The Sell More Books Show: Book Marketing, Digital Publishing and Kindle News, Tools and Advice

Genre related keywords in your subtitles: yay or nay? This week, Jim is joined by J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon who are filling in for a vacationing Bryan Cohen. They kick off this week’s episode with a quick “thank you” to they generous patrons: Rebel Song, Cowgirl, Unexpectedly, and Kiss Kill. This week’s tips include how authors can attract new audiences on Kickstarter, how writers can use short stories to build their fanbase and skills, why authors should simplify their calls to action. News items include Overdrive celebrating an historic milestone, Smashwords and Findaway Voices partner up, how authors can gain insight into Canadian readers, the rise in popularity of “Up Lit” novels, why Britain’s Book Industry Communication organization is calling for authors to stop using promotional content in subtitles, and how Amazon is making it a little more difficult to find reviewers and land publishing deals. Question of the Week: How do you approach subtitle metadata for your book? What's your take on the ethics of using genre-related keywords for your subtitle? Bonus: What was Bryan doing this week instead of co-hosting the show?

Direct download: SMBS_208.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Are romance listeners just in it for the good parts? After thanking their patrons, Strings of Subversion, The Unknown Devil, and Leading Effectively, Jim and Bryan took on the tips and news like always before. Tips included how a YA author took her second series to another level, how co-writers can collaborate to create better books, and what word count range genre authors should try to hit. News stories included Amazon encouraging Echo-read audiobooks, Microsoft's new dictation feature, Draft2Digital's new tool for authors, how Audible's feature may have undermined its unlimited service, why one indie author is writing at a tire shop, and why authors should ignore the odds. This week's Question of the Week: Romance authors, are your readers just in it for the "good parts," or are they interested in the book as a whole? Other authors, feel free to voice your thoughts on this too!

Direct download: SMBS_207_Sound_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Are there characters of various races, genders, and sexualities in your books? It’s been another fun week in the publishing world and Jim and Bryan are here to fill you in on all the goings on. First, they take a moment to thank their patrons: Dorothy and the Cane of Destiny, Fighting to Survive, and Flotsam. This week’s tips include how writers can become one-click authors, how authors can optimize their high-volume business models, how writers can improve their craft, build friendships, and make money by co-writing a series, and the latest stats on audiobook consumption. This week’s top headlines cover how traditionally published authors in the UK are demanding their fair share of royalties, another publishing service is open for business, audiobook lovers have a new place to check out bestselling titles, how traditional publishers are failing diverse writers and readers, and Amazon launches another imprint. Question of the Week: Do you make it a priority to include characters of different races, genders, and sexualities in your books? Why or why not?

Direct download: SMBS_206.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Royalty rates for all-you-can-listen to audiobooks: what do you think is fair? It’s another week of news and tips from the dynamic duo. Jim and Bryan take a moment to thank their generous patrons: Level Up LitRPG, DEAD STILL, and The Busy Author. This week’s tips include how authors can protect their work with a few simple tips, why authors should make Facebook Live part of their promotion strategy, and why authors should get in on the ground floor with voice technologies. In news: readers can join a new book club from Barnes & Noble, Amazon Affiliate members now have more ways to share, how one super fan is keeping their favorite author’s legacy alive, Amazon imprint ebooks are eating up the bestseller charts, and why romance authors are up in arms over their royalty payments from Audible Romance. Question of the Week: What do you think is a fair rate authors should be paid for all-you-can-listen audiobook downloads?

Direct download: SMBS_205.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

1