They Say Everyone Has A Story
It’s Here!
If you ever said, “I could write a book,” This book is for you! It also makes a great gift for the writer in your life.
Thank you for reading, reviewing and sharing,
Doreen
Realize Your Writing Dreams Writers Beach Retreat..
Have you always wanted to write a book but have no idea where to start? Written a book and now have no idea whether traditional, independent or the self-publishing route is best for you? Are you struggling with platform building and/or book marketing? Looking for a creative way to share your story and scale your business? Is it time to finally make your writing dreams come true?
Join us for an intensive; inspiring goal- oriented writers retreat.
Have all your questions answered and leave rested, inspired and with actionable tips on writing; publishing, marketing and the knowledge and confidence to check authoring a book off your to do list.
All genres welcome.Writing Wednesday/ Press Releases…
Writing Wednesday
Wednesday is the day I share what I’ve learned on my journey from writing, publication, marketing; and doing it all again, and again. The kind of information I wish someone shared with me back when.
Just when you thought writing the book was the hard part you were told you had to write a synopsis, then an outline, a proposal and the hardest of all a query letter. You finish all of those and breathe a big sigh of release only to find out you need to write a marketing plan.
There are three types of marketing and your plan should include all of them. Your chances of success increase when your advertising, public relations and promotions work together.Writing Wednesday; Let’s Talk About Excuses…
Wednesday is the day I share what I’ve learned on my journey from writing, publication, marketing; and doing it all again, and again. Information I wish someone had shared with me back when.
Let’s Talk About Excuses for Not WritingWe all have them. Some of us call it procrastination and others call it writers block. Then there’s: • I have so much going on right now • There’s no time • I’m waiting for inspiration • You’re tired • It’s too hard to get published
You can call it whatever, but it’s an excuse!Writing is HARD work and let’s face it nobody likes hard work day after day after day. If it was easy everyone that had a great idea for a book would sit down and write that book. Listen to me, you’re different. You’re a real writer, however, so you will be the one that sits down and writes your book. It isn’t too late; and you aren’t too old. You can do this, I promise.
Consider this, the average time to write a book is one year.Writing only one page every day for a year would be 365 pages, or approximately 91,250 words. If you write two pages a day, you’d have that book written in six-months! Think about dividing that time up any way that works for your schedule. Maybe you can only write on Saturdays. Seven pages, every Saturday keeps you on track to finish in a year. The most important thing is to find a schedule that works for you and then being consistent no matter what!
Keep an accountability journal.Most great things start with a plan. Do you have a business plan for your book? You may need a proposal when it comes time to find an agent or a publisher. A proposal is similar to a business plan. I suggest writing the plan as you go and tweaking as needed. An accountability journal is a simple but extremely useful tool. Use a notebook, a journal or a calendar. Write down what you want to accomplish at the beginning of each week and evaluate at the end of the week. Include any ideas or concerns you have in the journal too. If you’re like me great ideas will come to you and by the time you sit down to write you’ve forgotten the great ideas you had. Don’t lose your journal, it’s an awful feeling☹
Find a writing group, a critique partner, attend a community education class on writing and attend a conference.Staying in and writing by yourself is so much more comfortable than risking failure, but you must get out there and find supportive, like minded people. The first few times will be difficult however, I promise you, once you get out of your comfort bubble and take those steps it will build your confidence, make your writing better and you will gain some awesome friends.
Develop better writing habits its never too late to learn a new way.No matter where you are in your writing career, it’s never too late to take a step back and reevaluate your plan. Most importantly you need to keep on writing and never give up!
Happy writing, Doreen #keepmovingforward #neverquit #WritingWednesday
Have you written a book and have no idea what publishing route is best for you? Are you struggling with platform building? I am a book coach and would be happy to offer you a free ½ hour consultation. For questions or to schedule your free consultation: doreenb8@verizon.net
So what is a book coach or consultant?A book coach is knowledgeable in all things writing, publishing and marketing. The most important thing your coach can offer is to provide you with the tools you need to feel confident and motivated to create the best and most successful manuscript possible, to make the best publishing decision and to guide you in making the most effective marketing choices for you and your book. The services are affordable, and packages are available from as little as one session to sessions throughout the entire process.
Ghostwriting services also available.
email for a free consultation.
doreenb8@verizon.net
I’m Sorry September…
Our Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Welcome July!
Welcome July!
It’s another month and time for another posting of the #InsecureWritersSupportGroup. Whether you are looking for support, advice or a few hundred friends this is the place and we are your people!
You are welcome to join us!
The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG areNicki Elson, Juneta Key, Tamara Narayan, and Patricia Lynne! Be sure to stop by, say hi and thank them.
There is big #IWSG news this month!August is the Sunday of Summer and the Election…
On Wednesday’s I like to share information I picked up on my path from writing to publishing, marketing and publishing again. Information that I wish someone would have shared with me, back then.
August is the Sunday of Summer and this Year it is also the Sunday of another Election Cycle
Unselfishly Uplifting…
For the month of April I am participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. You can learn more about the challenge here:
My theme for this year’s challenge is Keep Moving Forward.
It’s hard to believe we are already up to the letter U!
Unselfishly Uplifting
Last weekend I attended a conference for midlife bloggers. #BAMC16. Imagine that, there are so many midlife women blogging that they have their own conference!
Media Kits…
Writing Wednesday
Wednesday is the day I share what I have learned on my journey from writing to publication, marketing and writing and publishing again. If you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them. If you have any tips please share them with us…
Media Kits
Once you become a published author you have no idea who may be stalking visiting your website. If a member of the media visits looking for information on you and/ or your book what will they find? Professional bloggers should have media kits too.
How to get reviews for your book…
The first Wednesday of every month I participate in The Insecure Writer’s Support Group. This is one AMAZING group of talented, beginners, and professional authors. One of the many things we all have in common is our moments of extreme insecurity about our craft. Another is our gratitude and our pay it forward attitudes when our confidence is soaring.
To find out more about the #IWSG or to join us, visit:
This month we are supposed to introduce ourselves, so here is my bio:
I am a freelance journalist, blogger, content writer, ghostwriter and an author. She works part-time as a caregiver for the elderly most of whom are in Hospice Care.
My first book, Bristol boyz Stomp is the true story of the random road rage murder of my brother, musician David Albert.
My second book, The Stranger In My Recliner will be out later this year. It is the true story of a homeless woman, Sophie, that my husband brought home one night. She stayed with us for 2+ years.
An active member of and sit on the board of The Press Club of Pa.,(w/National Press Club affiliation), the chairperson and facilitator of the Press Club Professional Development Workshop Series, a member of the Military Writers Society of America, the Nonfiction Authors Association, Lower Bucks Creative Writers, Hot Penz (a pool of authors, speakers, experts for radio and T.V. appearances,) Bucks County Speaker’s Bureau and an instructor at Delaware County Community College (Marketing, Social Media, Writing, Publishing)
I am co-owner of a marketing company, Intrepid Marketing, Inc.
I am an outspoken advocate for the elderly who are often victimized and too embarrassed to report the crime, an advocate for all victims of crime (former board member for the Network of Victims Assistance [NOVA,] Pennsylvania’s largest comprehensive victim service organization. I do my best to raise awareness of and to end the stigma surrounding mental illness, suicide and homelessness.
I live in Delaware County, Pa. just south of Philadelphia with my husband John.
We have 5 grown children (2 more in heaven) and 13 grand children (our own little cult).
My life is not ever boring.
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com
Writing Wednesday
Every Wednesday I share some of the things I have found that worked well for me and some that didn’t work so well on my journey to publication, marketing and publishing again. The sort of stuff I wish somebody would have told me back then…
Book Reviews
What is a book review, how do you get them and why is it important to you and your book?
A book review is a form of criticism based on story originality, writing style and the ‘taste’ of the reviewer. Good reviews done by reputable reviewers, immediately add credibility to your book and to you as an author.
How do you get reviews? It can be time consuming so I suggest starting with a plan. Professional reviewers are busy so it is important that they receive your request along with a galley copy at least four months prior to your release date.
Create a list of possible reviewers.
Keep track of your requests, their responses and scheduled review dates.
Why not start at the top! Every author dreams of a good review in the New York Times.
To have your book considered for review by the New York Times it must be published in the United States and it must be available for sale in general interest, brick and mortar bookstores. All publishers are welcome to send galleys for consideration but they only review a small portion of the books they receive. Before sending your request, familiarize yourself with the types of books they review. Chances of having yours accepted are slim but not impossible.
Galleys cannot be returned and they will not respond to queries regarding the status of a review being considered or not considered.
Editor The New York Times Book Review 620 Eighth Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10018
If you are sending a children’s book, please send it to the attention of the Children’s Book Editor.
[The best seller list is based on the sales at 4000 bookstores and wholesalers that serve 50,000 other retailers, gift stores, department stores, newsstands etc… that are weighted to represent all outlets nationwide.]
Amazon Reviews: research Amazon’s top reviewer list and pitch the ones that are right for your book.
Goodreads: offers a giveaway program where in exchange for a free book, the winners are encouraged to post reviews.
Book Bloggers: Do a Google search for book bloggers that review your genre. If they accept your book for review, request that they also post their review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Newspapers: most newspapers have eliminated reviews. Start with your local publications, read them and get to know which reporters write about your topic. I will share more on pitching the media in an upcoming post.
It’s also a good idea for you to read and review books.
Waiting for reviews can be uncomfortable, just more fuel for our insecurities. Good reviews are like gold but bad reviews can be devastating to our confidence.
Do you read reviews before choosing a book?
Next week: Bad Reviews
Happy writing,
Doreen