Do you know how to size those pesky pictures?

Published on May 20, 2016May 19, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell6 Comments

If not maybe this will help.

Converting screenshots or other pictures to jpg’s or changing the DPI is so easy using a program called Paint.net.

Thought I’d share with y’all my steps.

For screenshots, I use a screen recorder called Icecream Apps. It’s a FREE download and super easy to use.

Select the picture or area of your computer screen you want to copy and select screenshot. Save. The program saves it as a .png. This is where I reach for one of my favorite programs, Paint.net.

This is where I reach for one of my favorite programs, Paint.net.

In your file folder, find the picture and right click to “open with” Paint.net. Once the picture opens, do a “save as” a Jpeg.

Next, you can manipulate the size and DPI of the picture.

Click on “Image” in the drop down menu. Select “Resize”

So tell me, are you more confused than ever? Or did this help any?

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You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Do you know how to use Google forms?

Published on May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell8 Comments

You might be surprised how handy these forms will come in.

I haven’t built up an email list. I know, I just heard every successful author and blogger out there groan. Like you, I’ve read how important a list can be to stay in touch with readers.

However, I’m not ready to sign up with a service like MailChimp yet. And I’ve got enough on my plate what with the blog and my little sideline called writing.

This is where Google forms come in.

Need to send out a quick request for info, make a form and send it to friends, families, attach it to your blog, Facebook page or Tweet it out.

You can make all types of custom forms to meet whatever info you need.

Like this form, I made, asking for readers to review my little 32-page children’s picture book. She’s making her debut next week.

If you’d be willing to do a quick review for me click on the book cover below.

Want to make your own form? To collect emails, send out announcements or whatever?

Just go to Google Forms and get started! It’s easy.

There are templates for party invites, registrations, sign-up sheets, evaluations and more!

Here is a tutorial to help you get started.

So tell me…

How do you gather information?

Do you use forms or a service like MailChimp?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

How to Create an Email Signup Form in HTML?

Do you know how to write a good book description?

Published on May 5, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell27 Comments

You know the kind I mean.

It’s a small blurb that goes on the back of your book.

Then another one a bit longer that will sell your book. At least we all hope so.

I only wrote about a dozen before I settled on one that I thought was pretty good. Then I had to write a short version and a long version.

In all honesty, I may rewrite it again before I give the final okay to publish. It’s hard to know when something is good enough. You know what I mean?

I’ve read and read what makes good copy. Everyone has a different opinion, but most agree that the description needs to hook the reader.

Again with the hooks. Seems this term is one of the most important in writing. It pops up everywhere.

With all my reading and rereading books like mine in addition to successful writer tips, here is my takeaway on a decent book description. Fingers crossed mine is good enough to catch a reader.

There’s no magic formula. Too bad, I had high hopes.
First sentence – make sure people know what your book is about.
Don’t bore the reader to tears. If the description is boring, no one wants to read the whole book.
If possible end your description with a cliffhanger.
Think ad, not summary. Make it pop and sizzle.
Make it short and simple.

I hope these tips helped. Like I said, I keep tweaking mine.

Do you have any tips to add?

Please share!

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Keep reading great links at the bottom of the page!

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

THE 11 INGREDIENTS OF A SIZZLING BOOK DESCRIPTION by Mark Edwards

Creating Promotional Copy That Works: Book Descriptions by Marcy Kennedy

Do you feel lost and unsure what to do next?

Published on May 2, 2016May 1, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell10 Comments

Happens to me every time I finish a big project!

Like the A-Z Challenge that just wrapped up on April 30th.

Nothing to do but wait as I sit biting my nails and waiting for my proof from IngramSpark. I hate waiting. Now, I know what you’re gonna say– start something new and start it fast. But, I’m tired. Aren’t you?

Reading blogs, commenting, posting, writing and pushing toward a deadline is exhausting. Part of me wants to open a carton of ice cream, turn on NetFlix and veg.

But no rest for the wicked. So, here I am typing away and trying to motivate myself to move forward on another project.

What are you going to start now that the A-Z Challenge has ended?

Back to blogging or have you started a new manuscript?

I’d love to hear about your latest WIP, do tell!

If you’re going to be in my neck of North Texas, be sure, stop by the Sachse Library and say hello at the Author Con on May 21st.

Author Con Flyer

In the meantime, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.