Why Every Author Needs a Newsletter

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

I can “hear” the reader’s objections to the title for this article saying things like I’m an author and I don’t have or need a newsletter. Yesterday I spoke with an author and she said that she didn’t need a newsletter or know what she would say in one. From working with authors, I often hear these objections. One of my authors who was publishing his third book with Morgan James Publishing, told me outright he hadn’t created an author newsletter. 

Other authors decide they can’t devote the time to write and send a newsletter. Others object they have nothing to say to their readers. I understand these objections and like any aspect of the work, there are challenges for authors. In this article, I’m going to help you to see the importance of having this direct connection to your readers.

Let’s think about how you use email. I read my email on my desktop computer but I also read it on my phone. I look at the subject line and decide if I’m going to open and read the email. I would assume my email practices are similar to others.

Email is a direct connection to your readers--provided they open and read it. That’s why your newsletter program will typically measure and display the open rates. I understand not everyone reads their email. This week one author was telling me about another friend who had declared to a class that he had over 700 unopened emails. I add this story to show the importance of creating an enticing subject line for your newsletter. While I don’t answer every email and I get a lot of it. I do open or process my email all the time--early and late in the day.

For over 17 years, I have been writing and sending newsletters. I knew my target reader but here’s been my personal issue: consistency. I was sending about once a month which is infrequent and readers forget they subscribed to your newsletter. About a year ago, my newsletter program and my shopping cart went out of business. With a large personal effort, I moved my newsletter to convertkit.com which has changed to kit.com.  

For over a year (in fact currently for over 100 weeks), I have been sending a short email with publishing insights each week to my subscribers. If you aren’t on this list, use this link to subscribe. When you do, you will receive a free 87-page Ebook. Each author has to determine the frequency of their newsletter such as daily, five days a week, once a week, twice a month or once a month. After you determine your newsletter schedule, it is important to deliver consistently on your schedule. 

Every author has to select a newsletter program to use. Some people use MailChimp while others use constant contact or AWeber or something else. Each one has different functions and costs involved. On Right-Writing.com, I have a series of additional articles about newsletters.

Everyone begins their newsletter with a small list of subscribers. Then you grow email list using lead magnets. In 2019, I wrote a detailed article about lead magnets with specific examples. Follow this link to see this information.

Unlike social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc, email is your direct connection to your readers. To follow the rules of email, each newsletter gives the reader a simple way to unsubscribe. Each week, I have people who unsubscribe and that’s fine with me. I want people to receive my publishing insights who want to receive them. It’s that simple. 

An email newsletter is your direct connection to your audience. Through my acquisitions work at Morgan James Publishing, authors will raise objections to building a newsletter. From my perspective, this newsletter is one of the best and most important tools for every author.

Do you have a newsletter? Are you using it consistently? What steps are you taking to build your subscribers? I look forward to reading your comments. Don’t forget to join the conversation. 

Tweetable:

For every author, one of the most important tools is their newsletter. Get the detailed reasons and actions from this prolific author and editor.  (ClickToTweet)

My Writing In Other Places:

With these articles, I encourage you to publish your work beyond your blog in other places. Below are three articles which were published in other online locations than this blog. While it's been a couple of months since I highlighted this section, I have continued to write each month on each of these websites. Find your opportunities to get your work into some other websites through guest blogging.

What’s Behind A Successful Book? In this article, I give some detailed examples about what it takes to create a successful book. It is not writing another book. Read it at:  https://bit.ly/4wPDCf5

Each month at Almost An Author, I write about some aspect of book proposal creation (an important skill for every writer). In this article I detail How To Catch Attention. Read it at: https://bit.ly/4h06JaO 

Each month, I guest blog on Writers on the Move. This month I wrote about how the gatekeepers (editors and literary agents) are looking for authors who will market their books. In Beef Up Your Proposal Marketing Section, I detail how to add this information into your pitch and also explain why it is important. https://bit.ly/4wvbJJ3 

Currently I’m working with my third publisher as an acquisitions editor. During these years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations, dreams and desires for 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. 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 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

When Overwhelmed or Feeling Behind

 

           

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As a writer, I often feel overwhelmed with the work. Or I feel like I’m behind with much yet to be done. These feelings are completely normal.  If we are honest, each of us live in a big world with many opportunities. For example, there are books that we need to write and books we can write for others as a co-author or ghostwriter. There are many online and print publications where we can publish our stories--provided we read their guidelines and pitch the editor. With the explosion of podcasts, there are many of those opportunities to pitch, book and record. When you consider the possibilties, it’s easy to stare at it all and wonder which one to tackle next?

At Morgan James Publishing, each year we receive over 5,000 submissions and only publish about 150 carefully-selected books. Our system and how we work with authors is different from other publishers and not right for every author. For the last 14 years, I’ve spent many hours talking with authors and exploring the details to see if it is the right fit for a particular author and a particular book. I understand there are many publishing options. For my editorial work, there are always more emails to answer and submissions to process. At any given time, I have a large volume of emails that I’ve not answered.

As I think about my work as a writer, there is always more to be done. There are always more books to read and write about including writing book reviews. As writers, we are surrounded with interesting stories from others and experiences of our own to capture. I’ve discovered I always have more follow-up emails to send and phone calls to make.

How to handle these overwhelming and behind feelings? First, acknowledge the reality of your feelings and that each of us have these concerns. Then break large tasks into smaller ones. Every writer works on their book manuscript in small pieces. We write one sentence and one paragraph and one story at a time. 

You may not have much time to pour into your writing project. Can you devote half an hour or fifteen minutes? Whether you find this time early in the day or late at night. Keep moving forward on it. If you write ___ words a day (fill in the blank with a specific number ) then eventually you will complete the manuscript for a book or a magazine article or a blog post or a query letter. Each of us have a different volume or number of words that we will write during a day.

As I emphasized in 10 Publishing Myths, many of the details of publishing are outside of anything that we can control. Also take 100% responsibility for your own success and continue moving ahead on your effort to reach new readers.

Also I encourage you to continually make new connections and renew your efforts the old ones. For example, on my computer and my phone, I keep track of birthdays and anniversaries. Each year, I reach out to them with a personalized message and this event gives me a fresh connection with these friends. In addition, throughout my day when they come to mind, I reach out to some of them at random. I don’t have any agenda other than getting an update and asking a simple question. I encourage you to take these sorts of actions as well. 

With my work, I spend a lot of time sitting and not moving. One of the ways I get a change of pace is to exercise or to walk. I fit this activity into my life several times a week. It helps my mindset and physical situation.;

I change up my daily routine and activities. I continue to try new ways of reaching readers and my audience. If you  need some ideas in this area, I encourage you to get a copy of marketing authority John Kremer’s 1001 Ways to Market Your Book. With over 700 pages, you can always find a new area to explore with your book.

The final way I would give you to ease the feelings of being behind or overwhelmed is to consider who is in charge of your life and decisions. Each of us only have one life. Many years ago, I learned this hymn Only One Life. The lyrics:

“Only one life to offer - Jesus, my Lord and King;

Only on tongue to praise Thee And of Thy mercy sing (forever);

Only one heart’s devotion - Savior, O may it be

Consecrated alone to Thy matchless glory,

Yielded fully to Thee.

Only this hour is mine, Lord - May it be used for Thee;

May ev’ry passing moment Count for eternity (my Saviour);

Souls all about are dying, Dying in sin and shame;

Help me bring them the message of Calv’ry’s redemption

In Thy glorious name.

Only one life to offer - Take it, dear Lord, I pray;

Nothing from Thee withholding, Thy will I now obey (my Jesus);

Thou who hast freely given Thine all in all for me,

Claim this life for Thine own, to be used, my Saviour,

Ev’ry moment for Thee.”

---

Whenever I am overwhelmed or feeling behind, I recall these words because I only have one life--and you only have one life. Make it count with your writing life.

What actions do you take when you feel behind or overwhelmed? Let me know in the comments and I look forward to reading them.

Tweetable:

As a writer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or behind. This prolific author and editor admits to these feelings then encourages a number of simple actions in this article.  (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week two more new podcast recordings launched:

Book coach and author Natasha Tynes (@NatashaTynes) and I spoke about publishing myths that cost authors money on the Read and Write with Natasha Podcast at:https://bit.ly/469G31c Watch on YouTube at: https://bit.ly/3SoI9a9 or Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/3UcaEsf

Fortune and I spoke about 10 Publishing Myths: What Every Author Needs to Know on The Honest Mic Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4wJUELN

During my decades in publishing, I’ve heard the unrealistic expectations of writers. The reality is 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. 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 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

My Treasured Bookshelf

 

       

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

In my office above my desk, I have two shelves of autographed books. The majority of my days are spent working at my desktop with my fingers on the keyboard. My treasured bookshelf is a simple glance upward. With only one or two exceptions,  I’ve personally met each of these authors. At my request, they have signed these books. During my decades in publishing, I’ve had the opportunity to interview and meet some remarkable authors. Many of these authors I interviewed them for a magazine article. Through the years I’ve interviewed over 150 bestselling authors about their books and how they practice their writing craft. During many of these interviews, I asked the author to sign their book and brought them home to my bookcase. Each one of these signed books stir my memories of those circumstances and provide inspiration to my continued work.

For this article, I’ve selected three of these authors to tell about their books. Then I will give you some ideas of how you can create your own treasured bookshelf.

The first is a colorful hardcover My First Bible by Ken Taylor. I interviewed Dr. Taylor who at that time was the chairman of Tyndale House Publishers. He had a much celebrated career including being the translator of the Living Bible. My First Bible was a new release and we were surrounded with new books on the floor of the Christian Bookseller Convention. I asked him, “Dr. Taylor, don’t you feel the competition for your book with all these other books targeted to the exact same audience?”

With a knowing smile, he said, “No, Terry, I’m not concerned about the competition. If it’s a book based on the Bible and parents are reading it to their child, that’s all that matters.”  Dr. Taylor gave me a wise perspective about bookselling.

Another treasured book on my shelf is The Professor and the Madman. It’s an unusual story about the making of the Oxford English Dictionary which is the largest dictionary in the English language. I met the author Simon Winchester during a meeting of the American Society of Journalists and Authors in New York City. I’m always fascinated about how Winchester found this story in a footnote of a book he was reading. The Professor and The Madman became a New York Times bestseller. I encourage you to follow this link to see the details I wrote about this book a couple of years ago. Winchester’s story gives me hope that any of us could hear such a story and write a bestseller. 

I want to highlight The Success Principles from Jack Canfield as my third book from my treasured bookshelf. During several different conferences, I’ve had the opportunity to hear Jack speak. In 2007, Mark Victor Hansen invited me to come to Mega Book Marketing University. I was a literary agent and took pitches throughout the event. At that point in my life, I had written about 50 books for traditional publishers but they were not selling. In fact, I was getting negative royalty statements which means the books received an advance but were not earning beyond that advance. It was during that workhop I understood how little I was doing to tell people about my books. I heard the first success principle which I continue to follow to this day: I will take 100% responsibility for my own success. It changed my actions and turned around my bookselling results. In fact, several years ago I blogged about that effort in this article.  

These stories are only a few examples of the treasured books on my shelf. Here's a current photo:

Each book on these shelves holds importance and memories for me. Do you have a collection of signed books? Because these signed books are special to me, I understand when I sign a book for someone else, I’m creating a keepsake for that person. Each time, I make a point to write the date, the person’s name and a few words just for them along with my signature. It makes that book personal for that person.

From time to time, when I meet a new doctor or someone, I will bring a copy of my Billy Graham, A Biography of America's Greatest Evangelist. I will offer it to the person and if they want it, I will quickly sign it to them. A couple of weeks ago, I gave one to a new doctor and he told me, “This is my first signed book.” It was fun for me to hear that information about the special nature of a signed book.

Do you have a special place on your bookshelves for signed books? How do you sign books as an author? I look forward to your comments.

Tweetable:

When an author signs a book, it can become a treasured possession. This prolific author and editor tells about his treasured bookshelf. Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

Many authors have an unrealistic idea about the details of publishing. 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 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 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

Fuel for Author Disappointment

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Running on empty? Not selling as many books as you want to sell? Just like a car needs gas for fuel, authors need to take action to reach readers. Which actions are effective? I’m going to give you some answers below.

First, some background about some situations where I asked these questions. As an acquisitions editor at a New York publisher, Morgan James Publishing, often I speak with authors about their books. One our novelists with a trilogy of books, published his first novel with us about six months ago. Now he's speaking with me about getting a contract for books two and three in his series. Doing my due dilligence, I asked about the sales of his first novel. I learned this book has sold 40 copies in the bookstores. What disappointing news and shows this author did little (if anything) to promote those bookstore sales. The primary way our company makes money is selling books in the bookstores. 

I’m speaking with another author who years ago published his first book with Morgan James. Now he is approaching me about publishing his second book. As a part of my preparation, I asked about his book sales for the first book. During the years his book has been in print, he has sold several hundred books inside the bookstore. Also this author has purchased a couple of hundred additional books. From a publisher viewpoint, these numbers are dismal. Often I tell my authors about the thousands of dollars Morgan James invests in the creation of their books and that to become profitable we need to sell about 4,000 copies. 

Here’s the good news: despite those past sales numbers, we are working with these authors and all our other authors over the long haul. We don’t charge for our marketing training and are still helping authors who we published over 20 years ago. From my work in publishing, I know how different these actions are compared to other publishers. We do it because we understand that if the author takes steady and persistent effort, then the sales of their book can change. As a publisher, Morgan James is focused on the long haul and not a short period.

What to do with Author Disappointment

1. I encouraged both of these authors to get active and tell readers about the benefits of their book. It’s been proven that readers have to hear about the value of your book over and over before they take action (buy it). There are many different ways to show that activity such as blog posts, podcasts, radio, newspaper, live events, etc. Get a copy of John Kremer’s over 700 page book 1001 Ways to Market Your Book. Then read this book and try to execute as many of those ideas as you can.

2. As an acquisitions editor speaking with authors about their book, I’m searching for active authors who understand they have to take consistent action to reach readers and sell books. It is a constant area of my discussion with authors.

3. Another way I handle my author disappointment is to take action to get more of my work into the market. If you have heard any of my podcasts, I often talk about my own season of author disappointment when my books were not selling and how I turned that situation around through taking 100% responsibility for my own success. The process takes consistent and persistent work but is possible and every author can do it.

Finally I encourage you to watch this 55 second Facebook reel from “Starside” author Alex Aster on the impact that social media has had on her career. She tells Drew Barrymore about how she could not find a literary agent or a publisher for her novel. Alex believed in her story and created hundreds of videos on TikTok. Her readers watched and agreed. Now she is publishing her ninth novel.  It’s a remarkable story about her determination, persistence and going directly to the readers with her books. 

What fuel are you using for author disappointment? Let me know in the comments. Whatever you do, don’t quit and keep looking for the right place. I believe your persistence will pay off.

Tweetable:

When you experience author disappointment, what action do you take? This prolific author and editor suggests actions to fuel author disappointment.   (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week another podcast recording launched: 

Morgan McCarver (@GodTheArtistBk) and I spoke about publishing myths on God the Artist Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4ddVwQT

Currently I’m working with my third publisher as an acquisitions editor. During these years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations, dreams and desires for 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.

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 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

Time To Get Organized

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

With the New Year’s Day coming this week, I'm writing my final article about The Writing Life for this year. The bulk of the publishing community is silent. It’s something I call the Silent Days and I wrote an article about how to thrive during this period (follow the link).  Officially Morgan James Publishing closes for the last two weeks of the year and reopens on Monday, January 5th. I’m still sending a few emails and doing a little work but not my typical effort.

From my perspective, these days are a great time to get organized. In this article, I’m going to show several of the activities that I’m doing and hopefully it will stir you to take action for your writing life. Toward the end of this article, I have information about a FREE live event on January 6th. I hope many of you will attend and take advantage of this opportunity.

Time to Reset

For many years, I’ve read through the Bible from cover to cover. I have at least four different versions of the printed book which I use:

The Daily Walk (the one I’ve read this year)

The Daily Messenge (the one for next year)

The One Year Bible

The Daily Bible in Chronological Order

For each version, I’ve purchased the digital version on my phone because I can make the type bigger for ease of reading. Also when I travel and I’m away from the printed copy, I continue to read my Bible each day. These volumes help me to set the pace and pattern of my day. If you don’t use one of these tools, I highly recommend it to keep you moving forward and connected to the most important book, The Bible.

Also I keep my financial receipts for the year in a box. This time of year I find an empty box and get it labeled and ready for the new year.

Sort, Organize and Throw Away

I have several stacks of print magazines that I will sort through, use and discard. Then I do the same task several shelves of books. Overall I read less last year than the year before (something Goodreads managed to tell me with an email). It moved me to recommit to doing more consistent reading during the coming year.

Reconnect with Friends and Colleagues

The holidays are a great time to reconnect with friends and colleagues. I’ve been doing a bit of that effort this year and hope you will take the time to do it as well.

Make Plans for the New Year

While I don’t make resolutions which are easy to break and not fulfill. Instead I take time to reflect on what happened last year. For example I traveled to and taught at three writer’s conferences. Each one opened up new opportunities in my writing life--and not always in the expected way. For example, at one event I met another faculty member and we recorded a podcast. At another event, I did not bring a single author into Morgan James Publishing (even though I tried and presented contracts to several new authors I met). Instead I met a freelance editor and author who referred an author to me. This referred author did publish her book with Morgan James and it will release this coming year. My lesson for you is to seize whatever opportunities open from a particular event even if not exactly the one you were projecting. 

Podcasts

Throughout this year, I’ve been guesting on various podcasts. The bulk of these podcasts I’ve made through PodMatch which is connected to over 90,000 podcasts. I have booked or recorded over 60 different podcasts which have been downloaded 7,200 times. Each podcast opens a new door of opportunity for others to learn about my work and reach me. One key lesson I’ve learned is I can’t control when the podcaster will launch our recording. What I can control is the stories and answers I give during our time together. Before each podcast, I review my key stories, talking points and websites that I want to mention (no matter what question is asked). Within the writing world, we call this skill media training. If you want to learn more or take a refresher course in this area, I recommend this FREE training with Gayl Murphy (follow the link).

Plan to Attend a Writer’s Conference

Some of my greatest relationships in the publishing world started at a writer’s conference. There are some amazing opportunities at these events. Follow this link for some possibilities. In May 2026, I will be at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. This link contains my speaking schedule.

Boost Your Writing Year on January 6th

I’m speaking at the Publicity Club on Tuesday, January 6th from 5 pm to 6 pm Pacific. I'm teaching on Seven Simple Actions to Boost Your Publishing This Year. The first meeting is free and here’s the Facebook event link with the details. I will be telling some stories but also including an action-packed handout. I hope many of you will attend and get my free resource. 

Throughout my years in publishing, I appreciate the insights and knowledge I’ve gained from others. Here’s a simple truth: knowledge alone is worthless. It’s your consistent and persistent actions that will make the difference in the results of your writing life. Maybe you wanted to write a book or some other goal last year and it did not happen. The year ahead can be different if you take consistent and persistent actions. 

Organized people accomplish more than working in chaos and a mess.Ideas are fleeting so capture them then work to get them accomplished. The image I chose for this article is not my actual desk but hopefully this organized office gives you some ideas and motivation for what your office could be like. Take a little time to get organized and it will pay off for your productivity and accomplishments in the days ahead.

How are you using these days to get organized? What am I missing? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

The slower pace of these days can provide time to get organized according to this prolific author and editor. Get the details and specifics about a free event.  (ClickToTweet)

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. 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 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 Is Successful Publishing Hard?

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Everyone with a computer believes they can publish their writing. With the proliferation of cellphones, everyone has a computer and a way to “publish” and write. Every writer is on a journey to find the right connection and method to publish then tell people about their writing.

The journey to success is filled with wrong turns and failures--hard results for every person. In this article I want to give you a  bit of a reality check about what is happening and then some practical steps you can take to get on the road to success. 

Just because you can type or speak your words into a computer does not mean your writing is well-done or tells a good story. Storytelling involves understanding structure and how to write words which garner attention. You can practice telling a story orally to a friend or relative. As you tell that story, watch how the other person reacts and responds. Sometimes when I tell a story to my wife, she will respond, “Why didn't you say that in the first place?” It shows I did not tell my story in a straightforward or interesting manner. When you write for a publisher, your storytelling or pitch has seconds to grab the reader. You develop this skill through regular practice and experimentation. 

Another important element preventing successful publishing is not understanding or misunderstanding of the publishing market before you pitch. For example, an author sent me a self-published book that Morgan James Publishing could possibly publish. Most publishers would not consider bringing a self-published book into their system. This book had only been published on Amazon which is a big customer for Morgan James but only 24% of our overall business. This author is missing 76% of where we could sell the book. The book had a lot of merit but one glaring problem: it was only 68 pages long or too short. Most books are spine out in the bookstore and I encouraged this author to add content to the book for Morgan James to consider it.

As authors look over the publishing landscape, they understand traditional publishers are looking for people with large connections to readers (often more than they have at that time). Because they want to get their book published now rather than later, these authors will self-publish. What they often don’t understand is that self-publishing creates a sales track record for that book which is publish through Nielson’s BookScan (an expensive subscription but something every publisher has access to use). 

Before you fire off that submission to an editor or an agent, take some time to see what types of books that publisher is producing. For example, I recently got a follow-up message from an author about his submission. I commend the fact that this author followed up because I’ve been traveling and away from my computer at several conferences and not processing my submissions as quickly as some months. 

From his follow-up email, I located his first email, which I had not opened his submission or read. When I looked at his submission, almost immediately I recognized this author's failure in his pitch. It was a page of poetry without anything additional. In response, I asked for clarification to learn what  he was pitching. It could be a children’s book or a gift book or maybe some other type of book. I could not tell from the outset. It is little wonder this author wasn’t finding any interest in his unclear pitch.

Do you know where what you are writing falls into the range of books that are published? Do you have a book proposal or a business plan? Even if you eventually self-publish, I believe successful publishing begins with the creation of a book proposal. Admittedly it is hard work to write this business plan but when you finish, you will understand your target reader and audience, along with your competition and have a written gameplan how you are going to reach this audience. 

Here's the irony related to each of these authors I’ve mentioned above and been in touch with recently: in the signature block of my email, I have a link to a free copy of Book Proposals That Sell. This book has over 150 five star reviews and has helped many people clarify their publishing journey. I suspect these authors didn't even touch the link in my signature or read the free book. 

Every author needs to do the hard work to find the right connection and explore the different types of publishing--including Morgan James Publishing. You can’t understand the details just reading about it online. The key part of the process is to take action and submit something. There is no cost to explore and understand the process. 

Another element for successful publishing is the marketing or selling of your book to your readers. As I taught at the recent Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in my continuing class, each of us have to try many different aspects to reach our target market. This process involves failure and trial and error along with consistency and persistence. If there were a three or four step formula for success, then every published book would be a bestseller (which does not happen). 

Successful publishing is a journey and you have to take consistent and persistent action to find your path in this process. It takes hard work and continued effort but the only way it can stop and fail is if you stop trying.

As a writer, be commited to continual growth and learning about different aspects of reaching readers. Each of us have a wealth of material in front of us. The key is to do more than cram facts into our heads but to take regular action in your journey. Continually build new relationships and learn from experts. Get to a writer's conference and apply what you learn to your own writing. Read how-to-write books and apply what you learn to your writing life. 

I hope I’ve encouraged you to take action. What am I missing in this process and why do you believe successful publishing is hard? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

Many writers have this question but rarely ask, Why Is Successful Publishing Hard? Get some insights from this prolific author and editor.  (ClickToTweet)

My Writing In Other Places:

With these articles, I encourage you to publish your work beyond your blog in other places. Below is an article that was recently published on Almost An Author where I write about different aspects of book proposal creation.

Read Your Proposal Looking for Any Hype at:  https://bit.ly/3HMDFo0 

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week two more podcast recordings launched.

Nyomi Banks (@AskNyomi) and I spoke about “Creativity Unleashed: Publishing Insights and Self-Expression” on The Season of Self Love Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4jIihxL Then learn more at: http://publishingoffer.com #publishingtip #writingtip

Teri M. Brown (@TeriMBrown1) and I spoke about Ten Misconceptions About Publishing You Can't Afford to Ignore on The Online for Authors Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/3FLIU6T 

Get to a Conference:

One of the best ways to boost your writing life is to attend a writer’s conference. Here’s another possibility for us to meet.

Later this month, let’s meet in Oregon. I will be teaching about how to Jumpstart Your Publishing at the Cascade Christian Writers Conference from June 22nd to 25th plus meeting with authors about their publishing plans. Get registered at: https://bit.ly/3Z5dSNF

Many authors have an unrealistic idea about the details of publishing. 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