Connections Can Sell Books

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

In the pages of these articles about The Writing Life, I’ve encouraged you to keep building new connections--in person at live events but also online through places like LinkedIN. If we aren’t connected, let’s get connected. In this article I want to tell a couple of stories about how connections helped authors sell large quantities of their books.

Recently through my work at Morgan James Publishing, I heard about a children’s author, Amanda Kline who sold 10,000 copies of a picture book called Kenny’s Bright Red Scooter. This sales number is unusual for a picture book. A solid sales number would be 300 to 400 copies during the lifetime of a picture book. They are not easy to sell--unless the author gets involved and uses their connections to facilitate the sale of their book. I asked David Hancock, the founder of Morgan James how this happened.

This story highights a veteran and the different branches of the United States military. Amanda Kline had a connection to the Navy and worked that connection to get her book into every commisary throughout the world during December last year. The story is perfect for Christmas giving and took off. The success happened because of the author’s actions combined with working with the right publisher. Such sales do not just “happen” but the author has to take action with the idea then use their connections to make the sale. 

Years ago when I worked as an acquisitions editor at David C. Cook, I contracted a book from Henry Gariepy called When Life Gets Tough. Although my colleagues were skeptical about it, the Salvation Army purchased 10,000 copies of the hardcover. The only modification between the book sold in the bookstore and their book were the words on the back cover along with the Salvation Army symbol. These types of books are called White Label or a special sale. Publishers love these types of sales because the sales are final and even when the books are discounted the books are never returned (a big problem inside publishing). 

In each of these cases, the author was the connection or sparkplug to stimulate these quantity book sales. Most authors never think about these types of volume sales but if you do and build the possibility into your book proposal (pitch), you will be different and appeal to publishers. 

What sort of connections do you have to sell your book in volume? To learn more about this area of publishing, I recommend two books:  Beyond the Bookstore & How to Make Real Money Selling Books (both from expert Brian Jud) I encourage you to read these books then apply the suggestions to your books. Many authors never explore these options but they can become a critical way to boost the sales and income from your book--if you take action. Beyond the Bookstore is out of print but you can track down the CD version and get the used copy.

If you want to learn more of this type of information about actions you can take which will help you sell books, I encourage you to attend my continuing class at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in Asheville, North Carolina May 26-30th. 

Through these stories, I’ve shown how your connections can sell books. What actions are you going to take for your books to make these types of connections? Let me know in the comments.

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.

Nicolette Nierras (@nierras_nic) and I talked about publishing and the Dangers of Relying Too Much on AI on the You’re Worthless Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/3FWl7kC    

I Need Your Help

Last week I had a new book launch called Pivot Driven Devotions:

Are you willing to write an honest review? If so, please email terry@terrywhalin.com with your mailing address. I’m limiting this offer to the first ten people in the US. Thank you in advance for your help. 

Tweetable:

Your connections can sell books. How do you use them and what actions do you take? Get ideas in this article from this prolific author and editor.  (ClickToTweet)

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

Let’s meet on April 26th at the Bluegrass Writers Coalition in Frankfort, Kentucky. I will be speaking at the general session and meeting with authors. Get registered and more details at: https://bit.ly/41QGw5X 

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

Keep Your Dreams and Hopes Alive

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As writers and communicators, each of us are on a journey. Numerous times in these articles on The Writing Life, I’ve pointed out there is no one-two-three step formula for success. At least I’ve been looking, studying and reading for years and have yet to find it. If you know the secret, reach out to me or let us know in the comments. 

Instead as writers, we have hopes for what will happen in our writing life. Besides hope, we have dreams about our future. Finally we are storytellers and want to tell others the story. In this article I want to give encouragement and remind you know the discovery process happens or stops. 

Persist in Taking Continued Action

As the author, you have the greatest passion for your writing. Dip into this passion to be consistently taking action and telling others about your book. Stress the benefits of others reading your work. Use their reviews and endorsements. There many different tools and ways to promote. It's important to accept the responsibility for your own success and take continued action. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time but must be consistent.

If you need ideas, pick up a copy of John Kremer’s 1001 Ways to Market Your Book or Raleigh Pinskey’s 101 Ways to Promote Yourself. Each of these books are filled with tested and tried ideas.

Make and Foster New Connections

Last week I had coffee with a local author who is a podcaster that turned down my pitch to be on his program. We met and exchanged some ideas. Will it lead to something? I don’t know but I’m happy to have made the relationship. Look for local writer’s groups where you can participate, exchange busienss cards and make new connections. Again the consistency will pay off and open doors you can’t imagine.

Be Open to Different Possibilities

Are you looking for a traditional book deal and a literary agent? To be realistic, at the moment that path may be a difficult one for you. Can you find another way to get your book into the marketplace with a company like Morgan James Publishing? You can’t know about the details if you don’t pitch (submit) then consider the details. 

If you are writing books, that’s great. Are you writing for magazines? You can reach more people with a magazine article than most books and promote your book in the process. Magazine editors tell you what they want from writers in their guidelines (use google to find it). Pitch them what they are asking for and you will be more likely to get their acceptance. Yes, it is that simple. 

Get Feedback Before You Submit

One of the most difficult things for any writer (including me) to see in their writing: something that is not there. Maybe you are missing a critical component. Possibly you need a different title. Maybe you are missing a key factor in your book proposal. The list of possibilities can be endless. Get help from somone before you submit. It can be an outside editor. It can be your critique group or another writer where you have an accountable relationship. 

A key part of the way to keep your hopes and dreams alive is to consistently take action. Continue learning but use that knowledge to reach more people. There is an endless list of things that needs to be accomplished. Yes, I have one too and stop every day with more to do than I can get done. Yet I keep chipping away at accpmplishing the work. There is only one person that I can handle--me. 

As Mark Twain said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.”

No matter what you are writing I encourage you to perservere and continue. If you stop, then the dreams stop and hope stops. As long as you continue, it continues.

Get to a live event (follow this link to see my speaking schedule), invest in yourself and don’t just go to the meetings and then to your room. Throughout the event, meet as many people as you can. Ask questions, learn about their dreams and hopes and get ideas for your own writing. 

What actions are you consistently taking to stoke your own dreams and hopes? Let me know in the comments below.

New Podcasts:

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

Paul Nelhart and I had a great conversation about: Secrets to Getting Your Book Published Successfully on The Intrinsic Mindset Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/3YdAjzO 

Caroline Biesalski (@inspiredcast) and I talked about Demystifying Publishing: Terry Whalin’s Insights and Strategies for Success on The Inspired Choice Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4clmVzI   

My Articles in Other Places:

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

On the Kill Zone Blog I wrote about Why Self-published Books Are Rarely in bookstores at: https://bit.ly/3R0BT4d Be sure and read the comments as well as the article for additional information.

Tweetable:

As writers, we need to keep our hopes and dreams alive. This prolific author and editor tells some stories and gives specific action steps for your writing life. Read the details 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. 

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

Important Old School Practices

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

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

Build Relationships

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

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

Monitor and Respond to Your Email

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

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

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

Design and Carry Business Cards

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

Keep track of The Data on Those Cards

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

Use The Gentle Follow-up Method

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

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

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

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

My Articles in Other Places:

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

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

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

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

New Podcasts:

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

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

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

Tweetable:

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

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

Get these articles on your email: 

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

The Endless Making of Books

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

It is a Bible verse that I think about often about some words from King Solomon, the wisest man to walk on the planet.  He said, “Be warned, my son...Of making many books there is no end.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12, NIV) According to some people over 11,000 new books are published every day. That amounts to a massive amount of new literature entering the market.

I suspect many authors are following a false myth. They believe if you publish a book, then because it exists, people will buy it and it will sell. These people are following the untrue statement in the Field of Dreams movie: if you build it, they will come.

What can you do? You need to be telling others. You need to be focused on spreading the benefits of your book. You need to keep on promoting no matter what sort of response (mostly silence). You need to keep looking for new tools to use in your journey.

It is not easy. It is not simple. It never ends but you can do it. Get help. Build a solid foundation and keep on the journey. It’s the only way it will succeed. If your passion and promotion stops, then the journey stops. If your passion and promotion continue, then the journey continues.

Seize opportunities when they happen.

We need to be reading our email, answering our phone calls and taking action. As I’ve written in these articles, you have to be aware of the opportunity, then seize it (take action) for anything to happen.

For example, I received an email from another writer this week who complimented me on my weekly newsletter article. In the same email, he suggested this article could appear on a popular blog where he writes on a regular basis. I saw this email as an opportunity to touch more people with my original article. Instead of just emailing back and saying yes, I pulled up the Word file of the article and took a hard look at the message. Then I focused the article on one or two key links, included a GIF image and my headshot. When I responded, I sent a complete package that could be used for this guest blog post. 

Also last week I corresponded with another author who sets up a once a week virtual conference with writers. I pitched my participation. She responded with some possible dates and her need for a specific topic, a headshot and a short biography from me. I sent these elements and haven’t heard a response. Because it has been a couple of days and I haven't received any response. I’m going to resend my email and ask for confirmation from this author. Did she even receive my submission? The question is a fair one because each of us receive many emails and there is a great deal with technology that is outside of our control. Your gentle follow-up is a critical part of the process.

Face the Challenges

Our world is in constant motion with many challenges and changes. Repeatedly I’ve learned there is much that I can’t control or do anything about--except for one person: me. Last week through a spam email from a long-time friend who I rarely communicate with--that a technology service I’ve been using for about 20 years to send my newsletter is closing on May 15th. There was no email notification or any other communication from this service. I called their support line and verified this closing news. Imagine the chaos that would have happened if I had not read and responded to the spam message I read? My email list and all of the work that I’ve poured faithfully into this service for years would suddenly disappear.

Because I got the change information, in the next few weeks I will be transitioning and changing things to a different service with the overall goal of a smooth and seamless transition. I will be reaching out to a few people to get help. At the end of the day I need for the critical technology tools to continue. I’m realistically facing the challenge and going to get through it. The other option is to shut it down and stop--which I am determined not to select.

I want to finish this article with some practical steps for every writer:

• Keep writing
• Keep pitching your book 
• Keep seizing opportunities
• Keep meeting new people and touching new readers
• Keep trying new tools
• Keep getting together face to face with other writers
• Keep learning and exploring new methods
• Keep being consistent and reaching your audience

The journey for each of us is different but it is an important one to keep on keeping on. The only way your journey can stop is if you quit and I don’t want you to quit. If I can help you in your journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.What steps are you going to take and what am I missing? Let me know in the comments below.

New Podcasts:

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

Jon Coogan and I spoke about how to write a book which really sells on Mindset Mavericks Podcast. Listen to our conversation at: https://bit.ly/41BucGJ 

Tweetable:

The wisest man who ever lived told us about the endless making of books. This prolific author and editor gives some detailed actions for every writer with their books. Learn more 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

Why The Details Matter

   

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

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

Some Social Media Details

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

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

An Incorrect Barcode Can Affect Your Sales

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

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

Incorrect Spelling and Links which Don’t Work

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

Incorrect Length for a Children’s Book

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

Always Carry Business Cards

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

 My Encouragement

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

New Podcasts:

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

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

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

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

Tweetable:

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

Let’s Meet at an Event

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

https://terrywhalin.com/speakingschedule/

Even if you self-publish your book, you need to be cautious about your decisions and who you choose to work with for your book production. I’ve met authors who have spent thousands of dollars in the self-publishing process and unknowingly worked with someone in the Philippines and produced a terrible looking book which is only sold online. I’ve heard the unrealistic expectations of writers. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

Get these articles on your email: 

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

Key Actions For Your Writing Life

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Writing is a solitary action that we do alone. Yet we need other people. I compare our lives as writers to actors who are on a set for a movie. They prepare their lines from the script, get in position, then action. In this article I want to give some basic but key actions each of us need to do for our writing lives.

Get to a Conference

Scattered throughout the US are writer’s conferences. Some are one day. Some are two days and some are longer. Select one that is the right one for you with the right faculty and the right classes for you and your writing. It will take some work to make each of these decisions. Some people return to the same event year after year for relationships and interaction. The choices are many, but you must make a choice, register and get to the event.

Prepare for the Event

Create business cards and bring them to the event. Even if it is your first conference bring a basic business card with your name, email and maybe even your picture on it. Bring lots of them. Often people run out of business cards, and I always make sure I bring plenty.

When you give a business card, get a business card. It’s an exchange and you may need the information from that other person. If they don’t have a card, then use paper and write it down so you get it. This conversation may be your only time to speak with this person so seize the moment and get the information. You never know when it might be useful, and you will need it. 

Prepare your pitch before the event

Who do you want to meet during the appointments During the meals? Plan a strategy and you will be ahead of the others in the room from your planning. Bring copies of your one sheet, your pitch so you can freely give it out to anyone who wants it. 

Most of us are introverts but don’t be shy during the event. Ask questions. Introduce yourself to others. Meet as many people during the event as you can. In line for a meal or sitting at a table or any number of other times. Seize the opportunity because it might be your only chance to meet someone who will be significant in your life and writing career.

Attend the sessions and take notes. Look for opportunities and actions that you need to take. Write it down then circle back to it after the event and act on these ideas.

If you don’t try, it will not happen. Thinking about it is not enough. You must sit in your chair, put your fingers on the keyboard and crank out words. 

Even if you have just a few minutes, do it and write something and it will pay off.

I’m writing these words on my Alphasmart 3000 in a hotel in Greenville, South Carolina. I fly home tomorrow when my blog will post, and I want to make sure I get it done. Each of us has limited time but you must use the time wisely.

Many people are attending their first conference and need encouragement of action-oriented ideas. This weekend I met a local writer who showed me her notes from a class that I taught at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference in 2005. I taught a class that I called Faithful in the Small Things. She showed me her notes which she had written in details from my talking and how the information I gave was timeless and still relevant for her today. It is always goal whenever I teach to give timeless information which will serve that participant for years in the future. It was affirming for me to hear the results of my teaching from 20 years ago.

When you go to a conference, I encourage you to meet everyone that you can, exchange business cards with them and ask questions. The bulk of us are introverts (like many writers) but you must step outside of that personality and ask questions, respond and follow-up. 

Our world is filled with many opportunities, but you must create them through your consistent pitching and perseverance to find the right place to get your words published.

If you are consistent and persevere, your actions will pay off in your writing life.

What am I missing? Let me know in the comments below. 

New Podcasts:

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

Lou, Teresa and I spoke about publishing myths on the Earrings Off Podcast. Listen to our conversation at: https://bit.ly/4iFaP6z

 

Paul Banas and I spoke about Mastering Book Publishing on the Great Dad Talks Podcast. Listen to our conversation at: https://bit.ly/4kqRfwd

Jim Tracy and I spoke about busting myths in publishing on The Grampion Podcast. Listen to our conversation at: https://bit.ly/3F4BDys

Tweetable:

There are some key actions to take for your writing life according to this prolific author and editor.Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

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

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

The Unknown Impact of Our Writing

     

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

I understand my work in publishing often has a bit of mystery. I work hard at each of my published works: magazine or book or online yet it’s rare to get much feedback from readers about the impact of my writing on their lives. 

Some of the feedback for my books will be tucked into the reviews from readers. Other times it will come from a face to face conversation with another professional at a writer’s conference. It is rare to receive it with your submissions to publishers. Giving feedback for improvement is not my task with a submission. As an editor, I’m looking at the author and their submission to see if it is a fit for my publishing company or not. If it is a possibility that we would publish, I work for a publishing house and don’t make the final decision about what gets published and what does not. Yes, my view is considered but it is only one of a number of people involved in the decision process of which books get published and which ones do not. 

At Morgan James Publishing, we receive many submissions and only publish about 200 books. We are considered a medium size New York publishing house with a lengthy and positive reputation in the marketplace. Every publisher has online complaints (whether they are true or not) which stick around forever. If you google the name of a publisher plus the word “complaint” or “scam” and find pages of results, that search turned up a red flag that as an author you should pay attention. 

Recently I received a submission for a possible children’s book for Morgan James. Each year, we only publish about 10 to 15 of these types of books but I’m always looking. I loved the words and illustrations from this writer. As I read her pitch, I was surprised to read: 

“I hope also that you will find it most encouraging to know that I have had a book on my children’s bookshelf for more than 30 years that I read to all of my kids and grandkids and continue to use when I teach children about missions! Guess who wrote it??! Somebody by the name of W. Terry Whalin! 😊 “When I Grow Up.” It’s been a great tool over the years and I’m overjoyed that our daughter is a surgeon and is headed back to East Africa next month to help serve the Lord in a remote area in Uganda. Thank you for sharing your talent with our family so many years ago.”

I was stunned to learn the impact of something I wrote as my first book published in 1992. As a writer, I know the impact of my work is something that will not be known this side of heaven. 

Also I met with another author who recalled our meeting at a long-ago writer’s conference. Then I met with another author who recalled my magazine work that I published during the 80s.  Each of these situations gave me a small glimpse at the impact of my writing. I’ve written this article about the impact of our writing to show how little it happens. How do you respond to this information? 

I want to encourage you with several things:

*Keep growing as a writer

*Keep writing even when rejected

*Keep trying new forms of writing

*Keep meeting new people and making new connections

*Keep listening and looking for opportunities

*Keep on moving forward

As a writer, there is only one person who can stop you: You. Don’t give up the journey. Each of us are on this journey with our writing lives. Many times the work is hard or routine and we have doubts about whether to continue or not. When you face these situations (which will come), keep moving forward. Your steps may be small but continue. Each of us are on the journey and if I can help you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me and ask. My personal email address is in the profile of my X/Twitter account. In general, I’m easy to reach.

Are there other ways to get feedback on your writing? Let me know your stories and ideas in the comments below. 

New Podcasts:

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

I spoke with Dr. Agi Keramidas on live on Personal Development Mastery podcast about 3 publishing myths holding writers back from success and how to fix them at: https://kite.link/pdm478

Bestselling author and podcaster Amberly Lago (@AmberlyLago) and I talked on her podcast about writing, publishing and the power of storytelling at: https://amberlylago.com/46/ 

Sherrie L. Prince and I spoke about Book Marketing Mastery: How Authors Really Succeed on The Play Big Faster Podcast at: https://bit.ly/41yflxQ 

Get to a Writer’s Conference

Throughout my years in publishing, writer’s conferences have been life-changing events to learn, meet new people and find new opportunities. Last week, I added a fourth event to my schedule in Oregon. I’d love to help you at one of these events:

https://terrywhalin.com/speakingschedule/

Tweetable:

As writers, often we don’t know the impact of our writing. This prolific author and editor gives some examples and encouragement for your writing life. Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

A great deal of the publishing process is outside of our control as writers. When I speak with authors, I find many of these authors have unrealistic expectations. 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