From Buried to Bestseller: Make your book unmissable

From Buried to Bestseller: Make your book unmissable

by | Sep 10, 2024 | Book Marketing, Writing

As authors, we spend a lot of time crafting and perfecting our stories, but once the book is published, another challenge starts: getting it into the hands of readers. 

It’s easy to assume that the work stops once your book is published, but we are in the digital age, and making your book discoverable is just as critical as the writing itself. 

Enter metadata—the unsung hero of book marketing. It may sound technical (and it kind of is) but when used correctly, it’s a powerful tool that can drastically improve your book’s visibility and sales.

What exactly is metadata?

Think of it as “data about data”. It’s essentially like tagging your product, in this case your book, so that it doesn’t get lost in all the information out there online. 

It’s everything that helps online retailers and search engines categorize, display, and recommend your book. This includes details like your book’s title, author name, description, keywords, and categories. Done right, metadata can turn your book into a best-seller, ensuring that it surfaces when readers are looking for exactly what you’ve written.

Stand apart: Why metadata matters

With so many readers discovering books online, metadata is critical to your book’s visibility. When readers search for a particular type of book—whether it’s a cozy mystery or a self-help guide—platforms like Amazon use metadata to match search terms with books. By optimizing your metadata, you’re ensuring that your book appears in relevant searches, helping you connect with the right readers.

Core vs. enhanced metadata

Now, metadata isn’t just words that you can type out as you please. It comes in two primary forms: core and enhanced. 

Core metadata includes essential details such as your book’s title, author name, and ISBN. While this is necessary, enhanced metadata is where the magic happens. Enhanced metadata includes marketing-driven information like the book’s description, keywords, author bio, and reader reviews. It’s important to find the balance of having keywords that get to the essence of your book perfectly, while also knowing what keywords your potential readers might be looking for. When you find the right words, you can set your book apart!

Optimizing your metadata

Now that we understand why metadata is important, let’s talk about how to optimize it effectively. Your goal should be to make your metadata as relevant and engaging as possible.

The importance of keywords

Keywords will guide potential readers straight to your book. If your book is about managing anxiety, your readers might be searching for phrases like “anxiety self-help” or “stress management tips.” 

By researching the keywords your audience is likely to use, you can incorporate them into your metadata so that your book appears in relevant search results. Using tools like Google Trends or even browsing bestseller lists in your genre can provide insights into keywords that work.

Crafting an engaging book description

Your book’s description is one of the most important pieces of metadata. It’s not just a summary of your book; it’s your chance to convince potential readers to take a closer look. 

Use the first few sentences to grab attention, and don’t forget to include relevant keywords. For example, rather than simply stating, “This book helps with anxiety,” use something more specific like, “Struggling with anxiety that’s holding you back? This practical guide offers actionable steps to help you regain control and find peace.” By weaving in keywords naturally, you improve both readability and searchability. This is your chance to tell your audience why your book is different and important. 

Remember, your author brand? It could help in this case.

Categorizing your book

Choosing the right categories is essential for ensuring your book reaches its target audience. Misclassifying your book could result in it being shown to the wrong readers, reducing your chances of making a sale. Take the time to research where your book fits best. For instance, if you’ve written a romance with a suspense element, make sure it’s categorized in both romance and thriller. Accurate categorization increases your book’s visibility to readers who are browsing those specific genres.

SEO and metadata

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. You’re probably thinking, isn’t that the same thing as metadata? Not quite.

You need to make sure that your metadata is SEO-friendly, using only relevant keywords, and chosen to help your book stand out in search results. This way, readers can easily find your book amidst the digital crowd.

Fine-tuning for SEO

One way to improve SEO is by adding descriptive subtitles that include keywords. For instance, if your book’s title is “Finding Calm,” adding a subtitle like “A Practical Guide to Managing Anxiety” can help clarify what the book is about and make it more discoverable. Additionally, keep your metadata fresh by periodically updating your keywords and descriptions to reflect current trends. Doing so helps keep your book relevant and visible long after its initial release.

It’s pretty simple, right? When you describe your book well, you’re also making it easier for people to find you!

Avoid these metadata mishaps

While optimizing your metadata, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could hurt your book’s visibility. 

First, steer clear of using superlatives like “best” or “most effective” in your keywords. Readers are smart and wary of exaggerated claims, plus these terms don’t actually add value. 

Second, make sure your categories and keywords align with your book’s actual content. Misleading metadata may attract initial clicks but will ultimately disappoint readers and harm your long-term sales. 

Finally, don’t overlook the basics. Double-check your spelling and ensure all key information, such as your ISBN, is correct.

The long-term benefits of metadata

Optimizing your metadata isn’t a one-time task. Regularly updating your book’s metadata can keep it relevant and help it maintain visibility over time. It’s not about changing your metadata entirely. To keep your keywords updated, relevant, and SEO-friendly, it’s important for you to watch for new trend changes in your genre. 

For example, if you’ve written a self-help book on stress management, and a term like “mindfulness” becomes popular, you could refresh your keywords to include phrases like “mindfulness practices” or “mindful stress relief.” Likewise, if topics like “work-from-home wellness” or “burnout recovery” start trending, updating your book’s description or subtitle with these terms ensures it stays in front of readers searching for the latest content. By doing this, you’ll make sure your book doesn’t get lost to history.

Closing thoughts: Let metadata do the heavy lifting

Metadata might seem like a small detail, but its impact on your book’s success is significant. 

By investing time in optimizing your metadata—using relevant keywords, writing compelling descriptions, and accurately categorizing your book—you’ll significantly improve your chances of reaching the right readers. And trust us, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Plus, knowing both yourself and your book inside and out makes the process even smoother.

Remember, optimizing metadata is an ongoing task. Finding the right keywords can take time, and that’s perfectly fine. Just keep updating your metadata regularly to give your book a longer shelf life, ensuring it continues attracting readers long after its initial release. With thoughtful optimization, your book will be well-positioned for long-term success, connecting with the audience it deserves.

If you’re ready to get your book in front of more readers, let’s talk. Schedule a call with Leesa, and we’ll work together to make it happen!

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The Write Transition: From blogger to self-published author

The Write Transition: From blogger to self-published author

by | Sep 8, 2024 | Bloggers, Writing

At 3 ferns, we meet lots of writers who’ve already got a book ready to go—they just need a little help pushing it out into the world. But then there are those of you who might be sitting on a gold mine of blog posts, not quite sure how to take that leap into self-publishing. Whether it’s choosing the right editor, figuring out the design, or even just getting your format right, the publishing world can seem pretty daunting.

This article is for you if you’ve got great ideas and stories that could make a difference. You know who you want to help with your book; maybe you just need a nudge in the right direction to get things moving. If you’re nodding along, reading this, and you’re already blogging, you’re more than halfway there to publishing your own book.

Why transform your blog into a book?

Let’s talk about why turning your blog into a book is more than a smart strategy—it’s a major leap forward. Self-publishing a book transforms all that fantastic content you’ve been creating into something people can hold in their hands. 

This move isn’t just about reaching more readers; it’s about delivering your expertise with a real impact and solidifying your position as a top authority. Picture yourself adding ‘self-published author’ to your resume; it not only opens new doors but also significantly strengthens your influence.

Establish Authority: You’re already a trusted voice on your blog, sharing insights that resonate with your audience. By turning those insights into a book, you’re telling the world you’re serious about what you know and they should be too.

Reach Diverse Audiences: Whether it’s digging through archives of articles, or a not so user friendly experience, blogs just aren’t for everyone. Some people prefer holding a book in their hands and flipping through pages. Your book can reach these readers, bringing your voice into their homes, onto their commutes, and into their lives in a new way.

Legacy and Longevity: A book lasts. Once you have it it’s yours. It sticks around in ways that blog posts just can’t, and people won’t need to keep looking it up and searching for it as they need it. It’s something you can point to, a tangible legacy of your thoughts and expertise that will keep speaking for you years down the line.

Strategies for transforming blogs into books

Jumping from blog to book might seem like a big step, but you’ve got the raw material right at your fingertips. Think of each blog post as a chapter draft, not just a standalone piece. 

Your job now? Weave them together into a narrative that’s not only cohesive but also irresistible. We’re not just blowing up the scale of your blog posts; we’re tightening the threads, enriching the themes, and setting the stage for a story that pulls readers right into the heart of your expertise.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn those popular posts into chapters that make your book a must-read.

  1. Select and Streamline: Go through your blog and pick out the posts that best showcase your expertise. These are your starting blocks. From there, start building out—add in new research, update stats, and flesh out your ideas into full-fledged chapters.
  2. Keep it Personal: People like when they can relate to writing. Make it feel human. Inject it with stories, anecdotes, and maybe even a few laughs. This isn’t just about expanding your posts; it’s about deepening the connection with your readers.
  3. Bring in the Experts: Reach out for the expertise of seasoned editors and designers to polish your manuscript and ensure it stands out. For added professionalism—like the help we provide at 3ferns—consider enlisting experienced self-publishing professionals to help your book not just inform, but impress.
  4. Market with Muscle: You’ve already got the platform AND the audience – use your blog and social channels to start the buzz for your book! Think teasers, sneak peeks, and pre-order specials. Get your readers excited for this next big step!

Turning your blog into a book is about taking your conversation to the next level—where your words aren’t just scrolled through and forgotten but held, remembered, and revisited. It’s a big step that might be scary, difficult, and overwhelming, but when you remember your “Why”, we know you’ll see it through, and it will be so worth it.

So, if you’re ready to give your thoughts the space they deserve to grow and reach new audiences so they can truly impact more and more lives, then it’s time to get started. 

We’re here to help

Reach out to us or schedule a Clarity Call with Leesa who is here to help guide you through each step, ensuring your journey from blog to book is as smooth and successful as your original posts. 

Let’s make sure that your voice, your insights, and your vision aren’t just heard but are impactful enough to inspire change, provoke thought, and lead discussions long after the first read!

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Page-turners Need a Push Too: The value of proper book marketing

Page-turners Need a Push Too: The value of proper book marketing

by | Aug 27, 2024 | Book Marketing

Many clients come to us after finishing their books, unsure of the next steps. Writing a book is just the beginning; the next challenge you need to face is getting it into the hands of readers. As a self-published author, you have the power to shape your book’s journey.

What book marketing can do and why it matters

Marketing makes the world go ‘round. There, we said it. You can sell anything, as long as people believe they need it. Now, we aren’t going to go into the psychology of marketing, but it would help to remember that sometimes all it takes is a good story. Since you’ve written a book already, we’re confident in saying you likely know what that story is.

Marketing a book is crucial because it bridges the gap between your work and your readers. A well-written book won’t find its audience without visibility. Effective marketing ensures that your book reaches the right people, builds your author brand, and ultimately drives sales. It’s about making sure your hard work gets the recognition it deserves.

Since we want to demystify every step of the way for you, let’s run through some actionable tips to help you get your book out there and into the hands of eager readers.

Getting noticed: Essential tips

Have a strong online presence

Nowadays, if people can’t find you on the internet, you may as well not exist. Having a dedicated blog or website is a cornerstone of a successful book marketing strategy. Your website serves as your home base, a place where potential readers can learn more about you and your work. 

Regularly updating your site with articles, insights, and excerpts can engage your audience and keep them coming back for more. For example, if you have a book on spirituality, update your blog with ways people can keep up their spiritual practice while lifting excerpts and insights from your book. 

Having a website is also a great way to build your mailing list. With this, you’ll find out who really wants to get to know more about you, your book, and what else you have in store. You can directly communicate with your audience, keep them informed about your book’s progress, release dates, and special promotions. This ongoing engagement can create anticipation and build a loyal reader base before your book even launches.

Get social

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even LinkedIn are powerful tools for connecting with readers and promoting your book.It’s like fishing in the right pond; you need to know where your audience spends time online. There’s no point in casting your line where the fish don’t bite.  

Setting up an author page on these platforms allows you to share updates, engage with followers, and participate in conversations about your genre or topics related to your book.

Observing which posts get the most engagement (note: these can vary depending on the platform!) can provide valuable insights into what resonates with your audience. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process, snippets from your book, or engaging questions, use these insights to refine your social media strategy.

Listen and learn

Your story may be uniquely yours, but it will always fit into a genre. One of the best ways to understand what works in your genre is to study the best-selling books.

What is it about them that people enjoy and engage with? Is it their cover designs? The titles? The typography? How are these books marketed? This analysis can help you make informed decisions about your book’s presentation and what your audience will likely interact with.

Reading reviews of popular books might also help you gauge what people like or dislike about books within the same genre. This insight can guide you in crafting your book’s metadata and marketing messages, so that they resonate with your target audience.

Get people talking

Don’t be afraid to have your book read. You can start out with close friends and family, what’s important is having someone read it!

Reviews build credibility and attract new readers. If you’ve written a book before, you know how this goes, but you could reach out to people who have previously reviewed your work, and offer them a free copy of your new book. If you’re a first-time author, consider approaching top reviewers on platforms like Amazon or Goodreads who specialize in your genre. Ask them if they would be willing to review your book, for free!

Goodreads, in particular, is a valuable platform for gathering reviews even before your book is officially released. Remember, the more reviews you have, the more social proof your book has, which can significantly impact its success.

Exploring paid advertising

While marketing often focuses on organic growth, paid advertising, such as Amazon ads, can also play a crucial role in your strategy. Let’s face it, competition is stiff, and there is no shame in using paid ads to get a little further.

Amazon ads allow you to target readers based on specific search terms and similar books. This can help your book reach a highly relevant audience, increasing the likelihood of sales.

Although there is a learning curve and some upfront costs, a well-executed ad campaign can significantly boost your book’s visibility and sales.

Ask an expert

If you’re entirely new to this and feel completely at a loss, it’s always a good idea to reach out to an expert. That’s where we come in!

At 3 ferns, we understand that marketing can be overwhelming, especially for self-published authors. That’s why you can get expert guidance with Leesa Ellis, a self-publishing expert. She’ll help you come up with personalized marketing plans and strategic advice that will show you how to navigate the complexities of book promotion, ensuring your story reaches the audience it deserves.

The book-end

We know we covered quite a bit of ground for marketing your book, but really we have only scratched the surface. The most important thing to remember when marketing your book is to know your brand. 

Knowing your author brand will dictate exactly how, where, and to whom you want to market your book. If you stay true to yourself, and your story, you’ll find that planning out your marketing strategy will be a breeze. 

Reach out to us

If you want to discuss this more in-depth, contact us today to learn how we can help you specify your book marketing strategy. Your story is worth being told, and we’re here to make sure it gets the audience it deserves.

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Cut, Correct, Conquer: Your guide to self-editing mastery

Cut, Correct, Conquer: Your guide to self-editing mastery

by | Aug 21, 2024 | Editing, Writing

In our previous blog, we talked about the importance of self-editing for self-published authors. Recognizing the value of polishing your manuscript before it even reaches professional hands sets us up perfectly to go deeper into this topic.

We understand that self-editing can be difficult and confusing and our mission is to demystify the self-publishing process for you. Today, we expand on that foundation by providing actionable steps and tips that will help you refine your work with confidence and precision.

Sharp edits and clean lines: Essential self-editing tips

If you don’t know where to begin, these tips can get you started on your self-editing process. Our main tip is to simply face your work and just do it. You’ll find that the hardest part is starting and who knows, you may end up enjoying editing your work!

Give your writing some space

After finishing your book, take some time off from it. We know it might be difficult especially if you’ve been working on it consistently for many months, but trust us.

When you take a break from your writing, you’ll come back to it refreshed and with a clearer perspective, allowing you to make better and less biased edits.

Read aloud

Reading your text aloud can help you find hidden flaws and awkward passages that silent reading might miss. 

Take your time with this and don’t rush through it. Read it as if it’s the first time ever and consider how it sounds to your audience. This method helps in catching inconsistencies in dialogue and narrative flow.

Take it one step at a time

Don’t try to fix everything all at once. If you catch some mistakes or changes you want to make after taking a break from your writing, that’s good. Take note of what you want to do, and make a detailed plan of action.

If you try to edit the entire copy all at once, you’ll end up overwhelmed and maybe even making new mistakes. Remember to be kind to yourself during this process while still remaining vigilant of necessary edits.

Get down to the details

You want to pay attention to proper copy-editing.This means focusing on the nitty gritty.

Look at the finer details such as grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Observe sentence structure, word choice, and overall readability. You’ll learn how to recognize what is right and wrong and if you need help you can always check standard copy editing rules!

Get your facts straight

If you are writing an informative book, fact-checking might be one of the most crucial parts of your piece. 

Especially for non-fiction books, even if you are writing from personal experience, ensure that all factual information is accurate. This credibility is key for maintaining reader trust. You don’t want them to think you’ve published a book simply to put up fake news.

Professional proofreading

Like we mentioned in last week’s blog, self-editing is only the first step of the editing process. It takes away any major mistakes or issues and will also show professional proofreaders that you are serious about your writing.

Remember that, even the most meticulous self-edit leaves room for improvement. A professional proofreader can catch what you might have missed and add a final layer of polish.

Proper formatting

Self-published books are just as valuable as those from traditional publishers—and perhaps even bolder! 

To ensure your book presents its best self, format your manuscript according to industry standards. This shows professionalism and respect for industry norms.

Critical checks: Remember these when you self-edit

Prioritize larger edits

Tackle large structural issues before zooming in on grammar or style to avoid overwhelming revisions at the micro level. This is why it’s important to take time away from your book and read it once before you start editing. 

This will help you catch the bigger problems before you start focusing on the minor details.

 Embrace cuts

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Write in white heat, but edit in cold blood”? Accept that when you get to the editing process some sections really will have to go.

Be willing to remove parts that may be well-written but do not serve the book. You can always use these “darlings” in other works.

Leverage tools:

Make use of digital tools designed for writers—spell checkers, grammar checkers, and style guides can be invaluable. This is the age of technology folks!

Gather feedback:

Don’t be afraid to share your book, even when it hasn’t been published yet.

After self-editing, share your manuscript with beta readers. Their insights can provide a new perspective and highlight unseen issues.

Stay organized

We are telling you now, you will not be able to finish editing your book if you don’t stick to a schedule that works for you. Set aside time during your day and make to-do lists, so you don’t forget what you’re meant to edit.

Keep a log of edits, feedback, and your general thoughts. This can help you track your revisions and ensure consistency in your responses to feedback.

Final self-editing takeaways

Self-editing is more than just a step in the publishing process—it’s your opportunity to align your vision with the expectations of your readers and the standards of the industry. 

When you apply these tips, you’ll refine not only your manuscript but also your skills as a writer– and isn’t that exciting! We think so!

Reach out to us

If you’re still unsure about how to get started on self-editing your book, schedule a Clarity Call with Leesa Ellis. 

In this session, we’ll explore your specific needs and challenges, providing you with personalized advice and strategies to enhance your self-editing process. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a self-publishing and branding expert, and bring your book closer to publication!

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Manuscript TLC: Why self-editing matters

Manuscript TLC: Why self-editing matters

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Editing, Writing

You’ve done it! You’ve completed your book and you’re just about ready to have the cover designed, and fix the layout for printing – but hold on! Have you edited your copy yet?

You’ve likely done a few minor edits here and there, but have you really sat down and taken the time to read what you wrote from an outsider’s perspective?

Today, we’re going to explore why self-editing is a crucial step before sending your manuscript to a professional editor. By the end of this blog, you’ll understand the significance of this phase and you won’t be scared to delete, rephrase, or even just reread your work!

What is self-editing?

Self-editing is the process of meticulously reviewing and revising your manuscript. This involves reading through your work multiple times to catch errors, refine your writing, and enhance the overall quality. 

Think of it as giving your book a makeover before its grand debut. Self-editing isn’t just about correcting typos; it’s about ensuring that what you’ve written reads seamlessly and engages your readers from start to finish.

Editing excellence

Now that you know what self-editing is, why should you? It’s already hard work writing the book itself, but if we’re being honest, the real work comes in the editing and that’s when you rise to the challenge of being a professional writer.

Enhances overall quality

Self-editing is literally your first line of defense against mistakes and inconsistencies. It allows you to catch those pesky errors that can distract readers and diminish their experience. 

Carefully reviewing your work helps you in a twofold manner. You can check whether your writing is clear, coherent, enjoyable, and grammatically correct. You can also teach yourself how to be objective about something you have written. 

These are important lessons for you to learn because they teach you how to first and foremost be honest with yourself, which is one of the most important things needed to be a successful self-published author. 

First impressions matter

Though yes, professional editors are meant to help you, it’s always a good idea to self-edit first and put your best work forward regardless. 

When your manuscript is polished, it reflects your professionalism and dedication as an author. First impressions are vital, especially in the competitive world of self-publishing. A well-edited manuscript sets a positive tone for readers, agents, and editors. It shows that you take your craft seriously and respect your readers’ time and attention.

Skip the edit, pay the price

If you’re still on the fence about self-editing, here are a few things that could happen and might help you reconsider. This isn’t to scare you but just to let you see that self-editing isn’t something to shy away from.

Professional editor challenges

If you skip self-editing, your manuscript may require more time and effort from a professional editor. This can lead to increased costs, as editors might charge extra for manuscripts that need extensive work. 

By self-editing first, you make the editor’s job easier, allowing them to focus on deeper issues like structure and content, rather than basic errors.

Risk of errors

Neglecting self-editing increases the risk of errors slipping through the cracks. Even the most skilled editors can miss mistakes if the manuscript is cluttered with basic issues. 

Errors in the final product can be embarrassing and diminish your book’s credibility. Self-editing helps you catch and correct these mistakes,so that you have a smoother editing process and a more polished final product.

Do you need a professional editor and designer?

After all of that, you’re probably thinking, “Do I really need to do everything on my own?” Absolutely not! Self-editing is merely step one in the process of getting your book off the ground.

Self-publishing is difficult and overwhelming and though you are the one taking hold of the entire process, delegating tasks that you are not adept at will help you create the best possible book. 

Importance of professional editing

We would say, yes! While self-editing is crucial, a professional editor provides an invaluable second set of eyes. They offer objective feedback on your content, structure, and style, helping you refine your manuscript to its fullest potential. A professional editor can catch nuances you might have missed, ensuring your book is the best it can be.

Since a professional editor is someone who has likely been in the business for a while, their opinions and suggestions might be important for you. They might know about certain topics or how things are done and show you how to navigate.

Role of professional designers

You can absolutely design your book on your own, but if you aren’t particularly artsy or visual, there is no shame in having a cover made!

Professional designers will make sure your  book looks as good as it reads. From the cover design to the layout, a designer’s touch can make your book visually appealing and market-ready. 

Remember, people do judge books by their covers, so investing in a professional design can significantly impact your book’s success.

The last word

Hopefully, you’re leaving with a little more clarity on why self-editing is an indispensable step in the self-publishing process.  It may take more work but you are investing in yourself and the book you believe in. Let’s face it, you made it this far and wrote your book, why would you stop now?

With proper self-editing, you can take your book even further and find connections, statements, and new ways to communicate with your audience in your writing that you may not have thought of before. 

Self-editing doesn’t replace the need for professional editing and design. Both are essential to producing a high-quality book that stands out in the marketplace. By combining your self-editing efforts with professional expertise, you’ll create a book you can be truly proud of.

Stay tuned

Excited to learn more? Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll dive into practical tips and techniques for effective self-editing. You’ll discover how to approach your manuscript fearlessly and with a critical eye. Don’t forget to follow us on all socials for updates. Happy writing, and remember, your book deserves the best!

Reach out to us

If you want to learn more about the self-publishing process, schedule a Clarity Call with Leesa Ellis and she’ll give you a step-by-step guide suited for your needs and tailored to your specific book!

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