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Do You Want to be a Best Selling Author or a Best Writing Author?

November 15, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Robert Kiyosaki is famous for telling people he’s a Best Selling Author not a Best Writing Author. Writers think that publishing is about writing but it’s about sales and marketing. Your writing style can be reminiscent of Thoreau, Twain, Wolfe, Austin, and other famous authors but if you don’t know how to market and sell your book, it won’t make you money.

If you’re a freelance writer, you may want to take sales and marketing classes. You’ll learn how to market and sell your products and services. You’ll learn all about public relations and how to get free publicity. The publishing industry is all about numbers. The more books you sell equals more money in your pocket, and the pockets of your agent and publisher.

Tip: Literary agents and publishers love marketable books and all of them have their favorite genres. Many writers have proven that they’re not the best or strongest, but their ideas are multi-million dollar ideas. Of course, you must believe in yourself and your ideas to market and sell them.

Freelance writers are always updating their skills by taking writing classes and attending conferences. The one class most writers probably haven’t taken is advertising copywriting. This class can set you apart from other writers. It will take you places that you never dreamed of in your life.

Being a #1 Best Selling Author is different from being a Best Writing Author. You’ll go far as a writer if you understand sales and marketing. If you’re lacking in sales and marketing skills, take a couple of courses at your local college or university. Of course, you can always find and hire people who are skilled in sales and marketing to market you and your book. It could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Good luck!

Rebecca

What do you want to be: A best selling author or best writing author? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Tips and Tricks, Travel Writing Tagged With: , , ,

Why You Need to Write a Print on Demand Book?

November 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment

I wrote a children’s picture book and am in the process of finding a literary agent which can be a tedious process. I recommend purchasing the 2011 Children’s Writer’s And Illustrator’s Market book or getting it from your library. If you don’t want to wait to hear from literary agents (can take up to 12-weeks), publish a “print on demand” book.

I thought about self-publishing my picture book but decided to query a few agents in order to go through the process. I’ll keep you posted and let you know what happens. I think it’s a great experience for new writers to go through. You’ll discover how the publishing industry works, and learn a lot about business and sales and marketing.

The publishing industry isn’t that same as it was in the 20th century or previous centuries. Some agents recommend that you self-publish your book before you contact them. Why? This gives them the opportunity to see your numbers. That’s right, publishing is a numbers game! Remember, you don’t have to be the “best writer” to be a #1 Best Selling Writer. Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money-That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not! and other “Rich Dad” books, tells people he’s not the best writer but he’s a “#1 Best Selling Author.” This is the key. If you have a great idea that’s marketable, agents will want to speak to you!

You may think you can’t self-publish a book but it’s easier than you think. Amazon.com’s BookSurge (becoming CreateSpace) is their print on demand company. They offer writers more flexibility with royalties and list prices and offer writers a free online community to network with each other. The possibilities are endless!

I haven’t ruled out self-publishing my children’s picture book. But, I would need to find an illustrator that I trust to capture the essence of my story. My book has a ‘moral’ twist to it but it’s a subtle one. With all the bullying that’s happening in the world, I wanted to make sure my book entertains and educates at the same time.

Remember that writers get published every day. Heck celebrities have books published every day thanks to ghostwriters. It’s not as impossible as it may seem. If you have a great idea that you’re dying to write, open your laptop and start typing. Your print on demand book could lead you to places you never thought you’d go!

Rebecca

Did you write a “print on demand” book? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Tips and Tricks, Travel Writing Tagged With: , ,

The Lucky Number for a “Tips” Book is Seven

October 25, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The fastest way to get published is to write a “tips” book. These books range from dating tips to web design tips. But what is the best number of tips? According to Steve Harrison, co-founder of Reporter Connection, seven is the lucky number! Anything below or beyond this number may be too much or too little for readers.

People like to receive information quickly. Experts believe the attention span of people keeps declining each year. We’re used to sending instant messages through texting, IM, or emails. Although, some experts believe email is on the decline but that’s another blog. Most people don’t like to search for hours on the internet or read a monstrosity of a book. They want information that’s “down and dirty” and gets straight to the point.

If you’re unsure how to write or structure a “tips” book, find one you like and mimic it. Use it as a guideline to write your own book. Remember to construct an outline and table of contents. If you find it difficult to create these, you may want to reconsider your book idea. Perhaps you’re not passionate about it or it’s just not working.

Freelance writers won’t have a problem writing a “tips” book because they work with clients and give them advice and some are writing coaches. Use your expertise to write 7 Tips to a Successful Freelance Writing Career, 7 Tips to Writing Blogs, or 7 Tips to Writing Web Copy. You could sell these books on your website or give them away for free when people sign up for your newsletter. Not only is this a great marketing tool but it will get you published!

Stop struggling and write your book today! Brainstorm for ideas and choose the one that most resonates with you. Don’t stop writing until you finished because you can always go back to edit and proofread or hire someone to do this. Good luck!

Rebecca

Did you write a “tips” book? How many tips did you offer? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Publishing, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , ,

How to Write a Good Book Quickly

October 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment

It seems that almost everybody is writing a book today. But how many of them will finish? Sadly, most people won’t complete their book. They may think it’s too hard or will take too long. A pessimistic attitude doesn’t help! Follow these tips to writing and publishing a good book quickly.

The first step to writing a quality book in a short amount of time is to have a clear idea about your book. What is the major concept or theme? You may want to do a brainstorming session to narrow this down. Once you decide on the big idea it will become your “author” brand.

You may consider writing a book on tips. Not only is it a quick way to finish a book, it can lead to speaking engagements. A tips or how to book is a great way to promote you and your book, and it can lead to more books and speaking engagements.

How to write a good book quickly tips

  • Decide on the major concept or theme.
  • Write an outline.
  • Create a table of contents.
  • Try not to edit while you write.
  • Use your workshop or speech as the basis for your book.
  • Have a good attitude.
  • Establish a deadline and stick to it.
  • Imitate or mirror a successful book. The point is to use a successful book as a guideline.

If you already wrote a book, you can publish a Version 2.0 of it. Microsoft, WordPress, and other companies like them are always producing different versions of their software and or programs. You can do the same with your book and have it in the hands of readers in no time.

The key to publishing a book is to write it! This is the most important part. If you’re stressed about creating an outline or table of contents, you may want to concentrate on writing your book. Once you have a few chapters or complete your book, you can go back and create a table of contents. You can edit your book or have someone else edit it because they’ll have an objective mindset about it. Make sure the person has editing experience and ask for references. Good luck!

Rebecca

How long is it taking you to write your book? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , , ,

What Color is Your Press Kit?

October 20, 2010 by 1 Comment

Many authors, speakers, writers, and professionals may not have a press kit because they don’t know what to include or feel they don’t need one. If you want to get on TV or radio or speak at corporations, schools, colleges, and universities, you’ll need a press kit. It’s your ticket to the front of the line on your favorite talk show!

Producers and marketing personnel are inundated with press kits. Make yours stand out by sending it in a red, blue, green, orange, florescent yellow, or some other bright colored envelop. Sending a press kit in a boring manila envelope won’t make an impression. Make sure you address the envelope (use a Sharpie) to a specific person and tell them the color of your envelope. This way they’ll know to look for it.

What to include in your press kit

  • Articles you wrote
  • Press clippings
  • Headshot
  • CD or DVD
  • Cover letter (personalized) with logo
  • Testimonies
  • Brochure
  • Business card
  • Post card
  • Curriculum Vitae (academic and or author) and or list of accomplishments
  • Autograph copy of book, CD, or DVD (especially if you’re an author)
  • One sheet (glossy) with quotes from you, paragraph blocks, sample of client list, and picture of you.

The above list is a sample of what you can include in your press kit. If you’re sending a press kit to a radio producer, you’ll want to include one sheet that bullet points what you’ll be speaking about on the show. List at least five to ten points that will grab the producer’s attention.

A press kit reflects how you’re an expert in your field and how you solve peoples’ problems. You want to make sure message is received loud and clear. Remember, …”A radio producer wants to attract current and potential listeners. A television producer wants to attract old and new viewers. A school wants to inform students and parents.” Your press kit could catapult you onto the radar of many influential people. Are you ready for it? If you are then go for it!

Rebecca

What do you have in your press kit? Share.

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Publishing, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , , ,
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