I never used to create new year resolutions for myself. Somehow, it always seemed nonsensical. However as I get older, juggle my life as a mom, a wife and a small business owner (oh yes! Creating fantastical characters and incredible words for readers is a serious business. Just ask J. K. Rowling. It made her the richest woman in the UK in 2017!), I realize it’s essential to come up with a plan.
Sigh.
As a writer, there is no end to the stories I have in my head. The main hindrance to those stories coming to be is time. There just isn’t enough of it.
Oh, and money. There’s never enough of that either. And if I’m to be honest, money becomes the most important factor when I consider how deep a series will go, sadly.
You see, if the book isn’t pulling it’s weight then that’s an indicator that the book doesn’t have an audience and thus doesn’t deserve to go on and on and on.
And so, here I am wondering whether or not my current baby–LegionBorn–should go past book 3. Continue reading “LegionBorn: trilogy or longer?”
Mailing lists are extremely important for authors be they traditional or self published. Being able to directly contact a reader allows for affordable and effective marketing, which is essential for small business owners like self published authors.
As wonderful as a mailing list can be, it can also become a problem for not just the sender (in this case, the author) but also, the recipient.
And that’s the point of this here post.
Continue reading “#writingbiz: Mailing Lists – Don’t Overdo It”
Due to a sad family situation, I had to take some time away from this blog and the business of writing in general. Luckily, I had pre-arranged certain posts to keep appearing on my blog so that took some pressure off me. Sadly, it’s actually been about 2 months since I’ve been able to be active when it comes to my business and love – creating stories.
Anyway, I’m back and giving myself this week to get back into the groove of things.
I’ve been listening to podcasts at the Self-Publishing RoundTable and spending a good amount of time at kboards.com.
I’ve decided that one way to get back to business is to start outlining Book 3 of the Nome Trilogy Chronicles. Did I mention that Book 1 is with an editor? Oh, did I note that the first draft of Book 2 is completed? And did I mention that my newly created publishing company finally has a logo? The first designer I worked with sent me stock images and logos that didn’t seem to fit what I was going for (no fault of his though). Luckily, one of my lovely sisters in law whipped something simple but effective together for me. I love it.
Oh, did I mention that I booked a cover with a designer? Oh, did I mention that I won free formatting from a small company as well?
I guess I have managed to stay busy even during this spell of sadness that befell my family and I. Sometimes, doing little things helps to get you through the dark times.
I will say this, I THANK GOD for His eternal mercies upon myself and my loved ones because the month of August was not only tough but dangerous. Still, I was tested and now have testimonies to share and thanksgiving to give to the Man up high.
But, I won’t bore you with all that, other than to say, if you don’t mind please tell God thanks for me. I know you don’t actually know me, but I’d appreciate it.
In my quest to learn about the business of writing, I’ve come across threads in forums and discussions in Facebook groups on the issue of what to do when book sales slide.
I’m still learning, but I thought I should create a list of suggestions I’ve come across from others who have more experience on the issue.
Why do book sales slide?
The reasons for this are innumerable, so, I won’t even try to tackle it. I will note that a previously high performing book can start a slide for no reason of the author’s. The mighty ‘Zon (Amazon) may change their algorithms and that can quickly impact how many eyeballs see a book. I don’t need to explain how that impacts sales.
The Pursual, Book 1 in my series, The Nome Chronicles Trilogy, has been done for a while but due to a few issues, I only got to do a thorough review over the last 3 weeks. I feel so good knowing I got through this last round of editing. I even had a glass of wine. I’ve battled the flu and other issues in that time but feel so grateful.
But, all that work is just a drop in the ocean of what is to come. I want the story to have a professional developmental edit and proofreading. A professional cover needs to be created, the story will need to be formatted for print and ebook format. Even after all that, the work will not cease as marketing and networking will be essential.
Oh, and did I mention that I still have to edit Book 2 and write Book 3? All of which will require the same steps needed for Book 1.
Still, I’m happy to be where I am right now. Only God knows what will come of all of this but I pray this writing venture all goes well because I feel very blessed to be doing what I’m doing.
So, take it away Linnithia Leakes –
I CAN DO THIS!
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Oh, how I wish I could simply sit back and create worlds full of interesting people, interesting things and loads of dramatic moments!
Instead, I have to focus on the business of being an author and I’ve come to learn that it’s serious business.
What do I mean? Well, let me tell you.
Continue reading “#writingbiz: Setting up my Subscriber List”
F. F. JOHN 