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Develop Synergy with Other Authors to Build an Audience

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book reviews, Guest Blogger, Persons of interest, Product Review, The Productive Writer, The Writing Business
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Cygnet Brown typing on laptop while sitting on sofa in living room

Are you looking to build traffic for the blog, articles, or book that you have written? Many people suggest that you look to social media to find traffic, but that doesn’t always work.

The problem with that is that you, like me, sometimes don’t have a social media following with the people who are in your niche. Most of my friends and family aren’t always interested in what I’m interested in writing. The results were, I ended up connecting with people who are not necessarily my best customers.

Gain Knowledge from My Niche

I have always believed that the best way to know what’s good in your genre is to read about the topics that you write about. I like to get to know everything I can about what others have written within my genre. Reading within my genre helps get me to understand what has already been written. It gives me insights into my niche. It also helps me know what I know that others don’t and this tells me what is unique to me within my niche.

The other thing it does is it provides a way for me to get to know other writers’ audiences that are within my genre. I don’t just read the book, I  learn about the author. I read that author’s blogs. I connect with them on social media, and, of course, read their books. When they have a new book out, I have an opportunity to help them while at the same time they will be helping me gain access to their audience.

When I read books in my niche, I am always looking for an influencer or at least a writer who is in my niche. I look for books on Amazon or other book-selling sites and find authors of books that are close to the subjects that I am writing and purchase that book. Often I can find eBooks are less costly or even offered as free books. When I started out, I read a lot of free method books to get some lower-hanging influencers (who aren’t influencers yet, but like penny stocks, they might be valuable in the future.) I read the book and wrote down what I liked about the book. If I found that I didn’t like the book, I usually didn’t take any more time with that book or author. Instead, I just moved on.

Write a Review

Once I found a book that I enjoyed, I connected with the author in some way. We can connect with the other author in many different ways. We can connect with them on social media. We can comment on their blogs. Another way I like to use is to write a review of the book that I read that an influencer has written.

Rather than writing the review on Amazon or some other review site, write the review on my own blog. Writing a review on my blog is simple. Once I have my review written, I contact that person via social media or email and let that person know that I enjoyed their book so much that I wrote a review of their book on my blog.

Sometimes I won’t get a response, but other times I do and if I do, my blog, article, or social media post is likely to be seen by that influencer’s audience. This is why I wrote reviews on lesser-known writers first. They are more likely to appreciate your review and are more apt to work with me. If not, I read other authors’ books, looking for other opportunities. Eventually, someone is thrilled that I have read and reviewed their book.

Guest Blogging

Once I’ve written a review for a writer, and they are responding to my review, the next thing I can do is ask them if they would be willing to guest blog on my blog. If they are also just starting out, they may want to do this because they know that they will have access to my blog as well as their own.  

At the same time, I may request a trade. I make this sort of a mini-joint venture. They write a blog post on my blog and I guest post on theirs. The reason that I want to do this is so that both of us have access to each other’s audience. I include a link to my blog when you post on their blog and make sure that they have a post on my blog as well. This exchange is good for ranking as well.

Interview Other Writers

If the other author doesn’t want to exchange blogs, I may just want to do an interview of the other person on my blog. Often, I just ask them if I can interview them and then send them questions. I don’t necessarily need to speak to them in person. I do have a list of generic questions to ask, but I do also create an author and book-specific list of questions as well. Once I get the answers back and write up the interview, I can post the interview. Since I have already done a review of one of their books, I include a link to their review on my blog.

Again, I want to be sure that the other person has links to the interview that they can utilize on their social media and newsletters just as you will let your audience know about the interview. Often this is easier to do than exchanging blog posts because you’ll be doing most of the work. Because it’s all about them, they will let their audience know that you’ve done the interview. Their readers in turn will then have access to my blog as well as my readers and I get new readers this way.

As stated before, the Interviews don’t have to be in person either. They can be over the phone, or they can just as easily be done in writing. It can be as easy as sending them a bunch of questions and then I pick and choose which questions are the most interesting and post them. I send a copy of the interview to them, of course, to approve and I also discuss how they can best (and you will too) benefit from the interview.

I keep a template of various ways that the other writer can promote my post that is promoting them. That way I don’t have to reinvent it with the next author that I work with.

ARE YOU AN AUTHOR LOOKING TO BUILD AN AUDIENCE?

If you’re another author who would like to connect with me and do a blog exchange or would like to review my books and interview me, feel free to check out my link below to see if we’re a good fit.

View my Amazon Author Page

Publishing is a Continuous Cycle of Learning and Doing

July 19, 2018
Guest Blogger
4 Comments

Thank you so much, Elisabeth Zguta for this guest post. I highly recommend her books. They are quite the page turners. Today Elisabeth is sharing her writing process,

Take it away, Elisabeth’

There’s much to know regarding publishing today. In the past ten years or more new trends have developed. The old way of doing things changed fast, and the familiar has been replaced with newer and better models. Yesterday’s traditional publishing is now more like a ‘vanity press’ today because it doesn’t guarantee anything except the imprint’s name on the inside cover.

Most of the work needs to be done by the author.

To do well in publishing, you must learn your craft and continue to grow as a writer, learn how to market, and you definitely need to invest your time.
No dream of writing a book is wrong unless you think that you don’t have to do the work for it to become a reality. If you anticipate instant gratification—think you can throw some words together, slap it into an eBook, and reap great rewards—well, think again!

hand-pointing-out-rev George Hodan
Photo credit to George Hodan

This is a competitive market. You need to present your best work, not perfect, but the best you can offer at the time. Know this—publishing is a long road. You most probably won’t become famous with your first book, but you are more likely to have an impact with your fourth, and the odds are better still with your tenth . . . it’s a long journey. The great thing about Indie Publishing is the support most indie authors offer each other.

What we all have to do:

• Write a great story for fiction or present an entertaining topic for non-fiction.
• Edit in stages (developmental & context) then perform or hire the final proof editor. Don’t forget to read your work aloud, the best way to know if the story is engaging is to hear it. Better yet, read it with a reader friend.
• Format the work for various platforms: mobi file for KDP, epub file for other digital distributors like Kobo and Apple, pdf file format for POD (print on demand) for print books for physical stores and libraries. (Some authors choose not to publish a printed edition, though I don’t understand why.)
• Design the inside and the outside. Add a call to action to join your email list inside the book. Create or purchase a compelling cover. First impressions are important, the average first glance is seconds . . . So get it right.
• Final proof. Once you load your completed files go over the proof in each format. DO NOT SKIP this part because often there’s a weird quirk on a random page smack in the middle, hiding for your reader! For your digital book proofs, check all the links and make sure the TOC (Table of Content) works for each section.

My writing process is one that suits me, and it may work for you as well.

I write and rewrite as I go.

Recently there was an interesting article about this by Dean Wesley Smith who labeled this as “Cycling and the Art of One Clean draft” rather than rewriting. Read the post and the comments, too. You may agree or disagree, but the main idea is to stay in touch with the creative process or ‘muse’ for lack of a better word.

There are the two schools of writers: pansters and outliners. Some writers preach and prefer to outline first, and I guess I do a slight version of outlining to get myself started. But detailed outlines, in my opinion, interrupts the creative process. A skeletal framework can help to keep yourself on track while letting your free writing have room to roam. (IMO detailed outlining is best saved for non-fiction).

If you want to know what your goal is then use a simple outline as a guide for your first draft.

There are tools available as prescribed by Editor Shawn Coyne. Check out his book and website: The Story Grid There are two tools: the Story Spine and the Foolscap Global Story Grid. The Story Spine is a three-sentence outline that provides direction for when you’re writing the first draft, leaving room for your story to develop organically.
Later on, you could use the Foolscap which is a more detailed method that works best after you’ve completed the first draft. This is used to identify anything you might have missed for the genre you’re writing, basically tying things together suited for the chosen genre specifically.

Back to my beginning writing process: After the simple outline idea is defined, then I write.

Each time I sit to write, I go back a little and go over what’s already on the page and then continue. Every so often, approximately ten chapters or less, I stop and compile my work in progress into a temporary eBook format and open it on my iPad. Reading it aloud, I highlight where to make changes or fix things, then go back to my computer, correct the errors or add the new idea that popped up that may have enhanced a scene, and then I continue on.

axelle b

Photo credit: axelle b

You can do this with any digital device (sometimes I compile and do a quick format into a mobi file and load onto my Kindle device for a change). If you don’t know how to format into digital reader formats, then use Calibre a freeware.
1. First save your document as a pdf file, easy to do in Word (save as pdf) or similar programs.
2. Then load this free software, which is a great digital library organizer to have on your desktop.
3. Upload the saved pdf file to the Calibre Library
4. Then use the option to convert it into mobi and/or epub file.
It’s simple, especially for people who learn hands on. Here’s a quick how-to video that might help. https://calibre-ebook.com/demo
My reason for doing proof reading/editorial review this way is two-fold:
1. First, reading it on a different device helps you see the mistakes that your eye rolls over while working on your computer.
2. Second, it is environmentally friendly, rather than wasting paper.
Some genres are easier to write than others, and each story is unique. One manuscript may need additional guides like time-lines (which need to be updated whenever you make changes). You may have to check back to your research if you can’t recall an important fact (especially if writing historical fiction or something using science as a backdrop). In my experience, it’s easier to verify the info while on that spot rather than relying on your memory to go back and fix it later. It saves time to fix as you go.
I use Scrivener to write. The software helps to make quick work of doing changes using the note card feature (corkboard feature). Also, you can get a quick review of the progress by downloading the worksheet file to see the stats (like word counts per scene, short descriptions of what happens, etc. I fill in brief details as I go). You could do this manually, use index cards, but I’m a software junkie.

Use this tool to check if the scenes are working (by the brief notes about each scene), check if the flow is there to meet the expectations for your genre, and the chapter lengths, etc. Basically, I do the same as the Foolscap but as I go. Anything you deem essential to your story can be checked and tracked.

Here are instructional videos to help you get started if you’re interested. There is a marginal cost, but worth every penny in my opinion.

Do not wait

EZ Indie Design

What you can do to stay inspired while writing:

• Grab photos while you research, use them for inspiration in between writing sprees. This works well to inspire cover ideas, ads, and book trailers later, too.
• Play music that inspires your story theme while writing, or better yet, in between your writing, so it keeps your mind working while doing other things. For example, if you’re writing Sci-fi listen to futuristic music, like the score of Star Wars or Techno music. If you write romance, then listen to more moving themes like the score of Romeo and Juliet. You get my drift.
• Watch movies that have the same story topic to keep your subconscious mind working on your own story. If you’re writing a Western Romance, then watch some John Wayne movies, if writing a historical fiction then tune into the History Channel.
If you haven’t heard this already, it is never too early to market your book. Many successful launches actually begin months before the book is even released. If you can use some of the elements of marketing also to help provide encouragement for you to keep writing, then it’s the best possible scenario.
If you’re into Pinterest this is a great time to use it as a tool. You can begin building some buzz about your book by the boards you create. If you’re writing about elves, add a board about fairytales and elves. Add and search clips to interact with people who also like elves—chances are they will be your perfect target market.
If you’re not into pin boards, then maybe you’d enjoy using YouTube and create a channel. Make quick videos (best to keep them timed to 1 minute or less). Use the ideas from your story to create smart video clips (they can be shared on Facebook, Twitter, MeWe, G+, and Instagram) If you’re writing a gardening book, take pics of your favorite flowers or veggies, add music and voila! Here’s a basic how-to from scratch.

A word of caution: Whenever you create something to share publically using another artist’s work, you must be respectful of the copyrights. You cannot use other people’s photos, music, fonts, etc. without permission unless they are specifically noted as ‘public domain, free to use’ or are labeled ‘may use as long as you give credit (CC) Common License can be partial use like for educational purposes only. Find the boring details here if you have a question: Copyright Law

kai Stachowiak photographer
Photo credit: kai Stachowiak

What you should do to build momentum about the book while writing:
• Talk about your book topic when you’re on social media, give updates on your progress, or say things (without giving away your story) that will peak interest in your book. It’s referred to building the Book BUZZ . . . Read more here at Build Book Buzz blog with Sandra Beckwith
• Create or join a group who’s interested in the topic of your book. You may even get additional inspiration or ideas from other group members to help solidify your characters or plot twists.
• Guest blog for other bloggers who have the same interests as in your book.
• Use social media as a tool to talk up your book and hook potential readers (Highly suggest to stay off hot-button topics that could hurt your reputation or close doors to potential customers)

social-media-icons-markers Animated Heaven

Photo credit: Animated Heaven

It’s easy to wander from your main idea while publishing; there’s a lot of advice and tactics offered, and everyone has an opinion (myself included), and it’s hard to see what works from a waste of time. Find what works best for you.

Each book deserves its own launch, and it is essential to make a plan.

Some can be launched with a direct approach (usually right for non-fiction). Other books may require you to take the scenic route (especially when your genre is very specific). There are silent launches, which is a continuous flow of information to interest potential readers. There are also celebratory launches that involve live events, either on social media or in person, like a book launch party or book launch blog party. It can be as elaborate or as low-key as you want. In person or via social media. The goal is always the same—to get your book out there!

I have to admit, some of the ‘should do’s’ listed above I haven’t done. Everyone has time limits, and it’s important that you discover yours. Use the most effective avenue to fit your schedule and get the biggest bang for your time spent. You should totally do as much as you can—hell, you may have more ideas that you can develop that never made my list. I hope so.

I’m an advocate for self-publishing, believe that the tools are there for us, and you can do it if you have the desire and work ethic to get it done. You can be a publisher.

Use the platforms that work well for you, don’t spread yourself too thin, and make efficient use of the direction you’ve chosen to take.

Focus on your project—it’s essential!
Keep reading – Keep writing!

Thank you, Cygnet Brown, for your guest post spot.

If you’re interested in learning more about Indie Publishing and don’t know where to begin, please visit my website which will point you in the right direction to discover the best publishing information for today. Visit EZ Indie Publishing .com

Elisabeth_Zguta_Author

Elisabeth Zguta
Independent Author

Books by Zguta (1)​

EZ Indie Publishing EZ Indie Design

Credits:
Dean Wesley Smith
Shawn Coyne
Sandra Beckwith
Photographers from PublicDomain.net
Calibre software
Scrivener software
Pinterest
You Tube

Pam Young on: “Why” Do My Weird Indie Project

July 5, 2018
Guest Blogger, The Productive Writer
1 Comment

I would like to introduce you to my first Guest Blogger, Pam Young. I hope you enjoy this post as well as I have. Take it away Pam. . .

My indie project is “weird” because I broke a six hundred page memoir about an awakening experience into three separate stories and published it as a trilogy in just over a year. In blogging about it, I publicly explored my spiritual journey.

 

Writing and publishing the first three Burnout to Bliss books in such a limited time was exhausting. I also learned more about indie publishing and shared it on my blog, Skating Thru 2012. But the most important thing I learned was not about publishing. It was about why I had written the series.

 

Indie authors understand the “why” of writing books is as either “write to market” (to make money) or as a “passion piece” (something you want or need to do). Non-fiction authors are also advised to determine their “why” before they even start writing because it shapes your story.

 

In the beginning, mine was “passion piece” because I viewed it as a legacy for my nieces, who were now the same age I was when I had that remarkable two-year experience almost thirty years ago. It began with pervasive discomfort in my once-loved job as a professor and disappointment with my inability to find someone who could “see me.” My nieces could be having a similar experience!

 

But the “why” changed while writing the books.

Small

When I completed BURNOUT – How a Desert Lizard Restored My Faith, I believed it worth sharing because it highlighted the madness (psychotic episodes) of professional burnout. I knew I wasn’t the only one who had felt such despair.  And sharing personal experience, at least according to National Association of Memoir Writers, is why people write memoirs — to shed light on the way. I also hoped to instill respect for other spiritual paths because my return to faith happened in a strange way while camping with Mexican Indian Shamans.

 

 

 Small (4)

Cycling in the City – How I Got My Confidence Back told a different story. As the first break-away from the job, it relates discovering the depth of damage from burnout and what I did to get better. I know I’m not alone in the experience of realizing that life no longer works. I saw sharing my story as a helping others. Part Two of that book is a model I created for making severe changes, like breaking addictions. But that was not the only reason for writing it. Having just learned about Amazon “Shorts,” I wanted to experience writing one. This story seemed perfect for the exercise.

 

 

Small (5)

My understanding of “why am I writing this?” changed as I wrote 2 years, 1 Paycheck, 0 Plans – a story of healing because I realized the healing was continuing as I wrote. And it was not about forgiving the jealous friend who launched my journey. That was completed in my journals (1985-89). Instead, it was about Mom and the underlying reason for my being intensely depressed so long ago. I was making revisions when all the hidden, unexpressed rage suddenly had a voice. I felt as if Mom was there with me, encouraging me in spirit to do whatever it took.

 

 

My “why” for writing the series was no longer just a “passion piece” for my nieces. It wasn’t even about helping others. Instead, I now believe it was about healing old wounds so I could let go, surrender, and move on with my life. Some part of me must have known this would happen because in Book 1 the Preface identified the title for the next book as Surrender.

 

Finally understanding the true “why” for writing that trilogy, I am convinced that I was guided to do this project, not for others, but for myself — to complete the healing of events and my weird relationship with Mom that happened so very long ago.

 

[And it’s not finished yet. Book 4, BLISS, will be a book of lessons learned for having more joy in life. If you want to be among the first to know when it’s published, please visit Burnout to Bliss and click the red link below.]

____

Pam Young has been many things: inner city English teacher, professor, Holistic Health Practitioner, yoga and DansKinetics instructor, psychotherapist, masseuse, and self-empowerment workshop leader. Now she writes with the same intentions while living in the mountains with critters.

 

You can find her books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other venues.

 

You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or her blog:

 

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

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