writers

How to Build A Reading Group

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Having a dedicated space for readers is a great way to stay connected with your audience, promote your work, and get inspiration. Some authors may choose to have groups based on a specific series, but that is up to you. 

Many authors will use Facebook to house these communities. Unlike a Facebook Page, group updates will appear on the members’ new feed. They will also get notifications of new updates to the group, unless they opt out of notifications

Once you create your Facebook group don’t forget to promote it on your other socials so your readers know it’s there! After all it is for them! 

  1. Post on it frequently. When it’s small, welcome each new member, get them excited! Plan your posts in advance  so you won’t have to worry about it for the week.
  1. Don’t forget to engage! Answer all the questions you can and comment on posts that your readers make. 
  1. Host events. Set up a group meeting, post a video and answer questions about yourself, have a giveaway of your upcoming release! The possibilities are endless!

Have fun with your reader group! Once you get the hang of posting on one group, maybe you can start another!

How to Spice Up Your Bookshelf

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I scroll through instagram a lot…and I ALWAYS come across these beautiful bookshelves! So today our blog post is inspired by just that…bookshelves.

#bookshelf as over 6 million posts on instagram- because people love it! This might encourage you to post a picture of your bookshelf and rack up some likes OR inspire you to spice up your own bookshelf. Either way let’s get started!

  1. The first simple yet effective way to organize your bookshelf is by size. Play around with vertical and horizontal stacking for fun! Some people might even want to take it to the next level and sort the books by color too!
  1. Update your bookshelf by painting it or applying wallpaper to the back. This will give it a wonderful and new look!
  1. Don’t let your bookshelf get too cluttered. If you want to display small knick knacks put them in a fun jar:) Let your books breathe!

Have fun!

Spring Cleaning for Writers

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Hello Spring! Tomorrow, March 20th marks the first day of spring! I can’t wait for warm weather (we’re on the East Coast) fresh flowers, and hanging up my winter jacket! Something else that typically comes along when warmer weather hits is spring cleaning… Some may look forward to it while others run and hide, but today we will be discussing the way writers can benefit from some spring cleaning!

Reorganize work space

First things first, some good old fashion cleaning. Make your work space yours again. This will be a great time to switch up the layout. Have you always wanted to be closer to your window, well make it happen! Think of how you can optimize your space to feel more comfortable. And while you’re at it clean off your bookshelves too! Go through your books and if you don’t see yourself reading it, then give it to someone who will.

Sort through old papers

Have your old papers piled high throughout the year. Now is the perfect time to go through them. Sort, shred and organize all your papers. Create a system that will keep you organized for years to come!

Declutter folders

Now hop on that laptop because we are decluttering all of your folders too. I find that my laptop organization lacks more than the papers sitting on my desk. I save everything on my laptop but never put it in a designated folder. Do it now! And I will too. Color code and use the folders to your advantage.

Clear your email

Next on the list is to clear your email! Are you tired of seeing 800 unread emails on your screen. Take a deep breath and go through them! Start the new season with a fresh email. Update your signature if you want to! Go nuts!

Update your socials

Has it been a while since you updated your social media? Take this time to switch up your profile picture, add more to your bio and go through your instagram highlights. Also, take the time to update your website if you have one. Do a deep dive and see what you’re missing. 

Happy Spring!

Why Authors Need A Call-To-Action

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First thing’s first, a call to action is a marketing term for a design that prompts the viewer to an immediate action. For example, when you go on a website and they ask for your email. That is what we are looking for!

People need to be reminded, it’s as simple as that. Having a call to action on your website prompting the viewer to put in an email so they can stay up to date is a genius tactic. If you already have one- great! Just make sure you use it. 

Your call to action can simply ask for an email, but you might want to think of an incentive to do so, such as receiving an exclusive monthly newsletter. Regardless, you should use this to give your readers notifications about upcoming books, or any highlights you have going on. 

Happy Monday!

How To Create the Best Book Title

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You want your title to last the testament of time. It sounds easier said than done though, right? If you are struggling to find the perfect title for your book, you’ve come to the right place!

Some elements you want to keep in mind when choosing your title are…

  1. Easy to pronounce
  2. Attention grabbing
  3. Gives insight on what the book is about
  4. Keep it short

With that being said, you may find yourself asking what are some useful ways to generate a book title? I’m so glad you asked…here are some ways!

  1. Book title generator.

Probably one of the most common is to use a generator. There are many to choose from with a simple google search, but you may want to consider a genre specific generator. 

  1. Ask your readers. 

These are people who love your books so much they decided to follow you and/or join a reading community. So use that to your advantage! They will be thrilled to have input in your next potential book. 

If you are stuck between 2-3 titles make a facebook or instagram poll and see which one ends up on top!

  1. Search keywords. 

Control F key words in your novel and see which words are used the most. Depending on what you use the most or what embodies the novel most can be in the title.

After you chose your book title use google to make sure it isn’t already popular and to see what else comes up with those specific keywords. While titles cannot be copyrighted it will be more difficult to sell a book when there’s already a popular book out there with the same title. 

Happy Writing!

Self Boundaries.

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I am notorious for saying yes to everybody but myself. But today I start a new challenge, and that is to set boundaries for myself. See if you want to try it too!

Why should I tell a friend yes buy that book you deserve it, and yet when I see one I might enjoy I put it back because I have no place to put it? Well to that I say no more! I want to treat myself like my own friend (best way I could put it). I need to treat myself just as much as I tell my friends and family to treat themselves. 

In the long run I think it will be beneficial for my head space and how I view myself. 

Today was a little bit of a rant, but remember to love yourself! And don’t treat yourself any less than you would a friend:)

Happy Monday!

Better Reader = Better Writer

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I, like most people, say I love to read but never have time to pick up the right book and finish it. And while there is no right and wrong way to read, I have noticed some key tricks to make myself a better reader. And while I may not be a writer I figure the more you read the more your writing skills enhance too! Athletes go to the gym…writers go to the library! So let’s get that brain stimulated and pick up a book!

Make a list. 

There might be some power in checking off a box, because I know I am more productive when a list is involved. So create a list of all the books you want to read that month or year and get checking!

Read several books at once. 

For me I know as soon as a book starts to feel boring I put it down and never return. However, if you read several books at once and create options for yourself there will be more of a chance you will open the book up again. 

And feel free to mix it up! Read a book and also have an audiobook on hand for an alternative option. It can be very refreshing from print books to relax your eyes and get a fresh look on a book.

Try before you buy.

Read the Kindle or Amazon sample before you buy a book. Get a taste for the writing style to determine if it’s a book you would enjoy until the end. Maybe even read a few reviews, but watch out for spoilers!

Take notes.

If you are a blogger or someone who likes to share their reading findings, I find that it is easier to take notes while reading rather than afterwards. It may seem like this process takes longer, but it is better than going back into the passage to look for something you thought you read. Plus, taking notes is a great way to retain what you just read!

And for all you writers out there write down what you like and don’t like about books you’re reading for your own work. Take notes of character development and plot twists and so forth. Spark your own creativity!

Take note of your down time. 

Find the right time to read for you. On a lunch break, right before bed, or on your commute to work. There is no bad time to read, but you also have to accept that sometimes you may not find the time. For me I noticed that I could be replacing my screen time with reading a book. You might have to find a new balance but once you do reading will be much easier!

Follow us for more reading, writing and author tips!

Happy Reading!

How to Work the Instagram Algorithm

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In times like these Instagram can heavily influence your business. The algorithm can be updated frequently, so it’s important to stay on top of it for your content strategy.  

According to Instagram the 6 key factors that influence the Instagram algorithm are:

  1. Interest – How you interact on Instagram plays a role! Who you follow and what type of posts you like. That is why consistently showing up on Instagram is important.
  1. Relationship – Instagram uses your interactions to see who is closest to you (a little creepy but we all know it’s happening). As soon as you follow someone they will monitor how you engage with it.
  1. Timeliness – They care about when you posted, because they want to provide the latest most interesting posts. By finding your personalized best time to post on Instagram you can increase your reach!
  1. Frequency – If you open the app often your feed will be more chronological. However, if you check less often your feed will be based on what Instagram thinks you’ll like. 
  1. Following – If you follow a lot of people then Instagram has more options to choose from so you won’t see all of the posts from everyone’s account. 
  1. Usage – Depending on how often you open the app the more content you will see. 

Now, what do you do with all of this information to improve your engagement? The best thing you can do is drive as many interactions (likes, comments, DM, save, and share). Another way to increase engagement is to use all that Instagram has to offer, such as their newer Reels and Stories. 

Adding hashtags is the most effective way to reach people on Instagram and we want those views don’t we? Search what hashtags will work the best for your posts.

Another helpful tool is to keep track of your Instagram analytics. Use the “Insights” button to see what is working and what isn’t, what post got the most likes, and so forth. 

I know this is a lot of information, but once you have a better understanding on how to use the app you will get more out of it! Make it your focus for the next month if you want more followers or likes and get posting! Let us know how it goes. 

Be A Masterpiece and A Work In Progress

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You are already a masterpiece, but your current situation is a work in progress. Always set yourself up for success! You are allowed to be both. Or let’s say you already have your masterpiece out in the world… and there’s no shame in starting back from the beginning to create another masterpiece!

The thing I love most about these messages is that they can be viewed in many different ways. After reading this, how would you describe the connection between being a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time?

Happy Monday!

Submit Your Work Today at Hershman Rights Management!

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We are Hershman Rights Management, a literary agency where we help authors and publishers break into new markets and expand into new platforms. If you are an author (either indie or traditionally published) or a writer who is looking to get started, visit our website and we can help you grow!

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If you are an already published author and looking for representation for subsidiary rights, click here. You can receive an instant representation offer! If you are an unpublished author or looking for representation on an unpublished manuscript, please click here and tell us more about yourself and your work. 

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