Part of being an indie author is to strive for exposure. Of all the challenges with writing, it's being ingenuous with getting the word out there about your work that is the most taxing. Ask any indie author and they'll likely agree. We can all throw hundreds of dollars at promotion, and I'm sure we've all tried that, but the most inventive way of spreading the word about your craft is by blogging. That is what brings me to this book. Indie Writing Advice Volume II is effectively all the blogs which I've written during the year 2013. Through my blogs I shared all the knowledge and tips I learned while focusing on three things: writing more books, submitting my completed manuscripts to publishers, and researching more productive ways to promote my work. The year 2013 was an important one for me; it was the year I was awarded a traditional publishing contract. It is my hope that if a publishing contract is your objective, that by following at least some of the guidelines from this book, that you will get closer to achieving your goal. Some Topics Discussed: Relax, Being an author is a process 10 Things I never thought I would do as an author What do you do when you're stuck writing a scene? Book Layout: it's a little thing but makes all the difference How to create a book trailer Things to be careful of when self-publishing How do you define success as a writer? How do you create powerful, realistic and interesting characters? How to deal with negative reviews My top ten list of reasons why writers/bloggers need to get a good night's sleep If the word fits, use it Why I've gone back to the 80/20 rule for writing I've finished writing my manuscript. Why am I not as excited as before? Why is there such a gap in your resume? 10 Query Letter tips to get better responses A book trailer...with a twist Can we treat book sales the same as product sales? What's that, Mr. Timer? Yes, I'm indebted to you How to translate a publisher's rejection letter How to grow your writer's toolbox one word at a time Why do we love to hate certain characters? Creating a main character readers will love to hate 10 Simple things you can do today to improve website engagement Your website: what makes them come? What makes them stay? How do you create memorable secondary characters? What should you be posting on social media sites? When is it time to shift gears on Twitter? Do you have an Amazon author central profile? Guest Posts: Five Ways to Avoid Spammers What is important about Google analytics? Writing Style: As individual as your own reflection And much more