Publishing

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What’s the Next Step for Your Book?

This is for you if your book is:

  • Almost finished (at least 85%)
  • Finished but not edited
  • Edited but not published
  • Published but not selling
  • Selling but not as much as you want

While in most instances, sales, marketing, and launching freak people out, when it comes to a book, all authors can think about is holding that book in their hands – and telling the world about it.

So much so that I often have Discovery Session calls with authors to talk about publishing, only to discover… the book isn’t written yet! For some reason, the idea of promoting your book sounds oh-so-fun. And authors just can’t WAIT to dive into the nitty gritty of cover design, titles, and how they’ll market the book.

Marketing Your Book IS Important

There are lots of “how to write a book” experts out there who will say it’s NEVER too early to think about marketing your book.

I disagree.

Because while I think your writing mentor should have eyes on your future marketing – so that your book doesn’t give away the farm, leave your readers with a false sense of closure, or end up feeling like a really big sales letter – you, as the author, have more important things to think about while you’re writing.

Keep Reading!

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3 Key Takeaways from the Maribel Jimenez Book Launch

Last week I did a book launch for, “The Superwoman Entrepreneur: How to Turn Your Breakdowns into Breakthroughs to Live a Life of Peace, Play, & Prosperity” by Maribel Jimenez.

When the book debuted on September 11, 2019, it started at #446. During the course of the book launch, Maribel and the other co-authors shared wisdom from the book. I have to tell you though…

It looked like we weren’t going to make it. The book was selling (because people were telling us they were buying copies) but it wasn’t a meteoric rise up the charts. And this isn’t a $0.99 Kindle eBook either – it retails for $19.99!

Then, by 6 am the morning of September 12, 2019, it was sitting at #5 in “New Releases in Women in Business.” Get the book here.

This wasn’t a magic spell and it’s not a fluke. It was the result of concentrated effort and a solid plan.

I wanted to bring you the three key takeaways from the launching process:

1. How to climb the bestseller ranks
Is the most amount of books sold in the least amount of time. As you can watch on the livestream, we didn’t really start pushing the book until well beyond the half-way point. When you’re launching, it’s important to tell people WHY they need to buy.

2. Don’t bother with a $0.99 Kindle eBook
The LAST thing you want to do is tell your precious reader that their pain and hope is worth a buck. Not to mention how a $0.99 launch grossly undervalues YOUR efforts, skills, and message. Maribel’s book is retailing at $19.99. That means that when people buy it, they’re investing in themselves AND the message. So when it arrives – they’ll read it!

3. Keep the faith!
We didn’t hit the top 100 while we were on the livestream. That’s a bummer – and I wasn’t too happy. But I know that the real power of books isn’t in the moment of launch; it’s in the long-term support it bring readers. As the book gains a following and continues to rise in popularity (including as people review it!) the message will continue to spread.

If you want to know all the ins and outs of what it takes to make it on the bestseller list—with a real book at a real price point—then join me for “Your Bestseller – Live! Market Your Message to Bestseller Status” September 19-21, 2019.

Register Here for Virtual Event.

What the event isn’t:

  • This isn’t a “Bestseller Factory” that uses sketchy techniques to hype a $0.99 eBook to “bestseller.”
  • It’s not about producing a formula book that is heavy on fluff and empty of real message.
  • It isn’t how to create a book as a sales page or a “big business card” – those don’t work and certainly don’t share your message!

Here’s to your message and to YOUR bestselling book!

Is Your Book, Your Message, Being Judged?

It’s a human, Universal truth: we want to be liked. We want to be respected. We want to be appreciated.

We don’t want to be judged.

When you’re writing, when you’re putting your precious message on to paper, it’s natural to think about the person at the other end of the message. The one who will be receiving it. The one who’ll be reading it.

And you’ll wonder…

What does that person think?

  • What does she think of the message?
  • What does she think of the writing?
  • What does she *gasp* think of me?

At some point, your brain will start to think of all the ways that unknown, unnamed, faceless, future reader will be judging you. Comparing you to… somebody. Dissecting your message. Evaluating your grammar. Eviscerating your typos or sloppy prose.

It’s a terrifying thought. To know that somebody is reading your words.

It’s often enough to keep fledgling writers from writing at all. Never mind that it’s impossible for somebody to peer over your shoulder and see your words as they’re appearing on your screen or in your notebook.

Projects stall out. Stories stay unwritten and messages unshared.

Or at the very least, you’ll write – but you won’t publish. In any way, shape, or form.

All to keep from being judged. To prevent anyone from forming an opinion about you.

Being judged is scary and unpleasant.

I’ve been judged. I’ve had bad Amazon reviews, mean emails, and negative comments left on my blogs.

I’ve had creepy comments on YouTube videos. I’ve been slandered on forums, and whispered at in person.

Here’s the thing though:

For every person who judged me… there are hundreds who just don’t care enough to form an opinion.

So what?

I don’t (often!) lose any sleep or energy around the ones who form negative opinions over the small slice of my life, my opinion, my experiences that they see.

Can it be hurtful?

Yep.

But you know what is more hurtful?

Knowing there is somebody out there for whom my words are their salve. The balm for their ego, the bandages for their bruised soul. There are people out there who need my message, need it desperately.

That’s who I write for. And they are the person—the reason—I publish my words.

My darling, your message carries the same weight, hold s the same reason, and there is your somebody out there … waiting.

If there aren’t people who are judging you yet, there will be.

But you can decide if they’re judging you based on what you do – sharing your message with the world – instead of what you don’t. Hiding your message doesn’t mean the world doesn’t need it. It only means you’re giving into the fear of judgement and letting small minds keep you silenced.

Can it be scary?

Yes.

But your message is worth it. You’re worth it. For one person, you can be the candle in the darkness. Your message matters.

It’s time to go out and be a spark for others.

It starts when you join me at “Your Bestseller – LIVE! Market Your Message to Bestseller Status” happening September 19-21 in Arizona is what you need to do. During our 3 days together, you will learn:

  • Exactly what it takes to have a best-selling book and how it will open doors to media, speaking, and more clients.
  • The steps to uncover your powerful message so you can move your readers – and change their lives.
  • How to cash in on the momentum and excitement created by your bestseller launch so you can fill your events or programs with ease.
  • How to use your book to be seen as a marketplace expert – and leverage that into opportunities you never thought were possible.
  • Why it’s never too early to think about your marketing – even before the book is written – and how to leverage that plan into your writing.
  • The differences between a best-selling book launch and any other type of online launch.

And my fellow candle in the dark, you’ll leave this event transformed. It starts with knowing what goes in your book (and what doesn’t) so your message can reach the masses. And you’ll also walk away with a customized marketing plan for YOUR book.

But you’ve got to get your hustle on. Spaces are filling quickly.

Reserve Your Seat.

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You’ve Written the Book… What Comes Next?

I’d like to think that I know a thing or two about allowing the “unknowns” in life take over and derail my plans…

For example, when I first started writing books of my own, I would get 80-90% of the way through the draft and then just…

Stop.

Why?

Because I didn’t know what would come next. I didn’t know what editing and layout and cover design and publishing and royalties looked like.

Let’s be real:

If you never finish writing your book, you never have to figure out publishing.

If you never finish writing your book, you never have to figure out layout.

If you never finish writing your book, you never have to figure out launching.

If you never finish writing your book, you never have to figure out how to make sure your book is reaching the people you wanted it to reach.

On some level, you can FEEL all those unknowns piling up. Maybe you fall down the Google rabbit hole, looking for answers. Or maybe you just stop. And let your dream quietly die.

I know that this feels like. It happened to me when I was pregnant. I couldn’t imagine what life (and business and writing) with a baby looked like. So a lot of my life just… stopped. I get it that nobody has a crystal ball, but I just couldn’t wrap my head around how life would be the same and how it would change.

I didn’t even know where to begin. So I stayed stuck. Playing small. Being miserable (and broke) and then feeling bad about myself and my lack of “progress.”

This is a classic definition of Unknowns Inducing Overwhelm or UIO.

Keep Reading!

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Should You Have a $0.99 Kindle eBook?

Do you need a $0.Let’s talk about the value of a dollar – and how to price a Kindle eBook.

By the way, in the video I’m going head-on to the $0.99 Kindle eBooks – and this is something you don’t want to miss. The video is


If you want to touch people with your book, then you need to shelve the excuses (seriously, I’ve heard them ALL) and register to join me join me at “Your Bestseller – LIVE! Market Your Message to Bestseller Status” happening September 19-21, 2019.

Because, my fellow author, it’s time to craft your message to change the world – and deliver it through a vehicle that has the potential to move beyond you, to have a life of its own, to create a movement out of your message.

It’s time for your message to be heard.

It’s time for your book.

It’s time for your best-selling book.

During this one-of-a-kind, interactive 3-day live event you will learn:

  • Exactly what it takes to have a best-selling book and how it will open doors to media, speaking, and more clients.
  • The steps to uncover your powerful message so you can move your readers – and change their lives.
  • How to cash in on the momentum and excitement created by your bestseller launch so you can fill your events or programs with ease.
  • How to use your book to be seen as a marketplace expert – and leverage that into opportunities you never thought were possible.
  • Why it’s never too early to think about your marketing – even before the book is written – and how to leverage that plan into your writing.
  • The differences between a best-selling book launch and any other type of online launch.

Reserve Your Seat.

Here’s the transcript of the video so you can be sure to understand what I’m conveying to you.

Today I want to talk to you about this dollar because this is a very important dollar. My mom gave my son this dollar and he has been dragging it around for several days now. It’s even been through the washing machine. My son’s almost two. To a two-year-old, money is exciting and important. He doesn’t really understand what it means. He doesn’t understand the value of a dollar.

But you do… Right?

So how does this relate to your book?

You’ve worked hard on your book, you’ve written a lot, and you are somewhere in the place between publishing and launching. That’s an exciting place to be.

How much is your book worth?
What’s the value of your book?

Is it a buck?

Because when you sell your book as a 99 cent Kindle eBook, you’re not just telling your reader, “Hey reader, my book’s worth is a buck.” Keep Reading!

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Making Sure I’m Helping YOU

I’ve had an eye-opening experience over the last week. I sent out a survey to about 400 people, writers, asking them where they’re at in the process. I’d expected it to come back that the majority of them are somewhere between idea and writing.

That would make sense; I’ve been targeting MY efforts toward that group of authors for a very long time.

What surprised me what how many of the responses (almost 50%) were in the later phases of getting a book out. Or even had already published their book and now needed a launch plan.

Wow.

Made me realize that it’s been far too long since I stopped and took stock of who my people had become. Because I know full and well that SOME of these subscribers did come to my tribe while they were writing and have since moved into the latter phases. Yay! Go Authors!

Which brings me to my go-forward plan.

The impetus behind the survey was exactly this: to figure out who you are so I can serve you better. Meet your needs so you can get your message to your readers.

Authors are settling into two “buckets” – those who are in the idea and writing phase and those who are in the editing/publishing and launching phase.

If you haven’t taken the survey, you can do it here.

So let’s talk about these two paths because I’ve got some new plans and ideas coming up so you’re fully supported!

Keep Reading!

Are Your Book Bonuses on Target (for your reader)?

Bonuses are yummy! Last weekend I was at a 3-day live event where one presenter made a $197 offer to attend another event later in the summer and the bonuses was a course valued at $2K. Score!

I felt like I was getting a STEAL for my $200. Yummy.

And as an online business owner, I’ve been trained to make sure I’m including the “sweetener” of a bonus.

Yes, bonuses matter to me! That little extra that makes you REALLY feel like you’re getting a huge bang for your buck. The thought is that you’ll come for the meat of the topic (main offering) but stay for the potatoes, salad, and dessert (bonuses).

After all, when you buy a program for $997 and ALSO receive $2,000 worth of related bonuses, you really feel like you got a lot of bang for your buck, right? The thought is that you’ll come for the meat of the topic (main offering) but stay for the potatoes, salad, and dessert (bonuses).

Books are the same, right?

Nope!

The same rule of bonuses just doesn’t hold true for launching your book, though. That “extra” that you’re offering as a bonus with your book can backfire in a big, big way.

I client asked my opinion on adding additional content into her book. She’s in health coaching so she wanted to go beyond the recipes to include additional chapters with resources, tips, and a “plan” to follow.

I suggested against it.

In fact, I MOSTLY suggest against adding a ton of bonuses to the book. Read on.

In the book world, this “add in a ton of “value” with bonuses” approach often backfires.

Your reader purchased your book for a very specific reason; they were looking for a very specific solution. Offering them more than what they came for usually doesn’t scream “BONUS INFO! This author really knows her stuff!”

It says:
Keep Reading!

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