Andy Andrews

One easy way to improve your book proposal (or your writing generally)? Use specifics. “Specific” is THE word writers will see on repeat when I mark up their pages. That’s because when agents see queries or pages full of abstraction – “authenticity,” “healing,” “spirituality” — it’s unlikely to move us. These are lofty promises we see again and again. Be specific. Be actionable. How many nouns can you replace with verbs? How many statements can you replace with examples that anyone can understand? Agents, editors, and readers alike look for quick, instantly accessible takeaways. The shorter or more simple the line or the visual, the more likely it is to captivate us.

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Thinking of Starting a Business or Already in the Game? This is a Must Read. Running a business is more than having a logo and posting once in a while. If you truly want to grow, you have to be consistent, intentional, and bold about your brand. You have to show up even when you’re tired. You have to market your business even when no one is buying. You have to believe in what you’re building even when the results are slow. What has helped me is this: ✅ Being intentional with every step knowing who I’m serving, and why. ✅ Showing up for my business like it’s already successful. ✅ Being consistent, not perfect. Because consistency builds trust, and trust drives sales. You can’t post once and expect results. You can’t hide your business and expect people to find it. You can’t play small and expect big wins. So if you’re thinking of starting a business or already in it, here’s your reminder: BE seen. BE heard. BE consistent. BE intentional. Your business deserves that. #BusinessTips #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwner #WomenInBusiness #Consistency #BusinessGrowth

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Publisher's Royalty Statements Keep Author in the Dark. A 1998 publication by Informit Search highlighted that 𝘙𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴. Even after over two decades, things haven't changed. Ever since self-publishing stepped in, the idea of becoming an author can't be seen as something where the stock-in-trade is words. However, for the publisher, royalty is a bird's-eye view. Assuming that a top self-publisher in India publishes 200 books in a month. Take an example: Cost Price (per book): ₹150 MRP: ₹250 Profit per book: ₹100 Minimum sales/book/month: 10 Books published/month by a top self-publisher: 200 Average royalty: 15% That generates INR 1,70,000 per month in revenue solely through royalties for the publisher. Whereas an author is barely profitable. But it is not only the profit that decides a royalty share. It is about "how" the cost price is being decided: → Bulk printing vs. print-on-demand → Outsourced vs. in-house printing → Middlemen in the supply chain → Book length, format, and paper variation What if we flipped the model? Instead of calculating royalties as a percentage of MRP, the publisher’s royalty could be fixed against the author’s profit. For example: If an author makes a profit of INR 200/book → Publisher takes INR 15/book If profit exceeds INR 200/book → Publisher takes INR 25/book This ensures two things: → Both the author and publisher are aware of exactly how much each earns. → Publishers benefit when authors benefit. Isn’t it time we reimagined royalty systems so that authors and publishers grow together? . #PublishingIndustry #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthors #FairRoyalties #ProfitSharing

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Journalists and fact-checkers have been told from the jump that government pages are trustworthy. But with the new administration, there's been a lot of shakeup in how 'facts' are portrayed on government pages, and large swaths of pages and datasets missing. So how do we need to adapt to this, in this constantly shifting political landscape? In today's newsletter for Factual, I offer some tips to bulletproof your reporting. https://lnkd.in/gtq47ykF

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The Road to Successful Book Publishing In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Rick Lite, the founder of Stress Free Book Marketing, to discuss the ins and outs of self-publishing, book promotion, and long-term success as an independent author. With decades of experience helping authors launch and market their books, Rick shares invaluable insights into what it really takes to get a book into the world—and keep it thriving. Rick’s journey into the publishing industry began unexpectedly when he stepped in to help his wife, Lori, launch her children’s book series. What started as a short-term project turned into a lifelong passion for book marketing and self-publishing, leading to the creation of Stress Free Book Marketing. Now, Rick works with independent authors to help them navigate the complexities of self-publishing, from cover design to distribution and marketing strategies. LISTEN here: https://bit.ly/30x66oA WATCH here: https://lnkd.in/dQuupZKZ #author #bookmarketing #bestseller #bookpublishing #stressfreebookmarketing #whatsthepoint

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Breaking into copyediting requires more than a love of language; it demands specialized training and practice. Here’s a brief overview of the essential skills and steps for success in this rewarding field. https://zurl.co/qSzKN #Freelancing #Writing #Language #Skills #RightTouchEditing

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An author told me that within 6 months of publishing his book, he had won a new 50 million dollar client. The client contacted the author and said, “I read your book and now I want to invest my money with you.” The author said that this alone made the book project, “completely and totally worthwhile.” This demonstrates a fact that has been a constant throughout my career: being a published author is the ultimate business card. I told prospective authors this when I started to commission new books in 2009 and I say it now in 2025. New sales and new business comes when you publish a book. Let’s think about why this is the case. People intuitively understand and respect the huge amount of work that goes into writing a book. When they read your book, they are choosing to spend an unbroken period of time listening to (reading) what you have to say. In writing a book, you demonstrate your knowledge, skills and thoughtfulness. Some readers will be prospective clients looking to hire someone, or work with someone, who has that knowledge and those skills, or who thinks about the world in the way that you do. The global reach of this should not be underestimated. Authors tell me that they receive emails from readers all over the world, from countries they have neither visited nor previously done business in, sometimes with brief praise for the book, and often asking about new business opportunities. If you want a new tool to open up business at home and abroad, think about becoming a published author. If a book is not yet on your CV, think about whether this should be a goal for you and your business.

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📞 Selling Medicare Supplements to MA Clients – It’s not about bashing Advantage plans… it’s about knowing when and how to pivot. Sometimes your clients are on the wrong plan — not because they made a bad choice, but because they were never offered the right one to begin with. 👉 In this video, I break down: - When it makes sense to bring up Med Supp to an MA enrollee - Key differences to highlight (networks, prior auths, out-of-pocket risk) - How to present the idea without overcomplicating it — or crossing compliance lines If you’re in a rural market or seeing plans go non-commissionable, this strategy could be your edge. #MedicareSales #InsuranceAgentTips #MedicareAdvantage #MedSupp #JustinBrock #InsuranceTraining #ClientEducation #MedicareMadeSimple

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Michael Crichton rewrote Jurassic Park five times before his editor saw it. He didn't want feedback on a draft—he wanted feedback on a book. Before you hire an editor, do these five things: → Finish the draft. All of it. No "almost done except for chapter 12." → Read it out loud once. You'll catch things you've missed for months. → Write down what's bothering you. "Something feels off" is fine, but try to name it. → Know your timeline. "Whenever" isn't a deadline. Neither is "ASAP." → Ask yourself: Am I ready for honest feedback? If the answer is no, wait. Editors can't fix a draft you're still writing. And they can't help if you're not ready to hear the truth. Do these five things first. You'll save time, save money, and get better results. What would you add to this list? #BookEditing #WritingCommunity #NonfictionWriting #SelfPublishing #FreelanceEditor

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How do you prove the location of an easement, deeded 70 years ago but with no specific description? Old aerial photographs can provide legitimate evidence. 'Floating Easement,' 'Blanket Easement,' and 'Roving Easement' are three different terms describing the source of this legal challenge. https://lnkd.in/ecjXgCE #Surveyor #landsurveyor #easement #attorney #realestateattorney

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Trademark with the USPTO  As a business owner or entrepreneur, your brand is one of your most valuable assets. Registering a trademark ensures that your brand name, logo, or slogan is legally protected, giving you exclusive rights to use it in your industry. But navigating the trademark registration process can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!  Here’s a simple 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽-𝗯𝘆-𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 to registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO):  1️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗮 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 Before you apply, make sure your desired trademark isn’t already in use. Use the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to check for conflicts. This step can save you time, money, and potential legal headaches down the road.  2️⃣ 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲   Is your trademark a word, phrase, logo, symbol, or a combination? Clearly define what you’re seeking to protect. This will determine how you fill out your application.  3️⃣ 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀   There are two primary filing bases:   - 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲: If you’re already using the trademark in business.   - 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗲: If you plan to use it in the near future.  Choose the one that applies to your situation.  4️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻   Head to the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) to file your application. Be ready to provide:   - A clear representation of your trademark.   - A detailed description of the goods or services it will represent.   - The filing fee ($350 per class of goods/services).  5️⃣ 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀   After submission, your application will be assigned to an examining attorney who will review it for compliance. This process can take several months. 6️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗶𝗳 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱) If the USPTO identifies any issues, they’ll issue an "Office Action". Don’t panic! You’ll have the opportunity to address their concerns and amend your application if necessary.  7️⃣ 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻   Once your application is approved, it will be published in the *Official Gazette*. This gives third parties 30 days to oppose your trademark if they believe it conflicts with theirs.  8️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲   If there’s no opposition, congratulations! Your trademark will be officially registered, and you’ll receive a certificate from the USPTO.  9️⃣ 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸   Trademark protection isn’t forever—you’ll need to file maintenance documents periodically to keep your registration active.  Regards, Samra Sahar CEO WE-COMM #Trademark #USPTO #BrandProtection #Entrepreneurship #BusinessTips #IntellectualProperty

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If you’re still in journalism and don’t have a safe exit you are completely deluded. Now is the time to figure out multiple streams of income even if it’s moonlighting in PR. Your bosses could give two shits about retaining you and if your entire job is solely writing then you’re even worse off than you think.

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Monday VO Tip: Should you post your rates on your VO website? I wouldn’t. Here’s why: Posting fixed rates can sometimes scare off potential clients who assume there’s no flexibility—when in reality, most VO jobs vary depending on usage, scope, and turnaround. Instead, use rate inquiries as a chance to start a conversation. Ask about the project, the client’s goals, and how you can help. It’s not just about quoting a number—it’s about building trust and showing that you’re a real human who’s ready to collaborate. Let your first impression be a friendly connection, not just a price tag. #voiceovers

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Book marketing tip for indie authors: partner with indie publishers for bookstore distribution. Bookstore chains may not do business with you, but if you can get a partner with a sales rep going to booksellers, that’s your way in.

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How is Author Website Unique? Early in your writing journey, it’s practical to keep everything under one author website. You’re discovering your voice, your audience, and how your book will perform. One platform keeps things focused and manageable. But the moment a book begins to gain traction; it deserves its own digital identity. A dedicated book website is not about vanity—it’s about strategy. It allows precise SEO, stronger social media linkage, sharper messaging, and the ability to guide readers directly from curiosity to purchase. This is where momentum turns into movement. At The Alcove Publishers, we don’t approach author websites as a digital task. We treat them as a publishing extension of the book itself. That’s why author websites here are built through a collaboration between our publishing house and The Alcove Digital Studio. Content and narrative are shaped first. Design and digital structure follow. Only then do both teams merge to create a platform that feels authentic, intentional, and powerful. Because when creative storytelling meets strategic design, marketing stops being noise—and starts creating impact. #authors #authorwebsite #website #writer #digitalmarketing #seo #dpnwriter

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