AUTHORGROWTHLAB

A collection of 111 posts

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Using Submagic for Video Editing: Your Secret Weapon for Creating Engaging Content

If you're creating video content for social media, you already know the challenge: you need to produce engaging, professional-looking videos quickly and consistently. Between recording, editing, adding captions, and optimizing for different platforms, video production can easily consume your entire day. That's where Submagic comes

Small Business Resources

How AI Can Help Businesses with Everyday Tasks

Artificial intelligence isn't just for tech giants anymore. Small and medium-sized businesses are discovering that AI tools can handle routine tasks that once consumed hours of their team's time, freeing everyone up to focus on work that actually grows the business. Let me walk you

Small Business Resources

Stop Dreaming, Start Doing: Your 2026 E-Commerce Roadmap Is Here

It's almost 2026, and you're still thinking about starting that business. You've got the idea. You've scrolled through Instagram looking at other people living their entrepreneurial dreams. You've told yourself "next year" for the past three years. You&

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

The Real Cost of Publishing Your Book: A Line-by-Line Budget Breakdown

You've finished your manuscript. You've typed "The End." You've probably cried a little (or a lot). Now comes the question every indie author faces: What's this actually going to cost me? The answer isn't simple, because publishing a

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

Holiday Marketing for Self-Published Authors: Your Guide to a Bestselling Season

The holiday season represents one of the most lucrative opportunities for self-published authors. From Black Friday through New Year's, readers are actively seeking books as gifts, stocking stuffers, and personal treats. With millions of books competing for attention, the authors who plan strategically and execute consistently will

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Holiday Marketing Tactics: Your Retailer's Guide to a Profitable Season

The holiday season is fast approaching, and for retailers, this represents the most critical sales period of the year. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar store, an online shop, or a hybrid operation, the strategies you implement now will determine your success through the end of the year.

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

Building Financial Power, and Jobs, Right Here in Louisiana

When I first created the Lark & Mimi™ Learn to Save series, my goal was to teach children the language of money early - through storytelling, culture, and creativity. What began as a single coloring book has evolved into Louisiana’s first comprehensive, STEM-integrated financial literacy pipeline, Financial Power for

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

How to Create a Maker’s Marketing Funnel (With Real Examples)

What Is a Marketing Funnel (and Why It Matters for Makers) Think of your marketing funnel as a map that guides customers from discovering your brand to becoming loyal fans. It’s not about chasing sales - it’s about building relationships that lead to repeat purchases and word-of-mouth

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

How to Turn Your Book Into a Paid Workshop or Webinar

Teach from your chapters. Monetize your expertise. Build a legacy beyond the book. Your Book Is More Than Pages - It’s a Curriculum Every nonfiction or self-help author is sitting on a gold mine of teachable content - and most don’t even realize it. If you’ve written a

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

How to Start a Drone Business: From Hobby Flyer to FAA-Certified Entrepreneur

Drones are no longer just for hobbyists - they’ve become powerful tools across industries like real estate, construction, agriculture, and media. Whether you want to create a side hustle or launch a full-scale business, starting with the right foundation can help you take flight, literally and financially. This guide

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

Understanding ISBNs: Amazon vs. Bowker and Why Each Book Needs Its Own

If you’re publishing your own book, you’ll come across three letters that determine how your work is tracked and sold: ISBN. Many authors skip over it, but understanding how ISBNs work protects your ownership and gives you full control over your publishing future. What Is an ISBN ISBN

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES - UPDATED OCTOBER 2025

Amazon App Store Small Business Accelerator - The Small Business Accelerator Program allows developers that earn less than 1 million USD in total annual revenue in the previous calendar year to access additional benefits up to or equivalent to 20% of Appstore revenue. If eligible, you'll receive a 10%

Small Business Resources

Major Changes to DBE/ACDBE Certification: What You Need to Know

If your business holds Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) certification, you need to be aware of significant changes that took effect on October 3, 2025. The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued an interim final rule that fundamentally changes how these certifications are evaluated. What&

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

Free and Paid Editing Tools Every Writer Should Know

Writing is only half the battle, editing is where good writing becomes great. Whether you're crafting a novel, polishing a blog post, or perfecting an academic paper, these editing tools can help you refine your work and catch mistakes you might have missed. I've included both

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

How Government Shutdowns Affect Small Businesses: A Complete Guide

A government shutdown creates more than political headlines. It slows or halts federal operations, and the effects quickly reach small businesses. Owners often face delays in funding, stalled contracts, reduced demand, and operational disruptions. Understanding these impacts helps you prepare and protect your business during uncertain periods. The Cash Flow

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

The Publix-Black Book Bash Controversy: When Corporate Sponsorship Meets Political Climate

A Literary Celebration Caught in a Sponsorship Dispute The Black Book Bash, a three-day literary festival celebrating Black authors and culture, was set to open this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida, with much anticipation. Instead, the event found itself at the center of a heated controversy after organizers alleged that

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

IngramSpark vs Lulu: Which Print-on-Demand Platform Is Right for Your Book?

When it comes to self-publishing print books, IngramSpark and Lulu are two of the most popular print-on-demand (POD) services available. Both allow you to publish without inventory costs, but they serve different audiences and offer distinct advantages. Here's an in-depth comparison to help you

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

Book Marketing on a $0 Budget: Practical Promotion Tactics That Actually Work

You've poured your heart into writing your book. Now comes the part that makes most authors break into a cold sweat: marketing. And if you're like most writers, your marketing budget is approximately zero dollars and zero cents. Good news: some of the most effective book

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My VIP Experience at HKTDC Trade Fairs: A Game-Changer for Global Sourcing

After attending numerous Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) trade fairs over the years, I can confidently say these events have transformed how I do business internationally. The combination of world-class exhibitions, generous sponsorship programs, and white-glove VIP treatment has consistently delivered exceptional results for my sourcing needs.

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The Complete Guide to Placing Your Products in Hotel Gift Shops: A Strategic Approach to Hospitality Retail

Hotel gift shops represent one of the most overlooked yet profitable retail channels for product placement. With millions of travelers passing through hotels daily, these retail spaces offer unique opportunities for brands to reach captive audiences with disposable income and a desire for convenience, local experiences, and memorable souvenirs. Unlike

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

How to Build a Pre-Order Campaign That Sells

Pre-orders aren't just early sales, they're your secret weapon for building momentum, validating demand, and creating a launch that actually matters. When done right, a strategic pre-order campaign can transform your book from another title in the marketplace into a must-have release that

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

How Authors Can Partner With Corporate Wellness Programs

As an author, one of the most overlooked opportunities to grow your reach (and impact) is through corporate wellness programs. Companies are constantly seeking ways to support employee well-being, professional development, and inclusion. Aligning your book with these initiatives can open doors to bulk sales, speaking opportunities, and long-

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

The Author's Edge: How Sprayed Edges Can Elevate Your Book's Market Appeal

As an author, you know that getting your book noticed in today's crowded marketplace requires more than just great writing. Every detail of your book's physical presentation matters – from the cover design to the paper quality. One publishing feature that's gaining momentum and can

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

Cracking the Code: Barnes & Noble's In-Store Promotional Programs and What They'll Cost You

If you've ever wondered how certain books seem to magically appear on those coveted front tables at Barnes & Noble, the answer is simple: someone paid for that prime real estate. Understanding B&N's promotional ecosystem can mean the difference between your book languishing on

Small Business Resources

Set Sail for Success: Published Author Opportunities on Cruises

Combining your passion for writing with the adventure of the open seas The gentle sway of the ocean, breathtaking sunsets over endless horizons, and diverse audiences from around the world - cruise ships offer published authors a unique platform to share their work, connect with readers, and earn income while traveling