Blog
DIY Social Media: Instagram
Posted on August 16, 2016
As a writer, you want your words to paint a picture in the minds of your readers. You want the story that you’re telling to jump up off of the pages and right into their imaginations.
Writing has a wonderful element of interpretation that can forge a connection from person to…
A Pause for Poetry
Posted on August 9, 2016
Poetry is a language of its own. Its cadence is eloquently woven together with a methodical beat and a creative flare.
It can be abstract or it can be concrete; the fact of the matter is you don’t always have to be discreet.
When it comes to poetry, there’s no such thing …
Tips to Maximize your LinkedIn Profile
Posted on August 2, 2016
In our DIY Social Media: LinkedIn blog, we covered the basics of why you should create a LinkedIn profile to help bolster your promotional efforts.
From building credibility to expanding your reach, LinkedIn is a playground of opportunity. In today’s post, we want to maximize…
Dorrance Book Spotlight: Ezra’s Journal
Posted on July 26, 2016
Summer is winding down, and before you know it, kids will be boarding the school buses and heading back to class. Since they last handed in their books at the end of the school year, many children have been busy playing sports, going to the pool and enjoying vacation.…
Dorrance Publishing – Writing Challenge
Posted on July 19, 2016
School might be out for summer but that doesn’t mean that the learning has to stop!
Rather than letting your kids’ brains take a vacation, too, we’re challenging them to a fun writing activity that you can do as well.
A child’s imagination is a flourishing place. Every da…
Advice for Fiction Writers
Posted on July 12, 2016
If you’re ready to write that fiction book that you’ve been thinking about for quite some time, we’re here to help!
As an author, it’s up to you to paint a vivid picture through your words in the minds of your readers. Each sentence is a beautiful brush stroke that brings to …
Fourth of July Spotlight: America’s Greatness
Posted on July 4, 2016
In keeping with the patriotic spirit of today’s holiday, the Fourth of July, we wanted to put the spotlight on the work of one Dorrance author in particular, Ann Geoffrey.
While the Fourth of July celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, this Do…
Five Quick and Easy Social Media Tips
Posted on June 28, 2016
There’s no denying that we’re living in a world where social media is at the center of most things we do.
Social media has become a common gathering place for entertainment, news, communication and storytelling. As an author, you know a thing or two about what it takes to tel…
How to Cultivate the Book within You
Posted on June 21, 2016
"A book is like a garden, carried in the pocket" – Chinese Proverb
As an author, the writing process and your book are all part of a beautiful cycle. This Chinese proverb speaks to that notion.
Think of yourself as a gardener. A gardener’s role is to take something as si…
Leave Your Mark: Create a Legacy
Posted on June 14, 2016
As an author, you’ve put into words your thoughts, feelings and ideas. When you become a published author, these musings are printed in indelible ink, and your story lives on within the pages of a physical book – its newfound home.
With the turn of each page, the picture that…
DIY Social Media: LinkedIn
Posted on June 7, 2016
Did you know that LinkedIn has more than 433 million members? It’s this staggering number that makes LinkedIn a great platform to promote yourself as an author as well as highlight your work.
If you’re unfamiliar with LinkedIn, it’s a social networking site that’s designed fo…
How to Make Your Pinterest Page Pop
Posted on May 31, 2016
A couple of weeks ago, we offered you some insight on why it’s a good idea to create your own Pinterest page for promotional purposes.
From building credibility to increasing your visibility, Pinterest is a viable tool for authors to use to spread the word about themselves as an…
Your Dog’s Best Friend: The Dog Sitter
Posted on May 24, 2016
May is National Pet Month – a month-long celebration that highlights the benefits that pets bring to people’s lives and vice versa. It’s for this reason that we wanted to share with you a Dorrance-published book that echoes these sentiments.
If you’re a proud pet par…
DIY Social Media: Pinterest
Posted on May 17, 2016
In the past, we’ve covered how you can promote your book via Facebook, Google + and Twitter.
Today, we’re delving into an additional social property, Pinterest, and giving you three reasons why this social media platform can help bolster your promotional efforts.
But befo…
How to Write the First Chapter of Your Book
Posted on May 10, 2016
Sometimes, the hardest part about the writing process is actually getting started.
You have a book idea in your mind, and now it’s up to you to extract those ideas from your imagination and put them on paper. Sounds easy, but for some it can be rather difficult.
In today’…
Dorrance Publishing Spotlight: The Cudoni Creed
Posted on May 3, 2016
Though Dorrance is America’s oldest publishing services company, our services aren’t limited to just the United States. In fact, authors all over the world have taken advantage of our publishing expertise. In fact, this author is from all the way in the land down unde…
Four Tips for Better Writing
Posted on April 26, 2016
Everyone can use a fresh set of ideas when it comes to writing. In today’s blog, we’re offering you four tips that can help you refine your craft and keep you working toward your dream of being a published author.
Without delay, let’s get right into our tips so you can get…
Voice vs. Tone – What’s the Difference?
Posted on April 19, 2016
Along your writing journey, you might have heard the terms voice and tone being used from time to time. Though they might seem pretty straightforward in nature, these two words often cause a bit of confusion.
In today’s blog, we’re going to offer you a breakdown to better exp…
Take Note of This Writing Technique
Posted on April 12, 2016
When you were in school, you might have used flashcards to help you remember important information for a test. Whether it was for history, vocabulary words or even science equations, these little notecards kept you organized and helped you recall the information you needed in …
Mickey the Monkey and Mandy
Posted on April 5, 2016
Dorrance author EC Newall, a native of Scotland, was inspired to write by her grandchildren. In 2010, she took that inspiration and transformed it into a 30 page book, Mickey the Monkey and Mandy. Now, she is able to share her work and legacy with her kids, grandkids …
Exercise your Creativity with These Five Writing Prompts
Posted on March 29, 2016
The saying “practice makes perfect” has withstood the test of time, and rightfully so. In virtually all aspects of life, practice is important. Whether it’s for a sport or in your career, practice helps refine skill-sets and enhance your abilities.
When it comes to writing…
Associate Yourself with This Writing Trick
Posted on March 22, 2016
We’ve all been there before. It’s not quite writer’s block, but it’s on the cusp of that same idea. There seems to be an imaginary mental block that’s inhibiting you from locating that thought in your mind that’s nagging at you – the thought that’s waiting to appear on your page.…
Spring Forward with These Five Writing Tips
Posted on March 15, 2016
Though we lost an hour of sleep this past weekend, in today’s blog you’re going to gain some knowledge!
At Dorrance Publishing, it’s our job and our goal to help as many writers as we can through our expertise and our weekly blog posts.
In this week’s blog, we’re here to provid…
Travelling the World to “Far Away Places”
Posted on March 8, 2016
For many, traveling the world ranks high on their bucket list. For Dorrance author Roberta M. Baty, a vagabond at heart, she discovered her knack for writing as she traveled to more than 65 foreign countries.
Her book, Far Away Places, is a collection of memories fro…
How to Use Your Senses When Writing
Posted on March 1, 2016
Have you ever read a book that felt so real you could actually smell the meal that the character was cooking, or feel the slight, cool breeze that was blowing through the person’s hair?
When you read a book and the details are so real they’re almost palpable, these are the books…
Four Reasons You Should Outline Your Novel
Posted on February 23, 2016
To outline or not to outline? That is the question.
If you’re just starting on your book writing journey but don’t know where to begin, an outline can help.
What’s the point of an outline? An outline is a guide that will help you with the actual writing of your book by thinking…
Three Easy Tips for Writing Flashbacks
Posted on February 16, 2016
In a previous blog post, we talked about how flashbacks can give your plot a boost. But they can be tricky to write.
A flashback is a scene from the past that occurred sometime before the current action in your book. Typically, they’re included because they help illustrate wh…
“Three Simple Questions,” One Dorrance Author
Posted on February 9, 2016
Every day, when our eyes open in the morning, we make a choice. A choice as to whether or not we do things in that 24-hour time span that will make us better as people, and whether or not we make decisions that will make us happy.
It’s no shock, but life is one decision aft…
Where Did These Famous Writers Find Inspiration?
Posted on February 2, 2016
In last week’s blog, we talked about the idea of writing anywhere. Some find great success in writing their book behind a desk. Take Charles Dickens, for example. He loved his desk so much that he had it (along with its contents) shipped to his vacation home! But for others, writ…
Three Tips to Help You Write Anywhere
Posted on January 26, 2016
Writing doesn’t have to be a rigid process. In today’s blog, we’re going to help you dismiss those ideas of thinking that you have to work at a desk in order to write and show you that writing can be done anywhere!
Imagine: You’ve decided that you’re finally going to take the…
How to Build a Better Backstory
Posted on January 19, 2016
In last week’s blog, we offered three narrative techniques to give your plot a boost. Today we’re taking it a step further and focusing on one narrative technique in particular: building a better backstory.
To begin, a backstory is a narrative technique that’s used when you w…
Three Narrative Techniques to Give Your Plot a Boost
Posted on January 12, 2016
When cultivating your plot from start to finish, it takes a lot more than “Once upon a time” and “The End.” That’s why sometimes as a writer you’ll have to rely on certain narrative techniques to develop your plot.
Before we dive in to today’s topic let’s start with the basics. …
How to Promote your Book on Social Media
Posted on January 5, 2016
We’re now five days into the New Year, and if you’ve decided that 2016 will be the year that you take your book promotion to the next level, we have a few tips that can help.
In blogs past, we’ve focused on promoting your book via Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. But there are so…
A Fresh Look: Cold Eye Review
Posted on December 29, 2015
As an author, telling a story can be difficult. You want to make sure that each character’s own personal tale develops cohesively, and the plot is rich with twists and turns that will keep your reader hooked on your story.
Though writing can be difficult, there are ways to ease …
Holiday Reading: Mischief in Trouble
Posted on December 22, 2015
It may be hard to believe, but Christmas is only two days away! Because we’re in the midst of the holiday season, we at Dorrance Publishing wanted to give you a great novel to enjoy while curled up next to the fireside – or better yet, you can buy this novel as an e-book for an…
Avoid These Three Writing Mistakes
Posted on December 15, 2015
The writing journey is just that – a journey. It can be filled with ups and down, roadblocks and detours, but in the end, your path can lead to a published book.
So, as you’re furiously writing or typing away the words of your manuscript, all while keeping our previous tips in m…
Five Easy Ways to Be a Better Writer
Posted on December 8, 2015
Every day, we use our founder, Gordon Dorrance’s pioneering spirit to empower and inspire everyone “with a book in them” to make their publishing dreams a reality. That’s why we try to regularly provide you with helpful writing tips and advice – to help you more easily arrive at …
How to Choose the Right Narration Style for Your Story
Posted on December 1, 2015
Before you even begin to write your story, it’s important to choose how your novel will be narrated.
Choosing the right narration style can seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s see our top contenders and determine how to pick the right narrator for your story!
Be…
Looking for a Recipe? We have Just What You Need!
Posted on November 24, 2015
People all over the United States are preparing for their festive feasts as Thanksgiving Day quickly approaches!
Though this holiday is meant to serve as a reminder to give thanks and to spend quality time with your family and friends, many also view Thanksgiving Day as a day …
Five Easy Ways to Make the Most of NaNoWriMo
Posted on November 17, 2015
It’s that time of the year again: It’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)!
This month-long celebration of the art of writing began on November 1 and will last until 11: 59 p.m. on November 30.
NaNoWriMo gives writers a mission: Be creative for 30 days. Naturally, the inte…
Here’s an Inside Look at Amazon’s First Physical Bookstore
Posted on November 10, 2015
Amazon is the largest Internet-based retailer in the United States, but did not have a physical store presence – until now. This ecommerce powerhouse recently unveiled its latest endeavor: their first brick-and-mortar bookstore! On Tuesday, November 3, Amazon opened the doors of …
How to Write a Horror Story
Posted on November 3, 2015
Though Halloween has come and gone, that doesn’t mean that you have to put away those horror stories. A good scare is always in season, so if you’ve always wanted to write a bone-chilling thriller of your own, we’re here to help.
Here are five tips on how to write a horror story…
Two Angry Spirits, One Haunted Estate Sale
Posted on October 27, 2015
On Saturday, October 31, countless ghosts and goblins will fill the streets in search of some sweet treats. Halloween weekend is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for one last thrilling scare, we have the perfect book for you. Haunted Estate Sale: 2 Angry Spirits, …
How to Write a Powerful Ending
Posted on October 21, 2015
“All good things must come to an end.” This notion holds especially true when referring to the ending of your book.
From the very first word of your novel to the very last word, your goal is to paint a picture for your readers of the story that lives within your pages.
Some b…
How to Improve Dialogue In Five Easy Tips
Posted on October 13, 2015
Strong dialogue can make or break a plot, so the conversations that you create for your characters must be believable. As the writer, it’s your job to remove the unnecessary and replace it with the important parts – the points that pack a lot of detail.
How do you improve your s…
Fall Into Writing!
Posted on October 7, 2015
Autumn is now upon us and it proves to be the perfect time to fall back into writing.
Perhaps work, picnics or summer vacations threw you off the writing track. Whatever it was that caused you to take a hiatus from your book, a new season lends itself to fresh opportunities to…
Long Live the Printed Book!
Posted on September 29, 2015
For nearly one hundred years, as America’s oldest publishing company, we have seen trends come and go. Some have stayed while others have fallen to the wayside.
That’s why when we discovered a recent article from the New York Times titled, “The Plot Twist: E-Book Sales Slip, a…
Grammatically Correct: What’s the Difference?
Posted on September 22, 2015
As a writer, you strive to write in a clear and concise way and with perfect grammar, of course. However, there are grammar rules that exist that often leave people puzzled.
Today we’re going to investigate four of those head scratching grammar mistakes that make writers take a …
Stranger Than Fiction Writing Tips: Part Two
Posted on September 15, 2015
At the end of August, we published, “Stranger Than Fiction Writing Tips.” In that blog were five tips to aid in writing a fiction novel, such as the importance of getting to know your audience, making characters come to life, and transforming your story, just to name a few.
Toda…
End Your Summer on a Positive Note
Posted on September 8, 2015
This past weekend proved to be a busy one! Not only was Sunday National Read a Book Day, yesterday was Labor Day, which is often recognized as the unofficial end to summer.
Though some are looking forward to the feelings of fall, others are clinging to the last days of warm we…
A Traveler’s Guide to Writing
Posted on September 1, 2015
Whether you travel for relaxation or if it’s a major part of your job, being on the road can sometimes throw a wrench in your writing plans.
The fact of the matter is there never seems to be enough time to get all of your writing done. But with a little advance planning, that’s …
Stranger Than Fiction Writing Tips
Posted on August 25, 2015
Anyone with an imagination can sit down and write fiction – at its core, you just have to make stuff up! However, not everyone can sit down and begin writing good fiction!
Learning how to write fiction is a cultivated art form that takes time, practice and determination. Additio…
Continuing to Honor the Navajo Code Talkers
Posted on August 18, 2015
Did you know that Friday, August 14 was National Navajo Code Talkers Day? In case you missed it, we wanted to take this opportunity to continue to honor these men and their valiant efforts.
As one of Dorrance Publishing’s best-selling publications, the story of the Navajo Code…
Three Twitter Tricks to Promote your Book: Part Two
Posted on August 11, 2015
A few weeks ago, we wrote a blog that offered you five tips to promote your book with Twitter, and concluded with a promise of more to come. Today we’re back with three more Twitter tricks to help you get the most out of your profile.
So without further ado let’s dive in to see …
Take a Look at this Vacation Book
Posted on August 4, 2015
If you’re packing for vacation but still haven’t found the perfect book to read while away, we’ve found one that we think you’ll enjoy. In fact, it’s out of this world!
If you’re intrigued by science fiction and love a book that will leave you on the edge of your beach chair, …
PROOFread These Editing Tips
Posted on July 28, 2015
Ernest Hemingway once said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Though the painful sentiment often rings true in some respects, we believe that Hemingway left out a large part of the novel-writing equation – editing and proofreading!
…
Five Twitter Tricks to Promote your Book
Posted on July 21, 2015
Back in 2013, we wrote a blog that outlined the basics of Twitter and how authors can use this social media platform to promote their work. Two years later, Twitter continues to grow, and is still a powerful tool to keep in your promotional toolkit.
Whether you’re just beginning…
The Procrastination Train Stops Here!
Posted on July 14, 2015
In late June, we wrote a blog that offered some tips on how to stop procrastinating and start writing.
If you by chance are procrastinating at this very moment, although we’re happy that you’ve chosen our blog to read, at Dorrance Publishing, our main goal is to help turn your p…
Check Out These “Novel” Ideas
Posted on July 7, 2015
Let’s be quite frank: Writing a novel can be difficult.
You know deep down in your heart that you can write; however, when it comes down to it, the actual act of writing can prove to be a challenge.
If your endeavors echo this sentiment, listen closely –we have a few ideas th…
Let Sparks Fly with your Writing!
Posted on June 30, 2015
If you’re in the United States, Independence Day is right around the corner, so we thought we’d celebrate by talking about fireworks and your book!
You may be thinking to yourself, “What do fireworks have to do with writing my book?” And no, we’re certainly not going to get a…
Let Your Kids’ Imaginations Run Free with this Book
Posted on June 23, 2015
It’s quite an exciting time for kids since Sunday marked the official start of summer, and another school year is in the books. Speaking of books, now that your children have some spare time on their hands, it’s the perfect opportunity to fill their free time with reading!
At Do…
Don’t Procrastinate: Get it “Write” Today!
Posted on June 16, 2015
“Why do today what can be done tomorrow?” If this is your daily thought process when thinking about your novel, it’s time to change your mantra!
Today we want to offer you some advice on how to stay on task and keep procrastination at bay so that you can keep moving toward your …
Finding the “Write” Place
Posted on June 9, 2015
Finding inspiration to work on writing your book can be difficult at times. But when you’re pursuing your publishing dream, you are already on a journey of making the impossible possible.
So if you are searching for some sources of inspiration, look no further. Sometimes all it…
Think Outside of the Box with the Cubing Method
Posted on June 3, 2015
Writing isn’t always easy. Sometimes you can write for hours, and other times it’s a struggle to get started. However, rather than giving up, there are ways to keep your productivity flowing, including some pre-writing techniques.
In fact, today we are going to discuss one pre-w…
This Author Is Honoring the Military through Her Book
Posted on May 26, 2015
Since yesterday was Memorial Day in the United States, a day that pays tribute to the brave men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom, we wanted to spotlight a Dorrance-published book that looks at the other side of the military that some may not alw…
Promote Your Work the BookDaily Way!
Posted on May 19, 2015
It’s no secret that promoting your book can seem like a daunting task. Though you are feeling proud and excited that your publishing dreams have finally become a reality, you also might be experiencing feelings of uncertainty and confusion about how you will spread the word about…
Hip, Hip Hooray! It’s International Limerick Day!
Posted on May 12, 2015
There once was a man with a book.For a publisher, he did look.“Who will help me?” he grumbled,Until on Dorrance he stumbled.And then, with excitement, he shook!
Happy International Limerick Day!
Each year on May 12, people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate t…
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this Bilingual Book
Posted on May 5, 2015
Today is Cinco de Mayo! Though this is not an overly celebrated day in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has turned into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.
So today, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, we wanted to celebrate one of our very own Dorrance published …
Four Tips to Become a Poet Before You Know it!
Posted on April 28, 2015
National Poetry Month is quickly coming to an end, so we thought it would be a fitting – even poetic –way to close out the month of April to offer you some poetry writing tips!
But before we dive in, we want to offer you a quick overview of this celebration.
In 1996, the Acad…
Page, Promote Yourself!
Posted on April 21, 2015
Last week we offered tips on Facebook boosted posts – the easiest form of paid advertising on the popular social network. Today we want to focus on the second option – page promotion.
Whereas a boosted post allows you to expand the reach of a particular piece of content, page pr…
Give Yourself a Boost
Posted on April 14, 2015
We’ve talked in previous blog posts about the various types of advertising available to you on Facebook: boosted posts, page promotion and newsfeed ads. So today, as promised, we’re going to give you some more information about boosted posts. These three types of ads can almost b…
Promote your Book with Dorrance Publishing!
Posted on April 7, 2015
Imagine it: Your dreams are now a reality – you’re officially a published author (or will be soon)! Though your book is complete and beautifully bound, the publishing process does not stop here. In fact, it’s only just begun!
Now it’s time to promote your book! If you are wonder…
Five Tips to Help You “Spring” Into Writing
Posted on March 31, 2015
The start of spring offers the promise of renewal and the opportunity to pursue your book publishing dreams.
So today, we want to do a little spring cleaning, shake off the dust and uncover some tips that will help you spring into action by finishing your manuscript and publishi…
”Spring” into Reading with this Children’s Book
Posted on March 24, 2015
Friday, March 20 marked the official start of spring! Though some parts of the country are still experiencing winter-like weather, we thought we would boost your spirits and warm your hearts with this feel-good springtime book feature.
The benefits of reading for children are …
The Facebook Advantage: Types of Facebook Advertising
Posted on March 17, 2015
As promised in part one of our Facebook series, today we will be discussing more about the idea of how it “pays” to advertise on Facebook.
In our first installment of “The Facebook Advantage” series, we had mentioned that although you will have to pay a sum of money, promoting…
The Facebook Advantage: The Benefits of Facebook Ads
Posted on March 10, 2015
In a previous blog titled, The Facebook Advantage: The Importance of a Fan Page, we discussed various ways to maximize your free presence on Facebook, such as building an audience, updating your page, engaging your fans and the importance of analytics.
If you are a Facebook user…
Novel Writing Starter Kit
Posted on March 3, 2015
Perhaps you’ve tossed around the idea of becoming a published author but, for some reason or another, you’ve been sidetracked. Whether it’s a life event, procrastination or lack of time, something has thrown a wrench in your plans.
In this day and age, it’s becoming easier than …
Five Tips to Write a Good Book Description
Posted on February 24, 2015
Writing your book doesn’t end when the last word of the last page is written. In fact, there’s still writing left to do, and in some ways, it’s just as important as the words in your book!
If you’re scratching your head as to what we are talking about, we’re referring to the boo…
Three Social Media Posting Quick Tips
Posted on February 17, 2015
The topic of social media is nothing new for the Dorrance Publishing blog. We’ve covered it a few times, learning how to promote your book on Facebook and Twitter and even with a personal blog.
Social media shows no signs of slowing down. So, whether you are a social media enthu…
CENSORED: The Story of Five Banned Books
Posted on February 10, 2015
When you see a sign that says, “Wet paint, don’t touch,” what do you usually want to do?
More times than not, you’ll touch the paint to see if the sign was telling the truth or not.
This same notion applies to banned books. When you’re told that you can’t read a book that only …
One Blog, Five Bookstores!
Posted on February 4, 2015
Although the cold winter and unusual amounts of snow aren’t exactly the most favorable weather conditions, for some this weather is perfect –after all, it’s ideal for cuddling under a warm blanket with a cup of your favorite hot beverage and, of course, your book du jour. And, …
First, Second or Third Person, the Choice Is Yours!
Posted on January 27, 2015
The styles that are used to write a book differ from writer to writer. Some write in the first person, others the second person and some in the third person.
These points of view are all viable options that you, as an author, can incorporate into your story.
Point of view, or P…
The Facebook Advantage: The Importance of a Fan Page
Posted on January 20, 2015
In this day and age, social media is the vehicle that can help you connect to your audience. From a tweet to a share and everything in between, it’s yours to control!
Did you know that in 2014, there were 1.35 billion monthly active Facebook users? Although you won’t reach all o…
Do You Want to Build a…Novel?
Posted on January 13, 2015
With plenty of snowflakes in the forecast lately, we thought “Why not write about snowflakes … the Snowflake Method that is!”
With 2015 well underway, if your New Year’s resolution was to finally make your publishing dreams a reality, we want to offer you some writing tips that …
New Year, New Chance to Make Your Dreams a Reality
Posted on January 6, 2015
“New Beginnings are in order, and you are bound to feel some level of excitement as new chances come your way.”- Auliq Ice
As the first full week of 2015 is in full swing, we thought we would offer you some motivation to help kick your writing dreams into high gear!
Our founder…
Writing a Cookbook: Five Essential Ingredients
Posted on December 30, 2014
Writing inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes from sources you would never have imagined!
When it comes to writing a cookbook, perhaps your inspiration came from that collection of family recipes that has been sitting on your bookshelf for years. Or maybe you …
‘Tis the Season for Holiday Reading!
Posted on December 22, 2014
It may be hard to believe, but in just a matter of days, all of the shopping, gift wrapping, baking and decorating that you’ve done for Christmas will finally be put to good use!
As we are in the thick of “the giving season” with Christmas quickly approaching, at Dorrance Pub…
A Novel Approach: Crowdfunding
Posted on December 16, 2014
A couple of weeks ago, we wrote a blog that provided four ideas to start your science fiction novel.
In this week’s blog, we want to expand on the topic of science fiction writing. But this time we won’t be talking about how to write such a novel, we will be focusing on how to f…
Character Driven v. Plot Driven Writing: What’s the Difference?
Posted on December 9, 2014
Before you start your book publishing journey, it’s always a great idea to learn as much as you can about the craft of writing. Whether it’s the importance of outlines, the basics of literary devices or even turning your novel into a screenplay, learning is an important part of t…
Four Ideas to Start Your Science Fiction Novel
Posted on December 2, 2014
Whether your novel is out of this world (literally), or is set in the future, writing a science fiction novel requires an active imagination and a lot of creativity!
Don’t be fooled – science fiction novels aren’t solely written from the ideas in people’s minds. They often sprin…
“How About a Casserole” This Holiday Season!
Posted on November 25, 2014
Whether you’re prepared or not, this Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, and people all over the United States will be getting together with family and friends to celebrate.
Though Thanksgiving is meant to be a reminder to give thanks for what you have and to spend quality…
Outlining Success
Posted on November 18, 2014
As National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) continues, we are staying true to our promise as we continue to offer informative advice about novel writing. This week, we want to focus on the importance of outlines when writing a novel.
For some people, there is no better feeling t…
Back to Basics: Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Posted on November 11, 2014
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is in full swing, and as we mentioned in last week’s blog, this month-long celebration of the art of writing began on November 1 and will last until 11:59 p.m. on November 30. You read that right: That’s 30 full days for writers to create …
Join Us in Celebrating NaNoWriMo!
Posted on November 4, 2014
November is already in full swing and in this month there are many reasons to celebrate! Before you know it, those of us in the United States will be spending quality time with our family and friends as we enjoy a delicious feast on Thanksgiving Day, and we’ll end that day gearin…
Scaring up a Good Read: Dorrance’s Spooky Reading List
Posted on October 28, 2014
With cooler weather upon us, it seems like the perfect time to cuddle up indoors with a cozy blanket and a good book. If you are in need of the latter, look no further: We’re scaring up a good read for the whole family today with a spooky Dorrance reading list.
Although Hallowee…
Back to Basics Part II: More Literary Devices
Posted on October 21, 2014
A couple of weeks ago, we wrote a blog that covered some of the basics of writing, including a refresher course of sorts on some helpful literary devices and how to use them.
Today, we want to expand on that topic and offer five more stylistic devices that can help you write you…
Untitled
Posted on October 14, 2014
From idea conception to putting your words on paper, there are many steps that factor into writing a book. Today, we want to cast a light on one in particular: creating a catchy book title.
A few weeks ago, we wrote a blog about the importance of cover art and its ability to dra…
Back to Basics: Literary Devices
Posted on October 7, 2014
Whether you’re a newly published author, or a writer who is just beginning the publishing journey, soaking up as much knowledge as you can about writing-related topics is a great way to refine your craft and become a well-rounded author.
Over the past year, we have written blo…
Once Upon a Time…Tips to Engage Kids During Story Time
Posted on September 30, 2014
Reading out loud to kids has been recognized as the single most important activity that leads to literacy acquisition. That’s why, if you have written a children’s book, a book reading with kids is a great way to promote literacy in children and to promote your newly published bo…
Judging a Book by its Cover
Posted on September 23, 2014
Last week, we wrote a blog about some “Great” lessons that can be gained by looking at how we should define success, inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s experiences with The Great Gatsby. But we wanted to bring to your attention another lesson that we learned from the same NPR piec…
‘Great’ Lessons to Learn when Writing
Posted on September 16, 2014
Your book has finally been published and you’re searching for book reviews to add credibility and visibility to your new novel. Some reviews are good and some reviews are bad. Rather than feeling defeated by the harsh words of a critic, take comfort in knowing that even famous au…
Cracking the Case: Tips to Write a Mystery Novel
Posted on September 9, 2014
You have probably read them before; they leave you on the edge of your seat in suspense and your anxiousness to turn the page mounts as the story proceeds. Mystery novels offer the reader a very gripping and jarring plotline that gets (and keeps!) them engrossed in the story.
If…
Break Through Writer’s Block with These Five Tips
Posted on September 2, 2014
We’ve all have been there before: you’re sitting in front of your computer or your notebook and you just can’t seem to find the right words – or any words for that matter – to add to your work. It seems as though you have misplaced your creativity, and it feels like you’ve hit a …
Literary Agents v. Publishing Services Companies: Find Your Right Path to Publication
Posted on August 26, 2014
As an aspiring author, you want to make sure that your work is in the right hands. In the publishing world, there are different routes that authors can take in order to publish their books. Today, we’re going to compare working with a literary agent and working with a publishing …
From Pages to Screen: Tips to Turn Your Novel into a Screenplay
Posted on August 19, 2014
As you’re writing your novel, you can probably envision your characters acting out the scenes that your words have created. If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the pages of your book come alive right before your eyes, turning your novel into a screenplay could be the answer.
A scree…
Regain Your Inspiration with These Five Tips
Posted on August 12, 2014
It’s a common misconception that writing a book is easy. Hemingway may have put it best when he said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Easy, it’s not. Writing takes time, practice and discipline. And even then, sometimes during the…
APPly this List for Productivity Help!
Posted on August 5, 2014
Life can be hectic. Between work and the array of other daily duties, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to devote to writing your book.
In this day and age, when you think about an app, the first thing that might come to mind is procrastination. Many people use app…
Around the World in One Blog: Five of the Most Beautiful Libraries
Posted on July 29, 2014
Summer is in full swing, and at this point in the season, you might have already taken or planned your vacation. However, if you are still tossing around ideas of where to visit, let us be your travel guide and help you discover some of the world’s most beautiful libraries – idea…
The Dorrance Difference
Posted on July 22, 2014
After nearly 100 years, Dorrance Publishing knows a little something about the ins and outs of the industry.
It all began in 1920, when Gordon Dorrance started his own publishing company. The knowledge that we have acquired during our almost one hundred years in this industry …
Getting Started: Tips for Writing a Memoir
Posted on July 15, 2014
The Dorrance Bookstore is home to countless memoirs that were written by our authors. If you have always dreamed of penning your own memoir but didn’t know exactly where to start, today we are going to offer you some tips that can help you overcome that hurdle and start your writ…
Five Quick Tips to Pitch your Book to Bloggers
Posted on July 8, 2014
Sometimes, it might seem like you have exhausted all of your promotional outlets. However, at Dorrance Publishing, we want to give you the boost that you might need and help you add more options to your book promotion idea list.
Sometimes all it takes is looking beyond your own …
The Purpose of Pen Names
Posted on July 1, 2014
A pen name, otherwise known as a pseudonym, is an assumed name that an author will publish under, rather than his or her real name.
Some of the most well-known, famous authors have used a pen name to conceal their identities. For instance, have you ever heard of Richard Bachman?…
Promotion through Podcasts
Posted on June 24, 2014
Over the past few months, we have discussed a variety of ways in which an author can promote a new book. We’ve talked about book signings, elevator pitches, social media and much more.
Today, we want to talk about book promotion by way of podcasts. As a newly published author, …
Add Dorrance Books to your Summer Reading List!
Posted on June 17, 2014
The official start of summer is right around the corner, and whether you are spending it poolside, on your back porch or on the beach, relaxing and reading a good book go hand-in-hand. So in case you were fishing for something good to read this summer, have no fear, the Dorrance …
Vexillologist Becomes a Dorrance Author
Posted on June 10, 2014
A country’s flag serves as a cohesive symbol to unite the nation. On Saturday, June 14, the United States will celebrate Flag Day, the national holiday commemorating the adoption of our nation’s flag in 1777.
So with Flag Day right around the corner, we thought that …
A Short Story about Your Short Story Anthology
Posted on June 3, 2014
Once upon a time, there was a writer who wanted to become a published author. But not just any type of author – she wanted to publish a short story anthology. So, she turned to Dorrance Publishing to turn that dream into a reality.
After working so hard on this book, the day fin…
Reviewing Success: The Importance of Book Reviews
Posted on May 27, 2014
In the world of promotions, book reviews are a great source to utilize in order to strengthen and bolster your efforts.
As a newly published author, getting book reviews can be a challenge, but it’s certainly not insurmountable.
The first step that you could take is to have you…
A Salute to the Armed Forces
Posted on May 20, 2014
Memorial Day is reserved for the remembrance of those who have died in active military service. This year, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 26.
Whether they were written in honor of Memorial Day or to recount past historical events, military books are a genre that h…
Drawing on Success: The Importance of Illustrations
Posted on May 13, 2014
You’ve probably heard the famous saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” This phrase is especially true when talking about the importance of illustrations in books.
Though the words of your storyline are important, illustrations are like the glue that can help hold the a…
This Dorrance Author’s Boots were Made for Walking
Posted on May 6, 2014
A memoir is an account of a person’s personal life and experiences and is, in many ways, an autobiography.
Sometimes, putting words to paper and writing about your own life can be a challenging yet therapeutic experience. Reliving certain moments in your life and articulating th…
You’re a Poet, So Let Everyone Know It!
Posted on April 29, 2014
To close out April, also known as National Poetry Month, we wanted to write a blog that would offer a newly published author tips on how to effectively promote their new poetry book.
As with other genres, poetry books open up the door to a wide variety of opportunities to maximi…
It’s Easy Being Green with eBooks!
Posted on April 22, 2014
Publishing a book is an author’s dream come true. Whether your work is published as a traditional paper book or as an electronic version, otherwise known as an eBook, becoming a published author is a proud moment.
Many people love the feel of a book where they can physically tur…
A Ghostwriter is One “Ghost” You Shouldn’t Fear
Posted on April 15, 2014
If seeing your name on the spine of a book has always been your dream, but writing a complete, polished manuscript is more the stuff of nightmares, there is another way to make it a reality. Sometimes people face countless obstacles that stand between them and their dreams: Perha…
A Few Lessons Learned from Edgar Allan Poe
Posted on April 8, 2014
Best known for his poem The Raven, Edgar Allan Poe is a famed American author, poet, editor and literary critic.
But, did you know that Poe didn’t take an easy path on the road to success? Like many newly published authors, Poe had to use his ingenuity and perseverance to hit th…
Three Quick Tips to Promote Your Children’s Book
Posted on April 1, 2014
Spring has finally sprung and tomorrow is National Children’s Book Day –a great time to let your children’s book promotion efforts blossom!
Promoting your children’s book can and should be a fun experience. After all, you can channel your inner child and tap in to your most crea…
Taking a Walk in the Shoes of Verna Lewis Elgidely
Posted on March 25, 2014
Every day at Dorrance Publishing, we have the great opportunity to work with writers from all over the world hoping to make their publishing dreams a reality.
Our clients write books ranging from cookbooks to biographies, fiction to self-help and everything in between.
Author V…
Signing on For Success: Book Signings
Posted on March 18, 2014
In previous blogs, we’ve offered tips on various ways to promote your book. Whether it was an interview, on the internet or at book events, there are plenty of promotion opportunities out there. Today, we want to keep in line with that theme and talk about book signings!
The dri…
Promotion Opportunities are Plentiful on Amazon
Posted on March 11, 2014
Your newly published book is like your child. You’ve nurtured it, loved it and now it’s time to send it out into the world. Of course you may have your doubts, like, “Is my book ready?” “Will people like it?” But truth be told, you’ll never know if you don’t try.
Amazon, an onli…
Centralize your Information with Amazon Author Central
Posted on March 4, 2014
Maybe you’re a little shy and an in-person book event might not be your thing. Or maybe you lead an extremely busy life and simply don’t have the time to schedule multiple book promotion events.
If you agree with either of the previous statements, you might start getting nervous…
Talking the Talk with Book Retailers
Posted on February 25, 2014
Picture this: You are walking around your local book store and something catches your eye – it’s your Dorrance-published book on display for anyone to buy!
What are the steps that might help to make this dream a reality? This week, we’re offering some advice that might help you …
Flex Your Culinary Muscles with this Dorrance Cookbook
Posted on February 18, 2014
Although Valentine’s Day has come and gone, it’s never too late to prepare a delicious meal for your better half. What better way to do that than to check out the recipes in the Dorrance-published cookbook, South African Gourmet Food and Wine: Traditional South Africa…
Ready, Set, Talk: Prepping for a Book Interview
Posted on February 11, 2014
Every day offers new windows of opportunity for you to promote your Dorrance-published book. If you have a chance to be interviewed about your book, don’t let uncertainty keep you from jumping at it. Building on our previous post about preparing your elevator pitch, we offer some…
Immerse Yourself in a Book – Literally
Posted on February 4, 2014
Have you ever been so engrossed in a book that you could almost feel the characters’ emotions jumping off of the page? Well, that idea might be more real than you think thanks to researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Researchers Felix Heibeck, Alexis Hope a…
Creating a Blog, Part Two: Content is King
Posted on January 28, 2014
Last week, we wrote a blog about the four Cs of creating a blog: commitment, consistency, communication and content. Today we’re going to take a deeper dive into the content portion.
For an author, a blog can be a fantastic outlet for your creativity. But, before you begin, take…
Creating a Blog, Part 1: The Four Cs
Posted on January 21, 2014
A blog can be a very valuable tool in an author’s promotional repertoire. This personal online space provides a platform for you to voice your opinions and ideas. It’s also an ideal place to inform your audience of book events, upcoming projects, industry news, or any other infor…
The Tale of Beatrix Potter
Posted on January 14, 2014
The process of writing and publishing a book is akin to a roller coaster. There are ups, downs and curves along the course. But it’s how you handle these obstacles that can factor into your eventual success. For Beatrix Potter, her ride began on September 4, 1893, when she wrote …
DIY Social Media: Promote Your Book on Google+
Posted on January 7, 2014
In previous DIY social media blog posts, we have talked about how Twitter and Facebook are valuable resources that can aid in the promotion of your book.
This time, we are going to cover Google+ and offer tips on how you can maximize your presence on this valuable forum.
Before…
A Deeper Look into the Story of Christmas
Posted on December 31, 2013
Although Christmas has come and gone, the meaning behind Closer to The Real Christmas Story sends a message that resonates with many this time and throughout the year.
Throughout the 124 pages of this Dorrance-published book, author Jared Burkholder offers readers an…
The Christmas Spirit Lives with this Dorrance Book
Posted on December 23, 2013
What do Santa Claus, his reindeer and a sled delivering toys to children in America have in common? For starters, they’re definitely signs it’s Christmas Eve. They’re also the basis of Dorrance author, John Andrew Mahoney‘s book Santa Claus in America on the Eve of Ch…
A Look Inside the Life of Biography and Autobiography Promotions
Posted on December 18, 2013
Biographies and autobiographies are everywhere, written by or about famous athletes, historical figures or everyone in between. In essence, a biography is a book that chronicles the life events of someone other than the author. On the other hand, an autobiography is …
Pitching a Strong Message About Your Book
Posted on December 10, 2013
Just like an elevator pitch, we are going to keep this blog post short and informative!
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive sales speech that’s perfect for those times when you have to sell your book on a moment’s notice. By creating a short speech that you can refer to at…
DIY Social Media: Promote Your Book on Facebook
Posted on December 3, 2013
Social media can be a great outlet to promote your book, as well as yourself, to audiences everywhere. On October 22, our first “DIY Social Media” series blog offered tips on promoting your book on Twitter. This week, we want to take a deeper look at another social media platfor…
Cooking Up a Recipe for Success
Posted on November 26, 2013
It may feel like Halloween was only yesterday, but this Thursday is Thanksgiving in the United States. Many people look forward to this day with its fluffy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing and sweet pumpkin pie, along with time spent with family and friends.
If you’ve written a …
A Time to ... Promote Your Book
Posted on November 19, 2013
John Grisham is well known for his legal thrillers, and has sold over 250 million copies of his books worldwide. Additionally, many of his novels have been turned into films.
But this level of fame didn’t come easy for the prolific author. In fact, before his first book, A Time …
Cracking the Code of Success: The Navajo Code Talkers
Posted on November 11, 2013
As one of Dorrance Publishing’s best-selling publications, The Navajo Code Talkers by Doris A. Paul continues to leave its mark on audiences around the world.
This book is based on events that took place during World War II, when Navajos served with the United States…
This Author Hit a “Home Run” with His Dorrance-Published Book
Posted on November 5, 2013
After a tumultuous and painful year for the city, the Boston Red Sox were crowned the kings of Major League Baseball after winning the 2013 World Series on Wednesday, October 30.
The World Series has been played since 1903, and every player since then has put their t…
Spread the Word About Your Sports Book
Posted on October 29, 2013
Since the World Series is in full swing (no pun intended), we thought this would be a great time to talk about promoting a sports-related book. To keep it topical, we’ll even use baseball as our example. But remember, these tips can be applied to a book about virtually any sport.…
#PromoteMyBook: Twitter
Posted on October 22, 2013
Last week, we wrote a blog offering our newly published authors a few easy and affordable tips to help them promote their books. This week, we want to build off of that concept and focus our attention on promoting your book to the wide range of people accessible through social me…
Three Quick Tips to Promote Your Book
Posted on October 15, 2013
So, your dream of becoming a published author has finally come true. Every "I" has been dotted and every "T" has been crossed. Finally, after hours spent writing, editing, working with the publishing team and generally making your book everything you wanted it to be, you look dow…
Gordon Dorrance: A Visionary of Hope
Posted on October 8, 2013
Gordon Dorrance, a member of the Main Line Philadelphia family that owned Campbell’s Soup Company, created a better to way to publish in the early 1900’s. His journey began like many other authors, with a great sense of frustration from rejection.
While in the process of editing…
Welcome to the New Dorrance Publishing Blog
Posted on October 1, 2013
With a storied history, Dorrance Publishing strives to give people the same opportunity that our company’s founder, Gordon Dorrance, did in 1920 when he created a better way to get published.
As the oldest publishing services company in America, Dorrance offers hopeful writers …