Book Marketing for Indie Authors with Bedside Reading
2024-06-06 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event
You published a book; now what? Everyone promises to make your book a bestseller. Everyone has a “social media plan.” Everyone pledges to pitch their book to the Today Show, and on and on. Let’s cut through the clutter and discuss what works and how to make it cost-effective! Jane Ubell-Meyer is an award-winning entrepreneur, former TV producer (GMA, ET, WSJ), film producer, and founder of Bedside Reading.
For the past seven years, she’s been placing books in luxury hotels and the media. She’s the publisher of Bedside Reading Magazine and a consultant to two publishing companies. Her book marketing programs are in demand and integrated into the book marketing campaigns of traditional publishers (Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, and others), hybrid publishers (She Writes Press, Thought Leadership Academy Publishing), as well as indie authors. Her book marketing “system” can be used for any book, any time – and she’s here to share it all.

Understanding Foreign Rights and the Opportunities for Indie Authors
2024-03-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Have you ever wondered how books get picked up by international rights buyers for print, audio, TV, and film? Curious about how your book can be adapted, translated, and sold in the global market in multiple languages? Join Roseanne Cheng, author, book marketer, and Director of Business Development at DropCap Rights Agency, to learn about the world of international rights, what the global rights market is currently looking for, and the opportunities YOUR book has worldwide.

Indie Author Project Expert Session: The Benefits of Kirkus Editorial and Kirkus Indie
2023-12-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
In this webinar on The Benefits of Kirkus Editorial and Kirkus Indie, Marinna Castilleja, senior production editor–Kirkus Editorial; Robin O’Dell, senior production editor–Kirkus Editorial; and Chaya Schechner, President of Kirkus Indie, will talk about how Kirkus Editorial and Kirkus Indie work. Marinna and Robin will outline Kirkus Editorial’s pricing, the different editing tiers, and what might work best for you, and the benefits of having your manuscript professionally edited and formatted. Chaya will cover the basics of obtaining a Kirkus Indie review, including pricing, timelines, and genres, as well as how to use a Kirkus Indie review to catch the attention of editors, booksellers, librarians, and readers. Learn how to give your book professional polish and exposure!
Marinna Castilleja is a senior production editor at Kirkus Editorial and Kirkus Book Prep, where she manages independent author projects through the editorial, formatting, and cover design process. Prior to joining Kirkus, Marinna worked in design and production at Hachette Book Group, finance at Harvard Education Publishing Group, and graduated from Emerson College with an MA in publishing and writing.
Robin O’Dell is a senior production editor at Kirkus Editorial, where she manages Kirkus’s publisher clients and a large team of freelance editors and oversees the production of books throughout the editorial process. Prior to joining Kirkus, Robin was a freelance editor, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading hundreds of manuscripts for clients ranging from Harlequin to Harvard University Press.
Chaya Schechner is the president of Indie at Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Indie curates independently published titles to help consumers and industry influencers discover books they may otherwise never find. Prior to Kirkus, Chaya was the senior editor at the American Booksellers Association, where she worked with indie booksellers for nearly a decade, and an editor at the Lambda Literary Foundation.

Our Lives Matter – The Importance of Writing Memoirs
2023-10-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
When 2022 Indie Author of the Year Pascuala Herrera wrote and self-published Not Always a Valley of Tears: A Memoir of a Life Well-Lived, she never dreamed of the benefits that reading about other people’s life experiences could have. Come and listen to this author’s journey in writing a memoir about her life story and the impact this decision has had on her and others. As a Mexican immigrant woman with a physical disability due to childhood polio, Pascuala inspires readers in many ways by simply sharing how her life matters! Pascuala will share her process, how she benefited personally, and the incredible results of simply being herself. Come and get encouraged to share your story too!

Trade Reviews: Why They Still Matter and How to Get Them
2023-04-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
In this session, Foreword Reviews Editor in Chief Michelle Schingler and Founder/Publisher Victoria Sutherland discuss the new “review economy” and what that means for indie authors. We’ll talk about the difference between trade and consumer publications, the importance of pre-publication and details on submissions to the trade, the value of producing good tip sheets and also discuss the fee for review services that most trade publications offer in addition to their regular reviews. Foreword was founded in 1998 as the first trade magazine to focus exclusively on indie books and publishers. The magazine now reaches 36,000 booksellers and librarians annually, with 300,000 readers perusing reviews online each year.

Manifesting Your Millionaire Author Destiny
2022-06-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Join international bestselling indie author and the CEO of Author Revolution, Carissa Andrews, as she discusses why authors need to embrace an abundance mindset in order to earn what they really want from their books. By leveraging the Law of Attraction and shifting the beliefs that are holding you back, you can learn to manifest whatever you desire – a millionaire author destiny included! She’ll break it down into three steps that are so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing them all along.

Where to Prioritize Your Online Marketing Budget
2022-05-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Facebook, Amazon, or BookBub: Where to prioritize your online marketing budget. In this session, Books Forward publicist and digital strategist Jenn Vance will guide writers on how to navigate some of the biggest online advertising platforms available for authors: Facebook, Amazon, and BookBub. We’ll discuss the audiences on each platform, the advertising options available, and provide recommendations for ad campaigns tailored to your book’s publication format. By the end of the session, authors will understand the basics of how to begin campaigns on each of the various platforms and will be able to use their personal and professional goals to determine where to best focus their online advertising budget.
Unable to join live? No worries! Register anyway, and you will receive a link to the on-demand recording of the session.

An Insider’s Guide to Independent Publishing
2022-03-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Join award-winning author, Amy Rivers, for this introduction into the dynamic world of indie publishing. In this session, Amy will go over best practices for writing, publishing, and promoting your indie books— as well as many common mistakes to avoid.Whether you’re getting ready to independently publish your first book, or you’re a published indie author looking for some concrete advice on how to get the most out of your efforts, you’re sure to learn something new with this Indie Author Project Expert Session.

Indie Author Project 101
2021-11-18 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for this lightning Expert Session to learn all about the Indie Author Project (IAP). Whether you’re just hearing about the Indie Author Project for the first time, or you’ve been a part of the community for years, this session will provide you with the latest updates and details on the scope and direction of the program. Attendees will learn about where IAP eBook collections are available, how the author royalty component operates, upcoming opportunities to get involved in IAP, and so much more.

How 2020 Changed Book Marketing For Good
2021-10-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
In this session, Books Forward publicity firm’s President, Marissa DeCuir, will guide writers through the ways in which the major events of 2020 transformed book marketing–and how writers must adapt their promotional efforts from now on in order to effectively reach their audience. During the seminar, we’ll discuss the specific ways in which a year of social upheaval and pandemic changed the way writers, readers, publishers, and booksellers interact with one another. We’ll cover how writers can make the most of promotional opportunities that have become prominent since 2020, including the meteoric rise of audiobooks, virtual events, and TikTok. We’ll also discuss the publishing trends that are emerging in 2021, how to leverage the current news cycle for promotion, and how writers can connect with readers in creative, meaningful new ways this year and beyond.

18 Steps to Successful Self-Publishing
2021-09-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
For nearly a decade, Kerrie Flanagan has immersed herself into the world of Self-Publishing by publishing 17 of her own books, writing articles about the topic, and helping dozens of other authors through the entire process. Through her experiences, she came up with 18 necessary steps to not only publish a great book, but steps to also create a successful self-publishing career. In this workshop, she will cover each of these steps and provide you with the information you need to begin creating, publishing, and market a high-quality book that will rise above the millions of self-published titles already out there.Kerrie Flanagan Website

Freeing Your Muse: Overcoming Writer’s Block with Psychologist and Author, Dr. Linda Sonna
2021-08-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Writer’s block can cripple both professional and novice writers for hours, days, weeks, or even years. Although their pining to heed their sacred calling remains painfully alive, many find themselves moving in slow motion or completely paralyzed. In this workshop, participants will learn how to identify the causes of their personal writing blocks, how to coax their elusive muse to reappear, and how to cultivate a productive partnership with their mysterious writing guide.
About Dr. Linda Sonna:
Psychologist Dr. Sonna has authored 10 self-help books, a memoir, a nationally self-syndicated column, and countless freelance articles. Her poems have appeared in literary journals and anthologies. Learn more at: https://www.drsonna.org/.

Getting Book Reviews
2021-07-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
What’s the one thing you can do each and every day to grow your book sales?Ask for a review.
In this session, Brian Schwartz will share his tips on how to create the essential foundation behind any successful book: a strategy to continually ask for reviews (and follow-up). Putting marketing dollars behind a book without reviews is the fastest way to blow through your budget. While Amazon reviews get all the attention, there are many other ways you can gather & leverage reviews elsewhere.
10 takeaways you can expect from attending this webinar:
– How to ask for a review to increase the odds of getting a good one.
– Indicators Amazon uses to remove reviews (and the importance of using a “barebone” url when pointing to your book).
– How to get more mileage from each review.
– Using reviews in your marketing materials and front matter.
– How many reviews you need.
– When a bad review can be good.
– How to avoid getting banned by Goodreads.
– What a successful reviewer outreach, tracking & follow-up system looks like.
– How to uncover 100+ reviewers in your own network.
– Using advance reviews in your launch.
Bonus: How reviews help you increase your profit margin.
After helping hundreds of authors since 2009, Brian has seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. How do you get a good review for your book? You put your book in the hands of the right reader. How do you get a bad review? You put your book in the hands of the wrong reader! Amazon.com began with a single line of code. Similarly, the success of any bestseller began with a single review. Brian and his team in the trenches have personally gathered hundreds of reviews for his clients.

How to Boost Your Book Sales with Traditional Media and PR
2021-06-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Join bestselling author and self-publishing expert, A.G. Billig, for this Indie Author Project Expert Session: How to Boost Your Book Sales with Traditional Media and PR.Traditional media and PR are two of the most valuable tools in your book-marketing arsenal. When used wisely, they can boost your visibility, sales, and number of loyal and get you on the bestseller lists.
In this workshop, you will find out the secrets that PR pros use to get their clients from starving to stardom. You will also learn:
What you need to do to implement a successful PR campaign and leverage the power of traditional media.
How to structure a short-term communication plan
How to build your media tribe
How to prepare for a media interview
How to leverage your media appearances
At the end of this session, you will have the necessary abilities to build your media tribe, forge long-lasting relationships with journalists, get traditional media exposure, scale your traditional media appearances, and maximize the results of your PR campaigns.

Nonfiction Essentials
2021-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Nonfiction Essentials is a workshop geared towards helping writers understand what their readers need to know. Although geared to nonfiction work, tips included can be applied to fiction as well. Join award-winning author, Miko Marsh, as she outlines how to share information with potential readers, establish yourself as an authority, and support your work.

Writing, Publishing, and Marketing Your Book in a Crowded Marketspace
2021-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
In this session, two-time Emmy Award-winning producer and award-winning author Nikesha Elise Williams will take writers through the process of writing, publishing, and marketing their book. The seminar will feature segments on content and craft during the writing portion of the workshop. During the publishing section participants will be taken through the process and avenues to publishing that include through traditional publishers and presses as well as independent or (self) publishing their work. In the final segment of the workshop we will discuss marketing and promotion strategy which is the key to getting books into the hands of the target audience and beyond.

Playing the Short Game
2021-03-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Take your first step to becoming a professional short fiction writer, join best-selling author, Douglas Smith, for this Expert Session on how to leverage short fiction in your writing career. In an engaging and conversational style, multi-award-winning author Douglas Smith will share how to market and sell short stories—and much, much more. Even experienced writers will find value here as Smith takes you from your first sale to using your stories to build a writing career.

How to Write, Illustrate, and Publish a Children’s Book
2021-01-28 15:00 | Virtual Event
Join #1 best-selling children’s author Sheri Fink to discover how you can go from simply having an idea, to believing in that idea and taking the next step of starting your children’s book. She’ll offer tips on how to focus your narrative and how to stay motivated and encouraged throughout the writing process. Sheri will also cover aspects of the illustration process including how to find, vet, and hire an illustrator, along with the author-illustrator relationship and how to pull all of the different elements together to get ready for publishing. She’ll share strategies to effectively and affordably publish your children’s book independently and help you choose the best indie publishing path based on your unique goals using the approach she’s used for her nine award-winning children’s books.

Keeping the Momentum Going After NaNoWriMo
2020-12-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
NaNoWriMo is officially behind us, and now it’s time to keep that writing momentum going! Join us in this Expert Session with award-winning indie author and writing coach, Bethany Atazadeh, to get the scoop on how to continue your progress long after November. No matter how your NaNoWriMo went, this lightning webinar will be full of tips and advice on how to hit your writing goals.

Balancing Writing and Parenting With Award-Winning Author Katie L. Carroll
2020-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
As a parent, finding the time and energy to write is challenging in the best of times. In our current climate of virtual learning and working from home, finding time to write while facing these extra demands can feel impossible. Although designed with the particular needs of parents in mind, this webinar will help any time-strapped writer discover tools and strategies to get the words on the page. Drawing from her own experience as a parent of three children under the age of 10, award-winning author Katie L. Carroll will share her best tips for time management and accountability, offering an encouraging environment for parents and writers in these unprecedented times.

Organizing Virtual Literary Events with Author and Entrepreneur Cody Sisco
2020-09-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
Virtual events are now a mainstay of the literary landscape. Even amid economic turmoil, a pandemic, and intense social conflict, authors are finding ways to connect with their readers online and win lifelong fans. Some of the strategies for organizing successful in-person events still apply, while others need rethinking when screens separate us. Author and entrepreneur Cody Sisco’s presentation will draw from his experiences organizing online literary readings, discussions, and fundraisers via BookSwell, his literary events, and media production company. Authors will learn how to plan an online event, including step-by-step considerations for reaching target audiences, tips for hosting a successful event, and how to magnify the event’s impact via social media.

Education for Social Change with Dr. Artika Tyner
2020-08-20 12:00 - 13:00
Dr. Tyner will use her book, Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, to introduce key leadership lessons, African American heroes & sheroes, and cultural intelligence strategies. Authors will gain deeper insights into identity development, leadership as a learning process, and cultural awareness. Tyner’s presentation draws from her experiences as an educator, children’s book author, civil rights attorney, and leadership scholar. Dr. Tyner also spent nearly two decades working in youth development. She volunteers at schools and hosts youth leadership summits worldwide.

Creating Stellar Author Websites with Award-winning Author and Webmaster Scott Semegran
2020-07-16 12:00 - 13:00
An author’s website is the number one opportunity for an author to market, promote, and sell their books, as well as share their story about their journey as an indie author with the world. Is your website up to snuff? Learn the ins and outs of creating a beautiful author website, even if you’re not a webmaster. If you don’t have a website, or your website is subpar, then you’re missing out on the number one opportunity to shine with the one promotional tool that is 100% under your control: your website. In this interactive webinar, we’ll discuss what’s involved in procuring a domain name and setting up a website, creating great content about your books, and reaching new readers worldwide. What are you waiting for? Let’s do this!

Marketing Outside of the Box with award-winning indie author, Jacqui Castle
2020-06-18 12:00 - 13:00
Are you an indie author ready to see your book in the hands of more readers? Let’s look beyond the newsletters, beyond the standard social media posts, and beyond the paid ads. In this interactive webinar, we’ll discuss ways to step out of your comfort zone, think outside the box, and reach an audience you didn’t know was waiting. We’ll discuss methods for leveraging your own strengths, embracing your local community, and reaching audiences beyond traditional book-centric media outlets. Your readers are waiting, so let’s go find them!

Expanding Your Reach with 2019 Indie Author of the Year, Ran Walker
2020-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
Are you an indie author looking for effective ways to reach new audiences and expand your readership? Join us for this free lightning webinar on indie-publishing beyond the Amazon machine, featuring 2019 Indie Author of the Year, Ran Walker. Learn the value of leveraging distribution services like IngramSpark, the power of engaging with libraries, how to get the most out of speaking opportunities, and more. This IAP Expert Session is ideal for authors of all types who are interested in expanding their reach and attracting new readers.
