SUMMARY: In this episode, we dive deep into the world of book reviews and blurbs. These essential elements serve as crucial communication tools for authors, helping them convey the value of their work to potential readers. We explore how impactful reviews and compelling blurbs can significantly influence a book's success, while also sharing insights from notable authors about the key components to include and the common pitfalls to avoid. Additionally, we discuss the benefits for readers who take the time to write reviews—from cultivating a deeper appreciation for the stories they read to developing their voices as reviewers, bloggers, or even Bookstagrammers. Engaging with literature in this way enriches the reading experience and fosters a vibrant community of book lovers.

DO NOW: The next time you read a book, write a review. Post it in as many places as you can (suggestions: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BookBub, Goodreads…on your own social media). Not confident about reviewing books yet? Read reviews that others have written for your favorite books.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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SUMMARY:

To kick off the new year, we’re talking about our top reads of 2024 and what we’re most looking forward to in 2025. What’s on your TBR list?

SHOW NOTES:

Top 2024 Reads:

Donna

James, Percival Everett

Echo of Old Books, Barbara Davis

The Little Liar, Mitch Albom

Mad Honey, Jodi Piccoult

Hope

The Housemaid, Freida McFadden

It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me, Rex Chapman

Of Lies and Honey, Donna Norman Carbone

* The Empress of Cooke County, Elizabeth Bass Parman, Soul Dancing, Gail Priest

Most anticipated Reads of 2025:

Donna

Here One Moment, Liane Moriarty

The Names, Florence Knapp

Tell Me Everything, Elizabeth Strout

From Here to the Great Unknown, Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

Hope

Beach House Rules, Kristy Woodson Harvey

Reading trackers: Goodreads, Fable, Story Graph, Shepherd

SOURCES & LINKS: **See Do Now

DO NOW: Sign-up for an online book club on FB (Bookish Road Trip…) and/or download a reading app (Goodreads, Fable, Story Graph…) or check out Shepherd

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

This episode speaks to marketing techniques to help you make the most of the holidays as a vehicle to sell more books. Learn how to customize your sales pitch and graphics for optimal success whether you are running ads, sharing to social media, appearing at holiday-centric events, or working collaboratively with other authors to get the word out about your books. We’ll teach you how such “holidays” can help you lean into your brand, so you can use this as a marketing strategy throughout the year.

SHOW NOTES:

Holidays:

Seasonal: Fall, Summer…

Religious: Easter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa…

National “blank” day/month: Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Women’s Fiction Day, Library Month, National Buffet Day, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, National Indie Author Day…

Customize your graphics

Alter your pitch

Visual images

Events

Lean into your brand

Collaboration with other authors

SOURCES & LINKS:

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/

DO NOW:

Research days/months that go with your book/brand.Create a calendar of events & social media. Make a plan (whether it’s monthly or weekly). Brainstorm how you can make the most of the holidays that fits with your brand.

Next Episode: Taking a break until mid-January

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you