Tips for New Writers and Authors – Week Ten: Wrapping Up

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Advertising, Authors, Blogging, Books, Connecting, Creativity, Fiction, Marketing, Media, Networking, Non-Fiction, Novels, Promoting, Reading, Social Media, Writers, Writing

This is the tenth and final week I will be presenting tips to new writers and authors. I hope the ten weekly posts were helpful and something you can come back to. At least, it gives you an idea of what to expect in the publishing world. As reiterated many times, no course or book can teach you everything to learn about publishing. Practical experience and recognition as an author and writer are the best teachers.

A good writer knows how to write. A great writer not only knows how to write well, but will give direction and guidance to others. This advice is offered freely. I don’t proclaim to be an expert; I still have lots to learn too.

Five years of writing and publishing led me down this path. A path I did not choose; it chose me. To wrap up this week, I offer several suggestions:

1. Look at alternate publishers before you select a publisher. Do your research beforehand and ask questions. You might find another publisher who does work less expensively than another and/or you get more profits (including royalties) from book sales.
2. Remember to get everything you expect in writing before you sign a contract. If not in writing, then it is your word against the publisher or marketer. Once you sign a contract, you are bound to their regulations and procedures. Legally, you usually have 7 to 10 days to cancel the contract.
3. Talk to your book consultant if any questions about the publishing process. Usually, they can advise about complimentary copies of your book(s) or marketing services offered. *Note – I find marketing services to be more expensive than publishing sometimes, depending on the service offered, so choose wisely. This seems true for self-publishing, as well as traditional publishing.
4. Please note that once you publish a book, you are placed on a calling list. If it gets too annoying, you may want to ask the publisher to be removed from the list. If they say the list came from a website like Amazon, please ask to be connected to their customer service or a manager.
5. Continue to market your book(s) online. Social media is a great way to advertise your book(s) online and very affordable. Shout my Book will market your book(s) on social media inexpensively. They will do as many books as you want daily or monthly (at a small fee, of course).
6. Keep in contact with other writers. Seek a writer’s group or an organization for writers that meet monthly to discuss their books. This is an excellent opportunity to not only do some advertising, but to get advice from other writers.
7. Keep getting your name out there – mail book markers, postcards or business cards to potential interested readers, like family, acquaintances or friends. This can get expensive with postage and takes time; however, it’s gets your name and title of your book(s) out to the mainstream public.
8. Ask businesses (depending on the type of business) that know you if they would post a flyer of your book on their window. Usually, it is best if you are a customer or they’re acquainted with you.
9. In retrospect, see if these businesses would let you market your book(s) through a book signing. You would be surprise. They might say yes.
10. Keep hanging in there – never give up. Enjoy the writing process as you write that next “best seller” one day.  Simply, just have fun with it.

There are many more suggestions, but I feel it would be too repetitious in words. This project started out as your idea, your creation and your book. It is your baby. When I publish a book, I feel like I have given birth to a new creation.

Please keep in touch and if you have any questions, I am here to help. I may not be able to answer all your questions, but I will attempt to find out the answer for you. In the meantime, have a wonderful week and hope to be reading your best-seller soon.

 

Tips for New Writers and Authors – Week Five: Marketing Strategies

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Advertising, Authors, Blogging, Books, Fiction, Marketing, Networking, Non-Fiction, Novels, Reading, Social Media, Writing

Whether it took weeks, months or even years to publish that long-awaited book, you spent long hours writing at the computer and sleepless nights to finish your book. Your days and time were filled with writing, proofreading, revising and correcting the final manuscript before submission to the publisher. What comes next? It usually takes two to three weeks to publish, depending on the publisher. This is a good time for you to look at marketing strategies to advertise your book(s). If you are well ahead of the game, you may have already planned a marketing strategy or a few before your book is published. If you are a sharp-shooter, you know the complexity of marketing strategies and planning beforehand.

Social media and online websites help, but more is needed. Blogging is also an excellent way to network and connect to the outside world. A good place to start is by word of mouth. Family members and friends will be interested, simply as they are connected to you. It is a good idea to give a few books away as gifts. This gives others an incentive to find interest in your book(s); it gives them a free invitation. If you are new to the publishing world and unfamiliar with marketing strategies, there are a variety of routes you can take. My suggestion is to ask the publisher if they offer a marketing service. If they do, they can advise which package best fits your needs. There are some other suggestions:

1. There is great importance in connecting to the community and local residents. Advertising through book signings and sales at local book stores. This can include speaking at groups or organizations about your book(s). The more you get out in your community, the more you are recognized. Hence, the more readers you attain to increase book sales, your main focus at this point.
2. Speaking at radio stations about your book(s). A drawback is that some people feel uncomfortable speaking publicly. A confident speaker will sell more than the shy speaker lacking in enthusiasm and articulation.
3. Look at online campaign ads. Amazon and Ingram offer website ads. Ask your publisher if they have that particular marketing service. They are familiar with the marketing procedures of contacting various websites, not known to the general public.
4. Place an ad in a local flyer or newspaper. The cost will depend on how much space you want. Ask for weekly or monthly discounts. Photos of the writer/author and book(s) are recommended.
5. Send an article to the local newspaper about yourself, your writing experience and publications. Send a photo of yourself with the article. This can be done inexpensively.
6. Look at magazine ads to advertise your book(s). You can buy space in a Writers’ Magazine. The cost usually depends on whether you select a full page or half a page. This includes the writer’s biography and publications.
7. There are annual book fairs. Ask your publisher if they have a list of book fairs around the country. The Miami Book Fair in the springtime offers an opportunity for new or unknown writers/authors to display their books on their racks.
8. There are social media packages available; however, you can advertise for free on most social media websites, like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.
9. If you already have an author’s website, you can connect your blog to the website. Also included is information about the author, excerpts from the book(s) and price of each book. Ask your publisher if they can assist you with this marketing service.
10. Some publishers may offer an international package, whereby your book is placed on their racks during their annual book fairs. There are drawbacks, however. If you are unable to travel, you have no way to monitor sales unless your book consultant monitors it for you. In addition, it is quite costly to advertise internationally.
11. There are online videos of authors talking about their book(s). This gives the author a chance to market and advertise. Ask your publisher if they offer this marketing service.
12. Media, meaning public television. This is very expensive and above most of writers/authors’ salaries. Unless you are a well-established or famous writer, this is probably the last alternative. Most media advertising starts at several thousand up and based on time (minutes or seconds).

Five years ago, I had no idea of marketing strategies, other than advertising online. I admit that writing was an easy process for me; yet, marketing was another thing. I had no concept of a marketing strategy to advertise my books. As I became more familiar with the publishing world, I gathered information on different marketing strategies and advertising. I can’t say one is better over the other. They are all good avenues to pursue. You may explore some marketing strategies before exploring others.

An important concept is to be recognized as an accomplished writer in your community. Book sales will increase as you gather more experience and knowledge. The old saying, “it is not what you know, but who you know” has some truth to it. You not only learn a valuable skill, you might find writing as a successful career. There are different fields of writing: screenwriting, free-lance, creative, poetic, literature, educational, self-help, general and research. The list goes on and on. The most important concept is to enjoy the writing process along the way and be happy of your accomplishments.

 

Tips for New Writers and Authors – Week Four: Finalizing Your Draft

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Authors, Blogging, Fiction, Networking, Non-Fiction, Writers, Writing

This is one of the most important steps in the writing process. This  is your final draft of the manuscript. During this step, the second or third pair of eyes become essential. If self-publishing, you want a squeaky clean manuscript, free of errors. Once finalized, it will not be corrected without costs. Note – some publishers will allow up to 25 to 50 free corrections before publishing. However, this doesn’t include publisher errors (e.g., printing). Please see the publisher’s guidelines for submission of your final draft.

Before you submit your manuscript to the publisher, you will select what type package you want (hardcover, softcover or both, e-book, etc). Hardcover includes the bound cover with dust jackets, whereas softcover is the paperback. E-books are available online to be downloaded. If you have written a book before and using the same publisher, ask about discounts. Some publishers will allow up to half off for a second book or additional books. The check-in coordinator will discuss with you about any questions you might have. In this stage, you will select what type genre, age range (audience) or package (condensed or dust jackets, also called flaps for hardcover).

Publishing multiple books in a five-year period, I find there are some helpful hints not necessarily known to the general public:

1. Once the draft is finished, thoroughly review your draft before submission. This includes any typos, spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors. Remember, Spellcheck and other software programs will not catch 100% of the errors.
2. I suggest having at least one reader read your final draft before submission. I found in my last book, out of 424 pages, I still had three errors when published. A second or third person can catch errors that the writer doesn’t catch.
3. If self-editing, read through the manuscript yourself and correct errors. You may need to revise or even rewrite some parts that don’t flow well within the manuscript.
4. If professionally editing, then allow up to two months to receive final draft back. There will be suggestions and/or corrections to make. Note – editing is not free nor cheap and is based on how many pages (or words) the manuscript contains.
5. Once you make corrections and satisfied with the final draft, combine chapters into one document. Note – most publishers will not accept separate chapters. Rather, they want the total manuscript. Even if they do allow, I find it causes more confusion and more work to go back to correct.
6. If self-publishing, the writer will be given one chance to look over the final draft from the publisher before approval. Once approved by you, the final draft is submitted for publication. Note – once you send the final approval, the manuscript goes into the publishing stage. No changes can be made afterwards, unless you are willing to pay for corrections.
7. Most publishers prefer that the writer submit the manuscript by email. In some cases, it can be mailed or faxed, but that is difficult, especially with a lengthy manuscript. Please see the publisher’s guidelines for submission of your manuscript.
8. It usually takes up to two or three weeks to publish. The writer will receive a free complimentary copy of the book. If you selected both hardcover and softcover, you will receive a copy of both. Please look over the book and make sure no publisher errors were made (misprints, blurring or spacing errors, etc). It is best to correct when the printing is fresh rather than go back later.
9. The writer will be given a chance to order a maximum number of free copies once published; only shipping charges are applied. My publisher allows 5 hardcover and 10 softcover books. Publishers may vary in the number of free copies allowed; please check with your publisher for details.

Once your book is published, congratulations, you have now become a new author. Enjoy the accomplishment of a finished product. More importantly, enjoy the writing process. Writing was an adventure that started out as self-therapy for closure to painful events in my past. The first time I published, I was fearful, but over the years, I became more confident in my writing. Now, I love the writing process in publishing books for readers to enjoy.

Next week, I will discuss marketing strategies. Going into publishing five years ago, I was blind about marketing. I struggled as an unknown author. It is just as important to have a marketing strategy and a plan to advertise your book(s). Marketing is expensive and there are some ways to advertise your book(s) without costing an arm and a leg. I find social media and networking works some, but it takes more effort. The writer has to get out there to the public to be recognized.

Tune in to my blog weekly. If you are a new writer and/or author yourself or know someone who is, please refer them to my blog. In the meantime, Happy Memorial Day to all veterans and everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newest Book Published

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Advertising, Authors, Blogging, Books, Fiction, Marketing, Media

Trail of Betrayal has been published and already available online at Amazon. It should be available on Barnes & Noble online very soon. Please go to the links below or the side widget to take a view of the book with one click.

Amazon’s website at https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Trail+of+Betrayal

or my author’s website at http://www.annermurray.com  (Please allow 5-7 days for additional book – work in progress)

 

Final Approvals on Galley Today

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Blogging, Books, Fiction, History, Novels, Reading, Writing

I sent final approvals on interior galley today. The next steps are the final quality assurance and final content evaluations and then on to the printer. It is a working step-by-step process. Once I know when the book is online, I will let you know. Spread the word!

Can’t Stand the Suspense

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Blogging, Books, Fiction, History, Media, Novels, Writing

I approved the cover(s) designs this week on my new book. Waiting on publisher to send back the galley with revisions and corrections. This is the final review before it goes to the printers. Once printed, the new book should be online (Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites) within two weeks. I am excited, as I can’t wait to see the final product. The suspense is killing me.

I believe it is my best book published yet. I’m tooting my own horn, but hey, if I can’t toot it, who can? It is a historical fictional novel on American history during colonial times. While some of the events and dates are true, the characters are fictitious. Focused on the lives and challenges of characters during the American Revolutionary War, the book reflects the optimism of the American culture.

The book is 424 pages in length. Makes a great gift for those that enjoy history. There are sketches, as well as references for historians and history bluffs alike. All copyrights belong to the author and writer of this book – no duplication please. Please click on link below to see designs, although this is just a preliminary illustration. 9781546232681_hrd – Hard Cover

New Book In Production

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Blogging, Books, Fiction, Marketing, Novels, Writers, Writing

My new book, Trail of Betrayal, is in the production stage. Please look for it soon at Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. I will post to this website as soon as it’s published. The book is a sequel to Saga of the Ages.  If you enjoy mystery, suspense, thrill-seeking and action, combined with romance, you will love this book. Centered around the American Revolutionary War, it entails love of country, patriotism and family unity. Written for history lovers and historians. Artist of front cover design and sketches – Dannie Michelle Wright.

 

 

 

Newest Book Online

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Advertising, Blogging, Books, Fiction, Marketing, Novels, Social Media

My newest book, Saga of the Ages, is available online now. Please go to Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites for more information. This book is different from my other novels and totally exciting to read. Mystery, episonage, double spying, murder, romance and adventure are all entailed – it has something for everyone in mind. Centered around colonial times, Lisa Marie Chevalier plays the main character in this historical novel. Looks are deceiving. She looks like an angel on the outside, but a total devil on the inside. Read how her deepest demons come to life in the story. One of my best creations yet!

Newest Book Gone to Printers

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Blogging, Books, Fiction, Media, Networking, Novels, Social Media

Saga of the Ages went to the printers today. It should be online in 10-15 days. Please keep checking Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites for release of book. Another book is created and born. It is literally a saga of the ages – a new birth.

Good News – All the Way Around

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Authors, Blogging, Books, Fiction, Novels, Reading, Social Media

I am going to Ohio State University Medical Facility for 1-2 days to be administered a new drug in the LEMS Study. A travel companion is being arranged by the pharmaceutical company. Also, the program director is contacting my Neurologist to get my medical records sent to Ohio. Afterwards, I will wait a month and travel to Miami. The clinical study takes up to two weeks. This is where I am with the clinical study. No dates are known at this time. As long as they are working on something, that gives me hope for the future. It has been a long medical journey.

On the lighter note, my newest book, Saga of the Ages, has been sent to the publishers last week. Covers have been approved. Just finished editing the final Galley proof. Hope to have that finalized this coming week. I sound like a broken record, but please check Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites within the next two weeks for publication.

We are expecting rain in Atlanta today. The temperature is right at 70 degrees, with an overcast. It is partly cloudy; however, thunderstorms are expected to hit later this afternoon. The sun is peeking in and out. Our yards were filled last week with fallen trees from the previous thunderstorm. The men cutting the trees hit a cable, knocking Internet out for three days. Gee, I actually survived three days without the television and phone line too.

Other than that, I hope everyone has a good weekend. Hug your spouse and children, as well as all of your loved ones. You never know how long one has on earth. Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, grandfathers and potential fathers!