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Thread on writing, publishing, & promoting:
I’ve been writing seriously for about 5 years now. I’ve worked with 4 publishers, as well as self-published.
I’m not an expert on any of this, but I often get questions, so I figured I would try and offer some encouragement.
I’ve been writing seriously for about 5 years now. I’ve worked with 4 publishers, as well as self-published.
I’m not an expert on any of this, but I often get questions, so I figured I would try and offer some encouragement.
WRITING:
One of the best ways to become a writer is to write.
Sounds silly, but it’s totally true. It’s important to carve out time regularly to practice writing and honing ideas.
One of the best ways to become a writer is to write.
Sounds silly, but it’s totally true. It’s important to carve out time regularly to practice writing and honing ideas.
Read widely. The better books you read, the more likely you are to develop a stronger voice with better expressiveness.
Challenge yourself with your reading, but also read books in the style of how you’d like I write.
Challenge yourself with your reading, but also read books in the style of how you’d like I write.
As for writing itself, set aside time and just do it. Probably the most helpful book I’ve read on writing is called, ‘How to Write A Lot’ by Paul J. Silva.
He gives very practical steps for actually sitting down and writing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433829738/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ktl9Eb4RRNK84
He gives very practical steps for actually sitting down and writing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433829738/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ktl9Eb4RRNK84
One takeaway that changed the game for me was the concept of setting writing goals. I’m a busy guy with lots of spinning plates, so I have to be strategic.
My personal goal is to write 500 words in every sitting. When I’m able to make time, I don’t stop til 500 words.
My personal goal is to write 500 words in every sitting. When I’m able to make time, I don’t stop til 500 words.
If you’ve got big dreams of writing a book, but haven’t written so much as an article or blog post, you’ve got to start small and work your way up.
Before writing ‘Reviving New England’ (2016), I had written dozens of blog articles and had built in systems of disciplines.
Before writing ‘Reviving New England’ (2016), I had written dozens of blog articles and had built in systems of disciplines.
PUBLISHING:
Ok, I’ve probably read every article on the internet about publishing. Frankly, I’ve read so much contradictory advice, it’s hard to keep it straight.
But may I offer just a few suggestions:
Ok, I’ve probably read every article on the internet about publishing. Frankly, I’ve read so much contradictory advice, it’s hard to keep it straight.
But may I offer just a few suggestions:
1. Start small. If you don’t have a blog, create a blog and see how you do. If your writing is good, you’ll likely get invitations to write for other blogs, which can be a lot of fun.
Publishing a blog article is still essentially publishing. The result is the same.
Publishing a blog article is still essentially publishing. The result is the same.
2. Be realistic. One thing I’ve read over and over again is not to expect to make a lot of money writing.
For me, over the last few years, between what I’ve spent and what I’ve made, I’ve just about broken even. But I’m thankful for that!
For me, over the last few years, between what I’ve spent and what I’ve made, I’ve just about broken even. But I’m thankful for that!
Also, recognize that developing as a writer takes time. It’s going to be a slog. You really have to love writing.
In the end, it’s important that you love writing for what it *is* and not for what it can do for you.
In the end, it’s important that you love writing for what it *is* and not for what it can do for you.
As a Christian pastor and writer, I want to write material that will encourage believers, give instruction, and bring glory to God.
My primary audience is the church.
My primary audience is the church.
3. Self-publishing is your best friend. There are tons of great articles on how to self-publish. Starting out, this is your best option to get book-length content in print.
Furthermore, many authors actually choose self-publishing over traditional publishing.
Furthermore, many authors actually choose self-publishing over traditional publishing.
With self-publishing, you have more control over your project. And, generally speaking, your royalties are higher.
But it’s also a ton more work. However, it can be a lot of fun.
But it’s also a ton more work. However, it can be a lot of fun.
To date, I’ve worked with four publishers, and they’ve all been great. Friendly, helpful, encouraging; it’s been a great experience.
But how do you get in front of them?
There’s no surefire way, but here’s a few ideas...
But how do you get in front of them?
There’s no surefire way, but here’s a few ideas...
A. Networking. Go to conferences and workshops. Editors are looking for good content. They’re just as eager to meet you as you are to meet them.
Caution: Don’t be *that guy* though. I tend to be *that guy* and I hate it. So, I’ll caution you against it as well.
Caution: Don’t be *that guy* though. I tend to be *that guy* and I hate it. So, I’ll caution you against it as well.
But just be yourself. Be kind. Smile. Learn to pitch your book in 20 seconds. Ask for permission to send an email. Be eager, but don’t push.
Building relationships can take months or even years, but it’s worth it.
Building relationships can take months or even years, but it’s worth it.
B. Send introduction emails. Some articles discourage this, but frankly, I see nothing wrong with emailing an editor and asking, “I’ve got a book idea for __________, may I send you a proposal?”
They’ll be honest. And if they demur, ask them for guidance. You may be surprised.
They’ll be honest. And if they demur, ask them for guidance. You may be surprised.
C. Ask around. When I’ve had friends who have published, I’ve asked them for help. Pick their brain. (Again, do this with friends; not total strangers.)
Learn as much as you can.
Learn as much as you can.
When it comes to submitting a book proposal, you want to put your best foot forward.
Generally, they’ll want to see a proposal and a sample chapter or two.
Don’t send them your whole book. Just send them a little bit.
Generally, they’ll want to see a proposal and a sample chapter or two.
Don’t send them your whole book. Just send them a little bit.
When you get turned down (notice that I didn’t say “if”), don’t take it personally. I’ve been turned down about 10 times.
Keep in mind that they’re not rejecting *you* but simply passing on your idea.
Keep in mind that they’re not rejecting *you* but simply passing on your idea.
In the end, publishers want to do two things: release good content and make money.
Both of those things are admirable and necessary.
Both of those things are admirable and necessary.
And so, publishers are looking at what will be a good fit for their particular institution and mission.
Does your book fit with what they’re trying to do?
Does your book fit with what they’re trying to do?
I read somewhere that publishers look at:
1. Quality of writing
2. Need of the moment
3. Platform
And if your book meets 2 out of the 3, you could have a shot and be considered.
(That’s not a formula, just a general observation.)
1. Quality of writing
2. Need of the moment
3. Platform
And if your book meets 2 out of the 3, you could have a shot and be considered.
(That’s not a formula, just a general observation.)
PLATFORM:
Ok, so “platform” is an icky word, but everyone knows what it means, so I’ll use it.
All this means is: your audience.
Who is going to read and buy your book?
Ok, so “platform” is an icky word, but everyone knows what it means, so I’ll use it.
All this means is: your audience.
Who is going to read and buy your book?
There are lots of ways to grow your platform and reach more people.
In my limited experience, I would encourage you to stay away from social media gimmicks.
I’ve shamefully tried a few in the past and regret it. Go organic all the way!
In my limited experience, I would encourage you to stay away from social media gimmicks.
I’ve shamefully tried a few in the past and regret it. Go organic all the way!
Post good content on your timeline. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Parler, just try and add value.
If people see value in what you have to say, they’re likely to want to keep reading more from you.
If people see value in what you have to say, they’re likely to want to keep reading more from you.
As for presentation, make your social media accounts presentable.
Include a nice picture of yourself so people can see what you look like. Include helpful info. Don’t be weird.
Include a nice picture of yourself so people can see what you look like. Include helpful info. Don’t be weird.
Again, these aren’t rules, but just suggestions.
And while I’m still growing as a writer, I’m also trying to encourage other people to glorify God in their labors.
As my good friend @LandonMChapman likes to say, “A rising tide lifts all ships.”
Write well and glorify God!
And while I’m still growing as a writer, I’m also trying to encourage other people to glorify God in their labors.
As my good friend @LandonMChapman likes to say, “A rising tide lifts all ships.”
Write well and glorify God!
/End
Addendum: If other writers want to chime in below and offer advice, please feel free!
And if I’ve misstated anything, please let me know. I’m still desiring to grow.
And if I’ve misstated anything, please let me know. I’m still desiring to grow.
