The Writing Edge for Business Writers: 3/30/18

Mar 30, 2018 | Reading Lists

You’re a businessperson. You may not think of yourself as a writer, but you know that writing well can boost your results and your career. Naturally, you want to do better. Every week I point you to articles and blog posts that I think will teach you something or spark an idea or two. The posts are about the intertwined tasks of reading and writing. Some weeks there are more pointers than others.

This week I’m pointing you to posts on support for writers, turning your nonfiction book into a workbook, niche markets, the magic of print-on-demand, and boosting Facebook engagement.

From Molly Page: 5 People Every Writer Needs

“I’m not embarrassed to admit that without the love, support, wisdom, and encouragement of a generous group of people in my life, I might never have made it past page one. Depending on the day the person I needed varied, but as I look back, I can isolate five distinct types of support that kept my therapist bills within our monthly budget. These are the five people every writer needs.”

From Joanna Penn: How To Turn Your Non-Fiction Book Into A Workbook

“Making a living with your writing is all about multiple streams of income. So if you write non-fiction, consider turning your book into a Workbook edition.”

From Philip Raby: A Niche Market Book Can Be a Plus: Why It Pays to Be ‘Narrow-Minded’

“A prevailing marketing adage is that if you’re trying to sell to everyone, you end up selling to no one. This came to mind when selecting a recent BOOK OF THE WEEK which was geared towards a very specific reader. So we asked its author, Philip Raby, how he went about marketing such a book….”

From IngramSpark: The Magic of Print On Demand (POD)

“It’s hard to believe that Ingram Content Group’s print-on-demand (POD) technology has been around for over 20 years. This technology was the brainchild of Ingram’s then chairman and CEO, John Ingram, hoping to solve the problem of being out-of-stock of publisher’s deep backlist titles. In those days, publishers would deem titles out-of-stock if sales didn’t warrant a trip back to the printer. With demand from retailers and libraries going unfulfilled, Ingram thought there must be a better way.”

From Penny Sansevieri: 50 Ways Indie Authors Can Boost Their Facebook Engagement NOW

“It’s always tricky to find great content to post to Facebook, and with their new algorithm change, it’s now even harder. But it doesn’t have to be. Facebook’s changes are all based on follower engagement and not being too salesy. One of the things I love the most is using my personal Facebook Profile and my Fan Page as ways to communicate with fans, boost reader engagement and keep the book promotion wheels turning.”

Sources I Check Regularly

I find the posts and articles that I share with you on The Writing Edge in many places. But there are a few that provide insightful pieces again and again. Here they are.

Alliance of Independent Authors

Frances Caballo

Jane Friedman

IngramSpark

Jerry Jenkins

Joel Friedlander

Joanna Penn

Kindlepreneur

Problogger

Daphne Gray-Grant

Becky Robinson’s Weaving Influence