Category: Advice

Little Free Library

Published on July 4, 2022

Little Free Library? What is this? I asked myself the same question as I passed a few in my own neighborhood and wondered what their purpose was. Per littlefreelibrary.org, they are the world’s largest book sharing society that not only inspires readers but also expands book access to all communities. Their mission is “To be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.”

According to literacytexas.org there are more than forty-three million adults in the US alone that cannot read, write, or do basic math above the third-grade level. A rise of just 1% in literacy scores leads to a 2.5% rise in labor productivity. I have outlined a few more facts so that we can all appreciate the importance of reading and book sharing across our neighborhoods.

If all adults could reach the equivalent of a six-grade reading level, up to $2.2 trillion additional income could be generated annually for the United States.
An estimated $106 – $238 billion in health care costs every year are linked to low adult literacy skills.
Around 75% of people currently in prison have low literacy skills.
When people who are in prison participate in education programs, they are 43% less likely to re-offend, compared to people who do not participate.
The reading skill of a child’s main caregiver – usually their mother – is the greatest determinant of that child’s future academic success, more significant than other factors like neighborhood or family income.

So, what does Little Free Library offer to the community and why are they integral in supporting literacy? This organization offers free book-sharing 24/7 and is accessible to everyone. Yes, I said FREE! The best part is that a membership is not required. Simply leave a book at one of their locations and if you’re inspired to read then pick one up as well. Millions of books are exchanged each year, thus increasing book access to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Now for the fun part, how can Little Free Library assist self-published or indie authors? Well, I’m glad you asked. A few thoughts come to mind when I see one of these libraries – Marketability and Publicity! Think of it as a free marketing tool without barriers. Any reader at any given time can walk up to a Little Free Library and skim the spines to determine which book pique’s their interest. If your published book happens to be in said library, then chances are that it will land into the hands of an avid reader that otherwise you would not have been able to reach. Not everyone has time to go to the public library or the resources to obtain a membership/library card. And not every published book is available in the public libraries. Little Free Library eliminates the hassle of getting your book into the right hands.

How do I find one of these libraries? First download the app and find a local Little Free Library in your neighborhood. Next, drive to said location (this can be a public place or home) and leave your book in their library which should be visible to everyone (usually in their yard near the sidewalk). After I downloaded the app and registered as a user, I located at least five Little Free Libraries in my neighborhood. I drove over and dropped off my book at each location. It was easy and hassle free!

Reasons to market your book with Little Free Library:

Available in almost all neighborhood and communities (both rural and suburban).
They collaborate with school, public libraries, local businesses, and organizations to foster reading and influence literacy while removing barriers to access more books.
Currently there are 25K Little Free Libraries in 100K countries with 42 million books shared annually.
One book is shared daily in Little Free Library (which can include your book).
Increase visibility (free publicity).
Promote literacy in your own neighborhood.

Want to start your own Little Free Library while also marketing your book? No problem! I have outlined the steps required in order to get started and begin managing your very own library.

First go to www.littlefreelibrary.org
Next, click on the “Get Started” icon to the right.
Watch the 30 second video to learn more about how the program works and what it has to offer.
Sign up with the “Free Insider’s Guide” that will provide tips and benefits.
Download the app and locate a library close to your home so that you can schedule a visit with one of the volunteer stewards and have them share their experience while providing some valuable advice.

Additional Resources/References:

www.littlefreelibrary.org

www.literacytexas.org

Writing Blog

Published on June 10, 2022

To be honest, I never really understood or ran across too many blogs until I became a writer. I was vaguely aware that a blog provides a wealth of information but the part that I wasn’t clear was the audience and the exact content. Who writes a blog and for what purpose? Where do they find their audience and what inspires the author to continue writing a blog?

First, let’s clarify what a blog is and what information it provides. According to Wikipedia, a Blog is defined as “a discussion or informational website published on the World Wide Web consisting of discrete, often informal diary-style text entries. Posts are typically displayed in reverse chronological order, so that the most recent post appears first, at the top of the web page.”

So, who can write a blog?

Anyone! If you are knowledgeable in a particular area or have a specific skill set that you’d like to share, then you are more than qualified to write a blog. Blogs are supposed to be informative and can provide awareness, tips, tutorials, guides or used to promote a particular product. A blog is typically owned and managed by either a single or several bloggers.

Why do Bloggers write?

Bloggers write a blog for two reasons: 1) to build a personal brand and 2) to generate income. If you plan to blog as a way to earn income, then consider picking a profitable niche that will maximize sponsored posts. Some business owners create blogs to improve their online rankings, attract potential customers and develop an online presence. The bloggers intent is to foster relationships with their readers and other fellow bloggers by encouraging online discussions. Whatever your purpose is for writing a blog, be sure to not only focus on publishing content but also consider the quality, consistency, and your overall web design.

What is the difference between a website and a blog?

A website’s content does not typically change, it is static information whereas a blog outlines the newest posts at the top of the page.

How do I get started?

To be clear, a blog can be a section withing a website (like mine) or a standalone project. Be sure to choose the one that works best for you. First and foremost, you will need to purchase a domain name and web hosting plan. For me, I searched online to ensure that no one else had my domain name and immediately purchased the rights. I then found a hosting site (Bluehost) and located a website builder (WordPress) and started working on my website while simultaneously working on my blog. For more information on locating a hosting site and website builder then read my blog post labeled, “Author Website” (more information below).

Are there different types of blogs?

Yes there is and a blogger is not limited to just one! Be sure that you have the time to continue writing content and sharing with your targeted audience (if that is the intent). The list below is not all inclusive but can be used as a reference and starting point to get started.

Affiliate – A blog based on affiliate marketing which is the practice of promoting a third party’s products and/or services. Affiliate blog owners will receive a commission when someone purchases from their custom links.
Business – The primary purpose is to publish content relevant to the company’s industry.
Multimedia – It uses a blog format but publishes multimedia content such as videos and podcasts, instead of written posts. It also usually includes the video or podcast’s summary, table of contents, and essential quotes.
News – Content focuses on the latest events in a specific industry. This type of blog does not contain opinions nor personal content as it sticks to the facts.
Niche – Provides information on a particular topic, usually related to the blogger’s passions, skills, and/or knowledge. Examples: book blogs, food blogs, and lifestyle blogs.
Personal – In this forum bloggers discuss various personal subjects and share their opinions (like a diary). They are not focused to sell an item nor to target a specific audience. Examples: family events, projects and even self-reflection.
Reverse – Also known as group blogs, multiple authors create blog posts on related topics and the blog owner is the one who proofreads and posts content.

At the end of the day, if you want to create a blog then it is imperative that you are passionate about it otherwise your blog will not thrive.

Additional Resources:

www.bluehost.com

www.wordpress.com

www.eli-liszt.com/author-website

Leave a Book Review

Published on April 25, 2022

Did you know that book reviews not only help like-minded readers discover a delightful book, but they also assist the author by providing valuable feedback? Readers choose books based on recommendations (I know I do) and the author relies on said reviews in order to enhance their marketing strategy. The vast majority of authors make less than $10K a year which if we are being honest, isn’t enough to financially sustain a household. It’s considered a small business that requires a lot of patience and endless rounds of advertising campaigns.

This is why book reviews are so important to authors. Book reviews are the best way to tell the author thank you and that you enjoyed their literary work. It also sends a message to their publisher to produce more books while increasing visibility and boosting sales. For example, Amazon will include an author’s book in the “also bought” and “you might like” category once it has acquired 25+ reviews. After 51+ reviews Amazon will highlight the book for spotlight promotions and will also include said book in its newsletter.

A book review does not have to be lengthy and can be as simple as “I liked it” or “Must read.” It is not about how long a book review is but more about the number of reviews a book has garnered. What if you haven’t finished reading the book – should you still leave a review? Yes, absolutely! If you are currently reading a book and are already enjoying it then you can unquestionably leave a review.

So, you’ve read a book but do not know how or where to leave a review. Fear no more – I have provided a step-by-step guide on how to complete a book review on the three major reading platforms (see below). It’s quick, easy, and rewarding.

For my published works, I’ve decided to gift my readers with FREE BOOK SWAG once their review is posted online. It’s a win-win for both the reader and author!

AMAZON – Must be a member but easy to sign up

Under the search bar – change the search to “Books” and type “Eli Liszt”
Click on my book title “PNEUMA: The Celestial Beings Trilogy”
Choose either format (e-book or paperback)
Scroll to the bottom until you reach “Customer Reviews” right under the “About the Author” section on the left-hand side of the page.
Underneath that you will see “Review this Product” and share your thoughts with other customers.
Click on “Write a Customer Review”

BARNES & NOBLE – Create an account – free of charge

Under the search bar – type “Eli Liszt”
Click on my book title “PNEUMA: The Celestial Beings Trilogy”
Choose either format (e-book or paperback)
Scroll to the bottom until you reach “Customer Reviews” right under the “Product Details” section on the right-hand side of the page.
Click on “Write a Review” – a separate tab will open

GOODREADS – Create an account – free of charge

Under the search bar – type “Eli Liszt”
Click on my book title “PNEUMA: The Celestial Beings Trilogy”
Scroll to the bottom until you reach “Community Reviews”
Your profile picture will show up along with a button that states “Write a Review” on the left-hand side.
Click on “Write a Review”

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Book Press Release

Book Press Release

Published on April 9, 2022

As an author, when I heard the words, “Press Release”, only one thought came to mind, “Expensive” and “Farfetched”. I immediately panicked and wondered if a Press Release was really necessary while launching the release of my new book. Well, let’s take a closer look and dive into the specifics of what an actual Book Press Release is, the costs associated with this nifty announcement and what information it contains before deciding whether one is right for you.

According to Wikipedia, a Press Release is defined as “an official statement delivered to members of the news media for the purpose of providing information, creating an official statement, or making an announcement directed for public release.”

In short, a Book Press Release is a one-page eye popping summary about your book that should be directed to all news media outlets announcing that your book is newsworthy! In this article, I will highlight the importance of a Book Press Release, why an author should have one while uncovering additional resources that will assist with the preparation of your very own Book Press Release.

Now let’s explore the benefits and importance of having a Book Press Release. These four words say it all – Marketing, Visibility, New Customers and Branding!

Marketing – Every author (whether traditionally or independently published) needs marketing as part of their strategy, and this should include a Book Press Release. It can be a wonderful marketing tool because a Book Press Release will grasp the media outlets’ attention and provide them with talking points about your book.
Visibility – It is important to drive traffic to your website in order to boost sales, etc. A Book Press Release will assist with online visibility and much more.
New Customers – Journalists will use your Book Press Release for story ideas thus expanding your range and reaching new customers either locally and/or even nationwide.
Branding – As an author it is vital to build your brand while gaining credibility for your literary work. With a Book Press Release, this outcome is just a few clicks away.

The format, layout and contents of a Book Press Release is as important as if you were writing a book. There are talking points that a journalist will look for before they attempt to write about your Book. The list below is not all inclusive however, it gives you a general idea of what the requirements are.

Write in Third Person – Your Book Press Release should sound like a news story, not an advertisement.
Press Release Headline – This is your hook. Use your news angle to capture the reader’s attention.
Keep it Brief – Media outlets are not looking to sell your book, but they are looking to reach their target audiences. A Book Press Release doesn’t outline your book, instead it focuses on how the material in your book will connect with a certain group of people. The idea is to give journalists a clear hook or catchy headline that will draw the attention of readers.
Sub Header – This is one sentence that gives a little more information about your book. The purpose here is to expand on your news angle.
Date Line – List your city, state, country, and the date of the Book Press Release.
Intro – This is the most significant part of your Book Press Release. Lead with an impactful statement and then get to the point. Do not lollygag and get off track as this will lose the interest of the media outlets.
Quote – This can either be a quote from your book or an endorsement (optional and not a must).
Author Biography – This section should be less than 100 words and include things that enhance your author brand while convincing readers to trust you.
Book Information – The book description is your pitch to the reader as to why they should care about your book. Don’t think of the book description as a synopsis, instead focus on an issue then tell the reader how your book will help them solve it. Explain exactly what the book is about, in clear, obvious terms.
Contact – Include your website, email, phone number, and any social media handles that you regularly use.

On to the next question, who will write your Book Press Release? And what are the cost involved if you hire a professional vs doing it yourself?

Cost – The interesting thing about a Book Press Release in general is that the costs will vary depending on where you look and what kind of services you’re looking for. For example, you could get a Book Press Release from Fiverr.com for as little as $20.00. But let’s be honest, we do not know if this individual is really experienced or just got something off the internet to make a quick buck.
Skilled Writer – A skilled Book Press Release writer will charge anywhere from $500 to $2500. This will also depend on their experience, current portfolio, and expertise in your field. Any kind of distribution and news monitoring services would more than likely be extra. First you have to create a Book Press Release and then you have to find a way to distribute it.
Press Release Agency – If you end up using a Press Release Agency, then your costs will more than likely start at $3000. However, this fee should include the add-ons of distribution, news monitoring, and consultation. An agency will create a press release with messaging that’s clear and garners the attention that your news deserves.
Do It Yourself – It is possible to write your very own Book Press Release so long as you treat it like a book, with endless rounds of edits and research in your specific genre. This option will save you money but can take up a lot of your time if you are under a pressing deadline.

You’ve finally got your Book Press Release ready (whether you wrote it yourself or hired a professional), now how in the world do you distribute/release this newsworthy announcement to all media outlets? The best and least expensive way to publish your Book Press Release is through a Syndication Service.

What is a Syndication Service – A Syndication Service acts on your behalf to distribute press releases and have an extensive network of media contacts.
Why use a Syndication Service – It’s more common to use a syndication service to get the word out quickly. When you pay a syndication service, they distribute the release to a network of media outlets in their current contact lists.
Costs – Prices for distribution can vary from $19.00 through $500.00, depending on the distributor and what news outlets they have to offer. I have provided a link to an article that details what every distributor has to offer along with pricing.

FREE Resources:

IngramSpark Article: How to Write a Press Release (ingramspark.com)
Amazon Kindle E-Book: Amazon.com: Beginner’s Guide to Writing Powerful Press Releases: Secrets the Pros Use to Command Media Attention eBook : Kennedy, Mickie: Kindle Store
Kindle Article: How to Write a Book Press Release Like a Pro! (kindlepreneur.com)
Scribe Media Article (Examples of a Press Release): How To Write A Book Press Release (Step-by-Step) (scribemedia.com)
Press Release Distribution with Pricing Models: Best Press Release Distribution Services [with Pricing] (thesmbguide.com)

1 Comment

Procrastinating

Procrastinating

Published on January 29, 2022

Personally, I dislike this word because we have all been guilty of procrastinating at one point or another. Did you know that according to a study done by StudyMode Student Psyche Report, distraction was found to be the most common reason for procrastination (48%)? And 20% of individuals identify themselves as chronic procrastinators as per research by Dr. Joseph Ferrari.

So, what exactly does procrastinate mean? Well, in layman terms, when someone procrastinates, they deliberately postpone something despite the negative consequence of doing so. In other words, we as individuals put off doing something on purpose regardless of the repercussions that will follow suit. This sounds bad right? Well, let’s clear the air first. When we think about someone procrastinating, our thoughts immediately jump to the idea that procrastinators have issues with time management. This is incorrect as these two actions do not correlate with one another.

In fact, most procrastinators are excellent time managers. The reasoning behind procrastinating stems from completing dreaded task or meaningless assignments aka sidetracked. Truth be told I’ve been guilty of procrastinating and not because I couldn’t manage my time but because I did not want to complete a task that was considered boring or repetitive. For example, when it comes to completing my annual taxes, I put it off as long as possible because the task is cumbersome and quite tedious.

Now onto the big question: How can we overcome procrastination? According to a 2020 study in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology, people who practiced even brief mindfulness exercises were more likely to stay on task. (Source – National Geographic)

Self-regulation, as a close companion of procrastination (Sirois and Pychyl, 2013), has also been proved to affect people’s wellbeing (De Ridder and Gillebaart, 2017). Self-regulation also appears to be a key factor to ameliorate the negative effect of procrastination.

As a reminder, procrastination is a choice therefore avoidable but if you happen to get stuck in this cycle and feel like there is no way out then try some mindfulness exercises or self-regulation to refine the less desirable outcomes.