Here are some hot topics in book marketing tweets, courtesy of bloggers, marketers, authors and others. The issues include what authors can learn from reader pet peeves, how to set expectations before publishing, whether book giveaways are still a good idea, and more. Happy marketing!

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* Are Book Giveaways Still Worth It for Indie Authors?

Some experts offer their insights into book giveaways as a marketing strategy. Things have changed, but there are times that freebies still make sense:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/pw-select/article/62424-are-book-giveaways-still-worth-it-for-indie-authors.html

* Self-Publish or Perish: Why This Author Went from Traditional to Indie Publishing 

Author Eileen Goudge explains why she decided to change publishing paths:

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2014/08/eileen-goudge/

* What Authors Can Learn From Reader Pet Peeves

When author Jody Hedlund asked her readers about what drove them crazy when they’re reading a book, they had plenty to say. Learn from their comments:

http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/2014/08/reader-pet-peeves.html

* Should You Hire an Editor Before Querying? Agents Weigh In

Agents offer reasons why you should – or shouldn’t – hire an editor before querying. It’s an interesting discussion:

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/07/should-you-hire-editor-before-querying.html

* Setting Expectations Before You Publish Your Book

Take some time to figure out what you really want so you’ll have a better chance of reaching your goals:

http://publishingperspectives.com/2014/08/setting-expectations-before-you-publish-your-book/

* Authors Don’t be Twits When Tweeting and Making Online ‘Friends’

This is very clear advice: Don’t do these things. Ever. Or, stop it if you have been doing it:

http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2014/08/02/authors-dont-be-twits-when-tweeting/

* What Sells a Book?

Three factors are important to helping your book succeed. Learn what they are:

http://www.selfpublishingreview.com/2013/06/what-sells-a-book/

* How Barbara Freethy Became the Bestselling Amazon KDP Author of All-Time

It took a lot of work, but Barbara Freethy explains what she did that turned her books into Amazon bestsellers:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michaelprice/how-barbara-freethy-becam_b_5647391.html