Writers in the Storm

by Penny Sansevieri

Author education is a topic that often gets overlooked in the creative process, but it's a vital aspect that can significantly impact an author's success in the industry. Today, we're diving into why educating yourself as an author is crucial and how it can save you both time and money in the long run.

Why Author Education Matters

When you’re knee-deep in the creative process, adding a layer of education to all the work you’re already doing can feel like a lot, I get it. But there’s a reason that I’m so passionate about author education. Let’s dig in!

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Without a basic understanding of the publishing industry, authors may find themselves making costly mistakes, such as choosing the wrong publishing options or overspending on production costs. Educating yourself on publishing basics can help you make informed decisions that align with your goals and budget. Now I’m not asking that you become a publishing expert overnight – that’s not the goal here, but you want to know what’s working and what isn’t, and you want to know what the norms are related to publishing options.

Protecting Yourself from Exploitation

Unscrupulous individuals and companies often prey on authors who lack knowledge about the industry. By educating yourself, you can better identify red flags and protect yourself from scams or unfair practices. This includes:

• Understanding contracts.
• Asking the right questions.
• Seeking professional guidance when needed.

You really want to be aware of marketing tactics that just aren’t reasonable. And I’m not talking about something someone in your writer’s group did that maybe didn’t work as well for you. This is really about marketing scams, because there are a lot of them. And what I always tell authors is if it seems too good to be true, it very likely is.

Maximizing Sales and Platform Building Opportunities

Preparing for your book's release involves more than just writing the manuscript. Educating yourself on pre-order strategies, early marketing tactics, and platform building opportunities can give your book a competitive edge in the market. Part of why this is important is because things change a lot – and again not asking you to become an expert in any of this, but it’s worth knowing what works and what doesn’t. I also love it when authors focus on their platform, and it doesn’t have to be extensive but it’s absolutely worth the investment of your time.

Avoiding Flashy Marketing Ploys

In an industry filled with flashy promises and marketing gimmicks, author education acts as a safeguard against falling for misleading offers. I mentioned this earlier in this post: if it seems too good to be true it likely is. And by understanding standard marketing strategies and timing, you can make informed decisions about where to invest their resources for maximum impact. If someone is guaranteeing you book sales, or promising you an interview on The Today Show, be wary. No one can promise either.

Empowering Yourself as an Author

Education isn’t just about learning but also about empowering yourself to take control of your publishing journey. Whether it's attending writer’s conferences, reading industry blogs, or seeking coaching from professionals, investing in your education equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of publishing.

And speaking of writer’s conferences – this is something I really love, partly because it’s a chance to dig into some great information, explore new ideas, and connect with other/similar authors.

Now that I’ve shared my thoughts on author education, let me give you some places to either join or follow. All of these folks are rock stars!

Great Resources for Author Education

• Jane Friedman: Known for her insightful blog and industry expertise, Jane Friedman offers valuable resources on writing, book marketing, and the publishing industry. She also has a paid newsletter: The Hot Sheet, which I love and highly recommend!

• Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi): ALLi provides a wealth of educational resources, including classes, blogs, and industry insights tailored to independent authors.

• Publishers Lunch and Publishers Weekly: These industry-specific publications offer news, trends, and insights into the publishing world, helping authors stay informed about the latest developments.

• Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA): IBPA serves as a valuable resource for authors and small publishers, offering educational events, resources, and advocacy support.

• Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast: A bit of a brag here, but I have a podcast which I hope you’ll give a listen to as well. Hosted by myself and Amy Cornell, one of my awesome team members, it’s a weekly show packed with some great information and insights (if I do say so myself!)

Final Thoughts

And of course, it goes without saying that following the posts on Writers in the Storm is super helpful, but so are the comments. When was the last time you did a deep dive into some of the post feedback? I find in particular, on this site, the comments are always smart and thoughtful – you might pick up a nugget or two!

Author education is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for anyone serious about succeeding in the publishing industry. By investing time and effort into educating yourself, you can avoid common pitfalls, protect your interests, and maximize your book's potential for success. So, whether you're just starting your writing journey or navigating the complexities of book marketing, remember that knowledge is power—and in the world of publishing, it can make all the difference.

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About Penny

Penny C. Sansevieri, Founder and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., is a bestselling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. She is an Adjunct Professor teaching Self-Publishing for NYU. She was named one of the top influencers of 2019 by New York Metropolitan Magazine.

Her company is one of the leaders in the publishing industry and has developed some of the most innovative Amazon visibility campaigns as well offering national media pitching, online book marketing, author events, and other strategies designed to build the author/book visibility.

She is the author of 18 books, including How to Sell Your Books by the Truckload on Amazon, Revise and Re-Release Your Book, 5-Minute Book Marketing for Authors, and From Book to Bestseller. She also hosts the top ranking podcast Book Marketing Tips and Author Success.

AME has had dozens of books on top bestseller lists, including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal.

To learn more about Penny’s books or her promotional services, visit www.amarketingexpert.com. 

Top Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

By Sarah (Sally) Hamer

Writers often talk about opening a vein, giving our life-blood to a page. But is that all we give when we write? Writing takes time, effort, research, digging through memories, skill, emotion, and, possibly, even a little bit of our soul. We don't just bleed on the page, we write about things that matter to us, things that make us who we are. And, blood may be the least of it.

As I write this, my life is about to turn upside down. My younger son and his wife are in the process of adopting an unborn infant after a decade of trying. The little boy whose face looks very squishy (so cute!) in the ultrasound pictures sent to me on a regular basis, will be loved and cared for in beautiful ways, but the adoption won't be finalized until five days after he's born a month from now. We won't know until then if he will be ours.

How do you prepare for a baby when you don't know how the process will end?

They've created a comfortable, sunny, warm nursery and I'm busy knitting and sewing and creating. We'll be ready physically if everything goes well. But how do you prepare mentally and spiritually? How do you know how you'll feel?

Write to sort through emotions

Because my life is wrapped around writing – articles, blogs, teaching, editing, coaching – I am using it to sort through my emotions, finding solace in the fact that I can express what I'm feeling on the keyboard and in my written journals. I can explore the possibilities of both the joy of a newborn grandson and the pain of it not working out. To allow myself to feel things I can't share with my son and daughter-in-law, who are traveling their own path of expectation. I won't "dump" my concerns on them when they have even greater ones than I do.

So, I write.

I put words down on paper and screen, knowing that they are private and sacred only to me. I deal with the emotions as they come and cry when I need to. And, over time, I'll heal my own wounds, old and new, and find strength and peace.

In her book, Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives, Louise DeSalvo says, "writing about traumatic or troubling life experiences initially unleashes difficult, conflicting emotions." Yes, it does. It brings up memories, both good and bad. It can help us face our insecurities and fears and problems.

But it also can help us create pathways to better understanding who we are and why we feel the way we do. It can allow us to find the source of and reasons for our reactions. And, it can allow us to heal.

Use writing for self-care

Managing the emotions as they emerge from the dark recesses of our minds requires us to learn how to care for ourselves. DeSalvo suggests that allowing ourselves to experience the emotions in "real time" can help us to deepen the process. She also believes that we can keep those emotions from disabling us, by using writing to heal us.

What I find is that writing about uncomfortable things permits me to sort through the old memories as an adult. I'm not a powerless child beating against a wall of people who told me "no" over and over again. I was lucky to have caring, loving parents but, like most children, I couldn't understand rules and regulations and attempts to make me into a civilized, obedient human being.

I have feelings of abandonment and fear and anger that emerge, whole and ugly, when I am stimulated by outside sources. So, having a simple and loving way to revisit and rethink these old memories now that I am completely in control of my life, has been empowering and beautiful. And so worthwhile.

Final Thoughts.

Do you have painful situations that control your current life? Here are a few things that can help you to care for yourself.

1. Write. Refrain from editing yourself. Don't feel like you have to share it.
2. Don't get overwhelmed. If something you're writing is painful, stop for a while. Recognize it is just a memory, not necessarily something going on now.
3. Be kind to yourself. No matter what the "mistake" there is redemption.
4. Allow yourself – and others – forgiveness. Everyone has done something they're not proud of.
5. Remember we are all in this together. Take care of yourself!

How can we replenish ourselves? How do we find meaning in both what we write, and in the life around it? What really matters?

What do you do to take care of yourself?

Caveat: If you are overwhelmed in any way, please seek professional help. There are amazing folks who have learned how to help us work through these things and I can't tell you how important it is to get help when you need it.

To learn about how to use writing as a part of healing, you can find out more at a Self-Care for Writers symposium on March 23-24, 2024 at mindpotential.org.

About Sally

Sarah (Sally) Hamer, B.S., MLA, is a lover of books, a teacher of writers, and a believer in a good story. Most of all, she is eternally fascinated by people and how they 'tick'. She’s passionate about helping people tell their own stories, whether through fiction or through memoir. Writing in many genres - mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance, medieval history, non-fiction – she has won awards at both local and national levels, including two Golden Heart finals.

A teacher of memoir, beginning and advanced creative fiction writing, and screenwriting at Louisiana State University in Shreveport for over twenty years, she also teaches online for Margie Lawson at www.margielawson.com. Sally is a free-lance editor and book coach at Touch Not the Cat Books, with many of her students and clients becoming successful, award-winning authors.

You can find her at sally@mindpotential.org or mindpotential.org.

Top Image by John Hain from Pixabay

by Edie Melson

As writers in this day and time, we combat a specific kind of stress—digital stress. So much of our lives are spent seated at a computer, on the phone, or even in digital meetings. Because of that, I've discovered there are certain things I need to build into my life to stay healthy—spiritually, physically, and emotionally. So below are my tips, with thoughts about how to apply them in our lives.

1. Decide on boundaries, write them down and STICK with them.

These are some of mine: 

• Time is no longer driven by my phone. 
• I set a time to return text messages, emails, and phone calls—not during lunch or after working hours.
• I have set office time. And my phone is NOT my office. I don’t work during family time. 
• I’m specific with clients on what type of correspondence I expect. For example, while I will answer emergency text messages, all other correspondence should be in email. 

2. Weekends off are now the norm, NOT the exception.

As writers, it’s far too easy to always be at work. But for our mental health we need to learn to set healthy boundaries about time off and time for work.

3. Learn to limit digital meetings.

Zoom Fatigue is a real thing! Spending long hours staring at a screen leads to eye fatigue, back issues, and all the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Work smarter, not harder when connecting with your audience.

Learn the things that help you connect with your audience. Even if you hire someone else for marketing, make sure you know how you want it done.

5. Families come first.

Let’s face it, life happens. Kids get sick, parents grow older and need help. One of the advantages to writing for a living is having a flexible schedule. But we should never sacrifice our family time.

6. Be aware of the pressure coming at you right now and make your own decisions.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is this, just because I see a need doesn’t mean I’m obligated to fulfill it. There are ALWAYS things that need doing, and jobs that need filling. We cannot do everything. Don’t let life apply pressure that keeps you from saying yes to the things you are called to do.

7. Kick up the volume.

 I love to play music while I work. It helps me focus, inspires me, and even sets the mood for what I’m writing.

8. Relationships matter, and beyond that, they need nurturing to survive.

Many writers are introverts. That means we are energized by time alone and drained by time with people. Neither one of those truths is an excuse to ignore the relationships in our lives.

9. Reach out when you’re down.

This one is hard for me. I don’t want to be a burden or bring someone down. But I’ve learned that not asking for help discourages others from requesting help from me.

10. Field trips are time well spent.

I love going on field trips. I’m inspired by many things—a hike outdoors, a trip to the zoo, a movie, a concert, and a visit to a museum or art gallery. Visiting places that inspire me aren’t luxury ways to spend my time, they are necessities.

11. Mix it up.

I have certain things I usually write. I’m good at nonfiction, blog posts, and articles. But one of the reasons I do well is because I also write things that challenge me and force me to grow in my craft.

12. Quit judging how you’re doing by what you’ve accomplished.

This is another difficult one. I love checking things off my to-do list. I feel like I’m a success when I achieve something. But there is a lot of satisfaction found in the process and in being rather than doing.

13. It’s okay (even encouraged) to have hobbies that have NOTHING to do with writing and/or reading. 

Just like field trips, my hobbies feed my creativity.

14. Keep moving.

 Don’t neglect your physical well-being. That means staying active, limber, and in good shape. Trust me, it’s much easier to write when you’re not in pain.

15. Be gentle with yourself. 

Writing is hard. Walter Wellesley “Red” Smith said, “You simply sit down at the typewriter, open your veins, and bleed.” Our words mean so much and represent who we are. It’s emotionally taxing to write and then submit those words to the world.

16. Write it down.

I’m a hug fan of journaling. Writing things down helps me process life. In addition, it gives me good material for future projects.

17. Seek time apart. 

Yes, we need to nurture the relationships in our lives, but we also need to embrace solitude. For me this means time in nature, as well as time in prayer and spiritual contemplation.

These are the things I try to put into practice to stay healthy and care for the digital parts of my creative life. Now it’s your turn. How do you build Digital Soul Care into your creative life?

Learn more from Edie Melson, Sally Hamer, Margie Lawson, and four other amazing writers by attending the “Polishing Your Mirror: Self-Care for Writers” Symposium, March 23-24, 2024. Visit MindPotential.org for more info!

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About Edie

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives, often using creativity to empower this connection. The Write Conversation, the blog she developed and manages, reaches thousands and has been on the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Sites for Writers since 2017.

As a social media and blogging expert she’s worked with clients that range from authors and speakers to business and ministry leaders. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences & workshops around the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Connect with Edie on her blog, The Write Conversation, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and other places on social media.

Top Image by Rosy / Bad Homburg / Germany from Pixabay