Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Platform building’ Category

Memories, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Platform building, Writing Fiction, Writing Nonfiction Book Proposals on May 24, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Memorial day

I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.

Isaiah 49:15-16 (NIV 2011)

Father, there are so many grieving this weekend for loved ones who gave their lives for our country. Others are struggling with “what if” fears as their loved one serves in a country far from home. And still others daily face the pain of seeing a son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother cope with a physical disability or PTSD.

Thank You, Father, for the assurance that You will not forget them or their families – or us.

July 30 – August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Now that this year’s Colorado Christian Writers Conference is only a memory, it’s time to switch my focus to the Greater Philly conference. This afternoon I uploaded info on our clinics to http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/2014clinics.

Advanced Fiction Intensive with Nancy Rue – Nancy is the only author whose writing has so captured me that I read the last 50 pages of her first novel, Row this Boat Ashore, line-by-line by the light of my electric blanket control. Really! Nancy comes to the mentoring table with a wealth of experience: 30 years writing both fiction and nonfiction for middle grade, YA, new Adult, and adult audiences and 42 years teaching creative writing. She has 122 published books to her credit and while still writing, Nancy has expanded her ministry through her Writers Mentorship Program to mentor new authors who are led to a writing ministry of their own. If you have a completed manuscript in any fiction genre, including middle grade or young adult, Nancy will guide you in making your work richer, deeper, and more polished in readiness for submission to agents and editors. Just ask faculty members, Tim Shoemaker, Joyce Magnin, Candy Abbott, and Pam Halter whose lives and writing she has powerfully impacted.

Nonfiction Book Proposals with Dave Fessenden – Dave has been part of GPCWC’s faculty (family) for decades. He is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services representing academic, semi-academic, biblical studies and issues nonfiction, as well as speculative (sci-fi/fantasy) and historical fiction. He is also an independent editorial and publishing consultant with degrees in journalism and theology and over 30 years of experience in writing and editing. He has served in editorial management positions for Christian book publishers and was regional editor for the largest Protestant weekly newspaper in the country. Dave has published seven books including Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract and  A Christian Writer’s Guide to the Book Proposal. He will lead a group of 6 authors in critiquing one another’s proposals and then improving and fine-tuning them. In addition, each of the participants will have a one-on-one with Dave during breakfast or lunch.

Get Them Coming to Your Blog/Website with Megan Breedlove – Megan is an author, speaker, and website consultant whose website for more than four years has held one of the top two spots in Google search terms that receive thousands of hits each month. She is the author of Manna for Moms, Well Done Good and Faithful Mommy, and Chaotic Joy, all from Regal. In addition to her writing and speaking to encourage moms, Megan works with Christian authors and ministries to help them improve their platforms so that they too can get their message out to the world. In this clinic you’ll learn how to bring the maximum number of people to your site, what kind of web presence you need and where to go to get it, and how to determine exactly who your target audience is and what they need. You’ll receive individual instruction to ensure your site does the best possible job of meeting your audience’s needs, discover how to promote your site, increase your Google ranking, expand your author platform so you can get your message out to the nations, develop a presence that will be attractive to publishers, and more.

Our ministry received such value from Megan’s instruction.
We learned so much about web presence.
The proof is in the results.
By His design went from 1 or 2 visits on our website per day to 80 to 90 visits per day.
She gave us a real value.
Dave Weikel, http://www.byhisdesignonline.com

More information and clinic applications will be uploaded soon to http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/2014clinics as well as faculty bios, editorial needs, and more.

May 13-16, 2015 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

With the 2014 conference already a memor,y planning for next year has begun. God met us on the mountain in powerful, life-changing ways. CDs of the keynotes, workshops, and continuing sessions can be ordered at http://colorado.writehisanswer.com.

News You Can Use

Handling a Difficult Editorial Process – Rachelle Gardner, an agent with Books and Such, offers helpful suggestions for working with editors that will also benefit you when  meeting with them at a conference. (Father, give us open minds and teachable spirits.)  http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/difficult-editorial/?utm_source=feedburner

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with family and friends.

 

Read Full Post »

Nurturing the Heart of the Storyteller – Part 1

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Platform building, Writer's Life on April 25, 2014| 1 Comment »

Allen Arnold Nov 2013

Donna Brennan
Interviews
CCWC Faculty Member
Allen Arnold

 

As founder and former Publisher of Thomas Nelson Fiction, Allen Arnold was a strong advocate not just for story, but for the storyteller. He has worked with hundreds of authors and published more than 500 novels in his 20 years in Christian publishing.

Allen’s personal ministry is now to nurture the heart and spirituality of the storyteller. More recently, as Director of Content and Resources at Ransomed Heart Ministry, he has been able to expand his reach to help many others—besides just authors—get closer to God and live the story of their life with an awakened heart.

But he still has a special place in his own heart for the storyteller. That’s why he’s such a popular presenter at Christian writing conferences, and part of the reason he received the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

Allen will be presenting a five-part continuing session at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference on May 14 through 17 on The Heart of the Storyteller. I caught up with him to ask him some questions about this session and about his passion for nurturing the hearts of others.

Question: If I sell my stories and articles, then I’m a writer, or an author. That’s my identity; that’s who I am. Or am I missing something?

Here’s what is missing in that assumption: being called to write is not dependent on whether your article or story sells (“IF my story sells, THEN I am a writer”). God calls people in ways that often never correlates to monetary validation. That said, even when a person is called to be a writer and even if they sell millions of stories, that is never their identity. Your identity goes far deeper than being a writer. At your core, you are a son or daughter of the Father. He knows you by name. For who you are…not what you do. Some children of God are called to create. But calling isn’t your core identity – which is quite freeing because no matter what happens within your calling, it can’t touch your identity.

Question: I think most Christian writers believe they are called by God to write their stories. So, after we spend the necessary time learning the craft, all we need to do is start writing, correct? After all, if God wants us to produce, we should be busy producing. Isn’t that how we obey our calling?

The thought that writers should just get “busy producing” is prevalent…and toxic. And it is because it puts our focus on “doing” rather than “being.” And it can cause us to miss the bigger issue of why God invited us to create in the first place. Is it important for authors to improve their craft – yes. But more than that – or perhaps I should say before that – we are called into Creative Fellowship with God. What the world needs most is the warmth from the glow off the face of those who spend time with God. It’s the difference of a storyteller who sits around a small campfire telling stories…and a storyteller whose face is glowing so bright she doesn’t need a campfire to warm the souls of those listening.

Understanding why God invited you to create is the most foundational aspect of your calling. Start there and dive deep into all new waters…then move on to enhance your craft. But by all means start with why you were called and what that means. Because that changes everything.

Question: So I need to work with God as I write my novel and tell my story. But what about after the story is written? Then I have to go to conferences and pitch my manuscript; and get a blog and try to build a following; and I’ll need an author page on Facebook; and I should start tweeting on a regular basis; and what about Pinterest and Instagram… That all sounds so exhausting. Is there a better way to get my book in the hands of readers and still find time to work on my next story?

Right – it doesn’t just sound exhausting. It is exhausting. What I’ll say here is counter to much advice within the industry. But I think sometimes those in an industry can repeat an answer so many times that it starts to sound like absolute truth when it is just opinion. Let me offer another opinion based on working with hundreds of authors during 20 years in publishing as well as my experience now in a ministry that focuses on the heart.

I understand that publishing houses have less staff than they did years ago – so the more an author can do to promote their book, the better. And the larger following they have on-line, the higher the odds of a successful launch. That is horizontal (human) wisdom – but large on-line followings actually don’t guarantee a book’s success. And those called to write are not usually equally gifted at marketing. So rather than taking half your writing time to strive after social media – what if you spent 95% of your time doing what you were called to do, which is to create and write?

Sure it’s important to promote your book. Find others who are gifted at marketing and find a way for them to spearhead it – whether you pay them or trade services. Absolutely do the interviews and participate in spreading the word about why you wrote your book. But to assume your project will only succeed if you succeed at social media is not only exhausting…but basically godless because the assumption is it is all up to you to make it happen. In the great stories of the Bible – victory was never all on the shoulders of the person following God. If God has given you this message, then He will not be sidetracked by you not tweeting enough or not building your platform.

This topic is something that we’ll discuss more in my session. And please don’t take my comments as minimizing the promotional aspect of publishing. My degree is in marketing and I spent much of my career at major advertising agencies and overseeing author branding. I believe in the power of great promotions – I just don’t believe the author should feel they must become marketing experts or spend hours a day on social media to achieve success in the calling God has given them. I want these words to alleviate stress and allow authors to breathe deep so they can focus more on their calling.

__________________

Note from Marlene – Thank you, Allen and Donna. I’ll post the rest of this interview tomorrow. For now I think Father would have us reflect deeply on what has already been shared.

Read Full Post »

DWJD, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion on April 4, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Rob Cook

 “His love has the first and last word
in everything we do.”      2 Cor. 5:14 MSG

Let me introduce you to my friend, Rob Cook, one of the keynoters at both the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Rob is an author and the founder, pastor, and director of 252 Underground Youth Ministry. God’s love fuels Rob’s passion to reach tough kids – kids who hang out on the streets, get in trouble, and sadly would not be welcome in many churches.

Rob says, “Let’s stop asking what would Jesus do. We already know what Jesus did. It’s not enough to just know; knowledge without action is useless. Let our call to action be DWJD – Do What Jesus Did.”

Updates – July 30 – August 2
Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Registration is open . . . and two weeks earlier than last year. Thank You, Father. There is still much to be added to the website, but the 16-page brochure is online. Check it out! Remember, the earlier you register, the better opportunity you have to get your choices for your one-on-one appointments.

Updates – May 14-17
Colorado Christian Writers Conference


Clinics – The deadline for applications was April 1. The nonfiction clinic is full, but because there is still room in the other clinics we’re continuing to accept applications on a first-come basis.

 

fear-of-public-speaking-1

Speaker’s Clinic with Roy Hanschke

Every writer needs to be a speaker, too. If you’ve been avoiding the challenge to begin the speaking part of your ministry or need to improve what you’re already doing, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Roy has trained and coached beginning and seasoned speakers for over 15 years. He is also a 20-year (plus) veteran in Christian radio in Denver, Colorado. His morning show is heard at 910AM and worldwide on streaming audio at www.AM91.org.


Fiction Intensive with Jim and Tracie PetersonTracies latest book
Tracie’s 100th book, A Sensible Arrangement, has just been released. Congratulations, Tracie!

This clinic is designed for writers who feel they have great stories to tell, but who want to dig just a little deeper to actually put them to paper in a dynamic way.

What makes a good story?
How do you give life to paper characters?
Why is setting so critical?
What’s research got to do with fiction?
What is my reason for writing this book?
How can you avoid the most popular mistakes


Get Them Coming to Your Blog / Website with Megan Breedlove – Learn what kind of web presence you need and where to go to get it, determine exactly who your target audience is and  what they need, receive individual instruction to ensure your site does the best possible job of meeting your audience’s needs, discover how to promote your site and increase your Google ranking, expand your author platform so you can get your message out to the nations and develop a presence that will be attractive to publishers, and more.

News You Can Use

How To Build A Writer Platform With No Time, No Credentials And No Book – Helpful blog by  Kimberley Grabas.

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas   LPC
“Working hard to make His truth shine.”
Check out their growing line of books including how-to books for writers. This is the 5th year LPC and ChristianDevotions.us will be represented at the Colorado and Greater Philly conference. Father, thank You for Eddie Jones and his team and for the Ephesians 3:20 things You have done and are doing.

Keep writing His answer and doing what Jesus would do!

Read Full Post »

Faith Is . . . Conference Updates and News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Goal-setting, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion, Writer's Life on March 13, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Crocus in the snowFaith Is . . .

I knew my snowdrops (flowers not flakes) were there, somewhere, buried under the blanket of snow that had covered the ground for months. After the thirteen snowstorms we’ve had this winter (I think there were thirteen – I lost count!), I am so ready for spring.

Yesterday I took advantage of the almost 60 degree weather to work in my garden. Sure enough, poking through the snow were my snowdrops and, amazingly, they were already in bloom.

Today, the temperature is again below freezing. A bitter cold wind is gusting to 30 MPH. It’s a day to curl up in my recliner and dream about springtime as I leaf through catalogs that have been arriving almost daily. It is definitely not a day to be outside gardening.

I’m reminded of a familiar Scripture. “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead” (Heb. 11:1 TLB).

Years ago I paraphrased this verse for writers:

Now faith is the assurance
of the acceptances we hope for,
the proof of acceptances
we do not yet see,
And the conviction of their coming reality—
faith perceiving as
future fact that which is
not yet revealed when we go to the mailbox.

Does that mean everything we write will be published? Of course not. Hebrews 11:1 is not a blank check we simply sign for anything we want. And “dreaming instead of doing is foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words” (Eccl. 5:7 TLB). But if we seek first His Kingdom, if we match our faith with hard work, and if we “don’t get discouraged and give up,” Galatians 6:9 says “we will reap a harvest of blessing” (TLB).

We can’t rush the process any more than we can rush the coming of spring. But we can choose to keep our priorities in order and to rely on His promises. “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him, and he will respond to us as surely as the coming of dawn or the rain of early spring” (Hosea 6:3 TLB).

Updates – May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Early registration deadline – At 12:01 am EST, March 16, the price for those registering online will automatically increase. I do not create the registration form and, therefore, cannot extend the date as I’ve been known to do in the past.  But since we’re only three registrations away from the first 75 who will receive an additional free appointment, I can extend an additional free appointment to everyone who registers before March 16.

Roy Hanschke use this oneSpeaker’s Clinic with Roy Hanschke –Every writer needs to be a speaker, too. If you’ve been avoiding the challenge to begin the speaking part of your ministry or need to improve what you’re already doing, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Roy has trained and coached beginning and seasoned speakers for over 15 years. He is also a 20-year (plus) veteran in Christian radio in Denver, Colorado. His morning show is heard at 910AM and worldwide on streaming audio at www.AM91.org. Roy  will help you 1) discover your ministry focus and how to talk about it (power statements), 2) organize one of your talks to maximize time and effectiveness (message development), 3) present your talk with power and pizzazz (voice personality), and 4) market your message through radio (media mania). In this clinic you’ll have an opportunity to test what you learn and receive helpful evaluation from Roy and seven of your peers. For more information and the application that needs to be submitted by April 1 go to http://colorado.writehisanswer.com/clinics.    

Updates – July 30–August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

DickBrusoPhoto_014ret-2Focus on faculty member Dick Bruso – An international speaker, author, and founder of Heard Above The Noise®, Dick is a highly regarded branding and marketing expert. His clients include best-selling authors and in-demand speakers. He is an active member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and served as the Chair of the NSA Writers & Publishers Professional Experts Group for 2009-2010 and as the Chair of the NSA National Academy for Professional Speaking for 2011-2012. Dick will teach a special two-hour workshop on “Creating a Best-Seller Brand: The Inside Secrets Every Author Needs to Know!”

More information on GPCWC’s 60 workshops and 3 clinics coming soon. Visit the website for descriptions of our 8 continuing sessions. Online registration opens April 1.

News You Can Use

Writing opportunity – Because 2013 GPCWC faculty member Ann Knowles believes that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, she is currently accepting submissions for a book about miracles. The book will contain commentary about miracles from the Old Testament, the New Testament and miracles of today. If you have a miracle story, contact Ann for more information. annknowles03@aol.com.

Two Ingredients for Success –  Impatient not just for spring but for a publishing breakthrough? Check out what Literary agent, Karen Ball, has to say in a recent blog.

Keep writing His answer and trusting His timing!

Read Full Post »

Not Good Enough, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Platform building, Promotion, Writer's Life on March 8, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Marlene Bagnull

Not Good Enough!

Have you had a productive week – a week of making real progress on a manuscript? Or have you made excuses for not writing – excuses fueled by self-doubts?

Perhaps tapes from your childhood have again begun to play. I’m not good enough, smart enough, gifted enough . . .

It’s all too easy to slide down that slippery slope of self-doubt. We can try to deny how we feel. After all, as someone has said, “feelings are not facts.” But our feelings can seem true, and stuffing them down doesn’t make them go away.

I am encouraged by the Apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthian Christians, and to us: “I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God’s Spirit and God’s power did it” (1 Cor. 2:3-4 MSG).

Father, when we struggle with “not good enough” feelings, help us to remember that the cross turns our minus into a plus. We can’t . . . but You can. All You ask is that we trust in Your power to do what we can never do in our own strength. Thank You for how You use our feelings of inadequacy  to draw us closer to You. And yes, Father, please help me practice what I preach! [Readers – I’ve spent more time trying to format this post than it took to write it, and still there are formatting problems I can’t fix.]

Write His Answer cover

For more on this struggle that I find is so common among writers, especially among those who truly are gifted, I encourage you to read the chapter, “Crisis of Confidence,” from my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers. You’ll find it posted under Freebies on the Colorado and Philly website.

Updates – Colorado Christian Writers Conference

There’s still time to be among the first 75 to register  and remember, the first  75 registrants will receive an additional free 15-minute appointment. But don’t delay. And keep in mind that the price increases March 16.

Teens Write – Each year about 25 teens attend the all-day Saturday Teens Write. Flyers are now available. Tim Shoemaker, one of the Teens Write instructors, is coming to Colorado early and is interested in doing school visits on Tuesday, May 13. In addition to his Strengthening Fiction Skills Workshops, Tim offers Character Building Talks that are perfect for assemblies. (Click here for flyer.)

Hero Stuff – In satisfying fiction, often ordinary kids end  up  making heroic choices. We all want to be  heroes … and  can  be. I’ll use  engaging object lessons to illustrate six starting points for being a hero in everyday life.                   

Smashed Tomatoes – In fiction, often life looks really dark to a character before light dawns. In life sometimes we  feel like junk and  see  no  hope. Take  heart. Life has  a way of  making great things out of  messed-up lives.

In response to assemblies a couple of weeks ago, Tim received nearly 60 letters from students. “I’m blown away by them,” he says. “And based on what they wrote, they were listening every bit as good as it appeared they were.) If you know of a school that might be interested, please email Tim at familydevotionsworkshop@gmail.com.

Need a professional photograph?  If you’re like quite a few folks I know, you HATE having your picture taken and may be using one on your Web site or PR literature that is very old. Jodie Westfall, a professional photographer from Texas, would love to come to the conference and spend 15 minutes with YOU. After spending a few minutes getting to know you and what you need photos for, she will give you the photos she takes of you with no copyright notice needed for reproducing for only $50 and you can have access to them on Dropbox. (An hour long session is $167.) The price is a bargain especially since you will own the photos and will be able to use them without a copyright notice. You can find out more about Jodie at her website: www.jodiewestfallphotography.com.  

In order to make this happen, Jodie needs to know there will be enough interest to justify the expense of her coming. So . . . if this is something you want to do, please email  jwp@jodiewestfallphotography.com no later than April 14 so she can book her flight. Put “Photos at CCWC” in your subject line and she will send you a PayPal invoice. When you arrive at the conference and receive your appointment schedule, you can then choose the time that fits best for your photo shoot.

Marlene Salcher book cover
New Book and Testimony CCWC Conferee
Marlene Salcher www.marlenesalcher.com

“All the self doubt, the enemy’s voice and sometimes the challenges in family life and in ministry made me wonder if what I had to say would make any difference anyway. But I kept going by the grace of God and can take no credit for the way He kept prodding, pushing, encouraging, and comforting when I so wanted to quit. And now, it’s almost done, after thirty long, painful and challenging years. . . . I’d appreciate your prayers as I watch and wait for what He would like to do next in my life.”

Updates – Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Continuing Sessions – This info is now posted on the conference website. There really is something for everyone.

News You Can Use

Building Your Platform – In a 10-part series, Cec Murphey  who will keynote and teach a continuing session at the Philly conference, shares important information.  Check out his Writer to Writer blog.

Free guides – Book Baby has some helpful free guides including Twitter for Authors in 10 Minutes a Day. Except for my Facebook messages that are automatically posted on Twitter, I don’t Tweet. Someone,  however, hacked my account a couple of days ago and sent out 225 messages in less than an hour!

Talking about self-confidence – Paula Moldenhauer’s video on “Belonging” will encourage you. http://abenewjourney.com/2014/01/27/monday-morning-makeover-belonging/

Until next week, keep living and writing His answer – Marlene

Read Full Post »

Book Marketing – Learn from an Expert

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion on July 10, 2013| Leave a Comment »

KarenWhiting 2013 for blog

Audio Interview
(click here)
with Karen Whiting

by Donna Brennan

 

Karen is an author of over 500 articles and 16 books—and she has more books coming out this year!  She’s a whiz at finding ways to promote her books, and she uses her amazing marketing skills and ideas to help promote the books of many other authors as well, especially through the Christian Authors Network and at conferences.

 At the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference July 31 – August 3 Karen will be leading a clinic titled, “Developing a Unique Marketing Plan for Your Book,” where she’ll help participants create marketing strategies that will work for them. She’ll also be teaching an early bird workshop Wednesday on developing your nonfiction book pitch.

 I caught up with Karen at the end of the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference in Estes Park, Colorado. Although she had had a very busy few days and was tired, she graciously sat down to an interview with me and shared a little bit about how she got to where she is in the publishing world and some of the ways she helps authors to promote themselves and their books.

And you don’t have to wait until your book is published before thinking of ways to market it. Karen can help you get the pieces in place so that when your book is published, your marketing plan is ready to go.

Karen and her co-author won the Golden Scroll Nonfiction Book of Year Award at the Golden Scroll

Awards banquet this June. http://awsa.com/goldenscrolls/index.htm ______________________

Thanks Karen and Donna. You both are amazing! Applications for Karen’s clinic need to be submitted online by July 15.

Read Full Post »

Marketing Mentoring Clinic

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion on July 5, 2013| Leave a Comment »

KarenWhiting 2013 for blog


Develop a Unique
Marketing Plan
for Your Book

Why you need it
and how a mentor could help

By Karen Whiting

 

Why is a Marketing Strategy Important?

I just finished edits on a book with Zonderkidz this week and sent a note to my editor that I love the finished project and mentioned a few ideas on promoting it. She quickly responded that she wants a list of my ideas and mentioned that such a list could help me secure another contract. Marketing is important and getting more important for authors who want contracts.

Self-published authors need to promote their book since they have no team behind them. They must do it all.

There are lots of choices on marketing from speaking and media to social networking and blogging. What works and what doesn’t work? The answer is that it depends on the audience, your abilities, and the book.

I’ve helped dozens of people find and develop a strategy that fits their book, audience, and personality strengths. One woman I mentored with a children’s picture book had a price too high because of her choice in self-publishing. So I helped her design materials that added value and made the book a great deal. 

I mentored another woman with a fiction book that tied into Alzheimer’s. Solutions she showed in the story came from her own struggle and after publication scientific studies reinforced her methods. So, I helped her find places to write articles on how science collided with fiction. She then used the articles to connect with audiences on how to deal with Alzheimer’s and to set herself up as an expert.

It’s not enough to say, “I’m willing to be on radio and TV if you get me booked.” You must be proactive and understand how to pitch yourself to media, how to post effectively on social networks, and where to network. It comes down to the details and building on success.

The right article and strategy can become a building tool of a marketing plan.


When Should a Marketing Plan Be Developed?

As soon as a writer has a book idea they should be noting marketing ideas. And marketing continues until the book is out of print and there’s no new book on that topic. Thus, marketing should happen all the time.

At this point before sending a proposal out or putting a nickel into self-publishing an author needs a plan that will help sell the books. A book that is printed and never read or sold doesn’t get the message out or help anyone.

Gathering ideas and then sorting them out, choosing the best, and developing the details to carry each idea out is part of the strategy. The more concrete a plan the easier it is for an editor to sell the book concept to the publishing team and get a contract. The more plans laid down and developed the easier it is to launch the book and start the sales going.

 

How Does a Marketing Mentoring Clinic Work?

With a group of writers I first discover each person’s book topic, passion, and strengths. I start showing each person how they would apply each type of marketing to their book. We draw the best out of the ideas to develop a plan and a strategy. The plan shows what to do in upcoming months. We develop a strategy where one success can become a tool for more, such as getting on one radio show to use the recording to garner more radio interviews.

Just following all the ideas on how to market a book, and there are thousands of ideas, mentoring lets an outside person who is experienced give advice on what ideas could work best.

In mentoring we get specific. Instead of just suggesting that you use twitter or some other social network, we’ll talk about what types of posts to develop and which network to work on. A book on gardening would be great for Pinterest where many gardeners like to follow boards with pictures and gardening tips. It can also be good for twitter if the author can give quick tips throughout the year that help indoor and outdoor gardeners. Handouts can be good, and a gardening book might be a great match for bookmarks that provide a list of the best indoor plants or tips on having a green thumb. It’s thinking of ideas that work and than planning when to work on each that builds the strategy. 

You may have some ideas, but mentoring can help flesh them out. Brainstorming in a clinic opens the mind to many possibilities.
_______________________

I’d be first in line for Karen Whiting’s clinic if I wasn’t directing the conference! In decades of working as an author in addition to directing two writers’ conferences, hands down Karen is the best idea person I’ve ever met. If you want to be one of the ten writers in Karen’s “Develop a Unique Marketing Plan for Your Book” Clinic, you need to apply online no later than July 15. (That’s an extension of five days because I’m getting this out during a holiday weekend.) For more info and the application go to http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/clinics

Read Full Post »

I’ve got a blog or website. Now what?

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Platform building, Promotion, Writer's Life on April 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Megan Breedlove
Donna Brennan
Interviews
CCWC Faculty Member
Megan Breedlove

As authors we’re told we need a web presence, so we learn how to create a blog or a webpage. But how do we get people to visit our website? And if we do manage to get them there, how do we get them to stay or come back?

Well, if you’re attending the May 15-18 Colorado Christian Writers Conference, you can find out by taking the “Get Them Coming to Your Blog/Website” clinic with Megan Breedlove. Megan’s website, www.ManaForMoms.com, consistently ranks in one of the tops spots on Google for her keywords.

I got in touch with Megan and asked her about her website and about the clinic she’ll be teaching.

Question: Who should attend your clinic or make appointments with you?  Do we have to be technology experts? 

 Anyone who has a website up and running should attend. You absolutely do not have to be a technology expert. (If you are, that’s okay, too!) This clinic will be taught at a level that’s easily accessible by anyone, yet upper-level enough for those who may be more technologically inclined. All you need is a website and a desire to improve it.

Question: We’ve all heard of “keywords” and “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO), but many of us don’t know much about these topics or the best way to use them. Will you explain these terms to us in a way that makes sense? More importantly, will you help us apply SEO to our own websites to improve our ranking in search engines like Google? 

That’s exactly the point of the clinic: learning what you need to know so that you can increase your Google ranking. You don’t have to know a lot about technology before the clinic; I’ll teach you. You just have to be willing to learn and work hard.

Question: What’s the first thing we need to do, before we try to come up with any keywords or other optimization strategies? 

It sounds simple, but you have to know what your website is about. Sometimes, in an attempt to attract as many readers as possible, people will try to include too many things on their website. This leads to an unfocused, scattershot approach, and your potential readers won’t know what you’re about. So figure out the one thing you’re about. If you can’t tell me what you’re about in 10 words or fewer, you’re not focused enough.

Question: Will you show us how to select good keywords to use for our target audience? Can you give us any advice now? 

We will definitely talk about that. One thing that’s huge in figuring out the keywords you need is to figure out what “felt need” the person who comes to your website will have. What need will a random stranger in Rhode Island have, and what will he or she sit down and type into a search engine as a result of that need? Those are the keywords you need on your site.

 Question: Will you share with us other optimization strategies? Is there a checklist of do’s and don’ts? 

 I’ll share tons of strategies, tailored to your individual site. You can make them into a checklist if that is helpful. You’ll learn more than you ever thought there was to know about optimizing your site for your target audience.

Question: Okay, now that we’ve drawn people to our site, how do we keep them there long enough that we don’t have a high bounce rate? Do we provide the content right up front? Do we make them search for what they want? Do we entice them to click on internal links? (Doesn’t our search engine ranking go up if people click on those internal links?) 

The short answer to these questions is that you have to interest people in your site within about the first three seconds after they see it.  We’ll talk about ways to do that–both general ways and ways that are particularly relevant to each person’s site.

Question: If we have other sites linking to us, does that help our Google ranking? Does it matter how big or highly ranked those sites are? Does linking to other sites affect our own ranking?

Yes, yes, and yes.  Absolutely!  The more and bigger, the better!

Question: What about twitter and Facebook? Will you be sharing how to use these and/or other social media to drive traffic to our website?

Definitely. As well as working on each person’s website, we’ll talk about other sites you can use to help yours.

Question: Will you show us how to check the effectiveness of our optimization strategies? Can we get this information all in one place or do we have to use various ways and different locations?

There are several ways to check, but we’ll talk about one primary way which is extremely helpful–vital, in fact.

Question: On your own site, Manna for Moms, you provide wonderful devotionals based on your experience as a mom. I see you add new devotions fairly regularly. Is there a rule for how often we should update our content?

The minimum is once per week. It’s better if you can do it more often.

Question: I noticed that your speaking topics, your website devotions, and your books are all very interrelated—they’re all designed to encourage moms and draw them into a closer relationship with God. It’s obvious that’s something near and dear to your heart. But I get the sense you are also passionate about helping other writers get the most out of their websites so they can promote their books and their ministries. Can we expect a book on SEO or website enhancement from you in the near or distant future? 

Probably not.  At this point, I need to focus primarily on my family (I am married and have 5 young children), then secondarily on my website, books, speaking ministry, etc. 

Thank you, Megan. And I look forward to meeting you in Colorado.

Thanks! And thanks for the great questions. I look forward to meeting you too!
________________ 

 Megan’s clinic is limited to 10 participants. Click here for more info and the application that needs to be completed by April 16.

Read Full Post »

Making Your Words an Event – Part 2 Interview with Suzanne & Shawn Kuhn

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion on March 28, 2013| 1 Comment »

SuzyQDonna Brennan Interviews
Suzanne & Shawn Kuhn

Part 2

 

Suzanne Kuhn is owner of SuzyQ, a full-service author promotion and retail development firm. Together with her husband, Shawn, Suzanne works with authors, publishers, and retailers, helping to coordinate events, train staff and authors in reader engagement, and develop promotions for increased sales and reader/customer loyalty.

Both Suzanne and Shawn will be available at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference May 15-18 and at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference July 31 – August 3.  Suzanne will be teaching three sessions on various ways to promote your books and yourself, including running successful in-person events as well as connecting through social media outlets. Both Suzanne and Shawn will be available for appointments.

Your workshop, “Putting the Social Back in Social Media,” focuses on making a true connection with the person on the other end. Hopefully we all know not to come on too strong trying to promote our books or risk being unfriended or unfollowed. Will you show us ways to promote ourselves and our books without being overbearing?

Yes, we will talk about using social media for engaging influencers, readers and potential readers. We’ll also discuss ways to make social media manageable and a great tool for expanding your audience.

As authors are engaging what are some unexpected benefits we might find if we handle this social media thing well?

Your followers will be talking about your books.  And we all know word of mouth advertising is some of the very best advertising there is.  We have had clients who have received radio interviews, speaking engagements, and one even signed a traditional publishing contract all because of well planned and executed social media.

What do you mean by value-added content?

Value-added content is simply offering information beyond just your limited author and or book interests.  I will give specific ideas and even offer a Q&A opportunity to those who attend this workshop to brainstorm specifically what their value-added content could be. This is also a great topic to brainstorm in an appointment with Suzanne or Shawn.

Is it worth an author’s time to do in-person promotions when you can reach so many people at once via social media?

Would you prefer to be texted goodnight or kissed goodnight? Meaningful interaction takes place with live events. Readers leave the event feeling as if they’ve gotten to know you. Upon returning home, these now reader friends will then engage with social media. Social Media is the add-on or follow up to a strong live event.

In your “Engaging Events” workshop, will you focus primarily on book signings?

We will touch on many types of events.

What other types of events will you cover?

We will address book clubs, reader days, and book launches, just to name a few. Any topics not specifically discussed could be answered in the Q&A or through appointments.

Will you introduce us to some unique ideas for Author Events?

Our ideas may or may not be new, but the execution we suggest certainly will be unique.

Can a face-to-face meeting really influence the staff of a bookstore to promote our books after the event is over?

Absolutely! Live interaction can make or break an author’s sales in a bookstore. In the Events workshop, we will share a real experience that happened in a bookstore and how it directly affected that author’s sales.

Suzanne, you have over 20 years of experience in book retailing and event planning, and Shawn you were part-owner and VP of a regional bargain book chain for over 25 years. So I’m expecting your Retailers Request workshop to provide lots of ways to develop a good relationship with bookstores, which can result in increased sales. Can you give us a few tips now?

Books are still being discovered in bookstores.  It is so important for an author to nurture those relationships in a way that best suits the bookstore.  My best tip is you don’t want to miss this workshop. You will gain valuable insider information.

Will either of you be available for individual appointments at the conference? What types of help can authors expect to get out of these appointments?

We will both be available for appointments, meals, and after hour chats. We can talk about any aspect of an author’s book promotion plans, branding, social media, events and connecting with bookstores, or anything else promotion related. We love these appointments. We get to spend 15 minutes with an author, catching their vision then helping them to come up with ideas that are authentic to them as an individual.

___________________

Thanks much, Donna, Suzanne, and Shawn. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you in Colorado and Philly.

Read Full Post »

Promotion, Author Events, Social Media

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion on March 26, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Suzanne Kuhn Jan 2013Shawn KuhnDonna Brennan Interviews

CCWC & GPCWC
Faculty Members
Suzanne & Shawn Kuhn

Part 1

To be successful authors in today’s publishing world, we need to learn ways to promote our books. Understanding more about how bookstores operate could also be mighty helpful. But where can we go to find this information in a usable and helpful format?

One good source for this knowledge is Suzanne Kuhn, owner of SuzyQ, a full-service author promotion and retail development firm. Together with her husband, Shawn, Suzanne works with authors, publishers, and retailers, helping to coordinate events, train staff and authors in reader engagement, and develop promotions for increased sales and reader/customer loyalty.

Both Suzanne and Shawn will be available at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference May 15-18 and at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference July 31 – August 3.  Suzanne will be teaching three sessions on various ways to promote your books and yourself, including running successful in-person events as well as connecting through social media outlets.

I got in touch with Suzanne and Shawn to ask a few questions about SuzyQ and the sessions they’ll be teaching.

It’s obvious why self-published authors may need help in promoting their books. But do authors going through the traditional publishing process also need to do this? Isn’t promoting our books the job of the publishing house?

In today’s industry, every author must promote their own book. For a traditionally published author, it is more like a partnership with their publisher, each is doing their part to actively promote the book.

Your workshops and your company, SuzyQ, focus on promotion. Is that the same thing as publicity?

Promotion is definitely different from publicity or public relations for that matter. We focus on connecting our authors with their specific target audience. The best way to describe author promotion is to say if there is a two-lane road, one lane publicity and the other PR, we (SuzyQ) have created our own lane and are driving up the double yellow line. We may do some things that cross over into what you would think of when you think of traditional publicity or PR, but for us the focus is much more on virtual or live engagement, whether it be with readers or influencers. [Join Suzanne in her workshop to get her definition of who your influencers are. You may be surprised at who she defines as your influencers.]

Do you show up and participate at events for your clients?

 Yes, we do. Actually, when Suzanne first founded SuzyQ that was the vision for the company, to assist authors with live events. However, as SuzyQ has expanded, so have our services. At this point, Suzanne’s focus is still on live events with authors and retailers, while Shawn focuses on social media and other support.

What’s the benefit of having SuzyQ at a live event?

We coach our authors for live events, so authors are well prepared to make the most of any situation. However, when one of our team is on location, we add value to those interactions. WE are the ones promoting the author, making conversation and guiding the experience. We are the authors’ gatekeepers, we control line flow, take pictures, deal with any “difficult” fans, help to channel excited fans, and we create our own buzz.

Will either of you be available for individual appointments at the conference? What types of help can authors expect to get out of these appointments?   

We will both be available for appointments, meals, and after hour chats. We can talk about any aspect of an author’s book promotion plans, branding, social media, events and connecting with bookstores, or anything else promotion related. We love these appointments. We get to spend 15 minutes with an author, catching their vision then helping them to come up with ideas that are authentic to them as an individual.

_________________

Thanks Donna, Suzanne, and Shawn. Be watching for part 2 of the interview that focuses on social media and engaging events. And take advantage of Suzanne and Shawn’s expertise by requesting an appointment with them at the conference.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »