When teaching writing workshops or presenting at conferences, I’m asked, “What are the secrets to becoming a number one best-selling author?”
Even though my mother taught me not to answer a question with a question, I do it seeking insight into where along the writing, marketing, publishing process the questioner is.
“Let’s write a book in a day!” Got your attention? That’s the point. The statement draws clients in with promises of instant success, while the promiser makes money and up sells more services. This business strategy plays out every day on social media advertisements for webinars and workshops promising to help write… Read More
October is time to celebrate these historical firsts for women:
In 1983, while I was planning my wedding, Dr. Barbara McClintock received the Nobel… Read More
Yes! Every nonfiction author should write a book proposal. Many people might say a book proposal is only for submitting a manuscript to an agent or mainstream publisher. For nonfiction authors, a book proposal serves the same purpose as a business plan. It provides a direction for the road to success. I’ll… Read More
The short answer is, “No.” People who use these terms inconsistently and interchangeably, are (there is no easy way to say this) just plain wrong. Marketing, advertising, public relations, and sales have very different goals, purposes, and income or expenses related to each, for example. It is appropriate, or inappropriate, to do… Read More
“Why Write (Part 1)” was about finding and harnessing passion to write your book. Today’s blog is about defining your book goals. A clear understanding of what to do with the book once it’s written helps define and refine writing timeline, budget, target market, short-term and long-term marketing plan, and more.
I love to read and celebrate writing, so I’ve learned about some of my favorite authors. This month we celebrate the birthdays and accomplishments of Roald Dahl, Agatha Christie, and Stephen King. What a mix, right? It may be that September birthdays may be all they have in common? Or not? What… Read More
Many people ask, “Why write my story?” I recognize their yearning, passion, hesitation, and even fear that overshadows a long-time goal. My first response on the surface may seem flippant: “Why not write?” On deeper reflection, the answer really is: “Why not write!!!!!” because with my experience, knowledge, passion for writing, and… Read More
Labor Day dates back to a time when we celebrated the labor movement and achievements of American workers who are the backbone and success of our free trade capitalist economic structure. Labor Day started in 1882 in New York City by a Labor Union. It became a federal holiday in… Read More
Happy National Chocolate Day!
Everything, and I mean everything, is better with chocolate! I like plain milk chocolate, but I’ll enjoy dark chocolate if I must. I also like chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate covered bacon, cherries, bananas, or... chocolate covered everything!
Did you know… Read More