Writing Conference Topics
Writing Conference Topics
Use a Website and Web-Based Book to Build a Loyal and Engaged Fan Base
This business-building presentation stresses the importance of an author website and what elements help build readers. A website-based book doesn’t have to take huge amounts of time to recreate the fictional wheel, but rather utilizes writing tools and techniques already used for character development and world building. Discover why a web-based book is a must-have to develop powerful online exposure and social media following.
Learn To:
- Use a website and/or landing page as a valuable author marketing tool.
- Make each page of your website powerful and unique by knowing the difference between each page’s function and purpose.
- Build a powerful marketing funnel and a strong following for your book(s), even before publishing.
- Develop an author mailing list and use it to leverage beta readers, launch teams, book reviews, and more.
- Create a step-by-step marketing plan to create momentum before the book launches.
The Business of Book Writing
Writers spend most of their time breathing life into the characters and energy into building their worlds. Then the book is ready for publishing or is published. Then what? This eye-opening presentation focuses on helping writers who become published authors to become savvy entrepreneurs by teaching a variety basic business principle. This business presentation will transform attendees from the mindset of writers and authors to entrepreneurs. Too many authors do not make this mindset shift and therefore struggle with business set up and profiting from their creations.
Learn To:
- Determine the difference between doing business as a DBA (Doing Business As), LLC (Limited Liability Corporation), or Sole Proprietor. Which business entity will protect you, your books, copyright, and other business elements.
- Business set up for financial management issues such as tax and liability purposes.
- Difference between sales tax, franchise tax, and other tax obligations.
- Pros and cons of writing and doing business under an assumed name.
- Define contractual terms one might see in an agent or publisher contract.
Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, and Sales:
Know the Difference and How to Use Each Effectively
Many people use these words interchangeably, but they are very different and serve different purposes in an author’s business plan. An understanding of these terms focuses on helping writers expand thinking on these business topics for determining where and how to invest time, energy, and money. Different stages of the book writing journey benefit from a different focus on each of these elements for a balanced business strategy.
Learn To:
- Define marketing, advertising, public relations, and sales. Clarify each one’s uniqueness and give examples on how and why to incorporate each into an author’s business plan.
- Leverage each of these tools for business growth, including a discussion of how to “market outside of the box” meaning off- line, outside the computer and in addition to the computer.
- Consider different elements to include in an advertising budget, including social media ads, other media, and swag.
- Consistency of author information on all written materials, what information needs to go on every piece of written material, and what doesn’t.
The Truth About Writing Nonfiction
There are many real truths about writing nonfiction that are often not considered prior to writing and publishing a nonfiction book that reveals a personal story. Some of these issues are legal, some are techniques, and others are related to writing a nonfiction that is interesting, readable, and sellable.
Learn To:
- Consider the reasons for using a pen name and how it may impact long-term business considerations.
- Address possible legal considerations in using names, locations, and other story elements.
- Walk the fine line between telling your own story and that of others who interact with you.
- Manage the differences and similarities in writing nonfiction compared to fiction.
- Write to maximize sales and readership of nonfiction books.
Benefits of Building and Maintaining an Author Platform on Social Media
Some writers still consider engaging in social media a “necessary evil” that distracts, frustrates, and is sometimes considered of little value to grow book sales. In today’s marketplace being involved in the right social media platform(s) can make connections with potential readers and are key when pursue an agent and publisher. Authors often use the wrong social media platform or don’t use it properly to build a fan base. The other stumbling block is understanding and creating both interesting and engaging content on a regular basis that does not turn into a time “suck” or does not project a repellant sales message.
Learn to:
- Select the right social media platform(s) to connect with the author’s readers and books.
- Differentiate personal and professional posts and pages, when/if necessary based on author’s genre and target reader.
- Create a variety of consistent and engaging content in an easy way across multiple platforms.
- Increase post engagement based on current algorithms.
- Grow a following and leverage it to support best seller campaigns, beta readers, and meet other author business needs.
- Use free graphics and graphic software to create powerful visuals.