The gleaming silver seal stops them in their tracks.
Standing out on a crowded bookshelf is what every author wants for their book covers. Great cover art and clear fonts help, but what makes a reader walk across a busy store to pick up your book? Professional recognition they can see at a glance.
Why Stickers Work
Promotional book stickers are your book’s instant credibility. In a bookstore filled with hundreds of novels, all with covers designed to get noticed, stickers deliver that important third-party endorsement clearly and immediately. “Grand Prize Winner,” “Bestseller,” “Editorial Choice” – these messages tell browsing readers that your book has been professionally recognized as outstanding storytelling worth their time.
Chanticleer’s Foil Advantage
Of course, it’s not all about flash. It’s also about a message that tells the bookstore customer why they should stop and consider your book. This is your turn to crow! Get stickers that will tell the reader why they should buy your book. Awards and recognition, such as “Grand Prize Winner” or “Bestseller!” lets people know that your book has been put to the test and come out with a good review or even won a contest! It’s one more push to get them to pick your book over the others.
Of course, not all stickers are the same. At Chanticleer, we believe our foil adhesive stickers give authors an extra boost of promotional power with their built-in ability to catch the light and clear message. With the seal of approval from a respected industry partner, you’ll be making a clear statement about the quality of your storytelling. A shiny foil sticker on your book cover can make all the difference in hand sales, whether at bookstores, conferences, or local events. We’ve seen it work time and time again for our authors!
Final Hours: 10% Off Through Saturday!
Sticker Sale ends May 31st at midnight!
Whether you’re preparing for summer book events, conference season, or just want professional promotional materials on hand, this is your last chance to stock up and save.
First off, congratulations again to all the winners of the 2024 CIBAs! Those who entered received regular promotion throughout the year as they advanced from the Long List all the way through the Tiers of Achievement to become First Place Category Winners, Division Grand Prize Winners, and, of course, the honor only afforded one author, our Overall Grand Prize Winner Reenita Malhotra Hora, who took home the $1,000 cash grand prize!
In addition to the promotion on our high traffic website, social media, and newsletter blasts, all winners will be receiving the coveted Chanticleer Blue Ribbon. Division Grand Prize winners receive, on top of all this, a Chanticleer Editorial Review and an opportunity to participate in a Chanticleer interview. The Grand Prize Winners will have their books featured year-round on their division awards page, and they will be featured for the next five years in their respective Hall of Fame posts. Congratulations again to all winners and all who participated in the 2024 CIBAs!
Who will be the next winners in the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards?
Does your book have what it takes? Join the authors who have taken the leap to have their work professionally vetted by one of the industry’s most respected awards programs. Each stage of the CIBA journey—from entering the Award to finding your eventual tier of achievement—is worth crowing about and celebrating with your following.
Whether you’re an established author with a dedicated readership or a writer with a manuscript hoping to improve your chances of catching the right publisher’s eye, the CIBAs are well-worth the effort! Our multi-tiered advancement system ensures that every qualified entry receives multiple opportunities for recognition and promotion throughout the year.
The CIBA Difference: Real Impact on Author Success
What sets the Chanticleer International Book Awards apart is our commitment to creating genuine, lasting promotional opportunities for authors. When we say we help increase your digital footprint, we mean it!
Authors who have participated in our awards program consistently report:
Increased visibility on retail platforms
Higher conversion rates when potential readers discover their CIBA achievement
Enhanced credibility with readers, reviewers, and industry professionals
Valuable connections within the Chanticleer community of authors
Improved confidence in their writing career
More Than Just Book Awards
At Chanticleer, we understand that every author’s journey is unique. That’s why we go beyond the standard awards process to provide personalized attention and support. Our dedication to authors includes:
Individual consideration of each submission, with options to move books to more appropriate divisions when it could improve your chances of winning
Free judging notes by request for finalists and above, providing valuable feedback directly from our expert readers
Open communication throughout the process, ensuring you’re never left wondering about your book’s status
Certificates upon request to celebrate your achievement
Generous deadline flexibility when authors need a little extra time
This commitment to personal attention is what truly distinguishes the CIBAs from other book awards. We don’t just evaluate your book—we champion its success.
As Levar Burton says, you don’t have to take our word for it:
Thank you for this exciting news! I really appreciate all the hard work you and your team put into the awards! – D.V. Chernov, author of Commissar: A Novel of Civil War Russia
I am so excited and honored to be included as a finalist with this amazing group of authors. Thank you Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media! – Tracy Cram Perkins, I&I 1st Place Winner of Dementia Home Care
To Everyone at Chanticleer,
Your passion for storytelling and your dedication to those that tell them is second to none! Not even a global pandemic could stop you. Thank you for all that you do to promote and support independent authors, such as myself.
–Ryan Young, author of The Shepherd’s Burden, a First Place Winner in Paranormal Awards
Thank you for all the hard work you put in. This is such a great contest, and the support you provide to authors is incredible. – E. E. Burke, Laramie Grand Prize Author of Tom Sawyer Returns
Tangible Benefits That Make a Difference
The CIBAs aren’t just about prestige—they provide concrete benefits that help authors succeed:
$1,000 Cash Prize for the Overall Grand Prize Winner
Promotional Stickers that catch readers’ eyes and boost sales at book events
Digital Badges for your website, social media, and marketing materials
Blue Ribbon Packages to display proudly
Editorial Reviews and Featured Interviews for Division Grand Prize Winners
Five Years of Promotion in our Hall of Fame for Grand Prize Winners
These tangible benefits translate directly into increased visibility, credibility, and sales opportunities for authors at every level of recognition.
2025 CIBA Calendar: Key Dates to Remember
Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in these prestigious awards! Here’s the complete calendar of upcoming CIBA deadlines for 2025:
Keep in mind that these deadlines can be flexible. If enough authors reach out for an extension, we are happy to move them or make an exception. Please reach out to info@ChantiReviews.com with any questions related to deadlines or submission guidelines.
With 28 divisions, there’s something for everyone!
The CIBAs are a labor of love carefully organized for maximum breadth while staying focused and competitive. Our judges come from all around the world, hold degrees in higher education, have worked in the publishing industry for years, and love great books.
What truly sets the CIBAs apart is our commitment to authors at every stage. Unlike many other contests, we provide:
Multiple tiers of advancement with promotional opportunities at each level
Digital badges for your marketing materials
Professional foil stickers for your book covers
Personalized judging notes (by request for finalists and above)
A supportive community through The Roost platform
Year-round promotion for winners across multiple channels
Why Choose the CIBAs?
The 2024 CIBA Grand Prize Winners who attended CAC25! Congratulations to all!
In an increasingly crowded book marketplace, professional vetting and third-party recognition have never been more important. The Chanticleer International Book Awards have established themselves as a trusted source for identifying excellence in independent and traditionally published books across genres.
When readers, bookstore owners, and industry professionals see the CIBA seal on your book, they know it has been thoroughly evaluated and stands among the best in its category.
Your book deserves to be discovered. Enter the Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards today!
Have questions about which division is right for your book? Contact us at info@ChantiReviews.com, and our team will be happy to help guide you to the perfect match for your work.
In the competitive world of publishing, making your book visible to potential readers is one of the most significant challenges authors face. You’ve invested countless hours crafting your story, revising your manuscript, and perfecting your cover design—but how do you ensure your book catches a reader’s eye when it’s competing with dozens of other titles on a bookstore shelf?
Enter shelf talkers: powerful and often underutilized marketing tools that can dramatically increase your book’s discoverability and sales potential in physical retail spaces.
What Are Shelf Talkers and Why Do You Need Them?
Shelf talkers are small, eye-catching displays placed on or near bookshelves that provide quick, persuasive information about a specific title. These attention-grabbing prompts create a direct connection with potential readers at the critical moment of browsing.
You’ve certainly seen them during your own bookstore visits—those small cards beneath select books featuring staff recommendations, award mentions, or compelling quotes. What you might not have realized is how significantly these modest marketing pieces influence purchasing decisions.
The truth is, shelf talkers work because they:
Break through the visual noise of a crowded bookshelf, drawing eyes directly to your title
Provide instant credibility through third-party validation (reviews, awards, recommendations)
Create a personal connection between your book and potential readers
Trigger curiosity that leads browsers to pick up your book—the crucial first step toward a sale
Here’s the good news: When you work with Chanticleer for an Editorial Review, we create professional shelf talkers for you as part of our service! That’s right—you don’t have to design them yourself or wonder what information to include. Our team of publishing professionals handles this essential marketing tool for you.
The Chanticleer Mini-Marketing Kit: Your Competitive Edge
At Chanticleer, we understand that earning a spot on bookstore shelves is just the beginning of your marketing journey. That’s why we’ve developed our comprehensive Mini-Marketing Kit as a bonus add-on to all Editorial Book Reviews that includes:
Professional shelf talkers featuring compelling excerpts from your Editorial Review
Eye-catching foil stickers to display your Chanticleer recognition directly on your book cover
A printed copy of your complete Editorial Review on official Chanticleer letterhead
This ready-to-use marketing package does more than just help your book stand out—it signals to bookstore owners and managers that you’re a professional author who understands the business of bookselling. By providing these materials, you’re demonstrating that you’re invested not just in your own success, but in helping retailers succeed with your book as well.
When approaching independent bookstores or libraries about carrying your title, including these professionally prepared marketing materials can make the difference between a polite rejection and an enthusiastic placement in their inventory.
Effective Shelf Talker Strategies That Drive Sales
The most effective shelf talkers leverage specific elements that motivate readers to pick up your book:
Award Recognition: Shelf talkers featuring Chanticleer Int’l Book Awards finalist or winner status immediately elevate your book’s perceived value. Readers are naturally drawn to titles that have received recognition from respected literary organizations.
Editorial Validation: A compelling quote from your Chanticleer Editorial Review provides instant credibility. When browsers see professional, thoughtful commentary about your work, it reduces the perceived risk of trying a new author.
Genre-Specific Appeal: Our shelf talkers are crafted to highlight aspects of your book that will resonate most strongly with your target audience, whether it’s the atmospheric tension in your thriller or the authentic historical details in your period romance.
Bookstore owners know these tactics work. That’s why prominent display areas like staff picks sections feature shelf talkers prominently. Below we have a photo of Chanticleer’s own Dena Weigel’s husband standing proudly beside his new release in the Featured Author section at Village Books. Notice how each displayed title has its very own custom shelf talkers that catch browsers’ attention and drive sales, just like a staff pick shelf!
Take Your Book Marketing to the Next Level with Chanticleer
In today’s crowded publishing landscape, professional marketing support can make all the difference in your book’s commercial success. When you invest in a Chanticleer Editorial Review, you’re not just getting an insightful analysis of your work—you’re acquiring powerful marketing tools designed specifically to increase your book’s visibility and sales potential.
You can read more about different reviews here, but in a nutshell our Editorial Book Reviews provide:
In-depth, professional assessment of your work
Compelling quotes perfect for book covers, websites, and promotional materials
SEO-optimized online presence that improves your discoverability
Complimentary shelf talkers and marketing materials ready for immediate use
Did you know? From Finalists and First Place Winners can request mini-marketing kits specific to their achievement in the CIBAs as part of the recognition for their own incredible achievement. Email info@chantireviews.com to learn more!
Don’t let your book get lost among thousands of titles competing for readers’ attention. Give it the professional marketing support it deserves with Chanticleer’s Editorial Reviews and custom shelf talkers.
Chanticleer Editorial Services – Taking Your Writing to the Next Level
Ready to ensure your manuscript is at its absolute best before publication? Chanticleer’s professional editing services can help polish your work and prepare it for the marketplace.
Our team of professional editors has worked with top publishing houses including TOR, MacMillan, Thomas Mercer, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and more. They bring their expertise in the Chicago Manual of Style and years of industry experience to help your manuscript shine.
A great place to start is with our manuscript evaluation service, which gives you a comprehensive overview of your work’s strengths and areas for improvement. This bird’s-eye view can significantly shorten the time needed for developmental and line editing, saving you both time and money.
These wonderful authors put themselves out there, and we are honored to have been able to promote them throughout the 2024 CIBA year and beyond! Good luck in these final rounds of judging!
The world of publishing continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Technology has become central to every aspect of the industry, from writing and editing to marketing and distribution. At Chanticleer, we take pride in offering a conference that embraces the latest in publishing technologies. Our event provides a comprehensive look at the best tools and strategies authors can use to build their brands, market their work, and increase sales. We’ll explore everything from AI and metadata management to cutting-edge marketing techniques, ensuring you are well-equipped to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
In addition to offering invaluable business and marketing insights, we are also featuring select advanced writing craft classes to help authors take their writing to the next level. Whether you’re looking to improve your storytelling techniques, explore new narrative structures, or refine your manuscript, CAC25 has something for everyone.
Headliners
J. D. BARKER- Int’l Bestselling Thriller Author
J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL and the wildly popular 4MK series. He is currently collaborating with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.
CHRISTINE FAIRCHILD – Author, Book Doctor, and Dialogue Expert
Christine Fairchild offers 35+ years experience as a writer, editor, and book doctor. She’s conducted celebrity interviews (XFiles, SciFiMall.com), edited for technical giants (Microsoft, Hitachi), and served as a marketing/readability specialist for consumer products (DHL, Cingular, AT&T). She now specializes in Suspense fiction and helps authors take their work, and their career, to the next level through her online workshops, classes at conferences and one-on-one book-doctoring of clients’ novels. She also writes suspense and historical fiction, so she understands the challenges authors face in their craft and the publishing industry.
KIM HORNSBY – USA Today Bestselling Author, Producer, and Screenwriter
Kim Hornsby is a USA Today Bestselling Author and Produced Screenwriter known for adapting her novels to screenplays. With 16 novels and as many screenplays Kim is also a movie producer, with Braving Rapids, a Family Adventure and Secret Life of My Other Wife, a Lifetime Thriller slated to release early ’25. Comfort & Joy starts filming for a Christmas ’25 release as well as Christmas in Crystal Creek. She teaches her method of adapting from book to film at conferences nationally including Chanticleer, the RWA and PNWA. Her Christmas Romance novels and Suspense Mystery novels have sold over half a million books and she’s thrilled write happy-ending stories for her readers.
A mother, dog owner, kayaker, painter, and avid adventurer, Kim loves to travel but when home she writes from a desk overlooking her forested acreage on an island off Seattle conjuring up entertainment with gutsy heroines amongst diverse and inclusive characters to represent real life.
Can’t make it on Friday? Saturday-only passes are available! These passes include lunch, the banquet, and participation in the Saturday Book Fair at the Bellingham Yacht Club, followed by the Village Books Book Fair the next day at their flagship store in Fairhaven!
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at info@ChantiReviews.com. We try our best to reply within 3 business days.
The esteemed WRITER Magazine (founded in 1887) has repeatedly recognized the Chanticleer Authors Conference as one of the best conferences to attend and participate in for North America.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in the 2024 CIBAs! We wish you all the best of luck during these final rounds of judging and hope to see you at CAC25, April 3 – 6, 2025!
Best regards, Kiffer Brown, David Beaumier, Dena Weigel, Anya Mueller, Scott Taylor, Argus Brown and Team Chanticleer
As a boy, J.D. Barker was drawn to the shadows. He imagined monsters in his closet and wrote stories about the witches and ghosts he was certain lived in the woods outside his home. His active imagination kept him awake at night—it also turned him into a New York Times and international best-selling author.
Today, the award-winning author has an ever-growing list of spine-tingling thrillers, including several co-authored books with James Patterson and praise from the master of horror, Stephen King.
Barker’s work encompasses elements from several genres, presenting them in what has been broadly described as suspense thrillers. Horror, crime, mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural all have a role to play in his books, bringing the same level of intensity his mentors incorporate into their novels. The monsters that scared him as a child are now captured in the pages of his stories.
A Young Author Drawn to the Shadows
Mysteries were the first to grab Barker’s attention, reading the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew series as a child, but eventually he moved onto the classics and found his home in the works of Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Edgar Allen Poe. Soon, he was writing his own stories, exploring the depths of his fear and producing tales of the monsters he imagined were living under his bed.
The literary life continued to call for Barker, even after receiving a business degree. When an article he wrote for a college assignment ended up in the hands of Paul Gallotta from the pop culture magazine, The Circus, he was invited to join the staff of 25th Parallel Magazine, an American lifestyle periodical. This unexpected path led him to interview celebrities for popular magazines, such as Seventeen, TeenBeat, and other national and local publications, and it wasn’t long before he had his own syndicated newspaper column called Revealedwhich centered around the investigation of haunted places and supernatural occurrences.
These early endeavors served as a crash course in writing, and he began working as a book doctor and ghostwriter, helping others fine tune their writing and readying it for publication. The experience proved invaluable. It taught him what works and what doesn’t in today’s popular fiction, and it led to his first venture into writing a novel of his own.
Tapping Into the Mind of the Masters of Horror
Forsaken, Barker’s first novel, was independently published in late 2014. Incorporating horror master Stephen King’s character Leland Gaunt from Needful Things offered Barker the opportunity to get his novel in front of King who granted Barker permission to utilize the character in the novel. The book went on to hit several major milestones. It landed the #2 spot on Audible (Harper Lee withGo Set a Watchmanheld #1), #44 on Amazon U.S., #2 on Amazon Canada, and #22 on Amazon UK.Forsakenwas also nominated for a Bram Stoker Award (Best Debut Novel) and won a handful of other awards, including a New Apple Medalist Award. Soon Bram Stoker’s family reached out to Barker and asked him to co-author a prequel toDraculautilizing the original notes and journals from Stoker’s own archives, much of which has never been made public. The novel, titled Dracul, sold at auction to G.P. Putnam & Sons, with film rights going to Paramount.
The success of his first novels drew the attention of traditional agents and publishers and in early 2016 his debut thriller,The Fourth Monkey, sold in a series of pre-empts and auctions worldwide, with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt set to publish it in the U.S. and HarperCollins in the UK. The book has also sold for both film and television. Barker has since gone on to write numerous titles which have appeared on bestseller lists around the world and is a frequent collaborator with James Patterson. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television.
From a child afraid of monsters, to an author who creates them, J.D. Barker has thrived on writing stories that thrill, excite, and scare people who love those mysterious bumps in the night. It’s a full circle journey that has given him a career that continues to thrill his international fanbase.
Chanticleer is proud to present J.D. Barker at the 2025 Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC) and the International Book Awards (CIBA) on April 3-6, 2025,
where he will be sharing his expertise in book promotion, digital marketing, and the upcoming changes in the publishing industry!
Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from one of the literary world’s bestselling authors!
Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time
The 11th Day of Christmas
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…
Tips to Master Social Media to Market Your Book in 2025
On the 11th Day of Christmas, let’s talk about how you can make social media work for you in 2025! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, social media is an essential tool for building your author platform, promoting your books, and engaging with your readers. But with so many platforms out there, where should you focus your energy? How do you manage your time? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some expert social media tips that will keep your online presence fresh and engaging.
Find the Right Social Media for You
Before you dive into the world of social media, ask yourself some key questions. Is this something you’re excited about? Do you have the time to maintain it, or will you burn out trying to keep up? While it’s a powerful marketing tool, not every author needs to be on every platform. Choose platforms that feel natural for you and that you can commit to regularly.
If you enjoy engaging with readers and sharing updates, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky might be a great fit. But if social media feels like a chore, it’s okay to take a step back and choose just one platform to focus on.
Choose the Right Platform for Your Audience
Each platform has its strengths, so take the time to figure out where your audience spends their time.
Instagram is great for visual content like book covers, inspirational quotes, or sneak peeks from your work.
Bluesky is the fastest growing platform and is fantastic for quick updates, engaging in writer communities, or sharing thoughts on current trends.
Facebook offers groups and more in-depth discussions, perfect for engaging with fans or promoting events like book launches.
TikTok is a growing platform for authors, especially those in Young Adult and Fantasy genres, where you can create short videos to showcase your personality, writing process, or books.
Focus on a maximum of two platforms, so you’re not overwhelmed. Think about which platforms fit your personality and your audience, and stick to them consistently.
Keep Your Content Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to social media. When creating a social media calendar, aim to post daily on Instagram and Twitter, weekly on Facebook, and monthly for newsletters or blog posts.
It’s important to post during optimal times to reach your audience when they’re most active. While places like Sprout Social and Buffer offer great insights into when certain platforms tend to be most active, the best thing you can do is look to see when your followers are most active. The best way to determine this is to practice posting at a variety of times and from your analytics decide which times are best for you!
Utilize Hashtags and Themes
Hashtags are a powerful way to increase the reach of your posts. For authors, #AmWriting, #Bookstagram, and #IndieAuthor are popular, but don’t be afraid to create your own unique hashtag or join community-specific ones like #ChanticleerAuthors or #CAC2025 for events.
If you’re unsure of which hashtags to use, research what other authors in your genre are using. This will help your posts gain visibility and connect you with your target audience.
Show Your Human Side
Don’t be mistaken for a robot or a “bot”
Readers want to connect with the person behind the books. Don’t be afraid to post about your personal life, your hobbies, or even your writing struggles. Whether it’s a picture of your writing space, your favorite coffee mug, or an adorable pet, your followers will appreciate seeing the real you behind the words.
Remember, social media is all about building community, not just promoting your books. Engage with others, share posts you enjoy, and show genuine interest in your readers’ lives.
Celebrate Your Wins: Use Chanticleer’s Badges and Recognition
The Tiers of Achievement for CIBA Winners!
As you work on building your platform and promoting your books, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Winning a Chanticleer International Book Award (CIBA) or receiving a positive Editorial Review can provide you with recognition and credibility that you can share on your social media.
Share your CIBA badges to show off your achievements.
Post quotes from your Editorial Review to highlight positive feedback.
Use SEO-optimized blurbs and links from your review to drive traffic to your book page and boost sales.
With these badges, reviews, and recognition, you’ll not only be showcasing your hard work but also encouraging new readers to check out your book!
Engage and Interact: Build Relationships with Your Audience
Kiffer out chatting with some of our audience!
Remember, social media isn’t just about pushing your book. It’s about creating conversations and relationships. Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in discussions to create a genuine connection with your followers. Community building is key, so get involved with other authors, share their work, and celebrate their successes too.
Get Ready for a Successful Year of Social Media Marketing in 2025
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a social media presence that works for you. Start slow, stay consistent, and engage with your audience, and you’ll see the results grow over time.
The Eleven Pipers Piping in the Christmas Carol has been said to represent the eleven disciples (since Judas was out) who went on after the Resurrection of Christ. Thinking about the birds though, could it have originally have been a reference to sand pipers? Also, the eleven pipers piping is symbolic of having a great team!
These guys are pretty cute, but probably shouldn’t be given as a gift.
“But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.
Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.
So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time!
Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lord’s a’Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a-Milking
Seven Swans a-Swimming
Six Geese a-Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)
Two Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
Stay tuned for the 12th Day of Christmas, where we’ll continue to share more tips and cheer as we ring in 2025 with new opportunities and creative projects!
Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and continuing to prepare for the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the 2023 CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.
Wishing you Happy New Year from Chanticleer! from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas! – One Day at a Time
The Tenth Day of Christmas gift of Ten Lords a’Leaping represents the 10 Commandments of the Old Testament that guide the faithful. We could use a lot of rules of ten for different writing practices!
On the Tenth Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…
Best Practices for Marketing your Book by Maximizing your Services!
On the 11th Day of Christmas, we’re focusing on how you can get your book the recognition it deserves in 2025. Whether you’re an indie author or a seasoned pro, marketing your book effectively is key to connecting with readers. That’s where Chanticleer comes in! From the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs) to our Editorial Book Reviews, we provide tools and services to help your book shine and grow its audience.
Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs): Boost Your Book’s Visibility
One of the best ways to promote your book is by entering it into the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs). As one of the most prestigious book awards programs for indie authors, the CIBAs offer incredible visibility for your work. Winning or placing in the CIBAs can propel your book onto readers’ radar, and with the exclusive badges and stickers we provide, you’ll be able to showcase your achievement wherever you promote your book!
Winning an award is great, but CIBAs also offer much more than just recognition. Each entry includes SEO-optimized technology, enhancing your book’s performance on our website and boosting its visibility online. With our dedicated SEO efforts, your book will be more discoverable by readers and search engines alike.
Whether it’s sharing your award badge on your Amazon author page, website, or across your social media platforms, the CIBAs provide the resources you need to amplify your book’s success. And with the white-glove service Chanticleer is known for, we’re always here to support you every step of the way.
In addition to awards, one of the most powerful ways to promote your book is with a Chanticleer Editorial Book Review. Not only do we provide in-depth, professional reviews for your work, but each review is packed with blurbs that you can use across various platforms. From social media posts and Amazon descriptions to website content and in-store shelf talkers, the blurbs we provide will help capture attention and intrigue potential readers.
Beyond the blurbs, our Editorial Reviews also come with comprehensive SEO optimization. This gives your book greater exposure on Chanticleer’s website and makes it more likely to be discovered through search engines. A great review helps you stand out, but the behind-the-scenes work ensures that your book gets the recognition it deserves.
Our team is committed to giving each author a white-glove experience, whether it’s crafting a tailored review or helping you optimize your marketing strategy post-review. We’re here to make sure your book gets the attention it needs to thrive.
The Power of a Badge and a Blurb
You know you want it…
Badges and blurbs are more than just accolades—they’re tools that can help you market your book and connect with readers. Whether it’s an award-winning badge from the CIBAs or a glowing editorial review blurb, these elements give you a professional edge that resonates with readers. Display them proudly on your book’s page, share them across social media, and use them to highlight your success.
At Chanticleer, we know how much effort goes into writing, publishing, and promoting a book. That’s why we’re here to support you with services that enhance your book’s visibility and marketability.
Get Ready for 2025: Make Your Book Stand Out!
This holiday season, take the opportunity to set yourself up for success in the new year. Whether it’s through the CIBAs or an Editorial Book Review, Chanticleer’s services are designed to give your book the recognition it deserves.
On the 10th Day of Christmas…
“But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.
Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.
So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time! Well, a couple more days.
Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!
On the Tenth Day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Ten Lord’s a’Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids A-Milking
Seven Swans A-Swimming
Six Geese A-Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)
Two Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
We’re not sure why the lords are a’leaping over the 10 Commandments, but they sure do look happy.
Stay tuned for the 11th Day of Christmas!
Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping our presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and setting ourselves up in the New Year for publishing success (with Chanticleer Professional Services and the Chanticleer Authors Conference).
Wishing you Happy Holidays from Chanticleer from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
QR codes have emerged as
a versatile and powerful tool
for authors to promote and sell their books
In the ever-evolving landscape of book marketing and reader engagement, QR codes, these seemingly simple squares of black and white pixels can open doors to a multitude of opportunities. This makes them an invaluable asset for writers looking to connect with their audience in innovative ways. Here we’ll delve into how QR codes work and how authors can harness their potential to sell more books!
What is a QR Code?
QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can store a variety of information. When scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader, they can direct users to websites, videos, social media profiles, and more. Unlike traditional barcodes, QR codes can hold much more data and can be read from any angle, making them exceptionally user-friendly.
How Do QR Codes Work?
Encoding Information:
QR codes are created by encoding information into a pattern of black and white squares. This information can range from URLs, to contact details, or even multimedia content.
Scanning the Code:
When a QR code is scanned using a smartphone or tablet, the embedded data is quickly decoded and the user is redirected to the stored content, whether it’s a webpage, a promotional video, or a digital book. It’s a seamless and mostly effortless way for your readers to find you on the internet.
Decoding and Action:
The scanning app or device, such as a cell phone, reads the QR code and performs the action associated with it. If the QR code contains a URL, the device will open the linked webpage automatically.
Why Should Authors Use QR Codes?
QR codes present a unique opportunity to engage with readers in a more interactive and dynamic way. These are just some of that ways you can incorporate QR codes into your marketing strategy:
Streamlined Book Sales:
Place QR codes in promotional materials, at book signings, or on your book covers to lead readers straight to your selling sites, like Amazon or your personal website.
Direct Access to Content:
QR codes can link directly to book trailers, sample chapters, exclusive content, or your Newsletter! This immediate access helps generate interest and provides readers with a direct path to learn more about your work. For more information on different types of content marketing and how to build your Newsletter, check out this interview with Chanticleer Overall Grand Prize Winner Michelle Cox!
Enhanced Author Websites:
Use QR codes to direct readers to your author website where they can find more information about your books, upcoming events, or subscribe to your newsletter.
Interactive Marketing:
QR codes can be used to participate in interactive campaigns. For example, you can create codes that lead to online contests, reader polls, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Social Media Integration:
Encourage readers to follow you on social media by including QR codes on you promotional materials. Scanning the code can take them directly to your social media profiles, making it easier for them to connect with you.
Simplify Reader Reviews:
Having a QR code at the end of your book can better link the reader directly with your Amazon or Goodreads page where they can leave a review of your book. Remember! Editorial Reviews help drive Reader Reviews by giving them language to work with. You can learn more about updating your Editorial Reviews on your Author Central here.
For more tips on marketing your book, check out this article here, which includes suggestions for using Book Awards and Editorial Reviews to market your work!
How to Create and Use QR Codes Effectively
Generate the QR Code:
Use a QR code generator tool (Many of which are free) to create your code. Enter the URL or information you want to encode, and download or screenshot the generated code.
Design with Purpose:
Incorporate your QR code into your book cover design, marketing materials, or business cards. Ensure it is large enough to be easily scanned and placed in a prominent location.
Test Thoroughly:
Before printing or distributing, try scanning your QR code yourself. Nothing is worse than discovering the code you set up for people to use just doesn’t work!
Provide Instructions:
Not all readers may be familiar with QR codes. Including a brief explanation on how to scan the code and what to do afterward can be the call to action you need to make things as easy as possible for your readers.
Give Readers More with QR Codes
QR codes are a powerful, cost-effective tool for authors aiming to enhance their marketing efforts and engage with readers in new ways. By providing direct access to content, facilitating book sales, and integrating with your online presence, QR codes can significantly boost your visibility and reader interaction. Embrace this technology to unlock new opportunities and keep your promotional strategies ahead of the curve!
Thank you for joining us for this Writer Toolbox Article
There is so much to learn and do with Chanticleer!
From ourBook Award Programthat has Discovered the Best Books since the early 2010s to our Editorial Book Reviews recognizing and promoting indie and traditional authors, Chanticleer knows your books are worth the effort to market professionally!
When you’re ready,did you know that Chanticleer offers editorial services?We do and have been doing so since 2011.
Our professional editors are top-notch and are experts in the Chicago Manual of Style. They have and are working for the top publishing houses (TOR, McMillian, Thomas Mercer, Penguin Random House, Simon Schuster, etc.).
If you would like more information, we invite you to email us at info@ChantiReviews.com for more information, testimonials, and fees.
We work with a small number of exclusive clients who want to collaborate with our team of top-editors on an on-going basis. Contact us today!
Chanticleer Editorial Services also offers writing craft sessions and masterclasses. Sign up to find out where, when, and how sessions being held.
A great way to get started is with our manuscript evaluation service, with more information available here.
And we do editorial consultations for $75. Learn more here.
Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time
On the 8th Day of Christmas…
The Eighth day of Christmas is the celebration of Mary as the Mother of Jesus, which can be traced back to as early as 431 AD.
“But Jiminy Crickets, it is the 2nd of January! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.
Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.
So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you still have time! You have FIVE Days!
Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!
On the Eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eight Maids A-Milking
Seven Swans A-Swimming
Six Geese A-Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)
Two Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
This lyric represents the common worker. We are so grateful to all those who make the wheels of the world turn who can be so easy to forget! An extra special Happy New Year to all workers!
Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!
On the Eighth Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…
Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
Eight SEO Boosts (at least!) with each Chanticleer Book Review Package
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. When you purchase an Editorial Review from Chanticleer, we do our best to keep up with all the latest trends and under-the-hood data technologies that ensure your book is picked up by search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, and others.
Key Phrase Optimization: We choose a word or phrase that is most likely to lead to your book, usually your title.
Title Optimization for the length of our review title as it appears in search engines.
Heading Optimization: We use our blurbs to stand out in describing your book while also showing search engines what’s most important to pick up.
Sentence Optimization: We make sure all reviews use the appropriate number of words to best improve theirFlesch reading score.
Optimization that utilizes your keywords.
Tagging and Categorizing for web crawlers.
Links! Links to the Author’s website, links to the Publisher’s website, links to the book’s Amazon Sales Page, links to other Chanticleer Reviews in the series (if applicable), and Links to our Local Village Books’ sale page for your book if it’s available through Ingram. We are currently working on linking to Barnes & Noble. The more links the better in the Internet of Things!
AISEO PRO SEO Booster app with Meta Descriptions, Cornerstone Content, Focused Key Phrases
In addition, all Chanticleer Reviews are promoted in our e-newsletter, website, Social Media platforms, and the Chanticleer magazine.
Editorial Reviews are powerful tools that are only limited by imagination! Don’t let your book go undiscovered!
For more detailed information about how a Chanticleer Review with its exclusive AISEO PRO booster app, click here>> You can learn more about SEO here.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
We would like to invite you to join our curated online communityThe Roost!
We are so proud the community we have on The Roost! It is great perch to hang out on for writers and publishers to hang out in and connect.
We host weekly write-ins, discussions of writing craft books, and advice on the author’s journey. With authors in all stages of the writing process joining us, there is always something to learn on this independent PRIVATE social media site.
Writing may seem like a solitary activity, but stories are told in community. Whether you find that on The Roost or elsewhere, we’re happy that you are a part of our community here at Chanticleer.
Limited Time Only! Join The Roost during the 12 Days at a discounted holiday price.
Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and continuing to prepare the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the 2023 CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.
Wishing you Happy New Year from Chanticleer! from Kiffer, Sharon, David, Dena, Vilina, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time
The 4th Day of Christmas
The Four Calling Birds are meant to represent the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Also, the Fourth Day of Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, and it is considered a day for children. The feast honors the male children who were killed by King Herod in his quest to find the potential usurper (Baby Jesus) to his throne. Today, the youngest member of the family is in charge for what to do, where to go, what to eat for the entire day. The day is also known as Childermas.
Some say Four Calling Birds (song birds). Some say Four Colly Birds (black birds). And then, there is this person’s interpretation of Four Calling Birds on Reddit:
Is this a conference call?
“But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.
Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas are known as Advent.
So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry. Just get it done. Eight Days left until Three Kings Day!
Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team!
On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…
Four ISBNs! (not ASINs)
An ISBN is the identification number that is unique to your book.
ISBN is the International Standard Book Number
Authors in the US need to pay for their ISBNs from Bowker, but in Canada they are provided to authors directly.
Why Self-Published Authors Need to Own Their Own ISBNs
Owning your own ISBNs gives you complete control over what is entered into your book’s metadata.
Metadata is the descriptions and categories that help libraries, bookstores, wholesalers, distributors, global supply chains, and, most importantly, readers worldwide discover your book.
ISBNs are non-transferable from the owner. ISBNs establish your book’s identity and authorship.
ISBNs never expire and there are no renewal fees. However, you cannot reuse an ISBN once it has been assigned.
ISBNs come with unique barcodes.
In the U.S., Bowker is the only official source of ISBNs.
Bibliographic immortality
As you may surmise, there are many details to learn about ISBNs about when and why they are necessary along with the few cases where they are not.
One thing to keep in mind is that each version of your book’s publication should its own ISBN. This means that each of the following needs a separate ISBN to be easily distributed:
Hardcover Edition
Paperback Edition
eBook Edition
Audiobook Edition
You can see on Bowker, where ISBNs are sold, that there are huge savings to be had by buying ISBNs in bulk. Of course, this ISBN information is most applicable to the United States. Other countries have different rules and costs associated with an ISBN, so if you live outside of the US, you should do your research on ISBN rules and expectations. The discounts can be pretty sudden!
1 ISBN is $125
10 ISBNs are $295
100 ISBNs are $575
1,000 ISBNs are $1,500
ISBNs are non-transferable, and if they’re bought in someone else’s name, they can’t be transferred to another name. That’s why it’s always good to be cautious when buying an ISBN from a third party from anything under the standard price.
There is one type that doesn’t require an ISBN is your book on Block Chain / Bit Coin because each block chain book has its own unique code. If you decide to have your book available on Block Chain, our advice is to check out BookChain, out of Montreal, Canada.
There are three basic ways to sell your book, print, ebook, and audiobook. For print, we’ve already discussed several ways you can go through that formatting, which also applies to ebooks.
We’d also like to pause and take a moment to mention Bookchain. Bookchain is one of our close affiliates who uses a unique blockchain (the NFT technology associated with Bitcoin) to track books and book sales. You can learn more and sign up for Bookchain here.
For Audiobooks, you’ll also want to consider professional help. This isn’t just for voice actors, but also for audio software. Many people may be familiar with Audacity, a free audio recording software that was designed with music and mixing in mind. It takes a little bit to learn how to use it, but once you have a few basics dialed in, it becomes much easier to use. In a pinch, like Microsoft Word, Audacity can work to create an audiobook recording for your story, but it’s not what the program was specifically designed for.
Hindenburg is audio recording software designed to create excellent, professionally mastered audio for your stories. There’s plenty of support to learn how to use it, and longtime Chanticleerians like CC Humphries are experts with it, creating Audi-worthy creations regularly. And Hindenburg will format your audio book for the myriad of audio book platforms that are out there. Hindenburg is known for their incredible customer service and support team.
Stay tuned for the 5th Day of Christmas!
And just for fun:
We now have:
Four Partridges and Four Pear Trees
Six Turtle Doves
Nine French Hens
Four Calling Birds
Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and continuing to prepare the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the 2023 CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.
Wishing you Happy Holidays from Chanticleer from Kiffer, Sharon, David, Dena, Vilina, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
KIM HORNSBY – USA Today Bestselling Author, Producer, and Screenwriter
