Write copy - copywriting tips
Book Marketing

Learning to write copy without the cringe factor

You may be an author, a blogger, or a copywriter, whichever, we all need to learn to write copy that doesn’t make a reader wince with distaste and that’s persuasive. It doesn’t just apply to book blurbs, but on the book sales page, it becomes super-important to write for the reader. One type of poorly-written copy that will kill a book’s chances is a rambling, self-focussed blurb about why the author felt the need to write the book. I know that the CEO just wrote a 400-page super book and has the best interests of his audience at heart, but they forgot the WIIFM: Always keep the What’s In It For Me in mind. Appeal to what your target audience is going to get out of the book as a whole. This takes really looking into your audience and their media. If appropriate,…
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freelancers what to charge

What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants – Book Review

by Laurie Lewis Outskirts Press, 2011, 2nd edition. In What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers & Consultants, there is ample advice which will stop your flight into lassez-faire freelancing (or consulting) in its tracks.  By the end of chapter 1, you’ll already be challenging your assumptions about pricing on a simple client brief. I find the way Laurie uses an actual example of the advice in practice 10 times better than a simple model or explanation. Sometimes it’s hers, and sometimes it’s another consultant’s unfortunate experience. It’s really hard to obey the first rule of pricing and that is why this information is so valuable to me. So many clients just want to know the end price up-front based on some sketchy details about a project, but if you stick your neck out and price right away, you know…
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POD print on demand

A Tale of the Printing Press and POD

In 1450, in the town of Pearlessence, Sir Rupert was talking to his lightly-paid servant, Eric. It seemed the world of technology had moved on without Sir Rupert, which young Eric was only too happy to point out. (Bear with it, this parable does have a point). “Sir, it is a futile effort that you make, copying your manuscripts by hand. Even by woodblock, it takes a week to set up for one book!  Have you not heard that in Mulberry city they have a new Gutenberg press, a POD 400*. Its metal, moveable type and mechanized process makes it very fast!” “I don’t care, Eric, I am good with my hands and have all day long to make my books.” “Aye my Lord, but the POD 400 means you could not just copy out a book a fortnight and charge 10 guineas,…
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Author Solutions Trap
Self-Publishing

Signs You’re Falling into an Author Support Solutions Trap

Lately, there have been a couple of client tales about the neverending saga of BP. Let’s just say BP, for legal reasons… they of the permanent Google advertising. So I want to talk about how to spot the signs before you fall into an author support solutions trap. In case you’re unaware, many of those holding top spots of Google for “book publishing support Australia” or “author support services Australia” are actually American companies with Australian sales machines. (Except for me, ha ha!) These provide a publishing package but then if you want editing, that’s more. If you want help with marketing, that’s more. Then some of them take in 50% of the author royalties… This split is not a given as there are perfectly reliable author support businesses on our Australian coastline who provide a service without taking royalties. Read more about Author Solutions Inc…
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Brisbane editors
Book Editing

Why Trained Editors Make Your Book Sing

As the latest edition of OffPress (from Queensland Society of Editors) says:  “The work of a good editor is often invisible.”  That is, without it, you would surely notice topic jumps, inconsistencies or a change in point of view, but with it, you are drawn into the story or work.  I go on to explain why Brisbane editors are on par with the best. What do Editors Do? In our editor bag of tricks are these tools: removing redundant words (called tautology) checking for consistency — in people’s names, acronyms, and verbs in bulleted lists. reviewing tone and clarity of language — at development stage ensuring the grammar and spelling is in the correct style for the author’s or publisher’s needs advising to ensure that the book takes the reader on a logical, progressive route (substantive editing).            …
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Writing Habits with AI
Home-Based Business

Freelancing in Australia – infographic

I’ve compiled this ‘freelancing in Australia infographic’ from statistics found at professional freelancing sites, like Kate Toon’s ‘Clever Copywriting School’ and InsiderGuides.com.au. Please link back here if using the image. (C) 2017 Jennifer Lancaster. How to Start a Freelance Business is a concise guide for those interested in starting any freelance endeavour in Australia, including how to set up a micro business properly. Full Statistic and Source Links: 32% of Australian workers had freelanced (2014/5) (InsiderGuides.com.au) The most common freelance roles are copywriting, freelance writing, graphic design, photography, web design, tutoring, and account management. (Money Connexion) 65.9% of freelancers work part-time (21-30 hrs); 34% work full-time (CleverCopywritingSchool 2017) Aussie copywriters tend to charge $61-90 per hour(41%). Just 4.5% charge over $120 per hour. (CleverCopywritingSchool 2017). 72% of Editors earning $50,000 or less from editing in 2015–16. (IPEd National Survey of Editors,…
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