Category Archives: WRITERS’ AID
Tip #26 – CM: Canadian Review of Materials
This seems to be an award giver who considers children’s and young adult books. No monetary remuneration is made but the award may be worthwhile as putting on another badge on your work. The link is CM: Canadian Review of … Continue reading
Tip #25 – Canada Book Awards
Canada Book Awards considers PDF file submissions of books. They seem to carry out the process fairly quickly, with a week or so of submission. Submissions can be made digitally with the submission including a PDF copy of the book, … Continue reading
Tip #24 – BOOKMARKERS
Print BOOKMARKERS with representations/designs relating to your book cover. Distribute these with your books, at book signings and at book promotional events. People always keep and use bookmarkers. Be sure to take advantage of both sides of the bookmarker. Source: R. Pyves
Tip #23 – Promotional WIDGETS on websites
WIDGETS are thumbnail size images that link to website of your choice. They are available on websites such as BOOKz, COOKz, NOOKZ published by Richard Szpin. They are an inexpensive way to have website visitors see your material on every page … Continue reading
Tip #22 – FAQ at CHAPTERS INDIGO
CHAPTERS INDIGO is the Canadian Book retailer that you should contact to get your book on their shelves. The bottom line here is your PRINTER/PUBLISHER should be doing a lot of leg work for your book beyond just getting it … Continue reading
Tip #21 – AUTHOR AUTOGRAPHED BOOKS
Do you collect author signed books? Here’s a group of Canadian authors who are offering autographed copies of their works for your collection.
Tip #20 – MEDIA KIT as detailed by award winner, DENNIS GAZAREK
Tip #19 – MEDIA KITS: Build one and they will come buy
Media Kits Richard has asked me to speak about media kits, which he and I both feel are key in selling your book. My media kit is available for examination elsewhere on this site. We all have different motivations to … Continue reading
Tip #18 – MEDIA KITS: adding Q&A supplements by Rick Pyves
A media kit is a useful promotional tool that adds more impact to any promotions you use. Create a media kit including important information such as: A short description about your book Details about its availability: where, when available, cost, … Continue reading
Tip #17 – GMAIL SIGNATURES give your work more exposure
Gmail signatures are automatically generated by Gmail. Customize your signature to promote your book sales. Gmail signatures are automatically generated to any gmaill you write. Take advantage of this free book promotion opportunity. Better still, include an image of you … Continue reading
Tip #16 – CUSTOMIZED Gmail SIGNATURES: promotion of your book
Book sales by book promotion has to be your highest priority as an author. Writing the book is futile if no one is reading it. Therefore, you need to promote, promote and then promote some more. Learn different ways you can … Continue reading
Tip #15 – CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENT: “smoke ’em, if ya got ’em”
Celebrity endorsements: if you have the opportunity to use an endorsement made by a known celebrity, as Dennis Gazarek, award winning author says, “Do it.” Take advantage of that opportunity. Search out even lesser known public figures and see if … Continue reading
Tip #14 – Are book awards worthwhile?
Are book awards worthwhile? My only experience with book awards has been with CANADA BOOK AWARDS. CANADA BOOK AWARDS seems to award books easily. I have submitted books on behalf of two authors and one was accepted within a few … Continue reading
Tip #13 – Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing: Pros and Cons
When choosing your publishing journey, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks to make the right decision for you and your work. Author Rick Lauber lays out 17 pros and cons of traditional publishing vs. self-publishing. Choices: We … Continue reading
Tip #12 – ZOOM VIRTUAL guest appearances
Consider doing VIRTUAL guest appearances such as WAG presentations, library appearances, guest speakers to community groups. Appearing as a guest presenter through ZOOM is an easier task than many may think. It is even easier if the ZOOM meeting is … Continue reading
Tip #11 – Get published, get more exposure
20 Approachable Literary Journals Written by Emily Harstone If you are just starting to submit your work to literary journals, or perhaps you just want to avoid rejection, this list is for you. All of the literary journals in … Continue reading
Tip #10 – Be sure your emails are the best they can be
Better emails Emails are crucial means of communication and connection today. Every computer user uses emails to exchange communication with their connections. As emails are used so much, it is very easy to slip into careless and slipshod composition of … Continue reading
Tip #9 – Make direct connections with publishers
Make strong, direct connections with publishers. More than one so you have informed comparisons. Then, ask hard questions: what services do they provide? what assistance do they give? Do they provide personal assistants, assistance? How do they stay in touch? … Continue reading
Tip #8 – Advice regarding your book publication
I have not read this publication but at first glance, it looks like it may offer an informative advisory about the publication of one’s book. Click to read about the topic: BOOK PUBLICATION
Tip #7 – self publishing on Google
Not tested, not confirmed but worth reading and learning more about this: Self – publishing your book on Google
#4 – NOTEZILLA, sticky notes on steroids
Digital notes on steroids NOTEZILLA is an amazing digital STICKY NOTES application, electronic post-its on steroids. The more I use this program, the more valuable it becomes. [ SPOILER ALERT: Does not work on MAC computers; best used in WIN … Continue reading
Tip # 6 – Write better books
Before diving into your book, do a “blueprint” of the entire work first. The book will then write itself. Write a basic outline with headings Do a bullet list of points under each heading Sweat over and work over the … Continue reading
TIP #5 – Build your database
Develop a database of promotion – marketing contacts. Research and reach out to these places in your community and offer to hold a book meeting for their clubs, organizations, meeting groups: City City clubs City organizations (Rotary Club?) Central public … Continue reading
TIP #4 – Get a name
Get the person’s name: whenever you deal with someone who is potentially assisting you with book promotion, sales, marketing, get their name, phone number, email address People like the personal touch and you will have a connection with a real person. … Continue reading
TIP #3 – Pass on Tim Horton’s
Skip Tim Horton’s but patronize your small local coffee shop. Get to know the owner as a struggling writer. Ask if the owner would host a book promo event. They hand out coupons with coffee discounts with your book information … Continue reading
TIP #2 – Your librarian, your friend
Become friends with your local library. Get to know the librarians. Bring them a box of cookies, a tray of cupcakes congratulating them on surviving the pandemic. Introduce yourself as a writer and tout your book. Ask them if they … Continue reading
TIP #1 – Indie Bookstores
Make friends at a local ‘Indie’ bookstore. Buy something at your local Indie bookstore and work on developing a relationship with them. Get to know them as a customer before asking them to help you promote your book. Give them … Continue reading
TIP #3 – Consider PEER ANALYSIS
You may think you writing is good. But it might not be. Why not put it to some peers who are willing to give it an objective consideration and analysis to confirm or refute what you believe. WAG CRITIQUING is … Continue reading
TIP #2 – Do your RESEARCH as you write. Confirm your facts before final editing.
Do your research before you write. Confirm that your information is accurate: geographic information, technological data, historical dates, spelling of names, correct use of foreign phrases. It is crucial that readers feel the material presented is accurate, valid and correct … Continue reading
TIP #1 − Use character voice when writing critical information which could offend readers
The omniscient voice is the writer speaking. It can lead to problems as readers see the written word as fact and sometimes it contravenes the philosophy of the reader. Alienate the reader and you lose support. Instead, assign opinions and … Continue reading
VACCINATION PHONE #s
1-888-444-5113 Clarington, Pickering and Whitby: 905-721-4828 Oshawa ( Durham College/ Ontario Tech University Campus Ice Centre )
#metoo…until equality and mutual respect are reached
Mutual respect, total equality, great goals. However, turning back the hands of time may not be so right!
#12 – Take care of your HEALTH
Taking care of your health helps your memory…
# 11 – Memory Jogger/Logger
A LOG Book to JOG your MEMORY It’s a LOG Book which will help you keep track of how you dealt with problems, issues, repairs and difficulties you have had with your home, auto, etc. This is a great tool … Continue reading
TIP # 10 – Create something
Creativity works the brain and the memory, exercising them, making them ‘flex,’ ‘stretch’ and ‘become active.’ Flex your memory, stretch your brain. Activate both by doing something creative.
TIP #9 – Write something
Creating a piece of writing really exercises the brain. You can almost feel the muscle’s tension as you exert it trying to create a composition. No matter what the piece of writing is, poetry, prose, paragraphs of reminiscing, fiction or … Continue reading
Week #7 Feb 19
Rotzy’s pushing the snow to plow the pounds away. Oh the trials of winter in the northern climes.
TIP #8 – Be lazy with your memory, relax !
The best thing you can do for your memory requires very little effort. Yet research supports that memory is improved when this is done.
TIP #7 – Sing your heart out and not just in the shower
Strategy # 7 to help your memory is to sing. Sing out loud, sing from your soul, sing out loud, with spirit, with passion, with soul and lots of gutso! The singing alone will loosen up your psyche, your inner spirit … Continue reading