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5 Things Every First-Time Author Needs to Know: How to Publish a Book and Build Your Platform
A Blueprint for Becoming a Bestselling AuthorThis straight-talking how-to guide for authors explains how to reach more readers, make more money, and avoid the costly mistakes that most new (and seasoned) authors make when they publish a book. It's written specifically for new and aspiring non-fiction authors who want to leverage a book to build their platform, practice, and/or business and can be read in under an hour.
Professional publishing coach and #1 bestselling author Geoff Affleck offers five insights for first-time non-fiction authors.
You will learn how
Decide on the topic that will attract the most readersBuild your email list by leveraging your bookCreate your book so it sells itselfPublish your first bookBuild a profitable business from your book
You'll learn five ways to build your audience while you’re writing your book and the seven factors that you can control that will make your book
Craft a Catchy TitleCreate a Cover that PopsYour Book Description Is a Sales PageDo Your Keywords ResearchGet Your First 10 ReviewsChoose Your Categories to Become a BestsellerSet Your Price Strategically
Download this quick and practical eBook today and take the next step to becoming a successful bestselling author.
Publishing and marketing a book has a lot of moving parts that are unfamiliar to most authors—and that's where costly mistakes are made. Just reading the section on navigating Amazon's cavernous category system will make reading it worthwhile!
Avoid the pitfalls that most new authors make and set your book up for the success you deserve. Download your copy today.
Professional publishing coach and #1 bestselling author Geoff Affleck offers five insights for first-time non-fiction authors.
You will learn how
Decide on the topic that will attract the most readersBuild your email list by leveraging your bookCreate your book so it sells itselfPublish your first bookBuild a profitable business from your book
You'll learn five ways to build your audience while you’re writing your book and the seven factors that you can control that will make your book
Craft a Catchy TitleCreate a Cover that PopsYour Book Description Is a Sales PageDo Your Keywords ResearchGet Your First 10 ReviewsChoose Your Categories to Become a BestsellerSet Your Price Strategically
Download this quick and practical eBook today and take the next step to becoming a successful bestselling author.
Publishing and marketing a book has a lot of moving parts that are unfamiliar to most authors—and that's where costly mistakes are made. Just reading the section on navigating Amazon's cavernous category system will make reading it worthwhile!
Avoid the pitfalls that most new authors make and set your book up for the success you deserve. Download your copy today.
- GenresWritingNonfictionEbooks
33 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2018
130 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 22, 2020
Excellent & Timely Teaching Points!
This is a remarkable narration for first-time authors to read. It’s very educational and packed with vital information and teaching points for a successful book launching. My first poetry book, “A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose, and Thoughts for the Mind, Body & Soul,” was published in 2005. It was a challenging learning experience. Hindsight has many revelations. I would have been so happy back then if a text of this nature existed with the applicable user-friendly guidelines of starting on the right track.
The exciting aspect of this event is this: Although water under the bridge will never come back. There are always refreshing springs available to tap for a fresher taste—like this one. I climbed Mount Sinai once. At the top, I drank some “Moses Water” to quench my thirst suggested by one of the monks. It was very refreshing and was one of those magical moments in life. One will find magical moments traveling the right path. I know this is one, and the taste will be even more renewing and mentally strengthening.
I have read this publication twice already, and each time I learned something new. Thank you for sharing this noteworthy and path-guiding text. The principles will be applied effectively and efficiently to enhance success. Great job!
Have an awesome day, don't forget to pray, continue being ingenious, inspiring others to be resilient, stay encouraged, mindful, enlightened, and blessed always!
Sincerely yours,
Joseph
This is a remarkable narration for first-time authors to read. It’s very educational and packed with vital information and teaching points for a successful book launching. My first poetry book, “A Trilogy of Poetry, Prose, and Thoughts for the Mind, Body & Soul,” was published in 2005. It was a challenging learning experience. Hindsight has many revelations. I would have been so happy back then if a text of this nature existed with the applicable user-friendly guidelines of starting on the right track.
The exciting aspect of this event is this: Although water under the bridge will never come back. There are always refreshing springs available to tap for a fresher taste—like this one. I climbed Mount Sinai once. At the top, I drank some “Moses Water” to quench my thirst suggested by one of the monks. It was very refreshing and was one of those magical moments in life. One will find magical moments traveling the right path. I know this is one, and the taste will be even more renewing and mentally strengthening.
I have read this publication twice already, and each time I learned something new. Thank you for sharing this noteworthy and path-guiding text. The principles will be applied effectively and efficiently to enhance success. Great job!
Have an awesome day, don't forget to pray, continue being ingenious, inspiring others to be resilient, stay encouraged, mindful, enlightened, and blessed always!
Sincerely yours,
Joseph
April 22, 2022
Simple and Practical
This book focuses on some key principles. It is aimed at new authors, but is a super refresher for existing authors because every author lets a few fundamentals slip sometimes. A worthy read.
This book focuses on some key principles. It is aimed at new authors, but is a super refresher for existing authors because every author lets a few fundamentals slip sometimes. A worthy read.
January 5, 2019
This short book is a great introduction to the key concepts of (self-)publishing and marketing for a first-time author. The thing to recognize is that this is really about building your platform as an author to get people to "know, like, and trust" you enough to start buying your material.
Affleck starts by identifying how the first-time author should consider the "why" and "for whom" behind any book project. Though perhaps not clear from the title, this guide is for non-fiction, and while some of the advice might be apt for fiction writers, much of it will not be applicable for creative endeavors.
For most of the book, Affleck focuses on the basics of marketing, creating an audience for your writing (and thus, a mailing list) before you work on creating the actual book you want to sell. He also reviews seven key attributes (from book design to keyword and category placement to pricing strategies), some or all of which may be new (or at least fuzzy) concepts for the newer author.
This is a short book, 23 pages in total, and is designed less as a stand-alone book and more as an ice-cream sample (much like Affleck advises authors) to encourage readers to sign up for his list, buy more of his materials, and subscribe to his programs. All of this is fine, because you'd be hard-pressed to read the book and not expect him to do just that.
If you are a brand new to the idea of publishing, this is a worthy place to start to acquire your marketing-centric mindset, and if you're already writing, there are some solid nuggets regarding approaches you could take. As long as you understand that this is a book for novices, and one that's almost entirely focused on the "build your platform" step with only cursory attention to the "how to publish" part, you should be satisfied.
Affleck starts by identifying how the first-time author should consider the "why" and "for whom" behind any book project. Though perhaps not clear from the title, this guide is for non-fiction, and while some of the advice might be apt for fiction writers, much of it will not be applicable for creative endeavors.
For most of the book, Affleck focuses on the basics of marketing, creating an audience for your writing (and thus, a mailing list) before you work on creating the actual book you want to sell. He also reviews seven key attributes (from book design to keyword and category placement to pricing strategies), some or all of which may be new (or at least fuzzy) concepts for the newer author.
This is a short book, 23 pages in total, and is designed less as a stand-alone book and more as an ice-cream sample (much like Affleck advises authors) to encourage readers to sign up for his list, buy more of his materials, and subscribe to his programs. All of this is fine, because you'd be hard-pressed to read the book and not expect him to do just that.
If you are a brand new to the idea of publishing, this is a worthy place to start to acquire your marketing-centric mindset, and if you're already writing, there are some solid nuggets regarding approaches you could take. As long as you understand that this is a book for novices, and one that's almost entirely focused on the "build your platform" step with only cursory attention to the "how to publish" part, you should be satisfied.
June 14, 2021
If you aspire to become a best-selling author of a nonfiction books, books that will be helpful to your targeted audience, then you need to read this booklet, 5 Things Every First-Time Author Needs to Know: How to Publish a Book and Build Your Platform.
First, let me be perfectly clear about what this awesome little book will not do, it will not teach you how to write. What it will teach you is how to decide what to write your book about and how to determine who your targeted audience really is. What it will do is give you a solid foundation in what you need to know to do those things. After all, there is a limit to how much one can teach in a 28 page book.
Although this book is only 28 pages in length, Afflect packs those pages with the amount of valuable information that you would only expect to find in a book three to four times that number, so you will need to read it several times to get the full benefit of what he teaches. This is a book that you need on your craft book shelf.
First, let me be perfectly clear about what this awesome little book will not do, it will not teach you how to write. What it will teach you is how to decide what to write your book about and how to determine who your targeted audience really is. What it will do is give you a solid foundation in what you need to know to do those things. After all, there is a limit to how much one can teach in a 28 page book.
Although this book is only 28 pages in length, Afflect packs those pages with the amount of valuable information that you would only expect to find in a book three to four times that number, so you will need to read it several times to get the full benefit of what he teaches. This is a book that you need on your craft book shelf.
July 21, 2019
I wish I had this book when I first started writing my book series seven years ago. First-time authors are overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks necessary to create a successful book. Affleck gives practical steps that need to be taken before they publish. Preparation is key. Understanding what to write, why one is writing, and whom one is writing for are questions that need to be tackled.
The author tells the prospective writer how to make a book successful and appealing. Marketing is an aspect that few new authors are prepared to deal with. In this book, new authors learn how to create a good cover, an effective book description, how to get book reviews, and set up keywords that will effectively sell the product.
This short read is easy to follow and will prove an effective reference for anyone thinking of venturing into the world of self-publishing.
The author tells the prospective writer how to make a book successful and appealing. Marketing is an aspect that few new authors are prepared to deal with. In this book, new authors learn how to create a good cover, an effective book description, how to get book reviews, and set up keywords that will effectively sell the product.
This short read is easy to follow and will prove an effective reference for anyone thinking of venturing into the world of self-publishing.
April 22, 2022
As a published author, I know that overwhelm is one of the biggest challenges. You need to find time to write and you need to find time to market. This book cuts through the massive amount of things that authors need to master and simplifies them into some core principles.
There are other books that delve deeper into many of the self publishing concepts, it is good to have a straightforward initial guide on the key areas authors have to master. This author also covers the myth that traditional publishers are going to snap your book up without an existing audience.
There are other books that delve deeper into many of the self publishing concepts, it is good to have a straightforward initial guide on the key areas authors have to master. This author also covers the myth that traditional publishers are going to snap your book up without an existing audience.
May 2, 2022
A great introduction to what new authors need to know. The title specifically targets non-fiction writers but it seems absolutely relevant to all authors. There is very solid advice about so many things that one reading may not be adequate. It will also probably involve a significant amount of trial and error to develop the skills to follow the author's recommendations. Yet, I have already told a friend that he should read this.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Informative. Inspirational.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Informative. Inspirational.
February 21, 2020
This was a quick read. It is a discussion of the things you need to know to sell your books. It is especially aimed at non-fiction writers. The information in here is pretty sound, but it is the same thing you find in most other books on book marketing.
The best chapter was the one dealing with keywords and categories.
If you want video instruction or more in-depth courses on this subject, there are links to those in the book.
The best chapter was the one dealing with keywords and categories.
If you want video instruction or more in-depth courses on this subject, there are links to those in the book.
May 9, 2020
I downloaded this book when I attended a webinar by Geoff Affleck about keywords and categories.
What I've found useful here is his insights into various ways to build your email list (blog, Youtube, etc.) with the added caveat that social media gives fewer results and takes more time.
I especially like his Smart Publishing Path!
A must-read short ebook each author needs to read, no matter their genre and level of experience, to help sell more books.
What I've found useful here is his insights into various ways to build your email list (blog, Youtube, etc.) with the added caveat that social media gives fewer results and takes more time.
I especially like his Smart Publishing Path!
A must-read short ebook each author needs to read, no matter their genre and level of experience, to help sell more books.
September 10, 2020
This is a decent summary of things every author (and not only a first-timer) needs to keep in mind. It doesn't go into any depth, so you should regard it more as an expanded outline.
I read it as a lead-in to a webinar (which then filled up before I could log in) :-( Thus, I'm just as happy it was free.
I read it as a lead-in to a webinar (which then filled up before I could log in) :-( Thus, I'm just as happy it was free.
November 29, 2023
Food for thought
This book gives a brief outline of what's required when publishing a book. The information is useful in getting one's appetite whet, and then closes with a subtle sales pitch. Unfortunately the author did jot follow his own advice and get the book professionally edited and proofread, as there are few glaring grammatical errors.
This book gives a brief outline of what's required when publishing a book. The information is useful in getting one's appetite whet, and then closes with a subtle sales pitch. Unfortunately the author did jot follow his own advice and get the book professionally edited and proofread, as there are few glaring grammatical errors.
July 1, 2020
A nice little short book
It's a nice little short book. I enjoyed reading it. Author was to the point. I read same contents in other books by different authors who dragged the subject matter and complicated. He didn't. I recommend this book.
It's a nice little short book. I enjoyed reading it. Author was to the point. I read same contents in other books by different authors who dragged the subject matter and complicated. He didn't. I recommend this book.
March 3, 2021
Excellent and Very Informative!
A great book for anyone who is starting the journey to becoming a self published author. Geoff has written an easy to understand practical masterpiece which will help any writer start the process to becoming a successful self published author.
A great book for anyone who is starting the journey to becoming a self published author. Geoff has written an easy to understand practical masterpiece which will help any writer start the process to becoming a successful self published author.
June 2, 2021
Fast compilation of the current conventional wisdom
A quick and useful read for aspiring authors and even those who have already published a book . No rocket science and not unique but still a helpful review of marketing realities and principles.
A quick and useful read for aspiring authors and even those who have already published a book . No rocket science and not unique but still a helpful review of marketing realities and principles.
January 16, 2024
Great tips for authors interested in self-publishing
I highly recommend this book for authors who are thinking about self-publishing and authors who have already self-published. There are lots of great tips to make a bigger impact when releasing books on Amazon.
I highly recommend this book for authors who are thinking about self-publishing and authors who have already self-published. There are lots of great tips to make a bigger impact when releasing books on Amazon.
January 21, 2024
A book to sell a different book
This author spends a majority of this short read explaining someone else's book and thief techniques. Which, honestly if this is any indication then the other book is useless as well.
This author spends a majority of this short read explaining someone else's book and thief techniques. Which, honestly if this is any indication then the other book is useless as well.
June 27, 2020
Buen libro
Es un libro para tomar en cuenta al momento de promocionar un libro de no ficción. Es claro y conciso.
Es un libro para tomar en cuenta al momento de promocionar un libro de no ficción. Es claro y conciso.
November 25, 2020
Very useful
Insightful information for me to use and work on, very knowledgable and worth reading, especially as it’s free, really helpful thank you
Insightful information for me to use and work on, very knowledgable and worth reading, especially as it’s free, really helpful thank you
January 16, 2021
Not as helpful as promised
May 3, 2021
In only 5 chapters the author writes about useful tips for self-published beginners.
My favourite was chapter 4 about 7 factors to have success with your book.
My favourite was chapter 4 about 7 factors to have success with your book.
June 20, 2022
Geoff has done it again with a book of publishing knowledge. A quick read with tips and suggestions that with a lot of initiative will propel your book to the top of the charts.
September 25, 2023
Hitting the nail on the head!
Written to get you on your way to publishing success! No fluff, to the point and easy to read to be understood.
Written to get you on your way to publishing success! No fluff, to the point and easy to read to be understood.
October 11, 2023
Great little read.
Although short in length, the book really does pack a punch for the novice author. I thoroughly enjoyed the content.
Although short in length, the book really does pack a punch for the novice author. I thoroughly enjoyed the content.
May 17, 2020
This is a short book with some good practical advice for authors of non-fiction. It deals with self-publishing and more specifically, building your platform as an author to increase sales. The author makes note that the cover of his book says "best seller", not "best writer".
In the author's view, achieving success as an author means A) writing, and B) building an audience to sell to. He suggests considering the self-help area for your book as that seems to be a top-selling category in non-fiction. I would believe it. There seems to be a lot of people looking for a magic bullet for either self-improvement or a solution to their problems. I think in most cases that, deep down, they know what the answer is, but they're hoping to hear something else.
Far and away the biggest key to successful online marketing is reaching people via email. While social media is a useful supplemental medium, an email list is still the most powerful marketing tool. There are a number of other areas that are also important such as choosing a title, keywords and categories, selecting a cover design and some pricing strategies.
Although short, I think that the book does offer some good marketing advice, particularly to those new to the arena of self-publishing.
In the author's view, achieving success as an author means A) writing, and B) building an audience to sell to. He suggests considering the self-help area for your book as that seems to be a top-selling category in non-fiction. I would believe it. There seems to be a lot of people looking for a magic bullet for either self-improvement or a solution to their problems. I think in most cases that, deep down, they know what the answer is, but they're hoping to hear something else.
Far and away the biggest key to successful online marketing is reaching people via email. While social media is a useful supplemental medium, an email list is still the most powerful marketing tool. There are a number of other areas that are also important such as choosing a title, keywords and categories, selecting a cover design and some pricing strategies.
Although short, I think that the book does offer some good marketing advice, particularly to those new to the arena of self-publishing.
December 23, 2022
Quick read, simple actionable advice
As a new author, it is always of interest to me to learn new strategies for sharing my transformational message.
As a new author, it is always of interest to me to learn new strategies for sharing my transformational message.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews