Tom Corson-Knowles

I read Tom Corson-Knowles’ guide to insights on how to use analytics, the science of logical analysis, to sell more books. I was initially disappointed because although his “bible” is just over a year old, it’s already out of date. Disregard everything he suggests in the first few chapters on how to embed third-party links on Amazon to understand your customers. Amazon has since changed its permissions on Kindle Digital Publishing and Author Central to disallow the kind of third-party tracking Corson-Knowles recommends. It’s futile to try (as of February 2014). Do yourself a favor and avoid hours of headaches trying to make it work. For this reason, my initial conclusion was to give the book a one-star rating until the author updates his book or Amazon allows embedded third-party links again.

As I read further, I discovered some valuable insights on book analytics that, ironically, could be applied through other sales channels than Amazon. The author offers some good advice on the general use of analytics that may be applicable to other e-bookstores and your own website and e-books. I haven’t tried it yet and don’t have any specific suggestions but am convinced that the author’s recommendations are still applicable beyond Amazon’s ecosystem. The book merits a five-star rating for this alone.

Because Corson-Knowles’ guide is out of date but has some general points that are still valid, I split the difference and gave it three stars. There may be other, better books on using analytics to sell books. If this guide is free or less than a dollar, it’s still a worthwhile read as long as you avoid the headache of trying to do what it says to do.… (meer)

I must admit, when I read the title of the book Secrets of the Six Figure Author by Tom Corson-Knowles, I was skeptical. But once I started reading I found it was a practical, easy to read books with TONS of great tips.



This book is so much more than another ‘feel good’ self help manual. Even though the author is rather young, he writes with authority and gives a practical ‘action plan’ at the end of each chapter. He’s obviously doing something right, since I went and bought several of his others books!



Here is what "Secrets..." has to say in a nutshell. His first action step is to ask yourself why you want to become a successful writer. It needs to be more than just a ‘fuzzy’ wish. You need to be clear about your own motivation if it’s ever going to become a reality. Then he asks, “What would I change about this day to achieve the success I desire?" Wow. This really got me thinking, and I was ashamed to admit that I have wasted a lot of time NOT pursuing my dreams. In other words, as Corson-Knowles so aptly points out, we are often responsible for sabotaging our own success. Ouch. He goes on to discuss specific obstacles to success but also offers practical solutions. For instance, what should you do if you don’t feel like writing? How can you change a procrastination habit?



In further chapters he outlines distribution channels, practical tips for writing and marketing, and developing a ‘Daily Method of Operation’ to help make you more productive. He suggests that you should be writing new material every day; editing should be a separate activity. Other daily activities for writers should include reading/studying, note-booking (I call it journaling), and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Marketing is also an important factor, but he wisely recommends focusing most of your energy on one or two channels, getting really proficient at those rather than trying to be everywhere at once. His action steps include lots of ‘What NOT to do”, like watching TV, gaming etc. He goes further to suggest monthly and yearly action plans.



He also breaks writing into seven key tasks: writing; editing; marketing; publishing; admin work; financial management; and Tech-Web work. He is quite honest in saying that you can’t possibly be an expert in every area, so it is up to you, the writer, to decide which things you will focus on and which things you need help with.



I really liked this book. It was practical and easy to read. I feel like I actually learned something having read it and I have already been able to implement many of his suggestions.… (meer)