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Editor's THOUGHTS
MY LEAST AND MOST PRODUCTIVE PROMO EFFORTS
In a recent interview, the interviewer asked me what was the right way writers should promote. There isn't a right way, you know. Well, I take that back. The right way is what works.
It amazes me how so many writers seek the perfect method, as recommended by somebody else, instead of enduring the trial and error necessary to identify the right method for them. Promotion options are infinite in number. In making your selections you consider your personality, comfort level, bank account, genre, mobility, online savvy, speaking ability, charisma, connections, writing voice, sense of humor, venue sizes, and technical know-how. You won't be good at all your attempts, but once you determine your strengths, the options begin to sort themselves. You learn where you shine best.
As for me? I've tried a lot of marketing ideas, yet I still feel I haven't scratched the surface. You could toot your horn by the following (most which have worked for me) and more:
In person as a speaker
On a panel at a book fair
In a booth at public events
On radio
On social networks
In magazine ads
In podcasts
On blogs
Via crowdfunding
With freelancing
In the classroom
And the list goes on...
My two least productive promo efforts are these: Appearances with multiple authors; and appearances with a big name author.
Readers attend events with only so much money in their pockets for books, especially with so many ebook deals online these days. These are die-hard readers who want autographed books and to see the author. Sweet. But if I am one of twenty authors behind tables in a room for the day, and there are 200 attendees, and each attendee decides to buy two books, you would think you'd sell twenty books.
Nope. Some authors will sell three books all day. Others will sell fifty. You fall in a pecking order, and if you have renowned writers in the mix, you'll be on the lower end of the scale. I once attended a conference with 300 attendees. At least sixty authors presented their books. I sold six books for a weekend's work because two of those authors were NY Times Bestselling authors. Some poor authors sold none.
My two most productive promo efforts are these: Solo appearances with a presentation; and certain bookstores with a relationship.
While flying solo goes against the shyness grain, they can be your most lucrative. Flying solo doesn't mean you are the only person in front of the audience, but you can insure you are the only person selling what you're selling. No competition. No other mystery authors if you are a mystery author, if you catch my meaning. The only author at a craft event.
And it never hurts to befriend a bookstore owner. I know three store owners who carry my books regularly, and one sells dozens of copies and has run out every time I've appeared to sign.
But your situation might be different. Try everything then define what meshes well with you. Not only do you want to be a unique brand with a unique voice, but you should seek a unique method of spreading the word as well. You don't turn your head unless you hear something that catches your attention, and neither will your readers. You've just got to decide what noise it takes to grab them.
-Hope Clark
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Just a hint that there's a new book coming.
It's different. It's on the coast. It's a mystery.
And you'll hear more in the upcoming weeks.
I'm excited about it! |
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WORDS OF SUCCESS
The number one thing I am earnestly attracted to is intelligence. Writers are the pinnacle of intelligence. While actors are great and awesome, writers literally create new worlds from scratch. What is sexier than that? Personally, I don't know why every person out there isn't dating a writer.
~Rachel Bloom
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The Carolina Slade Mystery Series
On Palmetto Poison. Carolina
Slade is the real deal - Southern charm, a steely determination, and a
vulnerability she'll never admit to. Slade is at her absolute best in C.
Hope Clark's Palmetto Poison so hold on for the ride! ~Lynn Chandler-Willis, best selling author and winner of the 2013 Minotaur Books/PWA Best First Private Eye Novel Competition
On Tidewater Murder: Terrific.
Smart, knowing, clever...and completely original. A taut, high-tension
page-turned--in a unique and fascinating setting. An absolute winner! ~Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity winning author
On Lowcountry Bribe: With
a story that moves so fast you are sure to get a case of literary
whiplash, LOWCOUNTRY BRIBE is almost impossible to put down. Written
with grace and ferocity, I for one can hardly wait for a second helping
of this unpredictably un-pretentious and hard-scrabble down-home gal. ~Rachel Gladstone, Dish Magazine
Purchase any of Hope's books and receive a one-year subscription to TOTAL FFW free. Send receipt to hope@fundsforwriters.com |
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Success Story
Hope!
A local bookstore in Paris, Tennessee is carrying my poetry books! They looked over them for awhile and then decided, yes. They got copies of one today and want eight copies of the other one as well. I have to get some more copies. Wow! You told me that poetry was a slow and hard sell but to keep at it since that was where my heart was. You were so right! Thanks to you and FundsforWriters. Wow!
Alma Jones
"DOING WHAT I CAN,WHILE I CAN"
featured article
Three Google Searches That Will Help You Get Paid to Write Now
By Shanon Lee
I confess, I am a Google junkie. I have built a solid reputation for knowing a lot of obscure, but helpful, information about a lot of random topics. Much of this I can attribute to an unhealthy amount of time spent searching Google to satisfy my curiosity, so I may have an unfair advantage. Yet, while reading several of the articles saturating the web right now about How To Get Your First Writing Client, I can't help but wonder, "Why are they overlooking the obvious?"
Skip sites like Freelancer.com and oDesk.com, which advertise low paying freelance writing jobs that you have to spend valuable time bidding for (and where you run the risk of being scammed). Opt out of writing on demand sites like Scripted.com that require you to go through a lengthy application process, where you must submit writing samples for approval despite having a portfolio, to compete for jobs averaging under $30. Spend less time perusing job boards and cut through the middleman by going straight to the source.
Locate client websites directly, using Google to gain an opportunity to address your application to a specific contact and have a fair chance of your response actually being read. Do so by using these 3 Google searches that will help you get paid to write now:
'Write For Us'
How many times have you followed the links from an aggregated job board, to a Craigslist ad, to an actual website link leading the advertisement on the clients website which reads: 'Write For Us'? Exactly.
'Be A Contributor'
In my experience, this search term is often helpful for leading you directly to client sites that you will not find on a job board because they have such a large following that they do not need to advertise anywhere else.
'Submission Guidelines'
Whether it is a large or small publication, you are likely to end up on this page of the clients website as a potential hire or a hired writer. Cut to the chase by using this search term to find opportunities that you would otherwise not know existed.
Do your own Google search using these exact search terms and see how many results you come up with. Narrow your search results by adding the current year and/or the type of site you are looking for (ex. health, entertainment, etc.). Vary the search terms for more search results, use the advanced search option and (if you really want to get fancy) truly learn how Google Search works. Happy Hunting!
BIO:
Shanon Lee is a contributing author for DivorcedMoms.com. She has an HR and mental health background and often writes about employment, women's issues, health and addiction. Connect with her at http://myloveforwriting.com and @mylove4writing.
competitions
NEGATIVE CAPABILITY POETRY BOOK CONTEST
http://www.negativecapabilitypress.org/contests/
$25 ENTRY FEE.
A prize of $2,000, manuscript publication, and 25 copies will go to a single winner. Deadline September 15, 2014. Submit a minimum of 75 pages to a maximum of 125 pages.
WRITER'S BLOCK POETRY CONTEST
https://writersblockaward.submittable.com/submit
$10 ENTRY FEE.
$500, plus publication in Memorious, an online literary review. Deadline October 15, 2014. Send one to three previously unpublished poems.
CREATIVE WRITING INSTITUTE SHORT STORY CONTEST
http://www.CWinst.com
NO ENTRY FEE.
First prize - $200 USD or a FREE Writing Course with a Personal Tutor, valued at $260.
Second prize - $100 USD or a Credit of $150 toward a Writing Course.
Third prize - $50 USD or a Credit of $100 toward a Writing Course.
All winners and 7 honorable mentions will be published in our 2014 Anthology, What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Deadline August 9, 2014 Midnight, EST. This is a themed contest. Word limit: between 1,000 and 2,000 words. Your story may be any genre, but this exact sentence must appear in the story: I have a list and a map. What could possibly go wrong?
PLATT FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.thelincolnforum.org/scholarship-essay-contest.php
First Prize $1,500. Second Prize $750. Third Prize $500. Topic for 2014 - "Lincoln and the Hard Hand of War." The scholarship essay contest is designed for students who are FULL TIME, undergraduate students in an AMERICAN COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY during the Spring 2014 semester. Deadline July 31, 2014. Entries must contain a minimum of 1,500 and a maximum of 5,000 words.
WRITE ON ADULT SHORT STORY WRITING CONTEST
http://library.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=705
NO ENTRY FEE.
Deadline August 11, 2014. First, second, third and honorable mention authors will receive a copy of the book. Featuring stories from the contest, published by our own Symington Press. First place $200, Second place $100, Third place $50. Limit 2,500 words.
GRANTS
NHMC TV WRITERS PROGRAM
http://www.nhmc.org/programs/writers-program/how-to-apply-to-the-nhmc-tv-writers-program/
The NHMC Television Writers Program was created in 2003 and is an intensive scriptwriters workshop to prepare and place Latinos in writing jobs for the major television networks. The program normally takes place in the Fall of each year, wrapping up before Thanksgiving. A stipend of $250 per week will be given to each participant. Southwest Airline vouchers, housing, and meals will be provided to accepted participants who hail from out of state. Deadline July 31, 2014.
GULLIVER TRAVEL RESEARCH GRANT
http://speclit.org/Grants/SLFTravelGrant.php
Deadline September 30, 2014. The Travel Grant is awarded annually to assist writers of speculative literature in the research of their fiction, poetry, drama or creative nonfiction work. At this time, the Travel Grant is not available for academic research. Currently, the Speculative Literature Foundation is offering one $800 travel grant. The grant can be used to cover airfare, lodging, and/or other travel expenses incurred during research.
WONDEROOT LOOSE CHANGE WRITER IN RESIDENCY
http://www.loosechangemagazine.org/community/writer-in-residence/
Deadline July 31, 2014. Supports talented, self-directed, emerging/mid-career literary writers in realizing their goals and visions. While a large portion of the program is dedicated to enabling writers of all literary genres to strengthen their individual practices, resident writers will also serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for novice writers who create and learn at the WonderRoot Community Arts Center. Based in Atlanta, and travel and housing costs are the responsibility of the resident writer.
LEEWAY FOUNDATION ART AND CHANGE GRANT
http://www.leeway.org/grants/art_and_change_grants/
Deadline August 1, 2014. The Art and Change Grant provides project-based grants of up to $2,500 to women and trans artists in the Delaware Valley region to fund art for social change projects.
FREELANCE MARKETS
POTRERO VIEW
http://www.potreroview.net/
San Francisco's longest-running neighborhood newspaper is looking for freelance writers to cover news stories of community interest. Pays $50 to $500 per article. Questions/ applications: editor@potreroview.net
BRIARPATCH MAGAZINE
http://briarpatchmagazine.com/submissions
Briarpatch Magazine publishes writing and artwork on a wide range of topics, including current events, grassroots activism, electoral politics, economic justice, ecology, labour, food security, gender equity, indigenous struggles, international solidarity, and other issues of political importance. We welcome queries from unpublished writers, seasoned freelancers, front-line activists, and anyone else with a story to tell and a desire to tell it compellingly. $50 - Profiles, short essays, parting shots (generally <1000 words). $100 - Feature stories, photo essays. $150 - Research-based articles and investigative reportage (generally 1,500-3,000 words).
COLLIDOR
https://collidor.submittable.com/submit
Collidor is a science fiction appzine. We seek character and relationship driven stories from the full gamut of subgenres of speculative fiction, as long as there is a scientific or technological element that reflects the existential conditions for life forms and consciousness (human or otherwise). We are unfortunately not accepting horror, pure fantasy, vampire or zombie themed stories unless they meet the above criteria. We are accepting pitches for essays, reviews, opinion pieces and editorials that would be of interest to our readers. Topics include science, technology; book, movie and game reviews; geek/fandom culture, interviews, artist profiles and event coverage. We pay $0.25 per word for the first 5,000 words, $0.20 per word for the next 5,000 and $0.10 per word up to 18,000 words. We pay $0.11 per word for serialization rights for the entire series. We pay $0.10 per word for previously published stories.
BUZZY MAG
http://buzzymag.com/submissions/
Buzzy Mag is looking for original science fiction, fantasy and horror short stories up to 10,000 words. Thriller, suspense and paranormal tales that cross into traditional speculative fiction are welcome. Buzzy accepts submissions from both authors and literary agents. Make sure you short story is acceptable for a 15-year-old to read. We DO NOT ACCEPT pornography, child subject matter, racial propaganda or fan fiction. Payment is ten cents/word.
TOR.COM
http://www.tor.com/page/submissions-guidelines
Tor.com welcomes original speculative fiction short stories and poetry. We define "speculative fiction" broadly, including SF, fantasy, horror, alternate history, and related genres. We're particularly interested in stories under 12,000 words. We pay 25 cents a word for the first 5,000 words, 15 cents a word for the next 5,000, and 10 cents a word after that.
JOBS
REPORTER POSITIONS IN OHIO
Location Port Clinton, OH
http://www.journalismnext.com/jobdetails.cfm?jid=8636
News Herald Media has an immediate opportunity for a full-time Reporter located in Port Clinton, Ohio. This position produces routine daily print and online content primarily concerning community, general and feature news.
AND
Location Coshocton, OH
http://www.journalismnext.com/jobdetails.cfm?jid=8637
This position produces routine daily print and online content primarily concerning community, general and feature news. Work must be accurate and completed according to set deadlines. This process may involve collecting basic information, interviewing individuals, writing breaking, in-depth, feature, and project stories and contributing to video reports.
STAFF WRITER
Location Springfield, VA
http://www.journalismnext.com/jobdetails.cfm?jid=8638
Federal Times seeks an experienced Staff Writer to produce stories for our print and online news outlets, with an emphasis on covering technology management and acquisition within the federal government.
publishers/agents
LLEWELLYN PUBLISHING
http://llewellyn.com/about/author_submissions.php
Llewellyn is the oldest and largest publisher specializing in books for body, mind, and spirit. We accept submissions directly from authors (including first time authors) and from literary agents. Our emphasis is on the practical: how it works, how it is done and self-help material.
ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS
http://www.orcabook.com/client/client_pages/author_guidelines.cfm
Only accepts pitches from Canadian writers. The list of books published includes: baby board books; hardcover, high-quality picture books; early chapter books in the Orca Echoes and Orca Young Readers series; novels for the reluctant reader in the Orca Currents, Orca Sports and Orca Soundings series; standalone juvenile fiction and teen novels; nonfiction; and short adult fiction and nonfiction with the Rapid Reads series under the Raven Books imprint. A number of titles are also published in French and Spanish, and our translation activities continue to grow.
SKY PONY PRESS
http://www.skyponypress.com/guidelines/
We will consider picture books, early readers, midgrade novels, novelties, and informational books for all ages. Although we are not searching for YA fiction in particular, we would consider projects that tied in with the subject areas in which we are publishing. We are mainly publishing single titles but are open to series ideas. Our parent company publishes many excellent books in the fields of ecology, independent living, farm living, wilderness living, recycling, and other green topics, and this will be a theme in our children's book line. We are also searching for books that have strong educational themes and that help inform children of the world in which they live. We are also interested in books with special needs themes, such as autism, ADHD, food allergies, and so forth.
BICK PUBLISHING HOUSE
http://www.bickpubhouse.com/
The mission of Bick Publishing House for Teens/Young Adults is to relate modern science and its ethics, communications arts, philosophy, psychology to the teenager's world, so they can make their own responsible decisions about their own lives and future. The mission of Bick Publishing House for Adults is to bring professional information to the general audience in mental illness and recovery, addictions and recovery, in the art of living with disabilities, and in wildlife rehabilitation.
SPONSORS
Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest
12th year. $3,000 in prizes will be awarded, including $1,000 for a poem in any style and $1,000 for a poem that rhymes or has a traditional style. Both published and unpublished work accepted. All entries that win cash prizes will be published on WinningWriters.com and announced in the Winning Writers Newsletter, with over 50,000 subscribers. Entry fee is $16 for 1-2 poems of any length. Deadline: September 30. Winning Writers is one of the "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2005-2013). See guidelines, past winners, and enter at www.winningwriters.com/
tompoetry
MarketingNewAuthors.com WRITERS' GROUP is open for individuals who love the written word.
Group Members receive:
=> availability to all MANA Specials regarding marketing and self-publishing plans and an additional percentage discounts
=> discounts on all publishing plans
=> input from club members, if desired
=> customized workshops
=> one-on-one consultation up to an hour (once a month)
=> every two months a newsletter for club members
=> $10 for every referral
=> free e-book
Club Fee: $49.95 for every 6 months or $80 for a year.
MANA is committed to those committed to becoming a writer!
Come join the MANA Writers' Group!
For more details, contact MANA at 734-975-0028
734-975-0028
or info@marketingnewauthors.com.
2014 Houston Writers Guild Fall Contest is open for submission!
Entry fee $35 for fiction/nonfiction. $25 for poetry.
Open to all writers, regardless of publishing status.
Winners will be announced at our annual Fall Conference.
$75 prize awarded to first place in each category.
Entering is easy. Deadline is September 1.
For more information visit http://houstonwritersguild.org/contests
Call for Entries: Writers & Poets!
Dream Quest One Poetry &
Writing Contest. Write a poem, 30 lines or fewer on any subject or
write a short story, 5 pages maximum length on any theme, single or
double-line spacing, neatly hand printed or typed.
Writing First Prize: $500, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $100
Poetry First Prize: $250, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50.
Entry fees: $5 per poem, $10 per story. Postmark deadline: July 31, 2014
How to enter, visit: http://www.dreamquestone.com
GET WEBSITES THAT ROCK, BOOK COVERS THAT SIZZLE
Shaila
Abdullah has over a decade of experience designing websites for
authors. Being an award-winning author herself, she understands the
industry, and will provide you with a content management website that
reflects your unique style, genre, and personality. Other design
services such as book covers & interiors, marketing materials, and email campaigns (newsletters, announcements, etc.) also available.
MENTION CODE FFW2014 AND GET 10% OFF (NEW CLIENTS ONLY)
EXISTING CLIENTS EARN 8% REFERRAL FEE FOR SENDING IN NEW CLIENTS
A few testimonials from happy clients:
"Thank
you for the gift of your creativity, insight, and problem-solving as I
threw you question after question. The site captures my spirit and
passion, and it honors my dream since childhood. I feel blessed to have
come across you (thanks C Hope Clark!) and will recommend you to those
who are in the market for a new site." --Lyn Fairchild Hawks, author, http://lynhawks.com/
"When
I first saw Shaila's work, I was struck by the fact that each site she
designs is not only beautiful but also perfectly reflects the
personality of the business it represents. Her suggestions, insight, and
artistic talent made the final product much better than what I'd
envisioned on my own." --Jacqueline Adams, writer, http://jacqueline-adams.com
A few client sites:
Third annual Business of Writing International Summit - August 1-2, 2014 in Louisville, KY.
Learn
how to grow your book sales and build your author platform at this
annual two day event for writers, authors and small publishers. 30+
sessions on self-publishing, small press publishing, book promotion,
marketing, eBooks, social media, and the craft of writing. Enjoy great
food; outstanding networking opportunities; meet published authors,
publishers and other industry experts; study the latest tools and
resources.
Pre-Summit Workshop on July 31, 2014: All-day Self
Publishing Workshop with Peggy DeKay, author of Self Publishing For
Virgins. This class will lead you through the process of self publishing
using CreateSpace and Microsoft Word. You can self-publish a book with
little money and limited computer skills.
Questions or to register by phone, call: Larry DeKay 502-303-7926
Fine print
Please forward the newsletter in its entirety. To reprint any editorials, contact hope@fundsforwriters.com for permission. Please do not assume that acknowledgements listed in your publication is considered a valid right to publish.
C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036 Copyright 2000-2014, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326
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