The new year is a time to look ahead but also a time to reflect. The timing of this column is significant to me because ten years ago yesterday – January 12, 2007 – I sat down to write what would become my first science fiction novel. I finished the first draft in ten days,…
Author: Nathan Lowell
Living The Dream
This month I want to talk a bit about living the dream. As a full time science fiction author, I’m in the sometimes unenviable position of working for myself. Like most things indie, it comes with good points and not so good points. It means the boss always knows when I’m goofing off and my…
It’s What’s Up Front That Counts
Back in the Dark Times, there used to be a commercial with the tag-line “It’s what’s up front that counts.” Their value-added proposition was that – ahem – first impressions matter. This month I thought it might be useful to look at book layout because when it comes to books, what’s up front does count….
Allied Powers
When it comes to sales and promotion, DIY is not necessarily the best solution. It’s much easier to promote somebody else’s book than it is your own. It’s also less likely to get you tossed in the spam hamper with Nigerian Princes and <Body Part> Enlargement Salesmen. For this, you need allies. Allies you can…
Up Like A Rocket
Last month I gave my quick list tips for getting started in marketing, but this month let’s get into the weeds on the launch itself. Many people still go for the biggest bang on the first day. They’ll take out ads, email their lists, post on their blogs — sometimes weeks in advance — in…