This post is packed with smart author tools that I use when publishing my eBooks and for managing this blog as well. These have made my life so. much. simpler! To refer to this post in the future, hover over the image and Pin it to Pinterest!
In a hurry to see my top tool?
Smart author tools for writing
The Plot Skeleton – I took Angela Hunt’s writing class at a writer’s conference and learned her simple “bare bones” method (see what I did there?) of writing a novel. And I’ve used this author tool ever since. In fact, I don’t start a book without first creating a “plot skeleton.” I like her method because I’m generally a seat-of-the-pants writer, or as it’s affectionally known: SOTP writer. If I had to write a detailed outline of my story from the get-go, I’d go nuts (and get bored). Dr. Hunt’s simple method of taking the story down to its bare bones with a plot skeleton and building from there has made writing more fun. The book is short, but you’ll get a lot out of it! You can grab it in eBook or in print at these links: The Plot Skeleton eBook or The Plot Skeleton print.
Scrivener– Want to organize your books so you don’t get lost as you write them? Scrivener is the way to go. And it’s really inexpensive!! I’ve written several of my books in Scrivener. Basically, the program allows you to write your book in sections (chapters, scenes, etc.) and to have ALL NOTES at your fingertips right in the dashboard. That’s actually my favorite part of the program. No more moving away from the manuscript to look at notes in another file. Everything you need is right there on the dashboard in a little tab. That’s just a taste of what Scrivener offers.
Smart author tools for publishing
Depositphotos.com – I stink at photography, so when a writer friend told me about a great deal deposit photos had for a year’s subscription, I grabbed it! So, SO glad I did. Whenever I need a photo for my blog or cover designers, I go into my Depositphotos account and pick one. Super easy and quick. Note: I’ve arranged for my readers to receive a special discount on depositphotos.com with this code: OS36258741.
Smart author tools for selling your books
Bookfunnel.com– BookFunnel is my favorite way to deliver eBooks to readers. I use Bookfunnel to deliver freebies through this blog and through my author website as well (juliecarobini.com), and one great feature is the easy automatic download that it offers readers. No cords or usb plug ins. Readers can follow the easy-peasy instructions and the book you’ve sent them will miraculously appear in their e-reader. It’s also a GREAT way to deliver ARCs (advanced reader copies) to reviewers and for sending one-time eBook gifts to others on your list.
Books2read.com– With Books2read you can create a universal link for each of your books, and with that one link, your readers can see where your books are sold. Why does this matter? Let’s say you you are selling a book at all retailers, but decide to move it into Kindle Unlimited for 90 days. If you create a landing page like this one for my book, Runaway Tide, then you only have to refresh that ONE link when you move your books. Since the URL never changes, you can safely add it to your website, blog, social media, etc. and know that readers will find current information about your books.
Mailerlite.com – I use Mailerlite to connect with my readers on a regular basis. Listen, none of your book distributors will ever share with you who your readers are, so having a mailing list they can join is essential. I love communicating with my readers, sharing tidbits, and letting them know when new books are released. I’ve tried two other email services, but have found Mailerlite to be the best. It’s simple to set up, easy to create beautiful newsletters, and ML also has great customer service. I learned this late one night before I was heading to a conference and needed help with my mailing list! Cool to note: your first 1000 subscribers are FREE.
That’s it for now. I’ll do another round up post about smart author tools in the future. Happy publishing and remember to Pin this post to Pinterest so you can find it again when you need it!