Practical insights, expert advice, and compassionate guidance from inside the publishing world.
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Are you thinking, “Should I write a book for my business?” Lots of entrepreneurs think the answer is always yes. So let’s go ahead and break what seems to have become a near-sacred online-business rule: You don’t have to write a book. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Should I write a book for my business?” you’re not alone. Books
Choosing the right publishing path is one of the most important decisions an author can make—and one that directly impacts your book’s success, your business goals, and your creative control. With multiple routes to consider—Self-Publishing, Hybrid Publishing, Traditional Publishing, and Supported Indie Publishing—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But each path comes with its own trade-offs, and understanding those differences is
As an author-entrepreneur, you’re wearing all the hats: crafting content, serving clients, marketing your message, and somehow trying to finish your book. And sure, you’re capable of doing it all. But here’s the truth…
Publishing a book is an exciting milestone, but rushing through the process or making uninformed decisions can lead to unnecessary setbacks. Many authors make common publishing mistakes that hurt their book’s success. Some can be great learning experiences, there are some mistakes you just can’t come back from or make “go away.” Your corrected or updated editions may be haunted
With so many options, it can be difficult to navigate your way to self-publishing success. But if you want great results, you need to get real! Just copying what indie phenoms like Amanda Hocking or J.A. Konrath are doing may not work for you—you need a plan designed for your type of book and your particular situation. Create a plan
Launching a book without an audience is like throwing a party with no guests. Learn proven strategies to build an engaged readership before your book release and maximize sales and reviews.
Feeling overwhelmed by the book publishing process? You’re not alone. Publishing a book involves a lot of moving pieces, many of which the general public never sees or knows about. It’s easy to feel lost or unsure of where to begin. It’s also easy to underestimate how much time and energy it takes when you don’t know what you don’t
Join Harrison Demchick and the Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC. at the K Street Busboys and Poets for the next installment in the Guild’s Speaker Series; “It’s the End of the World as We Know It and I Feel Fine: Why Character, Consequence, and Reaction are Necessary for Conflict and Tension.” Harrison is a beloved member of The Writer’s Ally
If you’re a dedicated writer—local to the Maryland area—looking to shake things up in this season of transition, then you might want to consider joining Ally for a day dedicated to writing at the historic Manor Mill in Baltimore County, Maryland, on November 16th, 2024. The “DELIGHT in WRITING: A DAY of ONE’S OWN” Writer’s Retreat invites you to learn
As a writer, growth is rarely a straightforward or simple process. Navigating the challenges that arise in pursuit of any goal—personal or professional—requires courage and resilience, and very few succeed to the utmost extent without a willingness to both seek out and accept support. Ally has spent many years working tirelessly towards her own goals, all the while helping others
When you have big dreams, the right plan is essential. You don’t want to just try every book marketing tactic you read about and “see what sticks.” You can’t copy other authors and expect the same results. And if you don’t have the right pieces in place first—if you don’t have a strong “conversion funnel” turning browsers into buyers into
With so many options, it can be difficult to navigate your way to self-publishing success. But if you want great results, you need to get real! Ally Machate joins the North Baltimore Chapter of the Maryland Writer’s Association on August 24th to present “5 Steps to Self-Publishing Success: Creating a Plan that’s Right for You” and she’d love for you
