Do you need a new landing page?

As you’ve noticed by now, I’ve redesigned my website.

Why? Because the more I read about landing pages, the more I became convinced I needed one. I mean everyone likes to feel a firm foundation under their feet. Right?

A landing page is not just a place to showcase your books, but it gives your website a home. It also gives people an opportunity to reach out to you. A landing page makes your website recognizable, instantly.

When someone lands on your website, they will know instantly where they are and why.

You can put anything you want on a landing page. A small bio, a picture of your dog, links to your books or other publications, an email form….

Anything!

So what do you think? Do you need a landing page?

Below are links that explain a lot about pages and how to decide if a landing page is right for your website.

I’d love to hear from you! Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.
Please remember share this post with your Twitter peeps andFacebook fans.

Read on:

MARKETING: THE LANDING PAGE – A TIP FOR AUTHORS
THE IMPORTANCE OF LANDING PAGES
3 REASONS WHY LANDING PAGES ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR WEBSITE

Do you know why some books sell and others don’t?

Me too!

But there doesn’t seem to be a magic formula. Too bad, I was looking for one.

magic book

We all know being famous helps, even if you can’t write.

But what else sells a book?

A dynamite cover will peak a reader’s curiosity.

In this day when everyone can publish a book from the comfort of their home computer, a book must stand out above the rest.

Make sure you book is not overpriced. Everyone loves a bargain.

A book doesn’t sell itself. Market it!

I’m terrible at marketing. Tooting my own horn is not something that comes easily. But if you want your book to be noticed, you need to learn to blow.

Start with great packaging and attention grabbing title. Give the reader information or a story that compels them to keep reading. And then share with anyone who will listen.

Below is a really good article with 21 things that make for a top-selling book.

Check out:

Why Do Some Books Sell When Others Don’t?

Do you have any tips to share about how to help a book rise above the competition?

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.

Can you write like a man?

Or if you’re a man, write like a woman?

Some slip between genders with ease. But for those of us who have to work a little harder, here is a great article by Janice Hardy.

For me, it couldn’t come at a better time, as I’m elbow deep in the companion book to A Most Reluctant Princess and need to get my mind in the head of a “little prince.”frog-prince-398828_640

So do tell, can you slip with ease between genders when you write?

Or do you need a little time to adjust your mindset?

Hope you get as much from her advice as I do.

Take it away Janice. Gender Bending: Writing a Different Gender Than Your Own

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.

Are you fearless as a writer?

Or are you timid, lady-like and reserved?

Wish I could say that I’m fearless especially when it comes to my writing and to submitting to editors.

But, I’m not. Like many women, I struggle against my upbringing.

“Don’t be pushy, don’t be loud, don’t assume, remember your place, wait your turn….”

Well, that doesn’t work if you want to succeed as a writer.

Did you turn around a send off another piece to that editor who rejected your story or did you sit and sulk? After all, they were just being nice with that note saying they liked it but it just didn’t meet their needs at the time. Right?

frogs_rejection

Wrong! 

And, now I’m kicking myself for being such a wimp after reading this article by Kelli Russell Agodon, who worked as a Co-Editor-in-Chief for six years. Apparently, when an editor takes the time to write a note on your rejection letter, they mean it. (Her article link is at the bottom.)

Women writers, unlike men, often wait much longer before sending additional stories to the publication after receiving a rejection. Men write something new and send it off right away.

Geesh, sometimes I’m such a dunce.

What about you?

Have you ever dismissed a note on a rejection letter?

Did you think the editor was just being nice?

Or did you do a quick turn around and send in another piece?

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

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.

Want to know what a real editor has to say? Click and read:

Submit Like A Man: How Women Writers Can Become More Successful