Monthly Archives: December 2024

Turning Reader Feedback into Better Books

Let’s talk about something that every author has to face at some point: feedback. Specifically, how to turn reader feedback into better books. It’s natural to feel a little defensive when someone critiques your work—it’s personal! But here’s the thing: feedback is one of the most powerful tools you have as a writer. When you approach it with the right mindset, it can help you create books that resonate even more deeply with your readers. Let’s break it down.

First, remember that not all feedback is created equal. Some feedback will be incredibly helpful, and some will just be noise. The key is to look for patterns. If one person says, “I didn’t like this character,” that might just be their opinion. But if multiple readers say the same thing, it’s worth digging into. Patterns show you where your story might not be landing the way you hoped.

Next, think about where to find this feedback. Beta readers are an amazing resource. These are people who read your book before it’s published and give you honest critiques. When picking beta readers, aim for a mix of perspectives—some who are familiar with your genre and others who aren’t. Sites like Goodreads or writing communities on Reddit can be great places to find beta readers.

Once your book is out, reviews are another goldmine for feedback. But here’s the thing—you have to learn to filter. A review that says, “The pacing felt slow in the middle” is actionable. A review that says, “This book was boring” isn’t. Focus on the critiques that give you specific, tangible things to improve.

When you have feedback, start organizing it. Break it into categories like plot, characters, pacing, and dialogue. This helps you see trends more clearly. For example, if several readers mention that the ending feels rushed, that’s a sign to take another look. Or if a character seems flat, maybe they need more depth or a stronger arc.

One thing to keep in mind: you don’t have to act on every piece of feedback. At the end of the day, it’s your book. The goal isn’t to please everyone—it’s to create something that stays true to your vision while connecting with your target audience. Think about what your ideal reader wants and use that as a guide for deciding which feedback to act on.

Feedback is also incredibly useful for series authors. If you’re writing a series, the feedback from book one can shape how you approach the next installments. Listen to what readers loved, fix what didn’t work, and use that to build even better books going forward.

Finally, show appreciation for the people giving you feedback. Whether it’s beta readers, early reviewers, or even casual readers, a little gratitude goes a long way. A simple thank-you can turn someone into a lifelong fan.

For more on how to handle criticism and improve your craft, you can check out this article on Constructive Criticism. It’s a great overview of how to make feedback work for you instead of against you.

Strategies for Marketing Your Self-Published Book

You’ve written your book, and now you’re asking, “How do I get people to read it?” Marketing might feel intimidating, but with the right strategies, it’s absolutely manageable. So let’s break it down into actionable steps you can take to market your self-published book effectively.

First up, start with your audience. The most common mistake authors make is trying to market to everyone. Your book isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Narrow it down. Who is your ideal reader? What do they like? Where do they hang out online? The clearer you are about your target audience, the more effective your marketing efforts will be. For example, if you wrote a fantasy novel, your audience might be hanging out in Facebook groups for fantasy readers or on subreddits dedicated to epic world-building.

Once you know your audience, build your email list. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: your email list is gold. Social media algorithms change, but email is direct and personal. If you don’t have a list yet, start by offering something valuable, like a free short story or the first few chapters of your book. Use platforms like MailerLite or ConvertKit to make it easy to collect emails and stay in touch.

Speaking of social media, let’s talk about how to use it without feeling overwhelmed. You don’t need to be on every platform. Pick one or two where your audience is most active, and focus your energy there. For visual platforms like Instagram, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your writing process, book aesthetics, or even fan art if you have it. On Twitter, engage with writing and reading communities by sharing tips, participating in bookish chats, and joining trending conversations related to your genre. The key is consistency—show up regularly and engage authentically.

Next, leverage Amazon. If you’re publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Amazon can be your best friend when it comes to visibility. Use keywords and categories strategically to help your book show up in searches. Tools like Publisher Rocket can help you find the best ones for your book. Once you’ve got that set, consider running Amazon ads. They’re relatively inexpensive and can give your book a big boost, especially if you’re just starting out.

Now let’s talk about reviews. Reviews are social proof—they tell potential readers that your book is worth their time. Start by reaching out to your launch team or beta readers and asking them to leave honest reviews. If you don’t have a launch team, look for book bloggers or reviewers in your genre and offer them a free copy. Just remember, never pay for reviews—it’s not ethical, and it can backfire.

Collaborations can also work wonders. Partner with other authors in your genre for a giveaway, or join forces to cross-promote each other’s books. If you write nonfiction, consider reaching out to podcasts or blogs related to your topic. Getting in front of an established audience can be a game-changer.

Another strategy is content marketing. This means creating valuable, shareable content that ties into your book. For example, if your book is about time management, write a blog post or create a YouTube video with practical tips. If you’ve written a novel, you could share character backstories or create a Pinterest board inspired by your book’s setting. Content marketing builds your authority and keeps your audience engaged.

Finally, don’t forget about local opportunities. If you’ve published a physical book, reach out to local bookstores about carrying it. You can also host an author event, like a signing or reading. Libraries are another great option—they’re often open to partnering with local authors.

How to Create a Winning Cover for Your Book

Let’s dive into one of the most important—and overlooked—aspects of self-publishing: how to create a winning cover for your book. I can’t stress this enough—your cover is the very first impression your book makes, and we all know how important first impressions are. Readers do judge books by their covers, whether we like it or not. So let’s talk about how to get it right.

First things first: know your genre. Every genre has its own visual language, and your cover needs to fit within that. Think about it—romance novels have a totally different vibe from thrillers, and thrillers look nothing like sci-fi. If your cover doesn’t immediately signal the genre, you risk confusing readers, and confused readers don’t buy books. Start by researching bestsellers in your category. What colors, fonts, and imagery are common? You don’t want to copy, but you do want to align with what readers expect.

Now, let’s talk about hiring a professional. I know, budgets are tight, and it’s tempting to try designing your cover yourself. But unless you’re a graphic designer, please don’t. A poorly designed cover screams “self-published” in all the wrong ways. A professional designer knows how to balance typography, imagery, and layout to create a polished, marketable cover. If cost is an issue, look for freelance designers on platforms like 99designs or Fiverr, or check out premade covers from reputable designers—they’re often more affordable.

Next, let’s address typography, because this is where a lot of DIY covers go wrong. The font you choose matters just as much as the imagery. It needs to be clean, legible, and genre-appropriate. Overly fancy or hard-to-read fonts are a big no. And while we’re on the subject, don’t overdo it with effects like drop shadows or gradients—less is more.

Imagery is another key component. Whether you’re using illustrations, photos, or abstract designs, make sure the imagery is high quality and relevant to your book. Stock photos are fine, but choose carefully—nothing screams amateur like a cheesy, overused stock image. If you can, customize the image to make it unique to your book. And remember, your cover doesn’t have to depict a literal scene from the story. It just needs to capture the tone and feel of your book.

Color is another powerful tool. Different colors evoke different emotions, and the right palette can make your cover pop. Bright colors might work for lighthearted genres like chick-lit or middle-grade fiction, while darker tones are more fitting for mysteries or dystopian novels. Again, look to your genre for guidance.

Here’s something a lot of people overlook: your cover needs to look good at thumbnail size. Most readers will see your book for the first time as a tiny image on Amazon or another retailer’s site. If your cover is too cluttered or the text is too small, it’ll get lost. Test your design by shrinking it down and making sure the title and key elements are still clear.

And let’s not forget the back cover and spine if you’re doing a print version. The back cover is prime real estate for your blurb, author bio, and maybe even a compelling tagline. Keep it consistent with the front cover design so everything looks cohesive.

Lastly, get feedback before finalizing your cover. Share a few options with trusted friends, other authors, or even your target audience. Sometimes a small tweak—like adjusting the font size or changing a color—can make a big difference.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Author Bio

Let’s talk about something every author needs but often overlooks: the author bio. It’s one of those little things that seems like an afterthought, but trust me, it’s so much more. Your bio is a chance to connect with readers, establish credibility, and make them care about who you are—not just what you wrote. And today, I want to share some tips for writing a compelling author bio, inspired by Simone, the owner of this Winnipeg personal trainer business. Her story offers such a great example of crafting a bio that really resonates.

So, let’s start with the basics. Your author bio needs to answer three questions: Who are you? What’s your expertise? And why should readers care? Simone’s bio does this perfectly. She starts by being relatable—she shares how she was once “that girl at the gym” who didn’t know what to do. Right away, it’s clear she wasn’t born an expert, and that makes her more approachable. Readers love a story of transformation—it shows growth and makes them feel like you’re someone who understands their struggles.

For your bio, think about your own journey. Did you overcome something? Learn something the hard way? Sharing those details makes you human and relatable. But keep it concise—this isn’t your autobiography. A sentence or two is enough to establish that connection.

Now, let’s talk about credibility. Simone highlights her diploma in Fitness & Health, years of experience, and certifications. She’s not just saying, “Trust me, I know what I’m doing”—she’s showing it. In your bio, don’t be afraid to mention your accomplishments, education, or any other credentials that give you authority. If you’ve written a book on a specific topic, what makes you qualified to write it? Be clear but not braggy—let the facts speak for themselves.

But here’s the secret sauce: your mission. This is where Simone really shines. Her mission to help people fall in love with exercise and live healthier lives gives her bio purpose. It’s not just about what she’s done; it’s about why she does it. For your bio, ask yourself: What’s your “why”? Why did you write this book? What impact do you hope to make? Including that mission makes your bio not just informative, but inspiring.

Another pro tip? Tailor your bio to your audience. Simone focuses on holistic fitness and helping people with knee pain because that’s her niche. If you’re writing for a specific group of readers, highlight the parts of your story that will matter most to them. Writing a romance novel? Mention your love of epic love stories. Crafting a sci-fi adventure? Maybe share how you grew up watching Star Trek with your dad. Make it personal, and make it relevant.

And finally, remember that your bio isn’t set in stone. You can—and should—update it as you grow and accomplish more. Simone’s bio reflects over eight years of experience, but when she first started, it probably looked very different. Your first bio might feel small, but that’s okay. The important thing is to start.