Archive for Writing/Publishing/Promoting Questions Answered
“Should New Authors Start with a Smaller Publisher, or Self-Publish?”
Posted by: | CommentsPatricia asked a great question when she signed up for the Author Success Plan. (You can also do both at the same time–just click the link under the red arrows. As you can see, I do answer questions here!)
“Is it better for an unpublished author to publish with a small publisher not a ’self-publisher’?”
This is a great question, but it’s more complicated than it appears.
It really depends on several things: Read More→
Keep Your Blog Secure!
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Technology–bane or blessing?
If your web site is ever hacked, it will feel like a huge bane. If not a curse.
I’ve had my blog hacked into twice now (and I’m wondering if my email was also hacked–if you get spam from me, IT’S NOT really from me. I’m looking into it.)
Listen, as authors, we need a blog. We absolutely do. (Read here for 9 reasons why .)
But if your site is ever hacked, and perhaps shut down or blocked by search engines–that is a BIG PROBLEM.
There are some simple steps to keep that from ever happening, and tomorrow you get a chance to listen to Cathy Perkins, the WordPress Wizard, talk about some of the things you have to know to keep your blog secure.
Self-Publishing–How to Find a Self-Publishing Company that Won’t Rip You Off
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Thinking of self-publishing your book? There are some good reasons to self-publish (see my article on “Why You Should Consider Self-Publishing Your First Book“).
However, you can easily get gouged by choosing the wrong self-publishing company. I’ve had people come to me saying they invested $5,000 to $40,000 in a self-publishing company, with little to show but a garage full of poorly produced books and a contract that precludes them ever making any money from their book.
I’m very passionate about helping authors to avoid getting ripped off. I hate when companies or individuals prey on the desire to become an author and share your wisdom with the world.
That’s why I was overjoyed when I discovered Mark Levine and his book, The Fine Print of Self-Publishing: The Contracts & Services of 45 Self-Publishing Companies–Analyzed, Ranked and Exposed!, now in its Third Edition.
I invite you to listen to an interview I did with Mark Levine recently on how to choose the right self-publishing company. Find out the most common mistakes authors make when choosing a self-publishing company, and how to avoid them–among other things.
You can also ask Mark Levine your question about self-publishing, and sign up for my upcoming Virtual Book Tour in which Mark Levine will answer your questions about self-publishing.
Please–don’t even consider self-publishing a book until you’ve listened to this interview and checked out Mark’s book and the resources he offers along with it
“Can I Build a Website If I Know Nothing about Websites?”
Posted by: | CommentsHere’s a question from this blog I’d like to answer. (Ask your question in the box to the right.)
Helen asks:
“I am a teacher working with kindergarten children for 50 years. I would like to publish books relating to children and others. I have no knowledge how to start. Can XSite Pro help me who knows nothing about website or the internet? Please advise, Helen”
My answer:
One of the great things about XSite Pro web design software is that
Make Sure Your WordPress Blogs are Secure from Hackers
Posted by: | CommentsI just received an email from Lynette Chandler, who sends out excellent info on technology issues. (As someone who is somewhat tech-averse, I need all the help I can get!)
Lynette talked about the security issues with WordPress blogs and what to do about it. (Lynette says “regular web sites” such as sites created with XSite Pro web design software are not necessarily any more secure, but I’m going to check on that with XSP. So far I’ve NEVER had a problem with my XSite Pro sites, only my blogs.)
Here’s what Lynette wrote, and the helpful info she shared:
“If you haven’t heard already, there has been a bunch of attacks to
WordPress blogs lately. If you go to WordPress forums and search for
security or hacking you’ll see it has gone on since before version
2.5.1. The most vulnerable sites are those running version 2.3.x but
there has been some report from people using 2.5.1
“It is not clear that those running the newer version were infiltrated
before upgrading. The official WordPress word on this is, version
2.5.1 is secure.
“But you know, this is more about what we as site owners should do to
make sure our sites are not so easily hacked. Look, every software
has their weak points. The trick to surviving a web site hacking is
to take steps so you don’t go through it in the first place.
Prevention is better than cure.
“Also, having regular *web site* backups are super important.
“I talked about this to my friend Elizabeth lately on her podcast.
You are advised to listen to it. Here’s the link.
“Some of the things discussed in the podcast are:
“1. What can happen if a hacking occurs (even if it is not a
Wordpress powered site – so if you don’t run WP, don’t sit back and
relax yet)
“2. Some suggestions how to lock down your WP and sites.
“In addition, here’s a blog post I made earlier with resources how to
secure your site.
“Finally… what do you do to find out if you’ve been hacked and how
to fix it? Here’s a resource that will be super helpful.
“Till the next time, stay safe and don’t forget to backup, backup,
backup.”
Thanks, Lynette!
Call-In Details For Tonight’s Teleseminar On Best Resources …
Posted by: | CommentsI hope you’ll join me for tonight’s “Resource Roundup for Authors” teleseminar.
I will be answering questions AND going over some of the best resources for starting your book, getting published by a traditional book publisher, and starting up a website and/or blog so that you can sell stuff.
For the teleseminar, you will have your choice of listening on the phone, or via the Web. You may also ask more questions right online, during the
call, via a form you fill out. (Cool, huh?)
Here’s the call-in information:
DATE: Tuesday, May 27, 2008
TIME: 5 p.m. Pacific, 8 p.m. Eastern
CALL-IN NUMBER: 218-486-3696
Use Conference ID: 821610#
TO ATTEND THIS EVENT ON THE WEB, CLICK THIS LINK.
Make sure you get the Resource Guide. You’ll want that as a handy reference. Even if you don’t need all the resources at this moment, chances are you will at some point.
Call in a few minutes early to introduce yourself! (Free publicity for your site or book.)
The call will be for approximately 60 minutes, and then if there’s time I will answer questions from those submitted on the live call.
If you can’t make the live teleseminar, this link will still get you to the (unedited) replay.
(But I hope you can make it on the live call!)
“See” you on the call!
