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Tag: Writing

  • I Wrote a Book, But What Now? 5 Things to Do After You Publish Your Book | Entrepreneur

    I Wrote a Book, But What Now? 5 Things to Do After You Publish Your Book | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    It’s no secret today that entrepreneurs are writing and publishing non-fiction books to market themselves and their brands and businesses. As an entrepreneur, it increases your authority and credibility, helps you reach new clients, gain speaking engagements and much more. Books have become the business cards of modern entrepreneurs.

    Since COVID-19, the amount of eBooks available on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has more than tripled. That means that writing and publishing have become the easy part and that book marketing is the real challenge.

    Despite this, too many entrepreneurs turned authors see their non-fiction book as the end of something when it’s really just the beginning of a new level of marketing.

    Related: How to Begin Your Lead-Generating Non-Fiction Book

    What should I do after I publish a book?

    After your book is published, you shouldn’t sit back and relax. It’s a common mistake to assume that book sales will take care of themselves. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

    Yes, writing and publishing a book will open many doors for you. But you still have to be the one to walk through those doors. Otherwise, what was the point of all the hard work, time and money you put into publishing your book?

    In this article, I will share five things I tell all of my authors to do after publishing their books.

    Related: 3 Ways to Sell More Copies of Your Non-Fiction Books

    1. Take a bunch of pictures with your book

    Do you know what picture gives me a spike in book sales whenever I share it? The one of me, holding my paperback next to my face and smiling. It’s not a professional picture by any means; it’s just a selfie taken with my smartphone. I don’t use filters or wear makeup, and I certainly don’t dress the part of a traditional businesswoman.

    But guess what? That selfie resembles every other picture your friends, family and colleagues share. It doesn’t look like an ad to buy your book. And that’s what counts. That is what people respond to on social media.

    My advice is to take pictures with your book often. It makes for a much more interesting scene. I tell authors to try different poses and locations. You can find many pictures of my books traveling, standing up in the sand on the beach or atop a balcony overlooking the Caribbean sea. Where I go, my books go.

    Related: 5 Proven Tips for Effectively Marketing Your First Book

    2. Tell people about your book again… and again

    To be clear, I am not talking about bringing up your published book non-stop and no one ever being able to have a productive conversation with you. I just mean that you need to remind people periodically, preferably in various creative ways. You can share pictures with your book (as I mentioned), record videos of you reading powerful one-liners or valuable paragraphs, book quotes, glowing reader reviews, bestseller status or other sales updates, anniversaries and more.

    You need to keep reminding people subtly about your book for two main reasons. One is that people get distracted easily, and you have to catch them at the right time if you want them to buy something.

    The other is the commitment implied by purchasing a book. There is a funny thing that happens. Readers only want to buy it if they actually have time to sit down and read it. They take the book purchasing commitment seriously.

    It’s been almost two years since my first book was published, and every time I share an update, I get messages in my inbox from someone who had no idea and/or just finally got the chance to sit down and purchase it.

    3. Set up an author meet and greet and book signing

    Nothing is as effective in selling your book as in-person events where you can connect with your ideal reader. Unfortunately, nothing else is as intimidating either. New authors always doubt their ability to organize book signings, draw a crowd and actually sell copies of their books.

    Stop doubting yourself! You will be surprised just how open venues are to hosting you as an author. Contact local libraries, bookstores, relevant organizations, schools, universities, etc.

    Related: The World’s Best Marketing Tool: Writing a Book

    4. Start guest blogging

    One of the biggest benefits of writing a book is having a writing sample in front of you. Guest blogging in your niche is a great way to grow your audience and boost your book sales by providing insights and value to your ideal reader.

    This can also be very lucrative as well. I have found that not only are niche websites willing to pay for my knowledge, but they also link directly back to my books within the blog post.

    5. Write a speech to expand on your book

    Most speaking engagements go to published authors. Writing a speech is very similar to the idea of guest blogging. You want to write a talk, or talks, that expand on your book.

    You can find speaking opportunities online via virtual summits and in person with relevant professional organizations, events, universities, etc. As a bonus, you can usually set up a book table where you can sign and sell copies of your book and connect with your ideal reader.

    Related: 7 Simple Ways to Market Your Book and Brand Organically

    To sum up

    In conclusion, there are several ways to market your book, and by extension, yourself and your ideas, after publication if you want to sell as many copies of your title as possible.

    I always give the advice to my authors that you really can’t screw up a book launch, unless you go silent. All you have to do is keep talking and, above all, have fun! It may sound a little cheesy, but happiness and excitement are contagious. Keep talking, participating, sharing, and interacting by using the five strategies I outlined, and you will have no problem marketing yourself as an author.

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    Sara Tyler

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  • Entrepreneur | 7 Writing Hacks Every Writer Must Know

    Entrepreneur | 7 Writing Hacks Every Writer Must Know

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    Anyone who tells you that writing is easy is probably using ChatGPT.

    The truth is being a good writer is a challenging skill to master. It takes practice, discipline, creativity, and a willingness to experiment and screw up.

    But you can use certain tried-and-true hacks to be a more productive and effective writer. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block or feel like you’re really bad at it, try implementing these strategies to make the words fly off the page.

    Related: This Is What 300 Writers Say Made Them Successful

    1. Write every day

    Writing takes practice. Carving out some time to write every single day, even if it’s just for 10 or 15 minutes, will inevitably improve your writing. Think of it like working out. The more you train, the stronger you become.

    Before writing, give yourself a goal for what you want to accomplish in your 10-minute session. This could be an email to an important client, an essay, a piece of fiction, or a love letter. It doesn’t matter what it is or if it’s good, as long as it gets you in your seat writing something down.

    2. Write for concentrated periods of time

    Many writers swear by the Pomodoro Technique. This involves breaking up your writing time into small, focused intervals or “pomodoros,” typically 25 minutes each, followed by short breaks.

    Why is this effective? The Pomodoro Technique helps fend off procrastination by forcing you to do it for short periods of time rather than long stretches, which can be intimidating. It also helps you manage your time better by scheduling your writing time and breaks==

    One bonus tip: Silence all social media, email, phone, and web browsers during your pomodoros to avoid distraction. It’s only 25 minutes — you can do this!

    3. Read more

    At the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious, you can’t be a good writer unless you read good writing. That’s sort of like trying to be a good tennis player but never playing tennis.

    Reading can be difficult in our hyper-distracted world, with Instagram posts and TikTok videos vying for our attention. Last year a Gallup Poll found that U.S. adults read roughly two or three fewer books per year than they did between 2001 and 2016.

    But reading well-written books and articles can help broaden your vocabulary and expose you to different writing styles and techniques. By reading good writing, you will learn much from what you take in, like osmosis. Your grammar will improve, your word choice will get smarter, you’ll have better ideas, and you’ll have an overall appreciation for writing.

    4. Be done, not perfect

    “Done is better than perfect,” professional freelance writer, David Hochman, told me on my podcast Write About Now. Hochman has written thousands of stories for different publications, and his advice to aspiring writers is to stop worrying so much about your content.

    “Don’t agonize over getting it perfectly,” he says. “It will not happen, especially if you’re the final judge. Sometimes the simple act of just finishing something is enough.

    To hear my entire interview with David about writing hacks, check out the podcast below.

    5. Write first, edit later

    It’s a rookie mistake to edit yourself while you write. Professional writers know the best technique is to let it flow in the first draft, getting your ideas on the screen without worrying about perfection. Later, you can go back and edit.

    When you focus on writing without stopping to edit, you allow your creative side to take the driver’s seat, generating ideas you may not have thought of otherwise. You also avoid getting bogged down in the details such as stopping to do a “quick” internet search, which takes you down a non-productive rabbit hole for 2 hours.

    Related: Want to Be a Better Writer of Books and Essays? Start by Avoiding These Common Writing Mistakes.

    6. Show don’t tell

    One hack that will make your writing stand out from the pack is providing good, sensory details that allow the reader to experience the story rather than simply being told what’s happening. It’s more effective to show what’s happening in a story than simply telling them.

    For example, rather than writing, “the room was a mess,” you might write something more descriptive like, “Dirty clothes were strewn across the floor and papers and books were scattered across the desk.”

    Or as Anton Chekhov, a much better writer than me, once said: “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”

    Related: Ken Follett’s Secret Formula for Writing Success

    7. Avoid overused or filler words

    Good writing is concise. Avoid using unnecessary words that might confuse your readers. A good hack is to go through your writing after it’s finished and slash and burn any words that don’t add to your argument. Here are some common culprits:

    “Very”: This word is often used to add emphasis, but it can be vague and imprecise. Instead, try using a more specific adjective to convey the same meaning.

    “Just”: This word is often used to downplay the importance of something, but it’s often just unnecessary.

    “Really”: Just like “very,” this word is often used to add emphasis, but it can be imprecise. Try getting ride of it or using a more specific adjective or verb to convey the same meaning.

    “So”: Whenever you write so, especially at the beginning of a sentence, ask yourself if it would be just as good without “so.”

    “Moreover; Furthermore; Hence; Therefore” Unless you’re writing a thesis that requires formal, academic language, avoid using puffed-up words that make your writing stiff and boring. Try to write more like you’re talking to a friend.

    Don’t beat yourself up

    Remember, writing is hard—even the best writers complain about it. Ernest Hemingway once said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

    Do your best and learn from your mistakes.

    And don’t let ChatGPT do all the work for you.

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    Jonathan Small

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  • Entrepreneur | How Successful Leaders Can Benefit From Writing a Memoir

    Entrepreneur | How Successful Leaders Can Benefit From Writing a Memoir

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Successful entrepreneurs, thought leaders and industry titans are the backbones of our economy and society. We are the ones who take risks, create jobs and drive innovation. We are the ones who inspire people to dream big and strive for excellence. But as we get older, we often worry about how we will be remembered and how our legacy will be preserved. The good news is that there is a simple and effective solution: Write your life story in the form of a memoir.

    Writing a book — especially a memoir — is a great way for strong leaders to share their life stories with the world. Not only do they provide a lasting record of our achievements and experiences, but they also offer insights and lessons that can be learned by future generations. Writing a memoir can be a cathartic and rewarding experience, but it also has many practical benefits.

    Related: Why Writing About Your Life Makes You a Better Entrepreneur

    Benefits of writing a memoir

    1. One of the biggest advantages of writing the story of our lives in the form of a memoir is that it can help build a personal brand. Memoirs are a great way to showcase the personality and character of the writer and to highlight the values, beliefs and principles that drive us. By sharing our life stories and being honest and at times vulnerable, we can demonstrate our expertise, vision and passion. This can help to build a following of loyal fans and followers and to increase our authority and influence.

    2. Another benefit of writing a memoir is that it can drive business to our enterprises. By publishing our life story, we can promote our businesses and services in a subtle story-telling way. Stories are much more powerful than ads or selling. We can share the story of how we got started, the challenges faced and the lessons learned. A well-crafted memoir can help to attract new clients and customers and build a strong and loyal community. It drives people to “know, like and trust” us.

    3. Finally, writing a memoir can be a cost-effective way to increase your visibility and reputation. Instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars on public relations campaigns, we can write and publish our own story and use it as a tool to introduce ourselves to those outside of our closest circles. This allows us to control the narrative and showcase our achievements in a way that is authentic and personal. It also allows us to reach a wider audience, as our memoirs can be read and shared by millions of people around the world at any moment — especially if in the form of an ebook or audiobook.

    Related: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Writing a Book

    My experience

    I have been basking in the glow of the incredible feedback I’ve received from readers of my memoir. Surprisingly, much of the feedback is from men who share underlined and highlighted excerpts of my book to share their own experiences that they relate to. Some even dare to express their own vulnerabilities after seeing that I opened up and shared some of my deepest and darkest experiences.

    I’m making an impact on everyone who reads the book while introducing them to my businesses and my personal brand without forcing it with social media posts, a PR agency or hard selling. Some of the more meaningful experiences I’ve had is hearing people reciting passages of my book to me, and sharing their appreciation of me for “humanizing mental health.” One male entrepreneur wrote, “This is the book I wish I had the courage to write.” I want to read his book!

    Writing a memoir is a valuable investment for successful leaders. It provides a lasting legacy, builds a personal brand, drives business and increases visibility and reputation. So, if you’re an entrepreneur, thought leader or titan of industry, it’s time to start writing your memoir. Not only will you preserve your legacy for future generations, but you’ll also help others to learn from your trials, tribulations and successes. And you might discover things about yourself and your life that were hidden in your subconscious or buried as you “punched your way” through life on the road to success.

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    Natasha Miller

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  • 7 Tips to Help You Write the Book You Always Dreamed About

    7 Tips to Help You Write the Book You Always Dreamed About

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Whether we tap into our lived experiences or allow our minds to spin a yarn, writing a book is a magical form of art. Yet, whereas over 80% of the population say they have always wanted to write, apparently only 1% start and complete their book. Thought-provoking, isn’t it? If we were to gently dive into the thoughts of those who never start or finish their books, what might be their primary hindrance?

    The good news is that as writers, we can bring together all our entrepreneurial and leadership skills and abilities from which to draw upon. Strategy development, time management, innovation, effective marketing, continuous learning, agility and managing change are some of the many business aptitudes that will enhance the life of an author.

    Related: How to Write a Book (and Actually Finish It) in 5 Steps

    The “aha” pieces of the puzzle

    What are the steps we should take to realize our dream of writing that novel, manuscript or book? In my case, it was letting go of preconceived assumptions and embracing learning, growing and connecting with the vibrant writing community as an aspiring author. When my fingertips dance across the keyboard, the self-doubt evaporates into the admixture of words, characters, scenes and settings. A few months ago, I started writing my first book, a fictional novel. To my surprise, I finished my first draft in four weeks.

    Let’s explore and transform seven common obstacles into “aha!” moments that will prompt you to write that book:

    1. I don’t have time

    Whether or not we love them, plans, structures and goals help us move forward. The same applies to writing a book. Can you find a window of time in your average day to create the time? Nothing earth-shattering. Can you set up a consistent writing pattern, perhaps a daily 30 minutes or a few hours every second day? If so, you are a step closer to your dream.

    2. I don’t know how

    Start with an idea, and there are methods, formats or templates available to develop that idea. I created an outline first and expanded from there. Some authors follow their impulses without an outline. There are helpful resources, such as writing software (like Scrivener) story development templates (like Save the Cat) and, of course, online grammar writing assistants such as Grammarly. And there is the vibrant writing community of editors, proofreaders, fellow authors and readers, all of whom can be of help.

    Related: 9 Tips to Stay Motivated When Writing a Book

    3. I need to be more creative

    Over the years, this was a thought that I kept repeating to myself. Putting pen to paper is a process of learning and growth, much like the other facets of life. When I started baking sourdough bread, I did not expect my first bread to be edible; in fact, it was dense and flat. But my husband cheered me on and even proudly ate it. When editing, the experience can be daunting. It involves writing, rewriting, revising, editing and rewriting again. But it hones the craft. You have the option of working with professional editors who tell you if your story feels too vague or too flat. Not all successful authors are natural-born writers and neither am I. But I enjoy the growing knowledge enveloping me like rays of sunshine while I edit and refine my story.

    4. My first attempt is/was not successful

    It’s no surprise they are called messy first drafts. Unless you choose to share it, your first draft is just for you to read. I still love my first draft, though. At a writing seminar, the lecturer told us that our story would probably be dreary if we didn’t rewrite 90% of our first draft. So, when writing the first draft, the rule is to write, write and write. No fixing, no editing. This will prevent us from judging our writing too soon on the journey.

    5. Publishing a book is too challenging

    There are various publishing paths. The traditional route of working with an agent and publisher is one option, or you could access a specific provider who will help with writing, editing, publishing and marketing. There is also self-publishing as an independent author. There are success stories from all; it is up to us to choose the right course of action and enjoy the path we choose.

    Related: This is the Future of Book Publishing

    6. I am not comfortable putting my name out there

    This is easy. Choose a pseudonym, a pen name. I have a pen name. For instance, many great writers like Stephen King and Agatha Christie used pen names. There is no universal rule; you choose what you feel most comfortable with.

    7. I have other commitments

    Many authors manage a successful career while still having other commitments, whether a full-time job or something else. Many become full-time authors and authorpreneurs. So, it is not impossible.

    Whether it is a fiction or nonfiction book, the writing journey ahead is like an unwinding spool of ribbon, rolling and growing. As a result, my debut book will be meeting its readers in the summer of 2023.

    Let’s imagine yourself sitting behind a table. You admire a stack of books in front of you. The room is bustling with excited laughter and chatter. A line of fans in front of you, one by one, and you are signing their books. Imagine hearing someone tell you how much your book meant to them. Imagine the spark in your eyes and the beam on your face.

    Aha! It’s time to begin! Let’s start writing and crafting that tale that your future readers deserve.

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    Gulcan Telci

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  • The Pros and Cons of Using AI to Write Your Book

    The Pros and Cons of Using AI to Write Your Book

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    I was so excited! Last week, I spoke with a potential author, who told me that his manuscript should be done in a few days. The kicker? He hadn’t started it yet.

    I imagined him isolating himself inside a hotel room, pulling a Hemingway in a cabin somewhere off the beaten path. “I’m using AI to write it. Have you heard of the most recent chat AI?” I had, and my 50 years made me skeptical (it’s a side effect of growing old and awesome, lol).

    But I was curious as the AI waves in my entrepreneurship network seemed to be gathering speed. AI-speak was popping up all over the place. As a publisher, editor and writer, did I have something to worry about? How would this change the face of publishing? Would it be like the most recent changes: everyone becoming a publisher and author — which is great for the market and people, but then there was the drawback: everyone becoming a publisher and author.

    You might get mad at me, and that’s okay, but there are some fields we cannot level, even with the best tools. Hence, this article, which came about after I played with AI with my own manuscript and while writing ideas one late night. Here’s what I found in using AI — what it’s good and bad at:

    Related: Why AI Writing Assistants are a Good Thing for Content Creation

    The pros and cons of using AI for writing

    1. It is GREAT at generating headlines. In fact, I used it to cobble together the headline for this very article. My author told me he is loving the book titles it is spitting out for him.

    2. It is quite effective at taking existing copy and editing all the extra words out (i.e., “word economy”). The finished product will read a little like stereo instructions: flat, dehumanized and like everyone else’s. But this is a good starting place if you are working with a transcript, for example. Just load it up, and send it through AI so it comes out clean on the other side.

    3. I didn’t like the results when I asked it to include storytelling elements like “use body language” and “include dialogue.” It will give you very basic suggestions like, “I wrote,” “I listened,” etc.

    4. It is not consistent or accurate to include all elements of your manuscript unless you ask it to. I think it was actually designed for short-form docs because I crashed the thing a couple of times. For instance, I included a story about how my college professor took us on a field trip to select the main character of our stories, and boom! That was not included — until I told it to “include the story about my professor taking the class on a field trip.”

    5. It takes some of the work out of writing your outline (please tell me you always start your book-writing process with an outline). But remember, the outline needs to read like your old-school English teacher used to yell at you about. You need an objective for each chapter — easily accomplished with AI — but then you need supportive points. So, if you’re writing about how to implement effective marketing in your business, your bullets under that could list out what marketing is, why you need it, what some of those marketing options are, and so on. You will need to tell your AI robot to provide supportive statements. Otherwise, you are stuck with a table of contents — that’s not enough info for your prospective book.

    Related: AI & GPT-3 in Content Creation: How Will This Affect Your Job as a Writer?

    Now, the fabulous news! If you are a content creator, this can totally change the game for you. My author told me he ordered his AI to whip up a 52-week content creation calendar complete with posts. So, you could work that up and then feed in your existing content. Repurposing what you’ve written and shared is one of the smartest ways to compound your visibility, drive home your brand awareness, improve your content creation efficiency, speed up your writing and implementation, and the benefits keep coming.

    Don’t worry that you will put people off with brand wear-out, either. It takes people a LONG time to remember your name and face (not that you aren’t completely lovely and memorable — it’s just how humans are wired). Did you know that if you have at least ten podcast episodes, you have a book? Feed your transcripts to the AI monster, take the results, and insert your humanness, stories and case studies. Then you’ve got a book.

    The way I see it, AI is like Grammarly. It will improve you where you are. It will also teach you if you let it. You can’t take every suggestion of either blindly. You need to use your judgment to make decisions about what to include and not include in your writing. Know the basic writing rules. Keep your style. Then utilize the tools at your disposal to improve your talents.

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    Hilary Jastram

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  • Why You Need A Ghostwriter For Your Next Book

    Why You Need A Ghostwriter For Your Next Book

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Would you believe me if I told you I just attended New York Fashion Week? If you are someone who celebrates fashion, you might know that Fashion Week is one of the biggest events in the industry. I was honored to be personally invited to participate in one of the shows.

    But you’re probably thinking, how did this happen to someone like me who is decidedly not in the fashion industry? It happened because of a book. My company wrote a book for one of the designers, and she was generous enough to let me see her collection launch during the infamous event.

    In the current age, more and more entrepreneurs are jumping into the literary space to gain authority in their field. I have heard it said that entrepreneurs having their own books is like having a really good business card. But is everyone good at making business cards?

    Not everyone is a writer. Some might not enjoy the act, don’t feel they have the skills or don’t have the time needed to create a book. Plus, writing is hard. But it can be much more manageable if you have someone who knows what they’re doing. They can guide you along the process, working with you to create your book while saving you time. Enter the “ghostwriter.”

    Related: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Writing a Book

    A common misconception

    People hear the word ‘ghostwriter’ and get weary that the book is untrue. But just because something is “ghostwritten” doesn’t mean the ideas aren’t from the author (in this case, the client or the person whose name is on the book).

    Authors play a huge role in writing the book! They’ll discuss their ideas with the writer, provide feedback on drafts and even edit the ideas in the book. With ghostwriting, someone else puts those ideas into coherent, eloquent words, but the author gets the credit because they brought the book to life. It becomes a helpful tool devised through an equitable partnership. This is why working with a trusted professional will give you the best results.

    Related: How One Man Made $200,000 Last Year Ghostwriting Tweets

    Save time

    As I mentioned, another benefit of hiring a ghostwriter is saving time in the writing process. Writing a book is nothing if not time-consuming and having a ghostwriter by your side makes life much easier. If you are an entrepreneur, you’re most likely busy balancing your personal and professional life while trying to earn the best results for your clients. This is no easy task, but the best leaders know that they cannot do everything themselves.

    Did somebody say delegation? Having someone who helps you out is okay, especially if that individual understands your goals. Reaching out to someone like a ghostwriter doesn’t make you fraudulent or a bad business person; it just makes you a person who is willing to ask for help, which is an admirable quality if you ask me.

    How do ghostwriting services work?

    While every ghostwriter may have a slightly different process, typically, it starts with a discovery interview where they ask what you want to write about. Here the writer will gauge if you have any topics that you want to be implemented. This is a great time to lay out those ideas that have been brewing inside your head. This way, the writer can already start piecing together what the actual text of your book might look like.

    Usually, ghostwriters will then take your input and put it into words that foster connection and empathy from your audience. Ghostwriting is an intimate process so expect the call to get personal at points, especially if it is a nonfiction book and even more so if it’s biographical. You must feel comfortable with your ghostwriter so that you and your work don’t suffer in creating your book.

    Related: The Entrepreneur’s Complete Guide to Ghostwriting

    After the preliminary call is done, the ghostwriters get to work. Once they have the first draft done, they will typically send it to you, encouraging you to make any edits you deem appropriate. Remember, this is your book! So this is an excellent time to clear up any misunderstandings or bumps in the manuscript.

    Even if you are not a linguist at heart, you can create your own book with a good ghostwriter by your side. When you start to promote your books (especially if it centers around you and your field of business), others will see you as an authority. Books are a great way to prove your knowledge in your field, allow your customers to get to know you better, and allow you to flex those creative muscles.

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    Morissa Schwartz

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  • Book Author Fakes Suicide And Returns Two Years Later

    Book Author Fakes Suicide And Returns Two Years Later

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    How’s this for a plot twist? In 2020, romance book author Susan Meachen’s daughter announced on Facebook that her mom had committed suicide. Meachen was much admired in the indie romance book community, and the thoughts and prayers poured in.

    Meachen published ten romance novels. Her “final” book, Love To Last A Lifetime, was supposedly published posthumously in October 2020 with final rewrites made by her daughter.

    Fans were encouraged to order the book on Facebook. “Susan wanted to have it published by her daughter’s wedding,” an emotional post said.

    In the years that followed, Meacham’s daughter would post from time to time, encouraging people to buy her mom’s books using discount codes or donate to suicide prevention organizations.

    Only one problem — it was all a lie.

    Susan Meachen is very much alive. This week she reappeared in a private writer’s Facebook group called The Ward, writing:

    “I debated on how to do this a million times and still not sure if it’s right or not. There’s going to be tons of questions and a lot of people leaving the group I’d guess. But my family did what they thought was best for me and I can’t fault them for it. I almost died again at my own hand and they had to go through all that hell again. Returning to The Ward doesn’t mean much, but I am in a good place now, and I am hoping to write again. Let the fun begin.”

    Not only is Meachen alive and kicking, but she has been publishing books under a pseudonym, TN Steele, for the past two years.

    “I don’t know who to trust anymore.”

    The outrage was swift and forceful, with fans and former mourners going online to express their anger.

    “What an absolute piece of s$%,” tweeted @Draggerofliars.

    “Using ‘Let the fun begin.’ As your sign-off when you announce you didn’t really commit suicide is something. No notes,” tweeted @megantastic

    Fellow author Samantha A. Cole, who was online friends with Meachen, said in a Facebook video: “That is beyond psychotic, whether it was Susan herself or her daughter making these comments, to knowingly mislead somebody who’s grieving.”

    Later, in a private Facebook chat with Meachen’s account, Cole wrote, “I am happy she is alive because I don’t want to wish death on anybody. But I cannot condone what she did, and I cannot forgive what she did.”

    Cole continued, “‘I hope the book world can heal from this, it’s gonna take time,’ the author added. ‘I don’t know who I can trust anymore, except the people that I have met, that I am closest to.”

    So far, neither Meachen nor her family has responded publicly.

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    Jonathan Small

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  • 6 Tips for Creating Magnetic Headlines that Bring High Conversions

    6 Tips for Creating Magnetic Headlines that Bring High Conversions

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    You work hard on creating content. This content deserves to get seen. But that’s only possible when you invest some of your efforts into creating the content’s headline.

    The headline is the one part of your content that gets the most exposure since 80% of the readers only read the headline. The quality of the headline determines whether a reader will stop scrolling, look at your content and click on it.

    If the headline seems unappealing, your content may not get the attention it deserves, no matter how valuable, informative and engaging it may be. This is perhaps why traffic can vary by as much as 500% just because of the headline.

    Therefore, compromising on the quality of the headline is the last thing you want to do.

    Related: This Is How You Write Headlines That Hook ’em!

    How to write great headlines

    Fortunately, writing powerful headlines involves no rocket science. You can quickly start churning out impactful headlines with a bit of practice. Writing great headlines is a combination of art and science. The internet is filled with formulas for headline writing. And they work too. But only so much.

    You must blend your creativity, audience understanding and a bit of data with these formulas to create resounding headlines.

    Here are a few tips on how you can go about doing that:

    1. Think about your readers

    It’s a customer-first world we are living in. In this case, reader-first.

    You have to identify your audience’s problems and deliver effective solutions in an appealing manner to solidify your reputation and build loyalty.

    Since the headline gets the most exposure, reflect your audience’s understanding and concentrate on the value your content adds to their life within it. This is the best way to show your audience you understand their struggles and get them to read your content to further hone in on the emotional bond you intend to create.

    Be clear about what the article has for the reader. Will it entertain, educate, inform or inspire them? Will it answer a question or solve a problem?

    For example, if you sell office chairs and know your prospects struggle with back pain, you can create a headline focusing on the pain point. Something like “7 Exclusive Office Chairs to Help Alleviate Your Back Pain” may help generate good results.

    2. Use power words

    Notice the word “exclusive” in the example headline above? That’s a power word.

    Certain words trigger a psychological response, an emotion within humans. These words are called power words. Power words are divided into multiple categories based on the emotions they invoke. These categories may include greed, curiosity, trust, anger, fear, etc.

    Including one of these words within the headline maximizes its impact. Your headline now triggers an emotional response within the readers and is more likely to get a click from them.

    Let’s revisit the example headline above.

    “7 Exclusive Office Chairs to Alleviate Your Back Pain”

    Let’s take the power word out.

    “7 Office Chairs to Alleviate Your Back Pain.”

    Did the impact visibly reduce? It sure did.

    That’s the power of power words. You can find a comprehensive list of power words here.

    3. Don’t forsake authenticity

    It is easy to go overboard with power words. But that would bring you closer to creating click-baity headlines. And savvy modern readers can spot click-baity headlines from miles away and dismiss the content and the brand that pushes such headlines.

    Therefore, strike a balance when using power words.

    Make sure the headline promises what the content delivers. Nothing is more annoying than clicking on an article to learn about one thing and finding something completely different, incomplete, or irrelevant instead.

    Mold your headline to fit the article. For this, create the content and then write the headline to ensure it reflects the article’s content.

    4. Stay on brand

    Consistent branding is essential across all customer touchpoints since it can increase revenue by 33%.

    The headlines may get the most eyeballs from your online content. Therefore, they must align with your brand’s personality. Think of the headlines here on Entrepreneur and compare them with those on Buzzfeed. You will be able to identify how brands stick to their brand personality through headlines.

    5. Use numbers

    The age-old headline tip. Use numbers.

    Using numbers in headlines is an approach that is often overused. But it still works.

    Numbers are more appealing to the human brain than words. They are easier to process and understand. More importantly, numbers help readers determine how long the content is and what they should expect more easily.

    This is why 36% of readers prefer headlines with numbers.

    Which of the following headlines do you think will be better:

    “7 Exclusive Office Chairs to Alleviate Your Back Pain” or

    “Office Chairs to Alleviate Your Back Pain.”?

    The former. That’s because it tells the readers they have seven options inside and promises them that the article will be easier to skim through.

    So, try and write numbered headlines. But again, don’t go overboard. Mix it up with other headlines to ensure your brand appears authentic.

    6. Take care of the headline length

    It is easy to get carried away when creating headlines. You want to write the most straightforward and impactful headline, after all. However, you have to stick to a character limit. 60-100 characters, to be exact.

    Readers are almost always short on time. You have a few seconds to grab attention and deliver value. Therefore, stick to the character limit and consolidate all its value.

    Related: Copywriters Use These 4 Psychological Tactics to Write Attention-Grabbing Headlines

    Do justice to your content

    Creating content can be challenging. And once you are done writing your blog, you need it to be seen to serve the purpose it was designed for. Therefore, make sure to write headlines that generate clicks and do justice to your content.

    You can do this by aligning the headline content with the user’s pain points, clarifying the value, including numbers and maintaining optimal headline length.

    Also, test your headlines to see what resonates best with your audience. See which posts have garnered the most clicks and analyze their headlines. You might be able to pick critical headline-writing insights this way. Implement these insights to improve your headline writing game.

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    Atul Jindal

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  • 7 Ways to Write A Killer Bio

    7 Ways to Write A Killer Bio

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Do you ever feel like your personal brand story is missing something?

    Maybe you’ve noticed every other brand story presenting an immense challenge, but without a struggle to share of your own, you wonder if you need to amplify your life events to make your story more powerful.

    If you’ve already tried that, chances are it felt ungenuine. You’re not alone. When we see these stories of struggle everywhere, it can feel like our story should be like this, too. But that’s not the case at all.

    With a strong story, you can seamlessly resonate with your audience and get recognized as a thought leader. But the secret to making it more powerful lies in your authentic story… not a model that amplifies the challenges just to connect with your audience.

    Keep reading to discover the best way to adopt the favored hero’s journey model and write a killer bio that earns your audience’s love and trust — even if you don’t have a dramatic event or immense challenge to construct it around.

    Related: How to Create an Epic Brand Story Like Elon Musk’s and Henry Ford’s

    The hero’s journey trap

    You’ve seen the classic hero’s journey: the hero is called to adventure, discovers a guide, faces a challenge, experiences a profound transformation and returns to the world with newly discovered gifts or insights.

    While a great model, initially curated by author and professor Joseph Campbell, it does, however, present a trap. Over time, it has led people to believe that a story is not powerful or engaging unless it entails a grand challenge or adversity; such as a traumatic car accident, chronic illness, problematic divorce, falling into poverty; the list goes on.

    We see it all the time: those inspirational stories of overcoming hardship — and when true, can make a huge impact! But, the challenge lies within those who don’t carry a story of trauma or monumental challenge.

    They end up trying to make their story ‘more exciting’ by overdramatizing their life events, which can do more harm than good.

    The truth about creating a powerful brand story

    When planning a novel back in 2014, I found myself seeking to force an element of evil into my story. It just didn’t come naturally, yet I deemed it essential!

    I blindly reached out to one of my favorite fiction writers of all time: Richard Bach. To my surprise, he wrote back! I was beyond excited! Here was his advice:

    “Your stories can tell simply that your characters want to live a simple, gentle life. What stood between them and that life, and what did they do to find their way through the cliffs? How is your heroine different from others? What does she think and dream? What kind of wind blows her toward her dream, and what currents take her off course? How does she change, from Chapter 1 to Chapter 20?

    The evil forces, the bad guys, are for writers who write for what they think their readers want… You do not need evil to tell a lovely story.”

    Reflecting upon this, I recognized how it applies perfectly to personal brand stories. You see, you are the character, and the dramatized challenges are the evil forces we feel are necessary.

    So, despite the familiar storylines, your story does not need to entail this to be of influence.

    Want proof? Many thought leaders have significantly impacted with their unique gifts and message without focusing on their challenges. Such as:

    • Marie Forleo; who followed her desire to go against the conventional grain and chase more pleasure after recognizing she was unfulfilled;
    • Jay Shetty; who followed his inspiration after meeting a Monk and not resonating with the route his student friends were taking;
    • Preston Smiles; who followed his innate desire to share love and happiness, care for others, and do “big things.”

    Everyone faces challenges, but not all stories of transformation are filled with heavy, extraordinary events — and despite popular opinion, they don’t need to be. You can simply run with a different story; driven by desires, dreams, insights and realizations.

    Related: 30 Tips to Grow Your Audience and Stand Out on Instagram

    How to write a killer bio (without amplifying your life events)

    You can now unfold your most genuine personal brand story — without falling into the trap of feeling the need to dramatize everything. Follow the prompts below and infuse them into your story of transformation.

    1. What was your chapter 1?

    Reflect upon where it all began, who you were and what life looked like. This is the part that will resonate the most with your audience who knows this world well.

    2. What stood in between you and your dreams?

    Everyone faces problems and obstacles, big or small. What stopped you from creating your dream life at the beginning?

    3. What “wind” blew you toward your dream?

    Before seeking a new path, you were called to action, to adventure. What was the final straw that made you make a change? This could be a moment, a realization or simply your yearning desires.

    4. What helped you find your “way through the cliffs”?

    Who and what aided you get across the line? Identify mentors, guides, books or practices that helped you to give your audience insight — and connect the dots to you and your offer.

    5. What “currents” took you off course?”

    What challenges arose that could have stood in your way of success? For some, this is rock bottom; for others, it’s simply a more profound insight or realization that makes turning back no longer an option.

    6. How did you change due to your success “from chapter 1 to chapter 20”?

    Reflect on your transformation and highlight what changed for you, internally or externally. This transformation can happen over some time or in one precise moment.

    7. What gifts do you now have to share with the world?

    Look at where you are today and what you have ‘returned’ with: new insights, wisdom, gifts, experience or purpose. What are you here to do, who are you here to serve, and how?

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    Natasha Zo

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  • Publication Academy Receives Grant to Provide Academic, Technical, & Grant Writing Training for Templeton World Charity Foundation

    Publication Academy Receives Grant to Provide Academic, Technical, & Grant Writing Training for Templeton World Charity Foundation

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    Press Release
    –

    Sep 22, 2022


    RESTON, Va., September 22, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Publication Academy is excited to have the opportunity to continue providing best-in-class online training programs for a third consecutive year for grantees of the Templeton World Charity Foundation, Inc. (TWCF), a private foundation supporting diverse researchers around the world in discovering new knowledge, developing new tools, and launching new innovations that make a lasting impact on human flourishing.

    As part of TWCF’s newly launched strategy to support new scientific research on human flourishing and to translate related discoveries into practical tools, Publication Academy will provide grantees with access to three customized curricula developed on its premiere training platform: (1) the TWCF Academic Writing Course, (2) the TWCF Technical Communication Course, and (3) the TWCF Grant Writing & Management Course. These hybrid courses will provide TWCF grantees with 24/7 access to over 90 hours of video-based On Demand programming, group-based live webinar coaching sessions every two weeks, and “Office Hour” sessions for grantees to receive 1-on-1 guidance. 

    Publication Academy’s courses will accelerate the pace at which discoveries move through the strategic pipeline by empowering TWCF grantees to successfully disseminate their project findings through academic publications (peer-reviewed journal articles, edited book chapters, conference presentations) and technical communications (social media and blog posts, digital newsletters, podcasts, press releases, and more). In addition, the courses will help support re-investment in currently funded projects by training grantees in how to find new external funding opportunities and then to write successful grant proposals.

    The custom curricula developed for TWCF over the past two years have resulted in a significant increase in scholarly productivity across professions and cultural backgrounds. An analysis conducted in August 2021 found that participants in the TWCF Academic Writing Course tripled their total peer-reviewed publication output since the course was offered. Individual participants saw an increase of between 50% to over 500% in their rates of publication, with course completers consistently reporting that the programming contributed to achieving their personal goals and enhancing their professional expertise.

    According to one grantee, a Professor of Education in El Salvador who completed the TWCF Academic Writing Course in 2021: “Before taking this course, I thought I understood how publication worked. Now having completed my Publication Academy course this year, I realize the gap in knowledge between what I thought I knew before and what actually must be done to get a paper published. The experience of having an instructor to ask advice from, the tips that he gave us, and the blueprints and exemplars that he provided us have really become essential in achieving my academic and professional goals.”

    Media Contact

    Ginger Tett (gingertett@publicationacademy.com)

    Source: Publication Academy, Inc.

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  • Writing Short is Hard Launches New Text Analysis Tool for Academics

    Writing Short is Hard Launches New Text Analysis Tool for Academics

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    The tool was created to widen the definition of “good writing”, helping writers become strategic and intentional

    Press Release
    –

    Jul 21, 2022


    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 21, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Writing Short is Hard – the consulting company that provides writing and editing support to academics and creatives – is excited to announce the launch of writingwellishard.com, a new text analysis tool that allows writers to evaluate their work in comparison with the writing style they are trying to emulate. 

    Designed specifically with academics in mind, writingwellishard.com was created on the belief that there isn’t a single definition of “good” academic writing; instead, it helps writers write in alignment with the style of the best writers in their field.  

    Existing digital writing assistants, such as Grammarly, are helpful when it comes to checking grammar and syntax; however, they only serve to “fix” writing and reinforce existing norms.  

    In contrast, writingwellishard.com allows users to compare their work to a sample from a text they consider well-written. The tool then compares the two pieces, calculating the density of linguistic features such as the passive voice, and provides an analysis that helps the user align their writing to the sample’s style. 

    The development of the tool was driven by Writing Short is Hard owner Letitia Henville, an award-winning editor with a Ph.D. in English Literature. With the support of a small team, she has been building writingwellishard.com since the start of 2022. 

    “I’m not persuaded there’s only one way to write well, and I don’t like that the models of ‘good’ writing are too often white, cis, male, and dead,” commented Henville. “I want academics to be able to edit their own work strategically and with intentionality, modelling their work on whatever writer or writing they decide is best.” 

    About Writing Short is Hard Consulting Company 

    Writing Short is Hard provides editing services to academics and artists, with a focus on journal articles, grant applications, and tenure and promotion dossiers.  

    Their vision is for a university system and civil society in which high-quality artistic and scholarly work is valued, accessible, broadly shared, and appropriately measured and compensated. 

    To learn more about writingwellishard.com, or to try the tool, click here. 

    Connect with Writing Short is Hard 

    Website | letitia.henville@gmail.com | +16043397857 

    Source: Writing Short is Hard

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  • Summit Educational Group Launches New, Innovative 1-1 Peak Academic Math and Writing Courses

    Summit Educational Group Launches New, Innovative 1-1 Peak Academic Math and Writing Courses

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    NEWTON, Mass., June 7, 2021 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Summit Educational Group is pleased to announce a new suite of advanced math and writing courses designed to elevate students’ understanding of concepts and strengthen their skill set and confidence level. The customized courses, 1-1 Peak Academic Math and 1-1 Peak Academic Writing, will be taught online or in-person by highly qualified tutors who are experts in their field. The courses serve to extend the company’s tutoring expertise into essential programs for core academic subjects.

    The courses, designed for students who are looking to accelerate their learning in math and writing, will provide each student with a way to stand out academically, as well as foster an in-depth understanding of topics that cut across the span of their scholastic and professional careers. The 1-1 Peak Academic courses will also help bolster each student’s skill set after a challenging year in education due to the pandemic.

    With Summit’s established expertise in 1-1, individualized test prep and academic tutoring, the Peak 1-1 programs are a natural next step for the company.

    The new courses will result not only in an increased understanding of topics but also in the development of an instinct for problem-solving and the writing process. “As a result of Summit’s 1-1 Peak Academic Courses, our students will learn how to meet tasks with more confidence and less frustration, conquering the fear and stress that often accompanies even starting math problems or writing assignments,” said Summit Founder and CEO, Charlie O’Hearn.

    “Each student possesses specific goals, a unique learning style, a distinct personality, and personal strengths and areas for improvement,” O’Hearn said. “Only through one-on-one tutoring can a student’s needs be fully assessed and a customized plan be created.”

    Peak Math Courses

    Summit offers six different math courses: Grade 4 Math, Grade 5 Math, Pre-algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry. The goal of these courses is to bring the student immersive, engaging content that will help ensure success now and in future math classes. The skills and strengths developed in these courses will lead to eager engagement with math, and the development of transferrable skills such as perseverance, confidence, and creative problem solving.

    Peak Analytical Writing Course

    Our Peak Analytical Writing course focuses on teaching students to master analytical writing, the most important, and most frequent type of writing that students encounter in high school and college. In this engaging program, students will learn to structure their essays, deepen their analysis, develop their arguments, and create quality supportive examples that showcase their true writing skills. This level of skills development will help students prepare for honors, advanced placement (AP), and other higher-level English classes as well as other subjects requiring strong written communication.

    To learn more about Summit Educational Group’s 1-1 Peak Academic Courses, visit:

    1-1 Peak Math Courses: https://mytutor.com/math-courses-grades-4-10/

    1-1 Peak Writing Course: https://mytutor.com/writing-courses-for-teens/

    About Summit Educational Group

    For over 30 years, Summit has helped students realize their potential through customized, 1-1 test prep and academic tutoring programs. Our commitment is to each student’s academic success on their terms, a commitment to find the right tutor, to customize the optimal program, to create a test plan that works for each student, and to help students realize their score and academic potential.

    61R Chapel St, Newton, MA 02458

    237 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840

    611 West Hartsdale Ave, Suite 201, White Plains, NY 10607

    CONTACT: Drew Heilpern, Chief Brand Ambassador

    dheilpern@mytutor.com | (617) 831-4381 |www.mytutor.com

    Source: Summit Educational Group

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  • 11th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards Announced

    11th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards Announced

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    The 11th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards recognize winners and finalists from this year’s competition

    Press Release
    –


    updated: May 31, 2017


    LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 31, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The National Indie Excellence® Awards (NIEA) are a prestigious national award contest open to recent English language books in print from small, medium, university, self and independent publishers. The 11th annual judging is complete and the results celebrate a spectacular range of titles. 

    The National Indie Excellence® Awards helps establish independent publishing as a strong and proud facet of the publishing industry. Recognizing authors that put their heart and soul into their work, NIEA is a champion of self-publishers and the small, independent presses that go the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect. Established in 2007, the NIEA competition is judged by experts from all aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters.

    “We are proud to announce the winners and finalists whose books truly embody the excellence that this award was created to celebrate, and we salute you all for your fine work.”

    Ellen Reid, Founder NIEA

    Winners and finalists are determined based on “overall excellence of presentation — a synergy of form and content” in a wide range of genres. Sponsorships and monetary prizes are selected by the jury from the overall group of Winners and Finalists.

    To view the 11th Annual NIEA Winners and Finalists, click here: https://www.indieexcellence.com/11th-annual-winners 

    For more information, please visit: www.indieexcellence.com or contact support@indieexcellence.com

    Source: The National Indie Excellence® Awards

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