Articles by Lynne Klippel on ArticleSnatch.com

5 Ways To Prepare For An Awesome Author Interview

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:41:36 -0400

Many of my coaching clients are building a funnel of information products related to their book topic. This is a very smart business strategy! One of the most important parts of that product funnel is a free item that you give to your website visitors in exchange for their name, email address, and permission to maintain on-going contact. In internet marketing terms, this technique is referred to as list building with a squeeze page, or pink spoon if you are an Andrea Lee fan like I am. To create a pink spoon page or freebie offering quickly and easily, I suggest doing an audio product. The most effective way to create an audio product is to have someone else interview you about your area of expertise, record the interview in mp3 format, and then provide website visitors with a link to listen to the audio after they register for your site. However, you can't just get on the phone with a friend and chat. If you want to create a audio that will showcase your expertise and begin a positive relationship with your listeners, it is crucial that you do a little bit of preparation work before the interview. **End Summary** Topics: Lynne Klippel]]> author]]> book]]> book marketing]]> author]]> audio product]]> PR]]> interview]]> author interview]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

Creating A Realistic Timeline for Your Book

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:41:16 -0400

If I plan to write a book, how much time will it take? That question is one of the most frequent ones submitted on my website. Since new authors have never written a book, it is almost impossible for them to determine a good timeline. Use these general guidelines to help you get started. Note: I based these suggested timelines on the assumption that you are busy with your family, your business, and having a life. While you can always go faster, most people have limited time available to devote to full time writing. Planning stage: 30-90 days. Use this time to determine your vision for your book, a marketing plan, and the main points you will cover. The most time you spend planning, the more successful your book will be. Most authors find an outline essential in this phase. Writing stage: 90-240 days. Many authors can write their book in six months, even with a busy schedule. The key to success: proper planning and a committed writing appointment in your schedule at least 5 days each week. Editing stage: 30-60 days. After you have finished your manuscript, you will spend time editing it. **End Summary** Topics: Lynne Klippel]]> author]]> book]]> book writing]]> books]]> writing a book]]> timeline]]> time-line]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

Give Your Book Readers the Opportunity to Ask for More

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:37:39 -0400

Successful authors need a product funnel for their books. Simply put, a product funnel is a group of products and services, related to your book topic, that readers could purchase from you after they have read your book. All the most successful non-fiction authors have a product funnel. Think of all the authors you know who do workshops, teleclasses, calendars, card decks, cruises, and a myriad of other offerings. If you want to really serve people with your message and create a livable income from your book, you must have a product funnel. This story will explain how it works: Life Coach Tina specializes in helping parents of teenagers to manage stress and successfully navigate the teen years. She writes a book about parenting teens that she sells for about 20 dollars. Before she launches the book, she gives away a free eBook on ways to get a teen to do homework and be more responsible. People who get this free eBook go onto her mailing list and receive a monthly newsletter from her as well. **End Summary** Topics: Lynne Klippel]]> book marketing]]> product funnel]]> successful author]]> author]]> self-publish]]> book promotion]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

The Book That Went Back to Amazon

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:33:46 -0400

I love books, even when they are not perfect. However, I had to break down and return a book to Amazon this week. Let this article be a cautionary tale of what NOT to do with your book. The book I purchased for $19.95 received glowing reviews on Amazon. The topic was excellent and the title catchy. It promised the solution to a thorny business problem I had so I ordered it with great anticipation. When the book arrived, I was a little worried. The cover didn't look very impressive and the book was tiny-just 101 pages. Yet, I was eager to read it because I wanted the information it promised. I cracked open the first page and found five pages of glowing testimonials, which made me feel better about my purchase. The book layout was well done and easy to read, another positive impression. There was a glowing foreword by someone with an impressive title. Then, I started to read the book and was under-whelmed by the content. The material was confusing. There were terms used that were unfamiliar but they were not defined so I felt stupid. No reader likes that! **End Summary** Topics: Lynne Klippel]]> writing]]> book]]> author]]> Amazon]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

5 Ways to Make Your Book Editing Experience Better

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many new authors are filled with fear of the editing process. They envision a witch with a red pen, gleefully butchering their precious manuscript. Actually, working with a professional book editor can be a richly rewarding and enjoyable experience, if you have the proper mind-set and preparation. Follow these steps to ensure that your editing process is smooth and affordable: 1. Edit your manuscript yourself. Editors charge by the hour. So, to keep your costs down, be sure your manuscript is in good shape before you send it to your editor. After you finish writing, wait a few days, and then begin your self-edit. Use spell check and grammar check first, paying close attention to revising sentences in the passive tense. Your computer will point those out to you automatically. Then, print a hard copy of your entire book and read it with a red pen. You will see many more errors when you are not reading on your computer screen. Next, email the manuscript to one or two trusted friends with a good eye. Ask them to alert you if any parts of your book are unclear or repetitive. Use their feedback to correct your manuscript one final time. **End Summary** Topics: Lynne Klippel]]> book editing]]> editing]]> editor]]> manuscript]]> professional book editor]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

Is Your Author Photo a Turn-Off?

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Several years ago, I got some blunt feedback. A woman was brave enough to tell me that the photo on my book cover and website made me look old and boring. That stung! However, she was right. I got some new photos done and noted a much more positive result. I love the photo I use on my website now and get positive comments on it all the time. I'm still the same person; the only change was in the skill of the photographer. I saw a photo yesterday of a lovely professional woman in a feathery drape, sans blouse. It was a sexy photo and did not convey a message of, 'I'm a professional who can help you.' It would have been a more appropriate photo for a spouse or boyfriend instead of on her business website. So, what constitutes a good professional author photo? First, consider your ideal client or ideal reader. Then select clothing that you would wear to a meeting with that person. If you write for corporate executives, formal business attire is a must. **End Summary** Topics: Lynne Klippel]]> author]]> book]]> book marketing]]> author]]> author photograph]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

When You Can't Write: Tips for Authors Who Feel Stuck

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many authors bog down somewhere in the middle of their books. They feel tired, bored, and disenchanted. The idea of becoming an author, so exciting at first, now seems like an impossible dream. Does this sound familiar to you? If so, you are in the 'Book Doldrums'. Actually, it is normal to feel your energy and passion ebb when you get into the middle of your writing project. Almost every successful author has days when he or she doesn't feel like writing. So what can you do to get back on track with your project? Try these simple techniques: 1. Reconnect with your vision and purpose for your book. You are writing this book with a goal in mind. You want to share your unique message with the world. You want to help readers solve a problem or improve their lives. When you remember your passion for your book, you will feel your creative juices start to flow again. 2. Make sure you are working with a plan. If you are writing your book without a fully developed, detailed plan, it is very easy to lose your way. **End Summary** Topics: Lynne Klippel]]> author]]> book]]> book writing]]> books]]> writing a book]]> book project]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

Six Steps To A Compelling Story

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

So you want to use the power of stories in your articles and books? Great! Stories make your writing more interesting, teach via example, and help readers connect emotionally with your message. Readers remember stories longer than they remember facts or statistics. Look to movies, classic novels, and fairy tales and you will begin to see patterns in each well-told story. Every successful story has a hero who goes on a journey, faces obstacles, receives help, and resolves the situation. For example: - Cinderella is mistreated by her family, wants to attend a ball, is helped by a fairy, attends the ball, and lives happily ever after once she marries her prince. - Luke Skywalker is called to rescue a princess, goes on a journey through the galaxy, faces dangers, fights bad guys, is helped by Hans Solo and Yoda, and triumphs at the end. - Harry Potter learns he is not an ordinary boy, goes to Hogwarts, meets new friends and helpful teachers, battles evil monsters and people, and wins the respect and admiration of his schoolmates. To use a story in your writing, include these six classic story elements: 1. Set the scene 2. Introduce the characters 3. **End Summary** Topics: story]]> stories]]> writing stories]]> author]]> story elements]]> writing techniques]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

Is This the Year You Will Finally Write Your Book?

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Several years ago, a New York Times study revealed that 80% of all adults want to write a book someday. Small business owners, consultants, coaches, and professional speakers have been bombarded by experts promoting writing a book as a marketing tool. Naysayers assert that no one reads books any more. However, our society believes that answers can be found in a book or a website. When we have a problem or need information, we turn to the internet or the nearest bookstore or library. According to the Association of American Publishers, book sales increased by 9.9 percent from 2004-2005. People in the United States bought 25.1 billion dollars worth of books in 2005. Writing a non-fiction book can be an excellent business strategy. It can establish the author as an expert, generate attention from the media, and introduce the author to wide range of potential new business opportunities. Additionally, the feeling of satisfaction from completing a professionally done book gives the author a great sense of confidence and empowerment. Are you ready to write your book this year? Do you want it to be successful? **End Summary** Topics: writing a book]]> write a book]]> author]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

How To Write More Powerfully: A Book Review For Busy Authors

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

"Influencer," a New York Times Best selling book, was written by Patterson, Grenny, et al. It is full of excellent information, fun to read, and sheds light on a topic of vital important to all authors. When we try to get someone to change, whether that means asking our child to pick up his dirty socks, asking a vendor to deliver items on time, or requesting that our readers take action on a goal, we are seeking to influence behavior. We also try to influence ourselves to exercise more, spend less, or break a bad habit. As we teach, train, encourage, coach, heal, write, speak, or engage in a conversation, we influence others, whether we realize it or now. The premise of "Influencer" is that we can learn skills to make our influence more effective. All authors should read this book, especially the early chapters about the power of story. We write our books to help people change, to influence them to try new strategies, change behavior patterns, or dream bigger dreams. **End Summary** Topics: Influencer]]> Patterson]]> Grenny]]> power of story]]> influence]]> change]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

5 Ways To Prepare For a Powerful Audio Interview

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many authors today are building a funnel of information products related to their book topic. This is a very smart business strategy! One of the most important parts of that product funnel is a free item that you give to your website visitors in exchange for their name, email address, and permission to maintain on-going contact. In internet marketing terms, this technique is referred to as list building with a squeeze page or opt-in page. To create a free offering quickly and easily, I suggest doing an audio product. The most effective way to create an audio product is to have someone else interview you about your area of expertise, record the interview in mp3 format, and then provide website visitors with a link to listen to the audio after they register for your site. However, you can't just get on the phone with a friend and chat. If you want to create an audio that will highlight your expertise and begin a positive relationship with your listeners, it is crucial that you do a little bit of preparation work before the interview. Take these steps: 1. **End Summary** Topics: list building]]> audio interview]]> audio interview preparation]]> product funnel]]> marketing funnel]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

Book Distributors and What They Can Do For Your Book

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many new authors are mystified about how in the world to get their books into a bookstore. While is it fairly easy to list your book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online, getting your book into a physical bookstore is very difficult for a new, self-published author. According to Eric Kampmann, principal of MidPoint Trade Books, large bookstore chains are not interested in dealing with self-publishers or even small independent publishers. They are reluctant because they are not sure that the books will be of high quality with a professional cover and great editing, and it is too time consuming for them to deal with small orders. That's when a book distributor comes in. A book distributor is the intermediary between the publisher and store buyers. Distributors put books in catalogs and send sales staff to pitch books to buyers. They are experts in wholesale book marketing and moving books into stores from warehouses. They also negotiate contacts with stores for special sales, front of store displays, and any type of special promotion for books. There are different kinds of distributors. If you print your book with Lightning Source, as I do, Ingram Distribution will automatically distribute your book. **End Summary** Topics: book distributor]]> book distribution]]> selling books]]> authors]]> book marketing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Want to create a successful book? Discover 8 book marketing blunders that you can avoid. Grab your free ecourse at www.BookMarketingBlitz.com Lynne Klippel is a publisher, author and book shepherd who specializes in helping authors write business building books.

Give Your Book the Professional Look it Deserves

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

After you have spent hours writing, editing, and revising your book, you have invested a lot of time, energy and passion into the project. You have also invested some money in a professional edit, cover design, and perhaps some coaching. There is one last step to a successful book project. Neglecting this final step will lead to embarrassment and a poorly selling book. This step has several names-formatting, layout, internal design or typesetting. In this step, however you name it; you prepare your manuscript for printing. You take your document and make it look like a book. Looks matter. It is important to dress your book up in the appropriate attire before you launch it out into the world. It is possible to do this yourself. I did my own typesetting for my first book. Yikes! It was difficult... OK, to be honest, it was a huge pain! Unless you love tedious and exacting typing, I highly recommend that you outsource this task. Someone who has experience in typesetting can complete it quicker and with less stress than a novice can. **End Summary** Topics: book design]]> book publishing]]> formatting]]> book layout]]> typesetting]]> internal design]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Want to create a successful book? Discover 8 book marketing blunders that you can avoid. Grab your fre.e ecourse at www.BookMarketingBlitz.com Lynne Klippel is a publisher, author and book shepherd who specializes in helping authors write business building books.

How to Price Your Book So That it Sells

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many authors struggle when pricing their books. On one hand, you are providing extremely valuable information to your readers. On the other hand, books have a perceived value that is less than a coaching session or a live event. For many of you, pricing will not be an issue. You will work with a publisher who will determine the price of your book for you. However, if you decide to self-publish your book, or work with a publisher who allows you to set your price, you may find yourself in a quandary over the pricing of your book. Proceed cautiously. There are many important factors to consider when pricing your book. I know an author who wanted to make her book very attractive to buyers. She set her price so low that she lost money on each book sale. Other authors repel sales by pricing their book too high. Pricing requires a delicate balance. Consider these things before you set your price: 1. How much does it cost to produce your book? There are many hard costs associated with producing a book. **End Summary** Topics: publishing]]> setting the price of a book]]> selling your book]]> selling books]]> book pricing]]> author]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Want to create a successful book? Discover 8 book marketing blunders that you can avoid. Grab your fre.e ecourse at www.BookMarketingBlitz.com Lynne Klippel is a publisher, author and book shepherd who specializes in helping authors write business building books.

Bookmarks: An Old Fashioned Yet Effective Way to Promote Your Book

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

One of the benefits of working as a publisher is the ability to watch different marking campaigns and see how they work. Quite a few of my authors are having good results using bookmarks to promote their books. Bookmarks used to be standard items in every library, school, and home. Did your teachers admonish you to stop bending the corners of a book page and to use a bookmark instead? Mine did. Books were expensive and to be treated with care. Even if you never use a bookmark while you read, consider using bookmarks to promote your book. They are inexpensive to print, easy to carry, and provide plenty of advertising space. If you have a stack of bookmarks with you, you can easily hand one to people as you have a conversation about your book. If you are a bit daring, you could insert your bookmark into related books in a bookstore or library. You could also distribute bookmarks at networking events as part of your introduction. You may also wish to insert two bookmarks into the packages of the books you ship, asking buyers to pass the extra bookmark along to someone who would enjoy your book. **End Summary** Topics: bookmark]]> book marks]]> book marketing]]> authors]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Want to create a successful book? Discover 8 book marketing blunders that you can avoid. Grab your free ecourse at www.BookMarketingBlitz.com Lynne Klippel is a publisher, author and book shepherd who specializes in helping authors write business building books.

Advocate for Your Book's Readers

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In my work as a publisher, I have the opportunity to read many manuscripts from new authors. Many are wonderful. Some unfortunately, are in need of a makeover. Some books just feel 'off'. It's hard to identify the problem, but they just don't feel right. After much study and comparison, I've identified a trend in the manuscripts that are not quite ready for publication. It's a very subtle but important distinction. The best books are written FOR a reader. Unsuccessful books are written TO a reader. If your book feels preachy, arrogant, or judgmental, your reader will not benefit from your words. For example, if you have strong feelings about teen drinking and write a 250-page book on how sinful and terrible teenage drinking is, how many teens do you think will read it? On the other hand, if you wrote a funny, compassionate book about the struggles teens encounter with peer pressure, including the pressure to drink alcohol, and gave them easy strategies they could use to avoid alcohol and drugs, your book would be much more attractive to your readers. **End Summary** Topics: writing]]> author]]> authoring]]> writing a book]]> best seller]]> new author]]> manuscript]]> manuscript makeover]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a book to build your business? Lynne Klippel is an author and publisher who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and aspiring authors write non-fiction books. For a free audio filled with publishing information, "How to Write Your Book the RIGHT Way," visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com

The Anatomy of a Big-Time Author Event

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

I went to see author Sylvia Browne on her farewell tour, sponsored by her publisher, Hay House. While I've been to a few book signings, this was an event, and I wanted to observe the orchestration of it as well as learn more about a prolific author turned celebrity. Advertising for this event began last fall via the Hay House newsletter. This multi-city author tour was a paid event with two levels of tickets offered, seats up close to the front for $75 dollars and general seating at $40 per ticket. The St. Louis event sold out: 2100 people purchased tickets to meet this author in a large hotel ballroom. (Can you imagine that many people coming to see you?) When we arrived, we were given a wristband, color coded by the level of ticket we'd purchased. No tickets were sold on site. There were some nice posters giving information about the event around the hotel. Everything seemed very classy and well organized. There was a book table set up displaying Sylvia's books and books by Colette Baron-Reid, another Hay House author, who served as the opening speaker. **End Summary** Topics: book marketing]]> public relations]]> book tours]]> book promotion]]> author tour]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Want to create a successful book? Discover 8 book marketing blunders that you can avoid. Grab your free ecourse at www.BookMarketingBlitz.com Lynne Klippel is a publisher, author and book shepherd who specializes in helping authors write business building books.