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.  

Do The Hard Work of Publishing

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Our work as writers doesn’t involve physical labor but it can be equally as challenging. If you are in a hard situation with your writing, I want to offer some some ideas and encouragement in this article.

Let’s be honest. Not every part of the publishing journey is fun or interesting. Some of the details of publishing involve a great deal of detailed work and repetiton--which in many ways is boring and hard to accomplish. Yet these steps are a necessary part of the process whether the repetition is boring or not.

For example, consider the marketing of a book proposal. It’s hard to write a complete proposal in the first place (check out my book on proposals for guidance in this area). Then you need to search for the right places to send it. You often need to access a database, then cut and paste the information, and craft the query letter and proposal (creative) but then the boring part of sending out a professional submission. You or your literary agent (also it is hard to find an agent and then you have to monitor their work) sends out your proposal over and over. 

The submission process involves boring repetition and hard work but it is a necessary part of the process. It involves lots of cutting and pasting from one file to another in order to gather the information then use it in a personal way to reach the editor and capture their interest. You don’t send a mass mailing to many editors or agents (which is obvious and ghosted or little response. Instead you send a individual submission--which is clearly marked as simultaneous (important to tell them). I’m only searching for one yes or acceptance but I have to receive many nos in this searching process.

Or with my work at Morgan James Publishing, I will exchange multiple emails and phone calls with an author to understand and capture his vision for the book and put together the different pieces my colleagues need to make a decision. When my colleagues look at it, they turn it down or pass on it. In a sense, my efforts fail and don't produce a book.

Or in another situation, I work hard with an author on his book and vision, secure a contract from my colleagues then he decides to self-publish his novel. A few weeks later, this same author returns to me with a nonfiction book which is more of his passion with a solid proposal and gameplan. Once again I work hard to get him a book contract from my colleagues and this author decides to pass on signing his contract and moving forward. 

Or I work with another author who spends years searching for a publisher for her excellent middle grade novel. She finds a publisher and struggles to communicate with this publisher since they don’t talk on the phone and only via email (happens in the publishing world). Now this publisher decides to close their doors and return their rights to this author. She wonders what next and I give her some ideas but it will take work and effort on her part for those ideas to happen. 

Repeatedly within the publishing world, I find I can’t control the reactions or responses of others (even if I would like to do so). I can only be responsible for my own actions and I need to keep pushing forward. 

I write this article as a reality check for each of us along with some action steps for your own writing life:

1. Do something every day that scares you and stretches the boundaries of your writing life. Maybe it is an email or phone call or something you want to write or whatever. I’m often scared but I do it anyway.

2. Continue to knock on doors of opportunity to see if they will open for you. To succeed, you need to be in the right place at the right time with the right stuff. It doesn’t happen if you are not pitching and knocking on these doors.

3. Continue to write your stories and get them into the world in various ways--in print and online and in magazines and in books.

4. Continue learning and growing and looking for the right avenue for you. It will be different from my way but it will be work to find right one for you.

Years ago I interviewed Ann Kiemel Anderson who published a little bestselling book, I Love The Word Impossible. Ann’s book was funky and started every sentence with a lowercase letter throughout the book but her story and encouragement was moving. If she heard the word impossible then it led her to the Lord of the Universe and stretched her faith to see if that impossible event would happen. It’s the journey each of us are on as writers. Don’t lose heart but keep marching forward is the only answer in the face of the hard work. As Ann writes in the book’s preface:

“I love the word impossible because my God believes in adventure and extraordinary mountains, and He dares to be alive in a world crawling with terrible situations. He promises to be bigger than any impossibility because He is love…and love always finds a way through, in time.”

No matter what you write or publish, I encourage you to do the hard work of publishing. What am I missing? Let me know in the comments below. 

Tweetable:

It’s not easy to do the hard work of publishing. There is little we can control. This prolific writer and editor gives the details and action steps for every writer. (ClickToTweet)

Throughout my years in publishing, I’ve reviewed thousands of submissions. As a part of the process, I speak with them about their dreams and plans. Often 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. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.