Vaporizing Vaporized: Why we turned a book into a website

“I want to turn my book into a website.” This was Robert Tercek, one of our clients, and author of the book Vaporized. And while his request seems ridiculous, it actually made perfect sense. Vaporized is about the transformation of physical objects into invisible data–in essence, the vaporization of those objects. Think about music: we started with live musician... keep reading


Six steps to getting great book blurbs

It’s a good time to be a book lover. With 32.8 million books listed on Amazon, there is no shortage of choice for readers. Those same stats, however, are stacked against authors. With the average reader finishing only an estimated 15 books a year (and many picking up far fewer), you’ve got to squeeze through a pretty fine filter for a reader to pick your words over someone else’s.

With competition this fierce, high-profile blurbs and endorsements are more important than ever for building your book’s credibility and visibility. Reader reviews ... keep reading


Writing About Writing: What Sprinters Can Learn From Plodders

Wow. Three weeks have passed since my last post. Where did the time go?

It has been too easy to push my book writing project to one side. After the initial buzz I got from sharing my outline wore off, I turned my attention elsewhere. I thought, I’ve got lots of time, and lots of other things calling out for my attention. There is urgent client work to complete, special projects to push forward on (Paris and I are creating an online course in how to build your author platfo... keep reading


Writing About Writing: Follow My Progress As I Write My Book

Last week I announced to the world that I am writing a book about writing a book, and promised to share my progress with anyone who cares to follow along. This post is my very first progress report! (Cue the tiny marching band! I believe in celebrating early and often.)

I’m doing this for two reasons. First, I want to share my experience as a first time author in the hope that it will encourage others to dive into their own... keep reading


Writing About Writing: Announcing My Forthcoming Book

I have an announcement to make.

I am writing a book. I’m writing a book about writing a book. (To which Paris, our marketing and communications coordinator, said: “That’s so meta…”)

This should be a cinch for me. I have been an editor for nearly twenty years, over which time I have worked with hundreds of writers. Most of them were professional journalists or feature writers, but in recent years in my role as publisher at LifeTree Media, I have worked almost exclusively with first-time authors.

Every day I  support people in writing... keep reading


Mayim Bialik Praises Generation Stressed

We love to share positive feedback on LifeTree Media’s books, and we’re beyond excited that our first-ever release has attracted the support of actress, author and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, best known for her roles as Amy Farrah Fowler on the popular TV series The Big Bang Theory and Blossom Russo on the 1990s sitcom Blossom.

Mayim is the author of Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachmen... keep reading


How to drive your nonfiction book up the bestseller lists

Every author would love to plop the words “bestselling author” alongside his or her name. But what does this term really mean? The definitions of a “bestseller” are changing in the age of digital publishing.

The New York Times is the gold standard of bestseller lists in North America but recently, more authors are citi... keep reading


A quick chat with: Chloe Belanger

Chloe Belanger is just around the corner from graduating with her bachelor of Arts/Communication at Capilano University in North Vancouver. She has a passion for the protection and preservation of the natural environment, organic living and making the world a better place any way she can. She has recently joined the LifeTree Media team as the newest intern and can’t wait to get started.

Chloe, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a bit of a kid at heart. I believe it is important to experience life to the fullest rather than just let it pass day by day. I lov... keep reading


Twitter tips for non-fiction authors

Social media is a fantastic way for non-fiction authors to reach their readers, receive feedback, and spread the word about their books. In fact, these days it’s imperative. But it can feel overwhelming and forced if it’s not a natural part of your life, or if you’re uncomfortably aware that you’re there to promote yourself. Social networks that run 24/7 and the sheer amount of information available can make it seem impossible to get your voice heard and make authentic connections. However, with a few tricks from the pros, you too can make your social media networks ... keep reading