More and more, self-publishing for authors has become acceptable, in non-fiction and fiction. 

Some of these self-publishers evolve into small publishing houses.   However, some of the traditional publishers frown on this practice, while others look for good self-published books to pick up for  themselves.
Recently there has been a controversy because Harlequin, the well-known romantic novel publishing house, announced they are creating a self-publishing imprint along with their traditional publishing.  This has caused intense objections from various writers’ societies, who maintain they’ll reject Harlequin authors, whether traditionally or self published.
However, I know of numerous writers, of romance and mystery, of mainstream and children’s fiction, as …read more

When I wrote Tips for Unique Home Business Promotions, I planned to present you with more as I came across them. 
 Some of these you may have tried already; others will be those you haven’t heard about but can adapt in some way for your business.
Author John Foxjohn mentioned that he posts information about himself, his books and his web site on the top of his laptop.  It’s positioned so that when he has the laptop open, anyone glancing his way can easily read what’s written.  When he used his computer in a cafe, airport or elsewhere, he often has people approach …read more

 Many authors offer free e-books to help promote their writing and themselves.  These are of various lengths and formats.  Some even have been prepared as CDs.  (Other businesses can do the same.)
 Promotional e-books may include:

An excerpt from a current book
A complete small book that enhances a current book
An extension of a current book
A compilation of work by various authors
A collection of recipes from authors

 I’ve been involved in a number of these promotional projects and found them thoroughly enjoyable.  I haven’t used the promotional possibilities to the fullest, but know they’re ongoing.
 E-Cookbooks
 I’ve participated in two cookbooks coordinated by Kathleen (Katy) Walls, …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
Writing Family Stories
The desire to write your family stories or use anecdotes as springboards for other stories often leads to books and magazine publication. For the family of Zanita Spencer Collins,  it has resulted in the formation of Spencer Family Books. So far, they’ve published four books combining their writing and illustrating talents.
These include Duck Strut, A Blink Is As Good As A Wink, Harry Wesley Spencer’s Boots, and Grandmother’s Gifts.
Starting with Zanita Spencer Collins, who began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in 1929, Spencer Family Books includes three generations and six family members with an incredible …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
The popularity of virtual blog tours for authors, instead of, or combined with, book store signings, continues to grow.  I began hosting authors 18 months ago when very few authors were taking to blogs to make appearances, answer questions, and/or have their books reviewed.
Now this has become almost expected of authors.  However, I’ve found some authors who have never blog toured and aren’t familiar with it.  I wrote a guest post for my co-author, Yvonne Russell, at her Grow Your Writing Business blog, which still contains pertinent information.
So visit Virtual Blog Tours – The Latest Innovation for Promoting Your Writing …read more

HomeBizNotes.com
Blog tours for authors, sometimes called virtual book signings, have become increasingly popular.
I’ve been hosting these for around 18 months on my various blogs. As I’ve done so, I’ve observed some do’s and don’ts that make the tours more productive for the author, and the organizer.
Because these tours take quite a bit of time and expertise, many authors hire the services of a blog tour coordinator. However, I sometimes wonder if they’re wasting the time of the coordinator, the host, and themselves because they sit back and expect it to happen without their participation.
Here are 5 tips for more …read more

  Books to inspire, books to inform, books to help you work with people, books simply to enjoy…many of these you’ll find helpful as a home business owner, as well as simply a soujourner on our planet.  Not all of these books will appeal to everyone.  However, you may want to check some of these out and see if they will help you in life and your home business.
Author/motivational speaker, Charlie Jones says, (to paraphrase) that your life will be determined by the books you read and the people you meet.
*Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
*Cash Flow Quadrant by …read more

I was asked to write a guest post, Virtual Blog Tours – The Latest Innovation for Promoting Your Writing,  for Yvonne Russell’s Grow Your Writing Business.  Going on a virtual blog tour has become a popular technique for promoting one’s writing business and books.  I’ve hosted a number of writers at my author blog, Mary Emma’s Potpourri of Writing and encourage writers to try this method of promotion.
I’ve also interviewed blog tour coordinator Dorothy Thompson on this blog, as she developed this as a home business.  If you’d like to learn more about blog touring or hosting, check out my post at Yvonne’s blog.

“What’s a blog tour like?” I’m often asked, when I write about them, interview tour coordinators like Dorothy Thompson, or host authors on my blog. 
Today, I’m hosting author Pamela S. Thibodeaux at my Potpourri of Writing blog.  The majority of authors work basically from home, at least to the point where they’re considered as operating a home based business.  Many publicize their books by giving talks and signing at bookstores.  Now the blog tour or virtual book signing had become a popular way of reaching one’s audience.
Other business owners might consider utilizing blog tours, appearing on other people’s blogs, as a way to get …read more