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(1) An article from Travel and Leisure on some of the world's most beautiful libraries:
https://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/architecture-design/worlds-most-beautiful-libraries-design
(2) Why You Should Write Book Reviews For Other Authors
By Jan Verhoeff
If you're writing non-fiction books, you should be reading non-fiction books. Why? You might ask, and you know I'm going to tell you... If you're writing non-fiction, you'll want to read in the area you're writing, to make sure your content is fresh, different, and valuable.
Don't copy their books. That's NEVER a good idea.
But do use their books for inspiration, for publication style, concept delivery, and comparison. Other writers in your industry are a direct link and connection to other readers in your industry. Connect, and befriend writers who actively promote information in the industry! They will be your best assets.
Review Their Books -
Did you know that writers read every review? They do. They may say they don't or tell you they don't care about bad reviews, but they do. And even more so, they read and remember good reviews - and good reviewers. They'll think about the words and thoughts from a good reviewer, and quite often even mention them on their blog. But THAT isn't why you're writing the review.
The reason you should write reviews for other writers in your industry is to improve your ability to recognize and understand good information. The better the information in their book, the better your review should be. I would even encourage you to not write a bad review - even if the book is really bad - but to find something good to write about. If it's really bad, you can focus on the good part and mention that you found some parts to be redundant or overwritten, etc. but find and point out the GOOD first. Be sure your review on Amazon or Barnes and Noble include at least 100 words - seriously, you're a writer, you should be able to write at least 100 words about ANYTHING.
Visit Their Blogs -
Does this writer have a blog? Or a discussion going on Amazon? Visit their blog, add comments to blog posts, mention that you've read their books, and add to the conversation on the blogs. Ask questions. Do you have any experience with other writers in this genre? Do you recommend other writers? Is there one thing you'd do differently now that your book is published? Find a quantifiable question and ask it.
Hopefully, they'll respond to your comment, maybe even visit your blog! Interacting builds connection, and you could make a new friend.
Invite Them to Review Your Books and Visit Your Blogs -
Remember the basis for your interest? Building connections. Growing relationships. Doing whatever it takes to build an audience in your industry means actually connecting with other writers. Don't slack off...
Are you looking for places to post your book reviews, beyond the book store, or your blog? There are many places to post reviews. Visit [http://refreshingreads.com]Refreshing Reads, for our reviews, and http://www.JanVerhoeff.com for more information about writing your own story. Let's do coffee!
(3) Book Marketing and the Query Letter
By Karen Cioffi
If you are contemplating writing a book or you've already written one, and intend on going the traditional publishing path, you'll need a query letter and a cover letter.
This is true whether you're an author, a writer, or a business owner who wants to build his authority with a book.
Wondering what a query letter has to do with book marketing?
The query is the second step in your book marketing journey. Think of it as the beginning of a hopefully rewarding relationship with a publisher or agent.
The first step is writing a great story. The second is getting a contract - this is where the query comes in.
If you're not sure what a query letter is, Jane Friedman notes that it's a stand-alone letter and has only one purpose. Its sole purpose is "to seduce the agent or editor into reading or requesting your work. The query is so much of a sales piece that you should be able to write it without having written a single word of the manuscript."
The query letter is your foot in the publishing door. So, you can see how much rides on this one or two-page letter (preferably one page).
The query letter usually has 8 elements to be aware of:
1. Do your research. Have you gone to the publisher's or agent's website to make sure your manuscript topic is something s/he handles?
You can do an online search for publishers or agents that will be a fit for your story. Or, you can use an online service, like WritersMarket.com.
2. Know what you need to do. At the site, did you carefully go over the submission guidelines? I mean really, really, really, carefully!
3. Is your opening (in the query) grabbing? Will it get the reader's attention?
4. Edit, edit, edit. Have you checked for grammar errors? Have you checked for redundancy? How about spelling? Don't rely on a word processors speck check feature alone. Edit your letter manually.
5. Keep it short and sweet. Eliminate non-essential personal information.
6. Include credentials, and/or pertinent background information, if any.
7. Include your book marketing strategy for promoting your book. In this section, include your social media following, only if significant: 500 followers, 1000 followers, 5000, 10,000. Obviously, the more the better. And, it's essential that you have an author website and include the link in your heading.
8. Have you studied the query letter format?
The format consists of several paragraphs?
a. Your introduction, mentioning that you've visited the website and why you're querying.
b. A very brief gist of what the manuscript is about and the intended age group.
c. A very brief synopsis of the story.
e. Your background, if pertinent. Include your marketing intentions.
f. Thank the editor/agent for her time. Mention that you included XXX pages (the number the guidelines said to send), if applicable.
Taking the time to do it right and write an optimized query letter may make the difference between the slush pile and a contract.
The query letter is the portal to a contract. If the reader says NO at the letter, your manuscript may be great, but it won't have a chance.
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children's author and a children's ghostwriter, rewriter, and editor. For great writing tips and/or help with your story, visit [http://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com]Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi.