Best sellers happen to unknown authors. Getting on the New York Times Best Seller list happens. Breakout books happen to new authors. But . . . Yes, of course, there’s a ‘but.’ Statistically speaking, about 80% or more of all books don’t succeed. Every new author needs to enter the publishing arena with open eyes….
Author: Karen Cioffi
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning author and children's ghostwriter. She loves to help those who want to be the author of a children's book fulfill their dream. Contact Karen today to get your story started!
The Author Platform – It Should Have Been Started Yesterday
Did you ever hear the expression, “a stitch in time saves nine?” Whether you’re an author or freelance writer, that’s how you need to think of your writing platform. Get it started first, as the foundation of your business. It’s much more effective than trying to play catch-up. If you’re an author, your platform needs…
Writing Skills – Spread Your Wings
Writing has many different genres within the fiction and nonfiction realms. There are children’s, young adult, romance, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, memoirs, biographies, travel, health, food, magazine articles, business content, and much more. Most writers seem to start off in one particular genre – with one specific set of skills. Often, they stay there….
Writing Success – Know Your Intent
Intent is a crucial factor in success. But, what exactly does this mean? According to Merriam-Webster, intent is an aim, a clear and “formulated or planned intention.” It is a purpose, “the act or fact of intending.” Intent is a necessary factor on any path to success, including your path to writing success. You need…
10 Tips to Hiring a Children’s Ghostwriter
Before I get into the tips to working with a ghostwriter, let me explain what a ghostwriter is. A ghostwriter is simply a ‘writer for hire’ who will write your children’s book, article, website content, or other type of content you need to create and market your book. The ghostwriter take your idea, notes, outline,…
Fiction Writing – 5 Top No-Nos
Fiction writers who are good at what they do, enjoy what they do. They like creating something from nothing . . . well from an idea. They enjoy the craft and the process. But, with that said, there are 5 top mistakes these writers make. 1. You make the beginning of your story all roses….
Build Confidence as a Writer – 12 Ways To Do It
Guest post by Suzanne Lieurance It’s tough being a writer, especially if you’re just starting out. Rejection can easily tear down what little self-confidence you have, so here are a dozen ways to build your confidence as a writer: 1. Do Something First Thing Every Morning That Makes You Feel Good About Yourself. It might…
Writing – 6 Essential Steps to Publication
If you’re on the path to publication, it’s important that you learn the craft of writing – that’s the first tip.
Writing with Focus
You have a wonderful idea for a story. Maybe it’s a mystery novel, a children’s middle grade story, or a picture book. Maybe it’s a young adult. You know what you want to say, or convey, and you start typing away. This is the beginning of every story. But, we should backtrack a moment and…
Ghostwriting Warning – Don’t Try This at Home
Why Hiring a Ghostwriter for Your Children’s Book is a Good Idea By Suzanne Lieurance, Writing Coach As the author of over 30 published books (most of them for children) and a former instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature, where I taught a course in writing for children and teens for over 8 years,…