Perking Up the New Year for Authors

 

A Couple Bulleted Lists of Ideas that May Perk Up the New Year

 

         Tuning Up for 2025 with Ideas Old and New

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, poet, fiction writer, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of Books For Writers 

It’s the new year! You may have lots of ideas for writing waiting to come to fruition and you’re eager to get started, but if you enthusiasm for marketing has become a bit stale, the new year is a good time for that. With new experiences come new ideas, new contacts, new skills. You might even find a new enthusiasm…or, imagine this! A boost in book sales! So let’s get tuned up. It’s 2025!

Tada! Out jumps the idea of magazines. They need content and the authors of books can be ongoing resources for them! About 7,000 slick magazine titles—each with several editions per year—are published in the US each year. Some of them are trade magazines related to an industry featured in your book. Others are regional and their audience lives in the same area your book is set in—or the one you were raised in. Others have broader interests. And most of them don’t get bombarded with media releases like the mainstream media does. Others, like this list, might have something pertinent for yours.

§  Magazines are usually desperate for seasonal material that thrive on gift news including books as well as personal interest and inspirational stories. You may have one to offer them.

§  It’s that book of yours that makes you credible enough to be considered for feature stories or quoted. Include information about your book in your interviews or in articles you write for them yourself.

§  Find niche super resources—newspapers, dailies, weeklies, TV, and radio stations, and trade publications that lend themselves to your title or background story—from newsletters to nationally distributed newspapers like AARP (for seniors over fifty-five)—at Newslink.org. Many of them have huge readership because they don’t charge (extra) for subscriptions.

§  Once a long time ago almost all media featured books. It is more difficult now, though the recent support for the banning of books has increased some media interest. If your book is banned or falls into a category that has become a target of these groups, you might get the kind of coverage that makes it into a bestseller. This niche isn’t as new as it appears; unfortunately it may have a long life ahead, too. And for you, that can be good news.

§  Each time your book appears—no matter how it appears—in a big name magazine, that can be used in a query letter to help convince reviewers that yours is a book they want to read and review.

My favorite resource for finding appropriate media for whatever book or event I was doing in any given moment had been Bacon’s Directories since my long-ago days as a fashion publicist. They were a series of hefty volumes. Even then Bacon’s several huge reference books were too expensive for most authors or even small publishing companies to buy. Luckily Bacon’s is now Cision, an integrated internet platform. This online directory to TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, is more than welcome.

I especially like Cision for accessing regional publicity for an event when I am signing or presenting at out-of-town venues.

o You won’t at first know these out-of-town contacts—or some of your local ones for that matter. Do not assume that is a barrier to a broader relationship. They are people, after all. Find ways to keep in touch with them, beginning with logging them into your contact list. Here’s a few keep-in-touch ideas

o Write congratulatory notes when an editor you’ve become familiar with gets a promotion or award, when a reporter writes a story you found helpful, when an intern writes an article you find provocative, when the medium introduces a new section or new columnist.

o Write frequent Letters-to-the-Editor.

o Drop them a note recommending they review a book—any book—that connects with local interests. Or offer to review for it for them.

o Well, yeah! Send pertinent editors media releases.

Join a forum, list-serve, or social network group   where people interested in books gather. Yeah, it isn’t new but a lot of them got lost when Yahoo disappeared them! Choose groups of readers interested in your genre or groups of experts in specific aspects of publishing books like marketing. They gather to share, chat, get questions answered. Here’s a list to make list-serveswork for you: 

§    Spend some time contributing and getting acquainted after you’ve subscribed.

§    Pay attention to the posts of members with long experience/expertise to share.

§    Absorb what you can learn from them, especially the stuff you didn’t know you needed to know.

§    Most list-serves were once found on Yahoo, but most—if not all— now have addresses that look like this one:  podpublishing@groups.io. I have followed it since its Yahoo days.

§    Facebook offers a variety of groups, too; they tend to attract newer authors so you will more than likely use them to meet and attract readers. I use Valerie Allen’s AuthorsforAuthors group on Facebook a lot. Do read guidelines for these groups when you join.

Install automated icons that increase exposure for reviews of your books like the ones you see on this blog.You’ll find these little insignias (also called “buttons”) everywhere on the net—social media, websites, blogs. Find them in zillions of places online like newsletters, blog posts, and Mail Chimp-assisted mass e-mails. They usually look like a row of inconspicuous little squares, often near the bottom of the message. Visitors can choose one or more: Click, click, click, and voilá! Each click produces a pop-up of a pre-written post that includes a title and a permalink of the site they have been perusing. When we style them with say a blurb, an added motto, or hashtags, they become fast wonder workers for our campaigns and for encouraging followers. They work even better when we invite subscribers and visitors to use the ones we install on our own content as well as your promotional material like your website, blog newsletter. I mean, everyone is short on time; everyone is looking for shortcuts. And many are happy to help!

We who want to build exposure for our books as effectively and frugally of time as possible will intuit that the icon marked with an “F” is for Facebook; a “T” (most online entities haven’t changed the icon since Twitter changed its name). The one marked with a “P” pops up a post on Pinterest, and so on.

 

Tip: These share buttons and the posts they create have value beyond letting you increase exposure for any of the marketing you are doing online. They work well to increase your own outreach of helpful, sharing posts that go to your followers as you browse the web. When your site visitors use them to share your invitations, articles, tips, they trigger its algorithms or stats. Using the icons you find on others’ sites or blogs is a gift to them and there is usually room to make them work harder for both of you by leaving a positive blurb or hashtag on the pop-up. If there is space available after that, tag someone else who likes to share. I’m @frugalbookpromo on X.

 

And one of my favorite tips worth reviving! It was recommended to me by the late, great Dan Poynter. Use it for special occasions “just to keep in touch with people who know the value of tuning-in and networking.” He called it a “Top 50 List.” It’s your list of people you love to work with. You might already have a “Top 50 People List;” You just haven’t coded them as such on your contact list and if you haven’t, your relationships aren’t working to their potential. Schedule a once-a-year (at least) communication to your Top 50 this year! 

MORE ABOUT TODAY’S CONTRIBUTOR 

 

 Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers including her flagship book The Frugal Book Promoter(https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), now offered in its third edition by Modern History Press and two booklets in their second editions,  Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers  and The Great First Impression Book Proposal, both career boosters in mini doses and that make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. 

The Frugal Editor (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1615996001), now in its third edition, is the winningest book in the series. She is working on a second edition of her #HowToDoItFrugally How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically to be published in this new year.  Find the entire series as e-books on Amazon’s new page for series. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing—grammar, formatting and more—at The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow for news on her new releases direct from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

 

The Ghostwriter - What Does She Do?

 

 Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Ghostwriter

 

She’s Invisible…She’s Powerful…She Helps People…She’s the Ghostwriter!

What’s the essential characteristic of a ghost?

Invisibility.

And, along with being invisible, the ghostwriter is a powerful tool and a huge help to people who can’t seem to get their ideas into readable and publishable stories. Or for people who don’t have the time to write themselves. Or for people who don’t have the necessary skills to write a book.

The ghostwriter is kind of like a superhero in the writing world. She lifts you up and helps you create what you don’t have the time, energy, or skill to do yourself.

She is a modest gal and takes no recognition for her feat. The individual who hires her gets all the credit for the finished product. The ghostwriter gets paid for her services.

In other words, the ghostwriter can be a ‘dream-fulfilling’ superhero.

Okay, maybe not a superhero, but you get the idea.

Moving quietly behind the scenes, the ghostwriter helps turn your dreams into reality.
Wait. Maybe she is a superhero!

What Can She Do?

•    Does your story need a makeover?
•    Do you have a story outline but don’t know where to go from there?
•    Do you have a story idea but don’t know what to do with it?
•    Fiction, nonfiction? Short story, long story? Essays? Speeches? White pages?

NO PROBLEM. There are ghostwriters who can write in any niche.

How Does It Work?

The client (individual hiring the writer) may provide an idea, an outline, a draft, a keyword, or a topic. Or, he may need a piece rewritten.

The ghostwriter does her homework and accomplishes what is requested.

She turns whatever you have into an engaging and publishable story.

Does the Ghostwriter Ever Get Recognition?

It should be noted that ghostwriters sometimes receive recognition or credit. This is something the client and writer decide upon. The cost of the project may be less if credit is given. But, most often, the ghostwriter remains anonymous.

In other instances, the ghostwriter may reduce his fee for a percentage of the profits from the finished product.

Is Ghostwriting Popular?

According to the article “What is a Ghostwriter?” by Gary McLaren, “Statistics are hard to come by since many people don’t want to reveal that their book or other content is ghosted. But, some industry estimates suggest that up to fifty percent of all non-fiction books are ghostwritten.”

A few famous ghostwriters are:

– Barbara Feinman ghostwrote, It Takes a Village and Other Lessons Children Teach Us by Hillary Clinton.

– H.P. Lovecraft was a ghostwriter for Harry Houdini.

– A.E. Hotchner ghostwrote the autobiographies of Doris Day and Sophie Loren

– And you have series writers like Tom Clancy and James Patterson who share authorship with their ghostwriters.

– Even the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series have ghostwriters.

Confidentiality and the Ghostwriter

Professional ghostwriters will absolutely keep your idea, outline, draft, or other information completely confidential.

If you’d feel more comfortable with that in writing, the ghostwriter will supply you with an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).

Hiring One

It may be difficult for a ghostwriter to obtain testimonials from all her clients, so when looking for one, you should ask for samples of her writing in addition to testimonials.

Another tip for hiring a ghostwriter is to check if her site is active and looks professional. Is there a helpful blog?

If you’re interested in hiring a ghostwriter, ask for a brief phone consult or send an email to start a conversation and get a feel for the writer.

This article was first published at https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2017/04/02/the-ghostwriter/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

 

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. If you need help with your story, visit Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi.

Karen also offers authors:

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.

WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.

 

Keep a Dream Journal

Capture your writing challenges and 
accomplishments in your
Dream Journal

By Linda Wilson  @LinWilsonauthor

A journal can be a writer's best friend. I've kept journals all my life. In grade school I kept diaries to keep track of my daily activities. Later, I kept journals for my innermost thoughts, and I also used the same journals to take notes on books I wanted to remember. But a Dream Journal is different.

A very dear friend of mine gave me a journal for Christmas, similar to a special journal she keeps only to document her Christmases. I’ve decided to keep her tradition of using my journal during the holidays, but in a slightly different way. I’m calling it my Dream Journal, and plan to use it for a time of reflection: to take stock of the past year and look forward to my hopes and dreams for the year to come. 

Looking Back

One side of the page is labelled “Challenges,” and the other side, “Accomplishments.” Then I get to work on my list. 

Challenges

• I worked on my work-in-progress, WIP, the chapter book, Secret in the Mist: An Abi Wunder Mystery, almost every day all year and yet did not get it finished.
• I thought I would work on more than one book project at the same time, but had to abandon the idea as my current WIP took more time and effort than I had imagined.
• I’ve had to face it: my office is messy and unorganized. With only a certain number of hours I can spend on writing, I’ve had to leave my office this way in order to spend the time on my WIP. My guess is that I’m not alone in this dilemma.
• My latest in-person critique group disbanded earlier this past year. I’ve decided to go with beta readers this go around and see how that works.

Accomplishments

• I enjoyed every minute of the time I spent on writing.
• I met two local women, Graciela Moreno and Adriana Botero, who have translated two of my picture books, Tall Boots, and Cradle in the Wild, into Spanish: Botas Altas, available on Amazon, and Adriana Botero has translated Cuna de la Naturaleza (soon to be published on Amazon). Living in the Southwest, parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians are interested in these books as there are so many people who speak Spanish here, or are learning to speak Spanish.
• Even though my WIP is taking more time to write than I would like, I’ve discovered important additions that I hadn’t thought of before. When the book is finally published, the time it took to write and polish it will be worth it.

Throughout the new year, we can take out our Dream Journals, write down our reflections: how we’ve done, how we can improve, and what we plan to do the rest of the year. By keeping our Dream Journals focused on writing, they could help us identify and overcome our challenges. Who knows? We might even surprise ourselves by taking stock of our growing accomplishments.

Journal Photo: by Linda Wilson

Sweet Pea and Peanut 
are my steadfast writing
buddies every day!

 Linda Wilson is the author of the Abi Wunder Mystery series and other books for children. Her two new releases are Cradle in the Wild: A Book for Nature Lovers Everywhere (2023), and Botas Altas, the Spanish version of Tall Boots, translated by Graciela Moreno and Adriana Botero. You’ll find Linda on her Amazon author page, on her website at LindaWilsonAuthor.com, and on Facebook.

What are Project Mood Boards and Why Do You Need One?

by Suzanne Lieurance

When submitting your manuscripts for possible publication these days, you’ll probably find that many agents and editors want to know if you have a mood board for your current project because it signals a few key things about you as a writer.

 

For example, a project mood board can show that you have: 

 

#1. A Clear Vision for Your Story.

 

A mood board shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the look, feel, and tone of your project beyond just words on the page. 

 

It suggests you have a well-developed vision for the story, which can make it easier for an agent or editor to see its market potential and how it might be positioned in the industry.

 

#2. A Consistency in Tone and Atmosphere. 

 

When you create a mood board, you’re forced to distill the atmosphere and emotional core of your story into a few visual elements. 

 

This kind of consistency is appealing to agents and editors because it indicates you’ve thought deeply about how your story feels—an essential part of making the narrative engaging and cohesive. 

 

#3. Marketing Insight.

 

Agents are increasingly aware of how much visual storytelling matters in marketing a book. 

 

A mood board can hint at your understanding of the aesthetic appeal and market positioning of your work. 

 

It also shows that you’ve thought about how your book might look on social media, in promotional graphics, or even as a part of a book cover design. 

 

#4. Engagement with the Creative Process. 

 

Having a mood board signals that you’re invested in the creative development of your project. 

 

It’s a sign that you’re willing to go beyond the basic writing process and explore different ways of bringing your story to life, which can make you more appealing as a client. 

 

#5. Alignment with the Agent’s or Editor's Vision. 

If an agent or editor sees your mood board and it aligns with the visual style, themes, or tone they typically champion, it can make your project even more attractive. 

 

It helps them get a clearer, more immediate sense of your book, which might resonate with their preferences or current market trends. 

 

In essence, a mood board can act like a sneak peek into your book’s world. 

 

It’s a useful way for agents and editors to gauge not just your writing, but your commitment and creativity in crafting a fully realized story experience. 

 

So, now that you know some of the reasons for creating a mood board, let’s take a look at what a mood board is and how you can create one for your book.

 

What is an Author’s Project Mood Board? 

 

An author’s project mood board is a visual tool that helps capture the atmosphere, tone, and overall vibe of a story or project. 

 

It’s a collection of images, colors, textures, quotes, and even snippets of text that represent the themes, settings, characters, and emotions of the book. 

 

It’s like a vision board for your writing project, providing a visual reference that keeps you inspired and on track as you develop your narrative. 

 

What Might Be Included on an Author’s Project Mood Board 

 

Here are some of the things you might include in your project mood board: 

 

Setting Inspiration: Photos or artwork that depict the locations or time periods of your story. 

 

Character Aesthetics: Portraits, fashion styles, or objects that reflect your characters’ personalities and moods. 

 

Color Palette: Specific colors that match the emotional tone or season of your story. 

 

Themes and Emotions: Images or quotes that embody the key themes or the emotional journey you want readers to experience. 

 

Objects and Symbols: Visual elements that are significant in your plot (e.g., a compass, an old book, a specific type of flower). 

 

Some Additional Reasons to Make a Project Mood Board

 

To Stay Inspired: It’s a quick visual reminder of why you’re excited about the project. 

 

To Maintain Consistency: It helps you keep the tone and atmosphere consistent throughout the writing process. 

 

To Spark Creativity: The right image or color can ignite new ideas and help you move forward if you’re stuck. 

 

How to Create Your Project Mood Board 

 

There are several ways you can create your mood board.

 

Use Digital Tools: Pinterest, Cana, or Milanote are great for creating digital boards.

 

Make a Physical Board: You can also go old-school with a corkboard or scrapbook, using magazine clippings, fabric swatches, and photos.

 

In short, a project mood board is a fun and practice way to visualize your story before it’s written. 

 

It’s like a sneak peek into the world you are creating.

 

Next month, we’ll take a look at how to create an Author Mood Board that defines your brand as an author and sets you apart from other writers.

Now, for more writing and publishing tips every weekday morning, get your free subscription to  The Morning Nudge. 

Suzanne Lieurance and Some of Her Published Books

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 40 published books and a Law of Attraction coach for writers at writebythesea.com.

Why Even Self-Published Books Need A Proposal

By Terry Whalin (@terrywhalin)

No matter what method you choose in the publishing world, I encourage you to create a book proposal. Whether it is fiction or nonfiction, you need to create this document because it is your business plan for your book. Years ago, as a frustrated acquisitions editor, I wrote Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success. This book has over 150 Five Star reviews and many people have used it to get published. I also have a free book proposal checklist at: www.terrylinks.com./bookcheck and a free teleseminar about proposals at: www.askaboutproposals.com. 

I’ve read thousands of book proposals as an acquisitions editor and a former literary agent. I continually teach on the topic because I believe many writers don’t understand the critical nature of this specialized document called a book proposal.

On the traditional side of publishing, editors and agents read proposals. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve written nonfiction or fiction because this document includes information which never appears in your manuscript yet is critical in the decision-making process. 

Many authors have not written a book proposal because have written a full manuscript. From my perspective of working in book publishing for over 20 years, every author should create a book proposal for their book—whether eventually they publish the book with a company where they pay to get it published (subsidy or self-publishing) or whether they find a traditional book publisher. In the proposal creation process, the author learns critical elements about their book concept plus they are better positioned in the marketplace.

Here are four of the many benefits of proposal creation:

1. You Define Your Target Market. Many authors believe their book will hit a broad target—everyone. No successful book is for everyone. Each book has a primary target audience, and the proposal creation process helps you define, pinpoint and write about this audience. It is important in nonfiction but it is also important in fiction. For example, romance is the largest fiction genre yet there are many divisions within the romance genre. The proposal helps to define this division and helps the publisher understand who will be creating the sales.

Every proposal needs a target which is defined—yet large enough to generate volume sales. You learn and achieve this balance when you create a page-turning book proposal.

2. You Understand Your Competition. Book proposals force writers to take a hard look at what is already on the market, and what if anything they bring to the conversation.  Many new authors believe they are writing something unique with no competition. It’s not true. Every book competes in the marketplace, and you will be a better equipped author if you understand your competition.

3. You Create A Personal Plan For Marketing. As you create a book proposal, you will include practical, specific and measurable ideas that can executed when your book enters the market. The proposal will be a valuable reference tool for you because you’ve done this important evaluation process.

4. You Possess A Valuable Tool To Pitch Agents and Editors at Traditional Houses. Literary agents and editors do not read manuscripts. They read book proposals. Even novelists need a book proposal for their initial pitch to an editor or agent. And if you self-publish and are successful with selling your book, because you own everything, if you receive an attractive offer from a traditional house, then you can move the book. Without a proposal you can’t properly pitch the concept and you’ve eliminated this possibility. 

Throughout my years in publishing, I have made multiple trips to New York City and met with some of the top literary agents and editors. Almost each time, I am asked, “Where is the next Prayer of Jabez or Purpose Driven Life or Left Behind or ______ (name the bestselling book)?” Each of these books sold millions of copies. The Left Behind books continue to sell over 100,000 copies a year—and they were originally published over 20 years ago. These professionals are actively looking every day for the next bestseller. Yes, they may be telling you their agency is full and they have no room on their list for your book—but the reality is something different. 

I encourage you to keep looking for the right fit for your manuscript. It’s part of the editorial search that every writer undergoes to discover the right place for their book to be published.

Tweetable:

Even if you self-publish your book, you need a book proposal according to this prolific writer and editor. Get the details here. (ClickToTweet) 

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in California. A former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams and Billy Graham. Get Terry’s recent book, 10 Publishing Myths for only $10, free shipping and bonuses worth over $200. To help writers catch the attention of editors and agents, Terry wrote his bestselling Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success. Check out his free Ebook, Platform Building Ideas for Every Author. His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Connect with Terry on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Avoiding Writer Burnout

 

Contribute by Margot Conor

Trying to rush through the writing process can lead to burnout, a common issue among writers. By pacing yourself, setting realistic goals, and acknowledging that good writing takes time, you maintain your passion for the craft.

Burnout for a writer refers to a state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged periods of stress, overwork, or creative depletion. It can manifest in various ways, such as feeling constantly drained, lacking motivation or inspiration, experiencing writer's block, or even physical symptoms like fatigue and insomnia.

Common causes of burnout for writers:

Overworking: Pushing yourself too hard without breaks or adequate rest can lead to burnout. This includes long hours of writing, tight deadlines, or taking on too many projects at once.

Creative Pressure: Feeling pressure to constantly produce new and innovative work can be mentally taxing. This pressure may come from internal expectations or external demands.

Self-Doubt and Perfectionism: Constantly striving for perfection or feeling inadequate can contribute to stress and burnout. Writers may become overly critical of their work, leading to a loss of enjoyment in the creative process.

Lack of Boundaries: Difficulty in setting boundaries between work and personal life can blur the lines and result in burnout. Writers may find themselves working at all hours, neglecting self-care, hobbies, or time with loved ones.

Isolation: Writing can be a solitary pursuit, and prolonged isolation from social interaction or support networks can contribute to feelings of burnout and loneliness.

To avoid burnout as a writer, consider the following strategies:

Establish a Routine: Create a balanced writing schedule that includes regular breaks and time for relaxation. Setting specific work hours can help maintain productivity without overexertion.

Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger writing projects into manageable tasks with realistic deadlines. Avoid overwhelming yourself with overly ambitious goals.

Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being by getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.

Seek Support and Feedback: Connect with fellow writers, join writing groups or workshops, and seek constructive feedback. Sharing experiences and receiving encouragement can alleviate feelings of isolation and self-doubt.

Take Breaks and Rest: Allow yourself regular breaks from writing to recharge and rejuvenate. Engage in activities outside of writing that you enjoy, whether it's reading, spending time outdoors, or pursuing other hobbies.

Manage Stress: Identify sources of stress and find ways to manage them effectively. This may involve delegating tasks, saying no to additional commitments when necessary, or seeking professional help if stress becomes overwhelming.

Believe in Yourself: You have taken the first steps on a journey that could have more bumps in the road than you initially anticipated. This means you may occasionally get your ego bruised, or get knocked down. I want to encourage you to get back up, dust yourself off, and tell yourself you can do this! Many people want to write, but never set fingers to the keys or pick up a pen. Some write but never finish anything. Others are so filled with self-doubt they won’t publish their finished manuscript.

Be kind to yourself: Trust that you have something of value and there are people out in the world who will benefit from what you have written. Give yourself a chance. Be brave, take it all the way to completion… be fearless, Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t… be steadfast and resolute, you are a writer!

Be Thankful:

Focusing on the positive aspects of your writing journey can be a powerful way to maintain balance and peace of mind. Accepting that success takes time, and that every writer’s path is unique, frees you from the pressure of unrealistic expectations.

Celebrate small wins, like finishing a chapter, receiving feedback, or learning a new technique, as these milestones are steppingstones toward your larger goals. By shifting your mindset to gratitude, whether it’s for the ideas that come to you, the time you have to write, or the support of a writing community, you can cultivate a positive outlook that energizes and motivates you.

Gratitude helps you recognize how far you’ve come and keeps you grounded, even during the inevitable ups and downs of the creative process.

Share your Gratitude:

With gratitude in mind, once you complete your novel or project and publish, always let your readers know how much you appreciate their support. A personalized thank you note can leave a positive impression and encourage continued interest.

Example (Front Matter): “Thank you for following my work, your support means everything to me. Happy reading!”

Example (Back Matter): “Thank you for reading (Book Title). Your support means the world to me. I hope you enjoyed the journey as much as I enjoyed writing it.”

Ask for Support:

When someone has finished your novel and loved it, they are predisposed to speak highly of your efforts. They might tell their friends how much they enjoyed it, but they may not consider writing a review unless you ask. That is why including a call to action is helpful.

Example with a call to action (Back Matter): “Thank You for Reading! I hope you enjoyed (Book Title). Your support is invaluable to me. If you liked the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads, (or your favorite review site). Your feedback helps other readers find my work and supports my writing journey.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margot Conor has been writing for as long as she can remember, but it wasn't until the COVID lock-down that she had enough time to dedicate to the craft and bring something to completion. Having finished her first novel, she went through the grueling two-year process of editing. Now she has jumped into the author's world with both feet. Margot's debut multiverse adventure novel, Inverse, is now  available on Amazon.

Margot's spent the last year attending many writing retreats, seminars, and writers' events. She also listened to presentations specifically on the topic of publishing and book marketing. She will be sharing what she learns with the reader. Learn more about Margot at https://margotconor.com/