Writer's Quiz - What's your IQ?

I get asked questions all of the time about writing, publishing, and marketing, and these questions keep coming up. So today I decided to put the most frequently asked questions here. Take the short quiz and see how you do.

1. When writing a picture book, an author must send their illustrations to the publisher along with the text. True or False?

2. One great thing about a traditional publisher is that they will do all of the marketing for you. True or False?

3. Great editing is just as important as writing a great story. True or False?

4. If you're an artist as well as an author, save some money by doing your own book cover and/or illustrations. True or False?

5. Market the heck out of your book after it comes out. True or False?

6. Book stores are the best places to sell your book. True or False?

7. It's a good idea to write in different book genres. True or False?

8. Getting your book in libraries is easy. True or False?

Have your answers? Take a peek below the books.

Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash

1. False. Never send artwork with your manuscript unless the publisher asks for it. They have their own illustrators on staff. If you're not going the traditional route, ask before you send them.

2. False. Traditional publishers may have you on their website or in their catalog, but most of the marketing will be up to you.

3. True. But a great story is also paramount. If your book is well-edited but your story is poorly written, you will not sell it either.

4. False. If you are just starting out, find a professional to do the artwork. Don't invite your mother or your brother to do your artwork unless they have extensive experience. People do judge a book by its cover. If you can't afford a professional, see what you can find in the way of stock photos that usually come at a cheaper price.

5. False. Market the heck out of your book before it comes out, and continue to market it after it comes out. The first thing you need? A website with a blog.

6. False. Books stores are okay. The best places to sell your books are where readers are less likely to expect them. Consider craft fairs, children's toy stores, and hair salons.

7. True. At least from my point of view. I write in different genres and have various types of readers. Writing in one genre would limit sales as well as connections to different readers. 

8. False. Getting your books in libraries is tough. Have your friends and family make calls to your local library requesting your book - they won't put your book in the library just because you, the author, ask them to do it. Try libraries in small towns. They are much more open to having your book on their shelves, especially if it's self-published.

How did you do? 

7-8 correct. You know your stuff. You could teach a class.

5-6 correct. You're learning the ropes. Lean on an experienced writer friend to make sure you are jumping through all of the hoops.

3-4 correct. Check out some writer's books. Take some notes. 

0-2 correct. Just today you thought, "Hey, maybe I should be a writer!" Now, take the next step above. 

What's Happening at Two Authors Books & a Beverage Club?

TODAY'S THE LAST DAY TO ENTER THE DRAWING TO WIN "MARKETING YOUR BOOK ON A BUDGET"! HAVE YOU ENTERED?

Let's talk about writing and reading!

Ask me a writing question! A publishing or marketing question!

I'll be on the front page of Two Authors... until the end of the month!

Did you hear about this? [Update]

I will be the guest author at Two Authors, Books & a Beverage Club on January 4 at 7 p.m. I will be checking back frequently after that for the rest of the month to answer your questions about writing, publishing, and marketing.

Be thinking about the questions you'd like to ask me. Questions, such as: How long does it typically take you to write a book? What book is your favorite? How much research do you typically do? How do you choose your characters? How do you find a publisher? How do you know if you've found the right publisher for you? What is the most important tool for marketing? How much money do you typically spend on marketing? What have you done in marketing that has produced results? 

As Winnie the Pooh would say: Think. Think. Think.

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

I have questions of my own that I have been gathering for you. Questions such as: What's the first book you remember reading? Have you read a book more than once? If so, what was the title? How many times have you read it? Have you read any of my books? If so, what one was your favorite, and why? How do you choose what books you want to read? Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?

As a heads-up on the last question. Knowing my answer may prove valuable to you come January 4th. 

A couple of books at once is usually the rule for me, and typically a fiction book at the same time I am reading a nonfiction book so as not to confuse things.

So get thinking, and I'll see you soon!

Kathryn

Mandy Eve-Barnett - Her Writing Journey

Today I wanted to focus on a writer who was first introduced to you in 2015. A lot has happened in the world as well as in her life since then. I am reminded of my own writing career, one that began a little hesitantly, and which grew bolder the older I got and the more I was willing to try and take on.

Thank you, Mandy, for sharing your writing journey with us!

 “To write is to create a thousand lives, a multitude of locations, real or imagined, and send your characters on a journey of your own making.”

Quote Mandy Eve-Barnett

Some thoughts on Mandy's first visit to my blog

My First Visit to Kathryn’s blog was back in 2015 when I shared a character interview from a work in progress manuscript, Life in Slake Patch. This story was the result of my first attempt at National Novel Writing Month in 2009, and the most I had written as a new writer, ever. As my first novel-length manuscript, it required revision and editing many, many times over before I eventually published it in 2018. An evolution over nine years, when I grew as a writer and an author, learning my craft, and ultimately resulting in a story I was happy to publish.

Her creativity and imagination

From school age to adulthood, I indulged my creativity in many forms, but for whatever reason did not pursue writing. After immigrating to Canada, later in life, I discovered a local writing group and was immediately hooked on the joy of conjuring up worlds from my imagination. I joined the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County in 2009 and became Secretary in 2010. Over the last 12 years, this group’s members have encouraged and supported me and I am truly blessed to be part of the organization.

What Mandy has been doing since 2015!

Since 2015, I have published six further books, including Life in Slake Patch. I continue to write character-based stories rather than to genre across all age groups. 2016 saw a YA novella, Clickety Click, a reincarnation romance, The Twesome Loop in 2017, complete madness in 2018, when I published not only another YA novella, Creature Hunt on Planet Toaria but also, finally, my speculative fiction, Life in Slake Patch. These were followed by a reader demanded sequel to my medieval fantasy, The Rython Kingdom (2012) entitled Rython Legacy in 2019 and last year, a steampunk novel, The Commodore’s Gift.

What marketing techniques have helped her to sell books?

My marketing has changed over the years from a tentative occasional post as a new writer to my current explosion across social media as my confidence, connections and network has grown. Last year’s pandemic curbed my normal annual attendance to multiple books fairs, events, and readings throughout Alberta and beyond. However, I did manage to attend several virtual events, hosted workshops and presentations, and was a guest panelist as well. I continue to be a writing community advocate hosting author interviews, writing tips, and writing life insights, as well as connecting with readers with excerpts, inspirations, ideas, and Q&A on my blog.

Mandy's writing - what she's learned 

Book 2

Book 1

Apart from the fantasy Rython series, all my books are stand-alone novels. However, last year, while struggling to find a direction for National Novel Writing Month, an almost fully-formed idea of a detective crime trilogy set in Alberta came to mind. As you can imagine, I was excited, but apprehensive, as this would need planning from a notorious panster! My stories normally just flow from mind to fingertip. Always eager to learn, I began researching the methodology and skill required to write a series and proceeded to plan each story, cross-referencing characters, locations, and the villain’s strategy.  I wrote out character descriptions and backstories, researched locations, and police procedures. Watched multiple crime TV series and attended virtual seminars on crime writing. This is the joy of writing, you learn about topics, places, and people you would never normally know anything about.

Learn more about Mandy 

Twitter https://twitter.com/mandyevebarnett 

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Mandyevebarnettcom

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mandyevebarnett/

Freelance  https://tailoredthemedtosuit.wordpress.com/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-eve-barnett-58235250/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/mandywordsmith/

Blog https://mandyevebarnett.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/.../6477059.Mandy_Eve_Barnett...

Amazon author page:   https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MDUAS0V 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Mandy+Eve-Barnett

Alberta Authors Cooperative  http://www.albertaauthorscooperative.ca/

Publisher  Dream Write Publishing. www.dreamwritepublishing.ca

 In A Rut?

Five myths and one truth about writing and publishing you need to know

If I've written about this before, please forgive me. 

I hear these myths all of the time, and for a while when I was just beginning my career as a writer, I believed them. You may even hear them yourself at writer's conferences or from other authors.

Here they are in no particular order: 

Myth 1: Self-published books look like self-published books.

Used to be this was true, but no more. Whether you find an illustrator (look at number 4) or create your own cover through stock photos or your favorite photographer, your cover can and should look, professional. I have worked my way through this process; not all of my book covers were great in the beginning, and I am upgrading them. The interior, if you get some help or do it yourself through studying how this is done by traditionally published books, is necessary for the book to look professional inside and out. If you don't know how to layout a book, get some help. Don't try to do it yourself. 

Myth 2: Write what you know, or what you have personally experienced.

I used to think I could only write stories that took place where I lived, where I vacationed, or where I used to live. Not true. Once you study something, you know it. Sure, it's not exactly the same thing as 'being there' but you will be amazed at what is out there that you can know about. For example, I wanted to know how the sea of Galilee looked and sounded for my recent book, "Receive Him: New Testament Stories of Faith & Healing from the Least of These." 

Have I been to Isreal? Nope.

But I found this:

Myth 3: You can write a great book in six-weeks.

Okay, this one comes with a caveat. If all you do is write for six weeks, with only bathroom breaks, and food on the side, (while you're writing), I can see how this can happen. For most of us, in between work and kids, we need at minimum six months to a year. 

Myth 4: Save money. Illustrate your own book.

Nope. It will look like it. Unless you have schooling or art training to back you up. Has someone purchased your illustrations? Then illustrate your own book. It is difficult if not impossible to manage characters throughout a picture book story, for example, if you are not a practiced professional. How do you make Jim on page one look like Jim on page four? Through experience and training. 

As you can see, this book was illustrated by Cheryl J. Sachse

Myth 5: You can edit your own book.

Also a big, fat no. But I'm going to tell you something that some big-time editors may not like. They are expensive, and if you are a newbie author or even an author with multiple books published making a part-time income, you may want to consider a different breed of editor. (If you choose to pay the bucks, make sure the editor has had experience; talk to a couple of his/her clients. There is a difference between a good editor, who keeps your 'voice' in your manuscript, and a bad editor who changes it for his or hers). 

I use my reader friends who READ, READ, READ, and have a flair for grammar. I also use a combination of men and women who read. It is amazing what a man sees and what a woman sees. I also use Grammarly. Yes, this is a little advertising for them, but they are FREE for the basic service. I also use my voice. Yes, I read my books aloud when I can. Recording yourself is even better, and listening back. I need to make more time for this because I always catch mistakes this way.

The truth is, you will not be a great writer in the beginning. Just accept that. For 99.9% of us, we have to write and write and write and read and read and read, and even then, our book may not be a best-seller. But that's another story.

Speed Date with a Book!

Tonight, at the Brigham City Library, come and Speed Date with a Book!



Brigham City Library
26 E. Forest Street
Brigham City, UT 84302
435-723-5850

Learn what 12 Utah authors are publishing and how they are doing it!

Gearing up for classes to be held at Tremonton Library

My husband and I will be teaching 4 classes at the Tremonton City Library, this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Classes will be:

Planning Your Book - Outlining Made Simple
Writing Your Book- The Joys & Pitfalls

First two classes of the day will be hands-on opportunities to learn and write. Get your book started!

Bring your own sack lunch!



After lunch, prepare yourself for some informative classes on publishing and marketing!

Getting  Published - The Easy Way
Marketing Your Book on a Budget

We can hardly wait!

Last count, the classes were full, but it wouldn't hurt to double-check in case someone has dropped out at the last minute!

Kathryn


Tremonton City Library
210 S. Tremont Street
Tremonton, Ut

Contact Debby Carter
435-257-9525

TEN COMMANDMENTS for Writers by Yours Truly

You've probably seen a similar list like the one I'll be offering below. What you need to know is that this list goes in order of priority, so number 1 is the least important commandment. And while it is still a commandment for any writer who wants to write and sell what they write, it is not as important in the ultimate scheme of things when looking at commandment #10.

1. Thou shalt be open to writing multiple genres. You may think you're a suspense writer, and later learn you're a fantasy buff. Be open to writing more than one genre. Love romance? You may also love writing Christian fiction or nonfiction. Used to be you had to choose a genre and stick with it. No more. I write Christian fiction, nonfiction and mystery.  
 
2. Thou shalt take it with you. Write when you're on the bus, sitting at a park, going downtown. Keep a small notebook in your purse or glove compartment. Some folks even carry a handheld recorder. When the muse hits, you may even be sleeping. Get it down when you first think of it.

3. Thou shalt be smart. Writing and publishing is a job for many of us. Treat your writing seriously, and you'll get the same in return. Treat it like your favorite hobby, and you may find yourself writing without results.

4. Thou shalt help other writers. Join a critique group. Seek out opportunities to speak about writing. Join a writer's group.

5. Thou shalt seek out opportunities to learn your craft. This includes classes, workshops, books at the library, etc. Learn then practice, practice, practice. Read. Read. Read.

6. Thou shalt have a web presence, i.e., a webpage and/or blog, accounts with twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+. If you start your social media at least 6 months before your first book comes out, you'll already have some readers in place. Post every day, whether that be quotes you like, information about your book or the subject of your book, signings, new book releases, etc. The sky is the limit, just make sure that you're not just marketing your book.

7. Thou shalt listen to criticism. This might be tough beans for you, but listening helps you on to #8. Do you have to take every critique, every criticism you get and mull it inside your head for a month or longer? No. Just take it, take a look, and then decide what you'll do with it.

8. Thou shalt edit. As part of this process you will lay aside your work for a day or days before you go back to it. You will not edit as you write, thus interrupting your inspirational flow. You will illicit at between 5 and 10 beta readers for your work. These readers/editors will often find things you've missed.

9. Thou shalt market every week, daily if you can and for at least two hours a day if you can. Taken a good look at Amazon and all of your competition? You'll want to market if you want to sell. Get this book to get you started if you haven't already.

10. Thou shalt write every day. Some writers write so many pages a day or so many words a day. If you write as if your job depends on it - it does - then you'll have a completed book in a year, not years or never.

Happy Writing!

Kathryn

Struggling to Get Published?

Okay, so you're tired of dealing with the miss-spelled words, the awkward sentences, the paragraphs that need to be shifted, the chapters taken out, the character's weeded, the setting upgraded, the plot - fixed, and let's see, you're tired of this run-on sentence.

If you've tried and failed to be perfect at your writing and failed, welcome to the club - the Sunshine Club.

The Sunshine Club is for all of those writers who have tried and failed at writing, and may not, as of yet, published a book although it's been roughly 10 years since their writing journey began.

Ten years??

Ten years isn't actually that long. I can honestly say it took me longer than ten to get my first book published. My first article was published eight years after taking pen to paper, and my first book came say, fifteen years after that.

Granted, I did do a lot of journalism during that time (which has really helped me through the years I'll tell you) and I went to college and obtained my degree in Mass Communication. But I had to wait quite a few years to see that first book in print.

I was at the Sunshine Club quite a few years with my fellow writers, struggling to get something published. We would weep on each other's shoulders, talk about the mean and nasty editors and/or agents until our lips were blue, and whined about how hard everything was, how terribly long it was taking.

And then someone quite friendly in the group would say, "Well, you know, you can't expect to get published until you've been through the work."

And I thought, I couldn't help it but I thought, "Well, what about those famous people who have never written a word in their life, who get published right away because of their name?"

Of course I know now that famous people don't count. Not that their books aren't occasionally - good, it's just that they're on a different path than most writers who have to prove something to even get a casual look see.


And, honestly, there is something quite amazing to be said for a writer who has struggled and learned and struggled some more before someone actually sees them.

If you are willing to stick it out when times are tough, when no one will read your stuff, or everyone tells you your stuff is great even though they've probably never read it, or worse, have read it but don't want to hurt your feelings by telling you the truth. If you're willing to stick your neck out and admit that your story, book, or article could be better, and are more than willing to learn from your mistakes. If you're willing to trash an entire scene, an entire chapter, an entire book that isn't going to make the grade...

Then guess what?

You're a writer.

See you at the Sunshine Club.

WRITE HERE IN EPHRAIM CONFERENCE this Friday and Saturday!

IN ITS 5TH YEAR, "WRITE HERE IN EPHRAIM" IS CENTRAL UTAH'S WRITING CONFERENCE WHERE PUBLISHED AUTHORS GIVE INSTRUCTION ON WRITING. THE CONFERENCE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR UP-AND-COMING WRITERS TO GAIN NEW SKILLS AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN THEIR CRAFT.

GRAND DOOR PRIZE - BRAND NEW "NOOK!"

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WOW! Write Here in Ephraim is now offering PITCH SESSIONS where you can meet with publishers to tell them all about your story! Please contact Keani at Netherfield Publishing to set up your time to shine! keani.gifford@netherfieldpublishing.com 

You may also contact McKelle George of Jolly Fish Press for PITCH SESSIONS! mckellegeorge@yahoo.com

For the first time - Included in the conference price is a ticket to the Snow College Theater comedy, "Cinderella Waltz."  Click here for more details!

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NEW THIS YEAR! Saturday lunch provided by the Snow College cafeteria, only available to those who pre-register by April 10, 2015. Sumptuous Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Croissant, cookie, choice of chips, choice of fruit, and drink! 

I will be teaching two classes. One on marketing your book on a budget, the other on creating your own book trailers!

Learn more at: http://writehereinephraim.com/

Walking the Path of a REAL Writer

Last night I had a difficult time sleeping. Suffice it to say I had a dream where all of my books had been safely deposited in the trash.

I wonder what brought on that sort of dream. But as I recall my journey of being published, I can't help but recall my particular journey, and I say MY because we all have our own personal writing journey to walk.



Not all of us will be self-published.

Not all of us will find that national publisher to take on our works.

Not all of us will have an agent.

Not all of us will sell loads of copies of our books the first time out the gate.

Not all of us will sell our books in bookstores.

Not all of us will want to spend the time selling our books outside a bookstore.

Not all of us will market like we should; we'd rather write after all.

Not all of us will be able to afford a publicist, or someone to market our work.

Not all of us will get on that coveted site.

Not all of us will

 get all
 5 star reviews.



Hopefully, you get my drift. In the walk we do on the path we are blessed with, not one of us will walk the same path, and that's okay. God has something wonderful, groovy if you will, in store for each of us.

And I am happy to be walking the path he has chosen for me.

Kathryn

New Year: New Direction

The new year brings with it the possibilities, and, quite frankly, probably more goals and far-reaches than you really want to think about.

But perhaps your new direction isn't in the abundance of goals that you may or may not follow through with, but a change of heart and focus when it comes to your writing direction.

Allow me to explain what I mean.

Perhaps you want to publish your first novel this year, just as you wanted to publish your first novel last year. And maybe you're thinking, "I could have this goal every year and nothing may happen." 

Maybe your repeated goal is to write every day, but you find yourself wishing for more time, or you're working a full-time job to pay the bills and you hope to be able to let it go and write full-time; a goal you've had for the past five years.

A change of heart in the first goal might look something like: "I am going to work toward publishing my first novel this year, and I'm going to do it by writing every day, taking criticism and making changes when necessary, and looking into self-publishing." 

A positive attitude works!!

If you're in the second goal thought processes, you may decide to write: "I am going to write when I can and I'm going to do this by eliminating or decreasing my television watching by _____%."

If you've decided that your job is no longer working for you and you'd like to quit it to write full-time, do a bit of studying to see how this can be accomplished. Frankly, most writers have to work outside the home, even if it's a part-time job, so perhaps the answer isn't in leaving your current 'away' job, but finding ways and means to write while you're off.

Concrete goals are wiser thinking because you are specific in your requests to follow and complete your goals. Your heart is saying, "I am going to accomplish my goal because I am going to do this and this to make it so," rather than, "I am going to publish a book this year," and leave it at that.

A new direction in writing is best accomplished with positive thinking and specific ways you are choosing to direct your life.

For example, one of my writing goals this year is to get my name out through booth set-ups at conferences and craft fairs. This is best accomplished by scheduling these events early (I have already scheduled 3 of the 7 planned for this year).

Because I have found that person to person selling creates greater interest in my books, I have decided to make it a priority. Yes, I will continue with my blog and social networking, but I will be adding interest to my books by increasing the amount of times I share my books one-on-one during the year in a real life setting.

What is your new direction as a writer for this year? I would love to hear it.

Kathryn

Idea Creations Press

New video for my business!

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Thanks!

Kathryn

Author's Marketing Timetable

Schedule Your Marketing

I was with a client today discussing the timetable of his upcoming book, and I was reminded again how quickly the marketing jumps up and grabs you. Here you are, writing your little heart and soul out, when suddenly the marketing is right behind you, taking a-hold of your shirt-tail.

Here is some help:

1. Six months before your book is out in print and eBook formats, you need to begin marketing your book. You may or may not have a cover for your book yet, but a cover is preferred. (This one always strikes me in the behind because I'm forever getting my cover done at the last minute. That doesn't mean I haven't been working on it through the previous six month period, only that it hasn't been finalized yet).

Without a cover you can still do some blog posts, some interviews, some sneak peaks about your book (such as the first chapter reveal and so forth), what you'll not be able to do is much of the visual marketing that you need so people can see early what they'll be investing their money on. So get your cover ready as soon as you can.

Schedule all of your marketing, as much as possible, before you even see your book in print. Make sure you give time to what you'll want to be doing the week before and the day of your book's release.

2. Once your manuscript is finished with the last edit, and before you actually publish your book, get some feedback on it. You'll need at least 5 readers, writers and/or editors, to look over, make changes, and give you suggestions on your book. Give your readers a month to get the manuscript back to you.

3. After you see the return of your manuscript from various readers, take some time going over the comments and changes. Don't make ANY CHANGES until after you've seen all of the manuscripts and can make a judgement call as to what should be taken out and what should be added. Some of the comments will be valid, others will be merely opinion. Lay the manuscripts out. Page one matching page one, etc. Go through them, spending some time and making sure the changes you make are the changes you feel good about. This may take you a month or so.

4. With your finished copy, go over the manuscript one more time. It's amazing what you'll find.

5. Get Reviews, as many reviews as you can, before and after the publishing of your book.

6. Publish. After you've published, focus on your book heavily for at least six months following its release. Make sure you continue with your marketing agenda.

If this sounds like a lot of work, it is. But be assured, the more you do to get the word out about your new book before it's released, the more success you will have after it's taken flight.

Any questions I haven't tackled here? Feel free to ask me.

Kathryn

Highlights of the Write Here in Ephraim Conference

For those of you who missed out on the Write Here in Ephraim Conference, you really missed out!

Some great classes were presented, some great prizes given out; we even had a terrific bookstore!

Here are just a few of the insights I gleaned:

From Chas Hathaway:

Be true to your life instead of working so hard.
Have the courage to express your feelings.
Stay in touch with friends.
Let yourself be happier.

Do you crave chocolate? Well, craving ANYTHING is a choice. Choose not to crave and you will be living in God's grace, His enabling power to move you forward.

From Dene Lowe:

Do you have to print your picture book? Consider apps on your phone or tablet that tells the story. Offer a book with a game.

I am going to check out the option of Sheridan Press; I currently use CreateSpace for my printing needs.

Set up a writer's retreat.

Consider sending one chapter a week to your online readers if they subscribe. If you get enough subscriptions, you will be able to publish your book in hardback.

I am also checking out Project Gutenberg. They offer FREE classic eBooks.

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE:

I will be speaking at the League of Utah Writer's Conference in September. Check back to learn more about this conference!

Write Here In Ephraim Conference: Begins Today!

Another plug for the Write Here in Ephraim Conference.

Not sure who's speaking?

Below is a list of authors previously interviewed on this blog who will be at the conference. Just click on the link to learn more about them:

Sarah Beard

Mikey Brooks

David Belt

Chas Hathaway

Gregg Luke

And, of course, I will be there!

For interested fans, Dene Low will be interviewed on March 27, right before the conference.

There will be a GRAND DOOR PRIZE of  a Nook HD, so don't miss out!



Cost for this great conference is only $20! $15 if you pre-register

Plus, many of the authors are donating FREE books and other goodies for the lucky winners!

Self-Publishing Questions

I don't have an author interview thing morning...long story, so I thought it would be a good idea to speak a little about self-publishing. For many, self-publishing is a frightening prospect, and, dare I say, one that a few are still avoiding, for one or more of the following reasons:

*Self-published books just don't look as professional as those coming out of the national publishing organizations.

While this was once true, it is simply amazing what we authors have discovered about putting together a great cover just by looking at those that are already out there and either doing the cover ourselves or hiring the job out to another.

*Self-published books are for those authors who can't publish the traditional route.

While this used to be the case, many authors now opt in for self-publishing because they: 1. Make more money on their own; up to 70 percent with Amazon CreateSpace, 2. Control their book's cover, interior, back cover 3. Are tired of waiting for their book to be published, editing changes they don't really approve of, etc.

*Self-published books are not easy to get into libraries or bookstores

While this is still pretty much the case, authors have found that they get the word out and sell more copies of their books on their own through book parties, school appearances, craft shows, writer's groups, etc., thoughts of their books sitting on a shelf somewhere collecting dust lacks the appeal it once had.

*Self-publishing your book costs a lot of money.

Use to be an author had to purchase a thousand copies of their book or more just to get their book out there. Now, with places such as CreateSpace through Amazon, authors can buy their books when they want to and when they can afford them; such are the joys of print on demand.

*Self-publishing is harder than going the traditional route because I don't know how to design a cover, do interior layout, etc.

Some authors don't want to learn  how to create an actual book from scratch (because of time restraints or lack of interest). If this is the case with you, consider hiring a book packager like Idea Creations Press, to help you with those areas in which you feel lacking.

Self publishing doesn't have to be a difficult feat and brings many writers to a happy place where the waiting time is significantly diminished and the rewards are both financially and emotionally rewarding.

Why not take the leap?

Writer's Conference Coming Up in March!

Need some writing, editing or publishing assistance? Can't afford to spend tons of money on a conference? Then you'll want to check out:



I will be teaching a class entitled: Marketing Your Book on a Budget: How To Market With Little or No Money.

Check out the Facebook page.

You can learn more about the conference here: http://writehereinephraim.weebly.com/.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I would be happy to help.

I have been to many, many conferences, but not one that does a great job for $15! Come and have some fun!

Technicalities in Writing

For any of you who know me, you'll also know that I am a writer much more than I'm a technically minded guru: at least when it comes to computers.

Photo by: freefotouk, courtesy of Flickr

To make a long story short I wasn't able to get into my blog this morning, and this is interestingly and maddeningly after losing a computer related manuscript document.

I don't know what it is about the computer, but I either love it or I hate it.

I love it because:

Writing is simplified--unless your documents are somehow lost or corrupted.
Marketing is simplified--unless, of course your computer goes down.
Publishing is eased--unless, yet again, something is wrong with your computer that you need to fix.

Most often, I have a live in computer whiz called my husband who can fix most of the stuff that goes awry, but that isn't always the case, and this is when I sit back and scream out stuff that I'd rather not repeat here.

Suffice it to say that technicalities in writing often leave me feeling breathless and a bit brain dead.

I just can't figure out why they have to happen.

And then I get down to thinking realistically, and I remember that life isn't fair, nor is it supposed to be. All I can do is live it and take care of those idiosyncrasies (that may just be opportunities to grow) when they happen to crop up.

Have a great day,

Kathryn

What's Next for Me in the Writing World? UPDATE!

I was asked what was next for me the other day. As if I haven't been busy enough with my new book, The Feast, to be released Monday, September 30. (Update: Book was released by Amazon on September 26! Early, yes, but it's hard to predict these things!)

And yet, I understand the importance of the question.



Get the book at Amazon!

As a writer, you're just not writing, not just publishing, but you're continually thinking about what is coming up for you next. Sort of like that vacation that you've been planning for a few months or a year, you're thinking forward to the glorious day.

As so I'll tell you. I'm going to be having a fun and "pink" book release party on October 19 from 1-4. (If you live near me in Utah, send me a 'I'd like to come message' and I'll add you to my friend list). I can't plan on the weather being good, so it might be outside or inside, depending on the chill. But be assured that my new book will be here, and some luscious pink cupcakes and a strawberry slush (or something equally tempting). And you can be assured that there will be plenty of opportunity to visit.

After that...

I will be working on getting the word out about my new book AND I will be finishing the planning on my book, Marketing Your Book on a Budget, due out January 2014. Be prepared for some new and exciting additions! I am continually learning about what works for me and what doesn't when it comes to getting the word out and you will see new ideas in this book!

After that...yes, there will be a third book in the parable series. But I believe this will be the final one. My working title is The Gift. I have some ideas swirling in my brain but nothing is on paper--yet.

Oh yes, plan on me at the Simple Treasures show in November. And maybe somewhere else! I love selling my books at craft shows!

 

Last year's show was fantastic! This year's show will be November 6-9

That's it. I think.

What's next for you? I would love to hear.

Kathryn