Why do you write? It’s a legit question, and the answer is no reflection on the writer’s ability or dedication. Some people write to create a family history – a legacy for future generations. Others write for their own pleasure. It’s a hobby, not a business. And then there are those who write to get the worlds they build into the minds of readers and, hopefully, make some money doing it. It’s a business, not a hobby. For those in … Read More »

A writer aiming to self-publish her first book treated me to coffee recently to “pick my brain” about the marketing plan I used to promote my self-published book. I wasn’t sure how much I could help her. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each book, depending on its genre and target audience, requires its own personal marketing plan—like a custom-tailored suit. My book, I reminded her, is a memoir. Hers is a cookbook! But for the pleasure of her company—and free … Read More »

Since Oprah started her book club years back, the growth of book clubs has exploded. Some five million Americans gather regularly in face-to-face book clubs. Among American women who read one book or more a month, an astonishing 56% belong to book clubs. Tens of millions more join discussions in online book clubs, and the number grows daily. Online clubs now offer exact focuses. Dieselpunk science fiction, paranormal romance, gardening, you name it, it’s out there. A few years ago, … Read More »

You wrote a great book. Unfortunately, a few million other authors also think they wrote a great book, and they’ve put it on Amazon, too. How do you get people to notice your book in the vast digital crowd? 1. Five ways to improve the product: Reviews are dandy, unless an honest reviewer has to say the book is poorly edited, insufficiently proofread, has holes in the plot, or just doesn’t make sense. Join a critique group. Other eyes will … Read More »

It was twenty years ago when I learned there was another Erik Deckers in the world. He was a real estate agent in Belgium, and he seemed a little perplexed when I first emailed him. But we chatted back and forth a few times, and he seemed like a decent guy. Fast forward to four years ago, when I learned there are four other Erik Deckers in the world, and they’re all from Belgium and The Netherlands. My dad’s from … Read More »

I’m a writer. I write about a lot of things, but my primary genre’ is middle-grade. I recently finished the first novel in what will be a series of three. It’s been proofed, edited, and it’s all shined up and ready to go. So how do I know if the time is right, if the current publishing trends are in my favor? As part of my process, I religiously search the sites listed in my Guide to Literary Agents. They … Read More »