Two Critical Author Actions

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Every day thousands of new books pour into the market. How can you standout and sell books? Are you depending on someone else to sell your books? Maybe you have a traditional publisher or have hired a publicist or marketing person. As the author, you have the greatest passion and investment in your book. I continue to encourage you to take 100% responsibility for your own success and selling your book. If you aren’t taking consistent action, then you aren't reaching new readers and telling them about the benefits of your book. It’s why last week I recorded another podcast about publishing expectations and told listeners about 10 Publishing Myths. Follow the link to get it, read it and take action.

Today, I’m giving you the stories about two critical actions that every author needs to take to sell books: positioning and follow-up.

First, position your book for readers to know about it and easily purchase your book. Several years ago right before the pandemic, I made a large investment in 10 Publishing Myths. With eight other authors I took three days away from home to attend a book funnel book bootcamp. The hours and work at this camp were long and intense. We brainstormed about each other’s work, learned how to use new tools and launched this effort. In the years since, several of my fellow participants have removed their book funnel and given up on these tools. I have continued to promote it and use it which is one of the keys for me. If you give up and quit, the effort stops.

In addition to this website, I have continued promotion and used PodMatch to book or record over 70 podcasts. I do not have a podcast but have been guesting and promoting the podcasts of others. Before each podcast (whether it is live or recorded), I review my talking points or stories that I want to make sure I tell during these sessions. I can only control my part of the process but I can thoughtfully take that control. I purchased a website Publishing Offer.com. On this website, I forward to my book funnel site. The words are clear and easy for every listener to recall and use. People listen to podcasts when exercising or driving in their car or any number of other places away from a computer. I consider my listeners and want to make it easy for them to get to my website.

I’m telling you these specific actions so you can apply them to your own books and your readers. How you position your book and continue to promote it is an important aspect of this work. 

Last Saturday, I spent three hours listening to about 15 pitches online from different writers. Over the last several years, as an acquisitions editor, I’ve participated in this conference. I have a track record of results from these pitches because Morgan James Publishing has published several books from these authors.

The leaders of this conference understand that I’m eager to get the email addresses and contact information from these various authors who pitched their books. During a five or ten minute author pitch, I did not gather or exchange any contact information with these authors. It is the second action, I want to write about in this article: followup. Without follow-up the chain of commuication is broken. Unless I communicate, they don't how how to reach me and likely will not submit their manuscript to me. This communication gap is necessary to fill or I will miss an opportunity. I emailed the leaders and requested the information (even though they told me orally that they were going to send it). When I received the information, I carefully entered their names, emails and phone numbers into my address book. Then early last week or a few days after our meeting, I sent each one an email asking for their submission. This follow-up step is critical for every author. These authors may send their submission in months or even next year. The timing is unimportant but the followup is critical.

For a moment, let’s return to book positioning. In my email signature, I include several links and the first one says:

Get 10 Publishing Myths for only $10 at:

http://publishingoffer.com/ 

One of those authors who pitched bought my book. When I mailed the printed book, I made a point to personalize the book (sign and date it on the title page) and include my business cards which have additional links and information.

I’m writing about these details because every author (including you) can take these types of actions. It involves thoughtful preparation, continued effort and action. It is through these actions you seize opportunities for your book.

One final idea for you: below this article, each week I create a ClickToTweet. I take this simple action to encourage you to easily pass this information to others. Can you please pass on this information?

What actions are you taking to reach new readers? How are you positioning your book? What followup steps are you taking to knock on doors and open opportunity? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

This prolific author and editor details two critical actions that every author can take. Read the stories here.  (ClickToTweet)

For many years, I have spoken with individuals who want to publish a book. I’ve listened to their plans and found many of them have an unrealistic idea about the details of publishing. To sell books and succeed, these details are important. 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. 

Every author needs a better submission for editors or literary agents. I’m teaching a free Live Webinar on Tuesday, April 21st at 6 pm Eastern. Register and details at: https://bit.ly/4lIx91y

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

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

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Editor, Do Your Work!

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Editors have a critical responsibility in the process of producing excellent books. They are working on the foundation of the book. Every editor is charged to provide storytelling strength to the manuscript, feedback about the meaning and validation of the story and the information in the manuscript. For example, are they choosing the right words? In a novel, does the plot work? Does the author keep the reader turning the pages? Each of these questions have techniques and details the editor helps evaluate and improve the manuscript.

In addition, this editor guides the author about the realities of today's publishing marketplace. They give honest feedback about how this manuscript will fit into the bookstores. Through the years, I’ve worked with many different types of editors. Some editors are more skilled in one area of editing than another. If you are going the self-publishing or independent (hybrid) route with your book, then as the author you will get to select your editor. Even if you go the traditional route, you may hire an editor to help you shape an excellent submission.

I’m going to tell you about a recent editorial situation. I admit this article is a bit of a rant but I’m doing it because of the lessons that I can pass on to you.

As an acquisitions editor, I’m on the front lines of receiving submissions from authors and literary agents. Frequently I’m the first one to receive a submission. We make many different types of books at Morgan James Publishing. If it is a novel, I need the complete manuscript and synopsis in the submission.

This type of request is standard within the publishing community. There are basically two different types of novelists: plotters and panters. The plotters have laid out exactly where their novel is going while the pantsers don’t know their ending and write by the seat of their pants. Publishers have contracted novels which have great beginning chapters then later the novelist will reveal they are a pantser and stuck on how to complete the novel. This situation puts the publisher in a difficult position because they have spent money and effort but do not have a novel to publish.

I received a submision from an author which was 240,000 words. I requested and received the full manuscript. In case you don't see an issue, a 240,000 novel will be 850 pages when poured into pages. This first-time novelist was headed for repeated rejection for this large book. As the acquisitions editor, I told this author and suggested he break the story into four novels. When I made the suggestion, I knew it would involve editorial work to create a new “ending” which leaves the reader looking for the next book. Each of these four reworked novels could be 60,000 words or about 200 pages. This smaller page count allows for a reasonable (and saleable) retail price and repositions this novelist to be shopping a book which could sell in the bookstores--making the author and the publisher money. Many people never think about the commercial or business aspects of the book but they are a critical element in the decision-making process.

Before I championed this long novel to my colleagues and they possibly gave a contract offer, I needed reassurances from this author that he was willing to make these changes and deliver a manuscript with a commercially viable length. 

The author was reluctant to divide the story. He said he could send a 120,000 word submission. I asked for a maximum 90,000 word novel and said my collegues would like it better if it was 80,000 words. The author balked and could not agree. Our negotiation broke down. This author had hired a freelance editor who worked through the entire story and been paid $3,000 for such work.

When I learned this information about the editor, I understood this editor got caught up in developing the story and took her eye off her main job: delivering a manuscript which would sell to a publisher. The editor did not do his work on this important detail of advising the author and providing a reality check of the fiction marketplace.

Each of us can easily name bestselling novelists who have written large works like James A. Michener. But a first time novelist? This large manuscript is facing multiple rejections searching for the right fit with a publisher. Novels are getting shorter in the marketplace for multiple reasons. 

People are reading shorter novels (50,000 to 80,000 words). Also since 2020, the price of paper has increased 70% to 80% which compels publishers to look for shorter novels with a reasonable and saleable retail price. This editor neglected to teach his author about this important publishing detail.

The editorial process is subjective. One editor wants to overhaul your work for a high pricetag and many changes. A different editor will love your storytelling and make only a few critical modifications at a much lower cost. The selection of your editor is a critical decision.

Last week an author reached out to me. It had been almost two years since we had spoken. Her unedited novel was huge and I recommended an editor. It was another large novel and the author worked with her editor to split the novel. Through the editing process one novel is going to ultimately become a trilogy of novels. Each one is the right length to be published and sell into the bookstore.

Lessons From These Stories

1. Choose your editor carefully. Ask other authors that you respect for their recommendation. Ask the editor for their evaluation and a sample edit. From this sample, you can see the level of editing and it will help you make a decision if it is the right editor for you and your work.

2. Continually learn about the marketplace. As an author, it is your responsibility to understand the length of your book is an important issue. It could be preventing you from finding the right literary agent or the right publisher.

What lessons did you learn from my stories in this article? What am I missing that you can add? I look forward to your comments. 

Tweetable:

Every submission is different. This prolific author and acquisitions editor highlights the importance of an editor’s work. Read the stories here.  (ClickToTweet)

As I’ve worked in the publishing world for years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations and dreams for their books. I’ve found many of these authors have  unrealistic expectations about what will happen with their published book. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help and take actions no matter what the publisher does for your book. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

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

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

It Only Takes One

   

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As an author, on the surface some of my actions look like failures. Then I have to recall that it only takes one new connection to make a difference. Like the image I have for this article with the highlighted puzzle piece. Without this final piece, the puzzle does not work or look whole.

A couple of months ago, I spoke at a Publicity Club meeting. Before the meeting, I promoted it on social media to my various connections. Also I added it to these articles in The Writing Life which each week reaches several hundred people on their email. When the event happened, a small audience of  six people attended. 

As a speaker, I’ve had this experience in the past. For example, at a large conference where each workshop is recorded, I’ve spoken in a packed room where they are dragging in chairs from another room. At this same event and on other years, I’ve spoken with one or two people for my audience. No matter how many people, each time I speak with enthusiasm and insight. You never know what can happen with those people in front of you.

Let’s go back to the publicity club event with a small crowd. During the event, I gave them my Morgan James Publishing contact information and encouraged their submission. It’s something I do often in these meetings. When I receive an email submission, I like to process it as soon as possible but that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes that submission gets stuck in the draft folder of my work email.

On a regular basis, people read about my special offer on 10 Publishing Myths where they can get my printed book for only $10 including the shipping along with over $200 of free bonuses. Like some of you, occasionally I have some technical issue that prevents me from mailing the book right away. During one of my tech challenge periods, an attendee from the Publicity Club ordered my book. After it didn’t come for several weeks, she followed up and asked about her printed book and mentioned she had a young adult novel. 

I looked through my records, found the missing entry, packed a book for her and put it into the mail. Also I followed up about the young adult novel and asked her to send it to me. That same day she responded that a month or two earlier she had already sent me her submission. When I searched for it, her submission was stuck in my draft folder. I moved the submission forward through the process.

Speaking with this author, I learned this submission was the second book in a trilogy of novels. The author had self-published the first and third novel in the series. She sold a substantial number herself but taken these novels out of print. Other in the publishing community had told her that no publisher would be interested in re-releasing these self-published books. That information about publishing wasn’t true. 

Also I learned this author had extensive writing and publishing experience. Publishers including editors like me are actively looking for these types of authors. I encouraged this author to send me the details I needed to champion her book to my publishing colleagues. I wanted to try and get a book contract for the first novel in the trilogy.

Last week I learned my colleagues agreed and wanted to offer this author a contract for her young adult novel. Nothing has been finalized with this situation and the contract hasn’t been signed. I understand authors have many publishing options. I believe Morgan James Publishing offers the best path. Not everyone agrees with me and that is OK too.

I’ve written a number of details in this story for several reasons. For every author (even the unpublished or traditional published), there are insights:

1. It only takes one person in the room to respond to your teaching for it to be worthwhile. When you teach, you don’t know who will be that person.

2. No one can know the needs or intention of another person unless you talk and listen to them then follow through with action.

3. Every author has to explore many different options to find the right path for their book and readers. You have to learn the information, then actively use that information. It’s worthless to have results if you don’t do something proactive.

4. On a consistent basis, keep making new connections and offering to help others. You never know where those connections will lead or when one of them will become significant. Use LinkedIN or online groups or in person meetings to expand your connections to the world.

5. When you submit and do not hear any response, use the gentle follow-up with that professional. Did they receive your submission? Do you need to resend it? Unless you ask, you have no idea what that other person is going through. A simple question could lead you to a remarkable opportunity.

6. Persistence and consistency pays off. Whatever you are writing, take the long view. At first, it may look like nothing is happening but keep at it and if you don’t give up, you will find the right open door.

Where are you getting silence or rejection? How are you expanding and using your connections to reach more people? Let me know in the comments below. Remember: it only takes one.

Tweetable:

It takes action for authors to reach new readers. Sometimes a small crowd appears like a failure. According to this prolific author and editor, it only takes one. 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 three articles which were published in other online locations than this blog.

Each month I guest blog on Writers on the Move. This month I wrote about how new habits and experimentation can increase the productivity of your writing life. You can read this article at: https://bit.ly/4rvr8GN  

Also each month I guest blog on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference blog. I wrote about the importance of boundaries in your writing life at: https://bit.ly/4t1eD7i 

Finally once a month I guest blog about book proposal creation on Almost An Author. This month I answered the question, How Many Pages in a Book Proposal? at:  https://bit.ly/41whrgH 

During my decades 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 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. 

Do you need a better submission? I’m teaching a free Live Webinar on Tuesday, April 21st at 6 pm Eastern. I’m an acquisitions editor at my third publisher and have reviewed thousands of submissions. Register and details at: https://bit.ly/4lIx91y

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

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

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Everyone Gets Rejected

  

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

When I opened the email, I moaned internally, “Rejected again.” Several times this past week, I heard from authors where I had championed their book and received a contract from my colleagues. These authors wrote gracious emails to me but the bottom-line was they were going to pass on our Morgan James Publishing contract offer. I understand there are many choices in the publishing world. After decades in publishing, I believe our choice is the best way to get your book into the bookstores.

We are not a self-publisher and Morgan James pays for all of the books that are shipped to bookstores. Any bookstore can keep the book for the lifetime of the book, then return it for a complete refund. Admittedly the economic pressure is on the publisher for this effort and it can amount to thousands of dollars.

As an editor, I do not make the decisions which book we publish but I have a role in that process. The team evaluates the manuscript and decides if we offer a publishing contract. Less than 3% of the 5,000 submissions we receive each year gets a contract offer. There is definitely a consideration process and I champion authors and their manuscript to my colleagues. I get invested in the author’s message and their books. That’s why it doesn’t feel good when the author decides to pass on our contract offer. Everyone (even editors) get rejected.

On the surface, publishing looks simple and straight forward. Write a manuscript then publish a book. Yet there is a great deal of complexity built into each step in the process. Do you want a traditional publisher with a large reach to readers? Then you need to first find a literary agent because those big publishers will not look at your submission or speak with you? The complications begin with many critical choices along the journey. At the time, you may not understand it is a critical choice until later in the journey.

Also many authors don’t understand because of the growth in self-publishing, there are about 11,000 new books that are published every day. This fact amounts to huge competition between authors to find readers and sell their books.

I’ve met authors who have invested $6,000 or even $20,000 with publishers and later understand those self-publishers (which they do not call themselves) are only online. Nothing is sold in brick and mortar bookstores. When an author selects these companies to publish their book, they also don’t understand they are establishing a public sales record of their book. Many years ago, publishers and agents didn’t have access to this information but now they do through an expensive subscription to Nielsen Book Scan. If someone wants to know about your book sales, with a subscription and a few keystrokes they can get the information. These professionals use this sales information to make wise decisions about your manuscript submission. 

For the author, they may not respond (ghost you) or send you a polite rejection letter but these decisions are being made all the time.

At the end of the day, each of us in the publishing community have to make our own choices. It’s called free will.

How do you make a wise publishing choice?

The first step is to get educated about the possibilities. I always encourage authors to meet publishing professionals face to face at a writers’ conference. I meet many author who have never been to a conference. It takes investment, time and energy to attend and make new relationships. Here’s a list of some possibilities. In May, I will be at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (follow this link to learn more). When you go, meet as many people as you can at meals and in the hallway. I’m rarely in my room alone but I’m talking with people the entire conference. Ask good questions and bring your business cards and one-page pitches. After the conference, send the editor or agent what they have requested. Many people do not follow through so be the exception.

As you make new relatiohships and explore your options, you will be able to determine your path to publishing.

Here’s another resource that’s free and you don't have to travel. David Hancock, the founder of Morgan James Publishing, has a new book called The Babylon Blueprint for Authors. Follow this link and get the free Ebook. It has a lot of great marketing insight. The key reason I'm encouraging you to get it is about 40 pages which  compare the three main paths to publish: traditional, self-publishing and hybrid or independent publishing. As you study these details, you will get some clarity about your next steps in the publishing journey.

To show you that everyone gets rejected, I want to finish this article with a reminder. The co-authors of Chicken Soup for the Soul Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen were rejected 140 times. Mark tells the story in the foreword of my book, Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. Follow this link to download the foreword and first chapter. They told their small publisher they were going to sell a million books during the first year. Their publisher laughed because they had not sold a million copies of any book. It took Jack and Mark a year and a half to sell their first million books. They practiced the Rule of Five and worked hard to get those readers and booksales. Many authors never take those actions but I encourage you to follow their example and be different.

For you to find the right fit for your book will take work but is possible. If I can help you, let me know.

How does this message that everyone gets rejected resonate with you? Let me know your experience with rejection in the comments below.

Tweetable:

Rejection is built into the fabric of the publishing world. According to this prolific author and editor, everyone gets rejected. Get ideas and resources to handle it in this article.  (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

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

Shilo Creed and I spoke about How to Get a Book Published: What Most Writers Get Wrong on The Author’s Mind Podcast. Listen (https://bit.ly/4bdHM9d) or watch at: https://bit.ly/4ryDBJK 

Sharon C. Jenkins (@Sharon_Jenkins) and I spoke about breaking the 10 myths of publishing on the Doing Love God’s Way with Dr. J Podcast at: https://bit.ly/4rE4RGY

Currently I’m working with my third publisher as an acquisitions editor. During these years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations, dreams and desires for their books. I find many unrealistic expectations. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

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

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Selling Books During War

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As a life-long journalist, I follow the news and major world-wide events. While I care about these events, in general they do not touch my work in publishing--but they did last week and this article will tell these stories.

For the last 13 years, I’ve worked at Morgan James Publishing which has a global business working with authors and selling books. One day last week, David Hancock, our founder, began receiving a series of texts and emails from author concerned about their books on Amazon being unavailable. As he looked into it, all of our books were not available which was strange and then he learned the reason.

Amazon was shut down for five hours. Why? The Iranians bombed and destroyed two data centers. One of them was in Iran and the other was in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One of these data centers had the data for Amazon and it took their technicians several hours to restore their service.  

For many authors, Amazon is a key part of their bookselling effort. They are a large Morgan James customer but only 24% of our overall business.  As David Hancock likes to say, we are selling our books in 98% of the bookstores in North America including the brick and mortar bookstores. If Amazon isn’t working then you have many different other places to purchase our books. This diversity for our distribution is an important aspect of bookselling. 

Our Morgan James team encourages authors when they set up their websites to “share the bookselling love.” Don’t send all your readers to Amazon but include links to other locations like your local independent bookseller, Barnes and Noble, BooksAMillion and give your readers the option to buy an autographed copy directly from you, the author. As an example, look at how I set up my book site for Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams with these various buy buttons. Notice I include an Amazon button but it is intentionally the last one on the list.

Booksellers do not like Amazon because right or wrong, they believe this company has destroyed their business. Years ago at a conference when I was talking with a bookseller about my Book Proposals That Sell book, with pride, I mentioned this book had over 100 Five Star Amazon reviews. 

“I don’t care about Amazon reviews,” the bookseller retorted. It was my last time using this statement. Instead I told about the book having over 100 five star reviews and left out the word Amazon. 

In 2019, Morgan James published a business book from Steve Anderson named The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazon. As you can imagine, it is impossible to avoid the word Amazon inside this book. As expected when the book released, Barnes & Noble, BooksAMillion and other national bookstore accounts refused to carry and sell the book. Yet The Bezos Letters was a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller (as noted on the cover). Through the years, it has been a steady and continual seller. 

A little over a year ago, these booksellers changed course and began to stock The Bezos Letters. The selling track record of this book overcame their objections about the word Amazon. Booksellers are in the business of selling books to their customers. 

Lessons for Every Author

-Whether we know it or not, as authors, we are a part of a global economy. The war and bookselling can be disruptive to us.

-No matter how you publish, diversity where your books are sold--not just Amazon.

-If you diversity, then a disruption on one online store --even a major one like Amazon--will not affect your book sales.

-Where you publish and their distribution should be an important part of your decision process. As an author, you want your books to be sold everywhere. Then readers don’t have to go to a particular website or location to buy your books. 

-Finally as an author, don’t constantly watch your Amazon page then contact your publisher if you see your book is unavailable. It’s nothing that I’ve ever done with my many books with different publishers. There are better ways to spend your time.

How are you selling your books? Are you diversified or only on Amazon and your own website? Let me know in the comments below what action steps you are going to take. I look forward to your comments.

Tweetable:

Selling books is connected to the war in the Middle East. This prolific author and editor tells an unusual story. Read the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

Let’s be honest. Publishing is a complex business and much of the process is outside of anything an author can control—no matter how they publish. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors realistic expectations  and practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

New Podcasts:

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

Lou, Teresa and I spoke about how to create a solid book proposal and business plan on the Earrings Off Podcast. Listen to our conversation at: https://bit.ly/4sPu1n9 Then get a free copy of Terry's book at: https://bookproposals.ws/ #publishingtip #writingtip 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

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

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Willing If Asked

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

If you are reading this article and you are honest, I suspect you have some big dreams for your writing. Who do you want to reach or what type of readership do you want to grow? Are you trying to change your world or make a valuable contribution to it? In this article, I want to tell some stories and give you some action points for your writing life.

First, let’s talk about asking and your motivation. In the Epistle of James, he writes, “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:2-3 (NIV). Notice you have to take action (ask) and have the right motivation when you ask.

As I’ve written in these articles,  for the last 13 years I’ve worked as an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. Authors, literary agents and others approach me about their book proposals and pitches. I want to tell you about someone in the “other” category who approached me. Within the publishing community, I’ve read that at any given day there are over a million proposals and manuscripts in circulation. You breakthrough these incredible numbers as you make the right connection and the right pitch at the right time. Your persistence and consistency will pay off for you if you don’t give up.

Many years ago, I wrote a couple of books for Pearson Education and worked with an editor. Through LinkedIN we maintained our connection. This editor moved away from her publisher and is a freelance editor/ ghostwriter/ publishing fixer. She ghostwrote a proposal and a manuscript for two health care CEOs. One author is in New York City and the other is in Australia. 

With an excellent book proposal, these authors landed a top literary agent who shopped the book to many different publishers--including all of the big five publishers. Their proposal was rejected over and over. Ultimately the agent dropped the project (which happens). The editor remembered our work from years ago and reached out to me at Morgan James. I read the proposal, put it in the consideration process, spoke with the authors and my colleagues, then got them a book contract which they signed. I’m giving you these details so you can see how the process works and the importance of maintaining and using your connections.

Last November, these authors were keynote speakers at a large health conference in Boston. Because they worked with Morgan James, they had real books to sell at their event--even though the book doesn’t release in the bookstores (brick and mortar plus online) until the end of this month. From my publishing experience, many publishers would not have produced this book early and ahead of their schedule to help these authors sell books. The choice you make as an author of your publisher is an important one. Are they flexible? Are they willing to go the extra mile to help you so everyone can sell books? These questions and others are important ones to ask and discover the answers--before you sign with them.

I want to tell you another aspect about this book that I have been working on--one that is rare and I’ve never done before as an editor. I wanted to help these authors get book reviews when the book launched. I’ve written many reviews but I do not write reviews for books that I’ve brought into Morgan James because of the conflict of interest. Instead I worked the book review need from a different angle. 

I ordered a series of print copies, then I reached out one by one to some of my reading friends. I told them about the book, sent them the catalog page and asked if they would be interested in reading the book and asked if they would write an honest review about the book. Also I asked for their mailing address to make sure I had the right address. 

As these friends agreed to read the book (and some of my friends said no thanks), I packed the book and mailed it to them. In the package, I sent the catalog page (remind them when the book is releasing), a note thanking them and reminding them of their commitment to write an honest review. If I knew they probably haven’t written many book reviews, I also printed a book review template with questions to help them. In case, you’ve not seen it, I wrote a promotion page for 10 Publishing Myths (follow this link). 

My little behind-the-scenes book review campaign is still in the works because this book doesn't officially launch for several more weeks. The actual results have not happened yet but I know for certain that asking and following through is going to make some difference in the promotion of this book. The book is Your Aging Advantage I encourage you to follow the link and download the ebook version.

To conclude this article, what types of dreams and plans do you have for your writing? Who in your connections can help you and are you willing to ask them? Will you follow through with your plans? I encourage you to dream big and reach out to others and ask for their help then see what happens.

Let me know in the comments, what plans you are making or who you will ask? I look forward to your comments.

Tweetable:

This prolific author and editor believes your connections are willing to help you if you ask. Read the stories and details here.  (ClickToTweet)

I’m working at my third publisher as an acquisition’s editor. I’ve spoken with numerous authors about their books and their expectations. I find many of them have unrealistic expectations about publishing. It doesn’t matter what type of book they are writing—fiction, nonfiction, a children’s book or a coffee table book. Each type of book contains its own challenges and complexity. 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. 

New Podcasts:

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

Cameron Cowan (@cameroncowan) and I spoke about the  publishing on The Cameron Journal Podcast. Listen or watch at: https://bit.ly/4rmtCXT

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

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

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Change Is Hard

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Change is hard and no one (including me) likes to change. Yet change is how we grow, improve and become better every day. In this article for The Writing Life, I encourage you that each of us have resistance to change, then we have to make a decision and finally get a result.

The Resistance

As an author, for my writing life, I have created and used a variety of habits and systems. My goal is to be consistent and to reach new areas of the market and find readers. For example, every day I post 12 to 15 times on social media. I have been doing this pattern for years on three different “rented” platforms (that I do not control). The engagement or feedback from these actions is often minimal. Sometimes I wonder if anyone is reading them but I continue doing it. About the time I think about stopping someone responds and shows me that people do read these actions.

Since I started my blog in 2004, I have been writing these weekly articles. Because of my consistency, the blog has over 1800 entries and about 400 people receive my new articles on their email. In addition, each week I send a different piece of writing to my newsletter. Through the years, my newsletter has been sporadic and inconsistent. I changed this pattern over a year ago and send it each week. Use this link to subscribe and get a free 87-page Ebook and my newsletter with my gratitude.

Beyond my work as an author, I have my regular work as an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. For the last 13 years I’ve been working with authors, hearing about their new books then championing their book to my colleagues. Through this work, I’m hopefully getting a contract that they will possibly sign and return to get their book into the bookstores. This work has it’s own patterns and systems. As with any work, Morgan James has continued to make shifts and changes. With this ebb and flow, some days my work is more successful than others. The bulk of it is in a familiar pattern.

Without going into unnecessary detail, sometimes my acquisitions work has been more successful with authors than others. Several months ago I continued doing the work but went through weeks with no authors completing their contract with Morgan James. Our founder David Hancock reached out to me with some suggestions for some shifts in my actions. In a completely normal fashion, at first I resisted making these changes, but I understand making these changes is important and can lead to improvements in results.

The Decision

I made a number of shifts in this process and began to use different tools in in the procedure. These changes were not easy. The first time I did these procedures, I made some mistakes (nothing fatal). I was committed to making these changes and improvements. Despite being hard, I continued forward.  Many of the decisions in the publishing process are outside of my control. I’ve learned that I can control my actions and my decisions. In that effort, I continue to try and be the best person that I can be for myself and my authors. It’s not a straight forward decision but a journey and a process. 

 

The Result

While the results of my changes are not complete, I can tell you the improvements have made for increasing results. I’m certain there will be additional changes in the future but I’m committed to continuing to do my part (large or small) in this process. In a number of areas, I’m becoming better every day and continue to learn and grow.

What about your journey as a writer or communicator? What resistance do you have to change and how can you decide to become better every day? Let me know in the comments below and I look forward to your feedback.

Tweetable:

Change is Hard. The prolific author and editor explains his resistance, his decision and his result of making changes. Get the detailed actions here.  (ClickToTweet)

Let’s be honest. Publishing is a complex business and much of the process is outside of anything an author can control—no matter how they publish. I I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors realistic expectations  and practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

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

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA