Articles Tagged with: write
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February 27, 2018
An Expert Success Story with Zoe Grams

Zoe Grams is founder and principal of ZG Communications: a marketing agency working with authors and publishing houses across North America. Catch her in person at the Book Publishing Boot Camp on March 6, where she’ll share publicity and PR advice for new authors on a panel about modern book marketing.

What was the motivation behind you launching your PR firm, ZG Communications?

Our company tagline begins “Stories change the world.” ZG launched because we believe that: stories told in powerful, savvy ways have changed our society for millennia—often for the better. We’re a team of bibliophiles and word geeks but—more than that—we believe that original ideas, clearly told, are the best method for generating positive social change. ZG’s role is to shape and share those stories.

Public relations is an often misunderstood subject. What’s a common misconception that authors have about PR?

Book PR is, in many ways, a strange part of the industry with unintuitive details and strategies. It’s understandable that there are common misconceptions about PR! One of them is that PR can happen after a book launches. It’s incredibly difficult to garner interest once your book has already been published. We recommend authors begin conversations with PR firms at least three months prior, and ideally six months prior, to their publication date.

Another misconception is that hiring a PR company guarantees you national or extensive coverage—or that you will receive reviews. With an ever-shrinking media base, coverage is hard won with a combination of honed pitches, long-standing contacts and tenacity. Media hits are never guaranteed, even with a crackerjack PR team. And reviews, especially for self-published books, are very rare. Finding the right PR team for you is even more essential as a result.

What should an author look for when choosing a PR firm?

Good question. Authors take a leap of faith with PR. A campaign requires you to believe that a stranger will not only understand your book but work hard to promote it. Above all, it’s essential to trust who you work with. Their work behind the scenes is often invisible. Choose a firm you feel good about; listen to your gut.

Other questions to consider are:

  • Has the firm worked on book PR before? This is very different than campaigns for products or shows and is a niche area.
  • Does the firm have clients who are similar to you or demonstrate an in-depth understanding of your area of expertise?
  • How will the firm bill? By the hour or with a flat price? If by the hour, what do they guarantee they will produce—or do on your behalf—within the scope proposed?
  • Can the firm provide an extensive list of testimonials from recent campaigns?

What has been your most successful PR campaign for a nonfiction title?

This is a difficult question to answer! We have been privileged to work on dozens of PR campaigns, many of them for BC or national bestsellers. We adore working with internationally bestselling authors such as Cory Doctorow and Johann Hari. We thrived working on a sold-out national tour and accompanying bestseller status for Wade Davis’ first photography book. Seeing the work of a talented young visionary celebrated with widespread national media coverage for Canada 150 Women—also a bestseller—was an honour. What’s the most successful? It depends on how you judge it: by sales, by client satisfaction, by the number of hits. For us, success is often most rewarding in the form of client feedback, excitement and success stories they share with us, whether in sales or increased profile.

You’re involved with lots of publishing organizations and authors. Can you tell us about any exciting new projects that you’re working on now?

That’s like asking me what my favourite book is! We’re thrilled to be in the midst of supporting thirty-two titles from publishers in the US and Canada this spring. It’s an exciting, busy season! Hits this week include coverage for Cait Flanders’ The Year of Less—already a bestseller in North America; 21 Things You Didn’t Know About The Indian Act by Indigenous relations trainer, Bob Joseph; Talking About Death Won’t Kill You by Kathy Kortes-Miller; and One Hundred Years of Struggle, a history of women’s suffrage in Canada. We truly feel very lucky to work with such passionate, inspired authors.

The Book Publishing Boot Camp is sponsored by LifeTree Media and Pink Velvet Couch.

Find out more about how to write, publish and market a nonfiction book that can showcase your expertise and expand your brand at the Book Publishing Boot Camp on March 6.

February 26, 2018
An Expert Success Story with Nancy Flight

Nancy Flight is Editor Emerita of Greystone Books, where she worked for 24 years, first as Editorial Director and then, from 2002 to 2017, as Associate Publisher. Catch her in person at the Book Publishing Boot Camp on March 6, where she’ll discuss what editors look for on a panel about the business of publishing.

How and when did you begin your career as an editor?

In 1972 I was hired as a receptionist at a small publishing company in San Francisco with the idea that I wanted to become an editor. About a year later, after reading and reporting on manuscripts from the slush pile and doing some proofreading, I was given my first manuscript to edit. There were no courses in editing back then, and my sole instruction from the publisher — who did know enough to give me a dictionary and a copy of The Chicago Manual of Style — was “Here, edit this.” For years I wondered if I was doing it right. But ever since that day I have been editing books.

At what stage do you typically begin working with an author, and what sort of editorial work do you do on their manuscript?

I usually begin working with an author at the proposal stage. Developing and honing a good proposal may take a great deal of time and effort. The editorial work on the manuscript itself might involve structural editing to strengthen the narrative line and to delete irrelevant or unnecessary information or ask for crucial missing information. Or it might involve heavy stylistic editing to tighten and clarify the writing. Each manuscript has its own challenges, and the kind of work to be done varies endlessly from manuscript to manuscript.

You’ve worked with a lot of authors, including some very prominent names, over the years! Among the books you’ve edited, can you tell us which was among the most rewarding, and why?

I have worked on many, many rewarding books. Almost all of them have been rewarding in some way.

What do you look for in a nonfiction book proposal?

That is a big question, but a few things are a great story or a unique take on an important issue, a compelling voice, something new or unexpected, and passion for one’s subject. Also, wonderful writing.

What common mistakes do first-time authors make when approaching publishers?

Not paying enough attention to what the market is, what is already out there and what will sell. Also, not realizing how important a good, thorough proposal is.

The Book Publishing Boot Camp is presented by LifeTree Media and Pink Velvet Couch and sponsored by Raise a Dream and Perfect Impression.

Find out more about how to write, publish and market a nonfiction book that can showcase your expertise and expand your brand at the Book Publishing Boot Camp on March 6.

February 23, 2018
Writing a Book Helped Build the Success of My Business – An Author Success Story with Vanessa Lapointe

You’ve probably heard that writing a book can help your business, but that can raise so many questions. How exactly does a book grow my business? Where would I fit in the time to write one? What is my best option for publishing?

Today’s interview is with Vanessa Lapointe, a psychologist, parenting educator and author of Discipline Without Damage. Hear author stories like Vanessa’s at the upcoming Book Publishing day long event where you’ll learn exactly what it takes to plan, write, publish and market a nonfiction book that can boost your business, showcase your expertise, and build your personal or professional brand. See the full program here.

What is your book called? Do you have more than one?

The book is called Discipline Without Damage. And I am in the process of writing my second book, with a third one also on the horizon.

Discipline without Damage

Why did you decide to write a book?

My passion and ultimate focus as a psychologist and parenting educator is to change the conversation about how we understand our children. When I meet with parents one on one in my office, I can see the shift that happens and how this can literally change a child’s world. In writing a book, I now get to have that same conversation with 15,000 people. They are parents and educators and caregivers and grandparents. So imagine how many children they represent—maybe 100,000? 200,000? And if the lives of those children are affected even in a small way for the better, mission accomplished.

You are a busy entrepreneur!  How did you fit in the time for writing a book?

I took a partial leave, got serious about some boundary setting, and carved out day-long chunks of writing time. I was also purposeful about creating a space and a schedule around all of this that was most conducive to focus and creation. I knew going in that I was not going to be the type who wrote a book across months and months. Instead, I took a deep dive in a shorter time period than most and that worked for me.

What was your business model before the book?  Has the book changed this?  If so, how?

My business mentor, Pamela Chatry, was supporting me in the establishment of my clinical team/practice and in the process helped me to see that the clinic is but one part of my bigger vision—the idea of changing the conversation around how we understand our children. As soon as I understood that, it became clear to me that my umbrella focus is one of education, including the book. Writing and launching my first book really crystallized that for me. So now I look at my business model as a much broader umbrella under which is housed multiple approaches to the overall purpose.

How has the book leveraged you and/or your business to greater success and increased its reputation?

The book provided credibility, visibility, and a bigger arena in which to actualize my purpose. I am invited to speak at events all over the world (I will be leaving shortly for a tour in Australia), I am in front of larger and broader audiences with my speaking engagements than before, and in addition to carrying on with some of my clinical work, I am also getting the opportunity to transform the book into manualized programs in various settings to really make a difference for parents and families. As well, I am invited to write for various media outlets, and interview on radio and television regularly, allowing yet another opportunity to connect with the “big people” of the world—all towards my overall purpose. And finally, my clinic is so busy that each and every one of our team is waitlisted and booked for months in advance.

What advice would you give to a business owner or professional who is sitting on the fence about writing a book?

If you want to grow yourself, grow your mind, grow your brand, then writing is a spectacular conduit. The process of creating a book allows your thoughts about your area of expertise become exceptionally clear and organized. And it positions you in a wonderful way to take your message beyond the confines of your office walls or the seats of a lecture theatre. So don’t sit on that fence. Jump off of it, knock it down, and get writing.

February 21, 2018
Writing a Book Helped Build the Success of My Business – An Author Success Story with Lindsay Sealey

You’ve probably heard that writing a book can help your business, but that can raise so many questions. How exactly does a book grow my business? Where would I fit in the time to write one? What is my best option for publishing?

Come and see Lindsay Sealey speak in person on March 6, when she will be sharing true tales and lessons learned from her author journey. Lindsay’s presentation is just one part of our upcoming Book Publishing Boot Camp, where you’ll learn exactly what it takes to plan, write, publish and market a nonfiction book that can boost your business, showcase your expertise, and build your personal or professional brand. See the full program here.

What is your book called? Do you have more than one?

My book is called Growing Strong Girls: Practical Tools to Cultivate Connection in the Preteen Years. This is my first hybrid publication as I have also self-published.

Growing Strong Girls

Why did you decide to write a book?

I decided to write this book because I felt I had so much experience with young girls who were struggling with themselves—in terms of self-esteem, confidence, and simply feeling good about themselves, and I knew I could offer struggling parents ideas and practical tools to support their daughters. I also strongly believed I could offer not only help, but hope.

You are a busy entrepreneur!  How did you fit in the time for writing a book?

I didn’t find the time; I made the time. I decided before I started writing that I knew myself well enough to know what would work for me in terms of a writing rhythm. I do not do well under time pressure so, for me, I committed to writing for 1-2 hours each day before work so that I never felt overwhelmed and I never had to write under duress. For the most part I stuck to daily writing with the exception of a few weekends closer to the completion of my book.

What was your business model before the book?  Has the book changed this?  If so, how?

My business model focuses on diversity, meaning I choose to be a one-on-one educational and personal growth specialist with girls, a consultant for parents, and a speaker at schools and community events. My business model expanded with my book because I could add author, guest blogger, and contributor to the Huffington Post and Red Tricycle and I am now speaking on the ideas in my book. Now I am even more diversified.

How has the book leveraged you and/or your business to greater success and increased its reputation?

At first I thought my book would leverage my business—as in if I have a book, I will be more known and reputable and thus, successful. I was wrong. When I completed my book, I felt different. I felt more knowledgeable, more competent, and more confident and strong. I noticed my language changed, my posture improved, and I had much more self-belief. Since I changed, as a person, my business changed and grew exponentially. Having a published book is significant and I am sure this accomplishment makes people view me as an expert, but it began with my view of myself, as someone who believes in my work with girls and the difference I am making. The success of my business followed.

What advice would you give to a business owner or professional who is sitting on the fence about writing a book?

I’d say do it now and don’t wait because you will regret not doing it. There’s never a good time to take a risk like this or begin a project that takes time and energy. You may have doubts and fears, like I did. Yet, if you shift to focusing on trust—trusting yourself that you have something important to say and trusting in the process of writing your book—all the pieces will come into place and you won’t have any regrets.

February 20, 2018
Writing a Book Helped Build the Success of My Business – An Author Success Story with Rebecca Coleman

You’ve probably heard that writing a book can help your business, but that can raise so many questions. How exactly does a book grow my business? Where would I fit in the time to write one? What is my best option for publishing?

Come and see Rebecca Coleman speak in person on March 6, when she will be sharing true tales and lessons learned from her author journey. Rebecca’s presentation is just one part of our upcoming Book Publishing Boot Camp, where you’ll learn exactly what it takes to plan, write, publish and market a nonfiction book that can boost your business, showcase your expertise, and build your personal or professional brand. See the full program here.

What is your book called? Do you have more than one?

Aquafabulous!: 100+ Egg-Free Vegan Recipes Using Aquafaba (bean water)

Aquafabulous

Why did you decide to write a book?

I’m a food blogger—it’s the ultimate dream! I actually wrote it because it was a huge challenge for me, and I like challenging myself.

You are a busy entrepreneur! How did you fit in the time for writing a book?

I wrote a large chunk of it during the summer when I normally take time off. Which, of course, meant I didn’t get to take time off…

What was your business model before the book? Has the book changed this? If so, how?

Before, I was doing the things most food bloggers do: looking for businesses to partner with to create sponsored content, mostly. Now, it’s a bit different. I have my own product to sell, and that’s cool. I now think of myself as someone who can do recipe development, and that opens up another world to me.

How has the book leveraged you and/or your business to greater success and increased its reputation?

I just think being able to list yourself as a “cookbook author” gives you a kind of legitimacy.

What advice would you give to a business owner or professional who is sitting on the fence about writing a book?

Just go for it. Honestly, I was terrified. I didn’t know if I could do it. But a friend of mine said to me, “if you don’t write it, someone else will, so it might as well be you.” Wise words. 😉

February 19, 2018
An Expert Success Story with Robert Mackwood

You’ve probably heard that writing a book can help your business, but that can raise so many questions. How exactly does a book grow my business? Where would I fit in the time to write one? What is my best option for publishing? In this blog series, we interview authors who have successfully written, published, and leveraged one (or more) books to strategically build their businesses.

Come and see Robert Mackwood speak in person on March 6, when he will be opening the vault on his publishing expertise to share insider tips on how to get signed by a literary agent. Robert’s presentation is just one part of our upcoming Book Publishing Boot Camp, where you’ll learn exactly what it takes to plan, write, publish and market a nonfiction book that can boost your business, showcase your expertise, and build your personal or professional brand. See the full program here.

Robert Mackwood is the owner and principal agent of the BC-based Seventh Avenue Literary Agency — one of Canada’s leading non-fiction agencies. Catch him in person at the Book Publishing Boot Camp on March 6, where he’ll discuss what agents look for on a panel about the business of publishing.

How and when did you begin your career as a literary agent?

I have been in book publishing for 35 years and as a literary agent for the past 20. I evolved from a broadcaster turned book publicist working for large and small publishers. Every day feels like a new challenge and adventure. As an agent, my job is to find good projects and good authors that I think might be of interest to publishers. There are no short cuts or quick solutions in the process of writing, editing, defining, marketing, and selling books. It is hard work but the rewards are endless.

What kinds of books and authors do you represent?

We only represent nonfiction projects, which makes our agency unique. And within that genre there are many categories we work well in, including business, memoir, health, some self-help, food/cooking, travel and what I call “thinking” books. We generally represent authors who have some kind of platform to help sell and position a book.

What advice can you offer a new author seeking representation for their nonfiction book?

Have realistic goals from the outset. Don’t get caught up in the success of others nor people heaping praise on you. Understand and get used to rejection. It comes at you in many forms — from agents, from publishers and from the public. Navigating this publishing process requires a thick skin. I tell many clients that publishing is a marathon, not a sprint.

The Book Publishing Boot Camp is presented by LifeTree Media and Pink Velvet Couch Productions.

Find out more about how to write, publish and market a nonfiction book that can showcase your expertise and expand your brand at the Book Publishing Boot Camp on March 6.

February 16, 2018
Writing a Book Helped Build the Success of My Business – An Author Success Story with Rachel Scott

You’ve probably heard that writing a book can help your business, but that can raise so many questions. How exactly does a book grow my business? Where would I fit in the time to write one? What is my best option for publishing?

Come and see Rachel Scott speak in person on March 6, when she will be sharing true tales and lessons learned from her author journey. Rachel’s presentation is just one part of our upcoming Book Publishing Boot Camp, where you’ll learn exactly what it takes to plan, write, publish and market a nonfiction book that can boost your business, showcase your expertise, and build your personal or professional brand. See the full program here.

What is your book called? Do you have more than one?

Head Over Heels: A Yogi’s Guide to Dating. Yes, this is my second book! The first is called Wit and Wisdom from the Yoga Mat.

Head Over Heels

Why did you decide to write a book?

I entered the dating ring, and started sharing stories with my yoga class about how much I was practicing yoga while swiping on Tinder. They loved it and really resonated with the material. After all, we can all relate to being ghosted on, being rejected or getting those first date tingles. I started to realize that there was so much to share. Blogs and reflections turned into a book.

You are a busy entrepreneur! How did you fit in the time for writing a book?

Ha ha! Not easily! It took four years. I had to really discipline myself for the last six months to get it out.

What was your business model before the book? Has the book changed this? If so, how?

Not really. The book for me is not really about the sales, but about the sharing. I put it out there and am active on social media. But I’m not really trying to make money as much as use the book as a tool for storytelling and connection.

How has the book leveraged you and/or your business to greater success and increased its reputation?

I think that a book seems to give someone a bit of legitimacy, but my work as a yoga teacher isn’t really so directly linked to the book. I hope it serves my students, that’s it.

What advice would you give to a business owner or professional who is sitting on the fence about writing a book?

Get clear about your WHY. That is what will sustain you in the dark hours. If your why speaks to your heart, then do it.

February 15, 2018
Writing a Book Helped Build the Success of My Business – An Author Success Story with Charmaine Hammond

You’ve probably heard that writing a book can help your business, but that can raise so many questions. How exactly does a book grow my business? Where would I fit in the time to write one? What is my best option for publishing?

Come and see Charmaine Hammond speak in person on March 6, when she will be presenting an in-depth, one-hour seminar on how to attract significant sponsorship support for your book project. Charmaine’s presentation is just one part of our upcoming Book Publishing Boot Camp, where you’ll learn exactly what it takes to plan, write, publish and market a nonfiction book that can boost your business, showcase your expertise, and build your personal or professional brand. See the full program here.

What is your book called? Do you have more than one?

I have several books:

Why did you decide to write a book?

I first decided to publish a story about my dog Toby in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book.  A publisher later saw my work and connected with me.  After a lengthy conversation she said “that story needs to be a book.”  Over the next few years that followed, Bettie Youngs Books then published my books, starting with On Toby’s Terms.
On Toby's Terms

You are a busy entrepreneur!  How did you fit in the time for writing a book?

Setting time aside to write was extremely important for me (or there would be no book).  I discovered that I am a much better story teller verbally and “talked my book”.  I wrote my book by using Dragon Speak software, a voice recognition program that typed the words I said.  We then cleaned it up and edited it before sending the chapters to my book editor. She immediately noticed the difference between the first few chapters (that were written by me simply typing my stories) vs the “talking my book” approach.  We decided that the whole book would be written in that way.  Talking my book worked for me.

What was your business model before the book?  Has the book changed this?  If so, how?

I have had several businesses, Hammond International Inc. has been my primary business since 1997.  I speak and train corporately on communication, conflict resolution and collaboration.  My writing became a way of sharing my knowledge with my audiences through ebooks, booklets and other small book products.

In addition,  I also co-own Raise a Dream with Rebecca Kirstein, we help authors, speakers and entrepreneurs raise their dreams, launch their books and projects through collaboration, partnership and sponsorship.  We know that writing a book is a dream for many people… and we help make that dream a reality.

How has the book leveraged you and/or your business to greater success and increased its reputation?  If so, how?

My book has helped me secure speaking engagements (in the corporate world, at schools, conferences, women’s events, service clubs and author events and conference).  It has helped me secure a different level of credibility and be recognized as an expert in new industries. Being a best selling author has also secured many media opportunities.

My book was the main way I started securing sponsorship for my books, speaking and business in general.  From having marketing, printing of banners and book marks, some of my travel, event venue and food/refreshments and more sponsored.  It’s a great way to launch a book, do a speaking/book tour, and get your message into the hands of readers around the world.

What advice would you give to a business owner or professional who is sitting on the fence about writing a book?

If this is a dream or a goal, set time aside every day, even if only 15 minutes.  Find out what way you write best (talking your book, typing your book, writing outside or inside, writing in the morning vs evening).  Keep a writing journal close by at all times… sometimes your best ideas develop at the strangest times or places.

Remember your book may be what changes someone’s life in a profound way.  Just start 🙂

Copyright Pamela Chatry 2017. All Rights Reserved