The Beauty of Beta Readers!

The Beauty of Beta Readers!

You’ve finished your manuscript, congratulations! Now what? After all these months or years spent on your book, you’re fairly close to the material and it can be hard to objectively assess your own work. So, it’s time for others’ feedback. TIME FOR FEEDBACK Feedback will help you make the book the best it can be…. Read more »

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Brand Names in Fiction

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Brand Names in Fiction

Disclaimer: DIY MFA does not provide legal, tax accounting, or financial advice. In making decisions regarding whether and when to use brand names in fiction or other decisions that may have legal and/or financial ramifications, we strongly urge you to speak to a licensed IP attorney for the most accurate information. As an author, it… Read more »

3 Ideas to Inspire Instagram-worthy Book Posts

3 Ideas to Inspire Instagram-worthy Book Posts

Have you noticed how some book posts can really grab your attention on Instagram or other social media platforms? Let’s dive into three ideas to spark an Instagram-worthy book post! We’ll analyze how bookstagrammers, bookstores, and authors leverage covers to create great visuals. Remember, these ideas don’t negate the need for solid cover design tenets… Read more »

Book Cover Trends Heading into 2023

Book Cover Trends Heading into 2023

Have you noticed book covers stepping up their game? If so, you’re right! These trends make today’s annual book cover review extra exciting.  To provide some background, much of my professional life has been spent studying trends and foresight (I’ve also worked in marketing, strategy, competitive intelligence, digital, and more…stories for another time!) At its… Read more »

trademarks

Intellectual Property: Copyrights, Trademarks, Design Marks, Oh My!

Disclaimer: DIY MFA does not provide legal, tax accounting, or financial advice. In making decisions regarding whether and when to file intellectual property (IP) protection or other decisions that may have legal and/or financial ramifications, we strongly urge you to speak to a licensed IP attorney for the most accurate information. Have you ever wondered… Read more »

Three Benefits to Speaking at Industry Conferences

Three Benefits to Speaking at Industry Conferences

Welcome to the Author Marketing Toolkit, where you can learn from 20+ years of time-tested marketing and insights expertise, translated for publishing. I’m Carol Van Den Hende, an MBA and strategist who’s known for bringing treats (“sweet!”) I’m thrilled to be joining you here at DIY MFA to share actionable insights. Over the last year,… Read more »

How to Engage Book Clubs

How to Engage Book Clubs

As an author, it’s a wonderful feeling to connect with readers who love our work. Book clubs are one of the most engaging ways to create deep meaningful relationships with readers. Today, we’ll cover ideas to create fun and memorable experiences as you engage book clubs!  Why Engage Book Clubs? First, think of a book… Read more »

book cover trends

#5onFri: Five Book Cover Trends from 2021

Despite the well-known saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” readers often shop with their eyes. Humans seem to be wired this way. “More than 50 percent of the cortex, the surface of the brain, is devoted to processing visual information,” points out Williams, the William G. Allyn Professor of Medical Optics.  So,… Read more »

team awesome thanksgiving post

Team Awesome Thanksgiving Post

Hey y’all. Lori here. As many of our readers know, today is American Thanksgiving. Many families take a turn going around the table and everyone says what they are thankful for. Fortunately, my family does not do this because I find the answers typical, saccharine, and not very sincere when you compare them to words… Read more »