The Pen to Profit Podcast: Fiction Writing Tips

Ep 7: 6 Essential Elements of a Writer’s Website: Your Digital Home Base, Not Just a Fancy Doorstop!

 
 
**Episode Title**: Ep 7 6 Essential Elements of a Writer's Website Your Digital Home Base, Not Just a Fancy Doorstop!
 
🎙 **Host**: Ray Evans, the triple-threat - copy editor, proofreader, and writing consultant.
 
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📌 **Overview**:
 
Ahoy, literary aficionados! Ever feel like your writer's website is just a digital tumbleweed, rolling through the vast wasteland of the interwebs? Think again! This ain't your grandma's typewriter, folks. Let Ray guide you through turning your digital presence from drab to fab, ensuring it isn't just a static relic but a dynamic hub. Transform that so-called "glorified business card" into a Batcave (batteries, cool car, and costumes not included)!
 
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**Why Should You Care?**:
- Everyone's online! If Shakespeare was alive, he'd be tweeting sonnets.
- Your website is more than just an online address. It's your global stage.
- You've spent countless hours crafting stories. Time to get them read!
 
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**What Problems We Solve?**:
- Not sure what makes a stellar "About Page"? We got you.
- Is your book page more hidden than the final horcrux? Let's uncover that treasure!
- Wondering if you need a blog? We’ll hash it out.
- Want your readers to drop into your digital living room? We’ll help you roll out the red carpet.
 
**Episode Breakdown**:
**The About Page**:
    - Your story: short, snappy, and sans sob stories.
    - Making it a tête-à-tête, not a one-man-show.
 
**Your Books**:
    - Display those bad boys like they’re on the red carpet.
    - Crafting a page that's less mystery and more "shut up and take my money!"
 
**The Blog**:
    - Is it dead or just undead? Let’s resurrect its potential!
    - Keeping readers in the loop and Google in your good books.
 
**Contact Info**:
    - Oprah's trying to reach you. Make it easy for her.
 
**The Email Sign-up**:
    - More than just digital postcards. It's your golden ticket.
    - Turning readers into raving fans, without selling your soul.
 
**Social Media Links**:
    - Get chatty on the platforms where your readers hang out. 
    - A little birdie (or X) told me you want more visibility.
 
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**Stay Tuned**: Dive deep into book blurbs in episode 4. And if you're intrigued about email mastery, keep an ear out for Ray's upcoming digital course!
 
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🔗 **Quick Links**:
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
- Join the "Author Success Hub" Facebook community. (Because why wouldn't you?)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/610364924346883
 
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
 
Click here to get a copy of my free book, How to get 100 Book Reviews in a Week:
https://0c42-ray.systeme.io/46eaa060
 
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Alright, scribblers! That’s your quick tour of a website that does the heavy lifting. Until next time, keep those pens poised and those pixels popping! And remember, it's the digital age - don't get left behind in the typewriter era. 🚀📖🎉
 

Ep 6: From Unknown Author to Bestseller: Secrets for More Book Sales

 
**Episode:** *From Unknown Author to Bestseller: How to Turbocharge your Book Sales*
 
**Episode Overview:**
Hey, all you budding Tolstoys and hopeful Rowlings! Ray Evans is back, and I gotta say, this episode is hotter than a pepper sprout. We're laying down the roadmap from the lonely writer's desk to the flashy bestseller list. It's the kind of knowledge you wish your English teacher gave you instead of yet another Shakespeare soliloquy (though we love you, Will). 
 
**Why should you tune in?**
Because, baby, if your book sales were a car, this episode would be the turbocharger. No one wants to be the garage band of the book world, playing to a small room when there's a stadium waiting. The stage is set; now it’s all about getting those eyes on your magnum opus!
 
**What's this gonna solve for you?**
That age-old question: "I've penned a masterpiece, so why isn't it selling like Stephen King's garage sale?" Dive into this episode and get insights that are clearer than the Mediterranean on a sunny day. 
 
**Highlights:**
- **Know Thy Readers:** It's not about being a creep; it's about understanding their soul (or at least their reading preferences). Like trying to impress a date - gotta know their favorite food, right?
  
- **Master The Art of The Blurb:** Ah, the blurb! Think of it as the literary equivalent of your Tinder profile. Short, punchy, and if done right, oh-so-inviting.
 
- **Create a Stellar Book Cover:** Judge a book by its cover? Damn straight people do! Your cover should be more appealing than a fresh donut in a room full of kale salads.
 
- **Marketing, Baby:** Yup, that scary M-word. But think of it as a Hollywood premiere for your book. Lights, camera, sales!
 
**Deep Dives:**
 
**Sherlock-Style Research:** Holmes had his magnifying glass; you have surveys, social media, and reviews. Elementary, my dear writers!
 
**Blurb Breakdown:** We've got the blueprint. The hook, the character intro, the plot tease, and the grand finale.
 
**Dress Your Book for the Oscars:** Your cover is the gown; make sure it's Oscar-worthy. We've got some hot tips and even hotter links for you.
 
**Marketing - The Necessary Beast:** Let's tackle it like David took on Goliath. With a bit of swagger and a good aim.
 
So, dear wordsmiths, time to leave that writer's garret, don the cloak of marketing genius, and let your literary baby shine. And remember, like Dennis Miller would say, “It's a jungle out there, but with the right map, you won't end up as Tarzan's understudy!” Dive into this episode and go from the realm of obscurity to literary limelight.
 
Catch you in the wordscape! And hey, if you enjoyed this, check out Episode 4 for more on crafting that irresistible blurb. Later, novel ninjas!
 
Click here to get a copy of my free book, How to get 100 Book Reviews in a Week:
 
https://0c42-ray.systeme.io/46eaa060
 
Working on your next masterpiece? Need proofreading or editing? Request a sample below 👇
 
http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
 
Looking for more tips, guides, courses, advice, and access to Ray? Join the Author Success Hub:
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/610364924346883

Ep 5: TikTok TikTalk: Branding, Marketing, and Selling Books in 60 Seconds Flat!

🎙️ Episode Overview:
Hey all you bookish bohemians and bibliophilic ballerinas, get ready to cha-cha-cha your way into the electrifying world of TikTok with Ray Evans. In this episode, we're delving deep into how this bite-sized video platform is the espresso shot your indie writing career didn’t know it needed. Ray’s style is part Dennis Miller, part digital dynamo, and entirely entertaining. So, strap in, this ain’t your grandpa's marketing lecture!
📌 Why You Should Listen:
Still think TikTok is all about teens, lip-syncs, and well... more teens? Toss that notion overboard, because today, Ray's gonna unveil how this platform is the unexpected Eldorado for indie authors. Learn why Hemingway would’ve been all over TikTok (probably dancing with cats) if he were around today!
📘 What This Episode Unpacks:
Why TikTok?Brevity's beauty: The 60-second formula.
Branding brilliance: Unleash your authorly charm.
TikTok Tips and Tricks:Trend-tapping: The art of hashtagging like a pro.
Instantaneous Interactions: Engage with readers sans the snail mail lag.
Show a slice of life: Put your unique twist on the TikTok tale.
Branding 101 on TikTok:A stage for your stories: Enact, enact, and enact some more!
Revealing the author's aura: After all, fans aren't just buying a book—they're investing in you.
Marketing Mayhem:The Hashtag Hustle: Leading readers down the digital rabbit hole.
Collaborative Cadence: The more, the merrier (and mightier).
Behind-the-Curtain Chronicles: Show them where the alchemy happens.
Sell, Sell, Sell:Convert those cute clips into coins.
The TikTok toolkit: From tantalizing trailers to TikTok Shopping treasures.
Key Takeaway:
 
TikTok isn’t just for twirling to tunes; it’s your stage, your marketplace, and your chance to jive into readers' hearts. If the idea of adding another feather (or quill?) to your marketing cap excites you, this episode will make you want to jump up and do the Charleston.
So all you Proustian pioneers and Tolkien-esque trailblazers, remember, there's more to this digital dance floor than meets the eye. Let Ray be your guide as you tap, tap, tap your way into literary limelight. And remember: swords might have their merits, but there ain't no dueling a well-placed pen (or TikTok video). 🖋️🎵
 
See you in the next rhythm-filled rendition of "The Pen to Profit Podcast"! Until then, keep the ink flowing and the videos rolling!
 
🔗 **Quick Links**:
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
- Join the "Author Success Hub" Facebook community. (Because why wouldn't you?)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/610364924346883
 
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
 
Click here to get a copy of my free book, How to get 100 Book Reviews in a Week:
https://0c42-ray.systeme.io/46eaa060

Ep 4: Selling Stories in Seconds: A Masterclass on Book Blurbs and Book Descriptions

**Episode Description:**  
Hey there, Hemingway Hopefuls and Aspiring Austens! Today we're plunging into the rabbit hole of book lurbs and descriptions. You know, those teeny-weeny paragraphs that are the unsung heroes behind the "Buy Now" button. Imagine them as the movie trailer for your masterpiece or perhaps the enticing smell from a bakery, wafting its way to hungry passersby. We'll decode the art of creating blurbs that don't just talk but *sing* to your readers, pulling them into the symphony of your story.
 
**Why Should You Care?**  
Wrote a book? Sweet! But now you've got to sell it. And in this swiping-left era, you've got mere seconds to charm your readers. Nail your blurb, and you're waltzing with them into a storyland. Botch it, and, well... you're watching your literary baby sit in the corner, gathering dust. It's like crafting the ultimate pick-up line: fail and you're just another face in the crowd; succeed, and you've just made an unforgettable connection. 
 
**What Problems Does This Solve?**  
**Blurb Blindness:** Avoid being that author whose book gets overlooked because the blurb was as thrilling as a documentary on potato farming. We're going for heart-racing drama here, folks!
**Know Your Audience:** It’s not just about attracting *readers,* it’s about wooing *your* readers. It's the difference between yelling in a crowded room and whispering secrets to an old friend.
**Show, Don't Yawn:** Why just tell when you can evoke, provoke, and stoke the fires of curiosity?
**Blurbs vs Descriptions:** Like appetizer vs main course. Both matter, but there's an art to each.
 
**Key Takeaways from Today's Episode:**  
- A killer blurb is like the best movie trailer: gives a taste, but doesn't spill all the beans.
- "Show, Don't Tell": Your mantra. Paint a picture. Make us feel it. Tickle the senses.
- Blurbs are the express elevator pitches; Descriptions are the scenic route. Know when to use which.
- Understand and respect your audience; they're your dance partner in this literary tango.
  
 
**Quirky Quote of the Day:**  
"The pen is mightier than the sword; unless you’re in a sword fight, then you’re screwed!" 
 
Whew! What a ride! Ready to lure readers into your tale? Remember, a blurb isn’t just a summary. It's a promise, a temptation. So next time you're crafting that enticing snippet, think of it as whispering secrets under a moonlit sky. Until next time, keep those pens dancing and those blurbs enchanting!
🔗 **Quick Links**:
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
- Join the "Author Success Hub" Facebook community. (Because why wouldn't you?)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/610364924346883
 
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
 
Click here to get a copy of my free book, How to get 100 Book Reviews in a Week:
https://0c42-ray.systeme.io/46eaa060

Ep 3: Book Cover to Discover: How to Make Your Book’s Cover as Sexy as Its Contents

Hosted by: Ray Evans
What’s it about? Alright, amigos, ever pondered why some books fly off the shelves while others gather dust faster than your Aunt Edna's porcelain doll collection? It's all in the cover! 
Ray Evans jumps into the sultry world of book covers and lays down the roadmap to create a jacket that even James Bond would want on his next assignment.
Why should you, the discerning listener, give a hoot? Because, folks, contrary to popular belief (and grandma's age-old advice), we do judge books by their covers. If you're a writer or just someone who drools over good design, this episode is your golden ticket.
Problems we're unravelling:
Attention span of a Goldfish: You've got milliseconds to grab a reader's eye. No pressure.
Genre Miscommunication: Is it a horror or a rom-com? Don't let your book cover play guessing games with your reader.
Getting Lost in the Crowd: With millions of books out there, how does yours stand out in the literary equivalent of Woodstock?
Legal Pitfalls: Stealing is bad, okay? Especially when it comes to images.
Breakdown:
Why Covers Matter:Like a first impression at a blind date or the appetizer before the entrée. Make it memorable!
The DNA of a Dashing Cover:Story Imagery: It's the trailer, but for your book.
Symbols and Metaphors: Artsy-fartsy but in a sophisticated way.
Colors and Mood: More mood swings than a teenage drama.
Typography: Like casting Robert De Niro or Chris Pratt for your movie. Choose wisely.
Crafting That Eye-Catcher:Genre: It’s not just fiction; it's a cult! Fit in but stand out.
Research: Do some detective work. Tips Fedora
Sub-genres: Genres have babies too, and they have their own rules.
Consult the Wizards: Some have been down this road; take a leaf from their book.
Audience Testing: Because sometimes, you need validation.
Pick that Image: Remember, resonate, don't regurgitate.
Font-astic Decisions: It’s a world of serifs and sans-serifs out there.
Coloring Within (and Outside) the Lines: A splash of color can say a thousand words.
Getting Pro Help: 'Cause sometimes, you just gotta let the big dogs eat.
Legal Know-how: Don't step on toes or, worse, legal landmines.
Extra, Extra:
Ray’s also offering a sneak peek into designing covers using AI and a magic link to get your cover professionally whipped up! It's like finding a surprise toy in your cereal box, but better.
Closing Thoughts: Don't let your book be the wallflower at the prom. Make it the belle of the ball. Because nothing, and I mean nothing, screams "Read me!" louder than a killer book cover. Go make that cover rock harder than a Led Zeppelin concert!
Catch you on the flip side, keep those stories spinning, and remember, your book's first impression is also its cover letter to the world. Cheers!
 
Click here to get a copy of my free book, How to get 100 Book Reviews in a Week:
 
https://0c42-ray.systeme.io/46eaa060
 
Working on your next masterpiece? Need proofreading or editing? Request a sample below 👇
 
http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
 
Looking for more tips, guides, courses, advice, and access to Ray? Join the Author Success Hub:
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/610364924346883

Ep 2: 4 Ways to Market Your Book Without Breaking the Bank

Episode Description: Hey, you ink-slinging Picasso! Dreaming of lighting up the bestseller lists without throwing all your coins into the wishing well? Ray’s got you covered. Dive into this rib-tickling episode of Pen to Profit where Ray lays out 4 strategies for the financially savvy author.
Why should you lend us your eardrums? If you've ever thought, "Is there a way to get my book out there without spending more than I made at my last garage sale?" this episode's for you. We're navigating the frugal frontier of the literary world. And remember, nobody said you need the budget of a Hollywood blockbuster to make your novel shine!
Problems We're Solving Faster Than a Crossword on Sunday Morning:
The "I don’t have the cash to market" blues.
Fading into online obscurity.
Avoiding being that author, the one who spams every platform.
Key Takeaways from Ray's Rollicking Ramblings:
Social Media Salsa Dance:
Engagement: Chat up fellow authors and readers. Don't be the wallflower.
Content: From book snippets to alien conspiracy theories. (And who doesn’t love a keyboard cat?)
Frequency: Don't be that overzealous door-knocker. Post judiciously.
Visuals: Capture hearts with those pixels! Got a thriller about antique spoons? Flaunt 'em.
Newsletters - Not Just for Grandmas Anymore:
It's the snazzy older sibling of social media. Less drama, more content.
Connection: Imagine writing letters, minus the quill and ink blots.
Consistency: Show up for your readers. (Flakiness is better left to pastries.)
Segmentation: Speak the language of your different tribes.
Goodreads - Where Bookworms Party:
It's the hip indie bookstore that doesn’t give you side-eye for reading all day.
Engage: Discuss, review, connect. Just don't be that guy.
Promote: Dive into giveaways and non-fishy-smelling advertising.
Blogging - The Unsung Hero of Marketing:
Why? Because everyone needs a corner to shout their truths, muses, or cat tales.
Networking: Share your joy, sorrow, or that semicolon tragedy.
Bonus: Measuring Success Without Throwing Your Computer Out the Window:
Dive deep into numbers, sans the migraine.
Celebrate the wins, learn from the not-so-wins.
Closing Words from Ray (the Captain of this Literary Ship): Book marketing on a shoestring? Not for the faint of heart, but totally doable. Like assembling Ikea furniture with vague instructions and an Allen wrench. So, keep those creative juices flowing and tune in next week. Until then, keep turning those pages and penning those dreams. And for Pete's sake, give that Oxford comma the love it deserves!
Check out our show notes for useful links, including the Mailchimp offer Ray mentioned. And if you chuckled, cried, or cringed (hopefully not the last one), drop us a review. Stay literary!
 
Sign up for a free MailChimp account to start your newsletter today:
 
https://mailchimp.com/
 
Click here to get a copy of my free book, How to get 100 Book Reviews in a Week:
 
https://0c42-ray.systeme.io/46eaa060
 
Working on you next masterpiece? Need proofreading or editing? Request a sample below 👇
 
http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html

Episode 1: Welcome to Pen To Profit & How to Find the Editor of Your Dreams

Show Notes: **"How to Find the Editor of Your Dreams"**
 
Hey there, literary aficionados and word-smithing aficionados! If you've ever wondered how to snag that perfect editor, who's more in tune with your work than a conductor with his orchestra, well, you're in for a treat. Because in today's episode, we're doing a deep dive into the mystical world of editors – the unsung heroes of literature, and trust me, the rabbit hole is as intriguing as a murder mystery novel.
 
**What's this episode about?**
- Our host's love affair with words, from a young age, getting bitten by the Michael Crichton bug.
- The realization of a superpower: Editing (No cape required)!
- The evolution of a word warrior during college – from free beer gigs to an undying commitment to excellence.
- The pursuit of that elusive creature: A top-tier editor. Yeah, they're out there, lurking in the literary wild, ready to be found. Sort of a like a Pokemon.n
 
**Why should you care?**
If you're an aspiring author or even a seasoned one, your work deserves the best treatment. And this, my friend, is your guide to getting that glitzy red-carpet polish for your manuscript.
 
**What problem does it solve?**
Finding the right editor is like finding a needle in a haystack while wearing oven mitts. But fret not! We're providing a detailed map (with a Dennis Miller-esque flair) on navigating the editing landscape.
 
**Key Takeaways:**
**The "Sample Edit" Strategy:** A literary Costco. Always sample before you buy, and be discerning. It’s like speed dating for words.
**The Professionalism Check:** The Wyatt Earp of editing—do they respond quicker than a cat meme goes viral?
**The Holistic Jackpot:** Need more than an editor? Find a one-stop-shop for all your literary needs. It's your novel's value meal.
**Dedicated Project Management:** Your manuscript deserves its own entourage, minus the drama.
**Hidden Costs & Communication:** Navigating the Bermuda Triangle of editing deals and staying connected.
**The Complaints Policy:** Because sometimes, things go more sideways than a crab walk.
 
**Bonus: Editor Associations - The Avengers of Editing**
Ditch the capes and dive into associations like the Editorial Freelance Association or ACES. Think of it as speed-dating for editors. Check our show notes for direct links to get started.
 
**Conclusion:**
Tune in, take notes, and let’s embark on a journey to find the Obi-Wan to your Luke Skywalker in the writing universe. Because every word counts and every story deserves to shine like a disco ball at an 80s party.
 
RELEVANT LINKS:
 
Editorial Freelance Association Job Submission: 
 
https://www.the-efa.org/hiring/job-submission-form/
 
ACES Society for Editing Job Submission Form: 
 
https://aceseditors.org/resources/job-bank/add/new/
 
Request a sample edit from Ray Evans:
 
http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html