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 Coming Along

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Authors, Blogging, Books, Creativity, History, Non-Fiction, Writers

Lingering Shadows is coming along. A sequel of my latest book, Glimpses of the Past, it entails a love story, love of family and country, family tragedy and war at the same time. An historical novel created during the Civil War era, written for historians and history buffs in mind.

The manuscript is finished, but working on revisions. Too many delays during February – mother’s illness and hospitalization, family emergencies and personal illness – but I’m on the mend and writing again.

Sorry to be amiss for awhile. I miss blogging and hearing from others. Sometimes life throws things your way that you have no control over. Anyway, hope to have the manuscript submitted within two to three weeks to the publishers. Be on the lookout for it online at Amazon and Barnes & Nobles by the end of the month.

Fixed At Last

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Blogging, Books, Media, Non-Fiction, Novels, Promoting, Reading

The technical problem online at Amazon is now fixed. Also, Shattered Dreams is available at Barnes & Noble online. The newest book should be added to my author website at http://www.elizabethaphilips.com within a few days for availability. I’m waiting on the publishers to get back in touch with me. You can also click left side widget at image, which takes you directly to Amazon.

Everyone, have a great weekend. I will be relaxing my little brain and watching some of British episodes, which I love. Chuckle. Peace, love and joy to all.

 

 

All Books Are Listed on Author’s Website

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Advertising, Books, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Novels, Poetry, Social Media

My newest book of poetry, Gentle Rain of Thoughts, was added yesterday to my website. All my books are listed on http://www.elizabethaphilips.com. You can also order from this blog at the side widgets. Books available through publisher at http://www.authorhouse.com, Amazon and Barnes & Noble sites. Please take a moment to take a look at it. Ordering through the website would be easier and faster than ordering direct shipment through me.

 

Photo 5/Story 5 – The Future: Writing That Is

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Blogging, Fiction, Non-Fiction

Divorce With Me nominated me for the Five Photos/Five Stories Challenge. Wrapping up these five days has been wonderful. I have had fun and had a blast! I hope you got to visit my blog and sneak a peak in my world.

My last photo/story is about my future writing. Dabbling in poetry a little bit, I’m planning to get a book of poems together to have published in the future, entitled “Gentle Rain of Thoughts.” I have written over 30 poems and will continue.

Most people have significant losses in life. I have had my share of them but I am stronger for it, which reflects in my writing. My writing reflects not only my strength, but my pain inside. Healing, growth and closure are a result of my works.

Again, working on my latest book, Wounded Heart In Flight. Some of my poems are featured in my book. I hope to have that published in the near future. Inspiration will lead to write future books and publications.

A poem I wrote, which will be included in my new book, tells it all. I entitled it “Soaring.“

Rest Awhile

I’m soaring in the sky, With spread wings in awe, My spirit is free, To roam this earth, My soul is released, As dust in the wind, I am free, Lord, I am free.

With God’s grace, And holy devotion, I no longer hold, This pain within, My soul touches the sky, And the heavens beyond, I am free, Lord, I am free.

I give many thanks, As I worship you, I am your humble servant, For all eternity, For you have blessed me, And made me whole, I am free, Lord, I am free.

I want to nominate Creaking Bones (http://creakingbones.com/) for the Five Photos/Five Stories Challenge. Take a moment to visit his blog as he writes about his world in Australia on a beautiful Harley. Please attach a photo to a story for five consecutive days. You can write about fiction or nonfiction: a short story, paragraph or poem. Please sure to nominate a blogger each day. You are under no obligation to accept but I hope you do.

Photo 3/Story 3 – Maintaining

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Blogging, Non-Fiction

Divorce With Me invited me to a 5-day challenge to join the Five Photos/Five Stories Challenge by posting a photo each day for five consecutive days and attach a story to the photo. It can be fiction or non-fiction, a poem or a short paragraph and each day nominate another blogger for the challenge.

This picture is an actual air shot of the house I live in. Notice all the beautiful trees. It is a natural forest here, dense with woods. You are looking at the circular driveway and side view of the house hidden by trees in the backyard.

The beauty of the land encompasses me. I am surrounded by a mountain, green pastures and animals. Everywhere, there are beautiful old hickory and pine trees in the front and backyards. There is also a vegetable garden in the backyard.

On occasion, deer will eat out of the garden. Hard to prevent this when they do. There is a family of raccoons that come at night and want to be fed. Food is set out at night on the back porch. They love dry dog food, believe it or not, especially the babies.

In springtime, I look out my back window to see blossoms on trees and a variety of colorful flowers. There are birds chirping, as if welcoming the beauty of nature itself. This is the most beautiful time of the year here.

The land is rich in history from pre-civil war days. At least six generations before me. The battle was fought here from 1861 to 1865 between the Confederates and Union soldiers. Across the road, my relatives on my mother’s side live as well.

I nominate Krysiakorsak (https://korsakkorner.wordpress.com/) to the 5 Photos/5 Stories Challenge. Please do not feel obligated to accept or participate but I would love to see some great photos and amazing stories. Remember just to enjoy and have fun.

Photo 2/Story 2 – The Present

Tags

Blogging, Non-Fiction

My life is filled with writing each day. If not blogging, I am working on my manuscript for my new book. I’m hoping to have it published this summer. I’m basically finished writing the chapters. Just need to insert the Author Bio, Introduction and Acknowledgments. I’ve commissioned an artist to draw the front cover of the book.

My new book, Wounded Heart In Flight, is a fictional novel about a young woman of Native American heritage. Her grandmother is full Cherokee. My ancestry is part Cherokee, being 1/16 Cherokee on my father’s side. I look far from being Native American but it is my ancestry.

Poetry has become a new addition to my hobbies. I’ve written over 30 poems now and continuing. Some of the poetry I have posted on my blog and a few will be included in my new book.

People ask me why I write all the time. I write to reflect the physical and emotional pain I feel. I write to leave my legacy in this world. I write to get my messages across to others. I write to inspire people. I write because I get enjoyment in writing. One of my three sisters told me that I spend money on books that don’t sell very well. Ouch! What she doesn’t understand is that healing and closure come through writing. If one person is inspired, that is significant to me.

This was one of the latest photos taken this year in the library. I love books – any kind, fictional or nonfictional. My books reflect my passion but more my style of writing; free-spirited and love of life.I nominate alina (http://alinastamboala.com/) for the 5 Photos/5 Stories Challenge for her amazing stories. It can be anything fictional or nonfictional: a short story, paragraph or poem. Just need to nominate one blog per story. Please do not feel obligated to accept the invitation but I hope you do.

Harsh Reality Challenge – My Daily Life In ______

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Authors, Blogging, Books, Creativity, Fiction, Inspirational, Media, Non-Fiction, Reading, Social Media, Spiritual, Writers, Writing

I accepted Harsh Reality’s Challenge. My daily life in Marietta, Georgia, located in the southeastern region of the United States, is filled with variety. Marietta is located in central Cobb County, Georgia, and is the county’s seat and largest city. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 56,579, making it one of the Atlanta metropolitan area’s largest suburbs. Marietta is the fourth largest of the principal cities (by population) of the Atlanta metropolitan statistical area. Atlanta is the capital of and the most populous city in the US state of Georgia, with an estimated 2013 population of 447,841. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, home to 5,522,942 people and

the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States. Atlanta is the county seat of Fulton County, and a small portion of the city extends eastward into DeKalb County.