Finding it hard to spark meaningful discussions around shared articles in your self publishing community? These ready-made Article Conversation templates are designed to drive reflective engagement and help members connect more deeply with editorial content.
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Article Conversation posts tap into the natural curiosity and expertise of self publishing community members. By introducing an article and prompting thoughtful discussion, you help members share their perspectives, learn from each other, and develop critical thinking skills. Highlighting key takeaways or controversial points encourages diverse opinions, which leads to richer, more dynamic conversations.
This format also lowers the barrier to participation by providing clear starting points for engagement. Members who might be hesitant to post original content can easily join in by responding to focused prompts. Over time, these conversations build trust, foster a sense of belonging, and position your community as a hub for valuable industry insights.
After reading this article on indie book marketing, what strategy stood out to you most?
💡 Example: "After reading this article on indie book marketing, what strategy stood out to you most?"
The author claims self editing is more important than beta readers. Do you agree or disagree?
💡 Example: "The author claims self editing is more important than beta readers. Do you agree or disagree?"
What is one takeaway from this article on cover design you could apply to your next project?
💡 Example: "What is one takeaway from this article on cover design you could apply to your next project?"
Has anyone tried the book launch tips shared in this article? Share your results below.
💡 Example: "Has anyone tried the book launch tips shared in this article? Share your results below."
This article challenges the idea that paid ads are necessary for indie success. What do you think?
💡 Example: "This article challenges the idea that paid ads are necessary for indie success. What do you think?"
Which quote from this piece on author branding resonated with you and why?
💡 Example: "Which quote from this piece on author branding resonated with you and why?"
If you could ask the article's author one question about their publishing journey, what would it be?
💡 Example: "If you could ask the article's author one question about their publishing journey, what would it be?"
The article lists five common self publishing mistakes. Which have you encountered?
💡 Example: "The article lists five common self publishing mistakes. Which have you encountered?"
Do you agree with the article's advice on pricing ebooks? Why or why not?
💡 Example: "Do you agree with the article's advice on pricing ebooks? Why or why not?"
What would you add to the list of resources shared in this article?
💡 Example: "What would you add to the list of resources shared in this article?"
This article on time management for authors made me rethink my routine. Has it inspired you too?
💡 Example: "This article on time management for authors made me rethink my routine. Has it inspired you too?"
The piece suggests newsletters are underused. How do you connect with your readers?
💡 Example: "The piece suggests newsletters are underused. How do you connect with your readers?"
After reading this, what is one thing you would do differently in your next self publishing project?
💡 Example: "After reading this, what is one thing you would do differently in your next self publishing project?"
Do you agree with how the article defines indie author success? Share your own definition.
💡 Example: "Do you agree with how the article defines indie author success? Share your own definition."
Which self publishing myth from the article surprised you most?
💡 Example: "Which self publishing myth from the article surprised you most?"
How might you apply the article's tips on book formatting to your next release?
💡 Example: "How might you apply the article's tips on book formatting to your next release?"
What did you learn from the author's journey in this editorial that you can relate to?
💡 Example: "What did you learn from the author's journey in this editorial that you can relate to?"
The article highlights pros and cons of wide vs exclusive publishing. Where do you stand?
💡 Example: "The article highlights pros and cons of wide vs exclusive publishing. Where do you stand?"
Which statistic in the article about indie publishing trends surprised you?
💡 Example: "Which statistic in the article about indie publishing trends surprised you?"
If you could add one tip to this article for new self publishers, what would it be?
💡 Example: "If you could add one tip to this article for new self publishers, what would it be?"
What is your biggest takeaway from this piece on book reviews and reader feedback?
💡 Example: "What is your biggest takeaway from this piece on book reviews and reader feedback?"
Do you think the article's advice on building an author platform still holds up?
💡 Example: "Do you think the article's advice on building an author platform still holds up?"
Which part of the article did you disagree with and why?
💡 Example: "Which part of the article did you disagree with and why?"
The article mentions using AI for editing. Would you try it on your manuscript?
💡 Example: "The article mentions using AI for editing. Would you try it on your manuscript?"
What is one question you still have after reading this article?
💡 Example: "What is one question you still have after reading this article?"
Share an experience where you faced a challenge similar to the one described in the article.
💡 Example: "Share an experience where you faced a challenge similar to the one described in the article."
How does the article's advice differ from what you have learned through experience?
💡 Example: "How does the article's advice differ from what you have learned through experience?"
What would you like to see the article cover in more detail?
💡 Example: "What would you like to see the article cover in more detail?"
The article argues for writing every day. Do you follow this habit or prefer another approach?
💡 Example: "The article argues for writing every day. Do you follow this habit or prefer another approach?"
What resource mentioned in the article have you found most useful?
💡 Example: "What resource mentioned in the article have you found most useful?"
Did this article change how you think about working with editors or proofreaders?
💡 Example: "Did this article change how you think about working with editors or proofreaders?"
Of the marketing tactics mentioned, which have you tried and with what results?
💡 Example: "Of the marketing tactics mentioned, which have you tried and with what results?"
What is one idea from the article you disagree with and why?
💡 Example: "What is one idea from the article you disagree with and why?"
The author suggests building a street team. Has anyone here done that?
💡 Example: "The author suggests building a street team. Has anyone here done that?"
What is your favorite piece of advice from this article and how will you use it?
💡 Example: "What is your favorite piece of advice from this article and how will you use it?"
The article shares a unique approach to genre selection. Would you try it?
💡 Example: "The article shares a unique approach to genre selection. Would you try it?"
Which mistake mentioned in the article have you made and how did you overcome it?
💡 Example: "Which mistake mentioned in the article have you made and how did you overcome it?"
What would you like to ask the author after reading this editorial?
💡 Example: "What would you like to ask the author after reading this editorial?"
Did you find the article's advice on social media marketing realistic for indie authors?
💡 Example: "Did you find the article's advice on social media marketing realistic for indie authors?"
How do your publishing goals align with the success stories shared in this article?
💡 Example: "How do your publishing goals align with the success stories shared in this article?"
What is one question you would like the community to discuss after reading this article?
💡 Example: "What is one question you would like the community to discuss after reading this article?"
Which marketing channel from the article are you most interested in exploring next?
💡 Example: "Which marketing channel from the article are you most interested in exploring next?"
To use these templates, select a relevant article, summarize its main points, and paste the template into your post. Adjust the prompt to fit the article's themes or your community's current interests. Encourage follow-up by replying to initial comments and highlighting thoughtful responses. Rotate between different template styles to maintain variety and appeal to both new and seasoned members.
On all platforms, keep posts concise and visually clear. Use bold or italics for article titles if supported. Link directly to the article and use hashtags for discoverability. Respond promptly to comments to keep the conversation active.
You can tailor the templates to include open-ended questions or scenario prompts that directly address pain points such as sourcing professional editors, cover designers, or formatters. For example, you might post: 'What are your top tips for vetting freelance editors?' or 'Share your experiences with cover design marketplaces.' This approach invites members to share insights and resources, fostering a knowledge-sharing environment focused on self publishing hurdles.
Leverage the Article Conversation templates by crafting posts that invite members to share their pricing experiments, outcomes, and thoughts on industry trends like KDP Select pricing or wide distribution. For example, ask: 'How do you determine your ebook versus paperback prices?' or 'Has anyone adjusted pricing after Amazon’s royalty changes?' This encourages practical, data-driven conversation specific to self publishing.
Absolutely. Adapt the templates to include prompts about specific marketing tools or tactics. For example: 'Has anyone seen success with BookBub Featured Deals?' or 'What’s your experience with cross-promoting via newsletter swaps?' Tailoring conversations this way not only keeps discussions relevant but also helps members learn from real-world experiences in self publishing marketing.
Use the Article Conversation templates to create a supportive atmosphere by framing prompts with empathy and encouragement. For example: 'How do you cope with 1-star reviews?' or 'Have you ever relaunched a book due to low sales? Share your story.' By normalizing these challenges and inviting vulnerability, you help foster trust and deeper engagement in your self publishing community.
Incorporate news-based or timely prompts that ask members for their thoughts or adaptation strategies. For instance: 'How has Amazon’s recent algorithm update affected your visibility?' or 'Are you changing your publishing strategy following the new KDP royalty policy?' This keeps your community informed and engaged with ever-evolving self publishing platform dynamics.
Structure the templates to invite structured peer review sessions, like: 'Share your latest book blurb for constructive feedback' or 'Post your cover for a quick critique Wednesday.' Make sure to set clear guidelines on giving and receiving feedback to ensure the process remains helpful and positive, leveraging the expertise within your self publishing community.
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