Why The Details Matter

   

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

To be successful, you have to pay attention to the details and take care of them. It’s a lesson that I see played out in the publishing world over and over. In this article I’m going to write several of these detail stories in the hopes it will encourage you to handle the details in your life and work.

Some Social Media Details

To draw your attention to this article, I selected a detailed painting around a door. The artist put a lot of work and effort into these paintings. It is the type of effort each of us have to do with our efforts.  For example, I read and receive blogs from many others in the publishing community. The creator will send an article without an image that I can use when I post this article on social media. The lack of an image will limit the readability for this article. It’s been proven our eyes are drawn to read a social media post because of the image connected to the words. I’m intentional about this detail and if an article doesn’t have any images, I go to my royalty-free images and quickly add something I can use with that article. This additional detail will pay off in that more people will read my social media post with an image than if I just posted the words without the image.

Besides an image on a social media post, I also add a hashtag which pushes more people to look at the article. It’s another important detail to attract readers. A final important detail for social media is to “tag” the author when I add it to my Facebook feed. This past weekend, a publishing colleague told me that she reads her husband’s articles on Facebook because I’ve tagged his name with my posts. These small details are important and will get you additional readers for your efforts. 

An Incorrect Barcode Can Affect Your Sales

When an author or publisher will send me a new book, I will look at the details of this book. If it is a self-published book, frequently the barcode is incorrect. If your book has a 90000 on that code, it means that the person who created it did not include the price in the barcode. If you are selling your books in a bookstore, they scan that code and it does not work properly because this detail was not correctly handled. 

Recently I reviewed a how-to-write book from a traditional publisher. I was surprised to see this well-known publisher had a barcode without the retail price and included the 90000. Bookstores will have to sticker the price on the book or punch in the price each time the book is sold (nuisance). It is a detail that will not be discovered for months down the road (if ever) yet it will affect the sales of this book.

Incorrect Spelling and Links which Don’t Work

In these entries, I’ve been including recent podcast appearances. When I get the notice the podcast has launched I will quickly review it. Occasionally my last name has been spelled wrong and an important website link is not included or is not active so it can be clicked (opened). I will politely email the podcast host and ask for these corrections to be made to their website and gratefully in each case they have fixed these details. In each case, they matter. 

Incorrect Length for a Children’s Book

As an editor at Morgan James Publishing, I handle some children’s picture book submissions. Some of these authors pitch the incorrect length for a picture book. The standard lengths are 24 pages, 32 pages or 48 pages. If you publish the wrong length, booksellers and librarians will notice and this incorrect detail could limit your sales and distribution. 

Always Carry Business Cards

Last weekend, I was on the faculty of the Carolina Christian Writers Conference and meeting many new authors. A number of them did not bring business cards or one sheets or anything with their contact information. As an editor, I’ve learned the hard way about the importance of gathering this information on the spot so I can follow-up with an author. Again, the details matter. 

 My Encouragement

These examples about the details are only a few of the important topics within book publishing. Others that I’m not touching in this article include endorsements, book reviews, a foreword and many other aspects. Wherever you are in the publishing journey--and even if you self-publish--take 100% responsibility for your own success. For this reason, I’m constantly pitching in different areas and working on getting my books in front of new readers. As writers we are on a journey and not a one-time event. What detail have I missed? Please let me know in the comments below.

New Podcasts:

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

Rich Bennett (@Convers94013273) and I spoke about How to Get a Book Deal on the Conversations with Rich Bennett Podcast. Listen to our conversation at: https://bit.ly/3DtIiln 

Scherrie L. Prince (@ScherriePrince) and I spoke about Publishing Myths Debunked on the Play Big Faster Podcast. Listen to our conversation at: https://bit.ly/3Fomfxa 

Curtis Jackson (@djcurveball1) and I spoke about my journey from an English Teacher to a Global author on the Living the Dream with Curveball Podcast. Listen to our conversation at: https://bit.ly/41R6XbA 

Tweetable:

Within book publishing, the details matter. This prolific author and editor explains some examples and encourages us. Read the details here. (ClickToTweet)

Let’s Meet at an Event

One of the most life-changing actions for anyone in publishing is to attend an event. It takes effort and will cost but you put yourself in an environment which can open new doors for your writing life. I will be speaking at three events over the next three months. Follow this link to check it out and make plans.

https://terrywhalin.com/speakingschedule/

Even if you self-publish your book, you need to be cautious about your decisions and who you choose to work with for your book production. I’ve met authors who have spent thousands of dollars in the self-publishing process and unknowingly worked with someone in the Philippines and produced a terrible looking book which is only sold online. I’ve heard the unrealistic expectations of writers. 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 Importance and Cost of Consistency

    

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

In my writing life, I have a number of consistent actions that I take which play into my continued presence and impact on my world and readers. In this article, I want to detail some of those actions and the systems I’ve created to execute them. I’m writing about these elements with the hope you will emulate them for your own writing life--but also understand the cost and importance of consistency.

People love someone who is a regular and consistent communicator: newsletter, social media posts, article submissions to guest blogs, and writing on deadlines and processing manuscripts--doing what you say you will do. Yet many people are inconsistent and do not communicate on a regular basis. 

When you start something continue with it For example years ago I decided to post on my social media 12-15 times a day. I’m still carrying out that decision on a consistent basis. Many years ago I decided to use Hootsuite as a scheduling tool then I created a system for the various types of articles I would post. For example, I begin each day with an inspirational quotation along with an image of that person making the quotation. I post every hour throughout the day but have created a pattern of these posts. I gather information from other writers that I read and plug these articles into my pattern. The fact that I’ve made a pattern in my head, helps me to do it quickly and consistently. Also I only spend about 30 minutes a day on this task but it happens like clockwork whether I am in my office (as normal) or on the road and away from my office. This consistent effort to post on social media is important and also has a cost related to the consistent time I spend on it.

Last year I decided to be more consistent with my newsletter once a week and have carried forth on that decision over and over. I’m using the scheduling feature on my newsletter program and formatting each one and faithfully sending it out to my targeted readers. 

These examples are only a few areas where I’m practicing consistency. Other areas would be my work as an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. I process submissions, speak with authors to see if they are a fit for our program, answer emails with their questions, send them contracts then negotiate those contracts. Each detail in the process takes consistent effort and costs time and energy.

In these articles I’ve mentioned working at booking Podcasts and using PodMatch. On a consistent basis I’m pitching new podcasts, getting turned down by some of them but also booking others and then recording others. According to the internal documents on PodMatch, in my two months at this effort, I have reached over 2,750 downloads or new people. I can see from my results that it is beginning to work for me. It is not perfect or where I want to be in this area but I’m continuing to consistently work at this area.

Also I am consistently making new connections with people. Maybe you are using the suggested connections on LinkedIN to connect with others in the publishing world. What steps do you take to reach out to them? Some people have annoying automatic responder messages on LinkedIN which ask me to set up a phone conference and chat with them. I am not interested and I instantly block these people. Instead I suggest you figure out how can you help that person. Can you write something they are looking for? Can you read their new book and write a review, then tell them about your review? Instead of trying to get them on the phone, look for ways to help and serve this new connection. 

Each of these areas involve planning, time commitment, consistency and persistence. If you aren’t achieving what you want in the publishing area, I encourage you to take some new and consistent actions. The opportunities are there but you have to seize the day. If I can do it, you can do it. What steps are you taking to consistently work on your writing. Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

According to this prolific author and editor, your consistency is important but also has a cost. Read this article for the details.  (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

Repeated Exposure Is Important

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

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

Why Is Your Online Presence Important?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Do Publishers Use This information?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tweetable:

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

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

Failure To Be Consistent

   

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Each week for years, I’ve been writing these articles about the writing life and my work in publishing. With each article, my intention is to capture some important detail which I can use to encourage you in your own publishing journey.

In this piece, I want to admit a failure and a commitment to change and improve. Here’s a reality in the publishing world, you can align most of the pieces of a project--but if you neglect or forget one step, it can affect the results. I compare it to following a recipe to bake a cake and leaving out a key ingredient, then wondering why the cake tastes strange and does not work. The same principle is true in the book business.

For many years, I’ve gathered email addresses and have a newsletter list. It’s one of the critical elements for every writer to connect with readers. An email newsletter is something you control as an author and is not a “rented” space like a social media site such as X or Facebook or LinkedIN. Repeatedly I’ve learned that I have no control over these social media sites--especially when they change their rules and don’t tell you (which happens often). 

Every author needs to create an email newsletter and gather email addresses then they need to consistently use their newsletter or send valuble information to their readers. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to create various lead magnets or ways people will sign up for my newsletter. I’ve grown my list and my visibility in the marketplace (all important steps for every writer).

Here’s my confession in this piece and where I’ve failed to be consistent: with an inconsistent pattern, I’ve used my newsletter. Sometimes I go several months without sending anything to my readers. The experts say you can’t overuse your email list. I’m on a few lists which email daily. If it becomes too much then I unsubscribe. These same experts tell us if you use your newsletter too infrequently, your reader forget that they have subscribed to your list and don’t open it or simply delete it when it arrives. 

In the past, I’ve used my newsletter to promote a product where I’m an affiliate or I use it to promote a new product or book. These are good uses for a newsletter but I was missing the consistent and steady use to my readers.

Here’s another failure related to the details of my newsletter articles. I wrote each one on target and relevant to my readers but I included a variety of connections to other websites. This failure watered down the effectiveness of my communication and didn’t help the reader focus and go to a single location or single resource.

From my years in publishing, I understand failure is a key part of the journey. Also when you fail, you need to learn and then change or make adjustments to your process. As a writer, I’m committed to continuing to learn and grow--and I encourage you to take the same approach.

In recent months, I’ve been taking Rob Eagar’s online course Selling Books on a Shoestring Budget. This course is currently closed but will open again next year. One of the advantages of taking Rob’s course is the ability to email him a question and get his answer. It’s been great to have such a resource and insight. From this course, I’ve learned how to pitch and appear on more podcasts. It’s an ongoing process to pitch and appear on these events. Often these podcasts are recorded at one time then launched later. For example, I recently appeared on Hungry Authors Podcast and The Writing for Immortality Podcast. 

Also Rob’s course encouraged me to use my newsletter on a more consistent basis and to focus it with one link in each newsletter.  I’ve started sending these newsletters on Wednesday and I begin each subject with [A Publishing Insight]. As of this writing, I’ve sent newsletters for six straight weeks but I’ve scheduled content for about a dozen newsletters. I will be creating more newsletters in the days ahead. In this consistent action for my newsletter, I’m using one of the principles from The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. If you make small changes on a consistent basis, they can compound to give you the success that you desire. 

Here’s another key principle of the publishing journey. It’s important to learn what others are doing and gain that knowledge. But that knowledge doesn’t add anything to your life and work if you don’t take action and apply it to your writing life. Keep taking action and some will fail but some will succeed. It’s a journey not a defined path. 

Change is not easy but I’m determined and a work in progress. Watch and see but also apply these principles of consistency to your own writing life and see if you find the success that you seek. There is not a straightforward road or path. If there were such a thing, then every book would be successful. Instead the process involves consistent experimentation, change and adjustment. I’m commited to this process and hopefully you are as well. 

Are there areas of your writing life where you have failed to be consistent? Let me know in the comments below and how you are making changes. I look forward to reading your comments.

Tweetable:

Some say, “Confession is good for the soul.” Prolific author and editor Terry Whalin admits failure to be consistent and gives the details of his changes and improvements in these details.  (ClickToTweet)

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

The Consistent Writer

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Last week I picked up the phone and called a writer I met over a year and a half ago. I encouraged her to send me her material. It was not my first phone call or email to this author but in a consistent pattern since we met, I’ve been reaching out. As of this writing, she hasn’t sent her material. Months ago I recall reading her book proposal and seeing potential. My follow-up work has not been done in a nuisance way so she wonders about my persistence. I have had a steady pattern. This characteristic of consistency is an important one for every writer. In this article, I want to give you some ideas how to build consistency into your writing life.

First, each person needs to determine what do you want to accomplish with your writing? Do you want to increase your presence on a specific social media platform? Do you want to get more readers to your blog or your newsletter? Do you want to get more reviews for your books? Do you want to sell more books? Do you want to write more magazine articles? There are endless possibilities and questions. My point is to select something specific. 

Now with a specific writing target clearly in focus, how are you going to execute this task? From my experience the consistency comes from creating a system. For example, I post on my social media about 12 to 15 times a day. Yet I only spend about 30 minutes a day on these posts. I am consistent in this process because I’ve developed a system for creating and posting my social media. Years ago I decided to post my tweets every hour throughout the working day--and not at the top of the hour but at five minutes past the hour. In a few cases each day I post at 35 minutes past the hour. Each of these posts are scheduled a planned. 

Sometimes I will post immediately and often happens when I review a book and promote the book and review. If you follow my social media stream (which some writers do because they repost and share my material), I’m providing an education in publishing and the writing world--particularly if you read the various articles. My posting is a continual part of my effort to share what I’m learning and also educate others on this complex and ever-changing world of publishing. Other writers, editors, agents and leaders in the publishing world are reading these actions--including these articles in The Writing Life. 

My results and success in publishing didn’t happen overnight but happened because of my consistent action. I tried something, then adjusted the plan and then continued it--thousands of times. I’m consistent because I’ve created and continued my system. It is that simple and something you can do as well. 

Or maybe you want to blog each week or several times a week or once a month. Select a schedule which will work for your writing life and is something you can do over and over. I write these articles about The Writing Life once a week and have posted consistently for years. Throughout the week and often at odd times, I will have an idea for an article. I write it down and keep a running list of these ideas. During spare moments throughout my week, I will write my article. Sometimes I have it written early and other times I do it at the last minute but every time I get it done because I have developed a system.

For my blog, each entry is intentional to my particular audience with topics and labels (to help the SEO), a clear by-line who wrote it, a relevant, royalty-free image, a different image at the bottom of my blog and tied to my special offer (and if you click the image it goes to the offer), a click-to-tweet at the end of each article to help people easily pass along my writing to their audience, and many other details are included. If you want to know how to make money with your blog, I have a risk-free resource (just follow the link or click the image). Yet each detail is planned and a part of my created system which I use on a consistent basis. Because I have been blogging on a consistent basis, with millions of blogs, my blog was named as one of the top 27 content writers (which was a complete surprise to me).

Recently I received a proposal submission which was probably this writer’s first attempt. The submission was incomplete with a hand-drawn illustration which will likely never be published (unless the author does it herself). As an editor, I could have:

1) ignored it and not responded (a common response) 

2) scheduled it for rejection or 

3) responded 

I chose to respond to this writer and take a few minutes to send her some free resources and guidance. I have no idea if she will take my suggestions or ignore them (another choice). I recall my own early submissions and the mistakes which I made over and over. If no one helped me, I would still be unpublished. I include this story to show that each of us have things we have learned in our publishing journey. I encourage you to make the effort to pass along these lessons to others and help them. 

How can every writer become consistent? It begins with creating a system which works for you, executing your system over and over, then reworking it as needed. None of these actions happen randomly. My consistent actions and development of an ever-improving and refined system is working. What actions can you take to become a more consistent writer? Let me know what else you suggest in the comments. 

Tweetable:

How can anyone become the consistent writer? According to this prolific writer and editor the roots of any consistent action are planning and creation of a workable system. Get the details in this article. (ClickToTweet)

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

If You Are Missing Something

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

It’s been proven social media posts get better visibility and read if they include an image. What actions do you take if the article you want to use does not have an image? I’m going to share the details about what actions I have been taking in this area.

My actions stem from a key philosophy: to take 100% responsibility for my own success. I can’t fix what others are missing but I can take responsibility for what I do. 

Early on in my writing life, I learned that when I wrote for a magazine, I could not control what changes the editor made and eventually got published for thousands of readers. Yet I could control what I turned into my editor which is part of my 100% responsibility for my own success. When I interview someone, I make a point to show this person the article before I send it off to my editor to ensure I have the correct facts. I don't want this other person to rewrite my piece but I do want to have the correct facts. Taking this step preserves my relationship with that person. 

Now that you understand my basic philosophy, what do you do if you find an article which you want to share on social media, but it does not have an image? I quickly search for an image and add one. It sounds simple but it’s an action I didn’t take for a long time. 

To add an image, take stock of what resources do you for photos? Some people take their own photos and others (like me) use a site with royalty-free images. No one can simply pull an image from another website because that image may have a copyright attached to it. I’m not a lawyer but I do understand the necessity to be wise where you find and use your photos. I have several royalty-free sources. 

MockUp Shots is my primary tool to find royalty-free photos. For a low price, I got a lifetime access to royalty-free photos which I use in my blog articles and also in my social media posts which don't have a photo. The search process is simple and easy to use. Another reason to get MockUp Shots is they are continually adding new tools and resources.

Snagit I have used this tool for many years. Currently I have the 2003 version which also has access to a large selection of royalty-free images. It's another resource to consider in this area. 

Marketing expert Kim Garst wrote an article with links to many places with free stock photos. This site has a number of valuable ways to get these royalty-free photos.

As you post something to social media, it is critical to focus each one on the reader and what will attract them to read and process your information. If a photo will help you get more readers and more attention (a proven fact) then use these resources to add whatever is missing and get those readers. 

When you are missing something for a social media post like an image, what actions do you take? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

Sometimes when you want to share a social media post, it is missing an image or something else. This prolific editor and writer encourages you to focus on readers and gives resources for the missing elements. Get these details here. (ClickToTweet)

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

Writers, Use Your Marketing Assets

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

In recent weeks, several unpublished authors have written saying they were pursuing traditional publishing because they were writers and didn’t want to spend their time in marketing and promotion. In my role as an acquisitions editor at New York publisher, Morgan James Publishing, I recognized these authors will have some hard realities ahead of them--especially if they want to sell books and be successful. Whether you publish with a well-known traditional house or independent publisher or self-publish, in this process of selling books and reaching readers, you will have to spend a portion of your time on marketing and promotion. 

During my decades in the book business, I’ve seen many missed opportunities. One of my co-authors was interviewed on The Today Show. Her book was never mentioned and yes, I was shouting at my television while watching it. This author had no media training where they teach you how to create a sound bite with the name of your book and weave that into the conversation (no matter what is being discussed). Our book is long out of print. It is not what you want to have happen to your book but another reality of publishing.

After you understand the importance of marketing and promotion then including it in your regular efforts. You will discover it takes continual work combined with wise actions. Some of your actions will sell books and others will fail. It's all part of the process of connecting with your readers and it is different for every book.

I’ve encouraged my Morgan James authors to promote their book on radio. There are thousands of radio shows and opportunities to be interviewed and promote your book. Sometimes they tell me they tried it but didn’t feel like they sold any books from it.

There are several key actions in this process. First, understand your reader has to hear about your book at least seven or eight times before they purchase it. I’ve seen others say ten to twelve times. A part of what you are doing on the radio is giving your book this exposure which eventually leads to sales. 

When you are on the radio, you need to speak in sound bites and make sure you are sending people to multiple places to purchase your book. Don’t simply send them to Amazon (a word bookstores don’t want to see and hate (yes, hate). You want to give multiple options including their local bookstore or direct from you.

Here’s the actions that my authors who didn’t get much out of radio have skipped--but are critical. After your radio interview, get the digital recording. This recording becomes a  marketing asset but only if you use it. I upload my recording to my own hosting place where it is in my direct control and does not disappear. Then I continue to promote these live recordings on social media. Readers listen to them and buy books from it. 

I want to conclude this article with a personal example. Radio host Bob Crittenden at Faith Radio in Alabama interviewed me about Book Proposals That Sell. I promoted the radio station website through my social media connections. Then I uploaded the recording to my own website where I toll continue to promote this asset. Follow the link to catch this 20-minute interview.  

 

Do you have marketing assets for your book and are you using them to promote your book? Let me know in the comments below. 

Tweetable:

When you record a radio or podcast interview, how do you use this marketing asset? This prolific writer and editor gives you some action ideas. Get the details in this article. (ClickToTweet)

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

The Writing Life Rollercoaster

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Our life as writers is filled with highs and lows. When our work gets published, it's a high. Maybe it is a magazine article or a chapter in an anthology or your first book or ____ book. When each of these pieces get into the world, it makes you feel good.

 

Then there are the lows when you get a negative royalty statement. If you've never heard this term, it's where you received an advance from your publisher but the book hasn't earned back or sold enough books to make any more money. You still get statements from the publisher but they are in the minus or negative category. Or you look at your reviews and see a one star review where someone threw your book into the subway trash can. I didn't make up that line but someone actually wrote that statement on an Amazon review about one of my successful books.

 

These highs and lows of the writing life can be compared to riding a rollercoaster. As you ride, the rollercoaster slowly climbs to the top but when you reach it, you know you are headed down on the other side. Every writer experiences these highs and lows as a part of our writing life—including me. 

 

How do you ride through these highs and lows of the writing life? It's what I want to give you in this article. There are several key practices for every successful writer to practice. I'm not talking about practicing something once but building it into the fiber of your life and doing it over and over.

 

Persistence and Perserverance. As writers, we are told “no” a great deal—at least it happens in my life. Phone calls aren't returned. Contracts are not taken when offered. Projects get cancelled and many other things happen in the process of working with others. Yes, it hurts and is “not personal but business” along with other phrases people use to soften the blow. When you have this experience you can certainly quit and move away from the project. Or you can do what Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen did as they were rejected 140 times for the Chicken Soup for the Soul proposal. They looked at each other and said, “Next.” See the hope built into that word? The current project wasn't a fit for you but you are turning and looking for the next one. Your persistence and perserverance is what will count to eventually make it happen.

 

Consistency.  Since July, 2008, I've posted on Twitter over 68,000 times. Yes, that is a lot of posts. If you look at my Twitter Feed, I post about 12–15 times a day in a consistent pattern.  At times, I wonder if anyone is reading these posts or cares. In April, I met a high-profile author and the first thing he told me is that he reads my Twitter posts. He applauded my consistency and how I stay on message with these posts.  I blog consistently and write these new entries every week. These are just two examples of my consistent actions. What steps are you taking consistently. Are you meeting new people through LinkedIN or Facebook, then helping those people? Are you pitching new editors or podcast hosts or radio programs or something else you want to do? Your consistency will pay off in the long haul. Nothing is immediate in this business. As Jerry B. Jenkins wrote in the Foreword of my 10 Publishing Myths: Left Behind was his 125^th  published book. He was not an overnight success but has consistently worked at his craft and presence in the publishing world. Left Behind was originally published over 20 years ago and continues to sell at least 10,000 copies each month and the series has sold over 60 million books. Consistency is an important quality.

 

Continued Improvement and Growth. I've never claimed to be the best writer in the room but I am one of the more persistent and consistent writers. Another key to this writing life rollercoaster is continuing to grow and improve as a writer. I love what Darren Hardy encourages in his Darren Daily. He has created the hashtag #BetterEveryDay. It's why I continue to read books on the craft of writing, take online courses and learn from others. It's a key part of my writing life—and hopefully your life as well.

 

Knocking on New Doors. I've gotten wound up on this article so I'm going to bring it to a conclusion. Be meeting new people and pitching new projects in new places. The opportunities are there but you have to be knocking on the doors.

 

I've given you some important characteristics for the writing life rollercoaster. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

 

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Communication Snafus

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

The communciation snafu possibilities are endless. Last week through email I introduced two people. One of them responded but only sent his response to me instead of responding to both of us. Thankfully I noticed and forwarded it on to the person he was trying to reach. I called this individual about the missed email—and I called the person he was trying to reach—but her voicemail box was full. I was persistent to reach her and I texted her the information so it shows up on her phone. Do you see the lengths that I went to make sure the communication happened? I understand that I am an exception in my efforts to communicate. Many people would not be as persistent in their communication.  

 

In a different situation, I was emailing a long-time editor friend who I had not tried to reach in years. I went to his profile on LinkedIn and his email address had not changed and was still his publishing company email. When I used it, my email came back as undelivered. I knew I was not communicating. 

 

I reached out to another editor friend. This second editor knew our friend had left that publisher and gave me his current email. I reconnected with this editor and exchanged a couple of emails. Several days passed and I noticed his LinkedIN email remained unchanged with the wrong information. Normally when people change positions, they take their LinkedIN account with them since it is tied to the indikvidual and not their publishing house. I reached out to this friend again and encouraged him to revise his LinkedIN contact information. He thanked me for encouraging him to make this update. When you set up your social media profiles, is your email a generic one that will always work to reach you? If you are using a company email, I encourage you to change it. None of us can predict our future yet we can always plan for the long-term if possible. 

 

Also I encourage you to monitor the various comments on your social media posts. Last week I had a series of comments with one post where someone accused me of piggy-backing on another writer's brand (which was not true). I've learned such a pubic exchange is not good for anyone and that forum is not the place for such communication. Instead of engaging (which could have wasted hours of fruitless exchanges), I took control of the situation and deleted the communication chain. If you get into such a situation, it's the step I recommend you take.

 

As you communicate with others, be aware of these communication snafus. If I don't hear from someone after a number of days, I will send my email a second time or use a different communication method such as a phone call or text. There are many different reasons and ways to miscommunicate. Good communication is important and you have to constantly be aware of your reputation and protect it. In fact, Proverbs 22:1 says a good name is to be prized above riches. Have you experienced communication snafus? How do you avoicd them, let me know in the comments below. 

 

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How to Write a Book Review

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Last week I gathered with a group of local writers for a backyard barbecue to celebrate the beginning of our school year and to begin again our monthly meetings. One of the writers brought her first book which was going to release in a few weeks. I asked if she had a launch team or any other plans to get her book into the market. She looked a bit lost how to answer my question then said, “I'm going to put the cover up on my Instagram account and tell people it is available.” 

 

I encouraged this author to get friends and others to write book reviews because readers are making buying decisions every day when they read reviews online at any place books are sold and not just Amazon. I understand the influence of book reviews and it's one of the reasons I've been writing book reviews for decades in print publications as well as online. As you read or listen to books, writing a simple book review is a way to support other writers. If you want to know more about how to get reviews, I have created a free teleseminar on this topic (follow the link). 

  

I've seen many people write a sentence or two for their review but I believe a more detailed review is helpful to the readers (and the author). In this article, I want to give you more of the details about how I write a review. While each review is individually crafted, there are some consistent elements in my reviews to give you some ideas for y0ur reviews. The books that I read and review come from a variety of places. Sometimes publishers will send them to me, others will come from authors, and other times I learn about books from reading other reviews or news releases. I'm often reading one book and listening to a different book. As I read the book, I will open a Word file and sometimes make some notes about the book. These brief notes often turn into the review. Also as I read, I will mark interesting quotes or sections with post-its to be able to easily reference these sections with my review.

 

Every review begins with a headline. This headline can be a summary statement about the book but involves using a few words to draw the reader into reading your review.  Spend a few moments crafting your headline for the review.

 

In my review, I summarize the contents of the book, point out key sections of the book and in general, I include a few sentences which I quote from the book and reference the specific page where it comes from. I inelude this quote to show the reader that I've actually read the book and it gives the reader some more insights about the book. I conclude each review with my recommendation about the book.

 

In recent years, I've learned to use an online program called Mock-Up Shots which has a set of diverse marketing tools. One of those tools allows me to upload the book cover then I select a unique image with the book which I add to my review on Amazon and also use the image to promote my review (and the book) on social media. If you want to learn more about these tools for your use, follow the link. You can get lifetime access which is well worth it in my view and I use these tools almost daily.

 

The bulk of my reviews are about 150 to 200 words in length and afterwords, I will often print the Word file with my review, then read it again and make any changes before posting it on Amazon and Goodreads. The Goodreads review appears right away but Amazon sometimes takes a day or two or three before it appears. When the Amazon review appears, I will post about my review on social media to my different channels (Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn).

 

The final step in my process relates to how I received the book. If I got it directly from an author or publisher or publicist, I will send the Amazon and Goodreads links to my review along with a link to my posting on social media. Taking this step is important to affirm to the receiver, I have completed the review—and it opens the door to additional books for possible review.

 

Do you write reviews for the books you read or hear? Do you have a pattern or system you've created for these reviews? Let me know in the comments below.

 

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