR: How to Create Your Own Children’s Book App

Sneaky Marketing for Self-Published Authors

By Laura Backes

If you’re a self-published author, the idea of being writer, editor, publisher, art director and promoter for your book can be intimidating. But when it comes to marketing, don’t try to reinvent the wheel. If you don’t have a marketing staff, take a look at what the big publishers are doing, and put your own spin on the process.

 

Here’s one terrific example:

 

In order to create a buzz for the paperback edition of Dreams of Gods and Monsters, the final installment of Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone young adult fantasy trilogy, Little, Brown devised a way to give readers a window into the author’s writing process. The publisher is asking fans to tweet their favorite quote from the series, with the hashtag #UnlockLainiTaylor. Once 613 hashtags are reached (the same number as the page count of the book), the publisher will unlock a bonus chapter written by Taylor, which has never been released.

 

Using Genius (the company that started “Rap Genius“, which allows users to annotate rap lyrics), the unlocked chapter will have Taylor’s own annotations about her writing. By clicking on highlighted bits of text, fans gain insight as to how this early chapter inspired the series, and see comments on her process as she developed the story and characters.

 

Of course, this works best if you’ve got a fan base to start from. It’s a natural for series, but could work for a first book if you have an online following before the book comes out. For tips on the one best way to build a fan base, check out Jon Bard’s Easy Author Marketing video.

 

Another publicity trick (which works especially well for picture books and easy readers), is to show video of young fans enjoying your book. These videos can be embedded on your blog or website, Tweeted, or even posted on an Amazon review. (Note: Always get signed permission from the child’s parents before you post anything online, and remember that someone else has to post the review on Amazon. It can’t come from you.)

 

Take a look at this adorable two-year-old gleefully “reading” Not a Box by Antionette Portis in this Amazon review. I defy any grandparent to watch this and then resist immediately purchasing the book for their grandchild. It’s physically impossible!

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: Sneaky Marketing for Self-Published Authors

The Author and the Future of Children’s Books

By Guest Author

by Suzanna E. Henshon

 

Over the past ten years, the business of publishing children’s books has changed. Large chain bookstores are consolidating or going out of business. Independent booksellers are catering to specific niches or adding non-book products to stay relevant. And kids are just as likely to read a book on an e-reader or smart phone as in print.

 

How will books change in the 21st century?  Specifically, how will the market of children’s books change?  And what do you need to know as you write your novel, short story, or poetry for children? While none of us can look into a crystal ball and see the future, we can prepare for changes and “guesstimate” the marketplace.  There are steps you can take to prepare yourself for success in what is quickly shifting into an ebook and app world. Here are some tips for getting published in 2015 and beyond.

 

Write a good story.  First and foremost, focus on writing a compelling narrative.  Whether your book comes out as an ebook, an app, in hardcover, or something that combines several media forms, you need to maintain the reader’s interest. Getting young readers to “turn the page” requires creating suspense whether you are writing a story that will be published electronically or on paper. So learn how to tell a great story!

 

Write for the modern reader. Children today are more sophisticated than in the past. Even young children learn about diverse cultures in school, understand different family structures, and are introduced to complex learning concepts much sooner than their parents and grandparents. Most teens have a Facebook page, a Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram account, frequent YouTube, and get the latest news online. Even if a child or teen has lived a fairly sheltered, conflict-free life, he is aware that events exist outside of his experience. Don’t be afraid to give your stories some heft and substance.

 

Understand the new story forms. Most writers aren’t aware that books have evolved into graphic forms, that novels can be written in verse, as email or text messages, and even Post-It notes. Many middle grade and young adult novels have companion blogs or websites that extend the written story. Children also experience stories through movies and video games.  You are writing for a child who is well-versed in diverse media. Write for the child who text messages in the morning, plays video games in the afternoon, and uses her e-reader at night. But don’t forget that these kids also experience the same childhood events that we did–playground friendships and rivalries, competing in sports, having a best friend, and discovering their identity through music, fashion and other passions.

 

Don’t overuse technology.  Most kids these days have a cell phone and are comfortable on a computer. A contemporary story with characters older than age 10 who can’t type a text message won’t feel authentic. But unless the story revolves around technology, keep it as just one detail of your characters’ everyday lives.

 

Look into working with small publishers.  Big publishers will continue to prosper, but it will be more difficult for new writers to break in. As a new writer, you may have more success reaching your readers through small presses or self-publishing. So be prepared to write, publish, and market your own work directly to an audience rather than waiting to be discovered.

 

Start to create an audience through a blog or website.  Young readers are growing up in the internet world, so they will discover stories and writers through different sources.  Facebook, blogs, and other social media are used to market books.  Writers have online chats to publicize their books, rather than relying on the traditional book signing.

 

Kids will not only “consume” books, but they’ll determine what gets published, based on the websites that are popular with young people. Consumers are just as important as editors in steering the publishing marketplace. This applies even if you’re writing picture books. Focus on selling directly to the parents of your readers by writing quest posts for parenting blogs, or providing resources for parents and teachers on your website.

 

Develop your entrepreneurial skills. Writers now write, market, and publish their own books.  Even if they work with traditional publishers, today’s writers bear the primary responsibility to “get the word out” on their books.

 

Develop your own brand or franchise. Rather than just looking for a good book or story, many editors and agents are seeking stories (and characters) that can be branded and turned into successful franchises like The Hunger Games.  Even self-publishers are capitalizing on their brands by creating apps, ebooks and other spin-offs of their original stories.

 

Dr. Suzanna E. Henshon teaches full-time at Florida Gulf Coast University and is the author of several young adult and middle grade books, and two collections of writing exercises. Her newest book, Andy Lightfoot and the Time Warp, is available for the Kindle on Amazon.

 

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: The Author and the Future of Children’s Books

We Need More Diverse Books!

By Guest Author

by Tracy Bryan

 

I am a relatively new children’s author, but from where I stand, (way down here looking up) there seems to have been a lot of transition within children’s literature over the last few years.

 

This isn’t news to any seasoned veteran of the industry, but to a novice like me, it has been quite overwhelming joining this almost circus-like trade. I seem to witness a constant flux in the publication world every week due to major changes in traditional publishing, the rise of Amazon, the growth of e-books and the emergence of vanity publishers. You can’t hold me back though, now that I’ve had a taste of it, I’m here to stay and changes I intend to (hopefully) make.

 

Why more changes? Although there are many beautifully illustrated and well-written books in the current children’s book market, the majority of these books lack diversity in their characters and theme. Why do we need more diversity in these books? While people, families and the world become increasingly more diverse, so does the need for books that children can actually relate to.

 

I belong to several writing organizations- regional and national. I attend writing conferences, follow many social media groups and try to stay current with any news in the children’s publishing industry. As a contributing and informed member of the children’s literature industry, I believe we all have our hearts in the right place and we have good intentions. My Facebook groups alone have some incredibly passionate, insightful and genuinely remarkable authors, illustrators and children’s book industry people- there is definitely a “diversity movement” that continues to grow in this writing community. Yet…where are all the diverse books?

 

Regardless of how many trendy literacy campaigns that are being run and how many times we use this new “buzz word”- diversity is still quite a stigma in North America and many parts of the world. We have a long way to go in society as a whole, so it may be time to kick it up a notch and inspire more diversity in the books that we write.

 

I myself am a straight, white, middle class, female- not exactly your first pick as an appropriate mascot or ally for people of diversity! However, I am also open-minded, compassionate, non- judgmental, daring, spirited and willing to think outside the box! I aspire to write about what matters in this world- people. There really are so many wonderful children’s books out there that do inspire and entertain kids, some even have a great message–but there could be so many more books that offer much more honesty in terms of diversity with people.

 

Why are there so many picture books that explain people problems and issues through the use of cute animals? To not have a more direct approach of storytelling about these difficult topics is almost a little insulting to kids. These are the same kids that are living in families of diversity, going to schools of diversity and living everyday life diversely-why wouldn’t they want to read books that are more diverse?

 

It’s okay to demonstrate to them that all people have problems, issues and shortcomings. We all do! The important message to these kids should be how we accept and cope with these challenges within ourselves and in others –that’s what matters. If we can teach them to accept their differences and accept other people’s differences as well, there will be a lot less discrimination, labeling and shame in the world. Diversity will be the constant.

 

Is this too idealistic? Maybe, maybe not… Perhaps if we start publishing books for kids that guide them in real life and with real people, they may just grow up to be well adjusted, less stressed, non anxious or depressed and be able to conquer and embrace their limitations and appreciate the same in other people.

 

I write mostly about self-esteem building, mindfulness, emotions and generally I try to inform kids about ways to cope with their problems and how to find simple happiness in life. Ironically, my best selling books this year have been about how to understand anxiety. That’s scary! I wish that more kids could relate to the cute animals, but unfortunately, the current children need to be reassured and to read that it’s okay to be different, in fact it’s quite wonderful!

 

What the children’s literature market needs are books that address all the topics that currently effect kids – regardless of how uncomfortable they are to discuss. We need to demonstrate to kids how to recognize people for who they are, not what they are. Furthermore, kids need to be reminded that all people are similar, yet so totally, awesomely different from each other- so diverse. Now let’s stop talking and start writing- let’s inspire them!

 

Tracy Bryan is a self-published children’s book author. She writes whimsical picture books that teach and inspire children of all ages. Tracy specializes in writing about self-esteem, life skills, social issues and diversity. To preview any of her books please visit her at tracybryan.com. Tracy can also be found at TracyBryanAuthor on Facebook.

This is a post from writeforkids.org. Read the original post: We Need More Diverse Books!