Tag: royalene doyle

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

Conversations: 10/7/2016

INTRIGUE…

The Tapestry That Awakens Reader Curiosity

I don’t talk politics with friends—unless they bring the topic into our conversation and then I temper my words not wanting to cause upset for them or me. However, I really enjoy the novel that fits in the genre of political thriller and often find that talking about fictional situations and characters can be a bridge to (shall I say) rational discussions. These are the times when I greatly appreciate the time and effort authors expend in researching details. Those “facts” present a quality of authenticity that not only makes for Best Sellers, but also leads inquiring minds to consider what might be happening in the World we live in.  So it is that I believe doing a bit of research into this genre of fiction novels—what media folks call the thriller—will support writers in developing the books within our own chosen genre.

Author Tom Clancy is definitely one of the best writers in this field. When I read his quote on the back cover of his novel, The Teeth of The Tiger, I thought: THIS is the perfect statement for encouraging writers to PLOT (plan) the story from start to finish—biggest to smallest detail! Clancy said: “If you want to kick the tiger in his ass, you’d better have a plan for dealing with his teeth.” The paragraph Clancy provided to for his Amazon page—to intrigue his Readers—are also a look at how he plots the story.

“Jack [Jack Ryan, Jr.] has grown up around intrigue. As his father rose through the ranks of the CIA and then to the White House, Jack received a life course in the world and the way it works, from agents, statesmen, analysts, Secret Servicemen, and black-ops specialists…. He wants to put it all to work now—but when he knocks on the front door of “The Campus,” he finds that nothing has prepared him for what he is about to encounter. For it is indeed a different world out there, and in here…and it is about to become a lot more dangerous.”

First: Writing a novel in any genre is much like facing a Tiger. It is a BIG job and at times scary with sharp “teeth” that turn around and “bite” you IF you haven’t given the Readers what they want and expect.

Second: DON’T allow the cute “kitty” to frighten you! As you complete each step of the story-development-process you’ll tame that tiger and welcome the future you’ll share together.

Third: Let’s dissect Clancy’s paragraph as he defines his main character.

  • His main character has “grown up around ”
  • Used as a verb, the word intrigue means to make someone WANT to know more about something; to peak their interest in people, places, events and possibilities.
  • As a verb, there is also the element of making secret plans.
  • As a noun, the word intrigue adds the definition of a mysterious or fascinating quality and the secret planning of something illicit or detrimental.
  • Clancy gives his readers a look at his plot outline! (1) Jack’s Dad rose through the ranks of the CIA and White House; (2) Jack received a life course in the WAY things worked; (3) Jack goes to a secret place called “The Campus;” (4) he encounters something he didn’t expect—a different world that is even more dangerous.

Every writer and published author I know has used this element of intrigue in the development of their novels. Whether the genre is Romance, Western, Science Fiction, True Stories or most any other genre, it helps us all write an excellent story—moving us toward that Best Seller list! ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT 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: 9/30/2016

PROMOTING YOUR BOOK—EVERY WAY—EVERYWHERE! (Part II)

Over the last few weeks I mentioned the importance of connecting with the right helpers who can not only do the tasks needed to launch your book into the Reading World, but who can lift you into position and inspire you to be the successful Author you’d like to be. Here’s a list of a few other folks you might like to become acquainted with.

social media

  • The PR Publicists: This person can do as little or as much as you’d like from distributing your Custom Press Release and collecting leads from those for your use, to making contact with the leads and promoting to book more aggressively. They might also specialize in getting TV-news and radio interviews as well as updating and re-sending your Press Release throughout a specific amount of time.
  • The Social Media Specialist: These marvelous people “live” on the Internet participating in every social media avenue that exists—and sometimes creating their own. For authors, this means they will “post” information about your book—everywhere—from Facebook, to Instagram, to Twitter, etc., etc.
  • The Webpage Designer: Do you already have a webpage? Did you start it up because you heard you had to have one IF you’re going to be a successful Author? How many people have visited it? Has anyone contacted you directly from getting your address or email on it? I ask those questions because I’ve been down that road. Then the Director of a Writing Conference I was attending recommended a specialist in web-design who had re-done her page. The results were remarkable. Occasionally a traditional publisher (and most self-publishing companies) will offer this assistance. If possible, I recommend working directly with this person, so they can capture the essence of your book and the person you are as its author. Building a relationship with your Webpage Designer is crucial, and will continue into the lifespan of all your books.
  • The Blogosphere Specialist: The term “blogosphere” refers to folks who are “fluent” in both the WEB and Blogging communities. They are not necessarily webpage Designers, but some are. Their expertise expands into both Internet spheres where they can write about/promote your book without a concern about redundancies. They love to incorporate mini-statements that will grab the viewer’s attention. These are memorable moments that plant the title of your book (or your name) in a Reader’s thoughts so that they will search for more information!
  • Designer/Producer of promotional items: Every Author needs “business cards.” Whether you think of the writing and publishing of your book(s) as a business, or not, the reality is—it IS. Depending on the genre of your book and who the specific people are in your “book-club,” you may not need the assistance from this type of specialists. Many of the authors I know design and create their own business cards through online services. However, if you write in a splashy genre—such as Sci-Fi or Mystery/Suspense—you might want to take a look at some of the promotional items other authors (and movie producers) have created. THINK FORWARD! If you believe your book has movie theater potential, start to promote those images now!

There you have it—my list of helpers who are available to work with you in making your book a GREAT SUCCESS. Don’t be shy about talking with any publishers about their access to people who are experts in these areas. Birthing the book you’re writing deserves all the support you want. ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT 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.

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

Conversations: 9/23/2016

PROMOTING YOUR BOOK—EVERY WAY—EVERYWHERE!

A book-lovers miracle took place back in 1939. The Pocket Book publishing company began printing book for $0.25 cents. Traditional publishers did everything they could to stop it. They were going to lose money if this crazy idea caught on. Well, it did! Suddenly people in the U.S. began reading all the time! The first books were reprints of best sellers and classics such as The Lost Horizon by James Hilton (sold 2,514,747) and Topper by Thorne Smith (1,546,000). Can you imagine not having affordable access to those—or our own recently published books?  This revolution in marketing was a blessing to the world much like the production of eBooks today.

giftcard

Now the question for us is, “How can we do ALL that we need to do get our books noticed and purchased?” Often our budgets are small to begin with and the marketing column is the smallest. Several years ago, one of the self-publishing companies I’ve worked with came up with the idea of providing Gift Cards for authors no matter what stage of writing or publishing they were in. This was before the Facebook “GoFundMe” pages began to appear, however the concept is basically the same. Family, friends, author-communities and neighbors can help financially support an Author—basically donating funds to give the author more options for such things as: completing their book with editorial assistance, hiring a professional cover Designer, or working with an experienced Graphic Designer to prepare a video-trailer to market the book online. This is such a great way for a lot of people to share in the publishing adventure right at the beginning of our own writing journey.

The first place I recommend for investing Gift Card funds is with a Marketing Expert who specializes in promoting book and the genre of books you are writing. Even before your book is ready for release, this person will become your new best friend. I cannot express how valuable their expertise is in today book-world. Much like the innovative thinker who began the Pocket Book company, your personal marketing assistant will be the person who thinks WAY outside the box giving you priceless strategies for getting and keeping your book in view of Readers everywhere. First they will listen to you and collect all the information about your book that you can give them. Then they will develop a plan of action—tasks for you or them—to do today, tomorrow and next year. Arranging book signings at local venues from bookstores to book-friendly coffee houses is high on their lists. They will also help you create a brand and/or platform as well as an “online presence” through all the social media sites possible. Yes, indeed, these folks are amazing people whose gift to us is moving us forward beyond our own expectations.

Also right up top of my helpers list is the PRESS RELEASE writer. An author’s relationship with this person may be short. However, an exceptionally written Press Release is a top priority. One thing to ask when selecting the person you’ll work with is HOW WIDE is their distribution. The publishing of your book is not only a remarkable event in your life it is also an Event that needs to be noticed in the publishing world. Working with a professional and creative Press Release writer will help your launch your book and grab the attention of reviewers in newspapers and online—everywhere. ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT 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.

Book Marketing, Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Marketing Your Self-Published Book, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 9/16/2016

THE MANUSCRIPT IS JUST ABOUT FINISHED

It’s Time to Think About adding the Frosting!

cake with frosting

Just last week I went to a writers’ workshop and within the first two minutes of the speaker’s presentation she said, “From the minute you sit down to begin your first book, you need to be thinking about marketing.” OH, my! I printed my first book in 2004, self-published my second book in 2015, and have a good start on book number three. With the help of several very creative friends, I’ve dipped my toes into the marketing river, but it’s not a comfortable place for me. I really don’t know many writers who are (honestly) comfortable wearing marketing shoes.

So, today, I’m encouraging every writer I know to think about the book you’re beginning—or about to finish—as if it were a delicious cake just waiting to be tasted and enjoyed. If it were sitting in the bakery with no frosting covering it, how many people would buy it? All the other frosted and decorated cakes would appeal to buyers first. Your cake/book would sit there for a long time—maybe not be selected at all.

If you’re a self-published author you may be familiar with the concept of “optional assistance” publishing companies offer to help launch our books into the world. One such option for most of my clients has been the Professionally Designed Book Cover. This is really the frosting-on-the-cake! I remember working with a client who knew the image she wanted to present on her book cover. We spent hours discussing it. She wanted to have it ready to submit with the manuscript, and did not want to add the expense of using the publisher’s Designer. So, she had me “spend” hours researching potential images—multiple illustrations—and finally selected two possibilities. When her manuscript was sent in, with the cover images, the Designer showed her the two she’d selected. He also showed her a proposed option—his interpretation of what she wanted. WOW! That book cover “popped!” It was immediately clear to both of us that when her book was placed on a shelf, it would be quickly noticed.

We both learned a valuable lesson that day—to consider what the publisher can offer us in the areas where we are weak. Our time is a valuable commodity, as is our brain-power which we need to begin the next book(s). If we need editing assistance (see last week’s blog), marketing inspiration or help with developing a video trailer that will catch the attention of today’s Readers who search the Internet before making the book-purchase selections, then that’s what we must do.

Even if you have a contract with a traditional publisher, you may need to seek out assistance in the marketing arena. These publishing houses may introduce the book and give authors a nudge into the world of book-promotion, but they rarely offer additional help beyond that. Their book will go out of print after only a few years if the sales don’t keep it alive.  (This is not the case with self-publishing companies. For a very modest yearly “storage fee” your book will be available as long as you want it to be.)

So it is that I encourage you to build up that layer of frosting/visibility as thick as you can for the book you’ve worked so hard to deliver. ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT 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.

Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 9/9/2016

RIGHT EDITOR vs WRONG EDITOR

… or …

The Match Game

 

Because I’m an editor AND an author I know I’m not the right editor/assistant for a whole lot of authors. That being said, I’m comfortable saying that I am an excellent editor/assistant for many authors. Those writer/authors are the folks with whom I share a passion for the genres of mystery/suspense, historical fiction, and sci-fi; uplifting poetry and art/photography; memoirs and expressions of Faith in true stories, miracles, and encouragement in daily life. Seeing these books finalized and in print is a wonderful feeling. Even more delightful are the times I’ve heard Readers say that a specific book was medicine to them—helping them realize that life’s pain is lessened by life’s joys even when we’re unaware of them.

Today, I’ll share a few thoughts about TYPES of editors and their niche in the editing world so that you can decide for yourself the type of editor your project needs.

  • We’re most familiar with the Copy Editor. This person corrects questionable grammar, makes suggestions about repeated word usage, and looks at the style of your writing.
  • A Copy Editor may also do Proofreading which looks a bit harder at verb tense usage, how writers use numbers, capitalizations, punctuation and, of course, correct spelling.
  • The Format Editor takes your manuscript and places it in the necessary program (PDF, etc.) required for publishing—whether newspaper, magazine, online, ebook or printed book.
  • There are also Research Editors who will confirm the references you’ve used and—if requested—make certain quotes are accurate.
  • Content Editors are often called the melting-pot of editorial services. They look at your manuscript as a whole; get to know you as an author and your author voice; and review/edit accordingly. This means, the Content Editor does their best to keep the author’s voice alive whether the punctuation or verb/tense is perfect or not.
  • Another style of editing is that of the Critique or Development Editor. This person helps a writer build their book from a basic idea, outline or partial draft. They work more closely with the writer—through multiple drafts—and can become an advisor on many book-related topics.
  • A Substantive editor, much like the Critique or Development Editor, will work with writers to improve their fiction manuscript. Both Writer and Substantive Editor work to clean up story elements such as plot, character growth/changes, dialogue, voice, setting, word choice, sentence construction and syntax, and pace—anything that could improve the strength of the manuscript. Working with Point-of-View is a big element helping the Writer re-focus on the Big Picture of their story as a whole.
  • Lastly I will mention the Ghostwriter. In 2014 NPR did a story about a ghostwriter who had just completed his 70th –yes seventieth—ghostwritten book project. Many years ago the concept of allowing someone else to write your book for you was a backroom discussion only to be shared with the publisher who was part of the contract.  NOT SO TODAY. Those who “do” ghostwriting are superb listeners who can hear the voice of their clients and write-in-their-shoes making it possible for Author and Ghostwriter to enjoy their everyday jobs.  Thus the reading public benefits from the best of both worlds—the “story” of the Author and the expertise of the Ghostwriter.

book pages

And there you have it—a comprehensive list of editors who are available to every writer should the need arise.  If you’re looking for an excellent editor match, talk with publishers and self-publishers.  Their current databases will give you the best options. ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT 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.