Tag: publishing

I Need Your Help

January 2, 2017

Faithful followers. I have a favor to ask of you…VBS 011

As we jump into 2017, I’m attempting to amp up my marketing. And believe me, I definitely need help there. Putting yourself out there is, well, not easy.

So here’s the request.

I wonder if those of you who have read any of my books would be willing to leave an honest review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and/or Goodreads if you haven’t already done so (thank you to those who have). Even if you didn’t like it, any review is better than no review. It’s okay. I’m a big girl. I can take it. I promise I won’t cut you off or unfriend you.

I can’t begin to explain the complicated publishing world and how much it benefits us as authors to have your reader reviews. Sometimes it can even mean the possibility of a future publishing contract. I know. You had no idea, did you?

I’ll even make it easy for you.

If you’ve read The Miracle of Us: Confessions of an Online Dater click on the following links to leave a review. DSC_0002

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Goodreads

 

 

If you’ve read Voices of the Past click on the following links to leave a review.

bookcoverimagevoice

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Goodreads

 

 

 

If you’ve read Simple & Creative Event Decorating – right. You know the drill.cover

Amazon

Goodreads

 

 

 

And if you have yet to enjoy my books and would like to, you can use the same links above (except Goodreads) to purchase. No pressure.

Thank you in advance for your help! My goal is to have at least 30 reviews for each book. I appreciate your input so much!

Happy reading!

The Dreaded Book Proposal

November 3, 2012

The time has come.

A little over a year ago, after hearing about the book I was writing, an author friend suggested I find an agent. I didn’t feel ready. In fact, I felt completely inadequate as a writer with so much more to learn, that while I felt encouraged by her advice, I simply couldn’t follow it at the time. Six months ago, a well known author critiqued a portion of my first novel at the Mt Hermon Christian Writers Conference and indicated that I should consider looking for an agent and thinking about which publishing house I’d like for my contemporary fiction manuscript. Her advice forced me to embrace the idea that perhaps the time was nearing for me to look for an agent.

I can’t put it off any longer.

I’ve finished the first book and with eighty pages written on the novel, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m at the point of needing to write a proposal to find an agent. Can I just say that writing two books has been easier?

I described the situation to my seventh grade daughter like this…

Imagine you are given an assignment (let’s say a paper to write for your language class…). You’ve spent many hours constructing this piece of writing. You’ve written, re-written, had it critiqued, edited, re-written (the fifteenth time now) and finally you like it enough to turn it in. BUT before your teacher will accept your paper, you must write a compelling letter (query) with only enough information and intrigue to make her want to see a summary of your assignment (proposal).

If your teacher decides your letter is persuasive enough, she may ask you to submit the summary of your paper. You hope this is the case.

Now the situation gets even more difficult.

This summary must capture her attention. Each sentence must lead her to the next, and the next creating a longing in her to see your full assignment. (No pressure here!) What if it’s too short? Or too long? How many pages exactly is a “summary”? Do you have enough information to leave her feeling confident with your ability to write, or is it too much and boring her? What details are imperative to create a good feel for the storyline and which are superfluous? What other papers have been written about your topic? Are they same, or different and in what ways? Finally, do you write the author bio in first or third person??

Wow, Mom! That’s intense! I’m glad I don’t have to do my schoolwork that way.

To which I answered, “So am I sweetheart. So am I. Now you know why I put up my little sign that announces, “I’m in my zone. Please do not disturb.”

She got it.

For all of you out there who have written, are writing or still dread the day when you will finally have to write…a book proposal, I salute you. I admire you. Nice job. Keep it up. Don’t delay (it may take longer than it did to write your book). May you find an agent who feels compelled at the “Dear Sir.”

What is your book proposal writing experience? Have you found ways to make it easier?
 

A great resource: http://michaelhyatt.com/writing-a-winning-book-proposal

Brand Yourself

May 31, 2012

I think I’ve finally grabbed hold of the message.

This past year of writing, I’ve wrestled with all the usual writer issues like:

  • Keeping my butt in the chair (distractions at home with family…need I say more?)
  • Putting actual (and many) words on a page–or computer screen now that I’ve succumbed to technology
  • Believing I have something worthwhile to say
  • Learning how to craft my words into something enjoyable and inspirational to read
  • Publishing…to e-book or not to e-book; that is the question

But the one element that’s kept me in a headlock is platform. I’ve taken classes, read articles and looked at author websites. Voices of various publishers echo in my head “You have good content, but you need a platform.” A platform shows why people should listen to you. Your brand showcases your expertise.

Branding–Like a cowboy with a searing hot iron on a cow’s rump??

Okay, I’m teasing. I understand what branding in the marketing world really means. A previous job as an editor/writer for a Christian ministry brought me into direct contact with the concept of branding as we toyed with various ‘looks’ for the author/speaker who was my boss. But the concept, while understood, felt vague when I attempted to apply it to myself.

Then, this week I read something that Regal editor, Kim Bangs, was quoted as saying. It grabbed me.

Brand yourself, not your writing.

Thank you, Kim!! I’m sure you’ve said it before, even to me at Mount Hermon, or at least in your workshops, but I finally get it. It finally makes sense to think about my passion, my ministry, and what God has for me to say to help the world. Like an umbrella, my unique brand will cover all my writing and speaking.

So I’ve been searching for the meaning to life this week.

The meaning for my life at least, and the purpose for my writing. Who am I? What am I all about? What do I give to others?

I’ve been collecting what people say about me through comments on my blog or remembering when someone felt encouraged by something I’ve said to them. That means I need to listen and accept compliments they offer.

I’ve considered what gets me fired up. I love to see people grow from one place in their lives to the next especially when I’m allowed the privilege of  helping them move along by encouraging or instructing them, or being a champion on their behalf!

Platform is about you.

Or me. It encompasses who we are in relation to others’ needs. I’m finally seeing the point.

So, what is your life about? What’s your passion? Your platform?

I’m looking forward to reading Michael Hyatt’s book now that I’m finding myself and my purpose in writing. Understanding is a good place to start, but now I want to apply all I can.

If you see something that might help me grasp my brand and platform, please feel free to share a comment. Likewise, if you would like my input, I’d be happy to check out your writing too.

Happy branding.

Feeling Small

May 16, 2012

Sometimes as a writer in the vast world of professional bloggers, published authors, agents and publishing companies I feel very small.

One of my favorite authors, Mary DeMuth, wrote a moving and challenging article in her e-zine this week addressing this apparently common issue. Her words encouraged me tremendously, especially since Mary writes amazing stories that change lives. Twelve of her books have already been published.  I’ve read almost all of them. Even great authors can feel small??

It surprised me to find that someone as influential and successful as Mary would feel small. But it occurred to me that we all experience feelings of melting into nothing at times. For me, this feeling of smallness comes when I’m the most focused and productive. Interesting, isn’t it?

Something whispers to me that all my hard work means nothing; that no one will ever notice or care; that I’m so far off base in relation to the rest of the writing and publishing world I might as well give up.

I believe I’m intended to write. I think God will use me someday to encourage others through my writing and my life experiences. Every day I look at my list of writing activities or my current work in progress and decide I will do something. No matter how small. Each small step builds momentum that will carry me somewhere good.

Keep writing. Every day. Keep learning how to write well. Learn how to do one small thing in social networking or marketing. And share with others when you feel small and what encourages you.

What is your small place?