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Book Launch – Links for Marketing Stacking – 2023

When I self-published my first novel, I finished it and uploaded it and waited.  That's when I learned how important marketing the book is.  I also learned through the next several books how important it is to take advantage of each tiny phase of a book launch for marketing.  That's what this blog post is about.

I have made a checklist for beginners so you can print it out and have it with you when it's time to launch your first book, or a subsequent book.  I believe it will be very helpful to you.



THE VIDEO ABOUT THE BOOK LAUNCH CHECKLIST:

Aside from the checklist, I have made a strategy video where I go over the checklist and give you an overview of how the launch happens, what is involved and how to set yourself up for the best outcome.  I consider a good outcome to be a smooth and timely launch, and within a week to 10 days, you have at least four to ten nice reviews.  It sounds easy, but for new authors, it's not -- But it is possible.

NEWSLETTER PROMOTIONS:

The following websites are ones where you build a email list and your books will be featured on these websites.  Bookfunnel and Siteorigin both offer "author swaps" where you can swap your featured book with another author who has a sizable list.

I'm not a seasoned marketer and don't even consider myself that good at it, and even I was able to build an email list of 5,076 emails within a two year period.  To me, this is amazing!

Bookfunnel.com
Siteoriginapp.com
Instafreebies.com

AMAZON MARKETING STRATEGIES:

Amazon ads is a very complicated program to learn.  I only touched on the ad strategy in this checklist video.  There will be more Amazon ad videos coming in the future.

Below I have left a list of book marketing websites that as a beginner I used.  Now that I have built a newsletter, have a website, and post regularly to social media. I rely mostly on purchased ads with FreeBooksy, BargainBooksy, FussyLibrarian and purchased Amazon Ads.  But you may find the following links helpful so I'll leave them for you to try out.



ADDITIONAL MARKETING WEBSITES

DOWNLOAD 8-Page Checksheet

SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Peek Behind the Novel – Layer 8

QUICK REFRESHER OF WHAT I DID IN LAYER 7:

Just as a refresher, in Layer 7, this was a long and tedious proofread.  Using my list of troublesome words, I searched out all of them all throughout the manuscript and made corrections, deletions or additions.

This technique breaks up the proofread into different formats.  By doing this, it prevents me from just "reading over" all of my mistakes, which is too easy to do as the author.

WHAT HAPPENS IN LAYER 8:

Writing-layer-8-reading-with-microsoft-wordIn Layer 8, I do a read-back.  In Microsoft Word, I use the Read-Aloud feature that is contained on the Review Tab.  By listening to the book read aloud by someone else, it doesn't skip over mistakes like I do as the author.  By the time I'm finished with Layer 7, I've read and reread this book too many times to trust my eyes to spot every error.

The Readback:

I listen to every word during the readback.  In this layer, I not only catch whatever misuse of words escaped my view in the last layers, but I also choose to change a sentence or two based on how it sounds.  Many readers repeat every word in their heads, so if a sentence is back-to-back with one that makes it hard to say or understand, I rewrite it to correct that problem.

After Layer 7, I always feel that the book is picture perfect -- but I find at least several words or areas that I choose to change.  I read-aloud the entire book.

 

word table of contents
word table of contents

SCREEN SHOTS ARE FROM MICROSOFT WORD

SCREEN SHOTS ARE FROM MICROSOFT WORD

CREATING THE TABLE OF CONTENTS

The last thing I do is create the Table of Contents which I will explain here, but you can see done live in the video below.

While the manuscript is open in Microsoft Word, click on the References Tab.  Select Table of Contents.  Choose Custom Table of Contents.  (Picture on left above)

Once the next dialogue box opens (Picture on right above), uncheck both boxes under show page numbers.  I reduce the headings number from the default of 3 to 1.  This is because I only use Heading 1 for my Chapter Headings.

This is all you need to do before clicking OK, which will produce the Table of Contents for an eBook.

IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE OR MODIFY THE FONTS OR SPACING, ETC:

The picture above is where you change any or all of the settings.  The dialogue box in the middle comes up when you click on modify in the first dialogue box.  This is where you can change the font family and/or the font size.

This would be useful if you have a short TOC and want to fill the page; you can increase the font.  Likewise, if you have only one or two lines of the TOC that spill over to the next page and you want to fit it onto one page, you can reduce the font size or change the spacing on the third dialogue box (that opens if you click on modify in the second dialogue box).  You can alter the spaces before and after the paragraphs and this will help you add or subtract space.

IMPORTANT:  Be aware, that once you click on the first modify choice in the first dialogue box (on the left), when you click out of this, Microsoft word will -- on its own -- recheck the boxes asking for page numbers.  So if you modify anything, you will need to uncheck the page number boxes again!  This can reek havoc with beginners!   I'm talking from experience.

Once you "Okay" to close all of the dialogue boxes, the last okay will set off Word to create your Table of Contents.

THE EBOOK IS OFF TO THE EDITOR:

At this point, the eBook is now ready to go off to the line-editor.  Because I have taken the time and made the effort to give my book a thorough proofreading, the editor won't be spending time on correcting silly mistakes I should have found on my own.  She will be focused on my prose and how things look and sound.  That's what I want her focused on.

If you take the attitude that "why bother with all the proofreading, it's going off to the editor?" -- you may wind up with a book that comes back merely proofread with very little line editing.  At the end of the day, you are paying for an editor's time as well as their expertise.  So my advice to beginners is to do all of the proofreading so you get more line-editing, which is what you want.

HERE'S A VIDEO ON THIS SAME MATERIAL:

Writing a Novel in Layers:

First - A Little About the Chronology of a Crime

Writing a Novel - Layer 1
Writing a Novel - Layer 2
Writing a Novel - Layer 3
Writing a Novel - Layer 4
Writing a Novel - Layer 5
Writing a Novel - Layer 6
Writing a Novel - Layer 7
Writing a Novel - Layer 8

Peek Behind the Novel – Layer 7

WHERE WE LEFT OFF IN LAYER 6:

We compiled the novel into a Word document and named it "Manuscript from Scrivener".   That's where we now pick up with Layer 7.

This layer is another proofreading layer, but there is a little formatting we will do in this layer that I will go over below.  There is also a video at the end if you want to see me talk about it in a little more detail.

LAYER 7 - STEP ONE

  • Copy and paste the chapters into my eBook template. The purpose of this is so that I don't have to redo all of my styles. It's easier to just do a copy and paste.

LAYER 7 - STEP TWO:

  • Using the find feature, I go over all of the troublesome words in my list. I do this before I begin to proofread the story.
  • I read only the sentence with each of the words and change them if needed.

LAYER 7 -  STEP THREE:

  • Change the Heading 1 formatting,  if needed
  • I fix the normal and no-indent normal formatting throughout the entire book.
  • I add in simple page breaks between chapters

LAYER 7 - STEP FOUR:

  • I stylize any chapter headings or chapter timings.
  • Using the find and replace feature (Control H), I replace *** with ❖❖❖❖.

LAYER 7 - STEP SIX (OPTIONAL)

  • Filled in my Main Character and Minor Character Lists

LAYER 7 - STEP SEVEN:

Proofread the novel fully.  This time I focus on style and prose.  I do polishing in this layer of proofreading.

LAYER 7 - A QUICK VIDEO:

Writing a Novel in Layers:

First - A Little About the Chronology of a Crime

Writing a Novel - Layer 1
Writing a Novel - Layer 2
Writing a Novel - Layer 3
Writing a Novel - Layer 4
Writing a Novel - Layer 5
Writing a Novel - Layer 6
Writing a Novel - Layer 7
Writing a Novel - Layer 8

Peek Behind the Novel – Layer 6

WHAT HAPPENS IN LAYER 6?

Writing-layer-6-proofreading-oneLayer 6 is the first true proofreading.  In Layer 5, I proofread to make sure the story flowed without interruption from scene to scene.  My focus was on making sure the story flowed from scene to scene, without any big unexplained time gaps, or location mistakes, etc.

So in Layer 6, I am now reading the story for context and checking sentence structure.  I'm looking for repeated words, verb tenses, anything that pops up when I read through it.

As you will see as we go through the next two layers, I like to break up the proofreading into sections, with a focus on something else each time.  Otherwise, looking for sentence structure, verb tense, misspellings, prose style, and punctuation is too much to cover in one read through.  So I have a different focus each time I go through it.

TIP ON PROOFREADING TRICKY WORDS:

All authors have a list of tricky words or troublesome words.  I have a long list of troublesome words and other foibles.  There are words I use too much.  I have other ones I spell incorrectly -- no matter how many times I find them misspelled!

When writing in Layer 4, my head is in "presently happening mode".  Technically, I write in third person, so the story will need to be written mainly in past tense.  This often brings up the issue of needing to use past perfect tense on occasion.  Because of this, I find myself using words like began to . . ., started to . . ., etc.  These sound right when I'm writing in the moment, but are technically wrong in third person.  So in the next layer, I will focus on them and make sure I have all the verb tenses correct.

I'm posting my own list below for beginners.  You can start with this and then alter it for your own list.

COMMON WORDS THAT NEW WRITERS USE TOO MUCH:

troublesome-words

Be aware that many of these words I check in Layer 7 when I'm in Word.  I don't check all of these words in Scrivener.  But there is a tip I give in the video below about how to use the Find & Replace feature to capitalize some of these words so you can get a few of them out of the way before you start proofreading in the next layer.

ADD CHAPTERS AND SCENE ENDINGS:

In Layer 6, I also add Chapters and scene endings.  As I demonstrate in the video below, I make sure that all of my chapters are in Heading 1s.  This way, Word will recognize that setting and they will use a different style for them.  This makes them easier to find.  When the novel is compiled into Word format, it will put the Chapters in Heading 1.  They are much more easily recognizable.

In the video, I also demonstrate how to add scene endings so that you won't lose them when you compile the novel into Word.

HOW TO COMPILE THE NOVEL FROM SCRIVENER TO WORD:

from-scrivener-to-wordOnce you are finished with Layer 6, Click on File => Compile

I use the settings for default and to compile into a Microsoft docx file.  I leave all the other default settings alone.

Check to make sure all chapters you want to compile are checked in the box on the right hand side and all documents you don't want to compile -- like research, etc. -- are unchecked.

Then click on compile.  It takes only a minute or so to finish.

Word will pop up and want you to name it and choose a folder.    I always name mine BOOKNAME-ManuscriptFromScrivener so that I know this is the first word document that came directly from Scrivener.

GOING INTO LEVEL 7:

Next I'll be moving into Word and doing another layer of proofreading.  I'll report back when I'm done and explain all that goes on in Layer 7.  I'll post the video below.

Writing a Novel in Layers:

First - A Little About the Chronology of a Crime

Writing a Novel - Layer 1
Writing a Novel - Layer 2
Writing a Novel - Layer 3
Writing a Novel - Layer 4
Writing a Novel - Layer 5
Writing a Novel - Layer 6
Writing a Novel - Layer 7
Writing a Novel - Layer 8

Book Marketing – How to Recruit ARC Readers

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RECRUITING ARC READERS?

Most authors know that ARC stands for Advanced Reader Copies or Advanced Review Copies.  I don't think the debate on this is settled yet.

There are multiple reasons to recruit ARC readers:

  • ARC readers can offer you valuable feedback about the book.feedback-graphic
  • They can also be a group of readers who may give you your first five or ten reviews, depending upon how many ARC readers you are able to recruit.
  • Announcing you are looking for ARC readers is a first step in your book marketing campaign.  This is a good way to post on a website or social media about the upcoming eBook.
  • By announcing there will be a new release soon enough, you will create the buzz about your book.

WHEN SHOULD I OFFER MY BOOK TO ARC READERS?

editing-a-novel-to-deathIt all begins when you get the book back from the editor.   Make all the changes in the eBook within two to three days after receiving it from the editor.

I'll explain below why it's not recommended to give an "early pre-edited copy" to the readers -- which is how I learned to do it.  But I paid the price.  More on this below.

amazon-pre-order-boxAfter the edits are done, its now time to list it as a pre-order on Amazon and/or as an ARC copy.

I've heard horror stories from some authors about setting it up for pre-order and then not making the deadline!  BUT, since you are not setting the book as a pre-order until it is actually in Final Manuscript form, you don't have to sweat it at all.

Setting your eBook up for preorder on Amazon is the first buzz you will create about your new eBook.  It's an event to be announced on a website and social media.  This will let your present readership know there's a book coming soon.



CAUTION FOR NEWBIES AND BEGINNER SELF-PUBLISHERS:

Caution-GraphicDon’t get impatient and offer the eBook before the last edit.  I was told to do this and make "use" of the time the editor had the book.  However, I paid the price for this, and it's a tall price, one that follows me forever.

When you offer your ARC book it will be for free.  Many readers will take advantage of the free eBook and download it -- with or without any intention of being an actual ARC reader.  They may not read it right away.  But this version of your book lives on their Kindle or other eReader.

After you get your final manuscript back from the editor, there will ALWAYS be things that you missed, even if you proofread it twenty times!

So when the reader gets around to reading your eBook, they won't remember they downloaded an early ARC copy.  They will think this book was released with these very typos and/or other foibles that you missed!  Very often, readers see read when they see typos.  And they very often mention it in the feedback!  This is what I mean by it will follow you forever.  So don't do it!

options-two

RECRUITING ARC READERS IS A MARKETING STRATEGY IN AND OF ITSELF:

book-marketing-graphicRecruiting ARC readers can also be a marketing strategy because who doesn’t like freebies & giveaways?   Giveaways and Freebies have a way of capturing everyone’s attention.   With a great eye-catching graphic, this can create interest and general buzz about your upcoming book.

It's also an opportunity to recruit more readers.

If you make a few different graphics to go along with your invitation to sign up as an ARC reader, this is something you can post several times over the six to eight weeks before your book is actually released.  By having several different graphics, it prevents your posts from appearing too repetitive.

HOW DO I DO IT?

PP-calendar-imageIt all sounds good.  How do I do it?

It starts with a calendar and a final manuscript.

Using your calendar, set your true release date for 8 weeks out for a beginner or 6 weeks out if you’ve done this before.



EIGHT WEEKS?  REALLY?

Why so long?  You need to give yourself time to recruit readers and you need to give the readers at least two weeks to finish the book.   You want to recruit as many readers as you can.  This is the best way to get at least a few reviews when your book is initially released.

ARC-what-to-do-in-8-weeks

Newbies will be anxious to upload and release, but there will be enough for you to do in the 6 to 8 weeks while you recruit and give your ARC readers time to read the book.

THINGS TO DO DURING THE RECRUITMENT TIME:

  1. While the book is awaiting release, you can upload to Amazon as a pre-order. This acts as an announcement that your book is coming.  Its an opportunity to post about it on social media, on your website, and in your newsletter.
  2. Add this new book and a link to it to your Other Books by Author page. Don’t forget to add it to earlier books.  You want every ‘read-through’ advantage you can set up.
  3. Create a review link. What’s a review link?  It’s a link that takes the reader from your Note to Reader page directly to Amazon to leave you a review.
  4. Work on your eBook cover. Then work on the back cover graphics for the Paperback and Hardcover.
  5. Create at least four different graphics about the new book to post to social media. Remember, you’ll need graphics for the following events:
  • Recruiting ARC Readers
  • Announcement of Pre-Orders at Amazon or wherever you sell your books
  • Announcement of your eBook cover art
  • Announcement of Only 7 Days before Release.
  • Announcement of Release of your eBook
  • Newsletter, social media and website graphics
  • Graphics with quotes from your book and eye-catching graphics.


WHAT IS THE WORK FLOW REGARDING RECRUITING ARC READERS?

Step One in Recruiting ARC Readers is you need a Graphic and a Form.

ARC-ad-reading-cat

Here is a small graphic ad I added to my monthly newsletter for a recent eBook asking for Advanced Copy Readers.

I tell them that if they find any errors in the book and email me, I will add them to my acknowledgement page.  I actually got several signups with this approach.

Now, about this little button that says “Click here to get download!”

Behind this button is the magic of computer coding and integrations between Bookfunnel and Mailchimp.  In the video below, I take a few minutes to go into how things work regarding this download button.

But if you don't have a website or mailing service yet, don't despair, there are other types of forms that are available.  I give one easy example in the video below.

YOU CAN SEND THE FORM FROM A WORDPRESS WEBSITE WITH EASE:

Contact-Form-7My website and millions of other websites are built on WordPress.  WordPress is a platform and many coders release what are called plug-ins.  They give different functionalities to the website.

One of these plugins is called Contract Form 7.  You can easily use this form to offer and keep track of ARC readers.  I do a demonstration of this in the video below.

PREPARE THE PROPER COPIES:

In order to send the eBooks to your ARC readers, you will need to have your final manuscript in an ePub format and a PDF format.  Once you get an email from the form you set up, send these two copies to the readers.

ePubs are able to be read on most eBook readers and PDFs can be ready by anyone with a computer.

BE AND STAY ORGANIZED:

If I can offer just one final tip to newbies from the things I did that went wrong when I was a newbie -- it would be to be and stay organized with this.

Because these signups and emails and names will trickle in one at a time, it's too easy to start filing them all over the place.  I had some in a special folder that I forgot about, I put them on a list I thought I would remember but I didn't.  So now I keep a list of my ARC readers on my "Info - BOOK NAME" file (a notepad document) for each book.  I keep them way at the bottom so I can find them when it's time to send a thank you and an invitation to leave me a review.



REQUESTING REVIEWS:

Once the book is formally released, I wait two days and send an email to all of my ARC readers thanking them again and asking them if they would be kind enough to leave me an honest review.  Some do and some don't.  This is the way it is for most authors.  So if you're new, it's best to know that ahead of time.

Writers Research – Tax Liens

ARE TAX LIENS PUBLIC INFORMATION?

tax lien informationYes, a tax lien on a company is a public record. This means that anyone can search for and view the lien, including potential creditors, investors, and the general public. The lien will typically be filed with the county recorder's office in the county where the company is located.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A TAX LIEN?

purpose of tax lienThe purpose of a tax lien is to give the government a legal claim on the company's assets if the company fails to pay its taxes. The lien will remain in effect until the taxes are paid in full.

There are a few exceptions to the rule that tax liens are public records. For example, if the lien is filed against a company that is in bankruptcy, the lien may be sealed. This means that the lien will not be available to the public.
Cops & Detectives can use this readily-available information to find out if a suspect is having money problems, or if he has suspicious business practices.

HOW TO FIND TAX LIEN INFORMATION:

how to find tax lien infoIf you are interested in finding out if a company has a tax lien, you can search the public records for the county where the company is located. You can also contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to see if they have a lien on the company.

Since this is writer's information, you can see what information a detective can get and where he can get it.

WHY WOULD THE POLICE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT TAX LIENS?

cops-lien-infoHere are some of the reasons why someone (or a detective) might want to know if a company has a tax lien:

  • To determine if the company is financially stable.
  • To assess the company's risk as a potential creditor or investor.
  • To protect their own assets from being seized to satisfy the tax lien.When writing a plot line, you may also want to know:
  • What is the suspect's or his/her company's financial situation? Is this part of the motive?
  • What are the company's assets? Is a suspect's money all tied up in business assets?
  • Who are the company's creditors and investors? Could one of them be a suspect?


HERE IS A LIST OF SOME OTHER TERMINOLOGY SURROUNDING A TAX LIEN:

tax lien terminology for writersSometimes just having an overview of how things work can help you thicken the plot or add some details that will enrich the story.  Below are some words and definitions that surround the subject of Tax Liens:

  • Tax lien: A legal claim against a taxpayer's property for unpaid taxes. A tax lien gives the government the right to seize and sell the property to satisfy the debt.
  • Levy: The act of seizing property to satisfy a debt. In the case of a tax lien, the government can levy on any property owned by the taxpayer, including real estate, personal property, and bank accounts.
  • Notice of lien: A document that is filed with the public records to notify creditors and other interested parties that a tax lien has been filed against a taxpayer's property.
  • Lienholder: The person or entity that holds a lien on property. In the case of a tax lien, the lienholder is the government.
  • Redemption: The right of a taxpayer to pay off a tax lien and regain ownership of the property that was seized.
  • Statutory redemption: A type of redemption that is available to taxpayers under state law. Statutory redemption typically allows taxpayers to redeem property within a certain period of time after the lien was filed.
  • Judgment lien: A lien that is placed on property to satisfy a court judgment. Judgment liens can be filed by creditors who have won a lawsuit against a debtor.
  • Encumbrance: A legal claim against property that affects its ownership or use. Encumbrances can include tax liens, mortgages, and easements.
  • Lien priority: The order in which liens are satisfied when property is sold. Tax liens typically have the highest lien priority, meaning that they are paid off first.

 

Writers Research – Bullets Shot Through a Silencer

SHARING WRITERS RESEARCH FROM MY LAST POLICE PROCEDURAL - GUN SILENCER

WHAT IS A GUN SILENCER?

gun-silencerA gun silencer, also known as a suppressor, is a muzzle device that reduces the sound of a gunshot. It does this by slowing down and cooling the expanding gases that are released from the barrel when the gun is fired. Silencers do not completely silence a gunshot, but they can reduce the sound level by 20 to 30 decibels. This can make a significant difference in the loudness of the gunshot, making it much less noticeable to people nearby.

Silencers are legal to own and use in most countries, but there are some restrictions. In the United States, for example, silencers are regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). This means that you need to obtain a special permit to own a silencer.

COPS AND DETECTIVES USE BALLISTIC REPORTS

cop examining ballistic reportA ballistic report is a record of the characteristics of a bullet, such as its caliber, weight, and velocity. Ballistic reports are used by law enforcement to identify the type of gun that was used in a crime. They can also be used to determine the range from which a shot was fired.

Ballistic reports are created by firing a bullet into a calibrated target. The target is then measured to determine the bullet's caliber, weight, and velocity. The results of these measurements are then recorded in a ballistic report.



TERMINOLOGY USED BY POLICE OFFICERS AND DETECTIVES:

cop examining ballistic reportHere are some of the terms that are commonly used in the field of gun silencers and ballistics:

  • Muzzle blast: The sound and flash that is created when a gun is fired.
  • Muzzle velocity: The speed of the bullet as it leaves the barrel of the gun.
  • Suppressor efficiency: The percentage of sound that is reduced by a silencer.
  • Ballistic coefficient: A measure of the ability of a bullet to resist wind resistance.
  • Trajectory: The path that a bullet takes through the air.
  • Effective range: The maximum distance at which a bullet can still be effective.

HOW DOES A SILENCER WORK?

how a silencer worksA silencer can leave markings on a bullet. These markings are called "tool marks" and they are caused by the rough interior surface of the silencer rubbing against the bullet as it passes through. The tool marks can be microscopic or macroscopic, depending on the type of silencer and the type of bullet.

The markings left by a silencer can vary depending on the type of silencer and the type of bullet.

The markings can be faint or difficult to see, so it is important for ballistics experts to have experience in examining silencer-fired bullets.

The markings left by a silencer are not always unique, so it is possible for two different silencers to leave the same markings.

Overall, the markings left by a silencer can be a valuable tool for ballistics experts. However, it is important to remember that these markings are not always conclusive and that other factors, such as the condition of the gun and the bullet, can also affect the markings.



HOW DO BALLISTICS EXPERTS AND REPORTS WORK?

Detective through a magnifying glass looking at a evidenceBallistics experts can use these tool marks to identify the silencer that was used in a shooting. They can also use the tool marks to determine the distance from which the shot was fired.

In addition to tool marks, silencers can also leave other markings on bullets. These markings can include:

  • Rifling marks: If the bullet was fired from a rifled gun, the silencer can leave rifling marks on the bullet. These marks are caused by the grooves in the barrel of the gun.
  • Gas pitting: The gas that escapes from the silencer can pit the surface of the bullet. This pitting can be seen under a microscope.
    Lead fouling: The lead from the bullet can foul the interior of the silencer. This fouling can also be seen under a microscope.
  • Ballistics experts can use all of this information to determine if a bullet was fired through a silencer and, if so, what type of silencer was used. This information can be very helpful in solving crimes.
  • Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

Writers Research – Throw-away or Burner Phones

JNDS-Series-PictureI am in the process of writing the fourth book in the Jack Nolan Detective Series.  I had to do some research about cell phone and how the cops trace cellphones, but this is some other research about disposable phones.  These are referred to by criminals and cops as burner phones.

They are purchased in a box at Walmart or Walgreens, places like this.  Normal people use them to protect their identifies.  For example, if you are having a garage sale and you don't want to use your regular phone number, you can purchase a throw away phone for $15 to $45 dollars and it will protect your real phone number from getting out there.

cheaters using burner phonesHusbands and wives who cheat also use burner phones that they hide from their spouses.  They don't have to worry about getting caught texting to their lovers.

DP-burner-phoneDrug traffickers also use burner phones.  They use them so they can't be traced by the cops.  BUT, as you will read below, they are not foolproof.  As a matter of fact, they are kind of easy to trace.  If you watched the show, Better Call Saul, his system of selling the phones would work for the drug lords.  It worked because Sol bought the phones in bulk in his name.  He sold them to individuals for cash.  So nothing would ever trace the phones to the people who bought them.

Knowing this is helpful to know what will work in a plotline and what won't work.  Below is also more info about how the police can track most phones that are purchased by the person using them at a big box store.



Can Police Detectives find people who use burner phones?

Yes, the cops can find the identities of the people who were contacted using the burner phone if they have the right tools and resources. Burner phones are designed to be disposable and difficult to track, but they are not foolproof.

Here are some ways that the cops can find the identities of the people who were contacted using a burner phone:

  • Tracing the other party:  The cops can get the burner phone number by seeing it on someone else's phone, like a girlfriend or boss, etc.  Once they have the burner phone number, they can get the following:
  • Cellular data: The burner phone will likely have a SIM card that can be traced back to the person who purchased it. The cops can also get a warrant to compel the cellular carrier to provide them with records of the calls and texts that were made and received on the phone.
  • GPS data: If the burner phone has GPS capabilities, the cops can use that data to track the phone's movements. This can help them to identify the people who were in contact with the phone at certain times and locations.
  • Social media: If the person who used the burner phone has any social media accounts, the cops can try to track them down through those accounts. They can also look for photos or videos that were taken with the phone and see if they can identify the people in the photos or videos.
  • Physical evidence: If the cops find the burner phone, they may be able to find physical evidence that can help them to identify the people who used it. For example, they may be able to find fingerprints or DNA on the phone.

Here are some strategies that criminals use to avoid being tracked by the cops if they use a burner phone:

  • They only use burner phone for short periods of time: The less time they use the burner phone, the less data the cops will have to track them. So plotlines may take this into account.
  • They, of course, dispose of the phone once the crime has been committed.
  • Most non-criminals who use burners phones use it to protect their identity for a specific reason, i.e., maybe selling a car online, having a garage sale, etc. Their use of burner phones are legal and the cops would have no way of knowing they used the phones.
  • However, if criminals use the disposable phones for criminal reasons, that's when the cops will be more likely to track them down.
  • Be careful about what you say and do on the burner phone, even if you are just selling things online. The cops can use anything you say or do on the phone as evidence against you.
  • It is also important to remember that burner phones are not foolproof. If the cops are determined to track you down, they will eventually be able to do so.

Writers Research – How Police Can Get Financial Records

WHAT DOES ALL THIS RESEARCH HAVE TO DO WITH WRITING A POLICE PROCEDURAL?

police procedural itemsI'm writing Book 4 in the Jack Nolan Detective Series and there is the possibility of a financial crime.  I did some research on how detectives can get financial records.  I mean, do cops just call and ask nicely?  No, there has to be a warrant.

Actually, there's a whole procedure about getting financial records.  I cobbled this together from a few searches I did pertaining to getting records from a financial institution.  I hope it helps.

HOMICIDE DETECTIVES NEED TO GO FORMALLY BEFORE A JUDGE FOR A WARRANT FOR FINANCIAL RECORDS

search warrantYes, homicide detectives need to formally go before a judge to get a warrant to see financial records. They cannot ask a district attorney to get it informally. This is because financial records are protected by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. In order to get a warrant, the detectives must show the judge that they have probable cause to believe that the financial records contain evidence of a crime. They must also specify the records they are seeking and the financial institution where they are located.



COMMON PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A WARRANT FOR FINANCIAL RECORDS:

researching-law-courtsThe common procedure for obtaining a warrant for financial records is as follows:

  • The detectives will file an affidavit with the court, which will state the facts that they believe give them probable cause to believe that the financial records contain evidence of a crime.
  • The judge will review the affidavit and decide whether to issue a warrant.
  • If the judge issues a warrant, it will be served by a process server or someone from the local Sheriff's office on the financial institution, which will be required to produce the records to the detectives.

ASKING THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OR PROSECUTOR FOR HELP:

district attorney lawyerThe detectives can also ask the district attorney to help them obtain a warrant for financial records. The district attorney will review the affidavit from a legal perspective and decide whether to file it with the court. If the district attorney does file the affidavit, the judge will still need to review it and decide whether to issue a warrant.

It is important to note that the detectives cannot simply ask the financial institution for the records without a warrant. The financial institution is prohibited from disclosing financial records without a warrant or the consent of the account holder.

The Fourth Amendment requires that warrants be issued by a neutral and detached magistrate, and that they be supported by probable cause. This means that the judge must be convinced that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the financial records contain evidence of a crime. The affidavit that the detectives file with the court must be detailed and specific, and it must support the conclusion that there is probable cause.

is there probable causeIf the judge finds that there is probable cause, they will issue a warrant. The warrant will specify the records that the detectives are seeking and the financial institution where they are located. The warrant will also be valid for a certain period of time, and for a specific type or range of records. After the expiration date, the warrant is void.

Once the warrant is issued, it will be served on the financial institution. The financial institution will be required to produce the records to the detectives. The detectives will then be able to review the records and see if they contain any evidence of a crime.



WHO SERVES (DELIVERS) THE WARRANT?

police officerThe warrant is served by a law enforcement officer, such as a police officer or a sheriff's deputy. The officer will present the warrant to the financial institution and demand that the records be produced. The financial institution is required to comply with the warrant, and they cannot refuse to produce the records.

In some cases, the warrant may be served by a private process server. A private process server is a person who is not employed by a law enforcement agency, but who is authorized to serve legal documents. However, private process servers are not typically used to serve warrants for financial records.

The person who serves the warrant must be careful to follow the procedures outlined in the warrant. If the warrant is not served properly, the financial institution may not be required to produce the records.

Here are some of the things that the person who serves the warrant must do:

  • They must identify themselves as a law enforcement officer or a privateGI-hands-pointing-left process server.
  • They must present the warrant to the financial institution.
  • They must demand that the records be produced.
  • They must keep a record of the service.
  • If the financial institution refuses to produce the records, the person who serves the warrant may need to take further action, such as filing a Motion to Compel Production.

    LANGUAGE FOR A WARRANT:

    Verbiage-is-important

Here is a generic warrant form: You never know when you may need some of this verbiage when writing a police procedural.

I, [Your Name], being duly sworn, hereby depose and state:
I am a [Your Title] with the [Your Agency].
I am investigating a potential crime involving [Financial Business Name].
I have probable cause to believe that [Financial Business Name] has engaged in illegal accounting practices.
I believe that the financial records of [Financial Business Name] may contain evidence of this crime.
I request that a warrant be issued for the production of the following financial records:
All account statements for all accounts held by [Financial Business Name]
All transaction records for all accounts held by [Financial Business Name]
All internal accounting records for [Financial Business Name]
I have attached a copy of the financial records that I am requesting .
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated: [Date]
[Your Signature]

DISCLAIMER:

This affidavit is just a template, and you will need to tailor it to the specific facts of your case. For example, you will need to specify the precise financial records that you are requesting. You will also need to provide more detail about the crime that you are investigating and the probable cause that you have.

Once you have completed the affidavit, you will need to file it with the court. The court will then decide whether to issue a warrant for the financial records.

Writer’s Research – Police Investigating Cell Tower Information

WRITERS SHARING RESEARCH:

writers-resources-1In my last police procedural fiction book, I did some research on cell phones and the terminology used by police officers.  I thought I would share it with other writers to save you the research time.

Cops and detectives use cell phone triangulation records in most cases now.  So here is some basic information with many of the terms used.  I hope this helps some other authors.

WHAT ARE CELL TOWERS:

Project-Research-cell-phone-towersCell towers, also known as cell phone towers or cellular towers, are tall structures that transmit and receive radio signals. These towers facilitate wireless communication between mobile devices and the network. Mobile phones connect to the nearest cell tower to send and receive voice, text messages, and data.

SUPPORT THE MEN & WOMEN IN BLUE

WHAT IS CELL TOWER PINGING? 

Cell tower pinging is the process of using a cell phone's signal to determine its location. This can be done by sending a signal to the phone and having it respond with its location data.

How does cell tower pinging work? Cell phones communicate with cell towers by sending and receiving radio signals. The cell tower that a phone is connected to can be determined by the strength of the signal between the phone and the tower. By triangulating the signals from multiple towers, the phone's approximate location can be determined.



HOW DO COPS USE CELL TOWER INFORMATION?

cell-phone-recordsWhen cops are researching where cell phones are pinging from, they typically use a process called cell site location information (CSLI). CSLI is data that records the location of a cell phone by tracking its connection to cell towers.

Is It Legal?  In the United States, cell tower pinging is legal if it is done with a warrant or with the consent of the phone's owner.

WHAT IS THE TERMINOLOGY:

  • Cell Towers - General term for cell towers
  • CSLI (Cell Site Location Information) is data that records the location of a cell phone by tracking its connection to the cell towers.
  • IMEI + a fifteen-digit number is how each cell phone is identified.  This number is assigned at the factory.
  • The cell towers don't have a specific name, they are known by their radio frequency.

WHAT IS THE METHOD:

cell-site-locationEach cell tower has a unique identifier, which is called the International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI). The IMEI is a 15-digit number that is assigned to every cell phone when it is manufactured.

When a cell phone connects to a cell tower, it sends the tower its IMEI number. The tower then records this information in its logs.

Cops can obtain CSLI data from cell phone carriers with a court order. The data they receive from the phone companies will show which cell towers the phone has connected to and when. This information can be used to track the phone's movements over time.  So the cops don't know the individual cell tower information.  They get it with the phone information.

In addition to the IMEI number, cell towers are also identified by their location. This information is typically stored in a database called a cell site locator (CSG). The CSG is used by cell phone carriers to track the location of their towers.

The specific information that is included in CSLI records can vary depending on the cell phone carrier and the type of phone. However, most CSLI records will include the following information:

  • The date and time of the call or text message
  • The phone number of the caller or recipient
  • The cell tower that the phone was connected to at the time of the call or text message
  • The strength of the signal from the cell tower
  • In some cases, CSLI records may also include the latitude and longitude coordinates of the cell tower. However, this information is not always available.

If you are writing a book about a crime, it is important to be aware of the role that CSLI can play in an investigation. CSLI can be a valuable tool for law enforcement, but it is important to remember that it is not always accurate. The accuracy of CSLI can be affected by a number of factors, including the strength of the signal from the cell tower, the location of the cell tower, and the type of phone.



CELL TOWER INFOMATION DISCLAIMER:

However, it is important to note that CSLI data is not always accurate. The accuracy of the data can be affected by a number of factors, including the strength of the signal, the distance between the phone and the tower, and the terrain.

Overall, CSLI data is a valuable tool that can be used to track the location of cell phones. However, it is important to understand the limitations of the data before using it to make decisions.

WHAT IS THEIR AREA OF COVERAGE?

cell-phone-area-of-coverageThe coverage radius of a cell tower depends on a number of factors, including the technology used, the height of the tower, and the terrain.

In general, a cell tower can cover a radius of 1 to 3 miles for 4G LTE and 5G cell towers. However, in some cases, the coverage radius can be as much as 10 miles.

For example, a cell tower using 5G technology with a directional antenna can have a coverage radius of up to 10 miles. However, a cell tower using 4G LTE technology with an omnidirectional antenna may only have a coverage radius of 1 to 2 miles.

The terrain can also affect the coverage radius of a cell tower. Mountains and hills can block the signal, so cell towers need to be placed in areas with clear line of sight.

In general, cell towers need to be built every 5 to 10 miles to provide adequate coverage. However, the specific spacing of cell towers will vary depending on the factors discussed above.

Here are some other factors that can affect the overall radius of a cell tower:

  • The number of antennas on the tower: More antennas can provide better coverage.
  • The power of the transmitter: A stronger transmitter can provide better coverage.
  • The frequency of the signal: Lower frequencies can provide better coverage over longer distances.
  • The weather: Heavy rain or snow can block the signal.

HOW TO DETERMINE WHICH CELL TOWER IS USED?

many-cell-towersThis information is about how a cellphone customer can find out about their own cellphone towers.  This wouldn't be used by the police necessarily but it is information I came across during my own research.

There are several methods you can use to determine which cell tower your phone is connected to.  There are apps in the Play Store for this purpose.  As an author, you won't need to track anything and probably don't need any apps, but it's good to know that this exists when plotting.  These apps provide information about nearby cell towers, including the one your phone is connected to. ·  Check your phone's settings: Some smartphones display information about the connected cell tower in the settings menu. Look for "Network" or "About Phone" options to find this information.