Author Buzz

Where Authors & Readers find each other

Yearly archives: 2023

business card VIP — Do not overlook the benefits of attending writing conferences and events. Writing conferences and events are great opportunities to network with other writers, learn from industry experts, and promote your work. When you go, make sure you come prepared with business cards, bookmarks, or other promotional materials. Business cards are […]

Platform Building: Attend writing conferences and events

18th March 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged business cards / conferences / events by Matthew Brown

serious ethnic young woman using laptop at home — When you don’t have anything to sell to your email list, there are still several ways you can engage with your subscribers and provide value to them. Share Your Writing Journey As an author, your subscribers may be interested in your writing process and the journey you take to create […]

What to do when you don’t have anything to sell ...

15th March 2023 in Publicity tagged email list by Guest Writer

Building a platform takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Keep focusing on providing value to your readers and building your brand, and success will follow.

Platform building tip: Be patient and persistent

11th March 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged persistence / slow and steady by Guest Writer

Being a British author means having access to a vibrant publishing industry, with a wide range of UK publishers offering opportunities for writers to share their work. From traditional publishers such as Penguin Random House and Bloomsbury to independent presses like Jacaranda Books and Influx Press. While there is a […]

British publishing and diversity in UK authors

8th March 2023 in Opinion tagged Andrea Levy / Bernardine Evaristo / Bloomsbury / Eurocentric / Influx Press / Jacaranda Books / Nikesh Shukla / Penguin Random House / UK literary scene / underrepresented voices / writers of colour / Zadie Smith by Arves Corral

One way to generate engagement on social media is to ask interesting and fun questions. They do not have to be serious questions but they do have to be enjoyable to engage with. For example, a fantasy fiction writer might ask, “if you were transported to the shire on a […]

Platform building: Ask fun questions

4th March 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged fun / questions by Matthew Brown

smiling man in blue suit sitting by the table — Getting a literary agent is a dream for many writers. A literary agent can help you navigate the publishing industry, negotiate contracts, and provide valuable advice and support. However, the process of finding and securing an agent can be daunting and confusing. Here are some things that writers need to […]

Things a Writer Needs to Know About Getting an Agent

1st March 2023 in Agents tagged Author / sell more books / tips by Guest Writer

colorful abstract wallpaper — One way to increase blog engagement is to make it more visual. Simply adding some related imagery can make a blog post seem more inviting. You can go further of course. How about taking your camera out to take photographs of things that could act as places, ideas, or moods […]

Platform Building with Blogs: Use visual flair

25th February 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged Author Platform / blogging / food / galleries / images / mood boards / photograph by Matthew Brown

close up of beer bottles on wood — One powerful way to increase engagement on social media is to pose open-ended questions. Such questions can often start a conversation (or even an argument). This will make your social media account seem more lively and evidently engaging. Try it out and let me know how you get on.

Platform Building Tip: Ask questions on social media

18th February 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged Author Platform / questions / social media by Matthew Brown

assorted color umbrellas — One excellent way to increase engagement is to offer engagement. This week, think about taking part in things like Follow Friday. Tweets/toots shouting out special or interesting follows is good for both you and the people you shout out. After all, I’m pretty sure that when people offer you attention […]

Platform Building: Tweeting/Tooting nice

11th February 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged Author Platform / MuseMonday / social media / ThrillerThursday / Twitter by Matthew Brown

Thomas Leeds (author) — The BBC published a story about children’s author Thomas Leeds. As a teenager, Thomas Leeds was hit by a car and lost his entire memory. Twenty years on, having learned to read and write again, his children’s adventure book has been published to much hype and a 10-way fight for […]

Thomas Leeds: The author who lost his memory and had ...

6th February 2023 in Authors tagged BBC / memory / Thomas Leeds by Matthew Brown

man in gray sweater talking to audience — While many of us writers like to stay home with a good book, we need to get out there and be seen. Public speaking opportunities allow you to reach new readers, gain new followers, and impress agents. Every time you get to speak at an event, book club, or anywhere […]

Platform building tip: Become a public speaker

4th February 2023 in Platform Building Prompts tagged Author Platform / public speaking by Matthew Brown