Why Take a Crazy Deadline?

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Have you ever taken a “crazy” deadline? Why do it? In this article, I will give a number of reasons why I have done it through the years--and why I continue to do it--and encourage you to do it too.

Almost ten years ago, I learned a publisher had their team selling a book into the bookstores but did not have a manuscript they wanted to publish. Yes, it sounds backwards but happens. The book is called Running On Ice by Vonetta Flowers, the first African-American to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics (2002 two-person bobsled). The manuscript needed to be written in six weeks and was a 50,000 to 60,000 word book. I love to tell a good story, was fascinated with Vonetta’s story and signed up to write this book with a nearly-impossible deadline. 

The publisher had a manuscript but it wasn’t the right story for this author. They hired me to write a bobsled story. It is a remarkable story about how a much-decorated track and field athlete became one of the top bobsledders in the world. Vonetta comes from Birmingham, Alabama where they barely have any snow. I flew to her home to spend time with her, get the story content for this book. In addition, I flew to Salt Lake City and drove to Park City, Utah to ride the sled and feel those experiences. It scared the daylights out of me but the course is a public ride in the summer. 

The story was fascinating and I met the deadline even writing a foreword by Jackie Joyner Kersey as well as delivering an endorsement from broadcast journalist Bob Costas. Why would I take such a deadline? If you haven’t read Running On Ice, I encourage you to track down the book (even at your local library) and read it then write a review for it. At the time of this writing, this book is out of print (happens to many books) but it was a valuable writing experience for me and I love the stories in this book--even if it didn't perform in terms of sales as expected. I was working for the publisher for this project and did pitch an article about the book to one of the top 20 circulation-magazines. Because of my pitch to the editor, there was an article about Vonetta in the magazine and a mention and link to Running On Ice. 

The experience of writing this book stretched me as a writer. I had to break the task down into bite-size pieces then execute those pieces to meet the deadline and give the publisher what they needed. It’s a process which I have completed a number of times in my writing life. 

I’m writing about this book today because this month I met another crazy book deadline. It was another fast-moving book which will be released in early 2025. The topic was interesting to me and a challenge to fit into my publishing life and complete it on schedule. But it happened and is happening.

In this article, I want to encourage you to take these opportunities if they come across your path. It will stretch you as a writer into new areas. I’ve read some experts advise you to do something every day that scares you and then you will continue to grow as a writer and communicator. I compare the process to a popular guest on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was an artist who would spin a number of plates on a stick. He had to keep each plate spinnng or it would fall and break. It’s the same in the publishing world. You have to continue to move forward with the different tasks and keep from breaking something.

Also if you take such a steep deadline, it will keep your mind and heart dependent on the Lord to give you the energy and the words for the task. 

In addition, you will learn or re-learn the power of consistency, breaking a task into small pieces then executing those pieces with excellence. 

Each of us have the same 24 hour, seven day a week time-constraints. How are you going to spend your time? Have you taken a crazy writing deadline? Would you be willing to take another one? Let us know in the comments below.

Some of my recent Podcast Recordings:

I’ve mentioned in these articles that I’ve been using PodMatch to book podcasts. Even with my steep book writing deadline I’ve continued to do this work. Here’s some of these podcasts: 

Writing a Bestseller: Myths and Realities Revealed with Terry Whalin on the Give A Heck Podcast with bestselling author and podcaster Dwight Heck (@give_a_heck) at: https://bit.ly/3Bl0eh2 

I enjoyed talking about publishing with author and coach Tommy Thompson (@TommyPThompson) on the Space for Life Podcast at: https://bit.ly/4g4b5uO  

Anthony Franco and Chris Franks interviewed me about Overcoming Idea Infatuation and Publishing on The Founder Podcast at: https://bit.ly/49O4B

Andy Charles and I spoke about Author Actions to Succeed in Publishing on Andy’s Personal Development Podcast at: https://bit.ly/41HZv44 

 

Shemaiah Reed (@shemaiahreed) and I talked about Author Actions to Succeed in Publishing on the I Am Real Podcast at: https://bit.ly/3VRR7LJ

Tweetable:

Have you ever taken a crazy writing deadline? This prolific author and editor gives you some insights about why he did it and continues to do it. Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

Through my years in publishing, I’ve written for over 50 publications and more than 60 books with traditional publishers. Several of my books have sold 60,000 to 100,000 copies. I’ve also written different types of books such as biography, children’s books, how to/ self-help, co-authored and devotional books. From speaking with different authors about their books, I find many unrealistic expectations. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Opportunity Is Everywhere

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

When you look at our world, you can go two different directions. You can buy into the negativity and rejection or you can see abundance and opportunity. I’m intentionally going toward the opportunities. In fact, we are surrounded with incredible opportunities. Thousands of podcasts, print publications, people to write their books, important stories to tell, and the list goes on.

As I look at my own writing life, there are several keys in this process and here’s a few of them:

--We each have limited time and resources. Each of us have the same 24 hours and seven days of the week to accomplish what we will do. It is important to be conscious of this limited time and use it carefully.

--We have to make wise choices with our time. Each of us waste time (including me) doing things like watching mindless television or scrolling through social media. Awareness and choosing wisely is important.

--When opportunity comes we have to seize them. For example, I have new books from authors and publishers which continue to pour into my office. I write book reviews about some of them and some I do not. It’s just one of a multitude of choices and opportunity for each of us.

--We have to be organized and choose wisely. For example, each of us as writers have to maintain and keep our connections. This past week I saw my youngest son and his wife. They looked at a tech issue on my phone and were amazed at the number of addresses in my gmail account. I was not surprised because gathering this information is something I am working constantly to increase and expand--and I encourage you to gather as well.

 

--Whatever you want to get done, you have to build with careful planning. For example, I have a book that I want to write. I have a scratched outline but to get it moving. I have to organize my thoughts into a book proposal (something every author needs to do when they begin whatever type of book you are writing). Then I have to plan my strategy to write this book. I want to have a nearly finished manuscript before I pitch it. I know where I will publish it but also want to take a reasonable deadline for this book. Each of these details is important to build into your creative process. I’ve done this work over and over. I’m aware of my future steps to get it done and into the world.

I agree with Markus Dohle, former CEO at Penguin Random House who said on a webinar I attended, “We live in one of the greatest times in human history since Gutenberg invented the printing press.” Let this statement drive your activity and your seizing of various opportunities. We live in a remarkable time in history.

--For example Morgan James Publishing has recently started a new TV and film division and getting those rights to shop for the authors. Just consider the new opportunties in recent years--streaming and expanded people in film--which were not available as broadly only a few short years ago. 

In this process of exploring your opportunities, I encourage each of you to cover the basics:
--do what you promise to do.

--return your calls and emails.

--develop new relationships.

--keep learning new things and trying them.

--be consistent and keep moving forward no matter what happens.

Each of us must seize the day and use our time and opportunities wisely. I’m definitely a glass half full type of person rather than half empty--yet I try and balance my optimism with a realistic perspective. What am I missing? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

According to this prolific writer and editor, opportunity is everywhere. In this article, get some of the key insights and details for every writer.  (ClickToTweet)

Use this link to watch the video

A great deal of the publishing process is outside of our control as authors, yet there are specific actions every writer can take. Get my decades of insights in 10 Publishing Myths for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of

bonuses.

Repeated Exposure Is Important

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Within the publishing world, on the surface, there appears to be a disconnect. While authors resist social media yet others spend a lot of time on it, the sales statistics have proven large social media numbers does not necessarily sell books. Yet when you submit your manuscript to a publisher or literary agent, they want to know about your social media numbers and your online presence. Why do they care about this information and why is it important? It’s what I'm going to explain in this article and give you some strategies for your online presence.

Why Is Your Online Presence Important?

Through the years, I’ve read numerous stories from people who work with authors on promotion and selling books that many times an author with a large social media following will have a limited response to trying to sell to this audience. The small number of sales make you wonder why authors should spend any time on social media. Is it a waste? Not necessarily.

If you read the literature on marketing books, you learn that someone has to learn about your book multiple times and repeatedly hear the benefits of your book before they purchase the book. Some experts will say the reader needs to hear about it seven or eight times before buying. Other experts will say that number of exposures is over 20 times. No matter which statistic you believe, you and your book need the exposure multiple times before you sell the book. 

When I say exposure, I’m talking about telling readers about the benefits and the stories which are in your book. It’s much more detailed than simply putting up a “buy my book message” which no one pays much attention. Instead, list the benefits for someone who reads your book and emphasize those messages on social media, through your newsletter and other places.  

Not everyone reads all of your social media posts or follows your posts in detail. For example, I published an article in Publisher’s Weekly about book proposal creation. I’ve posted multiple times about this article but recently a long-time writer friend engaged me with the post saying something like “Congratulations to get in this prestigious publication” as though she was reading my post about it for the first time (it wasn’t). I post on social media 12-15 times every day or a great deal of information and content.

For example, my Billy Graham biography was released over 10 years ago--yet every day I post something on social media about Billy Graham. I will often include a link to a live radio interviews or some other insightful information for the reader. As I guest blog and write articles, I include a link to my biography as another exposure for the book to that reader. 

I've mentioned that recently I’ve been doing multiple podcast interviews and recordings. During these interviews, I occasionally tell a story about my Billy Graham biography and that creation process. These stories continue to resonate and are of interest to others. 

The multiple exposures is not a waste of time or effort but informs readers the relevance of your book and that you as an author have on-going passion for your book. 

How Do Publishers Use This information?

Publishers and literary agents look at your social media numbers to see the engagement and at least get a big picture view of your online presence and potential readership. Publishers have access to other information as well such as Nielsen’s BookScan to check the actual sales of your recent books. The agent or editor will also google your name and see what they learn in the first few pages of their search. This basic information helps them learn about you and your book.

How Can an Author Build a Presence Without the Time Suck?

If the sales from this repeated exposure is limited, you want to have the exposure but use your time wisely. For example, I use Hootsuite but other people use Buffer or another social media scheduling program. I schedule my posts ahead of time. 

I’ve also started being consistent on sending my newsletters each week. Like my social media, I’m scheduling them and getting them done ahead of time when I have a spare moment. Or these articles on my blog which I write each week. There are several keys for every author:

1. Be consistent in whatever you do. You don’t have to be on every social media channel but pick one or two and post on them consistently. If you post several times a week, do that consistently. If you post 12-15 times a day like me, then do that consistently.

2. Often you will get little response from such activity. I don’t hear a lot sometimes and then some well-known author or media person and I will be talking and they will tell me how they read each of my email newsletters. I keep those stories in mind as I persevere even without a lot of feedback.

I hope this article about the importance of repeated exposure is clear. If not, or you have other additions, let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

If high social media numbers do not sell books, then why is the repeated exposure important? This prolific author and editor gives you the details and insights here.  (ClickToTweet)

When I’ve worked with different publishers on a variety of  books, I’ve learned the hard way that much of the publishing process is outside of anything an author can control. As an editor, I’ve spoken with different authors about their books, I’ve found many unrealistic expectations. There are actions every author can take with their books. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Connect Before You Ask

        

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Part of my commitment in these articles is to write about my journey as a writer and editor. Today I want to tell you about a recent experience with another writer. I’ve changed the details and not used the person’s name because I don’t want to embarrass or call out anyone in the community. I believe my experience can become a “teaching moment.”

In these articles I’ve often encouraged you to ask for help or what you need. You and I belong to a generous community and if you ask in the right way (a big caveat), then you can get what you ask. But there is an earlier action I encourage you to take before you ask, build a relationship.

For years I’ve traveled the country and spoken at writer’s conferences. At this conference, I gave a keynote message and one of my points was encouraging authors to ask me for help and assistance. If someone reaches out to me with a question, it gives me an opportunity to help them but also they can learn more about the world of publishing which is constantly in motion.

During a conference, I meet with a number of people, give them my contact information and my advice. One of these writers who I had met once at an event, reached out to me. He is publishing a new book and asked me to endorse his book. As he suggested, I would only have to read 50% of it then write my endorsement. In the same email he recalled our conversation where I mentioned knowing a bestselling author. In the same email, he asked if I could introduce him to this person.

I respect the courage it took for this writer to reach out to me and ask for what he needed. Here’s the issue from my perspective: his ask had little to no conscious about my own packed schedule and at the moment I have no availability to read 50% his book and write an endorsement. Also I could not introduce him to the bestselling author because I don’t have this author’s email. I responded graciously and declined both asks. Many people would have simply not responded or ghosted this writer but this writer received my response.

Before you ask, there are several aspects that I want to point out:

1. Before you ask, build a connection / relationship. There are multiple ways to get my attention (or anyone else you meet at a conference such as an editor or literary agent) and build a relationship (other than our single meeting at a conference). Here’s some ideas: Review one of their books and send a short email letting them know you have done these reviews. Repost something the person has posted on social media or a blog. Comment on their blog posts or any number of proactive actions where you are visible to this person you are building a relationship. After you build this connection and relationship, then you can ask.

2. Make it easy for them to say yes and ask in the right way. Don’t assume they will read your book. People who endorse books often do not read anything inside the book. This insider information is something I’ve learned from years of working with authors and on endorsements. I encourage you to send a cover with your request and tell them who is publishing the book (a detail this author neglected to tell me). The transparency with this detail is important to include even if you are going to self-publish. Also offer the endorser that if they need your help, you will send a draft or sample endorsement. Dol you see how this offer has cut down the time and energy that other person will have to put out for your endorsement yet you will be more likely to get it?

3. Make only one request in one brief email. You may have a second or third need but don’t load your email with another ask.

I want to help others but this young writer didn’t understand (or likely even consider my intense schedule and the many other things in my life that consume my day. I applaud the courage it took for him to send his request but the shape of the message was an overask and without any work on his part to build a relationship gave me little reason to agree to it. If you don’t take these factors into consideration, then you are basically “begging” to get a “no thank you,” negative response or no response.

The basic principle I’m encouraging with this article is to take visible steps with another person and build your relationship before you ask for their help. 

The writing community is willing to help you if you have become active in it and built the good will and relationships to ask for their help. There are many simple ways you can build these relationships such as active participation in a group where this person also belongs. For the writer that started this post with his overask, it had been at least eight months since we met and during that period, I had not seen his name any place. See why this person asked for something way beyond what I could do or expected from this person? Foundational in this process is the relationship. Build it, connect and reconnect, then ask.

What am I missing in this process from your view? Let me know in the comments below.

Some of My Writing In Other Places

Why I Give Away Books–And You Should Too When you first look at it, it seems counter-productive to give away books that you are selling. If you publish books it is something you should do and I explain the details in this article.

It may not seem like it to a new writer but on Writers on the MoveI explain that beginning writers do get published--especially when you get rejection after rejection as an author. Often new authors will tell me they are writing the next Harry Potter--yet have no idea of the initial struggles that it took for J.K. Rowling to get published. I give the details in this article. 

Once a month I write about book proposals on Almost An Author. In this article I explain Why to Never Submit Your First Draft.

I’ve been using PodMatch.com to book podcast interviews and several of them launched last week and here are those links so you can watch them.

For the second time, Tom Dutta invited me to The Quiet Warrior Show. Our last recording several years ago was only audio but this one included the visual recording and was promoted in many different venues.

Also Coach Jay interviewed me on A New Direction Podcast. We spoke about Publishing Myths. I encourage you to watch this broadcast. 

Also John Brink interviewed me on his On the Brink podcast. John has a remarkable personal story that we discuss during the interview. To promote this interview, the On the Brink team sent several short videos and I’m including one here. 

I show you this information to encourage you to use PodMatch and get booked on a podcast to tell more people about you, your website or your latest book.

In the Spring of 2025, I’m speaking at a couple of conferences. Follow this link to learn more details and hope to see you at one of these events. 

Tweetable:

While it takes courage to ask someone for their help, this prolific author and editor encourages you to build a relationship and connection before you ask. Get the detailed insights in this article.  (ClickToTweet)

Much of the publishing process is outside of the writer’s control. 10 Publishing Myths helps writers have a realistic perspective and take action. Get 10 Publishing Myths for only $10 +FREE shipping + over $200 of free bonuses.

Thankfulness Is A Year-long Habit

   

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

This week, our nation will pause and celebrate Thanksgiving. Do you have activities which you do each year on this holiday? Some people travel home. Other people run a local 5K or 10K race early that morning which is often called a Turkey Trot. Other people gather with their family and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In this article, I want to give the writing community some ideas and practices to celebrate gratitude. I believe thankfulness is more than an annual event but an attitude and action which should be a frequent part of your writing life.

The Apostle Paul listed a grave list of sins during the last days in his first letter to Timothy. He wrote, “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.” (2 Timothy 3:1-2, NIV). Among these words, a single word stands out for this article: ungrateful. How can you increase your gratitude?

Several years ago, I began using a blank notebook as a gratitude journal. Every day I spend a few minutes writing some words of gratitude and thanks in this notebook. It is a regular part of my day and early morning activitites. 

Also I have a box of thank you notes. Several times a week, an author or a publisher will send me a physical book that they want me to read and review. When each book arrives, I take a few minutes, pull a thank you note and write a short note of appreciation, then mail it. Early in my writing career, I gained this practice and habit. Like my gratitude journal it is not something I do just around Thanksgiving but something I practice all year long.

With thousands of new books entering the marketplace every day, every author needs encouragement about their book. Here's a simple and practical way you can support them: when you see they have posted about their book on social media, comment, cheer, and even repost it so other people learn about it. You can also purchase their book, read it and write a few sentences of review. This second option is much more time consuming but as I’ve written here in other articles, reviews are often hard to get yet something simple each of us can do and another way to express our thankfulness for their writing.

Books from publishers and authors come into my physical mailbox. Sometimes when I get a book, I will pull the cover into my MockUp Shots tool and create a few images which I send off to the author and encourage them to use the images on their website or social media or their blog. To do this action doesn’t take a lot of my time yet it touches and helps the author and shows that I’m concerned about them and the success of their book. It’s another simple action that anyone who has MockUp Shots could take. 

Each week at Morgan James Publishing we are releasing new books into the world. It’s what happens when you publish about 180 to 200 books a year. Whenever I see a new book from an author that I’ve brought to the company, I reach out to them on email with a note and often I send a book marketing resource attached to my email as encouragement to them. 

This past week one of my authors had a book anniversary and made it into an event celebration. She invited me to participate for a few minutes and I came to her celebration and spoke for a few minutes. It’s another simple way to express gratitude with your presence and participation.

Thankfulness and expressing gratitude is not just something we do once a year on the national holiday. It’s an attitude which we carry with us every day. Look for ways to fill some of your days with appreciation, thankfulness and gratitude. I hope I’ve stirred some ideas for you in this article. What other ways can you suggest? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

Thankfulness and gratitude is more than an annual holiday but a year-long habit. In this article, this prolific author and editor encourages simple actions. Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

Through my years in publishing, I’ve written for over 50 publications and more than 60 books with traditional publishers. Several of my books have sold 60,000 to 100,000 copies. I’ve also written different types of books such as biography, children’s books, how to/ self-help, co-authored and devotional books. From speaking with different authors about their books, I find many unrealistic expectations. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

More Lessons on New Doors

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Last week I wrote about how I’m knocking on some new doors through podcasting and using PodMatch. In this article, I want to continue that topic with some new insights and actions for you.

As I was looking around inside PodMatch, I saw a book for someone like me who wants to be a guest on podcasts. I reached out to the author and asked for a review copy of the book. He responded and sent the book. I wrote a review and posted the review (my responsibility). It’s a step you can take when you see a new book. Instead of buying it, reach out to the author and ask for a review copy. If they send it, then write and post a review. It’s something you can do with new books but also with books that have been in the market for a while. 

When I received a review copy of PODMATCH GUEST MASTERY, I began to read it. My experience reminded me of a basic publishing principle I have learned when I started writing query letters or book proposals or news releases or back covers or any other type of writing in the publishing world:

1. If you are starting something new, you need to learn the system before you leap into it.

2. Gain the inside track on how the system works by learning from successful people who use the system.

3. Pick up on their habits and suggestions for your own work.

As I read this book, I liked the simplistic structure of the book. With 16 successful PodMatch experts, each one was asked a series of questions. They answered the questions with a word limit of 1500 words. This word limit made the answers short and to the point and uniform. 

Also each contributor was given a promotion page in the back of the book for their podcast or website. Finally each one offered a special website gift to connect them to the readers.

Could you use the format of this book for something you are writing? It's a nonfiction pattern which could be duplicated with other tools and other systems. It’s something to consider and possibly incorporate into your writing life.

Another aspect I learned reading this book about guest podcasting, if you don’t learn the rules and the system, you will waste a lot of time, energy and possible rejection from other podcasters. Yet if you learn the rules, you will be able to succeed and use the system for your needs and the promotion of your book. For every system, there is a learning curve and a path for success--if you are aware and use it.

Here’s my review with some more bits of insight and advice:

“This is a quick reading book and 16 successful PodMatch guest members give their advice and insights about effective use of PodMatch. I’ve been in publishing for years but I’m new to PodMatch and this book contains valuable yet not unexpected information. Like any system, you will get out of PodMatch whatever you put into it. Repeatedly these authors stress the importance of careful and targeted pitching to the podcast hosts where you are matched through PodMatch. Then (and equally important), watch the podcast and get to know the host and format BEFORE you are interviewed on their program. Finally know your focus and where you are sending listeners for your particular topic and make a point of making it easy for the listener to connect with you.”

 

“Without this type of focus, you will struggle to be a successful guest. I highly recommend PODMATCH GUEST MASTERY for everyone who is a guest on podcasts and especially on PodMatch.”

I’ve been using PodMatch for about four weeks and I’ve booked at least 15 podcasts. These podcasts are scheduled over the months ahead--something you can control as you schedule them. Here’s a couple of the podcasts which are now live:

Joe Dimino (@jdimino) on the Neon Jazz podcast interviewed me about publishing myths watch it on your favorite channel at: https://bit.ly/40Fb1g5 

Kyle Yates (@TheVibesBrdcst) interviewed me on The Vibes Broadcast Podcast. Watch our conversation. Also notice the different live links in Kyle’s show notes which is another benefit from the podcast.

When each of these podcasts launch, if I don’t have an image to promote, I create one using MockUp Shots. Also I promote the podcast on my social media channels. Finally I don’t promote it once but put the post into a file for regular rotation on social media and an ongoing promotion. Each of these steps is a way to distinguish yourself from other guests and build relationships with the podcast hosts.

When you start a new marketing campaign, what lessons do you learn? Am I missing something? I look forward to your comments to this article. 

Tweetable:

Are you beginning to use a new tool or system? This prolific author and editor details some insights and lessons to use for success.  (ClickToTweet)

Through my years in publishing, I’ve written for over 50 publications and more than 60 books with traditional publishers. Several of my books have sold 60,000 to 100,000 copies. I’ve also written different types of books such as biography, children’s books, how to/ self-help, co-authored and devotional books. From speaking with different authors about their books, I find many unrealistic expectations. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

How to Knock on New Doors

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As writers, it is important to get our books in front of new people on a consistent basis. It’s why in these articles, I encourage you to make new connections on LinkedIN and other actions. In this article, I want to give another resource so you can tell others about your book and stories: podcasting.

During a recent meeting with David Hancock, the founder of Morgan James Publishing, we were talking about how to get more traffic to my special offer. He suggested I use PodMatch. It’s a monthly subscription but he also told me that if you schedule too many podcasts, you can also put it on hold for a few months. It’s important with these different opportunities to see the potential and also the different options with it--some which might not be obvious when you sign up with it. 

After I joined PodMatch, I carefully filled out my profile (which is often one of the first steps whatever you are starting). I made a point to focus on my 10 Publishing Myths book and my special offer. Every aspect of my profile points to this book. Follow this link to see my profile. 

PodMatch has internal training about how to use their system. These videos are short, interesting and to the point. I watched each one of them as I began working with the program.

This program uses the keywords and other data in your completed profile to match you to podcasts in their system. On the dashboard you can get these matches several times a day and they come in trios or three matches at a time. With the matches, you read the profile of the host which tells you the type of guest they are looking for, then I crafted a message or pitch to each match with an emphasis on the type of guest they want or targeted to that host. 

Within the first week of pitching, I booked six new podcasts and more of them are on the way. Also podcasts hosts can pitch you through their internal system. A journalist in India, Khudania Ajay pitched me to come on his podcast live. I've done a number of podcasts before PodMatch but they were all recorded, then produced and launched. I had never done a live podcast but accepted Ajay’s offer which was filmed in the morning in India but I’m in California so it was midnight here. Before the recording, Ajay moved me to an earlier time so it was locally 10:30 pm. My point is to take the offer and do it--no matter what time of day it happens. I made a point to tell stories and if I’m honest it was not my best podcasting appearance but it happened. I gave Ajay a five star review and he gave me one for the appearance. All of these details add up to more exposure and more podcast bookings. My key point is to take advantage of the opportunities whenever they happen for you. It's not easy to pull off but take a risk and try it.

I booked six new podcasts in the first week and I have more podcasts which I will be booking through this service. Maybe you are like me and reluctant to join another service where I make another modest monthly payment. Here’s another way to look at it, if I get on these podcasts and sell more books, then it is worth the regular investment. 

Within PodMatch on the dashboard there is a ranking of the top performing members. I noticed one of my Morgan James authors was placing among the top ten in the system. I reached out to him. He had no idea of his ranking and told me he has done about 15 podcasts. I learned it does not take a lot of activity to get on this list--just consistency and willingness.

If you look at my PodMatch profile, you will see that I am intentionally pointing to one place which is my special offer of 10 Publishing Myths. I have made a simple way to do that with the website www.publishingoffer.com which someone can remember orally and it goes directly to the place.

Through their syste, PodMatch will match my profile with different podcasts. What I've been doing consistently is looking at the pitches and what type of guest the host is looking for their program. After reading that material, I use it when I shape my pitch. If I don’t see a connection then I pass on pitching that podcast and go on to the next one. I’m consistently pitching and I continue to book new opportunities.

When I make a connection and see they are based in the US, I offer to send a signed print copy of my book to the podcast host if they send their mailing address. It’s a way to stand out from other possible guests to send this signed book. What steps can you take to stand out and be distinct in your pitch?

 

When I do the podcast or speak with a podcast host (such as a pre-interview), I make a point to tell stories and be entertaining. Why because these hosts are looking for people who understand their podcast and know how to tell good stories. It makes you memorable to that podcast host. From my experience, success breeds success. As I have a number of successful podcasts, these hosts will talk with each other and they will book me so I can speak to their listeners.

What are you going to do to apply this opportunity for your own writing life? I hope you will take the action, join PodMatch and spread your message to new readers. Let me know your plans in the comments below. 

Tweetable:

If you want to reach new readers with your book marketing, you have to knock on new doors. This prolific author and editor gives some action ideas and resources in this article.  (ClickToTweet)

When I’ve worked with different publishers on a variety of  books, I’ve learned the hard way that much of the publishing process is outside of anything an author can control. As an editor, I’ve spoken with different authors about their books, I’ve found many unrealistic expectations. There are actions every author can take with their books. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.