I’m bullish about publishing books. Yes, the industry is changing rapidly, but change means opportunity. Though I don’t feel qualified to predict what book publishing will look like in the future, or even next year, I do know one place to look. The December 2014 issue of Book Business tapped industry experts to contemplate the […]
As a magazine publisher, I deal with submission deadlines all the time. Without deadlines, nothing would ever happen; writers would invariably ask for additional time or, more likely, they’d never make time to write in the first place. I don’t set submission deadlines to frustrate people; deadlines are necessary to move towards publication. Deadlines are […]
The production of books is only the first step of book publishing; the second—and more important part—is selling them. To sell books, whether we traditionally publish or self-publish, we need a platform. This is something most authors struggle with. Fortunately, many people will tell us how to build a viable brand-building, book-promoting, product-selling platform. Most […]
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Avoid Passive Writing
An explanation of what constitutes the passive voice is too technical to fully cover—not that I would try anyway—but here is an example: Passive: Passive writing is something to be avoided. Active: Avoid passive writing. Notice that the active version is both clearer and more concise. This is key. If you, like me, have trouble […]
By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD Last month I wrote that many TAS owners use a management style called “management by walking around.” The default method of many entrepreneurs and small business owners, this is a simple yet effective way to oversee a single-location business, provided the owner is on-site. However, if the manager isn’t present, […]
As writers, we need to determine the best time of day to write. The answer hinges on when our words flow best, balanced with when we encounter the fewest distractions. For me, this is the early morning. This is my prime time to write. If we fail to capitalize on our best time to write, […]
I recently discussed “Why Writers Should Follow the Rules of Writing.” Now I’ll focus on submission guidelines. The reason we should follow submission guidelines is simple: It increases our chance of publication. Here are some tips for successful submissions: You’ve likely heard of writers who have ignored these tips and found success because of it. […]
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Blogging Video Available
Online Video Gives 12 Tips For Better WordPress Content Creation Veteran Blogger Peter Lyle DeHaan’s WordCamp Grand Rapids Presentation Is Now Accessible Online Peter Lyle DeHaan spoke at the recent WordCamp in Grand Rapids Michigan. Peter’s topic, “12 Tips For Better WordPress Content Creation,” is now available for online viewing at WordPress.tv. Other recordings from […]
By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD To make sure you continue to receive AnswerStat magazine, we need your confirmation. Here’s Why: AnswerStat magazine is an advertiser-supported magazine. That means the companies that advertise in AnswerStat make it possible for you to receive it. Please join us in thanking our sponsors and advertisers for making AnswerStat possible, […]
Last week we discussed “Why Writers Should Follow the Rules of Writing.” Now we’ll focus on reader expectations. When readers consider our writing, they have a set of expectations—whether they realize it or not. If we don’t meet their expectations, they will stop reading. If we fail miserably, they may never read anything else we […]