Bob was not only one of our best authors, he was a good friend as well. He once told me that he was proud of his
accomplishments, one of them being that he published two novels in his 80s.
He was inspired to write his first novel, Angel’s Truth, when he had to report for jury duty and sat in on a similar case. His second crime book, Justifiable, was inspired when he lived in West Virginia for many years.
Bob also won awards for his books from the Northern California Publishers & Authors, the 26th Annual Book Awards Competition 2019 winning Second Place in the Fiction Category for Angel’s Truth.
My commitment to writing began as a student, majoring in journalism at the University of Maryland, and it grew steadily throughout my career.
Following 10 years of newspaper and magazine reporting, writing, and editing, including stints at The Wall Street Journal and Nation’s Business Magazine in Washington, DC, I spent 32 years in public relations for a Fortune 500 family of companies. As a corporate officer, I directed the companies’ internal and external communications for the last 12 of those years. Whatever my responsibility, writing was the most-used vehicle.
In retirement, I taught a public relations course for two years at University of the Pacific and for five years at University of California, Davis, Extension.
A native of Maryland, I’ve lived in California (three times), West Virginia, and Texas. I currently live in Rancho Murieta, California, with my cat, Jocko.
Until writing Angel’s Truth — One teenager’s quest for justice, I did not knowingly write fiction.
AWARDS
Northern California Publishers & Authors
26th Annual Book Awards Competition 2019, Angel’s Truth – Second Place Fiction Category
Book publishing trends are constantly evolving as technology, consumer preferences, and market forces influence the industry. Based on the web search results from Bing, some of the latest book publishing trends for 2024 are:
Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/11/2024
(1) The Top 10 Publishing Trends for 2024 – Written Word Media.
(2) Book Trends 2024: The 5 Top Genres, Trends, and Changes – BOOK RIOT.
(3) The New Era Of Brand Building: Why Published Books Are The Tool Of ….
(4) Book Trends to Look for in Publishing in 2024 | Blurb Blog.
In an era dominated by information overload, successfully promoting a book requires a strategic and multifaceted approach. Authors today have access to a diverse array of media outlets and promotional strategies, offering unprecedented opportunities to connect with readers. This document explores the best ways to promote a book, covering various media outlets and strategies that can significantly enhance your book’s visibility.
I. Understanding Your Audience
II. Leveraging Traditional Media Outlets
III. Embracing Digital Platforms
IV. Capitalizing on Online Retailers
V. Paid Advertising Strategies
VI. Building Author-Centric Platforms
VII. Collaborations and Networking
VIII. Utilizing Email Marketing
Conclusion
Effectively promoting a book in today’s competitive market requires a strategic and dynamic approach. By leveraging a combination of traditional and digital media outlets, along with targeted promotional strategies, authors can maximize their book’s visibility and connect with a diverse and engaged audience. As the publishing landscape continues to evolve, staying adaptable and innovative in your promotional efforts will be key to achieving lasting success.
In an age of rapidly advancing technology and changing reader preferences, the world of book publishing is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional practices are giving way to innovative approaches, and new trends are reshaping the way authors create, publishers distribute, and readers consume content. This article delves into the most current trends in book publishing, offering insights into the dynamic landscape that is shaping the future of the industry.
The digital revolution has indelibly impacted the publishing industry, with e-books reigning supreme in the modern era. E-books have not only opened up new avenues for authors to self-publish but have also provided established publishing houses with a cost-effective way to reach wider audiences. This trend has been accelerated by the proliferation of e-readers, tablets, and smartphones, allowing readers to access their favorite books on-the-go. As a result, publishers are increasingly focusing on optimizing content for digital platforms, ensuring that formatting and design translate seamlessly across various devices.
The rise of self-publishing has disrupted the traditional publishing model, granting authors greater autonomy and control over their work. Authors are now able to sidestep the often rigorous gatekeeping processes of traditional publishers, and instead, publish their books independently through online platforms. This trend has led to a surge in the number of books being published, spanning various genres and catering to niche audiences. While self-publishing offers authors unprecedented creative freedom, it also necessitates a more entrepreneurial approach, as authors are responsible for marketing, distribution, and overall book visibility.
The publishing industry is making concerted efforts to champion diversity and inclusion in both the stories being told and the voices telling them. Readers are increasingly seeking stories that reflect a range of experiences, cultures, and backgrounds. Publishers are responding by actively seeking out underrepresented authors and narratives, thereby enriching the literary landscape. Sensitivity readers and increased awareness of cultural authenticity are becoming standard practices, ensuring that stories are respectful and accurate in their portrayals.
Environmental concerns have permeated every industry, and publishing is no exception. Publishers are adopting eco-friendly practices, from using recycled materials for physical books to reducing carbon footprints in the production and distribution processes. Additionally, the concept of “slow books,” akin to the slow food movement, is gaining ground. This entails focusing on producing high-quality, lasting content, as opposed to rushing to meet market demands with disposable literature.
Book discovery in a sea of digital content has become a major challenge. As a result, creative marketing strategies are essential for capturing readers’ attention. Social media, book influencers, and online book clubs play a pivotal role in generating buzz around new releases. Data analytics and AI-driven insights are also being utilized to target potential readers more effectively and tailor marketing campaigns to their preferences.
In an era of diminishing attention spans, the popularity of serialized content and shorter-form literature is on the rise. Platforms like Wattpad and Radish have gained traction by offering stories in bite-sized installments that cater to readers looking for quick entertainment. This trend is prompting authors and publishers to explore new ways of storytelling, experimenting with episodic narratives and concise yet impactful prose.
Audiobooks are experiencing a renaissance, with their popularity surging among busy readers who can now consume books while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. The convenience of audiobooks has led to a significant increase in their production, with publishers investing in high-quality narrators and immersive soundscapes. Additionally, podcasts centered around books and literary discussions are further engaging the literary community and enhancing the audio experience.
Publishing models are becoming increasingly hybrid, blending traditional publishing with self-publishing elements. Some authors choose to self-publish certain works while pursuing traditional publishing routes for others. This approach allows authors to leverage the advantages of both worlds, maintaining creative control over some projects while benefiting from the resources and distribution networks of established publishers for others.
Artificial Intelligence is making its presence felt in the writing process. AI-driven tools assist authors in various stages of writing, from generating plot ideas to offering grammatical suggestions. While these tools are not meant to replace human creativity, they do offer valuable support to authors, helping them streamline their work and enhance its quality.
Blockchain technology is gradually seeping into the publishing industry, primarily in the realm of copyright management and royalty tracking. Blockchain’s decentralized and immutable nature provides a secure and transparent way to manage intellectual property rights and ensure that authors receive fair compensation for their work, even as it gets shared, adapted, and sold across different platforms.
In conclusion, the world of book publishing is in a state of flux, with innovative trends reshaping every aspect of the industry. From the dominance of digital content and the empowerment of self-publishing to the emphasis on diversity, sustainability, and serialized narratives, the landscape is evolving to cater to modern readers’ preferences and behaviors. As authors, publishers, and readers continue to adapt, the future promises a literary world that embraces technology while staying true to the timeless art of storytelling.
The author generated this text in part with GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.
Also available on Amazon in Kindle and print versions
We interviewed Paul Gonnella, fondly referred to as Coach G, regarding his new book, PAID, about the scheme that has ripped off thousands of college football and men’s basketball players for years.
PAID is available on Amazon and the Kindle and in fine bookstores everywhere.
1. What inspired you to write PAID?
After abruptly resigning and retiring from college football in 2020, after almost 2 decades of service, I felt it was my duty, to be honest, to watch out for those who have no power or voice.
2. What are the most important, relevant issue(s)?
The most important relevant issues are:
3. What and how do you think will change with the publication of PAID?
I am hoping it starts a conversation that eventually will lead to change at the foundational level of revenue-making sports.
4. How will sports change as we know it if there are changes?
The sports of FBS college football/men’s basketball will be a better product for public consumption. Not much else will change in terms of the game. The changes I suggest in the book will dissolve the system of the mess it is in right now.
5. Are you thinking about writing a sequel to PAID or a second book?
I have not determined if I will write another book as of yet.
6. Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?
The only way change will occur is if the past players, current players, future players, all their family and friends, and the fans join together to create change. This movement will take a village to create change due to the amount of money and power the schemers have.
Read the story about people booking Airbnb homes and rooms in Kiev, but don’t plan to go there. The funds go to Ukrainian Airbnb hosts and are used for the bombed-out residents for food, medicine and other essentials.
See the video on bombed residential areas in Ukraine that have no military significance.
CNN, March 6, 2022
Outer Banks Publishing Group author Annette Creswell was recently awarded the Literary Titan Book Award for her novel, The Lodgers. Here is the email from the organization.
Author Annette Creswell We are proud to present you with our Literary Titan Book Award. Your book was recently reviewed through our Book Review Service, with that service your book is entered into our Literary Book Award competition. Your book deserves extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge your hard work, dedication, and writing talent. Start telling the world that you’re an award winning author, because we will be!
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and imagination of these talented authors.
The Literary Titan is an organization of professional editors, writers, and professors that have a passion for the written word. We review fiction and non-fiction books in many different genres, as well as conduct author interviews, and recognize talented authors with our Literary Book Award. We are privileged to work with so many creative authors around the globe.
Annette Creswell is also the author of The Dark Before the Dawn.
“It is about the origin of everything – rituals, habits, sagas, stories; where does it all come from, how did it start? I live on the old ground here in The Netherlands, the Germanic tribes were here, the Celts, the Romans.”
Read the fascinating and inspiring interview with Koos and how his urban fantasy books relate to modern times.
Koos Verkaik may be one of the most prolific writers you’ve never heard of. A citizen of the Netherlands, he has been published in one format or another, starting with his comic strip, Scotty Clay at the age of sixteen. His latest work explores a topic that has crossed many a mind, especially recently, what if corporations truly took over the world. I was given the opportunity to conduct an interview via email with Mr. Verkaik, and because it is all written word, this interview captures his unique style.
Looking at the novels that are available on Amazon you have written, I have noticed a couple of ongoing themes. And I am curious why the jester is such an important symbol for you?
As a kid, I was confronted with the stories of a mythic figure in The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany; Tijl Uilenspiegel. A fantastic medieval jester. The figure intrigued me, scared me, and inspired me.
A (court) jester can say and do as he pleases without getting punished.
When I write novels, I feel like a jester myself – I can tell what I want. You can read my books as pure entertainment – magic, mystery, and adventure – but when you are able to read between the lines, you will also understand my opinion about life, about the Big Questions.
In a recent essay about me, historian Max Moragie wrote:
“Anyone who has read or reread a novel by Koos Verkaik (I am now re-reading it for the second time) has enjoyed a story that continues to fascinate and surprise, even if you know the outcome, but is also encouraged to muse about the essence of existence. A pulp writer doesn’t make you think like that, sometimes a literary author, but apparently a Verkaik always does.”
What fascinates you so much about Teutonic mythology that you incorporated it into several of your urban fantasy novels?
It is about the origin of everything – rituals, habits, sagas, stories; where does it all come from, how did it start? I live on the old ground here in The Netherlands, the Germanic tribes were here, the Celts, the Romans.
In my novel All-Father, I write about Wodan (Odin) riding the skies with his Army of the Dead. Men covered their faces with soot and got themselves into a trance; that way they joined the Army of the Dead and followed Wodan.
These men also roamed the villages and had ‘the right to steal’; they went into the houses and took things away, like a piece of bread, some fruit, or some beer – this was the origin of the jester! The man with the fool’s cap and the bells who can go as he pleases.
It is our entire history that fascinates me.
In my novels, I write a lot about our past, but also about our future. Like in my novel Nicolaes Nimbus:
“Scientists and wealthy owners of high-tech companies have pumped millions of dollars into the search for immortality. But does the future look bright or is there disaster waiting behind the horizon of time? The world is getting more complicated by the day, but who’s actually in charge?
A group of scientists in Germany has unmasked a cheating visionary. An intriguing phenomenon from the past turns up. Who is Nicolaes Nimbus? Is he an immortal man of flesh and blood from our ancient past? The hunt is on! The secret is priceless! Who is in control, the scientists or the mystic? The novel embraces modern developments… and warns against ancient magic that never dies, waiting for the right time to manifest itself.”
If you vote for Trump and his MAGA GOP members you may indirectly start World War III.
If Trump and his MAGA GOP take control of our Congress, they will cut off support for Ukraine. They already cut support on the advice of Trump when the Congress was ready to approve the spending bill with support for Ukraine.
What will happen next?
said Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. “This is supposed to be the party of conservative principles, of tradition, of respect for customs and rules that make society governable.
“The idea that the law does not apply to Republicans is something that has now become part of the mainstream of the Republican party. We see it in terms of the approach to elections. We see it in terms of the treatment of immigrants. Some of the actions with regard to abortion may approach that level. The Republican party appears to consider the law and the constitution to be optional and to have lost legitimacy.”
From The Guardian
Republicans’ lawless leaders at odds with midterm law and order message | Republicans | The Guardian
If you vote Republican you are supporting:
– 19 GOP red states have pending laws suppressing voter’s ability to vote. Historically, dictators and Fascists have suppressed votes to stay in power.
– The GOP has come out in support of QAnon, The Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys
– You may lose a loved one, a relative or a friend in a train crash, a bridge collapse or a plane crash as Republicans strip funds from President Biden’s infrastructure bill.
– The Texas abortion ban if left to stand will be passed in several other GOP states. Idaho will pass an anti-abortion law based on the Texas law. 16 states have “trigger” abortion ban laws.
by the US Supreme Court.
https://cnn.it/3RaW1zm
https://nyti.ms/3IcANNo
With the recent Supreme Court banning EPA authority from polluters
https://bit.ly/3IfQ1Bf
on Gun Purchases – will never get passed.
Watch Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional plea to improve gun purchase background checks
https://cnn.it/3AnRweO
– will never go up leaving 18 states still paying $7.25 an hour.
– the last thing America needs are conservative leaders, especially some Republicans who want to keep America from progressing. The last thing America needs is backward-thinking leaders in the 21st Century.
– Republicans have turned to cheating to stay in power or to get back into power…and nothing is getting done by them for the American people.
The enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.
and everything America stands for: Truth, Justice and Liberty for all? Look what is happening in Ukraine.
*Of course, not all Republicans are like those described above. Here is a list of those who should stay in office.
House of Representatives – those who voted to impeach the former president
Senate – The Republicans who voted to convict the former president after impeachment:
YOUR VOTE COUNTS. It’s a lie to think otherwise.
Paid for by Jake Stone for American Democracy
VOTE like your freedom depended on it…because it does.
Books of the NY Times
accomplishments, one of them being that he published two novels in his 80s.
