Tips for Tightening your Copy

All writers love to write, and write, and write. But what about the sentences your are penning, or the copy you are preparing to publish or post? There are certain aspects in this that makes sense while others draw folks away. Here are some tips to assist you...

1] Cut your sentences in half - cut your sentences in two. Long sentences may just have that "dragged out" feeling. Shorter sentences will hit the nail on the head; makes the sentence more powerful.
2] Remove any excessive punctuations. Too many comas, hyphens, and whatever other punctuations you love to use can also drag any copy out too far. Less punctuations also shortens the sentences.
3] Replace the word "thing". This word may slowdown the reader's pace, or they may just stop reading. This word makes sentences boring. Try other stronger or greater English words to replace it.
4] Make your verbs stronger. This means that whatever "action" words you use must draw the reader in. Great verbs make for great reading, keeping the reader captivated to your copy.
5] Ditch the passive voice. Monotone type of writing makes reading whatever you have written and published or posted sound very boring. Use a "strong" active line of writing, like someone that's excited and feeling the moment. This attracts readers to the page/s.
6] And finally. Double check everything. Check your spelling, check your sentences and tenses. Check your wording, and your sentence structure. Check your verbs. Check everything before you publish or post. Less flaws and greater attractive copy means more readership that joins in the reading. Success and fame may just follow you.

That's it for now. Enjoy the journey.

Connecting With Your Readers

Greetings to all Authors, Writers, Readers, and all Followers...

It has been a while since my last post, but as this is a hobby for me only, because my business is what places bread on the table and a roof over our heads, I have been busy with life. Now I'm back and ready for another session or two of posting something worthwhile. How does one connect with your readers, or how to market yourself or your books/ebooks to reach the audiences out there?

It's not an easy task for most, but especially for newbies who are writing and publishing for the first time or for a while, this topic is a heart ache for many. Let's get down top some basic steps on how to reach your audience in a better or bigger way; something that can help you on your journey ahead...

Ways to improve your marketing and reaching readers...

1] Why not connect with other Authors, or cross promote your books? Start a group for authors, maybe using various social media channels. Then communicate with each other and assist each other in promoting each other's books/ebooks. This can be done reasonably quick or in a reasonable short period of time.

2] Why not try and bring out what you love into pages in books; your hobbies or crafts, or whatever you love to do. This could be a starting point in achieving greater success in drawing in readers/your audience. From here you can spread your wings and introduce them to other books/ebooks you have authored/published and improve your sales along the way. Join other blogs, forums, or wherever you may participate and add your own opinions and posts.

3] Pitch articles or posts to special interest blogs or forums. Maybe your talents or gifts can improve your readership and draw more folks in. This way you start being "seen" and "heard", and your followers start to increase. It may not happen over night but stick to it and it happens. I personally have a few FB pages and two blogs I run which attracts people to my ebooks and other items I love writing about, and in this way I introduce my ebooks to my followers.

4] YouTube !! Yes, it is the second largest search engine or platform in the world right now. Why not start a video channel, filled with articles, introductions to your works, hobbies, books, and more. A video blog is not everyone's cup of tea, but it could change how people find you. It can just grow your readership some.

5] Create a website or Blog. Why not try this out for starters. There are many platforms out there where you can start a free blog, or a free website. At a later stage, when you are becoming "famous" or "well seen", you can go the pro route and have professional websites or blogs created. You use these URLs and post them across all platforms, introducing your sites to everyone. In the website or blog you write about your hobbies, or your books, even a bio about who you are. Add some articles on things you love to do or craft and create. Use these as tools to draw followers.

Well, that's it for now! I trust this post will be helpful on your journey ahead. I'm still on the growing process and also busy with various methods in seeking and growing more readers and followers. I'm slowly becoming "famous" and being "seen" worldwide. I also review books for other authors and post them on my author blog and FB page. I use these platforms to market my ebooks as well. And I'm still seeking other channels to use to my advantage. It does not need to cost you an arm and a leg. If you "shop" around you may find places where you can do all this for free [only using some data] or for a cup/mug of coffee pricing. A dime rather than a dollar. Enjoy!