MSI Press Blog

           Just out! Volume 8 of the  Journal for Distinguished Language Studies . Read the abstracts. See something you like? Explore more! The JDLS is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, other online sellers, the MSI Press webstore -- and, in some (we hope, many) cases your local academic library. (If you want it at your local public library -- just ask the librarian to order it, or better,  subscribe  to it.) Volume 8 Abstracts Beyond the Language: Debating as High-Intensity Cultural Engagement & Leadership Emilie Cleret (French War College) This article discusses the use of debating in senior professional military education (PME) at the French War College in Paris to help officers reach native-like English language competence. In France, senior Professional Military Education (PME) is delivered by two schools – Ecole de Guerre (French War College) and Centre des hautes études militaires, (Centre for Higher Military Studies). Th...

  It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.  Often, we have shared the major advantages to book sales that discovery by a social media Influencer brings. But what if, we have been asked, you have had zero luck, no matter how much you have tried to bring your book to the attention of an Influencer or to have an Influencer decide to promote your book? Well, you could become an Influencer yourself. Here are sone ways to go about that. Choose your niche Select a niche that aligns with your interests, expertise, and passion. Choosing a niche helps you target a specific audience and establishes you as an authority in that area. Define your personal brand Clearly define your persona and ...

It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.  This week's conversation seeks to point authors in the direction that so many ask about--how to maximize book reach and sales. There is not one easy answer, but the following considerations may help. Maximizing your book’s reach and sales involves a combination of strategic planning, marketing, and engagement. Here are some effective steps you can take: Build Your Author Platform Website: Create a professional author website with a blog, contact information, and links to purchase your book. Social Media: Engage with readers on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and interact ...

It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.  Today's topic suggests not underestimating the power of small. As in your book niche; as in your publisher. Take a look at it: Being in a small niche is not a bad thing.  While there may be fewer overall members of your target audience, you are not going to sell to every member of your target audience, anyway. For example, if your niche is parenting, yes, you have a lot of possible buyers BUT you have a proportionately greater number of competitors; unless you have a recognizable name, you may not be able to get your book "seen."      Some niches are easier to dominate than others. So, for example, the parenting category, i...