It's a known saying to "write what you know." And it's true, your very best writing will come from areas of your life that you're most familiar with. I've followed this advice in my own books - from writing about child loss and poverty in The Road to Hope, to actual stories of my life … Continue reading Write what you know, and what you don’t know
Author: Crissi Langwell
The argument for hiring an editor
I remember when I first started writing for the newspaper. I was pretty green at it, and would turn in pieces I thought were flowing with ideas and beautiful language. My editor would look over my work and let go of a good 30% of what I had said by striking out redundant thoughts, simplifying … Continue reading The argument for hiring an editor
Should authors self-publish or seek a traditional publisher?
It is said that everyone has a book inside them just waiting to get out, and thanks to advances in self-publishing, getting that book out is easier now than ever. Authors who have previously experienced slammed doors from the gatekeepers (agents, editors, publishers, etc.) are skirting around these middlemen by going indie. By doing this, … Continue reading Should authors self-publish or seek a traditional publisher?
5 reasons the newspaper isn’t covering your book
It happened again today. Two books were placed on my desk in our busy newspaper newsroom, sent by a hopeful author. “Do you think you can do anything with these?” my editor asked. I thumbed through them, my face surely revealing the doubt I was feeling. “I’ll try,” I said, and I placed them on … Continue reading 5 reasons the newspaper isn’t covering your book
Create a rocking press release for your book
If you're getting ready to publish a book, you have to spread the word about it. You can email everyone you know that you're writing a book, contact every blogger you've ever heard of, or even post a sign on your car so that drivers will be compelled to look you up (yes, I've considered … Continue reading Create a rocking press release for your book
4 ways to take advantage of the media spotlight as an author
For an indie author, very little is sweeter than having someone else mention your book in a positive light. One of the favored ways for this to happen is for the media to catch wind of it, and then share the information with their readers. However, the media won't exactly "catch wind" of your book … Continue reading 4 ways to take advantage of the media spotlight as an author
12 steps toward seeing results in your book stats
Hi, my name is Crissi, and I'm a stats-aholic. You might also be a stats-aholic if you do the following things: Check your book stats numerous times a day, whether it's reviews or sales. Obsess about whether it's moving or not. Spam your social media accounts to create movement in your stats. Repeat. So why … Continue reading 12 steps toward seeing results in your book stats
How will readers find you?
I was searching through Amazon today for an interesting book to read, and came across one with a great cover and intriguing title. I clicked on it and read the description of the book. It sounded good, but I wanted to know what other people thought about this author's writing. The book had just recently … Continue reading How will readers find you?
What should you post to Facebook?
This post is for authors just starting out with a Facebook page. Welcome to Facebook Fan Pages! I know it's a bit daunting to look at that blank page, the status bar telling you to write something, but you don't know what. It's especially hard when you don't have many fans who will even read … Continue reading What should you post to Facebook?
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