How to Write a Kick-A** Amazon Bio to Sell More Books

By Penny Sansevieri (@bookgal) 

Editor’s note: It’s rare in these articles that I have a guest blogger. I’m including this post from marketing expert Penny Sansevieri because of her detailed insight to one of the largest booksellers, Amazon. I highly recommend her book, The Amazon Author Formula. I use it here with her permission. Penny’s topic is an important one. This week I saw a new book on Amazon from a publishing friend which didn’t include any bio much less one like you are encouraged to write in this article. I encourage you to do more than read this article. Apply the information to your own Amazon books.

Authors often don’t spend enough time crafting their bios. Most of them write up a quick “about me” to satisfy the basic requirements and never give it a second thought. I often see authors treat their bio like a resume. Approaching it this way means you’re likely to bore readers, and worse,  risk making yourself look  not only less interesting, but less interested in your own work and how you’re coming across to readers.

Have I hit a nerve? Good!

Unless you tell me that you know with certainty your bio is helping turn more browsers into buyers, I know for a fact I can help you make it better!

Start with an Outline and All Book Tie-ins

Before you begin, create a list or an outline of everything you’ve done related to the book. This can include life experiences, personal motivations, passion projects, research, past work in a related industry, accreditations, lectures and classes you’ve conducted, other books you’ve written, and awards you’ve won. You may want to include some of these elements, but not all of them. The rest of these bullets will help you determine which to include.

But It’s Not Really About You

Remember that while we start out by focusing on you and your achievements, this bio actually isn’t about you. It’s about your readers and knowing what your prospective audience is looking for, what interests them, what catches their attention, and most importantly, what speaks to their needs.

Let’s take a close look at a bio on Amazon by Mark Shaefer. His bio is keenly focused on his expertise as it relates to the book. Having read Mark’s other books and having seen him speak, I can tell you he probably has a lot more he could have added to this, but he kept it short and relevant to the book.

Write in Third Person

When it comes to writing a bio, never use words like “I” and “me,” because a bio written in the first person can make for an awkward read, especially when you’re listing all your accomplishments. There are other options for getting personal, don’t worry!

Show the Reader Your Expertise Without the Ego

When it comes to the credible portion of the bio you are creating or reworking, this may seem tricky. But remember, this is where the importance of your initial work comes in. How long have you been writing? Did you utilize any special techniques or resources in this book?

Check out Pete Ryan’s bio. He’s a first-time author, but he leads this bio with his background as a journalist, which tells the reader he is an experienced writer. Pete is also a marketing guy and has a successful business in SoCal. You’ll notice he doesn’t even mention it, because it won’t matter to his fiction readers, and Pete knows this.

Add Keyword Strings Particular to Amazon

As we’ve explained earlier, keyword strings matter greatly on Amazon. If you’ve already done your keyword string research, work some into your Amazon bio if you can keep it natural.

Don’t cram your bio full of keywords just for the sake of having them there.

Why does this matter? I’ve talked about how Amazon is a search engine. Like a search engine, Amazon will “spider” or “crawl” your book page for keyword strings, so make sure at least one or two of the ones you’ve found are in your bio, but don’t overdo it because you’ll get dinged by readers for being inauthentic.

Get Personal (If Appropriate)

There’s a time and a place to include personal information in your bio. Obviously, it’s essential to a Memoir of course. For self help, your connection to the topic is crucial. But novelists can also get personal in a creative way because your personality says a lot about your brand.

The key is finding the right balance. For example, if you write paranormal fantasy, the fact that you coach your daughter’s softball team may sound endearing, but it doesn’t fit your genre. On the other hand, if you’ve always had a fascination with mythology and history, and it fuels your stories, that’s great insight into who you are.

Be Funny (If Appropriate)

Be like what you wrote about. That means if your book is funny, then be funny. Check out this bio from Karen Alpert. Her book is I Heart My Little A-Holes: A bunch of holy-crap moments no one ever told you about parenting.

Short Is the New Long

The days of bios that rival the length of your book are gone. Keep it short because, while people do care who wrote the book, they don’t care enough to read paragraphs upon paragraphs about you. Save the long bio for your website, the foundation of your infrastructure, and where readers will go when they want to learn even more about you!

Include a Call to Action & How Readers Can Find You

Do you want your readers to take any action besides buying your book? Are you giving something away on your website? Do you want readers to join your exclusive reader group or your newsletter? Then mention these offers in your bio. Don’t forget to add your website address so they can find you.

Customize It & Change It Up

Your life isn’t static, and your bio shouldn’t be either! Is there something going on in the world that ties into your book? Mention it! You should also modify your bio when you win awards, get more mentions, or get some fab new reviews. For example, “The New York Times calls this book ‘groundbreaking…’” is a review quote you could easily add at the end of your bio for a strong finish. An upcoming release or mention of your other work is also another reason to tweak it a bit.

Find reasons to change up your bio! You can do it as often as you want, and don’t forget the algorithms notice and respond when a book page is updated.

If you’re reading this and you’re with a traditional publisher, you may be thinking, “The publisher won’t let me change my bio!” Trust me, you don’t need your publisher to make changes. Just do it on your Amazon Author Central dashboard and—voilà—done and done.

Your bio should be a fluid extension of your author brand, so update it as part of your monthly book marketing plan. This may seem tedious, but it serves another purpose: it gets your eyes on your entire book page, and once you’re there, hopefully, you will be inspired to cast a critical eye on other parts of the page to make updates that could help drive more sales.

Penny Sansevieri is Founder and CEO Author Marketing Experts, Inc., best-selling author and internationally recognized #bookmarketing and #indieauthor media relations expert. Go to Penny’s website to get more marketing insights at:amarketingexpert.com After studying this article what actions are you going to take with your Amazon bio? Let me know in the comments below. 

New Podcasts 

Several times a week (almost daily), I’m booking new podcasts. Here’s a couple from last week:

Maxwell and Dean Rotbart and I spoke on the Monday Morning Radio - Podcast. Watch W. Terry Whalin: Harnessing the Power of Books for Profit and Influence at: https://bit.ly/40bu9Rc

I enjoyed a LIVE conversation about Publishing Myths with Gillian Whitney on the EasyPeasyBooks Podcast at: https://bit.ly/4amtv8a Watch a video clip at: https://bit.ly/40wVQVM

Sue Pats (@suepats) and I spoke about The Truth About Publishing on the Solopreneurs Nubeginning Podcast at: https://bit.ly/40gBwGW 

Tweetable:

Write a remarkable Amazon bio and sell more books. Get the details in this guest article from marketing expert Penny Sansevieri. (ClickToTweet)

Throughout my many years in publishing, I’ve co-authored over a dozen books and reviewed thousands of submissions (no exaggeration). As a part of the process of working with these authors, I speak with them about their dreams and plans. Many of these authors have  unrealistic expectations about what will happen with their published book. Many aspects of the details of publishing 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

The Value of Adaptability

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Are you adaptable as a writer? I love routine and using the systems that I’ve created to accomplish things. Maybe that love comes from my resistance to change and adaptability. Yet I know professional writers have to be flexible and adaptable to change. For example, I had a completely different article planned for today but have substituted this piece.

Living in Southern California, I’m entertained with the creative spin the weather people have to use for their broadcasts. It’s creative because for most of the year, the temperatures remain the same--which is one of the reasons people love living in this part of the country. Last week, on Monday the weather people were warning to prepare for the Santa Ana winds. They knew the ground was dry with a lack of rain and in danger of fire. 

Those warnings turned into reality on Tuesday morning when the fire broke out in Los Angeles. The regular news and programs were set aside and the news team broadcast continually for 24 hours and seven days a week from Tuesday morning at 11 am until Friday morning at 7 am. These journalists were covering the largest fire in the history of Los Angeles. The destruction and the stories were heart-breaking and will take years to restore and repair. At this writing, those fires are not out and they are predicting the Santa Ana winds can possibly return this coming week. Several of my friends and family who are unsure exactly where we live have reached out and called to check on our safety which I appreciated.

As I’ve mentioned in these entries, I’ve been booking a number of podcasts to talk about publishing myths. Before I go on these podcasts, I review the podcast and their particular audience and focus. Also I make sure I have their link to do the recording. The adaptability issue is a factor with podcasts. I scheduled a podcast for Friday morning and when I looked at the details, it was a LIVE podcast and not an edited recording. 

Whether the podcast is recorded or live, I think about my background and my lighting for my office situation. I shut my closet door and organize the background to look professional and neat. As I enter their studio, it will give me an opportunity to make sure I have my camera centered and everything looks right. These details are small but do play into the overall result.

Also as you talk with the podcast host, make sure your agenda is covered. For example, I’m doing these podcasts to promote the content of my 10 Publishing Myths book. As I talk about the book, I weave in my special offer and my free 11th Myth. Each time I give the website to encourage listeners to go to it. I’ve watched other authors appear on television or radio or a podcast and not even mention their book or where people can get it. The person interviewing you doesn’t always ask this question. As the person being interviewed, you have to make sure this information is included in the broadcast and the stories that you tell. If you miss this detail, then you are missing a potential big opportunity for your book.

Another element with adaptability is listening to feedback from others and using it to improve your work. Recently a podcast host insisted that I use an external microphone. Initially I was resistant to making these adjustments because I had already recorded a number of podcasts without an external microphone and it seemed to work well. During an exchange with this podcaster on camera, he listened to the audio from my camera then encouraged me to use an external microphone. Ironically several years ago I purchased an external microphone but had never hooked it up and used it. I connected it and now when I use my webcam, I use this external microphone to give a better recording. As you get feedback, be open to changing and improving what you are doing. As writers, we face a continual learning curve for improvement if we want to be excellent at our work and craft. I’m determined never to “arrive” and not be open to improvement and feedback. It’s another key element about the value of adaptability.

How are you open to feedback and improvement to various aspects of your life and work? For me this mindset is an important aspect of our journey as writers and continual improvement. What am I missing or other elements where we need to be adaptable? Let me know in the comments below.

Podcasts and An Upcoming Podcast

This past week, I have continued to record and book new podcasts.

I was speaking LIVE on the MinddogTV Your Mind’s Best Friend Podcast talking about publishing myths at: https://bit.ly/40fyN0k 

Monday Morning Radio - Podcast W. Terry Whalin: Harnessing the Power of Books for Profit and Influence at: https://bit.ly/40bu9Rc

This coming week a scheduled podcast will be LIVE on LinkedIN. Hope you can watch it using the details below.

Join me with Gilliam Whitney on Tuesday, January 14th at 1 pm Eastern for a LIVE event on LinkedIN: Essential Publishing Myths Authors Need to Know: https://bit.ly/40dnWnz

Forthcoming Speaking Events

Last week I added another event to my schedule. Hope to see you in person this coming year (follow the link for the details).

Tweetable:

To continue growing and improving, every writer needs to understand the value of adaptility. This prolific author and editor gives the stories and details.  (ClickToTweet)

Throughout my many years in publishing, I’ve co-authored over a dozen books and reviewed thousands of submissions (no exaggeration). As a part of the process of working with these authors, I speak with them about their dreams and plans. Many of these authors have  unrealistic expectations about what will happen with their published book. Many aspects of the details of publishing are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 Publishing Myths to give authors practical help. Get 10 Publishing Myths for only $10 +FREE shipping + over $200 of free 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

Give Excellent Customer Service

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As I go through my day, I encounter a lot of negativity and disappointment on social media and other places. People are always complaining about something. Where is the praise for the companies who are making the effort and giving excellent customer service? 

In this article I want to highlight a couple of places which I have noticed great customer service and appreciate their efforts. At the end of this article, I want to bring the point of this piece home to every writer with some ideas how we can give excellent customer service. 

As an author I am active on Goodreads where I’ve been since 2011 and written over 900 reviews and have over 5,000 friends. Some of my followers read these blog articles on Goodreads because I’ve connected it and the new articles show up on my profile. Sometimes I discover a missing cover or a progress bar which doesn't work or any number of other book-related issues on the site. Each time, I will go to their help menu and use their contact form (follow this link if you have never seen it). Within 48 hours (often sooner), I will receive an email where someone has handled the issue which I raised. With more than 150 million members, I find that type of customer service incredible and to be applauded. If you need help with Goodreads, my recommendation is to fill out their help form.

Another company is Adazing which is located in Australia. Follow this link and scroll down to see their free author resources.  I have purchased several of their products and even been on their podcast as a guest. Recently I was trying to use their program and found a glitch in it. I filled out a support ticket and right away I received an email from them. It took several exchanges until it was resolved but again, remarkable customer service and it was a matter of filling out a support ticket and asking for their assistance. 

Often in these entries, I mention using Hootsuite as a tool to schedule my social media posts. I’ve been using it for years and have a lot of my own time and energy invested in this site. I started with their free version but have been using the paid version for a few years (and that price has been gradually increasing--unfortunately). It's rare that I’ve needed to approach support but each time when I fill out a ticket, they get back to me and even if with several exchanges, eventually the issue is resolved.

In each of these companies, the key to get help is to ask for it using a support ticket, then the company has to have a solid system for aa response. Recently Morgan James Publishing has started such a ticket system for our author support team. The ticket link is built into an autoresponse to an email to author support. Because I’m often the first person that an author interacts with at Morgan James, if authors have some issue they will reach out to me--but often I can’t answer their concern. Now with this support ticket system, I have a simple place to send them where their concern will be heard and resolved. 

There are many other companies who are constantly working at delivering good customer service. It is hard because if you approach them you have had some interruption to the use of their service. Each response is critical because that will play into their reputation and how you will perceive of them and recommend them in the future to others. 

What is your customer service? Each of us as writers have relationships with editors, literary agents and other writers. Your reputation is involved in each interaction to show people that you will do what you say you will do, when you said you would do it and you deliver excellence. Here’s some practical steps each of us can practice:

Deliver with kindness. Take deep breaths before you write that email or return that phone call and have the right attitude with your response.

Respond in a timely manner. Publishing is a communication business where many people do not communicate. Your timely response is a simple way to stand out to others.

Meet the deadlines. Many authors are late and if you meet the deadline, you have another simple way to be memorable and stand out.

To deliver good customer service is a decision that is made every day and your consistency in this area will pay off in the writing community. As writers, we face a great deal of rejection in the process of finding the right place to publish. Novelist Randy Ingermanson published an article, Every Yes is a Thousand Noes. I hope it encourages you to take action for your writing life.

For this article, I used the image of two hands with a ball of respect in between them. At the end of the day, respect is a strong element and motivator for delivering excellent customer service.

How are you providing excellent customer service or what other companies have you noticed in this area? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

To give excellent customer service is a simple way to stand out in the writing community. This prolific author and editor provides some examples and detailed actions. (ClickToTweet)

More Recent Podcast Recordings:

I’ve mentioned in these articles that I’ve been using PodMatch to book podcasts:

I spoke with journalist Khudania Ajay (@kajmasterclass) about publishing myths on The Author’s Voice with KAJ Podcast watch it at: https://bit.ly/401TKM3 

As I’ve worked in the publishing world for years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations and dreams for their books. I’ve found many of these authors have  unrealistic expectations about what will happen with their published book. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help and take actions no matter what the publisher does for your book. 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 I’m 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

Basic Principles of Pitching

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Recently I’ve been using PodMatch to pitch podcast hosts that I would be a great guest for their program. I’ve been amazed and grateful for these opportunities. Also I’m aware there is a set of basic principles which are important for every pitch.

If you are a writer who wants to publish or do anything in print or in the market, pitching is essential. It’s rare that anyone approaches you to write or publish something without you taking the first step to pitch them. No matter if you are pitching a magazine article, a book project, a newspaper article, a radio show, a book group, a guest blog post article or a podcast, there are a number of similarities in the basic pitch. Those elements are what I want to capture in this article.

The first step is to learn the system of how that person you are pitching expects to get the pitch. Maybe they have a google form to fill out. Or they want a particular type of article for their publication. Or they are looking for a particular type of person to interview for their podcast. Somewhere in their information, they will spell out who they are looking for and you need to absorb and follow this information. 

Several years ago at a writer’s conference, I had a brief conversation with a well-known editor who represented a large circulation publication about the process of getting on the faculty at a major, well-attended writers conference. To get into this process, you had to pitch on a particular deadline using as google form. This editor had attended this event multiple times and knew the decision-makers. She believed that to get an invitation on the faculty that she didn’t need to pitch or fill out the form. I listened and didn’t say anything but I was thinking, “Everyone pitches to get into the faculty of this conference--including me.” I hope you see how the attitude of this editor was off--and I’ve not seen her on the faculty for this event (her loss). Do not have this type of attitude. Instead use the expected path to make your pitch.

Create a Pitching System

It doesn’t matter what you are pitching, there is a system for getting considered. Make the effort to discover this system. If what you are pitching doesn’t have a system, then I encourage you to create your own system that you will use to consistently pitch the decision makers. One of the ways I’m consistent is using a system over and over. 

For example, with podcasting, I’m using PodMatch and I’ve got a strategy which book I’m promoting and how I’m promoting it. Podcasting can be fun for the author but if you don't have a target for your promotion, then you water down your effectiveness and have mixed results from your effort. I encourage you to aim for a particular target and make it easy for people to go there. On every podcast, I make a point to mention my special offer for 10 Publishing Myths where anyone can get the print book from me (including the shipping) for only $10 along with over $200 in bonuses. All you have to do is go to Publishing Offer.com (http://publishingoffer.com). Notice I picked two words easy to say and hopefully easy for someone to remember in case they are driving, exercising or something else distracting when they hear the podcast.  I hope they will recall these words when they get to a computer where they can explore it. Again I’ve focused on a strategic plan and encourage you to do the same with your use of PodMatch.  

In case you don’t know how I got “publishing offer” it is a change that I did on the website to forward from one website to another. I purchased the domain http://publishingoffer.com and then I set it up as a site which will forward to the site which sells my 10 Publishing Myths. There is nothing magic to this process--just some thought and strategy. 

Focus on the Receiver

Who is the person that will receive your pitch? Have they explained anywhere (online or in a market guide) what they are looking for? If you find this information, then this information will guide your pitch. For example, each time on PodMatch, the podcast host will detail their ideal guest criteria (who they want to select) and their audience (who are their listeners). In your pitch, you want to target this information with your pitch to get them interested. Through your pitch, you want to be a fit for this podcast and using this information will help you achieve your purpose (get booked on the podcast). 

Expect Rejection

Even using a tool like PodMatch, not every pitch will be successful. You may hear nothing or get a rejection. I encourge you to expect rejection then feel happy or surprised when you get accepted. To hear no or nothing is a part of the process. You are looking for an acceptance.

Be Consistent

A key part of the process is to consistent pitching. The only person who can give up is you. That regular pitching will pay off.

Understand It Is a Journey

The process of pitching (whatever you are pitching) is definitely a journey and celebrate your continued learning and growing in this experience. It is not something you do once and done but something you enter into over and over. When you don’t pitch, you don't connect to the decision makers who can propel your book or your writing before a new audience. The pitch is a vital part of the process and must be studied, improved and repeated. 

After the Pitch (bonus principles)

After you use the basic principles to get the assignment or podcast or writing gig or speaking gig, there are some additional steps you can take:

--deliver with excellence. For podcasting, I spend some time reviewing the stories I will tell and looking at the podcast. For a magazine article or blogpost, I make sure I am delivering what they expect with excellence--and I encourage them if they see something that needs fixing to let me know and I will do it right away. These actions are a part of being a professional.

--deliver on time. If you have a deadline, meet that deadline.

--follow-up the delivery and promote it to others. When your article or book or podcast gets published, promote it to others.

--bottom-line continue to be the exception and stand out making a difference.

If you do these bonus principles, you will position yourself for other opportunities. As members of the writing community, it’s easy to view it as a large and impersonal group of people. From my perspective it is actually a small and connected group which talks with each other. If you use these simple principles, it will help you be the exception and standout. Are there other principles that you would include? Let me know in the comments below.

More Recent Podcast Recordings:

I’ve mentioned in these articles that I’ve been using PodMatch to book podcasts:

Watch the Going North Podcast with Dominique “Dom” Brightmon (@DomBrightmon) Ep. 909 – Book Publishing Myths Every Aspiring Author Should Bust with Terry Whalin (@terrywhalin) at: https://bit.ly/3ZQVnMK

Tweetable:

What are you pitching and trying to grow? This prolific author and editor gives the basic principles of pitching--which is a constant part of different aspects of publishing. Learn the insights here. (ClickToTweet)

After speaking with authors for years, I know many authors have a unrealistic ideas about the details of publishing—and these details are important for your book to succeed. 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS is a practical easy reading book to help you. Get my 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

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.

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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.

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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.