Social Media Is Not For Everyone

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As an editor working for a New York publishing company and an author, I understand the importance of social media and why those numbers are important to the process. It’s why I’ve invested lots of personal time and energy into building, maintaining and working my social media.

Publishers ask authors about their social media numbers. Often I hear writers say that social media doesn’t sell books. That selling might not be visible to you but I understand why publishers are asking for the numbers. These book professionals know that someone has to hear or see your book at least a dozen times before they purchase the book. Your social media activity is part of this exposure process. You aren’t posting “Buy my book.” Instead you are highlighting the benefits for the reader who buys your book. Those benefits will be different for each author and their type of book. 

Some authors have written a riveting story which could be something you read on the beach or another vacation place. Others have crafted a personal story about their lives with insights and lessons for other. Another author has written an adventure for middle grade readers while others craft their words into a 32 page picture book. While there are many different types of books, the author needs to focus on the specific benefits of their book. What aspects will readers gain from reading your book? Keep a running list of these benefits because they will be the aspects you will highlight on social media and in your blog posts and your newsletter articles. 

As an example of the important stories or benefits, I point you to my Billy Graham, A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist. Through reading about the life of Billy Graham, the reader gains insights and examples for their own life. When this book released several years ago, I recorded over 50 radio interviews. For a sample, I listed several of them here but I continue to use these interviews on social media to highlight the benefits and life of Mr. Graham. 

No matter what type of promotion you do for your book (including social media), it is important to understand and talk about the reader benefits for your book. 

As an editor, I speak with authors about their social media presence. For my colleagues on the publication board at Morgan James Publishing, I gather the author’s online presence and social media links. If the author has large numbers then terrific but we are looking to see if the author has started this process. If they have a start, then we can help them build their online presence. We can not teach an author how to fill out their LinkedIN or X/Twitter profile.

During these author conversations, I hear words of protest about social media.

--It’s time consuming.

--It takes away time from their writing.

--It’s ineffective.

--etc.

One of my authors researched the social media presence of several bestselling authors in their category. They mentioned that several of these authors had limited or no social media presence. I understand the time and energy it takes to build such a presence. As an author, I’ve been active on social media and building my numbers for years. Part of the reason I do it is to be an example for my authors for their own actions. Also I do it because I know my actions are selling books.

While I didn’t look into these specific bestselling authors with no social media presence. I suspect someone on their team is using something else to market and promote these authors and their books. The publisher could be running online ads or an active booking podcasts and radio programs. Or the publisher could have hired a publicist to gather book reviews. There are many ways beyond social media to promote your book. If you need more ideas, I recommend JohnKremer's 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. 

I understand the dangers and time suck nature of social media. I’ve read others suggest authors have to be everywhere. You don’t. Instead I recommend you consider the social media platforms your readers use then become active on those particular platforms. About a year ago, I noticed one of my author friends was no longer on X or Twitter. When I asked about it, she said, “My readers are not on X so I cancelled my account and stopped posting there.” The response made perfect sense.

A large social media presence is not for everyone but a choice. I encourage you to understand where your readers are active and build on those sites. Limit your time and monitor it. Also there are social media experts who for a regular fee will do your social media for you. Each of us are on different paths to reach our readers. The key for every author is to be aware, choose a path, then develop your own system and method to repeatedly reach these readers.

Whether you use social media or not, you have to show the literary agent and publisher that you have connections to readers. These connections can be your regular newsletter, your personal speaking events or any number of other ways. Many years ago I learned that publishers make beautiful books and get them into bookstores. But what moves those books out of the bookstore and into the hands of readers (sells) is the author’s activity. Without your involvement as an author, those books in the bookstores are returned to the publisher then often destroyed which is a shame.

I want to end this article on a positive note about social media. It's an important tool to keep up with my friends and their activities. As I post articles from others on social, I read them and grow in my own insights and knowledge of the world of bookselling. Often I don’t get a lot of feedback for the years I’ve been active on social media. Just when I consider pulling back on my activity, someone will comment on something. These comments show me that while people may or may not comment, they are reading it. Your consistency and persistence is important. The rent for success comes due every single day. How can you standout from others? 

Are you limiting your social media presence? How are you touching readers and highlighting the benefits from your books? Let me know in the comments.

Tweetable:

While social media is not for everyone, this prolific author and editor encourages authors to build something somewhere to reach readers. Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

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. 

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

Roll With The Punches

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Our lives are filled with changes. These events happen in our lives whether we plan for them or not. From these articles about the writing life, it’s easy to see that I’m someone who loves routine. The publishing world and other parts of our world are in constant motion and change. When you get an unexpected punch (as in the above photo), do you roll with it?

Last week I traveled to Asheville, North Carolina for The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. It’s a large event and throughout the time, I had interesting conversations with people. These days I don’t travel as much as in the past. From my home in Southern California, it was a long haul to attend and involved changing planes in Chicago. On schedule I arrived and got to the conference and settled into my room.

Throughout the event, I met remarkable writers. Each one had a story which was tied to their writing. The event contained many “God moments.” Like each of these events, the final day arrived. I packed my suitcases and headed to the airport. On the way home, I was changing planes at the Dallas airport. My plane from Asheville to Dallas had a mechanical issue which delayed our arrival.  After landing as my airplane was landing and going to our gate, I would see my connecting flight in a different terminal was beginning to board. 

Several passengers on my first flight graciously let me off to hurry toward my connecting flight. I moved as rapidly as I could to reach my gate. When I arrived at my gate, the plane was still there but the airline had closed the door and no one was around to assist me. In the face of this situation, I rolled with the punches. I needed to go to the airline help desk to rebook my flight which was located several gates ahead. 

When I spoke with the help desk airline person, I learned my bags were on the flight that I missed. They booked me into a local hotel then I was on the first Saturday flight to Orange County. I found the hotel airport shuttle, registered for my room and grabbed a few hours sleep before returning to the airport. I could have been upset (a choice) but instead I rolled with it.

Writers have to face changes with flexibility. For example, in these articles, I’ve written about the price of paper for books has increased 70 to 80% since 2020. This small detail is affecting the retail price of books as well as the length of novels. During the conference, I met a number of fiction writers with manuscripts which were 90,000 to 100,000 words. Because of the increased price of paper, our preferred word length is closer to 80,000 words. Are you flexible and willing to do the editorial trimming to get your story in alignment with the expectations of the marketplace? I hope so. Your flexibility and willingness to adapt to curent market conditions is an important skill for every writer.

What actions are you taking to handle a sudden change? Let me know in the comments how you've learned to roll with the punches. 

Tweetable:

Change is a constant part of our lives in publishing. This prolific author and editor gives the details of how he had to roll with the punches and encourages us to do likewise. Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

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

Dalene Bickel (@DaleneBickel) and I had an eye-opening conversation about the traditional publishing world on the Ink & Impact for Christian Writers Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/43aCgPM 

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 into 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

Reset Your Writing Life

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As writers we are creatures of habit and routine. Everyone is wired this way. Most of these days I write in my home office on my desktop computer. Today I’m writing on my AlphaSmart 3000 in a hotel room near Asheville, North Carolina. Yesterday I traveled across the United States to arrive for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. The faculty meets later today. This blog post didn’t get written before my travels but following my regular pattern I wanted to get this written for you to consider for your writing life. Admittedly this article is different from my location but also related to the topic: reset. 

Several years ago, I wrote about working oon my physical weight. The men in my family have been known as big for generations. They use big as another word for being overweight or fat. In The Writing Life, I wrote about making radical choices to change my weight. I dropped over 30 pounds and I’m glad to report I’ve managed to keep that weight off. Every meal and day is a battle and a choice in this area. I’ve eliminated carbs and sugar from the bulk of my diet. It’s not 100% but much of it.

A key part of my weight loss routine is to monitor my weight and keep accountable with my wife and a few close friends on how it is going. I understand it takes consistent action on my choices to stay the course.

In the last few weeks, my weight has been creeping upward. It was less than 10 pounds but something I did not want to ignore. As a key step in my reset, I talked it over with my wife and chose to reset my eating pattern.

For example, I learned tomatoes have sugar content. I love tomato bisque soup but learned it has 20 grams of sugar in it. In my reset I’ve returned to my basic foods of protein and vegetables. This reset has been a hard choice for me but necessary. Right before this trip I got on my scale again and my weight had dropped back to my original goal. The challenge on the road is to continue to choose wisely every day.

I give you these personal details because I want to bridge these choices to our writing life. Take an honest look at your writing life. What steps do you need to take for a writing reset?

For your writing reset, what steps do you need to take for your growth as a writer? Maybe you have been writing books and need to write in a different area such as magazines.

I encourage you to schedule a trip to a writer’s conference (follow this link for some ideas). Make a point to explore a new area of writing. Many years ago, I was surprised to see a bestselling novelist at a conference with her daughter. I learned these two women wanted to write for children. It was an area they knew nothing about but wanted to explore through the faculty at this conference.

Or maybe your writing reset involves meeting some new people and forming new relationships. If you go to a conference, then you have this opportunity. Of course, you need to create and carry your business cards. Then during your conversations exchange them with whoever you meet. 

For example, this morning on the way to breakfast, I met a pastor It was the final day of his conference. We ate together and my limited Spanish got huge workout. We exchanged stories and information. It is what we do at these events, and the Lord uses it in ways we can’t see or understand. With this pastor, I got his mailing address but not his email or phone. As other people were leaving the conference, I found someone who had this person’s phone and email address. I added it to my phone and reached out to him in follow up.

How will your writing be used in the days ahead? Do you have the right connection? What steps can you actively take to act and build that connection? Like my weight, there are many choices but you can choose to have a writing reset and move in a new direction. Let me know what choices you are going to make in the comments.

 What does a writing reset look like for you? None of it is easy or simple but can be done and you can do it--if you don't quit.

Tweetable:

Does your writing life need a reset? This prolific author and editor made a reset in his life and gives the details for you to follow 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.

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

Fuel for Author Disappointment

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Running on empty? Not selling as many books as you want to sell? Just like a car needs gas for fuel, authors need to take action to reach readers. Which actions are effective? I’m going to give you some answers below.

First, some background about some situations where I asked these questions. As an acquisitions editor at a New York publisher, Morgan James Publishing, often I speak with authors about their books. One our novelists with a trilogy of books, published his first novel with us about six months ago. Now he's speaking with me about getting a contract for books two and three in his series. Doing my due dilligence, I asked about the sales of his first novel. I learned this book has sold 40 copies in the bookstores. What disappointing news and shows this author did little (if anything) to promote those bookstore sales. The primary way our company makes money is selling books in the bookstores. 

I’m speaking with another author who years ago published his first book with Morgan James. Now he is approaching me about publishing his second book. As a part of my preparation, I asked about his book sales for the first book. During the years his book has been in print, he has sold several hundred books inside the bookstore. Also this author has purchased a couple of hundred additional books. From a publisher viewpoint, these numbers are dismal. Often I tell my authors about the thousands of dollars Morgan James invests in the creation of their books and that to become profitable we need to sell about 4,000 copies. 

Here’s the good news: despite those past sales numbers, we are working with these authors and all our other authors over the long haul. We don’t charge for our marketing training and are still helping authors who we published over 20 years ago. From my work in publishing, I know how different these actions are compared to other publishers. We do it because we understand that if the author takes steady and persistent effort, then the sales of their book can change. As a publisher, Morgan James is focused on the long haul and not a short period.

What to do with Author Disappointment

1. I encouraged both of these authors to get active and tell readers about the benefits of their book. It’s been proven that readers have to hear about the value of your book over and over before they take action (buy it). There are many different ways to show that activity such as blog posts, podcasts, radio, newspaper, live events, etc. Get a copy of John Kremer’s over 700 page book 1001 Ways to Market Your Book. Then read this book and try to execute as many of those ideas as you can.

2. As an acquisitions editor speaking with authors about their book, I’m searching for active authors who understand they have to take consistent action to reach readers and sell books. It is a constant area of my discussion with authors.

3. Another way I handle my author disappointment is to take action to get more of my work into the market. If you have heard any of my podcasts, I often talk about my own season of author disappointment when my books were not selling and how I turned that situation around through taking 100% responsibility for my own success. The process takes consistent and persistent work but is possible and every author can do it.

Finally I encourage you to watch this 55 second Facebook reel from “Starside” author Alex Aster on the impact that social media has had on her career. She tells Drew Barrymore about how she could not find a literary agent or a publisher for her novel. Alex believed in her story and created hundreds of videos on TikTok. Her readers watched and agreed. Now she is publishing her ninth novel.  It’s a remarkable story about her determination, persistence and going directly to the readers with her books. 

What fuel are you using for author disappointment? Let me know in the comments. Whatever you do, don’t quit and keep looking for the right place. I believe your persistence will pay off.

Tweetable:

When you experience author disappointment, what action do you take? This prolific author and editor suggests actions to fuel author disappointment.   (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: 

Morgan McCarver (@GodTheArtistBk) and I spoke about publishing myths on God the Artist Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4ddVwQT

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

When You Hear Crickets

  

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

It happens to every writer. We pitch oaur books to editors and agents. We work for hours on creating a thorough and complete book proposal. We craft a query for a book publisher or a magazine editor. Select any of these active steps you are taking as a writer. 

After this action, what happens? No response or crickets. What do you do next? First, my encouragement for one action not to take: quit. Here’s a second one not to take: stall and work on your piece and not submit or do anything. 

From my years in publishing, I understand the challenges in the work but also I understand the opportunities. There are abundant opportunities for your work to be published and your words to enter the marketplace. In this article I want to present some ideas and encourage you to move forward.

While your desire to write and tell stories is a good one, publishing is a business and each of us (including me) need the help of others to find the right fit. Are you connected to other writers? Do you belong to a local writer’s group? If so, when does it meet and are you making the time to attend these sessions? Every writer needs these connections. Read this article for more reasons. 

Another important writer activity is to join a critique group. Whether you do it face to face (ideal) or online (also possible), these groups are a free method to get insight and help for your storytelling. Whether it is a writer's group or a writer’s critique group, it will take some effort on your part to find the right connection. Don’t be surprised if you have to try several groups before you make the right connection. This trial and error is part of the journey that each of us have to make as writers.

For example, I’ve been in some incredible critique groups which helped me month after month for years. I've also been in some critique groups that I attended a couple of times, then dropped out of them. The critical element is to find the right one for you and your writing journey. It is different for each of us.

If you are not getting responses to your writing, I encourage you to try a different type of writing. Read the first free chapter of Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams (follow this link).  Maybe you want to write a book which is a good goal in my view as a book editor. But your first step should be to write some magazine articles. The 2026 Christian Writers Market Guide includes over 150 magazines where your writing could be published. The information changes from year to year so make sure you are using the latest guide. Articles are shorter than a 50,000 to 80,000 word book. As a writer, when you craft these articles you are learning some important skills about headlines, beginning paragraphs, writing to a single takeaway point and many other details. Use these links to learn more about magazine writing. 

Another wise action when you are not getting any response is to attend a writer’s conference. There are large and small writers conferences with a variety of emphasis, cost and connections. The majority of us as writers are introverts but during these events,we have to push ourselves to interact with others, ask good questions and make new connections. At these events, I’ve made life-long friends who I can call or email when I'm stuck or need help. You can attend these events and take in the information yet not make new friends or connections. Bring plenty of business cards during these conferences and exchange with everyone you meet. 

Recently I called a local writer friend. We had not spoken in years but during our conversation, she recalled the details of a conversation from over 20 years ago. The event where we met no longer exists but the details from our conversation has stood the test of time for this writer. You can have the same sort of impact with your writing and your conversations. More than reading about writing or listening to teaching about writing or thinking about it, getting your writing into the world takes consistent action. Every writer needs to spend time sitting at their keyboard and writing. You can make it happen through your continued actions.

When you hear crickets for your writing, what actions do you take? I look forward to your comments.

Tweetable:

Sometimes when we submit our writing, the response is silence or crickets. This prolific author and editor encourages a series of actions in this article.  (ClickToTweet)

Editor’s note. For some reason, I could not get ClickToTweet to work. I’m including it below so you can easily cut and paste it on to others with my gratitude: 

Sometimes when we submit our writing, the response is silence or crickets. This prolific author and editor Terry Whalin (@terrywhalin) encourages a series of actions in this article: https://bit.ly/3QYoXze #writinglife #pubtip

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Not every podcast host tells me about the launch of our recording. I found a couple more podcasts last week and here are those recordings: 

Cameron Cowan (@cameroncowan) and I spoke about the publishing industry and much more on the Cameron Journal Podcast at: https://bit.ly/4uFDdLH 

Christian Brim (@christian_brim) and I spoke about navigating the myths and realities of the publishing world on The Profitable Creative Podcast at: https://bit.ly/42VXW1R

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

Avoid Something Terrible

  

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Thoughout my years in publishing, I’ve learned a critical insight that I will capture in this article. The sky looks threatening and the bench holds three monkeys who silently declare, “See no evil. Speak no evil. Say no evil.” They know something terrible is coming. I want to help you know how to avoid this experience as a book author.

I’m talking about the experience of looking at the sales numbers on your book and seeing single digits or zeros. I’ve had this experience with some of my books and it is not one that I recommend. When this happens, I have to ask myself, what am I actively doing to tell others about my book?

Most writers (including me) would prefer to be writing than telling others about my book (marketing or promotion). There are several things going on which make marketing or promotion necessary for every author whether they want to do it or not.

--Thousands of new books enter the market every day.

--Surveys have proven that someone has to hear about your book at least seven or eight times and maybe as many as 20 times before they purchase a book.

--Your book needs to be available everywhere (not just on one or two websites like your own website and Amazon).

--The process of telling others about the benefits of your book is often repetative and boring. 

--Every author has excuses like I want to write or I dislike/ hate promotion and talking about myself and my book or I want someone else to do it. I’ve made and heard many different excuses. Don’t use it to let yourself off from it.

If marketing is something many writers avoid or don’t do, why should you do it? As the circus promoter P.T. Barnum said, “Without promotion, something terrible happens. Nothing.” 

The Good News

--It’s never too early or too late. Every author can start and take action to sell their book.

--You can’t depend on someone else to do it. You must take your own action and your responsibility.

--You can learn to market and promote

--There are tools to help you in this process

--There are many different ways

--It doesn’t have to consume your day or time (you can still write)

--It can be fun if you do it consistently and perservere

Author Resources

You have to learn from other successful authors and use the right tools. I’ve tried Facebook ads and wasted money with no results. Follow bestselling novelist Mark Dawson and his LaunchPad course. Open now and only available a few times each year. Explore it. Buy it over time (as I did and have lifetime access). Watch the videos then apply them to your promotion work.

Years ago, I met and interviewed marketing expert Raleigh Pinskey. She has promoted many people and books throughout her career. Follow this link to get some of her details and insight. Raleigh gave me a copy of her excellent book, 101 Ways to Promote Yourself. The book includes a wealth of practical and easy to accomplish ideas for every author.

You have to craft your words and explore different methods. This weekend I received this email. Harrison House sent it out because I am a subscribers to ShelfAwareness.

Intrigued with the book, I saw YouTube video of an interview on Fox News. I watched the eight minute interview then I noticed some other wise marketing details. The first comment was from the author and included a link to purchase the book on Barnes & Noble.  The email gave information which led me to additional information which led me to a link to buy the book on Barnes & Noble. Some wise person created a series of steps to attract and inform readers. 

While I appreciate you reading this article and even passing it on to others (use the ClickToTweet), what actions are you going to take for your books? Thinking about it does not do it. You have to take consistent actions. Let me know in the comments below. I’m cheering for your success.

Tweetable:

Every author needs to avoid something terrible. Read this article from this prolific author and editor to learn the specifics. (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

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

Danielle Hutchinson and I spoke on the Authority on Demand Podcast about 10 Publishing Myths and my 40+ years of experience as an author, ghostwriter, editor, and acquisitions editor. Watch our interview at:https://bit.ly/4tPFT9m

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. 

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

Create a System for Consistency

  

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

One of the key habits every writer and communicator needs to develop is consistency. It’s a habit I learned years ago and continue to this day.

In the early days of social media, in my mind, I built a grid for my posts. I decided to begin with an inspirational quotation. Then I launch into several posts about my own writing. Each post includes a photo, a benefit and focus on the reader. After those few posts, I created another pattern to promote and teach from others. At the end of my day, I return to my writing and resources and end with one of my online articles. I use a scheduling tool called Hootsuite. There are others like Buffer. I spend about 30 focused minutes every day on this effort. You should create whatever will work for you. Make sure you create something you can do over and over without quiting.

You begin the system creation process with a focus on the end goal: to create something with a limit that is focused on your readers (audience). Also whatever you create has to be something you feel comfortable doing repeatedly and consistently. 

For example, my audience for The Writing Life and my newsletter (follow these links to subscribe and get on your email) is people interested in publishing and writing. I use these two words in the broadest sense to give me lots of flexibility and options. Write down several words which capture your audience (or do it in your mind).

There are dozens of social media platforms. I do not own these platforms and my involvement is as a guest or rented. I'm aware that I’m a guest and could unknowningly violate their terms and be banned or kicked off. I encourage you to choose carefully. Early in the process, I chose three social media platforms: X/Twitter, LinkedIN and Facebook. Notice some of what is missing here (also a choice). I do not have a presence on Pinterest or Instagram or YouTube or many other places. These choices are important and something you do in the beginning to narrow your focus. You want to start something that you can consistently continue.

When I set up my system, I decided to post 12 to 15 times every day. I use a grid or pattern for this process. For years, I’ve been creating and posting in this pattern. My personal system is not time consuming but something I do in about 30 minutes every day. 

I wrote these details for the simple reason to encourage you to create your system or habit to become consistent. You may post less times a day or a week but do it over and over. Your consistency will pay off for you.

In addition, I’ve gathered content and resources for others in my particular audience. These people interested in writing and publishing can learn a great deal just following me and reading the various posts.  In my own writing life, I have learned a tremendous amount of information reading these articles. 

After Creating Your System

When I have created a system, I consistently use it. The response varies. Sometimes others comment about the posts. Other times I hear nothing. The point is consistent effort and in the creation process, set up somthing you can accomplish over and over. 

Once your system is working, you can add elements to this process. For example, my additional elements include a weekly newsletter, a presence and consistent use of Goodreads, my use of PodMatch for guest podcasting, my consistent creation of new content for my blog and guest blogging in several places.

Beyond this system for my social media, for the last 14 years, I’ve got fulltime work as an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. Throughout my day, I’m regularly working with authors on the details of their books.

No one can do everything. Where will you get the greatest reach and be able to build an audience that you can continue? Are you creating a system for consistency? Let me know in the comments.

Tweetable:

As a writer, can you create a system for consistency? Read this article to discover how this prolific author and editor is consistent.  (ClickToTweet)

Every type of publishing has its own complexity, and many parts of the process are outside of anything that an author can control. In addition, from speaking with 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.

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