The Reality of the Marketplace

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As writers, the marketplace for our writing is in constant motion. Editors come and go. New publications start and end. Different systems come and go.

The last few years have been challenging for publishers and retailers. Some publishers have closed their doors. Others are struggling. For example, one of my author friends publishes a specialized type of books. Her publisher has two of her books finished in production but haven’t been distributed into the bookstores. Why? Behind the scenes, one of the largest financial expenses for a publisher is printing those books for distribution to the bookstores. It’s a gamble because bookstores can hold the books for a period of time (even years) and if they don’t sell, these retailers can return the books for a complete refund. Often the returned books arrive in such bad shape the only option is destruction. The publisher has to be willing to absorb and handle that unseen cost. Other times the books can be returned to a different bookstore. It’s part of the cost of working in publishing.

Back to my writer friend who has a long-track record of success in this business. Her two titles are stuck with this publisher and her long-time relationship. When I spoke with this author, we explored some alternatives like other manuscripts that she could generate and could go into production. 

Also in the last few years, the cost of paper has increased. This means the small margins of profit for publishers have grown even smaller. Publishers can increase the retail price which could affect future sales but this step involves changing the barcodes on the printed books or the retailer will have to use stickers. If the books do not sell and are returned, the removal of these stickers takes time and can destroy the books. I hope you see that behind the scenes there are difficult decisions for the publisher which is not often discussed. These decisions spur publishers to make cautious decisions about which books are contracted and produced. In a practical sense, it means there is a lot of silence for authors who are submitting and a lot of frustration for literary agents, who do not make money unless the book is contracted. The bottom-line is a huge stall in many areas.

Also the retail price and the price of paper has affected the length of books. At Morgan James Publishing, we had a internal 100,000 word guideline for our novels but now that guideline has been adjusted to 80,000 words. People are buying and reading shorter books.

If you are an author who has a large novel which isn’t getting traction, maybe your rejection is not based on your storytelling or topic but simply on the word count. Often as an editor, I will suggest an author divide their lengthy novel into two or three books. While it is rare someone listens to my request and takes action, sometimes the author will do this work. Recently at Morgan James, a novelist pitched a 160,000 word manuscript. I suggested he divide it into two books. This author did the work and now has two novels into production and headed to the bookstores for readers. I admire the flexibility of this author to divide his manuscript. I’ve had a series of other authors who have pitched a 200,000 word novel or 150,000 word novel and have not been willing to break it into two novels or three novels. The lack of flexibility will ultimately force these authors into self-publishing and a different set of issues and concerns.

How to Keep Up

What steps do you take to be aware of these realities in today’s book market? I encourage you to read online publications and newsletters that tie to your particular type of book or genre. Also I encourage you to attend writer’s conferences and network with other writers, editors and literary agents. Maybe a different connection is what you need for your book and to find success.

Finally every writer needs to continue expanding the elements that are under their control. I’m not talking about a “rented” platform like LinkedIN or Facebook. You and I do not control these places and could be kicked off these sites because of something innocent which we post on them. Instead I’m pointing to your website, your newsletter, and your blog. What actions can you take to expand your newsletter subscribers? As I pointed out in these articles, behind the scenes, I’ve changed some elements of my newsletter. Check out this link and if you add your name, you will receive an 87-page Ebook loaded with insights for every writer. To receive this FREE ebook, you are added to my weekly newsletter which will give continued value to you but you can also choose to unsubscribe if it is not right for you. 

As authors, we have many choices and need to take consistent actions to meet the realities of the marketplace. Maybe you need to explore a different social network to attract new readers to your work and newsletter. 

Recently at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, I taught four sessions titled: Making Books Is Easy but Selling Books Is Hard. Unlock the Mystery: How Do Authors Sell Books? As a part of my teaching, I prepared a 39-page handout. This document included multiple links to other resources and ideas for authors to succeed with their book. On the final page, I pointed to Samantha Evans who has been finding success with her topic of grief on YouTube. Sam is giving away a free multiple-page PDF which explains what steps she is taking and how she is increasing her reach. How do you get this information for your work? Follow this link, join her newsletter and learn from what she is doing for her own writing journey.

Throughout my decades in publishing, I’ve learned one consistent lesson: there is a great deal in publishing outside of my control except for one person: me. It takes consistent and persistent action to find your path and the right connection.

What have you learned from reading this article? What am I missing that you want to add? I look forward to your comments. If I can help you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. My email address is in my X/Twitter profile. 

Tweetable:

The publishing world is in constant motion. This prolific author and editor gives the details about the reality of the marketplace along with some action steps for every writer.  (ClickToTweet)

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

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Your Most Effective Communication Tool

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Writers, editors, agents and other professionals are in the communication business. Because of the slow pace or nonexistent pace of communication, often this aspect is forgotten. What is the most effective communication tool? Depending on your age, some people would answer text. Others say the telephone. In this article, I want to contend it is your email.

Through my work at Morgan James Publishing, I’m connected with many authors who have my direct dial phone number. We speak from time to time on the phone. Last week one of my authors called me. From a glance at my phone, I could see who was calling and I sent the call to voicemail. This author didn’t leave a message and is likely hoping I will return the missed call. It is a call I will not be making. Why? My last conversation with this author was a pitch for a type of book that Morgan James does not publish. During the conversation, I recommended this author write a book proposal or a business plan with the book that was pitched. It’s a lot of work to create such a business plan. I know firsthand because I’ve written two book proposals which received six-figure advances from publishers. I encouraged this author to write a proposal not for a six-figure advance but because I know it will help this author crystalize and define the idea. Instead of following the seasoned advice from my last phone conversation, this author wanted to spend more time on a call. It’s a timewaster for me and simply not going to happen. 

When it comes to the telephone, you want to be wise how you use this communication tool and not waste time for the other person. Think about your last call before you dial in their number to dial it again. My advice is that straightforward when you think about calling an editor or agent on the phone.

Boundaries on Your Email

Some of my professional friends have drawn specific boundaries on their email. For example, they don’t answer work emails on the weekend (except rarely). I got an automatic responder from one of my Morgan James colleagues and it included how she handles her email--that she only reads it twice a day in the morning and evening and that is during the week. On the weekend, she reads it on Sunday afternoon. I applaud how she has helped define expectations for anyone who sends her an email.

I do not have such boundaries (but maybe I should learn from this colleague). As my authors and others I work with know firsthand, I’m likely to answer my email almost any time and any day. Those answers can come early in the morning or late at night. I probably need to draw a few email boundaries.

A Process for Submissions

Email is where I receive and process submissions for Morgan James Publishing. Often writers and literary agents through email will send their pitch or proposal (often as an attachment). Also to make sure I get what I need for a submission, I will often email authors asking for their submission. If I need additional information (which happens fairly frequently), I will email for this data. 

As a part of the submission process, I set up a conference call with each author to explore the background on their submission, their connections as a writer and also to explain about the unique ways Morgan James operates in the marketplace. This conference call is recorded and via email, I sent the author a link to the recording. After this call, I fill out some internal paperwork to possibly get the author a contract--and this filled out form comes to me on email. 

When our publication board meets and makes a publishing decision about offering a contract, through email I’m notified their contract package is ready to send. As an editor, I prepare this package and email it to the author (and I also call them to alert them that I’ve sent this material so it does not get stuck in their spam or some other place). Often they ask questions (on email) and receive answers on email. Then when they sign their contract, they will scan it and email it to me. You can see with these details the essential nature of email throughout this process.

Read But Not Answered

Some of my professional friends have large volumes of email in their computer which they have never opened. I read or at least open all of my emails and have none which are unopened. If you email me, you can count on the fact I will open it. I may not read all of it but will open it. Also the fact that I open it does not mean I answer it. I have two primary email addresses (personal and work). In each email, I have a large number of emails which are in my draft folder. These emails are likely ones I will answer but on my timeframe. Many of them do not have a specific deadline or timeframe for an answer. 

Email Newsletters

In my article last week, I told you about my newletter change over after 20 years. It is still in process. I’m learning how to use my new system and committed to continuing the consistent communication pattern that I’ve set up in the past months. Behind the scenes, my newsletter numbers have dramatically dropped. I’m redoubling my efforts to proactively increase those numbers and get more subscribers. Essentially I’m continuing to send my newsletter on a consistent schedule, providing value and reminding them of our connection. 

In case, you missed it last week, here’s where you can quickly subscribe and will receive a FREE 87-page ebook loaded with lots of valuable writing insights.

Other Communication Tools

In the opening for this article, I mentioned the telephone and texting. I use both of these tools but advise you to be limited in your use of the telephone with editors and agents--until you have established your relationship. Some authors want to call me and make their pitch on the phone--which is the least effective way to pitch in my view. You may have a great oral pitch on the phone but what you pitch for the printed page is critical and much more important than what you do on the phone. Some authors love to text and will send me long texts--which I skim but do not reply in kind. Text is a great way to reach someone at the last minute.

Do you agree with me that email is your most effective communicaion tool? Or what do you see that I am missing? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

Are you using the most effective communication tool for writers? This prolific author and editor believes it is not texting nor the telephone. Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

My Writing In Other Places:

With these articles, I encourage you to publish your work beyond your blog in other places. Below are two articles which were published in other online locations than this blog. 

The Value of Getting Published is far beyond writing a book. You can read the detailed action points in this article. 

Some people believe Authors Have a “Magical Life.” Authors do have some unusual experiences and I give the details in this article of those few exceptions. The bulk of what authors do is simply persistent and hard work.

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

The Necessity of Change

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

When I opened and read the email, a surge of dread and fear swept over me. I know that’s a little dramatic but for over 20 years behind the scenes of my online presence, I had been using a shopping cart. This tool is where I kept my email list, my products that I sold, the autoresponders (automatic emails) which I used for each of my lead magnets to my newsletter.

Many years earlier I set up my online business with a determination to do it myself. There is no assistant or even a virtual assistant. My newsletter is my connection to readers and something I control and send each time. 

I picked up the phone to call the support line for the shopping cart. Yes, their servers were old and outdated. They were closing down on June 15th. Overwhelmed, I knew I could not make this change on my own. I reached out to a friend who is a tech expert. His schedule didn’t allow him to help me but he referred me to a former employee who could help me make this transition. While the change cost me financially, the various pieces of my old shopping cart were moved, then tested and validated that they were working. 

Let’s face the fact: no one likes to change. It’s easier to keep doing what you have been doing in the past than to make the transition. Change is hard and often takes unexpected hard work and can be costly--not just in terms of time but actual expenses.

As I made this change, this tech person advised me not to import all of my old newsletter emails into the new system. The response and open rate would be low with lots of spam. I understood because several years ago I had imported these emails into my new system with such a terrible response rate.  I was almost kicked off the new tool. Instead of importing the old email addresses, I sent a series of emails encouraging my subscribers to move to the new location. 

When I focused on my readers, I asked what I could give them to encourage them to continue on my newsletter list. In 2008, when I was beginning my blog, The Writing Life, I compiled six months of entries into an ebook. I had not promoted or used this ebook in 17 years. Thankfully I found it on my computer. As I read through it, I saw the value for the reader and the volume of material was 87 pages of writing content. 

In a short amount of time, I reworked the introduction, skimmed through the pages and switched out a few images, updated my bio and the links in the final pages, then sent it to my tech person. It was added to the lead magnet which asked my subscribers to change to my new tool. 

This page is more than a transition/ change device, it is a new tool which I can use now and in the days ahead. Just follow this link to be added to my newsletter list. 

If you face a change, you basically have two choices--give up or plot a course of change. I’ve had several writer friends who switched from my old shopping cart when I chose to continue. As writers, we have a series of such small but important choices. How can you lean into the change, get the help you need and make the transition? It is what I encourage you to do.

I meet many writers who want to find a traditional publishing deal or a literary agent. Their challenge is the standard and relationship numbers have continued to climb for agents and traditional publishers. After a lengthy time of trying, these writers grow discouraged and decide to self-publish. Instead I encourage you to look at independent publishing and in particular Morgan James Publishing. We have a 20+ year track record of successfully working with authors. The exploration process costs you nothing but some time and it could change your presence in the marketplace. Reach out to me if I can help you.

What changes are you facing? How are you handling it? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

How do you face the necessity of change? You can give up or determine a path to move ahead. This prolific author and editor details his behind-the-scene transition with some action steps for your writing life.  (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:

Engel Jones (@EngelJones) and I had a brief conversation about writing, publishing myths and how to seize opportunity on the 12-Minute Conversation Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/3FOB2S6

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. Over and over, 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.

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 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

Be A Responsive Communicator

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

If I stop and think about the piles of things that I want to accomplish, I understand that I am failing in many areas. I have more personal writing that I want to start and finish. I have authors who have pitched me that I want to get them contracts and need to process their submissions. I have organization work to do on my computer and even my desk. Authors have sent me books to read and review. The list goes on and on...

In this article I want to encourage you to be a responsive communicator. In a world where many editors or literary agents do not respond, I will send a short email (not always but more often than others). In a world where editors and agents don’t respond to pitches, I will send a short email saying “Got it.” 

If someone doesn’t respond to my email, I will call them or text them. I admit that I don’t use text often and it is one of my least favorite communication tools--but for some people it is the only way they will respond. I’ve learned to use the microphone button on my phone for texting, then carefully read the output before I send it. It is a way to communicate.

Why  should I take the time to communicate?

--In a world which does not communicate, if you respond, it is a simple way to stand out from the crowd. It does not take much. For example, in the area of submissions, Morgan James Publishing sends a letter of acknowledgement in the mail for every submission. We receive over 5,000 submissions a year and only publish about 180 to 200 books. Most publishers have dropped this letter of acknowledgement. The fact that we still do it is a way to distinguish ourselves. We also have a secondary motivation for collecting this address. If later on we decide to make a contract offer, we have the author’s mailing address for the document.

--distinguish yourself as a communicator. Your consistency as a communicator is important. Authors who ask good questions and communicate distinguish themselves as someone the publisher wants to work with. It’s a careful balance here beause you don't want to overcommunicate and become a high maintenance author. 

--distinguish yourself as reliable. As you steadily communicate meet deadlines for different matters. You distinguish yourself as a writer who is reliable. Many writers miss deadlines or extend them (often at the last minute). These actions throw publishing schedules into chaos and put greater pressure on others in the chain of events. It's much better if you meet the deadline--even if it requires some extra effort on your part.

As I’ve heard the stories about Pope Leo XIV, some friend who knew him talked about getting a text from him. This incident showed me that he is a communicator and which is a valuable characteristic.

--Your response can be short. Your consistent response will pay off for you. Unfortuately the publishing community is notorious for giving a slow response or no response (ghosting). If you are consistent--even if short, that responsiveness will pay off for you within the community.

--Try multiple methods to communicate. As an editor, I reach out to authors to set phone meetings. The majority respond to my email but others prefer text and others prefer a phone call. Be aware of these different communication tools and use them to increase your effectiveness.

--Use templates. As an editor, I have a number of different emails that I send in the submission process. I don’t have to reinvent each of them and use a template. Yet I make sure I personalize and change each template before I send it. It's all part of being a good communicator.

When You Fall Behind--Keep Going

If you watch my social media stream, you will see that for many years I post 12 to 15 times a day. I use a scheduling program called Hootsuite. Throughout last week I was tied up throughout the day at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. With this intense schedule, my posts for the last few days were pretty limited. At that point I could choose to change direction and stop (like many people do) or I could give myself grace and keep going. I’m choosing the grace option and not giving up. It’s what I recomend you do when you fall behind. Do not give up but keep going.

Are you a responsive communicator? What am I missing and insights do you have into this important process? I look forward to your comments.

Tweetable:

As a writer, you need to be a responsive communicator according to this prolific author and editor encourages simple actions. Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

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

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

If Time Challenged, Then Set a Deadline

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Are you feeling time challenged? Does it feel like each day is passing with increasing speed? It’s a feeling I face daily and in this article I want to give you some action steps for your writing life.

We live in one of the greatest times in human history with incredible opportunities and communication tools. Our ability to communicate with each other happens 24 hours a day and seven days a week. As an editor, the submissions pour into my email account every day--even on the weekend. Last Sunday an author emailed me with his submission which was in five attachments. The better submission would combine all of these attachments into a single document. Even though it was the weekend, I opened two or three of them. The email and each attachment was missing the information I needed to get the submission started. These documents did not contain the author’s mailing address nor his phone number. Without this basic information, the submission cannot get entered into our internal system. 

While it is a bit “old school,” Morgan James Publishing acknowledges every submission which enters the system with a letter in the US mail (and emailed if outside the US). Why? This mailing address is needed if later in the process, we are able to issue a contract offer to publish the book. When I noticed this author didn’t have the information, internally I groaned (not the editor reaction that you want to evoke). If this submission was going anywhere to be considered I had to email the author for the information. It was simply one more unnecessary action for an overloaded schedule. 

Yet I sent the email to the author--even on a Sunday morning. Make sure your submission is complete with the requested information. If your submission is not complete and requires another email from that editor, it may not happen--then you wonder why--but you were the cause because you did not include the requested information.

If you select any month or day, I have a series of deadlines to meet. For example, I guest blog for several different places once a month. Each one has a specific deadline and I will list that deadline in the reminder’s section of my phone, then work toward completion. Also I have a number of submissions which I need to process for these authors to receive a publishing contract. It involves setting up a conference call with the author and proposing a time on email then confirming when they respond. During the call, I ask for several specifics which I need from that author before their paperwork can be completed to possibly get them a contract. If the author doesn’t provide these details, I may need to email or call and follow-up or it could simply be dropped because of their lack of response. However it happens, I’m saying that as an editor I have a series of submissions blasting into my email constantly--way more than any single person could possibly process. Each day I keep chipping away at getting it done.

Also I have scheduled trips to conferences where in general I’m away from my email and phone because I’m meeting face to face with authors. Or I’m teaching a workshop or visiting with authors and hearing about their work and pitches during a meal or a coffee break. These interactions happen early in the morning or even late at night. At these events, my natural tendency is to go to my room and be alone (which happens sometimes on overload). Normally I fight those tendencies and instead make a point of being visible and interacting with whoever crosses my path. I see these interactions as divine appointments and have great stories and experiences from those “chance” meetings.

Whenever I face this steady stream of work and feel time challenged, I celebrate my journalism training and experience. As a young newspaper reporter, I worked on The Peru Daily Tribune in an open newsroom. There were no cubicals but an open series of desks with old manual typewriters, noise and even some cigarette smoke. It was in the days before anyone had a cell phone or computer. The managing editor would gather the staff in his office at 7 a.m. for a story meeting. We brainstormed story ideas for the newspaper.

The managing editor would turn to me and say, “Terry, I need an on the street viewpoint article about (some current event).” My task would be to corner someone on the street, ask a few questions along with their contact information. Then get back to the newsroom, type out my story and turn it into my city editor on or before 11 a.m. There was no time for writer’s block or daydreaming about what to write. It forced every reporter into action because we were writing for  daily newpaper. The edited pages were typeset then printed in the afternoon newspaper which hit the street at 3 p.m. My years of experience meeting deadlines helps me continue to make these deadlines.

The first step in your time challenged experience, is to set your own deadlines then meet those deadlines. An easy way for any writer to standout is to meet your deadlines with quality and complete writing. Many writers are notoriously late. As an editor, I’ve worked with writers and their literary agents to set a contract deadline. When that deadline approaches, these writers (or their agent for them) will call and ask for addtional time. Making this extension is Okay but you can standout as a writer if you hit the original deadline or even turn it in a few days early. 

Use scheduling tools is another resource for the time challenged. For example, every week I publish an original article about The Writing Life. Next week I will be teaching at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference with limited time at my computer. To meet my article deadline, I’ve written it ahead of time and scheduled the release.

Beyond awareness and scheduling tools, your awareness that for something to be effective, you have to  accomplish it repeatedly. I’ve been doing this repeatedly with my weekly newsletter to my email list. I’ve also been doing it through my social media scheduling.

As I’ve written in these articles, I post on social media 12 to 15 times every day seven days a week. To be honest, there are times when I don’t want to do the posts at this frequency. Yet I understand that years ago I set up this expectation and schedule. From the engagement and feedback, I know some people read these entries and they are getting used. While  some days I may be tired of it in obedience and discipline I sit each week and do it. You can make a similar decision. 

What steps do you take when you are time challenged? Do you simply shut down and get away from it all? I have some friends who react in that manner as well. Or maybe you have another idea that I’m missing. Let me know in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other.

Tweetable:

When you are time challenged and overwhelmed with work, what steps to you take? Some people shut down and this prolific author and editor encourages you to set and meet deadlines. Read the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

No matter what type of writing you tackle, each one contains its own challenges and complexity. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. Through my years in this business, I’ve spoken with many authors, I find many of them have unrealistic expectations about publishing. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. 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

The Price Tag of Innovation

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

In these entries on The Writing Life, I talk about different aspects of the world of publishing. In about a week, I begin to teach a continuing class at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in Asheville, North Carolina. This event is one of the largest in the country with over 600 people last year. It’s been my honor to teach at this event a number of times. Like other aspects of publishing that I’ve mentioned, to be considered on their faculty, I have to pitch what I will teach. To give myself the best opportunity to be selected, I intentionally pitch something different than I’ve taught in the past. 

Months ago I pitched teaching a continuing session (Making Books Is Easy but Selling Books Is Hard. Unlock the Mystery: How Do Authors Sell Books?). I created a brief paragraph about each session. My personal challenge is that when I teach, I pour a great deal of time and effort into my handouts and the information which I will be giving to my class. 

Because of the size of this conference and the other classes, I never know ahead of time how many people will be at my session. Some years I have taught a full class with someone in every seat. Other years I have had two or three people (yes that number is correct). Other times I have had a dozen people in my class. I always prepare as though I will have an overflow crowd--whether that happens or not.

My challenge is finding the time to prepare for these new sessions. My handouts for the sessions are due ahead of time. Instead of printing a bunch of handouts which are not used, all of the handout information will be stored in a password protected area (just for people who have paid for the conference) to access and use. Unlike some of the other instructors, I do not use a powerpoint or an online slide deck. Through my years of attending these conferences, I  been in the audience where the instructor spends the bulk of the hour trying to get their computer to work or some other glitch prevents the audience from receiving the information. Instead when I teach, I focus on producing handouts with a lot of information (way more data than I can teach during the time period) and put it online for the participants to use when they return back to their homes.

On top of this continuing class responsibility, I’ve been invited to give one of the keynote talks to the entire conference. It’s another opportunity that I do not take lightly. I've worked and reworked my stories and what I will be saying during this time. I’ve prepared a special business sized card which I’m carrying to the event and plan to give to each person at the end of my talk. They can put this card on their computer or bathroom mirror or some other place where they will be reminded of my different key points. 

I learn a great deal as I prepare to teach and it helps me crystalize some of the actions that I take on a regular basis for my own books. Also I’m intentionally telling stories of my various experiences in publishing combined with some how-to steps for every listener. I can’t make any listener take action for their own writing life. All I can do is give them the various resources and point to where they can go on their own journey.

What do you want to accomplish? Write a specific goal and give yourself a deadline for that goal. What will it take for you to complete it? How can you break the tasks into short bursts that you can mark off and move forward? It will be your persistence and consistency that will eventually get it done. 

As authors, each of us are on this journey to find our readers, sell our books and help others. I called this article, The Price Tag of Innovation. There is definitely a cost and investment for every speaker or teacher at these events. It costs time and energy away from my office and other responsibilities. It costs time and energy away from my family. Yet from my experience of attending writer’s conferences for many years, I know the teaching to the right person can be life-changing. From my experience, the price tag of innovation is worth it.

What price tag are you paying for innovation? Maybe it’s an investment in a writer’s conference or taking an online course or maybe you are getting up an hour earlier each day to crank out some pages on your current manuscript. It could be dozens of things that need to be accomplished to reach more readers with your words. Let me know in the comments below.

My Writing In Other Places:

With these articles, I encourage you to publish your work beyond your blog in other places. Below are a couple of locations where my work has been recently published.

Each month I write an article about book proposal creation for Almost an Author. This site recently was hacked and went down but is now back up. I encourage writers to Build and Maintain Editor Relationships at: https://bit.ly/4jRmRKK 

Each month I guest blog for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference blog. In this article, I encourage authors saying: You Can Reach Your Writing Goals at: https://bit.ly/4j3uUTC

Tweetable:

According to this prolific author and editor, there is a price tag for innovation. Are you aware of this cost and how to move forward with your writing? Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

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. 

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