Jane Friedman's Electric Speed Newsletter

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Welcome to the newest installment of Electric Speed, my personal newsletter where I share digital tools and resources for authors. I am not paid to recommend or advertise any tools or services; in rare cases when I do receive compensation, it is clearly disclosed. Have feedback? Send me an email.

A helpful 2019 marketing calendar

Publicists and book marketers know the power of anniversaries, holidays, and unusual events throughout the year: they help provide an angle for media coverage. Here's a free 2019 marketing calendar that helps you reach out to the press around specific events, and to spark ideas for social media posts. It requires use of Google Calendar, plus your email address. Take a look.

A free online course on fact-checking

Want to learn how to fact-check for your own writing and editing work? Or maybe you'd like to explore a new skillset for your freelance business. Poynter is offering a self-study, 90-minute course on fact-checking. Learn more and register.

How does your website look on Google, Facebook, Twitter—or other networks?

Whenever I present on author websites, I emphasize the importance of double-checking how your site appears in search. This free tool, Meta Tags, offers a way to see, at a glance, how your site appears across a range of outlets. Test it. (Note: I use the free Wordpress SEO plugin by Yoast to edit meta descriptions.)

Analyze any Twitter account for free

If you're curious about your own Twitter stats—or would like to investigate others—Luca Hammer's account analysis is a quick and aesthetically pleasing tool. I found out that I'm most active on Twitter during the late morning and on Wednesdays. It also quickly identified Twitter accounts I interact with most frequently (a useful reminder when you're thinking about future book marketing and who you should be reaching out to). Check it out.

For those of you in the Virginia area: join me for a full-day masterclass on Jan. 26

In Boyce, Virginia: In this comprehensive 6-hour session, you’ll learn not just the foundational principles of getting a book published, but you’ll also gain expert insight into the changing landscape of the publishing industry. Learn what it takes to capture the attention of a New York publisher or literary agent, how to self-publish economically and effectively, and how to determine which publishing path is best to achieve your goals. Learn more and register for $59, includes lunch.

Most popular blog post this month:
The Tricky Issue of POV in Memoir

Have an excellent weekend!
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The business education every writer needs

Library Journal starred review: “Friedman’s 20-plus years in the industry ... combine to create an invaluable compendium of practical advice with encouragement for aspiring and seasoned writers alike.”

Publishers Weekly: “A comprehensive and eminently readable guide that should be on every writer’s desk. ... Destined to become a staple reference book for writers and those interested in publishing careers.”

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Where Jane Is Speaking Next

Masterclass: How to Get Published (Boyce, VA), Jan. 26
San Francisco Writers Conference, Feb. 14–17
UW-Madison's Writers' Institute (Madison, WI), April 4–7
Stockholm Writers Festival (Sweden), May 3–5

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