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Donovan's Literary Services



Book Publicity and Marketing 

1. Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/pub_mkt.htm

--Established in 1976, the Midwest Book Review is an organization committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. This  links to independent publicists, publications, and sources for publicity and marketing services to authors.

2. How to Market Your e-Book
http://writetodone.com/how-market-ebooks/

--An interview with Jim Kukral on how to make your ebook successful!

3.  How to Get Major Publications to Review Your Book
http://www.novelpublicity.com/2012/01/how-to-get-major-publications-to-review-your-book-10-invaluable-tips-youll-wish-you-had-yesterday/

--An article packed with tips on how to get major publications to select your book for review, from knowing publishing cycles to proper follow-up protocol!

4. How To Launch An Effective Book Marketing Campaign Without A Publisher's Support
http://janefriedman.com/2013/11/12/book-marketing-101/

-- The main requirement is time and energy: here's the rest of what it will take to run your own book marketing campaign.

5. 89 Book Marketing Ideas
http://www.authormedia.com/89-book-marketing-ideas-that-will-change-your-life/

--From increasing your web presence to building a fan base and building an online and offline brand.


6. 
. Study Guides for Modern Novels
http://www.supersummary.com/

--- In-depth study guides on a variety of contemporary novels (including many newer books that aren't covered by the older study guide sites.)

7. The Book Publicist 
http://WWW.the-book-publicist.com

--From 'Top Book Fairs and Festivals' to '37 Top Awards Authors Should Pursue' and more, this website is packed with informative how-to articles to help authors get the most from a self-promotion campaign. Professional book marketer Scott Lorenz shared his thoughts in the form of lists, essays, and advice.


8. Book Marketing – What 200+ campaigns has taught us. http://publishingpush.com/blog/book-marketing/

-- Book marketing is a marathon, not a sprint ... these are top lessons learned from some 200 marketing campaigns  and exposes the ups and the downs of the business - and common pitfalls to avoid.   Lorenz shares his thoughts in the form of lists, essays, and advice.

9.How Attending Writers’ Conferences Put Authors on the Road to Success
https://book-publicist.com/?s=Attending+writers+conferences

 10.Jewish Book Fairs & Festivals Authors Can Attend in 2015
https://book-publicist.com/?s=jewish+book+fairs#

 11.37 Top Book Awards Authors Should Pursue for 2015
https://book-publicist.com/?s=top+book+awards#

 12.37 Top Book Fairs & Festivals for Authors in 2015
https://book-publicist.com/?s=top+book+fairs#

 13.Authors: Turn to Kickstarter to Launch Your Book
https://book-publicist.com/?s=authors+turn+to+kickstarter#

14.Authors: How to Get a Sales Force of 65,000 Reps to Sell Your Book
https://thebookpublicist.wordpress.com/2014/12/

 15.Authors: Check Out These 21 Fan Fiction Sites
https://book-publicist.com/?s=fan+fiction+sites#

 16. How to Use Book Reviews
http://www.novelpublicity.com/2014/12/how-to-use-book-reviews-to-effectively-promote-your-book/

 17. 101 Book Marketing Ideas
http://www.smithpublicity.com/101-book-marketing-ideas-promote-book/

18. How to Market an e-Book

https://www.podia.com/articles/ebook-marketing-tips


Publisher Resources

1. Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/pub_res.htm

--From societies and organizations to study groups, primers on publicity for publishers and  much more, this link provides a smorgasbord of links and articles.

2.  How to Self-Publish Your Book on Amazon
http://mashable.com/2011/07/19/self-publish-amazon-createspace/

--An article on how to self-publish on the Amazon platform using CreateSpace and Amazon's resources.

3. The ultimate guide to self-publishing a book

https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/how-to-self-publish-a-book/

4.  The many variables authors should
consider before trying to get something
published: 

www.bulkbooks.com/how-to-publish-a-book

5.  How to design a book cover that sells your book:  

https://www.postermywall.com/index.php/l/book-cover

6. For Layout of the Interior of eBooks & Printed Books: 
https://www.polgarusstudio.com/


7. Independent Book Publishers Association 
https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/ListofBenefits 

This long-standing organization has long supported independent publishers with a host of services and support, from free webinars to discounts to members for many services (e.g. setup fees on Ingram are waived for IBPA members).
 


Writer Resources

1. Midwest Book Review's link to writer resources
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/writers.htm

--Websites offering tricks, tips and advice for professional and amateur writers alike.

2. Online Resources
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/links/magazine.htm

--Web-based publications, from newspapers to e-magazines that utilize reviews or publicize books.

3. Book Seller Associations
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/pubassoc.htm

-- Bookseller groups and associations.

4. 
How To Launch An Effective Book Marketing Campaign Without A Publisher's Support
http://janefriedman.com/2013/11/12/book-marketing-101/

-- The main requirement is time and energy: here's the rest of what it will take to run your own book marketing campaign.

5. 89 Book Marketing Ideas
http://www.authormedia.com/89-book-marketing-ideas-that-will-change-your-life/

--From increasing your web presence to building a fan base and building an online and offline brand.

6. How to Start a Blog
http://www.onblastblog.com/

-- It's one thing to create a blog, but quite another to make it engaging and consistently attractive so readers will return to it time and again.
This article focuses on creating the kind of blog content that builds audiences and excitement.


7.. Blogging Basics 101
https://www.bloggingbasics101.com/how-can-i-make-money-from-my-blog/

-- How do you monetize a book blog? Directed to new bloggers who want to make money from their blog, this offers many basics and tips.

8. More About How to Write an Effective Blog

https://howtomakemyblog.com/engaging-content/

-- Many author promotion programs extol the virtues of writing and promoting a blog for one's book; but how many delve into the actual nuts and bolts of such a venture?  This article does promote some services but also covers all the essentials newcomers to blogging need to know in order to set up and run a successful author blog.

9. The Writer's Online Toolkit
https://online.maryville.edu/blog/the-writers-online-toolkit/

Writing is a craft that includes a variety of different individual parts. There are a number of creative jobs for those who excel in writing, reading, persuasion, research, and analysis. Today, there are more than enough resources to develop and refine writing skills including apps that can help make a writer’s current process more efficient. This guide lists some of the most commonly used writing strategies and tools, and a breakdown of their cost and function.

10. Writer's & Authors Resource Center
https://www.writersarc.com

The website is designed to help: 

.authors looking for help on self-publishing. 
.authors looking for help with book marketing. 
.fiction writers working on honing their craft. 
The site is members only, but the membership is free. So is much of the content. 

11.  Custom Writing Blog
https://custom-writing.org/blog/how-to-write-about-a-topic-you-lack-interest-in 

If you're an essay writer stuck on what and how to write, this article about pushing oneself to the next level will provide guidelines that can apply to a variety of writer's block scenarios. 

Various techniques are described to help overcome writer's block and gain new energy and inspiration.

12.    Octane Seating's Guide to Finding/Reading Scripts Online
https://octaneseating.com/blog/guide-to-finding-and-reading-scripts-online/

If you're interested in an additional screenwriting resource, Octane Seating's Guide to Finding/Reading Scripts Online has a breakdown of everything you might need to know. You will find everything from types of scripts, script formatting, suggestions for reading (broken down by genre), and resources for getting started on writing your own script.


13. Writing for Film and Theater
https://www.theaterseatstore.com/blog/writing-for-theater-film/

For would-be film and theater writers, this blog provides a breakdown on understanding the importance of setting, writing for different kinds of stage productions, how to write in a way that translates to the screen, and more.


14. Writing and Editing Software

https://training.certstaff.com/certstaffix/Computer-Tools-and-Editing-Software-for-Writers.asp

A list of digital tools for writing and streamlining the process, this site features links to various sites from search engines to editorial software.

15. Synonym Finder: Word Hippo 
https://www.wordhippo.com/

More than the usual synonym matcher, Word Hippo includes tabs for definitions and usage in sentences and literature.

16. Authors Publish 
https://authorspublish.com/

A free email magazine provides authors and publishers with valuable information that otherwise would require much research. The goal here is to present “legitimate publishing opportunities, plus we show you how to gain readers, win over editors, and build a long-term writing career.”

That it does, with articles such as “30 Magazines Publishing Creative Nonfiction” or “Writing About Food: Great Recipes Make Great Stories.”

Three big pluses:

Only Legitimate Publishers - We research and verify all of the publishers we list. We only list traditional publishers.

No Submission Fees - Writers should be supported –– not charged money for the chance to get published.

Open to Everyone - We only review publishers that are open to writers from around the world. 

17. Copyright for Writers 
https://www.criminalattorneycolumbus.com/blog/2023/01/copyright-for-writers-legally-protecting-your-work/

What is copyright and fair use, and how does public domain work? 

This succinct, solid overview of how writers can legally protect their work by understanding copyright takes no time to read and holds much value as it clarifies different legal rights.

18. Poetry Writing: Terminology, Links, and Resources
https://www.playgroundequipment.com/writing-poetry-on-the-playground/

How can young and new writers learn about poetry and understand how their work can be tailored?

Nicolas Breedlove is a playground equipment entrepreneur who here offers aspiring young writers invaluable links and resources for better understanding the fine art of poetry production.

From what makes a good poem to understanding categories and craft, this website is packed with important information beginning poets will relish. 

19. A Visual Dictionary of Synonyms, Antonyms, and more:
https://www.snappywords.com

Snappywords offers a visual dictionary packed with all kinds of word terms and puzzle-solving opportunities. From finding words to solve Wordle and crossword puzzles, spelling bees and games to finding synonyms, antonyms, and rhymes, the visual approach does more than define or locate.

It offers all ages the opportunity to better understand word relationships, applications, and meaning.


For Your Reference

1. Mirriam-Webster
http://www.merriam-webster.com/

--Provides an online dictionary and thesaurus; also quizzes, a 'word of the day' mailing list, and more.

2. Synonyms
http://www.synonym.com/


--Quite simply, "…the web's best resource for English synonyms, antonyms, and definitions. Type in a word and the synonym finder will come up with a list of synonyms. Check out the most popular online synonym searches to find the right word for any occasion. Use the antonym tool to find find antonyms and check out the definitions feature to read the definition."

3. The Best Of...
http://www.synonym.com/


Best Blog Sites & Platforms -https://websitesetup.org/best-blog-sites/
Best Landing Page Builders https://websitesetup.org/landing-page-builders/ 

How to Start an Online Store - https://websitesetup.org/how-to-start-an-online-store/ 
Best Free & Paid Web Design Software -https://websitesetup.org/web-design-software/

4. The Best Scripts to Read and Follow
https://octaneseating.com/blog/guide-to-finding-and-reading-scripts-online/


--Features all kinds of scripts, script formatting, suggestions for reading (broken down by genre), and resources for getting started on writing your own script.

5. Book Discoveries
https://allbooks.co/

--Want to discover new authors? This website is geared to making connections between authors and readers, helping readers discover completeseries titles, all the works by a beloved author, or how to make new discoveries. Their goal: “We hope to eventually offer full and comprehensive book order listings of every single author and every series they have ever written both in publication order and chronological order.”  Author biographies and photos accompany these listings.

H0w-To

1. Write A Synopsis Of Your Novel
http://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/how-to-write-a-synopsis.html

-- What makes a novel description mesmerizing? It's the emotions: learn how to incorporate them into a synopsis that can sell your book to publishers, agents, and readers!

2.  Where To Begin In Writing A Synopsis
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-robinson/book-synopsis-tips_b_2426724.html

-- It's scary, but it's important: a good synopsis can sell an idea you haven't even written about yet!

3.  Book Cover Design

https://99designs.com/book-cover-design
---Can you get a custom-designed book cover for $299.00? Yes, you can! 
Work with 10+ designers and enjoy a 100% guarantee that you will love your cover or get your money back.

4.Website Builders

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/best-cheap-website-builder/
 
---
Are website builders worth it? Which builders are the most cost-effective and easiest to use?
This article reviews many builders and comes from a web developer and designer who offers a professional 
assessment of their pros and cons.

5.  The Financial Side of e-Book Publishing

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Self-Employment-Taxes/A-Tax-Cheat-Sheet-for-Kindle-eBook-Self-Publishing/INF29515.html
---Freelancers need to know about taxes and this article, updated for 2016, offers a "tax cheat sheet" for Kindle e-book publishers and any independent self-publisher.

6.   How to Build a Website

https://makeawebsitehub.com/
--
All authors should know how to build a website that is clear yet packed with information and detail - this hub contains the basics and offers further links to many key ingredients for understanding how a do-it-yourself website may be constructed. Especially notable are the sub-links containing an HTML 5'cheat sheet' (https://makeawebsitehub.com/the-html-5-mega-cheat-sheet/) and a comparison of top website builders: https://makeawebsitehub.com/best-website-builder/

7.   Creating an ebook

https://blogging.com/create-ebook/
 
--One-stop shopping for everything about creating an ebook from start to finish, from economics to crowdfunding to distribution options.

8.   More About Website Building: A Study in Contrasts

https://www.theblogstarter.com/website-builders
 
-- This page offers a complete review of the major website builders, including video guides to the most popular. Its author also provides free email support to all of his readers.

9. How to make a Website

https://firstsiteguide.com/make-website/
--This in-depth article covers all the basics writers need to know and promises that by its conclusion, writers can construct their own impressive website in an hour or less.

10. Popular Website Builders: A Review

https://hostingfacts.com/website-builders/
--An in-depth review of the 10 most popular website builders out there.

11. Build a Website in 4 Easy Steps

https://www.websiteplanet.com/website-builderswebsite-builders/
--Candid pros and cons contracting different website builders based on the 
Author's experences building websites with each.

12. How to Choose a Domain Name

https://www.bestcloudtools.com/guides/how-to-choose-domain-name/

13. The Best Cloud Tools

https://www.bestcloudtools.com/

14. Design Tips for ebooks

https://www.podia.com/articles/how-to-design-an-ebook

15. A Wealth of Author Resources

https://couponfollow.com/research/money-saving-guide-authors-writers/

16. A Quick, Easy Guide to the Costs of Creating a Website: 

NameChk Guide to Website Costs