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How to Be an Authortunist
How to Be an Authortunist
shares three decades of information gathered from the writing and publishing industry. From unconventional ideas, such as how to use Second Life for promoting your work, to time-tested tools, like how to write a press release. Included are templates, websites and other specifics that will help you slap down the impostor syndrome and be your best publishing self. From the publisher of Space and Time magazine (est. 1966), an two times Bram Stoker Awards® winner and the curator behind the weekly Authortunities newsletter.
Authortunist. / (ˈɔːθərˌtjuːnɪst) / noun. A writer who skillfully adapts their actions, responses, and creative strategies to seize opportunities within the publishing world, adapting to trends, market shifts, and evolving circumstances in the literary landscape.
Authortunist. / (ˈɔːθərˌtjuːnɪst) / noun. A writer who skillfully adapts their actions, responses, and creative strategies to seize opportunities within the publishing world, adapting to trends, market shifts, and evolving circumstances in the literary landscape.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2024
6 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Angela Yuriko Smith
149books107followersAngela Yuriko Smith is a third-generation Ryukyuan-American poet, author, and publisher of Space and Time magazine. A two-time Bram Stoker Awards® Winner and HWA Mentor of the Year, she currently serves as the incoming HWA President, coaches authors and shares Authortunities, a weekly calendar of author opportunities at authortunities.substack.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 8, 2024
I heard about this book through an interview on a virtual summit for writers that I was a part of this year. I really liked her talk and how she was very knowledgeable about writing and funding opportunities to put your work out there and In front of readers.
This book is mostly for fiction writers, and much of the information she shares can be used as tactics for those fiction authors. However, I got some things from the book as a nonfiction writer that I can put into practice.
She takes time in the beginning of the book to introduce herself and tell you what she does so you can get to know her a little bit. The author gives advice on how to write copy for your back cover, writing the heroes of your story, dealing with outlining your novel no matter what your style is, book hooks, and and how to end your book.
I think a lot of her device is very good. She strikes me as the person who challenges others to write according to their styles and tastes rather than what they are expected to do. It’s not that she wants to buck the establishment of writing but to be yourself. I found her chapters on outlining and writing the beginning and ending of your book well most helpful. These will work for fiction and nonfiction authors.
Part 2 is one of the most helpful chapters for any authors or writers. It is about how to market your book. She challenges authors to not shy away from trying to make a cell. At the same time, you dude according to your readers and your style. It definitely would not be “salesy� or sleazy.
Some of the information and advice she gives in these chapters pulls more toward the fiction writer then the nonfiction writer. I found a little bit less useful for my situation as a nonfiction author. However, you can adapt the information she gives to your networks and groups of writers you become engaged with.
She also talks about how you can use sales data to increase your readership and sales. She says she did not focus in on this in the beginning and how much it can help you with passive income.
Smith’s last section on certain tools authors can use had good information that is useful for fiction and nonfiction authors. I especially liked her chapter on being yourself and not selling your soul. She deals with new technologies like AI a little bit. Her chapter on press releases is also very helpful.
The author finishes her book by calling all authors to become Authortunists. It was a challenge I intend to pick up and be better at the things she describes in the book. I recommend this book to anyone who feels challenging with marketing or to be themselves and not worry about being an imposter. Especially fiction writers will get a lot out of this book that will apply more to them, but anyone can get use out of the information Smith shares.
This book is mostly for fiction writers, and much of the information she shares can be used as tactics for those fiction authors. However, I got some things from the book as a nonfiction writer that I can put into practice.
She takes time in the beginning of the book to introduce herself and tell you what she does so you can get to know her a little bit. The author gives advice on how to write copy for your back cover, writing the heroes of your story, dealing with outlining your novel no matter what your style is, book hooks, and and how to end your book.
I think a lot of her device is very good. She strikes me as the person who challenges others to write according to their styles and tastes rather than what they are expected to do. It’s not that she wants to buck the establishment of writing but to be yourself. I found her chapters on outlining and writing the beginning and ending of your book well most helpful. These will work for fiction and nonfiction authors.
Part 2 is one of the most helpful chapters for any authors or writers. It is about how to market your book. She challenges authors to not shy away from trying to make a cell. At the same time, you dude according to your readers and your style. It definitely would not be “salesy� or sleazy.
Some of the information and advice she gives in these chapters pulls more toward the fiction writer then the nonfiction writer. I found a little bit less useful for my situation as a nonfiction author. However, you can adapt the information she gives to your networks and groups of writers you become engaged with.
She also talks about how you can use sales data to increase your readership and sales. She says she did not focus in on this in the beginning and how much it can help you with passive income.
Smith’s last section on certain tools authors can use had good information that is useful for fiction and nonfiction authors. I especially liked her chapter on being yourself and not selling your soul. She deals with new technologies like AI a little bit. Her chapter on press releases is also very helpful.
The author finishes her book by calling all authors to become Authortunists. It was a challenge I intend to pick up and be better at the things she describes in the book. I recommend this book to anyone who feels challenging with marketing or to be themselves and not worry about being an imposter. Especially fiction writers will get a lot out of this book that will apply more to them, but anyone can get use out of the information Smith shares.
July 6, 2024
Navigate the maze of publishing to promote your book
Angela Yuriko Smith's (How to Be an Authortunist) offers a comprehensive guide for writers looking to navigate the ever-changing publishing landscape.
Drawing from three decades of industry experience, Smith provides a mix of uncommon strategies and time-tested techniques to help authors promote their work and overcome self-doubt.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from leveraging virtual platforms to crafting effective press releases, and includes practical resources such as templates and website recommendations.
As a two-time Bram Stoker Award winner and the publisher of Space and Time magazine, Smith brings credibility and insider knowledge to this valuable resource for writers seeking to adapt and thrive in the competitive world of publishing.�
Note: Angela, as a poet, added a touch to the solid guide and made it digestible.
Angela Yuriko Smith's (How to Be an Authortunist) offers a comprehensive guide for writers looking to navigate the ever-changing publishing landscape.
Drawing from three decades of industry experience, Smith provides a mix of uncommon strategies and time-tested techniques to help authors promote their work and overcome self-doubt.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from leveraging virtual platforms to crafting effective press releases, and includes practical resources such as templates and website recommendations.
As a two-time Bram Stoker Award winner and the publisher of Space and Time magazine, Smith brings credibility and insider knowledge to this valuable resource for writers seeking to adapt and thrive in the competitive world of publishing.�
Note: Angela, as a poet, added a touch to the solid guide and made it digestible.
July 27, 2024
Authortunist is equal parts endearing conversation over tea with Angela and waterfalls of wisdom poured over every page. This casual yet to-the-point tone helps all those golden nuggets rise to the top in ways that are easily melted into jewelry of my own design, immediately reshaping how I see the world.
“I can’t stress enough how you need to be an outside-the-box thinking opportunistic maniac to make this work.� She isn’t saying to cram our books down everyone’s throats, but to change our thinking to see an opportunity when it presents itself. Angela has no shortage of examples and ideas throughout this book but this priming of the reader’s mind serves to teach us to fish rather than simply feeding us for the afternoon.
And I love this approach. :)
Infinitely palatable and easily digestible, I recommend this book to authors at any level of their journey.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve made myself a bit hungry writing this review.
“I can’t stress enough how you need to be an outside-the-box thinking opportunistic maniac to make this work.� She isn’t saying to cram our books down everyone’s throats, but to change our thinking to see an opportunity when it presents itself. Angela has no shortage of examples and ideas throughout this book but this priming of the reader’s mind serves to teach us to fish rather than simply feeding us for the afternoon.
And I love this approach. :)
Infinitely palatable and easily digestible, I recommend this book to authors at any level of their journey.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve made myself a bit hungry writing this review.
August 8, 2024
Handy resources
I just finished reading "How to Be an Authortunist" and it’s packed with invaluable insights for anyone trying to make their way in the writing and publishing world. The book draws on 30 years of experience, blending creative strategies with proven tools that help writers not only promote their work but also tackle common hurdles like impostor syndrome. With its practical templates, handy resources, and a deep dive into the industry, this book is a must-have for any writer aiming to thrive in today’s evolving literary scene.
I just finished reading "How to Be an Authortunist" and it’s packed with invaluable insights for anyone trying to make their way in the writing and publishing world. The book draws on 30 years of experience, blending creative strategies with proven tools that help writers not only promote their work but also tackle common hurdles like impostor syndrome. With its practical templates, handy resources, and a deep dive into the industry, this book is a must-have for any writer aiming to thrive in today’s evolving literary scene.
June 28, 2024
A joy to read
The best thing about this book is the author's enthusiasm. It's also well written and well formatted. It's packed with information, all delivered in an empathetic style that will motivate any author to embrace his writing day with zeal. I would redesign the cover, as the present washed out version does not reflect the vivacity of the book's contents, above all, the author's voice.
The best thing about this book is the author's enthusiasm. It's also well written and well formatted. It's packed with information, all delivered in an empathetic style that will motivate any author to embrace his writing day with zeal. I would redesign the cover, as the present washed out version does not reflect the vivacity of the book's contents, above all, the author's voice.
September 24, 2024
Well worth the read!
This is a helpful guide for writers trying to succeed in publishing. It gives practical tips, like using creative platforms for promotion and writing a strong press release. The book also includes useful templates to help boost confidence and get organized.
Written by an experienced publisher, this guide is great for both new and seasoned writers who want to make the most of opportunities in the ever-changing publishing world.
This is a helpful guide for writers trying to succeed in publishing. It gives practical tips, like using creative platforms for promotion and writing a strong press release. The book also includes useful templates to help boost confidence and get organized.
Written by an experienced publisher, this guide is great for both new and seasoned writers who want to make the most of opportunities in the ever-changing publishing world.
July 19, 2024
This book is easy-to-read with an engaging, conversational tone. Each chapter is short and digestible, and the book covers a wide variety of subjects. Each chapter has a takeaway section, and I found it helpful. It makes the mysteries of writing and marketing accessible.
February 22, 2024
Some interesting nontraditional marketing advice. Best for tech savvy writers.
July 1, 2024
Wow! Great advice
I loved this book. The author is very helpful and informative on how to be a better writer. There is also practical examples included in the book. Great book.
I loved this book. The author is very helpful and informative on how to be a better writer. There is also practical examples included in the book. Great book.
July 16, 2024
useful guide for aspiring writers
“How to Be an Authortunist� by Angela Yuriko Smith is an inspiring guide for aspiring writers. The book leverages Smith’s unique blend of personal anecdotes and actionable advice.. Her straightforward approach to navigating the literary world makes it a very useful resource. I recommend this book for its motivational insights and practical tips, which are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed as a writer.
“How to Be an Authortunist� by Angela Yuriko Smith is an inspiring guide for aspiring writers. The book leverages Smith’s unique blend of personal anecdotes and actionable advice.. Her straightforward approach to navigating the literary world makes it a very useful resource. I recommend this book for its motivational insights and practical tips, which are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed as a writer.
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