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When readers ask an AI what to read next, the books it names share engineerable traits. Answer engine optimization is how your book becomes one of them.
5 min read
Latest from the Brief
Practical tips for designing a book cover that sells, covering typography, imagery, color, mockups, working with a designer, testing, and common mistakes.
10 min read
A practical guide to writing a memoir: what a memoir is, who reads them, how to structure your story, and tips for editing, publishing and marketing.
8 min read
What a children's book illustrator does, where to find one, how contracts and royalties work, and how to collaborate from first sketch to final print.
11 min read
What a children's book editor does, how editing needs differ for picture books, chapter books, and YA, and how to choose the right editor for your manuscript.
12 min read
A start-to-finish guide to publishing a children's book: shaping the story, working with an illustrator, choosing a publishing path, and marketing the book.
13 min read
Practical steps for writing a bestseller, from finding your story idea and building characters to choosing a title and growing an author platform.
How a crowded book market, millions of new titles and flat industry revenues affect authors, and how Made for Success responds to each problem.
4 min read
A practical guide to public speaking as a side gig: typical speaker fees, landing paid talks through Vistage, building a demo reel, and speaker bureaus.
7 min read
Why bestsellers need both a strong idea and a smart launch, with tips on planning, Amazon optimization and avoiding promises of shortcuts.
