Writing a book without promoting it is like waving to someone in a dark room. You know what you have done but nobody else does ~ Madi Pred
Publish and Run? ️Books don’t just sell themselves, authors promote and readers read, review and recommend.
Join us to learn tips to Get your book noticed—and sold—this holiday season! At this event, authors will learn practical strategies to refresh their brand, promote their books, and connect with readers during the busiest shopping time of the year. Whether you’re self-published or traditionally published, you’ll leave with actionable tips to increase visibility, drive holiday sales, and make your book a perfect gift pick!
Facilitated by Dr. Shelly Cameron, President of Writers Group of South Florida
🗓️Saturday, September 6th 11:00am – 12:30 pm
💳Hosted by: WEST REGIONAL LIBRARY 8601 W. Broward Blvd, Plantation FL 33324
When most people think of Jamaica, they think of white sandy beaches and tons of fun in the sun. Yes indeed! It’s all that! And if you’ve never been, you should!
But the island is more than that. It’s filled with rich history. A land full of learning. Oh yes, Learning comes in different forms. To understand the future you have to look back.
To understand the future, you have to look back.
After Calabash Literary Festival, I visited Port Royal, the historical site tagging along with my girls. A visit I thought ‘boring’ but agreed to go. My older daughter wanted her boys to learn about the land of her birth.
Boy was I in for a surprise! The rich history that existed in that place was unfathomable. Now that I’m older, I was able to connect the dots. Here’s a brief overview.
Canons and Pirates
Initially inhabited by Pirates, canons were evident everywhere. Captain’s quarters provided full length windows showing 360-degree visuals of views from the Caribbean Sea. This was a way to prepare for potential battle while enhancing supervision from all corners.
Giddy House
Giddy House was named for the feeling visitors get when they try to stand straight inside. It was an artillery house that stored defense items. Giddy house was struck by an earthquake in 1907 and partially sank.
Trees And Secret Spots
Hundred-year-old trees provided way more than shelter. Their magnificence can’t be missed.
Secret spots were noticeable everywhere. All conducive to the life of a pirate to protect, attack, and surprise.
Earthquake’s Effects
Sadly, Port Royal suffered the major earthquake. A natural disaster that sunk the area leaving remnants of what once was.
The sea’s backdrop midst the sun’s heat, was nothing compared to the learning gleaned. Our family walked away with rich learning of stories told and untold.
Fish Sealed Experience
A sumptuous meal of fish and festival at nearby restaurant sealed the simple yet remarkable experience.
Plan a visit. I hear the area is now a point of renovated focus for the beautiful island of Jamaica.
With so many books to choose from, you’ll have the hard part of deciding which one to donate.
On Instagram I shared the hard task of purging my books. I have a million with little or no storage space. But what happened was…. During my purge, I ended up reading and re-claiming books.
I decided to share my work (purge in process), and an interested person asked, “where can you donate books?” I responded briefly but decided to post more here on the blog.
Popular and Unique Places to Donate Books
Local Donation Options
Public Libraries
Many libraries accept gently used books for their collections or book sales.
Call ahead—they often have specific donation days or guidelines.
Schools & Colleges
Especially helpful for children’s books, young adult novels, and textbooks.
Contact local principals, librarians, or teachers to ask if they need donations.
Community Centers / YMCA / Local Clubs
Often accept books for literacy programs, tutoring, or community libraries.
Hospitals & Nursing Homes
They may accept clean, gently used books for waiting rooms or patient use.
Churches / Faith-Based Organizations
Great place to donate devotionals, spiritual books, or children’s materials.
Charitable Organizations
Goodwill or Salvation Army
Accepts a wide range of books. Proceeds support their employment programs.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Some locations take books to sell in support of housing projects.
Books for Africa / Books Through Bars / Better World Books
Organizations that distribute books to under-served communities locally or globally.
Little Free Library
Find a nearby box via littlefreelibrary.org and drop books off for community sharing.
Online / Specialized Options
Freecycle.org / Buy Nothing Groups (Facebook)
Offer books locally for free and connect with those who want them.
Local Prison Programs
Many prisons accept paperback books only. Check with local chaplains or nonprofits.
Book Drives / Literacy Nonprofits
Check with local literacy organizations or Rotary Clubs—they may be running book drives.
Are you a writer with a story burning to be told, but feeling overwhelmed by the traditional publishing maze? Listen to this electrifying workshop facilitated by Dr. Shelly Cameron on behalf of Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library. The tips and tricks will transform your publishing dreams from wishful thinking to strategic action.
In this game-changing discussion, you’ll discover the exact blueprint successful self-published authors use to launch their books, build their audience, and generate real income. We’ll pull back the curtain on the traditional vs self-publishing industry, revealing insider strategies that most writers never learn—from choosing the right platforms and mastering digital formatting to marketing techniques that actually sell books. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer looking to take control of your publishing journey, this session promises to equip you with practical, immediately actionable insights. Stop waiting for someone else to validate your story. Listen and Learn how to become the author you’ve always dreamed of being—on your own terms, with your own power. Don’t miss your chance to revolutionize your writing career.
Key Insights: Publishing Questions from Authors You Must Know
Many questions were asked throughout the presentation. Here are a 14.
Should you use Ai for Book cover designs?
Are authors required to let readers know that you used Ai?
What is the full marketing potential for a book?
How do you translate a book into another language?
How do you negotiate speaking fees for your book?
Are there any supporting groups to guide on how to format books on KDP?
How can you hire someone to help with publishing?
I’m doing away with writing the Foreword or comments on back of book. What’s the trend?
Do you have resources to look for the audiobooks?
How much can editors charge for beginner writers?
How do you copyright a book?
How do you find someone to edit your work?
How can I get more exposure for sales other than amazon?
Do I have to be a published author to be an editor?
If you’re interested in publishing your book, listen to the presentation and accompanying responses. If you need help, we are passionate about publishing. Reach out for help today and realize your publishing dream!
Listening to the dulcet tones of a familiar voice is an appealing way to work our way through those books we’ve always meant to get around to, but haven’t.– Clare Thorp
You have written your book! Took it a step further and did the audiobook. Now what do you do? How do you get it into the hands of listeners? The options listed may help.
1. Audible (an Amazon company)
What they do: Industry leader in audiobook publishing and distribution.
Also produces: Audible Originals (exclusive content).
New and aspiring writers are curious about the publishing process. As a foundation, it is important to understand the basic advantages and disadvantages of each. These two infographics were prepared as a comparative analysis to help writers understand each especially when navigating the agent-publisher-author relationship.
Here’s hoping it will clarify any confusion associated with the process and help new authors make informed decisions.
Which have you used? Traditional, Self-Publishing, or a combination of both. Do share, we would love to hear.
“Writing is a process, a journey into memory and the soul.”
Isabel Allende
Award-Winning Storyteller and Journalist Sharon Gordon published her debut novel Sheribaby and started off with a bang! Introverts may not be as purposeful due to shyness. They are reserved and avoid putting themselves ‘out there’ for the world to see them and their author life.
That said, here are 15 women authors who found significant success through self-publishing:
Amanda Hocking – Became a millionaire by self-publishing her paranormal romance novels before signing with a traditional publisher
E.L. James – Initially self-published “Fifty Shades of Grey” as fan fiction before it became a global phenomenon
Colleen Hoover – Self-published her debut novel “Slammed” before becoming a #1 New York Times bestselling author
Rachel Abbott – One of the UK’s most successful self-published authors with her thriller novels
Lindsay Buroker – Found success with her Emperor’s Edge fantasy series and numerous other works
Bella Forrest – Self-published the phenomenally successful “A Shade of Vampire” series
H.M. Ward – Romance author who sold millions of copies of her self-published works
Jasinda Wilder – Self-published numerous bestselling romance novels before signing a traditional deal
Vi Keeland – Initially self-published her romance novels before becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller
Penny Reid – Built a successful career with her self-published romantic comedies
Rupi Kaur – Self-published her poetry collection “Milk and Honey” which became a worldwide bestseller
Sierra Simone – Found success with her provocative romance novels
Sarina Bowen – Award-winning romance author who began her career self-publishing
L.J. Shen – Romance author who built a massive following through self-publishing
Many of these authors began self-publishing when traditional routes weren’t available to them. They remained independent even after achieving success. Several eventually signed traditional publishing deals after demonstrating their commercial appeal through self-publishing
Need help to get over your fear of leveling up to achieve your goal of being a published author? Let these women inspire you. Have you or someone you know stepped out and achieved success? Do share. We would love to hear.
As humans, we die, but Books Live on Forever, culturally and intellectually enriching the lives of future generations.
– Ralph Hogges
2024’s Collection of poems, writings and gleanings from The Hogges, Cowins, & Smiley South Florida Writers of Color, literary Magazine shown in the link below.
Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.
Lemony Snicket
Reading, reading, reading. It grows the mind, expands thinking, develops insights and helps us think differently. Goodreads asked The question “what’s your favorite summertime reading spot?” Readers chimed in excitedly. Here I share:
Of Books, Places and Reading
Sea front
Patio
On the beach
In a tent while it rains
Outdoors while listening to the birds
Under the big oak tree
At the summerhouse
Coffee house
RV while camping across provinces
On a balcony
Sneak away for an hour in my car
On a boat on a lake
On a chair by the pond
While driving – audiobooks
Airplane
Hammock
Pool
Beach
Picnic blanket
Bed
Nook
Wow, what a list! Yet there’s more. Where is your favorite place? Do share. We would love to hear.
Pleased to join The Writers Group of South Florida who have been invited to attend the upcoming Book Fair where the goal is to celebrate banned books in Florida
The event is an exciting opportunity for writers to come together and support educational freedom while highlighting the rich literary contributions of authors from Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward Counties.
Event Details: Date: May 11th Time: 11 AM – 2 PM Location: Weston Community Center
Choosing any of these coaching programs will make a fantastic gift this holiday season and throughout the year. It’s the gift of personal Growth that lasts.
Give the gift of insight, inspiration, and growth this holiday season! Delve into the world of leadership, self-discovery, inspiration and professional development with these curated books. Perfect for friends, family, or colleagues seeking to elevate their leadership skills and embark on a transformative journey. Click the Gift Guide, choose a book that sparks growth and ignites the potential within your loved ones this festive season!
Each Book link takes you directly to Amazon where you can buy, beautifully gift wrap and place under your well-lit sparkling Christmas tree. Voila! They’re thrilled!
Hope this guide has inspired your gift giving. E-books are perfect for last minute book shoppers. Grab copies for the perfect New Year’s gift. Oh, don’t forget to get a copy of my just released book RedLight: When God Says No which completes the GreenLight trilogy.
