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Best Book Influencers in India

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Bound by their love for books but divergent in the nuances of their work, both book bloggers and book influencers exert a significant impact on the readers. Bloggers share their inputs on books and authors through the medium of blogs, usually on a website. Whereas book influencers in India post on social media platforms like Instagram about books and related stuff, thus inadvertently  ‘influencing’ the purchase decisions of the readers.

We extend to you, the writer and author, this helpful insight on book bloggers and influencers so you can make an informed decision regarding book promotion. With the help of the information provided below on book influencers in India, decide the one that best suits your book promotion needs and the book genre.

Apurva

Khyati Gautam

Vidhya A. Thakkar

Arpita Bhattacharya

Aayushi

Anvita Patwari

Hari

Mridula

Debdatta Dasgupta

1. Apurva

53.2K followers on Instagram

Apurva & Mansi 🇮🇳 (@frenchflaps_and_deckleedges) • Instagram photos and videos

1. With short form becoming the preferred medium to consume content, how do you attract an audience?

Well, I’ve always wanted our page to stay as close to how we initially started it, just books and conversations about books, be it reviews or recommendations or just sharing my latest book buys. With the popularity of reels and a preference for shorter and quicker captions, we’ve tried our hands at them too, sharing a book recommendation reel, a visit to a bookstore or a book event etc.

2. How many books do you read per year?

It varies every year! On average, it sits around 55-60 books per year.

2. Khyati Gautam

26.8K followers on Instagram

Khyati • Book Blogger (@bookish.fame) • Instagram photos and videos

1. With short form becoming the preferred medium to consume content, how do you attract an audience?

When there’s a shift in trend, you tend to find ways to adapt to it. Now I try to make decent short-form content – reels, infographics – to attract the audience.

2. What difficulties do you face as a book influencer in India and how do you overcome them?

Coping with rapidly new trends is challenging. At times, it might get difficult to keep up with negative comments on your reviews.

3. Vidhya A. Thakkar

23.9K followers on Instagram

Vidhya A. Thakkar|Book Blogger (@reader_viddh) • Instagram photos and videos

1. With short form becoming the preferred medium to consume content, how do you attract an audience?

By being direct, honest and creative at the same time. While people love short, quick content, they love to see behind-the-scenes, raw content more. For me, that has always been the key. To be honest, direct and present.

2. How many books do you read per year?

More than 150-170

4. Arpita Bhattacharya

17.9K followers on Instagram

Arpita (@bagfullofbooks) • Instagram photos and videos

1. With short form becoming the preferred medium to consume content, how do you attract an audience?

I try to remain really true to the kind of books and stories that I am naturally drawn to. I would rather have a very tight-knit and an understanding audience than a large one.

2. How many books do you read per year?

It really depends on the amount of time I am able to devote to reading, which is a hobby for me. I would say upwards of 40-50 books in a year. I prefer to read books slowly and savour each line, emotion and character.

5. Aayushi

17.7K followers on Instagram

Aayushi (@_penandpapers) • Instagram photos and videos

1. With short form becoming the preferred medium to consume content, how do you attract an audience?

While I do believe one must change with time, short-form content like reels, is not the preferred medium. I still prefer posting a picture with a cup of coffee and a long-form review.

2. How many books do you read per year?

I used to read 50 books a year but due to work, I now read 15-20 books yearly.

3. What do you do when you’re not reading or making content?

I work as a Digital Marketing Executive at Simon & Schuster India.

 6. Anvita Patwari

14.9K followers on Instagram

anvita patwari (@anvitascorner) • Instagram photos and videos

1. With short form becoming the preferred medium to consume content, how do you attract an audience?

I don’t really think about it in that way. More than trying to attract an audience, I try to post what I enjoy and hope that people who follow me will enjoy similar content!

2. How many books do you read per year?

I’ve been reading over 100 books every year.

7. Hari

10.6K followers on Instagram

Hari ¦ Bookstagram (@theobviousmystery) • Instagram photos and videos

With short-form becoming the preferred medium to consume content, how do you attract an audience? I have never thought of it like that. I post what I want; fortunately, that seems to work out for me. 2. When did you start reading and how has the journey been so far? Before Instagram, I used to make annotations and write my thoughts on Goodreads. But Goodreads did not give me what I wanted. When I discovered bookstagram, I decided to take a plunge.

8. Mridula

9,243 followers on Instagram

Mridula 🤓|Books + Journal| (@shelfadmirer) • Instagram photos and videos

1. With short form becoming the preferred medium to consume content, how do you attract an audience? With books, it’s a task! Because the more elaborate a review, the better the chances of a reader picking it up as their next read. However, we need to remember that most people have a short attention span when it comes to social media. My content is now inclined to provide them with soft, crisp and precise reviews of books. I try my best to create an engaging picture that highlights the story’s mood while maintaining the aesthetics.

9. Debdatta Dasgupta

3,242 followers on Instagram

Debdatta 🇮🇳 (@b00kr3vi3ws) • Instagram photos and videos

1. With short form becoming the preferred medium to consume content, how do you attract an audience?

I really prefer Instagram both as a user and a consumer. When there’s so much negativity & trolling all over the internet, I find Instagram a much better platform to be on. I think it is best to be genuine and consistent for your audience. I am trying to be more consistent in posting on social media.

2. How many books do you read per year?

I read 220 books a year on average.

Picking the right book influencer/s for your book is a good marketing move to get your book in front of readers. An important point to note when choosing a  book influencer is your book’s genre and the genre influencers are promoting.

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Top Book Reviewers in India: A Comprehensive Guide

When an author writes a book, the thoughts going through his mind are ‘people should read and enjoy or benefit from my book.’ That can happen if people know about the existence of your book and some other relevant facts about your book. How can you, the author, communicate these facts to readers? One important way would be to tap book reviewers. There are numerous book reviewers in India. Which book reviewer suits your book and will help your book make a mark with readers? We have researched and collated the below list to help you in this endevour. Rakhi Jayashankar ‘Outset books’ blog Blogger, writer and critic Started in 2015 Has several campaigns like little readers, book marathon, top book reviewer award 37.6K followers on Instagram 4K followers on Facebook What made you want to start a blog? I have been a writer since I could remember. It is to promote my book that I started a blog. Soon my publisher asked me if I could review a book in my blog. Which genre do you love the most and why? I love mythological fiction and thrillers. What do you do when you’re not reading? I am a Holistic Wellness Coach and an entrepreneur. As a mother of three and the founder of a community ‘ Moms of Kochi’, I am a handful

Vidhya Thakkar Young entrepreneur Founder of Mumbai Bookstagram– A community of all Mumbai Book Bloggers Started a challenge called Balance the Books challenge Likes to review Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Mythology and Biographies. I started the blog in 2014 and an Instagram account in 2017 2.4K followers on Facebook 24K followers on Instagram 2,427 followers on Twitter Which genre do you love the most and why? I like reading romance and poetry as it helps me escape reality and heals me. What are the difficulties you face as a book blogger and how do you overcome them? The difficulty would be managing the deadlines and being subtle yet clear with my review.

Aakanksha Jain Blog called Books Charming I’ve been engaged in this since 2017 Quit her job to become a full-time blogger Also, an author of a non-fiction book 1.30 million readers on website 11K followers on Instagram 1.8K followers on Facebook 3,410 followers on Twitter

What made you want to start a blog? The desire to forge my path and assume a leadership role rather than working under someone else ignited my journey into launching Books Charming.

Which genre do you love the most and why? I have a deep appreciation for Non-Fiction literature, particularly in the realm of self-help and autobiographies.

Asha Seth A seasoned writer, book critic, and an editor Has reviewed more than 600 books Started blogging in 2012 ‘Missbookthief’ blog page 11K subscribers (blog) 12.1K followers on Instagram 1.97K subscribers on YouTube What made you want to start a blog? I grew up a bookworm. I made it my mission to encourage more and more people to read books. When it culminated into a blog, I can hardly tell. Which genre do you love the most and why? It’s difficult to choose one. Thrillers, History, Horror, and Poetry are the top ones. What difficulties do you face as a book blogger and how do you overcome them? Engagement is always a challenge; given that the category is uber-niche. Even with 50k monthly blog views, I struggle for a decent engagement on odd days. Trying different strategies is the solution.

Khyati Gautam: ‘Bookish Fame’ blog Promotes on different platforms. 4,256 subscribers (blog) 26.7K followers on Instagram 1,477 followers on Twitter What made you want to start a blog? I loved the idea of writing about books I read. I saw book blogging as an intersection of two of my most favorite activities – reading and writing. Which genre do you love the most and why? I adore literary fiction and psychological thrillers.

Aishwariya Laxmi ‘Aishwariya’s LittLog’ blog Started blogging about books in 2017 Favorite authors- Enid Blyton, John Grisham, Lauren Weisenberger Also has poems, essays and interviews on her blog page 1,139 followers on Instagram 2,706 followers on Twitter What made you want to start a blog? I freelanced as a journalist while still doing my M.A. in Mass Communication. When I learned about blogging in 2004, I started my own blog.

Which genre do you love the most and why? As a reader, I like fiction, especially Young Adult ( YA) fiction these days.

Rakhi Verma Mumbai based book blogger Blog- Beyond the Covers: Exploring Passions My blog, newbooksreviewer I launched my blog in 2019 Published her own book 4.5K followers on Facebook 64,120 total page views (blog) Which genre do you love the most and why? While I appreciate a wide range of genres, if I had to choose a favorite, it would be romance reviews and sharing my literary experiences has been fulfilling and rewarding

Namrata Ganti ‘Red Pillows’ blog An engineer at day job, spends rest of the time reading Favorite genres- fantasy fiction and middle-grade fiction 796 subscribers (blog) 1,369 followers on Instagram 638 followers on Twitter What made you want to start a blog? I have been blogging for 10 years now and this started off in 2013. I realized that I not only enjoy reading books but also talking about them. What motivates you to continue doing what you do? I enjoy helping authors get noticed and sharing information about their books. It is this continued support from the authors, publishers and the general book blogger community that keeps me motivated to continue writing book reviews and promoting books.

Ritu Bindra Design professional by day and book reviewer on the side. Blog- Bohemian Bibliophile 1,028 followers on Instagram 1,717 subscribers (blog) 1,076 followers on Twitter What made you want to start a blog? I launched my blog, Bohemian Bibliophile, in April 2019. I was active on Book Twitter and Goodreads long before that and often found lesser-known but immensely readable books did not get the promotion they deserved. There was also a limited range of books being talked about, particularly Indian books. Quality books got lost in all the hype. The purpose of my blog has always been to talk about lesser-known books that deserve more love.

Isha Singh: ‘ibooksta’ blog I started this blog in the first lockdown of 2020. he and her team are seasoned book promoters Reviews English and Hindi book of all genres 1,167 followers on Instagram Which genre do you love the most and why? I love romance genre, as I am fan of love stories and their fate in the end excites me. Choosing the target audience for your book and selecting the right book reviewer will be one step towards book promotion and there should be a mix of numerous different book marketing efforts.

Kevein Malik Kevein Books and Reviews- where they focus on book reviews, promotion and marketing Started in 2014 and has covered 1100 books Said to have 5,000 visitors a day What made you want to start a blog? In 2013, I was searching for book reviewers to get some reviews for one of my friends’ books, unfortunately I could not find anyone. Which genre do you love the most and why? On a personal level, I like war and historical fiction.

What are the difficulties you face as a book blogger and how do you overcome them? The biggest challenge is that many think that book review blogging is free. Book bloggers are free; however, it takes a lot of time and patience to read and review a book. Choosing the target audience for your book and selecting the right book reviewer will be one step towards book promotion. There should be a mix of numerous different book marketing efforts to get your book noticed. Some of the marketing efforts you can implement find here.

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Unlock the Secret of Writing a Mystery Novel

Writing a Mystery Novel

Writing a mystery novel have always been consistently trending on bestselling charts. Whether it’s The Da Vinci Code or Gone Girl or an Agatha Christie novel, a mystery book is definitely attractive for readers.

If your questions is how to write a good mystery book, how to write a childrens mystery book, or how to write a great crime novel or write a thriller, how to write a mystery short story? The rules for mystery writing remains the same.

Suspense at First Sight in a mystery novel

The first line and chapter of your story should present an image that instantly pulls the reader in. It’s crucial to be straightforward with what is at the core of the crime from the first few pages. One of the many ways most mystery novels begin is with the crime itself. Even when they don’t, they introduce the murder or crime pretty early in the book. This helps establish what the reader can expect from the book and arouses the reader’s curiosity and anticipation right at the beginning.

Make the Reader a Cheerleader

If your mystery story has a detective known for being efficient, introduce flaws. The flaws can be personal conflicts, maybe a personality that is not entirely likeable. It can be a particular setting which restricts them from investigating with complete freedom (a lot of crime mysteries novel have detectives going to a small town where everyone knows each other and is suspicious of the outsider). If your protagonist is not a detective but a regular person, usually the relative of the victim, have them go through sudden changes like suspecting a close friend or family. Do not hesitate to take your character on a roller-coaster ride.

Which Mystery Are You?

Even if suspense is at the core of your story, it is a genre which works very well with other genres. Apart from the classic murder mystery, literature also has romance mysteries, comedy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, historical mystery, etc. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a classic romantic mystery while Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series is a brilliant example of comedy meets mystery. We recommend picking up a book similar to what you would like to write and see how the author plays with the storyline.

Stick to Details

If your mystery novel has a murder (or murders) in it, then not only do you have to be realistic about the murders, you also have to make a timeline of the crime. Details, like the time of the murder, number of wounds, if multiple, exact cause of death, etc. are important to keep the narrative consistent. Though most of these details are to help keep your story on-track and have enough action to keep the reader engaged and guessing through the book. The author has to be cautious that the reader knows as much as the protagonist. It would be no fun if your detective magically knows something which wasn’t mentioned at all! It will be no fun if all the elements of the story do not add up or have no relevance to the story and are just thrown in. Making a detailed chart to keep the various aspects and characters in the story logical.

Another good tip is to make a graph of your story for example, if the protagonist encounters a question, make the line go down. If he finds the answer to a question, then make the line go up. If there are non-mystery related scenes, then make the line go straight. This will help your story gain balance. It will also help you introduce excitement, areas of elation and despair for the reader in your story.

Red Herrings

One formula for writing a mystery novel is to introduce false leads! While you write a mystery story have a few characters lie so that the protagonist isn’t sure of who to trust. Encourage the reader to investigate while reading by giving them false clues, then unravel their truth within a few chapters.

Introduce few characters that look suspicious so the reader is constantly guessing who the murderer/bad guy could be. Remember, while introducing red herrings, they must logically fit into the story.

Red Herrings are fun as they keep the reader on their toes, but don’t overdo it to the extent that there’s a false lead in almost every chapter!

Use the Setting to Create a Mystery

If your story is set in a village use the village church, a cottage, the village postman, to build up the mystery in your book. If story is set in an office, then perhaps the office peon, the café in your office can be used to create suspense.

Inspiration

Feel free to pick up inspiration from the newspapers. There is an endless number of crimes ranging from murder to kidnapping to robberies that are reported in your local news. Look for a story with an intriguing headline and then ask yourself, why did the headline interest you? There are common elements to some of the world’s most interesting mysteries. Search the Internet for real crimes, and make a note of all the different reasons why certain cases are still unsolved (did someone misplace important evidence? did someone lie in their testimony?)  Sometimes reality is wilder than fiction.

These are just some of the tips for how to write a mystery novel outline that we hope will inspire you to write your mystery novel. It is a genre which readers can never tire of! how to write a mystery novel outline

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Ways in Which Books Can Boost Your Professional Growth and Development

Books offer myriad benefits, whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an executive, or a manager. Books provide specialized knowledge or inspire creativity to boost your professional growth and development.

The following are some ways in which reading books can assist you in your journey as a professional.

How does reading help you gain knowledge?

Can books really change your life?

How can reading help you in the future?

Importance of reading skills in a workplace

How can reading help you become a better person?

Why should you read different kinds of books?

How does reading contribute to Professional Growth and Development?

Will your knowledge of reading and writing help you in your future dream job?

1. How does reading help you gain knowledge?

Professionals and experts with a wealth of knowledge pen it down into a book. This expertise or knowledge in books helps you gain a deeper understanding of the field you’re working in, as well as the industry trends and related subjects.

The right book at the right time can do wonders as it can teach you the needed skills pertinent to your professional domain to boost professional growth and development.

‘Getting More: How You Can Negotiate to Succeed in Work and Life’ by Stuart Diamond is one such book imbued with practical knowledge and strategies to help you get more out of your work and life.

Even novels can impart knowledge, maybe not domain but general knowledge, given that the authors have researched their topic well before penning a novel. Cultural, atmosphere, speech, etc., information can be gleaned from fiction books.

2. Can books really change your life?

Books filled with thought-provoking ideas, complex narratives, and diverse points of view can improve your ability to evaluate arguments, logically analyze information, and be more proactive at work.

‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ is a popular book by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman that provides valuable insights into how our mind works and influences our decisions. Reading such books can help you make informed choices.

By cultivating the art of anticipating outcomes and understanding cause-and-effect relationships, you can improve your decision-making skills on both the professional and personal front.

Moreover, learning about various leadership styles and qualities from books and imbibing them in your own life after filtering the ones that truly align with your goals can undoubtedly make you a better leader.

Work comes with many responsibilities and burdens and can be extremely exhausting at times. One of the ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation is by reading books.

When you devote time to reading, you subconsciously internalize proper sentence structure, grammar, and writing conventions, which helps to improve written and verbal communication skills.

3. How can reading help you in the future?

Can you be future-ready? To an extent, yes, you can be. Depending on your field, reading industry-related books, journals, and articles can help you stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices and gleam into the future.

A critical aspect of being future-ready is to be mentally prepared. The impact of self-help books is real; they have transformed people’s lives and helped them achieve their future goals, whether related to career, personal development, or health. They provide valuable strategies and insights to help adjust to changing realities today and prepare for the future.

‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho, known for its inspirational message about pursuing one’s dreams, and many other books have the potential to change a person’s life, but the extent to which a book has an impact varies from individual to individual.

4. Importance of reading skills in a workplace

The workplace values the completion of projects—a skill you subconsciously pick up through reading a wide variety of books. Starting a book is easy but finishing it is not everyone’s cup of tea. By cultivating a habit of reading, you can bring consistency to your life – the consistency that comes from finishing a book. On a deeper level, it can help cultivate the ability to see a task through completion and stay committed to it even when it feels difficult or time-consuming, thus building mental endurance.

In his book, ‘Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World’, author Cal Newport provides practical ways to achieve higher levels of focus and concentration on the task at hand.

Moreover, acquiring new knowledge and staying relevant and adaptable in the face of changes can open doors to promotions and new job opportunities and increase job satisfaction.

Continuous learning is a crucial facet of personal and professional growth. Reading is an important skill to help constantly learn and expand knowledge to boost your professional growth and development.

When you read more books, you’ll have an abundance of conversation topics and common interests, which can further help you build more connections.

5. How can reading help you become a better person?

Authors often use diverse and even sophisticated language to present their ideas. Imbibing and using a refined vocabulary in the proper context at the right time can help you project intelligence and command respect from peers.

Exposure to a wide range of words and expressions would also help convey problems and solutions effectively in a work setting and ensure being understood.

‘Word Power Made Easy’ is a famous vocabulary-building book by Norman Lewis. Right from the etymology of a word to its correct usage, everything is explained in such an engaging manner that one is sure to benefit from it.

As for fiction, it can stimulate your imagination and encourage open-mindedness. Books may present scenarios, characters, or situations that compel you to think creatively about potential solutions to real-life challenges.

Most books spark curiosity in some way and encourage you to think outside the box. Exposure to innovative solutions and metaphorical thinking (drawing connections between seemingly unrelated concepts) contributes to a creative mindset.

6. Why should you read different kinds of books?

Whether you are in the mood for a thrilling mystery or an enlightening non-fiction book, diversifying your reading options ensures you have something enjoyable to read in any situation.

For instance, ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success’ by Carol Dweck can teach you the importance of a growth mindset and provide valuable life lessons, but so can the short and delightful book- ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ by Spencer Johnson.

Different genres and types of books offer varying viewpoints and experiences. Reading broadly exposes you to various ideas, cultures, and lifestyles, fostering empathy and a more comprehensive understanding of the world. When authors offer varied perspectives, it only increases the open-mindedness of the readers. It equips them with a diverse set of knowledge.

7. How does reading contribute to Professional Growth and Development?

One of the requisites of reading is to be present in the moment and fully engage with the content. This practice of mindfulness, combined with the ability to focus on a task for extended periods without concentration fluctuating now and then, can be effectively utilized in pursuit of a goal.

Be it personal or academic and professional endeavours, reading plays a significant role in contributing to success in various aspects of life. Reading helps in two main ways:

Through inspiration from the life of others, to overcome obstacles and pursue one’s goals with a focus

Learning relevant or desired skills for that stage in your life.

Reading biographies and autobiographies of successful people you admire or look up to can provide practical insights and knowledge of how those people have continuously endeavoured to shape their destinies. Their stories also teach how leaders throughout history have overcome challenges, made tough decisions, often in the face of urgency, and, despite all obstacles, managed to achieve success.

For example, the autobiography of the Missile Man of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – ‘Wings of Fire’ – is an inspiring read for all ages, centred around a little boy from a humble family, whose determination and perseverance make him an eminent scientist and even the President of India.

8. Will your knowledge of reading and writing help you in your future dream job?

“Reading is a necessary habit for every successful businessperson,” said Ellen Parry Lewis, a fiction author. Her words apply to not just people in business but all professions because literacy skills put you in a better position to do well in your career, boosting your profile as a good communicator.

Not only will you be able to articulate your opinions and ideas well in a workplace, but you will also be able to comprehend those of your colleagues.

One of the things that reading does is inspire creativity. Since creativity is not just a term tied to writers, musicians, dancers, painters, etc., skill comes in handy in virtually every field. It is simply the fundamental ability to generate new and valuable ideas, solutions, and approaches to various situations and challenges. Creativity could mean finding innovative ways to minimize time and resources and maximize outputs in a work setting.

‘The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles’ by Steven Pressfield is a remarkable book that focuses on overcoming resistance to help you realize your creative potential.

Reading books is an activity that will give and give, sometimes more and sometimes less, but you will rarely complete a book without it touching your life in some way. As with all success, the key to changing your life is picking the right book at the right time with the right effort and mindset. Here are eight curated books for you to refer to.

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Books to Boost Your Professional Growth

Books to Boost Your Professional Growth Books have power, the power of ideas contained in them. What they also have is the might to get you thinking in a direction you might never have thought in. They have the potential to guide a person looking for help to solve or understand a problem. While the internet is filled with information but, books provide you with researched and vetted information.

We have curated eight such books that will help you fulfill your boost your professional growth potential and help surmount the obstacles in your path to professional excellence.

Getting More: How You Can Negotiate to Succeed in Work and Life by Stuart Diamond: In your workplace or the company of friends, family and other acquaintances, underlying every encounter is ‘negotiation’ and Stuart Diamond’s book teaches you professional growth strategies to achieve better results in both the professional and personal domains. However, knowing your professional development goals is the essential beginning step before anything is negotiated.

This book is a valuable source of guidance for aspiring and working professionals to help them polish their negotiation skills and advance their careers.

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen In this gem of a book, David Allen proffers a necessary toolkit on how to get more in any situation in life. First published in 2001, it has become an influential text for professionals, each chapter unfurling the secrets of living a life of balance between productivity and sereness. ‘GTD’ has now become shorthand for approaching professional and personal projects, tasks and commitments so that the outcome is maximized and stress is minimized in the pursuit of it all. Allen has given impressive professional growth principles rooted in big ideas that are practically viable.

The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done by Peter F. Drucker No matter where you stand in the professional hierarchy of your organisation, this book is a valuable tool for all working professionals, or ‘knowledge workers’ as Peter Drucker calls them. The book is centered around the notion that effectiveness is not a trait inherent in us but must be learned and polished in the pursuing our endeavors. Contrary to what some people like to believe, being effective does not mean doing more tasks. Rather, it is about doing the right tasks that align with your own personal growth as well as with the ideals of the organization.

The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz Do you want to get out of a mediocre life and achieve big dreams and goals? If yes, then this book is for you. For people stuck in the same position in their organization for years, David Shwartz’s approach can do wonders. Explained in an effortless manner, the book encourages you to self-reflect and master your mind through an understanding of psychology, ambition, goal-setting and social behavior. 5.Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport The distractions around us have made it increasingly challenging to have prolonged concentration. Cal Newport addresses this issue in his book, focusing on creating a healthy environment in which more time is spent on ‘Deep work’ (a productive state of flow without succumbing to distractions).

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey One of the most empowering books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is an essential read for anyone seeking meaningful professional growth. In his step-by-step guide, Covey presents a framework of seven habits that enhance effectiveness, in addition to fostering career and personal development.

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell Why do some people achieve success while some can’t get out of a life of mediocrity? Malcolm Gladwell answers this question in his book, by narrating the success stories of successful people from various fields- music, sports, technology etc. The book explores the factors contributing to success- not just personal factors like talent or efforts, but also external factors like culture, environment and opportunities.

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson It is a simple yet empowering allegorical narrative that unveils profound truths through the eyes of four characters living in a ‘maze’. There is a hardworking duo of mice, Sniff and Scurry, along with two ‘Littlepeople’ Hem and Haw who look and act like people but are the size of mice. They embark on a journey to look for ‘Cheese’ – a metaphor for all that we yearn for in life, whether its career-related or related to some other aspect of life.

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An Introduction to Urdu Shaayari

Tracing the evolution of shers down the centuries Sher-o-shaayari is the most popular genre of Urdu writing and is often the first exposure to the Urdu language for most of us. Who can forget the popular Hindi film songs of yester years based on ghazals which have enthralled generations in South Asia. The world of Urdu shaayari is filled with feelings and emotions, elegantly and delicately expressed. The succinctness of shers encourages a listener to draw his or her own interpretation depending on one’s experience and state of mind.

Urdu shaayari began in the early 18th century and continues to evolve till date. Through the examples of select shers written by master shaayars down the ages, this evolution can be traced. And this will make interesting reading for those taking their first steps in shaayari appreciation as well as connoisseurs.

18th Century The golden period of Urdu shaayari really began in the 18th Century. The 18th and 19th Centuries were a period of great chaos. Aurangzeb had died and soon after that the Mughal empire started to collapse. The final blow was the quashing of the 1857 mutiny, after which the last Mughal emperor was exiled. The Mughal court was no longer able to offer patronage to the shaayars and most of them started to move out from Delhi. Most of them migrated to Lucknow, Rampur or Hyderabad.

Shaayars, like most poets, are the conscience-keepers of society. Even the shaayars of the 18th and 19th Century were dead against religious orthodoxy and spoke often about the oneness of Hinduism and Islam. They reserved their utter contempt for the Islamic clergy, called mulla or zaahid. This contempt was probably driven by the fact that the clergy was dead against alcohol, while most shaayars would rather die than teetotal! From time to time, the shaayars also revealed their romantic side!

To know more follow the link: https://www.zorbabooks.com/spotlight/sunilgupta23/blog-articles/an-introduction-to-urdu-shaayari/

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What Are Your Book Publishing Options? How to Zero in on the Right Publisher?

Your manuscript is almost ready, and you are looking for the best book publishing company to publish your book.

Once you start the task of finding a book publishing company, you will realize the job can be complex for a first-time author.

What are the book publishing options open before you?

Which publishing option will suit you?

Which book publishing company has the best offerings?

What is the cheapest way to publish a book?

How to publish a book yourself?

The above questions will puzzle a first-time author, as much as a maze does.

We will prise open the world of publishing for you bit by bit. We will take you through one maze in this post and reveal the book publishing options available to you.

Five options are open to you for publishing a print, eBook and/or audiobook:

You pursue only one choice of finding a reputed traditional publisher who will agree to publish your book.

Give yourself a reasonable time frame to find a suitable traditional publisher, say one year. If the right publisher has not extended a publishing offer in that time, then take a call to follow points no 3, 4 or 5.

Self-publish your book/ to publish a book yourself

Find a good self-publishing company to help you publish your book

Junk the idea of publishing a book, altogether.

If point no 1 is your choice, you need lots of patience, perseverance, and a thick skin for rejections. A good literary agent could be helpful and one must have written a book that will appeal to a publisher. If you are lucky, you will be able to find a suitable publisher in less than one year. If not, you can keep trying till you find one or give up.

If point no 2 is your choice, you have spent a reasonable amount of time and effort finding a publisher for your novel. If no publishing deal has been signed with a suitable publisher after one year etc, consider taking the next best option as mentioned in points 3,4,5. In most cases, this is the most satisfying option.

If point 3 is your choice: Time will be the most significant element required of you. You will need time to learn the various processes that go into book production and the professional way to carry out those processes. The risk is that you may still not match the experience and skill of a professional publisher and despite the immense effort, the book may turn out shoddy and unprofessional.

If point 4 is your choice: Be prepared to spend money. If you choose the right self-publishing company, you will be all set to get your book published in time and professionally too. Remember professional editing is desired for all published books. As in all types of publishing discussed, be ready to market your book.

If point no. 5 is your choice: our advice would be ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’

Once you have familiarized yourself with the different publishing options, it is best to learn about the pros and cons of different types of publishing.

You have myriad publishing choices available. So cheers to options!

How to research for a good self-publishing company?

Self-publishing is getting a lot of exposure in the National dailies, leading to increased awareness and curiosity about the availability of alternative modes of publishing. It has caught the fancy of numerous authors who want to know how do I select the best expert publishing/self/POD company/good books company.

No one answer fits all writers. However, there are broad pointers one can look at while deciding which online good books company can work for you.

List out your most important goals. The goals you are hoping to achieve by publishing this novel. Maybe you want recognition as an author, improve standing in your professional community or open doors to various public platforms like an invitation to a panel discussion, featuring in the local or national media etc.

Determine the approx. amount of money you are willing to invest in expert publishing.

The services you most need for publishing your book.

Once you have the answers to the questions above, speak to people who have published and get their inputs on the process and the online book publishers.

Check the feedback different self-publishing companies have got. You can check this on the world wide web. This helps to measure the level of services actually being extended to writers.

Narrow down your search to 2-3 online book publishing companies that have received good feedback and meets your goal.

Then order one book which they have recently published, to check for finish and product quality.

Ask for hidden costs.

By this stage, you are all set to start correspondence with one or two book publishers near me that you have narrowed down your search to.

At this advanced stage, what pitfalls should you watch out for?

Don’t be rushed into anything. If the company calls, emails and texts you daily and uses pressure tactics to make you sign on the dotted line, they are most likely just after a quick buck and you should consider walking away.

Does the company want you to buy large quantities of your book? This is a red flag – in the age of print on demand, there is no reason for you to have lots of books lying around.

Is the company also handling inventory as part of book distribution activities?

Does the company have employees who respond to your queries promptly and with sensitivity? Book issues are often technical, and you must work with real people to resolve them. Ask questions and see how they answer.

Watch out for contracts that are vague or only protect the company should something go wrong. A good contract will protect the author’s rights.

When you are with the right self-publishing company, you will know it; trust your gut. With the right company, that feeling of comfort and confidence allows you to do your book justice.

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Guide to Writing and Publishing Your First Book

Are you ready to take the leap and write and publish your first book? Congratulations! Writing and publishing a book is an incredible accomplishment, but it can also be a daunting task. From crafting a compelling plot to finding a publisher, many steps are involved in the writing and publishing process. But don’t worry, with proper guidance and tools, you can turn your dream of becoming a published author into a reality. In this article, we’ll share 10 tips for writing and publishing your first book. Whether you are a first-time writer or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you streamline your writing process, refine your craft, and navigate the publishing world. So, grab a pen and paper, and let’s begin your journey to becoming a published author!

1. Set clear goals and objectives for writing and publishing your book To write and publish book, one needs to set clear goals and objectives before starting to write. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the writing process. Start by asking yourself why you want to write this book. Is it to share your knowledge and expertise? To entertain readers? To inspire and motivate others? Once you’ve identified your purpose, you can set specific, measurable goals and objectives. For example, you might set a goal to write 500 words daily or have a completed manuscript in six months. Whatever your goals and objectives, ensure they are realistic and achievable.

Once you’ve set your goals and objectives, create a plan for achieving them. This might include breaking your writing process into smaller, manageable tasks and setting deadlines for each. You might also consider using a project management tool like Trello or Asana to track your progress and stay on top of your goals. By setting clear goals and objectives and creating a plan for achieving them, you’ll be well on your way to writing and publishing your first book.

2. Understand your target audience One of the most important things you can do as a writer is to understand your target audience. Who are you writing for? What are their interests, needs, and desires? What do they want to learn or gain from reading your book? By understanding your target audience, you can tailor your writing to meet their specific needs and interests, making your book more engaging and appealing to readers.

write and publish book To better understand your target audience, start by researching your market. Look at similar books in your genre and identify their target audience. You can also conduct surveys or interviews with potential readers to understand their preferences and interests better. Once you’ve identified your target audience, make sure you keep them in mind as you write. Use language and tone that will resonate with them, and address their specific needs and concerns in your content. By doing so, you’ll write and publish book that is likely to connect with readers and achieve success.

3. Develop a writing routine and stick to it One of the biggest challenges of writing a book is staying disciplined and motivated throughout the writing process. That’s why it’s essential to develop and stick to a writing routine. A writing routine can help you stay on track, make progress, and avoid distractions.

To develop a writing routine, start by setting aside a specific time each day or week for writing. This might be early in the morning, during your lunch break, or in the evening after work. Whatever time you choose, make sure it’s a time when you can focus and avoid interruptions. Next, create a writing space that is free from distractions and conducive to productivity. This might be a home office, a library, or a coffee shop.

Once you have your writing routine and space established, make a commitment to stick to it. Treat your writing time as you would any other necessary appointment or task. By making writing a priority and sticking to your routine, you’ll be much more likely to make progress and achieve your writing goals.

4. Create a detailed outline of your book Before you start writing, it’s essential to create a detailed outline of your book. An outline will help you organize your thoughts and ideas, ensure your book has a clear structure and flow, and make the writing process much easier and more efficient.

To create an outline, start by identifying the key themes, topics, and ideas you want to cover in your book. Next, organize these into a logical sequence or structure. This might include chapters, sections, or subsections. Once you have your structure in place, start filling in the details. Write a brief summary or description for each chapter or section, outlining the key points you want to cover. This will help you stay focused and on track as you write.

Remember, your outline is a flexible tool that can be adjusted and revised as needed. Don’t be afraid to make changes or add new ideas as you write. The goal is to create a roadmap that will guide you through the writing process and help you stay focused and organized.

5. Focus on writing quality content When it comes to writing a book, quality content is key. Whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction, your content needs to be engaging, informative, and well-written. To achieve this, focus on writing quality content from the start. This means taking the time to research your topic, develop your characters or themes, and craft compelling prose that will keep readers engaged.

One way to improve the quality of your writing is to read widely in your genre or topic area. This will help you identify what works and what doesn’t, and give you inspiration for your writing. You might also consider taking a writing course or workshop to hone your skills and learn new techniques.

Remember, quality content is a process. It takes time and effort to create something that will resonate with readers and stand the test of time. But by focusing on quality from the start, you’ll be well on your way to writing a book you can be proud of.

6. Editing and proofreading your book Once you’ve completed your first draft, it’s time to focus on editing and proofreading your book. Editing is the process of refining your content, ensuring it flows well, and tightening up your prose. Proofreading is the process of checking for errors in spelling and punctuation.

To edit your book effectively, start by reading through your manuscript from beginning to end. Look for areas where your content could be improved or tightened up. This might include cutting unnecessary or redundant content, reorganizing sections, or clarifying your message. Once you’ve completed your edits, reread your manuscript to ensure it flows well and meets your goals and objectives.

Proofreading is equally important, as errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation can detract from the quality of your writing. You might also consider asking a friend, family member, or professional editor to review your manuscript for errors and provide feedback.

7. Choosing the right publishing platform Once you’ve completed your manuscript, it’s time to think about publishing. There are many different publishing platforms available, each with its own pros and cons. Some of the most popular options include traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing.

writing and publishing your first book Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to a publishing company for consideration. If accepted, the publisher will handle all aspects of publishing, from editing and design to distribution and marketing. Self-publishing, on the other hand, involves publishing your book yourself, or through a print-on-demand service or an e-book platform. Hybrid publishing combines aspects of both traditional and self-publishing.

Consider your goals, objectives, target audience, and budget when choosing a publishing platform. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to research and choose the option that best fits your needs.

8. Marketing and promoting your book Regardless of your chosen publishing platform, marketing and promoting your book is essential for success. This means getting your book in front of your target audience and generating buzz and excitement around your work.

Social media is one of the best ways to market and promote your book. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are powerful ways to connect with readers, share your work, and build a following. You might also consider reaching out to bloggers, book reviewers, and other influencers in your niche to help spread the word about your book.

In addition to social media, consider hosting book signings, giving talks or workshops, and participating in book fairs or other events. These can be great opportunities to connect with readers and generate interest in your work.

How to write and publish book, your first book, can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By setting clear goals and objectives, understanding your target audience, developing a writing routine, creating a detailed outline, focusing on quality content, editing and proofreading your work, choosing the right publishing platform, and marketing and promoting your book, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your dreams of becoming a published author. So, what are you waiting for? Start writing today!

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Essential Guide to Book Distribution

Essential Guide to Book Distribution

Book Distribution guide for those who self-publish

To a self-published author, the book distribution will be of particular importance, which should be as comprehensive as possible, considering the cost & your book niche. Often book distribution is used interchangeably with book sales & book marketing. These three steps are interrelated, & each directly influences the other. For a self-published author, it is essential to clearly understand the scope & meaning of book fulfilment & distribution

In this blog post, we’ll discuss distribution’s various costs & benefits & how it can help authors.

What is book distribution?

The process of making physical, eBooks or audiobooks available to the public for purchase or borrow—the process of reaching books to potential readers.

The above process of book distribution is influenced by book promotion & book sales & visa versa.

How do book sales influence distribution?

The more books you sell, the more the demand will be for your books. A larger number of distributors will come forward to sell your books.

Book distribution in modern times

Various factors have considerably changed the way books are distributed in modern times.

Digital technology has allowed for easier &     faster distribution of books

Books are now available online & in physical     stores

Distribution is more widely accessible &     cheaper for readers

How does book distribution work?

Online stores have significantly changed how book fulfilment & distribution happen in India & elsewhere. The distribution process & book distributors in India were arbitrary & closed institutions. With the establishment of online book stores, a large chunk of the book sales/distribution shifted away from the informal book distribution channels. This shook the distribution system in India, forcing them to take notice. The result is that they are more organised & less arbitrary. The physical book distribution is no longer the Laxman Rekha for either a publisher or author. Most book sales happen from the major online stores. That said, physical bookstores & their distributors still maintain the importance of books to reach the widest audience & outlets, libraries, colleges & universities.

Once the book is printed, it is ready to be distributed. For free distribution through online channels before the printed book is in your hand:

Identify the distribution channels that suit you.

Identify whether you would like to stick to     online distribution only (Amazon, Flipkart)

Whether you would like to tie up with distributors     for physical stores.

Tie up with the distribution channels that suit     you. This takes time; hence, we suggest that physical store distributors     start six months before your book is out &, for online stores, about a     month before.

At the same time, start book promotion.

Tying up with different distribution channels     should happen before the printed book comes into your hands. This way, you     also know how many books you need to get printed in the first round.

If you are an individual, it is beneficial to tie up with a publisher who will follow the POD model of book warehousing & distribution. This will incur distribution costs but also means you are not tied down to keeping stock, printing, maintaining inventory, orders, packing, dispatching, etc. You must provide the publisher or distributor with the distribution rights to your book. Publishers can also judge how many books to print in the first, second, & third rounds. This avoids piling up inventory & frees you from locking up your money in unsold stock.

1. Global connect program

Can your work be available around the world? Sounds impossible. It is now possible for individuals to sell their books in the International markets. One way is to tie up with Amazon, which is expensive but doable. Another is to pay distribution costs to a self-publishing company that already has tie-ups & save yourself a bother.

2. How do stores & libraries know about my book?

Make a list of libraries & stores. Find their contact. Design an emailer. Be careful to include all information about your book & give convincing reasons for them to distribute it. After 10-20 days, send a reminder email with any update regarding your book, like crossing a significant milestone in the number of books sold. The distributors will love that. Or connect with a publisher, they will help for a fee.

3. Who can order my book?

Three main factors determine who can order your book: 1. Whether the store is available in a particular region. 2. Whether the store has delivery to the location where the reader is based. 3. The ability to pay for the book.

4. Don’t limit your distribution

Yes & No.

Distribution should look at your capacity to     service that distribution channel.

Keep in mind the cost-to-profit ratio & the     effort put in. Some channels give too many returns. In some distribution     channels, the ultimate profit is too negligible. Often the inputs of     packing & shipping the item are overlooked but it is an essential cost     in online sales.

During the period of exclusivity (ebook)(minimum     90 days), you cannot distribute your book digitally anywhere else,     including on your website, blogs, etc. although you can continue to     distribute your book in physical or audio format on other platforms.

5. Printed book distribution

Two leading platforms for printed book distribution

Online distribution

Distribution to bookstores, libraries, colleges,     schools etc

6. Where should you distribute your book?

To ‘go wide’ is the self-publishing jargon for distributing your eBook/print book via multiple platforms, such as Kobo, Apple Books etc., either directly or via an aggregator who will distribute from one dashboard to many distributors on your behalf.

7. Online distribution system. How much does it cost?

The cheapest distribution/ free book distribution is online, with negligible book warehousing & distribution costs. Far more expensive is the distribution to physical stores, high inventory cost & a lag in availability.

There is no free party. Even free book distribution has a cost attached to it, though no upfront cost, except for the cost of inventory. Distribution costs are usually calculated as a percentage of the retail price & can vary between 15% & 55% of MRP for each item sale. In online stores, there is no upfront cost, the cost is calculated only when you sell an item.

Amazon Kindle, Apple takes a 30% – 65% royalty cut on all ebook sales, regardless of the book price, depending on the distribution channel & the type of distribution rights. Whether exclusive or non-exclusive. For non-exclusive distribution rights, you receive lower royalty.

Book distribution is a cost-effective & efficient way to get books into the hands of readers. It can help boost sales, reach new readers, & allow authors to keep their books in the public eye.

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Print On Demand Books the Future of Publishing in India

Print On Demand Books the Future of Publishing in India

Print on demand books is becoming increasingly popular in India as an alternative to traditional printing methods. This article explains why this new technology is becoming more popular and how it can benefit authors and readers in India. Print on demand (POD) books are becoming more popular in India, for good reason.

What is Print on Demand?

·         A printing technique in which books are printed only when there is an order for them.

·         Print on demand (POD)also reduces the amount of waste created from unsold books.

Benefits of Print-on-demand Books in India

·         Lower inventory costs as printing is done only on demand.

·         There is no need to tie up large sums of money in keeping stocks of books in warehouses.

·         Reduced risk of unsold books and thus no losses due to overstocking.

How is print-on-demand disrupting the publishing Industry in India?

·         Print on demand books India, has allowed authors to self-publish their work, eliminating the need for a traditional publisher.

·         It has made books more accessible to readers in remote locations, reducing the distribution cost and making them more widely available.

·         It has enabled publishers to reach a larger audience.

More than 20 regional languages are spoken in India. As the number of published books increased, it became too expensive for publishing houses to make literature available in regional languages. Even if books didn’t make enough sale they had to be printed in large quantities. Publishers faced a dilemma: to keep holding stock that would not sell and make losses or reduce the number of copies printed per the market demand.

 New Printing Model of POD

This new printing model of POD, made it possible for traditional publishing to make a profit even while publishing regional books and for indie authors, self-publishing became possible. Imagine having to store one thousand copies and lock up precious funds in printing and storing them.

Indie authors must note that though POD model offers the benefit of printing even one copy of the book, single-book printing costs are high. Most POD companies offer a minimum print run of 20- 50 copies, keeping printing costs reasonable. In 2018, the print circulation revenue was led by the Hindi-speaking market, with a revenue of almost 40 billion Indian rupees.

Physical books have had an easier time navigating the digital age than newspapers and magazines. Although printed books remain the most favorable option for consumers despite digital growth, print revenue remains far higher.

·         Print-on-demand has revolutionized the publishing industry in India, providing authors and publishers with new opportunities to reach readers.

·         The typical price of book printing on demand in India varies according to the publisher and book specs.

·         The best print on demand book companies have allowed for more cost-effective production and distribution of books, making them more widely available.

·         Print on demand books India, has also enabled publishers to create books in various formats, making them more accessible to readers.

Where can I print-on-demand books with international delivery?

While living in India, it may seem fanciful that one can opt for print on demand books with international delivery. But the truth is changing times have made it possible and few reputed companies offer you the option of print on demand books with international delivery. The amazon print-on-demand books with international delivery is somewhat limited to distribution on Amazon in various countries and can be complicated. However, there are best print on demand book companies that offer international delivery with no headache, lower cost, higher distribution and simple procedure.

Is print-on-demand the same as indie publishing?

Print-on-demand is an important part of indie publishing. As a writer that is taking the Indie publishing route has an option to take POD route to print books or bulk printing of books. Though we must emphasize that for most indie authors POD is the best way forward till you have a steady string of orders flowing in.

How much does it cost to publish a 250 pages book in India?

To calculate the cost to publish a 250 pages book in India, you must first decide the services you would like to take. The best would be to look at a company’s publishing packages. They will list services and cost for different book publishing packages. A 250 pages book publishing cost can range between Rs 20,000 to over a lakh, depending on the services taken.

If you want to calculate the print price of a book with 250 pages, go to the royalty calculator, and calculate the MRP of a book with 250 pages. The indicated MRP divided by two is the cost of printing a book with 250 pages.

As an author, how do print-on-demand services help you?

Writers are naturally curious to know how print-on-demand services can help them as opposed to publishing a book independently, with no professional help. We suggest going in for POD services when looking for quality, attractiveness and best publishing practices. This will help you to market your books better and be proud of the final product.

Do thorough research while deciding which book publishing services company you should go with.

Is it possible to split profits with print-on-demand self-publishing?

Most print-on-demand self-publishing, do not follow the model of splitting profits. However, it could be worth a try.

How much does it cost to publish a book in India?

The cost to publish a book in India will depend upon three main factors:

·         The publishing services required e.g., book cover design, editing, and illustrations.

·         The level of service required e.g., basic, superior, customized.

·         The level of professionalism and experience of the staff, who executes your work.

Best print on demand book companies

Though it is true that ‘no one size fits all,’ there are some aspects you can look at to arrive at whether the print on demand book companies is even worth exploring. Amazon print-on-demand books and Zorba Books offer some of the lowest POD costs.

We have some of the best in-house publishing experts who can guide you in choosing the best option according to your book.

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Why should I self-publish?

Why should I self-publish?

Whether you are a well-known person or not, young or old, getting a book published in your name is a natural desire. Many would like to write a novel, self-help book, poetry, biography, or an anthology. What keeps us back is the fear that either completing a book is too hard or the fear of rejection from publishing houses. No more. Newer options in publishing allow a writer to publish a book almost at will.

 Why Self-publish Your Book?

1. Most well-known personalities are keen to be called ‘author ‘and like to have a book published under their name. Why? – It is prestigious and increases your social and professional reputation. Think of all the famous people and ‘google’ if they have written a book. You will find many would have done so.

2. The book is written to benefit the readers, but it must be published first. It is as good as dead if readers cannot get to read it because no traditional publisher steps forward to publish it. Your labour of love has gone down the drain.

3. When an author is ready with a manuscript, they become desperate to publish it. Waiting even for a day becomes arduous. But finding a publisher willing to publish can take a long time, sometimes many months. You start on your book publishing journey by writing emails and calling publishing agents and traditional publishers. Did a few publishers care to reply? Many-a-times, writers come to a point when they cannot wait any longer or the pile of rejections becomes too high. That is when they decide to take things into their own hands and not wait for the elusive book deal. The author starts looking for an alternative way to get his book published. Till a couple of years back, there was no other option. Now self-publishing a book has gained momentum.  

4. Pay-offs can be huge. Like any aspect of life, there are a few downsides to self-publishing, but there is a possibility of a vast pay-off too. After zeroing in on self-publishing, the first step is to get in touch with a self-publisher who has excellent testimonials and can get the process going. It is possible to have a published book in your hands without any pain in as few as 4-5 weeks.

5. Be the master of your book. A traditional publisher has a set idea of what a book should contain and therefore, an author is forced to add/make changes to meet that set formula. A major benefit of self-publishing is that you can write exactly what you want and how.

6. Earn up 100% royalties on net profit. Traditional publishers are really economical with royalties. Earning as much as 80-90% in self-publishing is possible! You would undoubtedly want to be in the driver’s seat as far as your book is concerned.

7. Self-publish a book in weeks. For many new or first-time writer’s self-publishing a book is a good idea because the traditional publishing process is painfully inefficient. Because the author never really knows what is going on at ANY stage. And if an agent is involved, the process is even more out of your control. You want your book to be in your reader’s hands within a month. No one is interested in waiting for months or years on end, never knowing when the book will be on the market.

8. Be involved at every stage of self-publishing your book. There is nothing more deeply satisfying than being involved in the entire process of converting a manuscript into a perfect book. As an author, you are kept abreast of all steps, including designing the cover and the “look” of the book, formatting the contents, printing, pricing, sales and distribution. You can share your feedback at all stages and see them implemented quickly.

9. You can be based anywhere in the world to self-publish your book. To self-publish a book, you can be based anywhere in India – in large cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, or the smallest of towns. You only need an internet connection and a courier service to receive your printed books!

10. Join well-known personalities. All well-known personalities in India or abroad have a book to their credit, be it the PM of India, or Bill Gates. There is a certain prestige attached to becoming an author.  Hence increasingly, it’s becoming necessary if you want to move up. It doesn’t matter what genre the book belongs to – it could be a non-fiction book in your specialization or a fiction book.

Currently, several companies are offering self-publishing services. There is no shortage of options. You may take the free publishing or paid publishing option.

Self-publishing a book in India with the help of experts is now a viable option for first-time authors, new authors and established authors. With growing literacy, the number of people who want to express their creativity or share their knowledge has grown exponentially. Authors often face extreme difficulty finding a publisher to publish their work. A voice for all authors is needed – self-publishing is one such voice. I hope this post has all you need to know about self-publishing.

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What is Author Branding?

For an aspiring or published author, the writing quality and the storyline are crucial. Just as important is building an Author Brand. Only an author brand will guarantee that the book reaches the hands of your readers every time you publish a new book. However good the book may be, it has to move from bookshelves or online stores to your readers, and author branding helps.

Author Branding is the process by which an author positions himself or herself as the centre of attraction and seeks to be the preferred choice in a given genre. In the mythology genre, which author leaps to your mind first? Devdutt Pattanaik? That’s because he has built up a strong author brand around his name and has positioned himself as an expert on Indian mythology.  Another author who is now pushing to strengthen his author brand is Amish Tripathi. With the release of his latest book, Raavan- Enemy of Aryavart, he too has built a strong author brand. People will go to a book store and ask for Amish Tripathi’s book.

An author brand rightly focuses more on the author than the book and aims to ensure that the author’s personality (style of writing, themes, genres) encourages readers to pick his/her books over any other author in the same genre. Top of the list of Indian authors would be Chetan Bhagat and Devdutt Patnaik, Amish Tripathi.

Author Branding is a powerful phenomenon that famous and well-established authors use to keep their books on top of the readers’ mind.  The interesting point is that even when they are between books i.e. the time period between the launch of one book and the other, they seek ways to stay top-of-mind of their core reader base and keep them primed for their next book. Chetan Bhagat writes articles, and appears in TV shows, Devdutt Pattanaik has TV shows he participates in, and posts regularly on social media. You can set up a website with all the information related to you like the author’s name, all details of authors’ published books, a contact page, a request for talks page, a page for fans to interact with the author etc.

Building a powerful author brand is an essential part of anyone’s career as a writer. This can be done through building relationships with influential people, creating valuable content for readers, leveraging social media to reach new audiences, developing a consistent writing style, and connecting with booksellers and libraries. Once you have established

A Powerful Author Brand to Connect with the Readers

yourself as an authority in your field, you can build on your brand by attending conferences and participating in other activities related to literature and publishing more books.

Establish a Professional Website. Having an official website is an excellent way to ensure your name and work are readily available to people seeking it out. Ensure your site is regularly updated with fresh content showcasing you, your writing, and any relevant data about events or books. It will also be easier for those reading your work to quickly find important information about you.

2. Use Social Media Profiles. Creating social media accounts for yourself as an author is one of the best ways to keep connected with a large audience of readers and put forward your brand on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and more!

3. Have Consistent Brand Messaging. Consistent messaging across all pieces of content is essential to create a strong and unified presence online. For example, this means creating themes(horror, romance, fantasy), voice tone (friendly and approachable? Serious?), and the use of colours (bright colors vs muted hues).

4. Engagement & Interaction is key for your author brand to stand out from the crowd. Interact with followers through various mediums when possible —engaging in conversations through social media, participating in Q&A sessions related to your genre, reaching out via DM’s/emails etc.

5. Utilizing SEO Tactics One crucial factor when building a branding strategy that many overlook revolves around SEO tactics—selecting appropriate keywords/phrases based on trends and specific genres/targets. Links to blogs/articles published.

6. Utilize Media Coverage & Interviews to prime television networks, magazines, journals, newspapers,

In an age where personal brands have become very powerful in every business sphere, upcoming authors and writers who want to impact their writing careers should start developing their author brands without any further delay.

Once you know what is an author brand and, the following question on your mind is, what are the benefits of building an Author Brand?  There are several benefits of creating an author brand and you should be aware of all of them.

[awesomezorbabooksus-blog]

Steps To Become a Successful Author

-- "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song."

– Maya Angelou

True, also for a writer.

It is also true that a writer looks for a world where he will be a bird whose songs are remembered and recalled.

Becoming an author is not the most challenging part. In fact, with advances in technology and an increasing number of publishing houses, getting published is easier than ever before. But what remains harder, perhaps the most challenging part of this journey is the path to success. Turning your writing into celebrated work so that generations later you're remembered, maybe even studied in lecture halls and cited in research works, is a stepping-stone that many only dream of.

This article isn't a guide to win as much as it is a peek into the ways through which many successful authors have established themselves. We have identified a few patterns/habits that most successful authors focus upon, those we share with you here.

How to become a successful author? 1. Successful Authors: They Never Stop Writing

This isn't a reiteration. It's a fact. You are only a writer as long as you write. Honing your writing skills (

https://www.zorbabooks.com/how-to-write-a-bestselling-book/

) is the best way to climb that ladder to success. Developing such a habit may seem difficult for someone who is just entering the field of writing, so it's better to start slow. Instead of writing for four hours straight in a single day, dividing that work and writing for 30 minutes each day is better.

The habit can help you become more organized and even sharpen your existing skills. For beginners, it can serve as a means to experiment with your writing process, the genres you like to write, what kind of stories you can tell and where you need improvement. Analyzing your strengths and weaknesses is essential to fill in the gaps and improve your skills.

Earmark a certain number of hours only for writing.

Try to have a fixed time of the day for writing, and follow with discipline.

Do not stop after the first book (https://www.zorbabooks.com/straight-from-my-heart-why-you...). Only by persisting with your writing can you make a successful career as an author. With each successive book, you will improve your credentials and become stronger in the community of authors.

Reflect on the quality of your writing and how well you communicate with your target readers (https://www.zorbabooks.com/how-to-identify-the-target-audience-for-marketing-your-book/). Recognition follows naturally since the work speaks for itself.

Hone the art of storytelling. The better an author is at weaving a tale which catches the reader's attention and strings him along with the narrative, the greater the chance of becoming a successful author. This is as true for fiction as it is for non-fiction.

How well the words conjure up life-like images in the reader's mind. The better the storytelling (https://www.zorbabooks.com/how-to-write-a-novel-that-people-will-love-to-read/)!

2. Successful Authors: They build a Writing Community

How to become a successful author? You need an audience. Preferably a community of like-minded people who enjoy what you do. You can always start small. Try joining Facebook groups for writers and meet new people, discuss ideas and promote your work. While this might seem like a soft marketing tactic, it is beneficial. You will discover various writing communities on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Reddit, Medium, Quora and others.

To become a successful writer, a writing community is not just essential to spread the word but also receiving constructive feedback. Surrounding yourself with a group of writers can help you sustain your daily writing habit. Most important, however, having a writing community can provide you with much-needed motivation, the absence of which can often make writers feel alienated and uninspired.

3. Successful Authors: They are continuously Evolving and Growing

For every writer, it is most important to keep an open mind. Be open to changes (https://www.zorbabooks.com/use-these-feedback-strategies-if-you-want-to-write-a-manuscript-that-people-will-love-to-read/), and take criticism like a sportsman. For success, it is a prerequisite that a creator ensures their content is never stagnant and that what they create speaks to people.

Evolution doesn't necessarily have to be in the way you write. It can also be about what you write. Somewhere along the way, you may realize that the ideas and problems you addressed a few years back are no longer relevant to the readers. There are newer issues and contemporary observations you may now wish to focus upon, e.g., sustainability and environmental degradation were never as hot a topic as it is today. Don't be afraid to take that leap. While initially, it might be intimidating, always remember that works come from a place of utmost care and delicacy that eventually win over people.

Something else to keep in mind is that sometimes, we need to be critical of ourselves too. Sometimes, as a writer, you may find yourself at the receiving end of harsh feedback, be it regarding your writing or your approach towards a sensitive subject. In such circumstances, it is always better to look inward and address biases you may harbour.

Additionally, if you've already released a book or a series, try to write a sequel or a spin-off. Enhance the world which already exists in your books and introduce new characters. But, never stop writing.

4. Successful Authors (https://www.zorbabooks.com/nine-authors-who-hit-it-big-with-self-publishing/): They go out and Market, and Market their books

how to become a famous authorOne pillar of success is consistent, flexible marketing. Readers should know that your book exists for them to read, which is where marketing comes into play. To market, don't stop at posters and release dates. Instead, use the power of social medi (https://www.zorbabooks.com/boost-social-media-presence-using-algorithms/)a and various communication tools such as What's App to talk about your book. It may take a little while to get used to the interface if you're new to it, but you'll get the hang of it quite easily.

Successful authors (https://www.zorbabooks.com/how-meditation-turbo-charges-creativity/) have immense faith in their first book, leaving no stone unturned to market it. They create awareness amongst their target readers and gain a foothold in the world of books. Creating awareness for the first book pays dividends since it helps them market each of their following books. There are no shortcuts to getting books noticed – a well-structured marketing plan using social media, online marketing and launch activities is a must. Even if the first book has not made waves, they use the experience to draw suitable lessons and build their skills to make the launch of their next book more compelling.

The rewards of being an author can be huge but will come through passion and dedication. There are many examples of successful authors, in India and abroad. One shining example is Chetan Bhagat. (http://www.chetanbhagat.com/books/) He has movies made on his books, has become a newspaper and magazine columnist, appears on TV and rubs shoulders with celebrities. When he began his journey as an author with his first book, he would not have imagined the heights he would command! He had passion, commitment and self-belief and was willing to give his first book his best shot at marketing. These are the most important steps an author needs to take to become successful.

For more information check out our blogs related to marketing and social media.

To publish a book connect with Zorba Books (https://www.zorbabooks.com/contact-us-for-best-book-publishing/)

To write and publish blogs and books (https://www.zorbabooks.com/free-publishing-poet-author-spotlight/) for no fee

[awesomezorbabooksus-blog]

How Do I Publish an eBook?

How to Publish an eBook?   

Today’s world has taken a digital turn, and ebooks have proudly carved out a niche in the world of reading. It is yet to be seen whether the popularity of print books will remain unbeaten, but their digital versions are rearing their head. This is because digital books are easy to carry, cheaper to buy and easy to store. 

A short guide to eBook publishing (with the look and feel of a professional ebook)

New technology often brings with it new questions and some anxiety. Ebook publishing is one of the fastest and easiest ways to achieve this. This article will take you through the working of digital publishing in India. 

Why publish an eBook in India?

It is predicted that by 2027, the number of total ebook readers in India will increase to 133 million. Here are some reasons for the ebook’s popularity among readers and authors. • Easy portability • Steady demand from readers worldwide • Low overheads and low entry costs • No reprint cost • Potentially a high margin of return

What are the details that I must focus on, to publish an eBook?

Ebooks and digital publishers: 

Formatting 

Different ebook publishing platforms require different versions of your ebook. Some ebook platforms will offer to convert your PDF to a suitable ebook for a fee. The two most popular formats for ebooks are. • .mobi for Amazon • .ePub for other stores.

Ebook publishing: pay special attention to images If your book is going to have illustrations, photographs or complex tables and charts, then special care should be taken when ebook conversion takes place so as not to disturb the tables/charts.

Ebook publishing: file size 

The larger the file size, the greater will be the ebook price. To earn a good amount of royalty, you should choose to keep a smaller file size, as larger sizes require more space on the reader’s device, deterring the reader from buying your book.

Ebook publishing: distribution 

Just getting an ebook of your manuscript and publishing it on an ebook platform is not enough. You must ensure that it is available across the digital world on Amazon and other platforms.

Ebook publishing: devising a 

good marketing strategy

:

To ensure that your ebook sells, it is essential to spread the news about your book. A good pre-launch plan is necessary for your ebook to become known to the reading public. Social media promotions make your book well-known even before it comes out in the market. Use catchphrases and launch videos and other marketing tips to promote your book.

How do I 

distribute my work worldwide

?

Only uploading your files to e-platforms will not draw an audience. For your eBook to sell, ensure that the ebook is uploaded professionally with the right keywords, subtitles, description, and author information.

Apart from this, it is always better to seek a unique ISBN for your work for easier distribution. Digital publishing isn’t just cheap and effective but strives to give authors a choice.

[awesomezorbabooksus-blog]

My First Book. My Labour of Love

As the published book (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._P._S._Ahluwalia) arrived, I spread the word and the first feedback came in. Then another and another. The book was received very well. It was found to be interesting not only by people with paraplegia, individuals in a wheelchair but others too. Friends and public found it fascinating and inspiring – how to cope with difficult situations in life. My author experience was boosting my morale and motivating me. I started getting views and opinions from readers and that was encouraging and uplifting. Some conveyed that they found the book so interesting that they read it in one sitting! Another from the US reported that he had earlier read another book and it took him weeks to complete reading it but "Coming Back (https://www.zorbabooks.com/store/general-fiction/true-story/coming-back/)" he finished reading it in one go. Others wrote that they found reading this book as if I was sitting with them and narrating the whole story and that made the book reading very interesting. The feedback made me think why didn't I wield my pen earlier? As a senior citizen I find it personally rewarding that my book published by Zorba Books, is slowly enriching people's lives. Not only those who love an inspiring story but also those who are going through the struggles of being handicapped with special relevance to people on wheelchair. Late Major HPS Ahluwalia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._P._S._Ahluwalia) of the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre has personally endorsed my book. – VIJAY DIGAMBAR GARDE

[awesomezorbabooksus-blog]

एक लेखक के रूप में मेरी यात्रा

एक लेखक के रूप में मेरी यात्रा

लेखक की यात्रा

जब मै याद करती हूँ, अपनी “ जोरबा”  के साथ की गई यात्रा तो मुझे महसूस होता है, जैसे उनसे जुड़ने के पहले मैं खुद को हीं पहचान नही पा रही थी। ऐसा लगता था जैसे लोग मेरे जिस रूप को जानते थे वो मेरी पहचान नही थी क्योकि मैं अपने लिए कुछ अलग नाम पाना चाहती थी।

अब जैसे जंगल मे अनेकों पक्षी एक साथ कोलाहल करते हैं तो उनकी सम्मिलित गुंज को चहचहाहट ही कहा जा सकता है पर उसमे से हीं कुछ पक्षी मैदानी इलाके मे आकर, बगीचे  मे गाती है तो हम कह उठते है - “आह”, इस पपीहरे की पीहू – पीहू से मन ब्याकुल हो उठता है क्योंकि टीश् भरी उसकी अवाज अनोखी है, या कोयल की कूहू – कूहू से तन मन नाच उठता है।

      तो मैं कहना ये चाहती हूँ की इन पक्षियों ने संघर्ष किया, जंगल से बगीचे तक  की यात्रा की, पर बगीचे ने भी उसे निराश नही किया, उसने भी उनकी आवाज को एक पहचान दिलवाया उसके भावनाओं से लोगों को रूबरू करवाया।

मैं अपनी एक बात और कहना चाहती हूँ, कि मेरे साथ कहानी ये हु�� थी कि मैं लिख तो बड़े मजे से लेती थी, पर जहाँ बोल��े या किसी को ये बातें बतानी होती तो मैं संकोच मे घिर जाती। लिख – लिख कर काफी रचनायें इकठ्ठी हो गई पर कोई भी ये नही समझ पाता कि मैं कुछ लिखती भी हूँ। तब मैंने “इन्टर-नेट” पर प्रकाशक की तलाश करने लगी। प्रकाशकों की इस भीड़ में मैं जैसे गुम होने लगी, उनसे सम्पर्क करके थक सी गई पर किसी ने भी मेरी रचना मे कोई रूचि नही दिखाई, हताश हो मैं बैठना ही चाहती थी कि उस दिन मेरी नजर “ जोरबा “ पर पड़ी निराशा में डूबी ही सही, मैने एक बार इन्हे भी आजमाने का फैसला किया । और मैं सुख:द आश्चर्य से भर उठी जब इनकी आश्वाशन मुझे मिली । और इन्होने बहुत शिघ्रता से मेरी रचना को प्रकाशित कर दिया ।

और मैं जहाँ सोचती थी - मेरे दिल पर बोझ है इतना, जिसे लेकर चलना नही आसान । जहाँ पटक दूँ इन बोझों को, मिल जाये ऐसा कोई “खलिहान” और मुझे जोरबा के रूप में वो खलिहान मिल गया ।

धन्यवाद जोरबा!

ये कविता हमने अपनी एक कहानी से ली हुई हैं। लेखिका – चन्द्रकान्ता दाँगी प्रकाशित रचना – बयार ( कहानी संग्रह )

[awesomezorbabooksus-blog]

Six Easy Ways to Overcome the Writer's Block

Perhaps writer’s block is the one thing that connects writers, both celebrity and first-time writers across international boundaries and language barriers. Writer’s block is not a myth. It is a reality for an author, when words and ideas refuse to cooperate and the writer is left looking at a blank screen, the cursor flickering temptingly, but ideas and words escape you. Many authors face the anguish that follows having nothing to write and not knowing what to do. Writer’s block has plagued many, including famous authors.

What is writer’s block?

Writer’s block is that dreadful feeling that writers get when it seems the words have stopped flowing. This is a passing phase and will pass, for you too.

If you are a writer and things were going well for you till recently but of late you have started to experience that words are not flowing any more. When earlier they was a flood but now, not even a trickle. Fear not, in all probability you are experiencing the dreaded writer’s block. The good news is you’re not alone. Most authors experience the writer’s block at least once if not more number of times, in their writing career.

What is writer’s block meaning?

When words and creative juices fail a writer and he is not able to move his story forward. This is a temporary phase in the life of a writer.

Probably the worst part of a writer’s block isn’t just the lack of creative juices but the uncertainty of ‘what to do when you have writer’s block’ and ‘when it will come to an end.’ Writer’s blocks can last a day or go on for weeks. Some writers have even gone without writing for months! How does one even overcome such a situation? Surely it can not just be about “roughing it out and giving it more time?”  what to do when you have writer’s block

What to do when you have writer’s block?

• Forget about writing for a while, focus your attention on your other hobbies or work. • Pack up your writing, go for a walk – fresh air helps clear your head. • Spend time chatting and socializing with friends and family. • Read interesting books, magazines • In short take your mind away from writing and immerse yourself in something you enjoy. • Relax and don’t obsess about how good the manuscript is going to be. Sometimes it’s the immense expectation or worries over your manuscript that leads to a writer’s block.

What Celebrity Authors do When they have Writer’s Bloc?

GO OUTSIDE

When staring at your computer becomes too much it is better to leave than to sit there unblinkingly. Go for a walk or take a trek. If not, just make a nice cup of tea and let some fresh air in. It’s not that the outside world is some kind of magical hub that will magically make writing blocks vanish into thin air. But, all these steps for “what to do when you have the writer’s block” are an attempt to help you clear out your mind and start afresh and give you a change of scene.

The award-winning author Hillary Mantel, the writer of the book Wolf Hall offers similar advice on how to overcome writer’s block. She focuses on being patient and letting the words come to you. Stressing out has never been fun for anyone.

“If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, a bath, sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to ­music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don’t just stick there scowling at the problem. But don’t make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people’s words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient.”

THE JUST WRITE STRATEGY

What if I told you that the answer to bringing your writer’s block to an end is to simply write? Sounds weird, right? But no, hear me out. For many authors, writing is like any other activity or sport- the more you practice, the better you become. Get a pen and paper and try going traditional, or use the plain-old tablet. Whatever you do, focus on writing something. Something simple, ‘simple’ can be describing the pen you are working with.

Writer Maya Angelou, who authored the book I Know Why the Caged Birds Sings, confessed that her way of how to overcome writer’s block is to write every day, no matter how awful the final product is. She says,

“What I try to do is write. I may write for two weeks ‘the cat sat on the mat, that is that, not a rat.’ And it might be just the most boring and awful stuff. But I try. When I’m writing, I write. And then it’s as if the muse is convinced that I’m serious and says, ‘Okay. Okay. I’ll come.”

TO JUST READ

Writing when this massive blockage hinders all your ideas and words is not everyone’s cup of tea. Some authors prefer to give their minds a rest and take it slow. Reading your favorite authors or flipping through a magazine can actually be a great way to motivate yourself and find inspiration.

Jhumpa Lahiri, the author of the famous book The Namesake has a similar understanding of how to overcome writer’s block . Her words are not just advice but a way of showcasing solidarity with all authors across.

“I think a lot of what people refer to as “the writer’s block” is the period during which ideas gestate in the mind, when a story grows but isn’t necessarily being written in sentences on the page. But it’s all necessary, in the end. If I am feeling stuck or uninspired, I usually take a break and read. That always gets me going again.”

IF NOTHING WORKS, THEN JUST READ YOUR WORK

Rereading your work can be a motivational factor. Imagine the effort you put into all your sentences just a few weeks ago and now. You’re definitely capable of producing the same kind of work, start believing in yourself. Grab your manuscript and start editing because that’s progress too!

The famous author Neil Gaiman says the same. You don’t have to start immediately, give yourself a few days but soon, you’ll be there.

“Put it [your writing] aside for a few days, or longer, do other things, try not to think about it. Then sit down and read it (printouts are best I find, but that’s just me) as if you’ve never seen it before. Start at the beginning. Scribble on the manuscript as you go if you see anything you want to change. And often, when you get to the end you’ll be both enthusiastic about it and know what the next few words are. And you do it all one word at a time.”

OR…. Is The WRITER’S BLOCK JUST A SIGNAL?

For some writers, writer’s block is an indication of a misstep. You’ve chosen the wrong words or your plot is heading in the wrong direction. Or maybe that is not it at all. Perhaps the only reason you don’t wish to work on a project is because you don’t feel anything towards it.

Charlainne Harris the author of the book series The Southern Vampire Mysteries, has a similar take on the problem. Usually the answer to how to fix writer’s block is present on the inside.

“I think writer’s block is a way the brain has of telling you you’ve taken a false step. I think you need to wait a day or two, then start reading your work from the beginning, and the false step should become apparent.”

The writer’s block can seem like a terrible problem. It’s exhausting and the sense of failure and the fear of losing your skill that accompanies it are unparalleled. But writer’s block, like all other tough times, don’t last. You will start writing again, giving your piece all your creative output. The next time you face how to fix writer’s block, read this blog, get inspired by the advice of famous authors or use tips to get your creative juices flowing again.