Missed Learning Opportunities

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As writers, we are surrounded with rich insights from other writers who are in a different place in their writing lives. If we take action, we can learn important insights for our writing. I want to tell you about some of my missed learning opportunities and my plans to make a personal course correction in this area.

First, a confession. One of the benefits from being on the faculty of a large writer’s conference like the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is the gift of all the recordings from a wide array of workshops and instructors. In 2023. I was a part of this faculty and after the conference, I carefully downloaded and organized all of the audios and handouts. Here’s my confession, during the last two years I have not listened to a single session.

Last month once again, I was on the faculty with the gift of the various recordings. I downloaded and organized all of these audios and handouts. I’m determined to take a different course of action. I’m creating a plan to consistently listen to some of these recordings and apply it to my writing life. In the last few days, I’ve started this listening process. Because I also downloaded all of the handouts, I locate the handout and print it, then as I listen to the workshop I make action notes on this handout. To get started, I’m not starting at the beginning or the end but picking the topics which are interesting or the speakers that are of interest to my writing. Each session is over an hour in length. I’ve pulled the audio to my desktop and at different moments throughout my day, I am listening to part of the workshop. 

Here’s another way to consume these audios. I don’t have to listen to them on my desktop or laptop computer. I’ve learned to send the audio file as an attachment to myself. Then I open that file on my phone and can listen to it on my mobile device which is much more portable than a laptop or desktop computer. I hope each of you are seeing the flexibility and options which open up to hear the recordings on your phone as well as your computer.

Notice how I broke down this huge task of listening to hours or recordings into bite-sized pieces that I can easily accomplish and find value for my writing life. From what I have read and experienced in publishing, I believe there are many others who never use the audios or online courses they have purchased--much less listened to the material then applied it to their writing life. If you want to be the exception, then you have to follow a different course of action.

For example, do you want to write a book over the next few months? No writer sits and writes a full book manuscript. I’ve interviewed many bestselling authors. The bulk of these writers will set a goal of how many words they want to write during a day or during a week. They establish a goal which is reasonable for them and something they can accomplish time after time. Then these writers find the time in their schedule (early in the morning or late at night or during their lunch schedule). They sit at their keyboard, move their fingers and write words. That first draft isn’t perfect and will often need rewriting and revision for it to be published. Getting your first draft down on paper moves it from your head to reality. It does not happen by “thinking” or “dreaming” about writing. It does not happen by reading and studying how-to-write books (even though I’ve written several of these books). You achieve your writing goals little by little and make continual progress toward writing that final page.  

Years ago in August 2020, I wrote an article about how to eat an elephant (follow the link to read it). Do you have a series of these audio recordings on a flash drive or on your computer? Have you listened to them and applied them to your writing life? What steps do you take in this area? Let me know in the comments and I look forward to your insights.

Tweetable:

We are surrounded with opportunities to learn about our writing craft. This prolific writer and editor confesses to his missed learning and specific actions. Read the details here.  (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:

Jon Clemence and I spoke about Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed on the Content Creators Unite! podcast. Listen at:https://bit.ly/4kyXr44 

I’m currently working for my third publisher as an acquisitions editor. Without exaggeration, I’ve spoken with hundreds of authors about their books and plans. Repeatedly, I find many authors have an unrealistic expectation for what will happen when their book gets published. I know much of the publishing process is outside of anything that an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS, which 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. 

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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

Important Old School Practices

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

While I’ve been involved in publishing for a long time, there are some simple but important practices that writers need to be using. Some people would call these actions “old school.” In this article I want to give some examples and encouragement.

Build Relationships

As writers, we need relationships with others in the publishing world. How are you build these relationships and adding to them? For example, this week I received an email from an author that I had not heard from in seven years. I exchanged emails with her then I checked my phone and her number was still in my address book. I called the number and had a short conversation with her. I encouraged her to come to another writer’s conference, listened to her book pitch and affirmed the value of this concept. It didn’t take much time but I believe I passed on some value to this writer and hopefully our paths will cross again in the future.

Throughout my day, I will get an idea to contact someone, pick up the phone and call or leave them a message. It is an old school practice that I do often. Sometimes it leads to something and sometimes not. At least I’m knocking on the door, and trying to get it to open--not just thinking about it. As writers we have to be proactive in our actions and maybe you can do so through making more phone calls.

Monitor and Respond to Your Email

As editors and writers, we are in the communication business--which unfortunately often doesn’t communicate. Everyone has email. Are you reading and responding to your email? 

Several weeks ago, I received an email from an author who last fall considered our Morgan James Publishing contract offer and turned it down. In the new email from this author, he asked if the contract was still available. I checked with my colleagues and learned the contract could still be available. I revised the date on the contract and returned it to this author. It took some time but he signed this contract and is moving forward to publish his book.

Is there an offer that you have turned down which you could return to that publisher and make a different decision? The possibilities are there if you take an old school action and follow-up.

Design and Carry Business Cards

Do you have a current business card? If not, I encourage you to create one and carry it with you. I’ve used my business cards in many different places such as on an airplane or in a restaurant or even in my local post office. Whenever I give a card, I will often ask for their information or business card. Sometimes I get it and sometimes not.

Keep track of The Data on Those Cards

When you receive a card or address information, do you keep track of this data or actively put it into your computer address book? It's an old school practice. You never know when you will need to reach out to this person and you can’t if you don’t have the data. Take consistent action to preserve and add to your data collection. If someone doesn’t have a card, I will often gather the information with a pad and paper which is an old school practice.

Use The Gentle Follow-up Method

If you don’t hear from someone, do you follow-up and see if they need something additional? Last week, I remembered a proactive author who was enthused about his second book contract with Morgan James Publishing. Because I never received this author's signed contract, I called him to see if he had any update or questions?

I learned that he had signed and returned his contract over a week earlier. As we were on the phone, he resent his signed contract so I could get it moving forward. Without my follow-up, the contract would still be stuck in limbo. Technology is not perfect and as people we make mistakes and don’t get something done that needs to be done. Are you using the old school method of email or phone to follow-up?

It is not a perfect process. Each of us have more to be done than any of us can do. When something important to you does not get done, it’s important to follow-up and take action.

Within the publishing world, we understand that it is a process. There is no right or wrong way to do these old school practices. The key is to use them on a regular and consistent basis. It will yield results for your publishing. What am I missing? Let me know in the comments below.

My Articles in Other Places:

In these articles, I encourage you to guest blog and write for other places. Here’s a couple of my recent published articles:

Once a month, I guest blog for Writers on the Move. When you record a radio interview, how do you use it for on-going promotion? Get specific action steps how to repurpose your radio interviews in this article: https://bit.ly/426ATlf

Each month I guest blog about some aspect of book proposal creation for Almost An Author. This month I wrote about how ppPublishing is a Relational Business at: https://bit.ly/4lnZwBV

Each month I guest blog at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference blog. This molnth I asked Can You Avoid Publishing Pitfalls? at: https://bit.ly/4iKoVUa

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 of my podcast recordings launched.

Timothy Brien and I spoke about publishing myths debunked on the Create Art Podcast. Listen to it at: https://bit.ly/41MHRMr 

Brett Ingram and I had a great conversation: Write Your Book and Change Lives on the optYOUmize Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4iTuWOU

Tweetable:

There are important old school practices. Are you using them in your writing life? This article gives the details from this prolific author and editor.  (ClickToTweet)

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. 

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

Use Reminders on Your Phone to Meet Deadlines

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As a writer and editor in publishing, I have many different deadlines and responsibilities. Years ago, I used lists and post-its to make sure I got things done. For the last year or so, I have used another tool that I often carry with me all the time—my iPhone. If you look in your phone, a standard app which comes with every phone is called reminders. Are you using this tool? From my experience, it is way better than tying a string on your finger which is an old fashion reminder. 

I use reminders for my work but also personal deadlines—basically anything I want to remember. It only takes a few minutes to create the reminder and set a deadline for the reminder. For example, last week I flew Southwest Airline. As a part of flying this airline, you can check-in 24 hours ahead of the departure. Of course you can pay the Early Bird check-in fee and avoid this process but I don't. Instead I set a reminder on my phone for a few minutes before the check-in time, then use it to recall when to check-in.

I have several publications where I send material every month on a certain date. It's another way I use reminders to make sure I meet these deadlines, create this material in a timely fashion then send it—and don't lose the opportunity.

Here's some other areas where I use reminders:

—a request for something (a resource or a book). Last week I was on the road talking with various authors and when I had an idea for a resource, it was simple to create a reminder to get it to them.

—On the road last week, I had phone messages and calls to return. Creating a reminder is a good place to make sure these calls are done.

—I have a number of authors and projects that I am chasing for different reasons.  I use reminders as a tool to reach out to them again (on the phone or email or both). I've learned through the years that follow-up is a key part of this process. I regularly follow-up through my use of reminders.

—other tasks to handle. I've only scratched the surface of how to use reminders. You will have your own uses and creative spin on this tool.

A hallmark of a professional writer is the ability to juggle different tasks and meet the deadlines. Reminders are one of the valuable tools I use to make sure I don't forget something and let it slip through the cracks. Yes I'm human and occasionally some things get missed but overall reminders has been a terrific tool to help me. I've had to learn to use this tool then take action on a regular basis for it to be effective.

Do you use reminders on your phone? Or maybe you have a completely different method and tool. Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:


Use Reminders on Your Phone to Meet Deadlines. Get the details here. (ClickToTweet)

Mark Of A First-Time Author

I’m an early riser. I get to my office early, do some reading, skim through some email and handle some things in the quiet of my home. I revel in that calm atmosphere and tend to get a lot accomplished in those early hours.

Imagine the jarring noise to my day when my phone began to ring at 6:50 a.m. From my caller ID, I could see it was someone in Alabama with no idea that dialing my New York phone number that they were calling my home office in Southern California. After all, it was 9:50 a.m. in their part of the world.

I almost sent the call to voicemail but instead I answered it. It was a first-time, unpublished author calling to find out if I had received his submission. He tried to send it once and it came across embedded in his email. Now he was trying to send it again as an attachment.

I checked and yes I received it. And why was he calling? He was concerned about the length of his manuscript at so many pages. I asked for the word count—a common mistake is to give the page count and not the word count. It was 47,000 words or within the range of our fiction submissions. I affirmed it was OK.

Did this author make an impression? Yes and it was negative. I’ve not read his submission because when I wrote this article I was on the road on the way to conference. In fact, I’ve still not had a chance to read his submission. I did process it so he will receive an acknowledgement letter from me. I will try and read it with an open mind—but he’s already colored his submission in a negative fashion. His subject line: The Next Bestseller And I thought, “really?”

My counsel for you is to not use the phone with an editor. You will rarely get them and most of the time get their voice mail. Instead use email or the mail to reach them.

Now if they call you, then it is a different story and you should return their call. But to call them first? In most cases, that is not a good idea. You only make a negative impression with the editor. For many years, I’ve been writing and working with editors and it is rare that I will call an editor. I’m certain this author doesn’t recognize his negative impression that he made. He was acting on impulse and it was a false impulse.

The majority of our communication in the book business does not call for it to be on the phone. The work is slow and methodical. Magazine writing is quicker but even then you often can communicate via email or the mail instead of picking up the phone and calling the editor.

If you work for a newspaper, these deadlines are much more rapid and timely. You are forced to use the telephone more often. Not in the book business.

To be fair, the author forgot that I lived in the Pacific but for his simple questions he did nothing for his relationship through using his phone. I hope the lesson is valuable for you.

Be Memorable NOT Strange

Writers are interesting—no doubt about it. I've been around creative people for many years. I'm always fascinated with the often high energy and creative force behind the storytelling and excitement about their ideas and getting their work into the public. I find this true whether it is a print magazine article or an online newsletter or a book.

As a writer, you want to stand out and be memorable. You want to make an impression but you want that impression to be positive.

During this time between Christmas and New Year, the bulk of the publishing world is silent. I spoke with a writer yesterday who can't reach her New York editor. I'm not surprised since most people are on vacation or holidays.

There is a difference between standing out and being memorable or being strange. Let me give you a couple of recent strange writer examples.

I tend to carry my phone with me. If I leave my office, I forward my desk phone to my cell phone so I'm relatively easy to reach—unless I'm on the phone speaking with someone else. If I am in a meeting, I turn off my phone then return calls after the meeting or the next day. Even on Christmas Day, I carried my phone with me. Most of the day my phone was silent, then I got an unforgettable call that afternoon from an author.

The purpose of the call? This author was calling to tell me he had decided not publish with my publisher and that he had selected a different company. Really? And you are calling me on Christmas Day with this news? I said these words to the author. In fact I had called him a week earlier and left a message—and he “claimed” to be returning my call. But the timing from this author was completely strange and inappropriate. Ironically when I confronted him about it, he didn't seem to think so. I thanked him and cut short the call since I walked out of the room and took it during a family gathering.  You bet this author made an impression that I will remember for a long time.

In these entries, I've written about the importance of making a good impression. As I think about this author's inappropriate call, I'm grateful that he didn't come with our publishing company. I know this author would have interacted with many different people in the publishing house. In a small way, I was seeing how he would interact with others throughout his time with the publisher. If it made a negative impression with me, I expect such behavior will also happen with others.

As an author, you want to be memorable not strange. 

The Simple Actions Still Count

For a long-time, I’ve had a simple yet effective practice. When someone calls me and leaves a message, I return their call or email them a response. It is almost a lost art in our culture or so it seems to me.

I meet many authors in my travels and offer to help them with their book publishing needs through our robust publishing efforts at Morgan James Publishing. We receive over 5,000 submissions a year and have a publication board where I champion books for authors. The process is selective and we only publish about 150 to 200 titles each year. I’m actively looking for great book proposals and manuscripts. As a part of my search for quality materials, I will email and/or call authors to find out how things are going with their book or ask about the update on their book project. Many times the person will never respond through email or phone. 

I understand we live busy lives but there seems to be a basic courtesy for returning calls which is missing from many people.

I’d like to know if the author has set their book concept aside for now or if something else has happened in their life. Without any response through email or phone, I’m left to wonder.

I recommend you use the tools which are available on your phone to make this process effective and efficient. For example, consider the feature of forwarding your phone number. Do you use it?

It is part of my standard practice whenever I leave my office that I forward my office phone to my cell phone. If someone calls my office phone it rings my cell. If I’m unavailable then the person can leave a message.

For example, at the moment I’m writing this article in an airplane and my cell phone is turned off. When the plane lands, I turn my phone on and any messages will show up. I will listen to these messages and return my calls. It seems like a straightforward business practice to me. Yet the longer I’m in business, the fewer people who seem to practice this simple customer service action. 


Maybe one of you can leave a comment and explain it to me since I believe it is the proper way to conduct business. These simple actions like answering email and phone calls make a large impression.