Tag: conversations

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Kelly Speaks, news from the editorial desk, Uncategorized

Conversations: Royalene Returns!

It has been a long month without Royalene here to anchor the blog on Fridays–she’ll be back next week!–and it turns out her absence has given me a lot to think about in terms of the importance of personal witness and testimony within the modern self-publishing tradition.

It’s vital.

I think it’s more vital than, say, something similar within the traditional publishing industry.  Authors who pursue a traditional publication route face many challenges, there’s no denying it, but their challenges take place within the protective sphere of a guaranteed team of editors, designers, publishers, marketers, and other experts who happen to have a stake in making sure any given author they publish sells a lot of books.  Their challenges also take place within a massive literary tradition that has been defended–and eloquently, at that–by other authors for centuries, and will continue to be defended by other authors for as long as the institution lasts.

conversation illustration

Self-publishers don’t have this tradition at their backs, and they certainly don’t have teams of assistants on hand to make sure they’re striking the right tone at this or that interview or that they’re appearing at the right venues for maximum impact. Self-publishers may opt to pay for some of these services, now that the market has diversified, but their default experience takes place in a vacuum.  If they’re very lucky, they’ll have access to other indie authors who have gone before or are coming up alongside them, but they don’t have centuries and centuries of precedents to follow.  When it comes to modern self-publishing, they may have a couple of decades’ worth of a pattern to analyze, but few enough of those who went before had voices that resonate the same way that, say, traditionally published authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald or John Krakauer (to name two random names in a million) have.

This is why conversations with other self-publishing authors, like Royalene, are so important. Each conversation serves to chip away at the wall between an indie author and the comforts of community and tradition.  Conversations are what set us apart from traditionally published authors–we have the option to speak for ourselves, unfiltered and in perfect honesty, about whatever we please without repercussions or sanctions–and what unite us.

I, for one, can’t wait for September and Royalene’s return.  She and other voices like her make our lives–and our work–better.♠

Kelly

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog, kellyschuknecht.com

 

 

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 7/29/2016

WISE COUNSEL—WITH MUSCLE V

To be totally honest with you, I’ve written these last few blogs more for myself, than for other writers. It often happens that way for me especially when I’m researching a topic that touches me personally. Needing to hire and work with a Marketing Assistant is one of those issues. So I’ll go a step further before closing out this theme and ask this question: Am I the only one who has a hard time asking for help?

atlas

Sometimes I feel that way especially when I see TEAMS of people working together to promote someone else’s books. However, now I’ve done a little research on the troubles people have asking for help I hope it makes you feel better, because I do. Here’s a few things I’ve learned.

Many, MANY of us have grown up with society teaching us their seat-of-your-pants, “pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” philosophy of life. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and next-door neighbors have informed us that they walked 40 miles to school—one way—then came home and plowed 20 acres. Nobody helped them and they didn’t ask for any help, either! EXCLAMATION POINT! A good work ethic is a value we all appreciate. However when whole groups within society have given up and walked away from their dreams because they would not ask for assistance, we need to find a better balance of work-play-receiving help-and helping others.

Actually, we’re already pretty good at seeking help, it just hasn’t been identified as such. Obtaining the education we needed to be writers is an excellent form of asking for help. Learning how to use our computers, how to effectively search the world-wide-web for background of fiction and non-fiction books, and how to feed ourselves nutritional foods to keep our brains sharp are unseen ways we’ve all sought help. But should we now follow that same path and spend hours/days/months researching ways to market our books—or take college courses on marketing—so that we can “do it all ourselves” even if we don’t have the natural aptitude?

A good friend recently asked me to babysit her son while she went grocery shopping “in peace.” Of course I was glad to do it, and enjoyed playing trains and reading together as he eagerly told me what would happen even before I turned the next page. Driving home I started imaging a wild and whacky children’s book series! Really? If I’m not willing to ask for help in marketing my current book, WHY should I start writing a series?

together

You’ll be glad to know that I have started a research file on Marketing Assistants—individuals and businesses—and have made a few query calls. I’m listening to their promo-information “talking points” about their skills and abilities and making a list of the ones that will help me with my book within its genre. I’ve talked with my publishing consultant at the company where I self-published and she’s given me two name of their Marketing Assistants. I am ready to accept that hand-up the marketing mountain. How about you? ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 7/22/2016

WISE COUNSEL—WITH MUSCLE IV

When my husband was in the military, he taught soldiers the skill of hand-to-hand combat—each move a strategic plan of action. When talking with authors, literary agents, publishers, editors and writing coaches I’ve learned that marketing my book takes much the same discipline—the creation of a very specific plan that will set this book on the path of success. Strategic thinking, as well as physical preparation is required. Some may question the need for physical readiness. However, if you’ve ever been involved in a library or bookstore “reading/autograph” event, you’ll immediately understand the necessity to be healthy and strong in voice and body.

strategy

When you start working with a Personal Marketing Assistant you’ll discover that she (or he) will do the majority of the “heavy lifting” of tasks that must be done—taking a LOT off your plate. These include:

  • Customizing a marketing plan for your specific needs.
    • Recommending active step-by-step ideas (press release-s, interviews, etc.).
  • Researching valuable information about the genre and topic of your book to:
    • Apprise you of what other authors in your field are doing.
    • Show you the benefits and pitfalls of following in their footsteps.
    • Present new ideas that will lead to more sales.
  • Arrange Book Signings
    • In large chain bookstores and local bookstores
    • In coffee shops, libraries and people-places unique to the genre of your book.
  • Establish and help you develop your Author Platform. This means your Internet “presence.”
    • Social networking on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.
    • Your WEBSITE where people can find you and your book any time day or night.
  • Combine all of this into a Marketing Campaign.
    • Your Marketing Assistant will follow up on marketing leads and explore new leads to make sure your book will stay in front of potential buyers.

Reading through these points—listing much of what this person will do—may give us a sense of relief. The writing of our next book can now commence with great diligence. However, let me share a little piece of advice here. This Marketing Assistant—the person you’ve taken time to seek out, interview and hire—is a very valuable person and should never be taken for granted. Their natural marketing skills are a special gift to those of us who benefit from them. As the saying goes, “He has become closer than a brother to me, understanding where I’m coming from and what I need.” The truth of this will become abundantly clear as your Assistant’s passion to see your book (your written child) succeed in the world becomes reality.

To a large degree, this success depends upon how much you want to (can) invest, and I don’t just mean financially. When the Marketing Assistant askes you what your GOALS are, be as prepared to answer this as honestly, realistically and completely as you can. When the question about Social Media involvement comes up you may have already stepped into this pool but are not seeing results. Do you want your Assistant to “start over” or work with what you’ve got? And when she (or he) asks what your expectations are about their work for you, be ready to respond.

Finally, remember that the two of you are working on a giant puzzle of planning and strategies and all the pieces will not immediately plop into place. The writing of your book did not happen overnight, and the journey of marketing requires much the same patience and work. ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 7/15/2016

WISE COUNSEL—WITH MUSCLE III

The truism that “Two—and sometimes more—are better than one,” is definitely accurate when coming to marketing anything—especially our books! I, for one, have been quite overwhelmed with the promotion and publicizing of my book which was published last year. SUDDENLY the reality hit me that I was now in the business of selling my book—my product. I’ve been “back-doored” into operating a business that is taking way too much of my time. So, what to do?  Hire and assistant! If I don’t, I’ll burn out and all my creative ideas for the next book will burn UP!

Talking with a few of my author friends, I discovered several things about the Business of Books.

  1. The business WORLD of book publishing and marketing is evolving so rapidly that even the giant traditional publishers and very famous authors cannot keep up with it all.
  2. Most established authors not only have a Marketing Assistant, they have a “marketing team” through their publishing house—multiple minds searching for better ways to sell books.
  3. Self-publishing authors who have published with a self-publishing business often have access to marketing assistance which can include:
    1. Very basic marketing included in a publishing package which sets up a website and sends out a basic press release.
    2. Offers an introduction to Marketing Assistants who are definitely qualified and usually have had experience working with several authors.
  4. Personally self-published authors are “independent” authors with no automatic assistance. The writers I’ve known who have gone down this route usually publish their work for a small niche of people (family or co-workers) and seldom wish to market their work beyond that.

One of my new author friends has been talking to me about hiring a Virtual Marketing Assistant—an Internet Specialist who understands the world of digital marketing. My first response to her was, “This sounds like the same thing as working with a Personal Marketing Assistant. I’m talking with a very intelligent and Internet-savvy gentleman now who has a lot of good references.” She was not impressed by the details I gave her. Her continued arguments have not persuaded me. I much prefer meeting with and/or talking with a real person, rather than a “virtual” one—even though I know there IS a real person behind the typed messages being received.

sales marketing

Bottom line, each author needs to do a bit of research into this concept of finding and hiring a Marketing Assistant, then make your own decision which way to go.  But “go” you must, before you suffer the physical and mental burn out that comes from trying to do what we cannot do well. I’m making my list of pros and cons. Here’s what it looks like:

Pros: I don’t like to research genre outlets. I don’t like doing “cold calls” to bookstores. I don’t like creating group email lists and sending out messages each month. I don’t have time to “refresh” the website every week. And, there are probably more marketing things that could be done, but I don’t know what they are. I know I’m losing income by not doing everything I can to promote my book.

Cons: Adding this assistant to my budget.

Conclusion: If this book is to be successful (financially and being read), it is time to invest in a Marketing Assistant. ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 7/8/2016

WISE COUNSEL—WITH MUSCLE II

Writer! Published Author! PR Specialist? Marketing Coach? Book Signing Scheduler? Connection Coordinator for Radio/TV Interviews? Website, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat Refresher?

WHAT? No! Not me. I’m the writer. I poured my life-blood into this book and everyone who has read it (3 friends, my Mom and spouse) loved it. When it hits Amazon, it will certainly be a best seller!

Well, Mr. Writer, I’m right there with you. I wrote my “bestseller” in 2015 and the initial sales were okay. Today, I’m deep into the work of a second book—enjoying every hair-pulling moment—while sales of that first book are floundering. It is time to admit that I’m not Super-Author who can write all day and market all night. There are simply not enough hours in the day to do both jobs well.  SO I’ve begun my search for HELP!

help wanted

As Writers and Published Authors our needs are specific…

  • to the genre of the book,
  • to the main topic and/or perspective
  • to the audience the book is written for,
  • and to the unique goals each author sets.

The goal every writer/author hopes for can be stated in just one word: BESTSELLER. Thank goodness there are multiple Bestseller lists—most according to genre—that can fulfill that goal. However, it takes physical work to climb that trail and strategic planning to reach every Reader who is a potential buyer. This is why we need to search for the right Marketing Assistant for us, for our book(s) and for this book-buying season.

When at a Writers Conference, one of the Website presenters gave us some questions to ask ourselves before setting up our websites. Since then, I see the wisdom of answering these queries as I begin looking for Marketing help.

  • Who are your Customers? Backgrounds? Likes? Dislikes?
  • What would they be searching for on the Internet that would lead them to your book?
  • What would you say to them if you met?
  • What visual illustrations would attract your Readers?

Answering these questions as completely as possible before talking with prospective Assistants will help them understand the expectations you have in their work.

Next, develop questions you may ask when interviewing the Marketing Assistants whether in person or by phone or even email. I’ve come up with a short list. As you read them you may think of others.

  • What is it about marketing books that you enjoy?
  • Why do you feel qualified to market in the Children’s Books genre (or Sci-Fi, or Faith/Ministry, or…)?
  • Have you experienced marketing mistakes? What did you learn from them?
  • Describe how you’ve marketed similar books in the past and what success you’ve had.
  • What marketing strategies do you consider useful for my/this book?
  • Will you require me to sign a contract with you? What is your fee schedule?

This last question is the one we all want to avoid. We know we cannot do an excellent marketing job for ourselves and yet it is often a major stretch in our budget to hire someone to help us.  Consider this: If we save the money, attempt to do the marketing, then have few (or no) sales, we’ve lost all that time and effort and $$ in writing and publishing. Wise counsel suggests that we invest in our work one more time and sign on with the Marketing Assistant who support us in reaching our goals. ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.