Are You Growing as an AUTHORity? I am.
In this blog, I will provide an introductory summary from the Independent Book Publishers Association, Publishing University 2022.
At Enhanced DNA Publishing, we have a strong desire to DEVELOP and NURTURE authors so they can ACHIEVE their goals. Over the past several years, we have developed a proven 5 Step Process and we use that process with every author that we publish. You may have heard our presentation about the 5 Steps to Become a Successful Author and the same way that we use that process to develop and nurture our authors, we do that as a company as well. As the Founder/CEO, I recently attended the PubU2022 – Publishing University of the Independent Book Publishers Association. If you have heard me speak about our 5 Step Process, I have a huge focus on Step 5: Stay Connected; Keep Growing. By attending the IBPA Publishing University (PubU2022), that is exactly what I am doing. I believe that it is important to not only stay connected in your target audience, but it is equally important to stay connected and keep growing within your area of expertise, which for me, is in the area of publishing. I learned SO MUCH and made so many new connections that I can’t share it all here, but over the next several months, I plan to share lots of what we discussed by sharing tips, tools and knowledge that can help aspiring authors, new authors as well as seasoned authors, stay connected and grow. This is a part of our mission to “develop and nurture”.
Okay, so where do I start. That’s right, the beginning.
Many of you may not be aware of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and their Publishing University (PubU). IBPA is the largest not-for-profit trade associate for independent publishers, hybrid publishers, self-published authors and association presses. They provide educational programs, cooperative marketing, informational resources, networking and has established the IBPA Book Publishing Standards for professionally published books. PubU was established to authors and publishers “achieve and succeed” and was built by members for the members according to CEO Angela Bole.
This year, IBPA PubU was offered in dual format – both virtual and in-person. I was fortunate to be able to attend both formats with the virtual sessions being held the week prior to the in-person event in Orlando, Florida. Both options provided a combination of keynotes, workshops, networking and the ever-popular “Ask the Expert”, speed-dating style sessions where experts met with those of us learning and growing and with the ability to ask any questions that would assist in that journey.
Here are some topics based off of some of the sessions as well as personal research, for upcoming blogs, social media posts, tips and tools.
Amazon Deep Dive – WOW! Is all I can say! Ian Lamont from i30 Media Corporation is an Amazon Expert/Encyclopedia. In addition to this workshop, Ian continues to share a TON of Amazon related topics on his LinkedIN page. In addition to Ian’s workshop, I was able to have a 1:1 during the “Ask the Expert” session. Lot's of insight coming from the knowledge he shared!
Book Design and How it influences Buyers and Readers – The front and back cover, book description and interior design – all are key to getting the attention of those who may buy and ultimately read your book. Have you maximized your book’s potential by having a professional design?
Why Reviews Matter – Reviews can have a major impact and influence your sales and your marketing strategy. Do you need reviews to promote your book?
Opportunities and Advantages to Working with Small Press Publishers – Small presses face multiple challenges since they don’t have a staff of editors, illustrators, marketing and distribution pros however, there can be advantages to being small. Services can be more customized to each author. Are you an aspiring author? You can learn what a small press has to offer.
Strategic Ways to Market – Your Books and You – Multiple sessions included tips, tools and strategies for marketing books and marketing the author. Some of these will be compiled and shared at the upcoming “The Business Underground: Your Pathway to Freedom Entrepreneur Summit” on June 25, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. where I will be one of the speakers. If you are local or near to Indianapolis, please register and attend. You will learn more than marketing skills, you will also learn about many areas of business and entrepreneurship.
If you have a desire to grow as an author, please continue to follow Enhanced DNA Publishing on Facebook and on our website. If you want to join our author community, check out the Enhanced DNA Publishing Academy. Don’t miss your opportunity to grow as an AUTHORity!
Denola M. Burton is the Founder and CEO of Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, LLC and Enhanced DNA Publishing. ThroughEnhanced DNA, Denola develops and nurtures individuals and organizations to achieve their Leadership, Communication and Performance goals and objectives. Denola is also an author and publisher and through Enhanced DNA Publishing, assists new and newer authors in publishing their books according to the standards of the Independent Book Publisher's Association (IBPA). Denola retired from Eli Lilly and Company after 27 years where the majority of her career was focused on Employee Relations/Human Resources. Interested in becoming an author? Check out Denola' s new book, Enhancing Your Author DNA: Step-by-Step Publishing Guide.
You can connect with Denola on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIN and Twitter at Enhanced DNA or send a message to DenolaBurton@EnhancedDNA1.com.