What does it take to succeed as an author?

Andrea Waltz, coauthor of the sales book Go for No, posted a video this week that offers some great perspective on what it takes to be an overnight success as an author.

I encourage you to watch it—especially if you are feeling discouraged about your book’s progress or success.

She and her coauthor, Richard Fenton, worked for four years to sell the 5,000 copies of their book that they had ordered. They believed in their book’s message—plus they were financially invested and probably wanted to recoup their money. So they kept at it. They kept reaching out. They kept speaking to audiences and sharing their sales training, knowing that it could impact people’s lives.

But as Andrea notes in the video, book sales were an ongoing struggle. As good as its message was, the book just didn’t sell.

Continue reading

How to Write Faster and Better

Sometimes an idea hits, and there’s no stopping the flow of words. Like a flood, they stream onto the screen with such clarity that your readers can see themselves in your phrases and paragraphs.  

Then there are the times when the cursor blinks back at you, mocking your indecision as you hit backspace again and again. You wish you could write faster and better. (No one has time for writer’s block!) Those moments can be incredibly frustrating. The good news is there’s something you can do to get the words flowing freely.

Continue reading

3 Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills

In an age of instant expression, you might wonder if there’s a need to improve your writing skills. Social media has proven that everyone can write with very little effort—or thought.

If, however, your goal is to make a difference in others’ lives with your words, it pays to improve your writing skills. Getting the right words in the right order with the right mix of emotion, description, and authenticity that draws readers into your work takes exceptional effort, vulnerability, and intention.

Continue reading

(In-Person) Writer’s Conferences for Professional Learning

Conferences can be a great place to learn, connect, and get inspired!

Writer’s conferences pull together experienced professionals and newbies alike for a time of learning and networking. Online conferences abound, but I much prefer learning in person and getting to meet other industry professionals face-to-face. I am involved in some online groups, but for me, nothing can beat the connection of chatting with someone in real life.

Continue reading

A Journey through Writing Competitions

Are you looking for a way to jump-start your written words? Earning recognition in a writing contest is one way to create buzz for your book or credibility for your brand. A winning entry will give you a sense of accomplishment and a needed boost of motivation for the next project on your list. It may even open some marketing doors for you. Continue reading

Indie-Publish Like a Pro — Podcast with the Wealthy Speaker Jane Atkinson

The saying used to be that “those who can’t get published, self-publish.”  With business leaders, like Seth Godin, and fiction titles, like The Shack, proving that self-publishing (aka indie-publishing) can be done well and profitably, that old saying no longer proves true. So what have you got to lose? 

With print-on-demand, anyone can publish a book these days. The trick is doing it in a way that boosts your credibility. On this episode of The Wealthy Speaker Show, speaking coach and podcast host Jane Atkinson and I talk about indie-publishing and using your book as a tool to market yourself and earn more as a speaker.

  • The advantages of indie-publishing.  3:05
  • People do judge a book by its cover.  7:10
  • The most important piece of the puzzle.  9:55
  • Write about what you know and love.  15:50
  • People judge you by your book, so make it great!  20:20
  • Secrets & writing hacks.  26:10
  • Murdering your darling.  33:40
  • When to hire a ghost writer.  36:50

Listen in! And if you have a question about indie-publishing, leave a comment below.

Are you ready to write your book? Get started today with these 7 Simple, Proven Steps.

How to Write & Publish Your First Book

Do you have a book in you? Popular polls indicate that 81% of people say they want to write a book … someday. If you are one of those people, you are clearly in good company! And if you’re a speaker, coach, expert, or leader, a book is a powerful way to build your brand and share your message. But how do you get started? And what do you do when the first draft is complete?

In this podcast interview on The Simply Marketing Show, host and marketing expert Alison Teare  and I discuss some of the most common questions new authors have about writing and publishing.

  • Do you need a publisher?
  • How do you make a start?
  • How do you make money from your book?
  • Is Amazon the best place to publish?
  • Where to write?
  • How much to write?
  • Ways to write when you’re not a natural writer?
  • The difference between traditional publishing and self (indie) publishing

Listen in and add your own question in the comments below.

Are you ready to write your book? Get started today with these 7 Simple, Proven Steps.

 

How to Tell a Great Story

Stories help bring meaning to your message. In this interview with Rory Vaden, we talke about the power of story telling–and how to do it well. We discuss the critical elements that make up a great story and the most common mistakes people make.

Interview Highlights:

• People want authenticity and connection. Stories create that connection. –@ErinKCasey

• If you’re writing, you need to have a hook–something that draws people in. –@ErinKCasey

• To be effective, you have to be relevant. –@ErinKCasey

• Tell an “I” focused story with a “you” focused message. –@Rory_Vaden

 

The Rory Vaden Show

1 2 3 … 10