Honoree Corder's Blog, page 6
September 14, 2017
Control Your Mental Real Estate
Without question, the most important element in determining one’s success is their attitude. I’ve noticed it’s really easy to have a great attitude when things are going great. What about when you’re experiencing challenges? Your potentially positive attitude comes from controlling your mental real estate: your most valuable property is that which lies between your two ears.
When you’re on top of the world, it seems as though everything goes right. This can be attributed to “like attracts like.” You may have heard the saying, “The best time to close a deal is when you’ve just closed a deal.” You’ve reached a high vibration, or have gotten in a flow state that seemingly makes things happen. The opposite also seems to be true: you lose a client, then another, then another. What you’re focusing on, you’re getting … positive or negative.
If you want to begin to, or continue to, “trend up,” here are action steps to get you started:
Remember “be, do, have.” You must be positive, then do the right things to have (get) what you want. To be enthusiastic, you must decide to be enthusiastic and fake it ’til you make it.
Shift and the world shifts with you. Decide today is going to be an awesome day. Expect it to be awesome. Sit in a field of positive expectation and wonder what great thing is going to happen next.
When something less-than-fantastic happens, you can respond or react. Choose to respond in whatever way is appropriate, then press the reset button on your attitude.
Dedicate yourself daily (hourly, if necessary) to expanding the scope of your positive attitude.
Think positive. Read positive. Listen positive. Talk positive. Affirm positive. Watch positive. Practice positive. Make yourself positive. Daily.
Tweet this:
“Thinking you can unleashes the force that allows it to happen.” ~@Honoree
Cool things to ensure your success…
Listen: Organize your life and double your success in half the time! Listen to Tall Order! for free here.
Watch: Elizabeth Gilbert’s TEDx Talk: Success, Failure and the Drive to Keep Creating
Read: 15 Habits That Could Be Hurting Your Business Relationships (Huffington Post)
Hack: 9 Ways to Say No to Negativity (Success Magazine)
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click here and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
If enjoyed this article, then join my free newsletter and you’ll get a free copy of my networking book, Business Dating: Applying Relationship Rules in Business for Ultimate Success.
If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
When you’re on top of the world, it seems as though everything goes right. This can be attributed to “like attracts like.” You may have heard the saying, “The best time to close a deal is when you’ve just closed a deal.” You’ve reached a high vibration, or have gotten in a flow state that seemingly makes things happen. The opposite also seems to be true: you lose a client, then another, then another. What you’re focusing on, you’re getting … positive or negative.
If you want to begin to, or continue to, “trend up,” here are action steps to get you started:
Remember “be, do, have.” You must be positive, then do the right things to have (get) what you want. To be enthusiastic, you must decide to be enthusiastic and fake it ’til you make it.
Shift and the world shifts with you. Decide today is going to be an awesome day. Expect it to be awesome. Sit in a field of positive expectation and wonder what great thing is going to happen next.
When something less-than-fantastic happens, you can respond or react. Choose to respond in whatever way is appropriate, then press the reset button on your attitude.
Dedicate yourself daily (hourly, if necessary) to expanding the scope of your positive attitude.
Think positive. Read positive. Listen positive. Talk positive. Affirm positive. Watch positive. Practice positive. Make yourself positive. Daily.
Tweet this:
“Thinking you can unleashes the force that allows it to happen.” ~@Honoree
Cool things to ensure your success…
Listen: Organize your life and double your success in half the time! Listen to Tall Order! for free here.
Watch: Elizabeth Gilbert’s TEDx Talk: Success, Failure and the Drive to Keep Creating
Read: 15 Habits That Could Be Hurting Your Business Relationships (Huffington Post)
Hack: 9 Ways to Say No to Negativity (Success Magazine)
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click here and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
If enjoyed this article, then join my free newsletter and you’ll get a free copy of my networking book, Business Dating: Applying Relationship Rules in Business for Ultimate Success.
If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
September 13, 2017
6 Books to Help Writers Finish the Year Strong
I love a good book. There are so many great books out there, and as writers, it’s hard to choose which ones to pick first. That’s why I created this list of 6 Books to Help Writers Finish the Year Strong! I want to help you achieve your ultimate potential as a writer, and these books will certainly send you on your way!
Without further adieu, here they are:
80/20 Sales and Marketing: The Definitive Guide to Working Less and Making More by Perry Marshall
It includes online software to help you master these practices! You can save 80% of your time and money by zeroing in on the right 20% of your market.
Identify untapped markets, incremental improvements, and high-profit opportunities.
Finding invisible profit centers in your books sounds fantastic, right? All writers would love to make more money, and this book teaches you how to market specifically for your product {ahem, book}.
Write. Publish. Repeat. By Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant and David Wright
Teaches you the concept of the funnel – something to draw people in, but leads to something else readers will want to buy.
Also includes a Call to Action teaching you about subscriptions, new book sales, and marketing in the back of your book.
This book shows how book sales are governed by business principles that haven’t changed in 50 years … and aren’t going to change anytime soon. Teaching you to frame your writing as a business, not just as an art.
How to Make a Living with Your Writing by Joanna Penn
You’ll learn how to make money off of more than 1 book, online marketing, and other income sources for writers.
Also includes a Companion Workbook so you can answer the questions in the book for yourself!
Joanna also provides great tips on self-publishing in print, ebook, and audiobook. I love that she includes an overview of how she makes a living from her writing, so you know you can too!
The 8-Minute Writing Habit: Create a Consistent Writing Habit That Works With Your Busy Lifestyle by Monica Leonelle
This book includes the 8×8 Challenge: 8 days to implement the very best shortcuts to writing more, 8 minutes at a time!
Helping writers find their “rhythm” and establish a writing habit that actually fits into your life!
The strategies mentioned in this book are specific and well-outlined. I also love that she begins the book with self-evaluation.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
This book has seriously changed my life, and Hal’s Life S.A.V.E.R.S. is a must for starting off your day on the right foot.
Teaches and leads you through the steps of creating a new habit within 30 days that becomes a part of who you are – there is also a great support group!
Hal accounts for all lifestyles and schedules in this life-altering book! He recommends taking 60 minutes, in the morning, on activities that bring peace and clarity to your life.
Become an Idea Machine by Claudia Azula Altucher
It will bring you out of your comfort zone by forcing you to come up with ideas. She suggests 10 a day!
Works your “idea muscle” and allows for more and more ideas for books. Once you master creating ideas, there’s no excuse!
Creating ideas every day is amazing for your writing! It will open up the door to new book ideas, readers, and release you from the fear of failure because you know how to create new ideas all the time.
This is only a short list of books I recommend for the end of the year. If you’d like to see all of my favorite books, you can go here.
More Good Stuff…
Your prosperity begins and ends with what you think, say, and do–or in this case what you do, read, and listen to, so try these on for size:
~Prosperous Reading: How to Use Your Book to Market Your Book by Tim Grahl
~Prosperous App: I recommend Blinkist for consuming books in 10-15 minutes (it’s my new favorite app!) .
~Prosperous Listening: The GSD Mode episode “How to Become a Successful Author” features yours truly!
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click the box below and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
Without further adieu, here they are:
80/20 Sales and Marketing: The Definitive Guide to Working Less and Making More by Perry Marshall
It includes online software to help you master these practices! You can save 80% of your time and money by zeroing in on the right 20% of your market.
Identify untapped markets, incremental improvements, and high-profit opportunities.
Finding invisible profit centers in your books sounds fantastic, right? All writers would love to make more money, and this book teaches you how to market specifically for your product {ahem, book}.
Write. Publish. Repeat. By Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant and David Wright
Teaches you the concept of the funnel – something to draw people in, but leads to something else readers will want to buy.
Also includes a Call to Action teaching you about subscriptions, new book sales, and marketing in the back of your book.
This book shows how book sales are governed by business principles that haven’t changed in 50 years … and aren’t going to change anytime soon. Teaching you to frame your writing as a business, not just as an art.
How to Make a Living with Your Writing by Joanna Penn
You’ll learn how to make money off of more than 1 book, online marketing, and other income sources for writers.
Also includes a Companion Workbook so you can answer the questions in the book for yourself!
Joanna also provides great tips on self-publishing in print, ebook, and audiobook. I love that she includes an overview of how she makes a living from her writing, so you know you can too!
The 8-Minute Writing Habit: Create a Consistent Writing Habit That Works With Your Busy Lifestyle by Monica Leonelle
This book includes the 8×8 Challenge: 8 days to implement the very best shortcuts to writing more, 8 minutes at a time!
Helping writers find their “rhythm” and establish a writing habit that actually fits into your life!
The strategies mentioned in this book are specific and well-outlined. I also love that she begins the book with self-evaluation.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
This book has seriously changed my life, and Hal’s Life S.A.V.E.R.S. is a must for starting off your day on the right foot.
Teaches and leads you through the steps of creating a new habit within 30 days that becomes a part of who you are – there is also a great support group!
Hal accounts for all lifestyles and schedules in this life-altering book! He recommends taking 60 minutes, in the morning, on activities that bring peace and clarity to your life.
Become an Idea Machine by Claudia Azula Altucher
It will bring you out of your comfort zone by forcing you to come up with ideas. She suggests 10 a day!
Works your “idea muscle” and allows for more and more ideas for books. Once you master creating ideas, there’s no excuse!
Creating ideas every day is amazing for your writing! It will open up the door to new book ideas, readers, and release you from the fear of failure because you know how to create new ideas all the time.
This is only a short list of books I recommend for the end of the year. If you’d like to see all of my favorite books, you can go here.
More Good Stuff…
Your prosperity begins and ends with what you think, say, and do–or in this case what you do, read, and listen to, so try these on for size:
~Prosperous Reading: How to Use Your Book to Market Your Book by Tim Grahl
~Prosperous App: I recommend Blinkist for consuming books in 10-15 minutes (it’s my new favorite app!) .
~Prosperous Listening: The GSD Mode episode “How to Become a Successful Author” features yours truly!
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click the box below and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
7 Books to Help Writers Finish the Year Strong
I love a good book. There are so many great books out there, and as writers, it’s hard to choose which ones to pick first. That’s why I created this list of 7 Books to Help Writers Finish the Year Strong! I want to help you achieve your ultimate potential as a writer, and these books will certainly send you on your way!
Without further adieu, here they are:
80/20 Sales and Marketing: The Definitive Guide to Working Less and Making More by Perry Marshall
It includes online software to help you master these practices! You can save 80% of your time and money by zeroing in on the right 20% of your market.
Identify untapped markets, incremental improvements, and high-profit opportunities.
Finding invisible profit centers in your books sounds fantastic, right? All writers would love to make more money, and this book teaches you how to market specifically for your product {ahem, book}.
Write. Publish. Repeat. By Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant and David Wright
Teaches you the concept of the funnel – something to draw people in, but leads to something else readers will want to buy.
Also includes a Call to Action teaching you about subscriptions, new book sales, and marketing in the back of your book.
This book shows how book sales are governed by business principles that haven’t changed in 50 years … and aren’t going to change anytime soon. Teaching you to frame your writing as a business, not just as an art.
How to Make a Living with Your Writing by Joanna Penn
You’ll learn how to make money off of more than 1 book, online marketing, and other income sources for writers.
Also includes a Companion Workbook so you can answer the questions in the book for yourself!
Joanna also provides great tips on self-publishing in print, ebook, and audiobook. I love that she includes an overview of how she makes a living from her writing, so you know you can too!
Book Launch by Chandler Bolt and James Roper
Moves you from your idea, to mind mapping so you can start writing immediately – how to mentally get into the zone of writing and just do it.
Includes a blueprint for self-publishing on Kindle, how to launch it, and top the charts in Amazon.
This book puts you in the fast lane for publishing! If you need to write and publish a book fast and market it to the right people, this is a great read for you!
The 8-Minute Writing Habit: Create a Consistent Writing Habit That Works With Your Busy Lifestyle by Monica Leonelle
This book includes the 8×8 Challenge: 8 days to implement the very best shortcuts to writing more, 8 minutes at a time!
Helping writers find their “rhythm” and establish a writing habit that actually fits into your life!
The strategies mentioned in this book are specific and well-outlined. I also love that she begins the book with self-evaluation.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
This book has seriously changed my life, and Hal’s Life S.A.V.E.R.S. is a must for starting off your day on the right foot.
Teaches and leads you through the steps of creating a new habit within 30 days that becomes a part of who you are – there is also a great support group!
Hal accounts for all lifestyles and schedules in this life-altering book! He recommends taking 60 minutes, in the morning, on activities that bring peace and clarity to your life.
Become an Idea Machine by Claudia Azula Altucher
It will bring you out of your comfort zone by forcing you to come up with ideas. She suggests 10 a day!
Works your “idea muscle” and allows for more and more ideas for books. Once you master creating ideas, there’s no excuse!
Creating ideas every day is amazing for your writing! It will open up the door to new book ideas, readers, and release you from the fear of failure because you know how to create new ideas all the time.
This is only a short list of books I recommend for the end of the year. If you’d like to see all of my favorite books, you can go here.
More Good Stuff…
Your prosperity begins and ends with what you think, say, and do–or in this case what you do, read, and listen to, so try these on for size:
~Prosperous Reading: How to Use Your Book to Market Your Book by Tim Grahl
~Prosperous App: I recommend Blinkist for consuming books in 10-15 minutes (it’s my new favorite app!) .
~Prosperous Listening: The GSD Mode episode “How to Become a Successful Author” features yours truly!
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click the box below and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
Without further adieu, here they are:
80/20 Sales and Marketing: The Definitive Guide to Working Less and Making More by Perry Marshall
It includes online software to help you master these practices! You can save 80% of your time and money by zeroing in on the right 20% of your market.
Identify untapped markets, incremental improvements, and high-profit opportunities.
Finding invisible profit centers in your books sounds fantastic, right? All writers would love to make more money, and this book teaches you how to market specifically for your product {ahem, book}.
Write. Publish. Repeat. By Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant and David Wright
Teaches you the concept of the funnel – something to draw people in, but leads to something else readers will want to buy.
Also includes a Call to Action teaching you about subscriptions, new book sales, and marketing in the back of your book.
This book shows how book sales are governed by business principles that haven’t changed in 50 years … and aren’t going to change anytime soon. Teaching you to frame your writing as a business, not just as an art.
How to Make a Living with Your Writing by Joanna Penn
You’ll learn how to make money off of more than 1 book, online marketing, and other income sources for writers.
Also includes a Companion Workbook so you can answer the questions in the book for yourself!
Joanna also provides great tips on self-publishing in print, ebook, and audiobook. I love that she includes an overview of how she makes a living from her writing, so you know you can too!
Book Launch by Chandler Bolt and James Roper
Moves you from your idea, to mind mapping so you can start writing immediately – how to mentally get into the zone of writing and just do it.
Includes a blueprint for self-publishing on Kindle, how to launch it, and top the charts in Amazon.
This book puts you in the fast lane for publishing! If you need to write and publish a book fast and market it to the right people, this is a great read for you!
The 8-Minute Writing Habit: Create a Consistent Writing Habit That Works With Your Busy Lifestyle by Monica Leonelle
This book includes the 8×8 Challenge: 8 days to implement the very best shortcuts to writing more, 8 minutes at a time!
Helping writers find their “rhythm” and establish a writing habit that actually fits into your life!
The strategies mentioned in this book are specific and well-outlined. I also love that she begins the book with self-evaluation.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
This book has seriously changed my life, and Hal’s Life S.A.V.E.R.S. is a must for starting off your day on the right foot.
Teaches and leads you through the steps of creating a new habit within 30 days that becomes a part of who you are – there is also a great support group!
Hal accounts for all lifestyles and schedules in this life-altering book! He recommends taking 60 minutes, in the morning, on activities that bring peace and clarity to your life.
Become an Idea Machine by Claudia Azula Altucher
It will bring you out of your comfort zone by forcing you to come up with ideas. She suggests 10 a day!
Works your “idea muscle” and allows for more and more ideas for books. Once you master creating ideas, there’s no excuse!
Creating ideas every day is amazing for your writing! It will open up the door to new book ideas, readers, and release you from the fear of failure because you know how to create new ideas all the time.
This is only a short list of books I recommend for the end of the year. If you’d like to see all of my favorite books, you can go here.
More Good Stuff…
Your prosperity begins and ends with what you think, say, and do–or in this case what you do, read, and listen to, so try these on for size:
~Prosperous Reading: How to Use Your Book to Market Your Book by Tim Grahl
~Prosperous App: I recommend Blinkist for consuming books in 10-15 minutes (it’s my new favorite app!) .
~Prosperous Listening: The GSD Mode episode “How to Become a Successful Author” features yours truly!
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click the box below and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
September 11, 2017
Planning Your Book Launch Party
You’ve got a book (or it’s this close), and you’re wondering how to commemorate the big occasion, make a big splash, and sell some books, right?
I’ve launched almost thirty of my own books so far, and I’ve done everything from have a huge party to, well, almost nothing.
What should you do?
For your first (perhaps only) or one of your first books, I encourage you to celebrate BIG! Publishing a book is no small accomplishment! If there was ever a time to throw a party, it’s for the launch of your book.
Planning
Set a date. Like any event you want people to attend, set a date at least six to eight weeks in advance.
Make your list and check it twice! Invite friends, family, clients, customers, neighbors, and anyone you think would enthusiastically come! Use evite.com and mailed invitations (especially custom ones with your book cover on them) are a nice touch.
Pick a place. You can hold the party at your office, in a private home (The Successful Single Mom‘s launch was in a private villa and over 1,000 people attended, including some media. It was great!), in a restaurant … the possibilities are endless.
Preparation
You need swag. You’ll want something to giveaway—a bumper sticker, postcard, bookmark, t-shirt, or baseball cap.
You need books to sell! Or at least 250 and perhaps 500 copies of your book to sell. I give every attendee a complimentary copy (but that’s just me—I’ll tell you why in a future post!
Prepare to sell in “bulk.” Put stacks of 5 and 10 books together, tie them with a bow, and offer them at a special price.
Enroll someone to help. Have your assistant, spouse, or special person help sell books. Someone needs to process payments, accept checks, and make change. Your job is to smile and sign books!
Order food, drinks, and of course cake (or cupcakes…duh!). You might have the best book in the world and a charming personality to boot, but you also need to have yummy food options. From experience, avoid only serving sweets and/or alcohol. Have crackers and cheese, something sweet, water, and non-alcoholic options.
Be ready to say a few words (emphasis on few). At some point in the program, you need to thank everyone who attended and helped you put your shindig together, talk briefly about the book and who it’s for (shamelessly steal from your book description), and offer to answer questions. Then, get back to partying like it’s 1999. Be sure to ask everyone to buy and review the book on Amazon.
The Day of the Big Event
Get everything ready well in advance. There’s no need for stress today—this is about you and celebrating your big accomplishment (and getting some buzz going). Make a list of to do items, and get help making them happen. (Remember to eat!)
Put on some fancy duds, relax, and enjoy!
Now don’t shoot the messenger, but your launch party is simply the beginning. Marketing your book lasts for the rest of your life, so settle in for the long haul. And remember to enjoy it! Being an author is great fun!
***RESOURCES***
~ How to Use Your Book to Market Your Book by Tim Grahl
~ I recommend Blinkist for consuming books in 10-15 minutes (it’s my new favorite app!) .
~ My author buddy, Brian Meeks, was on the Creative Penn last week! Check out this episode to master your Amazon Ads.
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click here and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
I’ve launched almost thirty of my own books so far, and I’ve done everything from have a huge party to, well, almost nothing.
What should you do?
For your first (perhaps only) or one of your first books, I encourage you to celebrate BIG! Publishing a book is no small accomplishment! If there was ever a time to throw a party, it’s for the launch of your book.
Planning
Set a date. Like any event you want people to attend, set a date at least six to eight weeks in advance.
Make your list and check it twice! Invite friends, family, clients, customers, neighbors, and anyone you think would enthusiastically come! Use evite.com and mailed invitations (especially custom ones with your book cover on them) are a nice touch.
Pick a place. You can hold the party at your office, in a private home (The Successful Single Mom‘s launch was in a private villa and over 1,000 people attended, including some media. It was great!), in a restaurant … the possibilities are endless.
Preparation
You need swag. You’ll want something to giveaway—a bumper sticker, postcard, bookmark, t-shirt, or baseball cap.
You need books to sell! Or at least 250 and perhaps 500 copies of your book to sell. I give every attendee a complimentary copy (but that’s just me—I’ll tell you why in a future post!
Prepare to sell in “bulk.” Put stacks of 5 and 10 books together, tie them with a bow, and offer them at a special price.
Enroll someone to help. Have your assistant, spouse, or special person help sell books. Someone needs to process payments, accept checks, and make change. Your job is to smile and sign books!
Order food, drinks, and of course cake (or cupcakes…duh!). You might have the best book in the world and a charming personality to boot, but you also need to have yummy food options. From experience, avoid only serving sweets and/or alcohol. Have crackers and cheese, something sweet, water, and non-alcoholic options.
Be ready to say a few words (emphasis on few). At some point in the program, you need to thank everyone who attended and helped you put your shindig together, talk briefly about the book and who it’s for (shamelessly steal from your book description), and offer to answer questions. Then, get back to partying like it’s 1999. Be sure to ask everyone to buy and review the book on Amazon.
The Day of the Big Event
Get everything ready well in advance. There’s no need for stress today—this is about you and celebrating your big accomplishment (and getting some buzz going). Make a list of to do items, and get help making them happen. (Remember to eat!)
Put on some fancy duds, relax, and enjoy!
Now don’t shoot the messenger, but your launch party is simply the beginning. Marketing your book lasts for the rest of your life, so settle in for the long haul. And remember to enjoy it! Being an author is great fun!
***RESOURCES***
~ How to Use Your Book to Market Your Book by Tim Grahl
~ I recommend Blinkist for consuming books in 10-15 minutes (it’s my new favorite app!) .
~ My author buddy, Brian Meeks, was on the Creative Penn last week! Check out this episode to master your Amazon Ads.
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click here and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
August 13, 2017
Book Review: The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
I constantly troll Amazon to find new books to read, as if the fifteen I have already purchased and downloaded on my Kindle and in iBooks are not enough to keep me busy for awhile.
On a search I did in the summer of 2013, I found the book The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.
I’m not sure words can do my affection and gratitude for this book justice, but I’ll do my best.
Let me first start by saying that as an executive and business coach, I’ve recommended a rock-solid morning routine to my clients for over a decade. My argument, if you will, for having a powerful a.m. routine, was housed in my belief that each person needs to be physically, emotionally and even spiritually ready for any challenges or opportunities that could come their way during the day. In other words, a person who goes where the canoe takes them can end up stranded, unprepared and dealing with dangerous white water, or find themselves barreling head-first over Niagara Falls. When you’re not “feeling it” opportunities pass you by, and challenges can literally take you off course for days, weeks, or even a lifetime.
My belief is that it’s best for all of us to face each day with more than a “Don’t talk to me before I’ve had my coffee.” In fact, the more prepared you are, the better your attitude and the higher your energy, the more likely you are to be able to not only capitalize on opportunities, but to create many more of them.
Enter The Miracle Morning. I was thrilled to have a proven, step-by-step process to recommend to my clients and friends. My previous recommendation of “find a routine that works, here are some suggestions” was quickly abandoned in favor of not just recommending, but actually buying the book, for anyone and everyone.
Little did I realize the impact the book would have on me, my closest friends and family, and my clients.
I am on a roll after doing the 30-day Miracle Morning Challenge, as outlined in the book. Today is day 1,094 of my own personal Miracle Morning challenge and while the changes are too many to list, I’ll start with these:
Increased income. By a lot. New shoes for everyone!
On a search I did in the summer of 2013, I found the book The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.
I’m not sure words can do my affection and gratitude for this book justice, but I’ll do my best.
Let me first start by saying that as an executive and business coach, I’ve recommended a rock-solid morning routine to my clients for over a decade. My argument, if you will, for having a powerful a.m. routine, was housed in my belief that each person needs to be physically, emotionally and even spiritually ready for any challenges or opportunities that could come their way during the day. In other words, a person who goes where the canoe takes them can end up stranded, unprepared and dealing with dangerous white water, or find themselves barreling head-first over Niagara Falls. When you’re not “feeling it” opportunities pass you by, and challenges can literally take you off course for days, weeks, or even a lifetime.
My belief is that it’s best for all of us to face each day with more than a “Don’t talk to me before I’ve had my coffee.” In fact, the more prepared you are, the better your attitude and the higher your energy, the more likely you are to be able to not only capitalize on opportunities, but to create many more of them.
Enter The Miracle Morning. I was thrilled to have a proven, step-by-step process to recommend to my clients and friends. My previous recommendation of “find a routine that works, here are some suggestions” was quickly abandoned in favor of not just recommending, but actually buying the book, for anyone and everyone.
Little did I realize the impact the book would have on me, my closest friends and family, and my clients.
I am on a roll after doing the 30-day Miracle Morning Challenge, as outlined in the book. Today is day 1,094 of my own personal Miracle Morning challenge and while the changes are too many to list, I’ll start with these:
Increased income. By a lot. New shoes for everyone!
August 9, 2017
Rid Yourself of Writer’s Block Once and For ALL
There’s No Room for Writer’s Block
I’m a huge fan of Kelton Reid, the bedroom-voiced host of the Writer Files Podcast . His guests are “la crème de la crème” of the writing community: big names, Pulitzer Prize winners, and bestselling authors. I’ve listened intently to almost every episode, and I learn something new almost every time. In each episode, he asks his guest the question: Do you believe in writer’s block? The majority of the time they say no.
Why, if the most successful writers don’t believe it exists is it still a thing?
Well, I believe it’s because those that have it haven’t figured out how to engineer their mindset, so they no longer do.
Here are a few things you can do to stop (or avoid) writer’s block (dare I say for good):
Install a new belief. If, up to now, you’ve believed it exists, develop a new belief it doesn’t! In its place, insert this: Every time I sit down to write, the words flow effortlessly from my fingertips. Say your new belief out loud, over and over, day in and day out, until it becomes true for you. (If you stick with it, it will!)
Create a writing rule, such as, I sit down to write, start writing, and do nothing but write until my timer goes off. No “just three minutes on Facebook” or checking for text messages, or making a snack (all snacks should be made prior to writing time anyway… :)) When it is time to write, you write. Period.
Curate an awesome playlist! I have a playlist that triggers me to write. Some writers prefer music with no lyrics; I use a combination of classical music and catchy pop tunes to jump-start my writing. You’ll want a playlist of songs that immediately trigger your best writing state the moment you turn it on.
Start doing dishes or some other abominable chore. There’s nothing like performing a chore you dislike to inspire you to sit down and write! You’ll be happy to take off your dishwashing gloves and start writing.
Do something else creative. If your writing juices aren’t flowing, perhaps they need encouragement. Paint, sculpt, draw, or color–activities that allow your mind to grow quiet will also allow it to reboot and begin to let the words flow.
Do Morning Pages. I started using the Morning Pages (in Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way ) when the book was first released about twenty-five years ago. Writing stream of consciousness cleans out the gunk and primes one’s writing pump. If writing what you “must” write isn’t coming easily, perhaps this can help. Many people swear by their morning page ritual.
Try The Nifty 15: From my book of the same title with Brian D. Meeks, committing to write just fifteen minutes a day can give you the confidence you need to write more!
If nothing else works, you can rely on the coolest, most lethal weapon to cure writer’s block I’ve ever come across: the Glass-of-Water Technique. Before bed, fill up a glass of water. Hold it up and speak an intention into the water. Example: My intent is to tap into my creative source and write brilliantly tomorrow. I choose to be in the flow of my best writing. I am resolving my writing’s issues as I sleep and dream.
Then, drink half the water and set the half-full glass on your nightstand. Go to sleep. When you wake up the next morning, immediately drink the rest of the water. Head straight to your computer and write for at least an hour with no distractions. Do it for three nights in a row, as it might take a few nights for the command to sink into your subconscious mind, where it will work on your behalf. This may seem a bit “out there,” but give it a try. I’ve suggested it to several of my business book author clients and it works every time!
There are multiple ways to avoid or eliminate writer’s block. Keep working on it until you’re able to write fearlessly and effortlessly whenever you’d like!
More Good Stuff…
Your prosperity begins and ends with what you think, say, and do–or in this case what you do, read, and listen to, so try these on for size:
~Prosperous Thinking: Prosperity for Writers is just 99cents today. Grab a copy and help me spread the word, would you kindly?
~Prosperous Marketing: My author buddy and co-author Brian D. Meeks is the hot topic right now. He’s written a terrific book, Mastering Amazon Ads and even has a thriving Facebook community. You won’t want to miss out so grab the book and join the group!
~Prosperous Listening: Ready to increase your income, productivity, happiness, and overall success? The Prosperity for Writers Audio Program addresses, and eliminates, the cultural assumption that writers must struggle. As a subscriber you get 50% off!
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click the link below and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
I’m a huge fan of Kelton Reid, the bedroom-voiced host of the Writer Files Podcast . His guests are “la crème de la crème” of the writing community: big names, Pulitzer Prize winners, and bestselling authors. I’ve listened intently to almost every episode, and I learn something new almost every time. In each episode, he asks his guest the question: Do you believe in writer’s block? The majority of the time they say no.
Why, if the most successful writers don’t believe it exists is it still a thing?
Well, I believe it’s because those that have it haven’t figured out how to engineer their mindset, so they no longer do.
Here are a few things you can do to stop (or avoid) writer’s block (dare I say for good):
Install a new belief. If, up to now, you’ve believed it exists, develop a new belief it doesn’t! In its place, insert this: Every time I sit down to write, the words flow effortlessly from my fingertips. Say your new belief out loud, over and over, day in and day out, until it becomes true for you. (If you stick with it, it will!)
Create a writing rule, such as, I sit down to write, start writing, and do nothing but write until my timer goes off. No “just three minutes on Facebook” or checking for text messages, or making a snack (all snacks should be made prior to writing time anyway… :)) When it is time to write, you write. Period.
Curate an awesome playlist! I have a playlist that triggers me to write. Some writers prefer music with no lyrics; I use a combination of classical music and catchy pop tunes to jump-start my writing. You’ll want a playlist of songs that immediately trigger your best writing state the moment you turn it on.
Start doing dishes or some other abominable chore. There’s nothing like performing a chore you dislike to inspire you to sit down and write! You’ll be happy to take off your dishwashing gloves and start writing.
Do something else creative. If your writing juices aren’t flowing, perhaps they need encouragement. Paint, sculpt, draw, or color–activities that allow your mind to grow quiet will also allow it to reboot and begin to let the words flow.
Do Morning Pages. I started using the Morning Pages (in Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way ) when the book was first released about twenty-five years ago. Writing stream of consciousness cleans out the gunk and primes one’s writing pump. If writing what you “must” write isn’t coming easily, perhaps this can help. Many people swear by their morning page ritual.
Try The Nifty 15: From my book of the same title with Brian D. Meeks, committing to write just fifteen minutes a day can give you the confidence you need to write more!
If nothing else works, you can rely on the coolest, most lethal weapon to cure writer’s block I’ve ever come across: the Glass-of-Water Technique. Before bed, fill up a glass of water. Hold it up and speak an intention into the water. Example: My intent is to tap into my creative source and write brilliantly tomorrow. I choose to be in the flow of my best writing. I am resolving my writing’s issues as I sleep and dream.
Then, drink half the water and set the half-full glass on your nightstand. Go to sleep. When you wake up the next morning, immediately drink the rest of the water. Head straight to your computer and write for at least an hour with no distractions. Do it for three nights in a row, as it might take a few nights for the command to sink into your subconscious mind, where it will work on your behalf. This may seem a bit “out there,” but give it a try. I’ve suggested it to several of my business book author clients and it works every time!
There are multiple ways to avoid or eliminate writer’s block. Keep working on it until you’re able to write fearlessly and effortlessly whenever you’d like!
More Good Stuff…
Your prosperity begins and ends with what you think, say, and do–or in this case what you do, read, and listen to, so try these on for size:
~Prosperous Thinking: Prosperity for Writers is just 99cents today. Grab a copy and help me spread the word, would you kindly?
~Prosperous Marketing: My author buddy and co-author Brian D. Meeks is the hot topic right now. He’s written a terrific book, Mastering Amazon Ads and even has a thriving Facebook community. You won’t want to miss out so grab the book and join the group!
~Prosperous Listening: Ready to increase your income, productivity, happiness, and overall success? The Prosperity for Writers Audio Program addresses, and eliminates, the cultural assumption that writers must struggle. As a subscriber you get 50% off!
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click the link below and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox yet? If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
August 6, 2017
Do You Want a Bestselling Book or a Best Earning Book?
There’s a lot of noise out there—so many folks claiming to be self-publishing experts, offering encouragement or even a way to write and publish your book in record time. And some even promise to help you become an Amazon bestseller.
It sounds like a great goal: Become an Amazon bestseller. When I’m interviewed or hired by a new client, I’m often asked, “How does someone become an Amazon bestseller?”
Answer: it isn’t hard at all.
With less than a dozen book sales in the same hour, you can crush it and become #1 in your (most likely) obscure category on Amazon. Price your book at a reasonable $6.99, and you’ve made less than $50 for all of your time, effort, and investment.
Not what you had in mind, I’m sure. Definitely not what I have in mind!
Better question: “How does someone write a best-earning book?”
Each of my books has one purpose: to reach as many readers as possible, help as many people as possible, and earn as much as possible.
With that in mind, I strategically design each book, write, edit, and publish it with the help of a highly-skilled team, all while keeping an eye on the time, money, energy, and effort I put into it. If you want a book that boosts your brand, helps you get more business, and become the go-to expert (as well as make money from now until long after you’ve left this planet), you need to observe the same publishing principals.
If you haven’t already, grab a copy of You Must Write a Book and the companion guide, and check out these blog posts:
Understanding Your Formatting Options
Do You Know How to Get Verified Reviews?
Do You Have the Keys to Building Your Reader Tribe?
Who is Your Ideal Reader?
Writer Resources for 2017
What to do BEFORE You Write Your Book
Powered By Indie
The 5 Cornerstones of a Professionally Published Book
The Story of Tall Order! {And…Why I Self-Publish and so Should You!}
***RESOURCES***
~ Marketers Weigh In: Which Live Video Platform Should You Use, and When?
~ Check out The Prosperous Writer’s Guide to FINDING READERS (with Brian D. Meeks) for more than 110 online and offline ways to find readers for your book.
~ Tips any writer can use to sell ten, hundreds, or even thousands of copies of their book at a time on The Author Hour!
~Start growing your prospective clients/readers list now (and how to do it).
Not receiving these posts in your inbox quite yet? Get everything you need to finally get your book written. Just go here .
It sounds like a great goal: Become an Amazon bestseller. When I’m interviewed or hired by a new client, I’m often asked, “How does someone become an Amazon bestseller?”
Answer: it isn’t hard at all.
With less than a dozen book sales in the same hour, you can crush it and become #1 in your (most likely) obscure category on Amazon. Price your book at a reasonable $6.99, and you’ve made less than $50 for all of your time, effort, and investment.
Not what you had in mind, I’m sure. Definitely not what I have in mind!
Better question: “How does someone write a best-earning book?”
Each of my books has one purpose: to reach as many readers as possible, help as many people as possible, and earn as much as possible.
With that in mind, I strategically design each book, write, edit, and publish it with the help of a highly-skilled team, all while keeping an eye on the time, money, energy, and effort I put into it. If you want a book that boosts your brand, helps you get more business, and become the go-to expert (as well as make money from now until long after you’ve left this planet), you need to observe the same publishing principals.
If you haven’t already, grab a copy of You Must Write a Book and the companion guide, and check out these blog posts:
Understanding Your Formatting Options
Do You Know How to Get Verified Reviews?
Do You Have the Keys to Building Your Reader Tribe?
Who is Your Ideal Reader?
Writer Resources for 2017
What to do BEFORE You Write Your Book
Powered By Indie
The 5 Cornerstones of a Professionally Published Book
The Story of Tall Order! {And…Why I Self-Publish and so Should You!}
***RESOURCES***
~ Marketers Weigh In: Which Live Video Platform Should You Use, and When?
~ Check out The Prosperous Writer’s Guide to FINDING READERS (with Brian D. Meeks) for more than 110 online and offline ways to find readers for your book.
~ Tips any writer can use to sell ten, hundreds, or even thousands of copies of their book at a time on The Author Hour!
~Start growing your prospective clients/readers list now (and how to do it).
Not receiving these posts in your inbox quite yet? Get everything you need to finally get your book written. Just go here .
July 31, 2017
Challenges, Schmallenges
What do you do in the face of a challenge? When you get bad news, or worse, you can “see” what’s coming (or think you can).
Most people I know go into the “talk-about-it” / “worry-about-it” zone. They worry about it when they’re not talking about it. Then they talk about it, which causes them to worry about it more. The Worry Zone is a potential death-trap and can not only paralyze you, it can stop progress being made on other projects or in other areas of your life.
The challenge with handling your challenges this way is that one tends to stay in that zone, versus getting “into the zone,” which I define as being “on a roll.” It is impossible to be a victor and at the same time a victim. You are either in charge of your challenge, or it’s in charge of you.
I can feel some of you saying, “Well, Honorée, you’ve never had my challenge.” Betcha $50 I have, and I’ve had bigger. Try me. While you’re having accounting cut me a check, try these:
Pay attention to what your focus rests on, what it keeps coming back to. If you have set powerful, excitement-inducing goals, and you consistently remind yourself of them, it is not possible to focus on your challenge.* These goals have got to be BHAGs: Big Hairy Audacious Goals. The kind that gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you working late into the evening. (Note to my Type-A folks: downtime, people, downtime!) Very often, the achievement of your BHAGs will mitigate or eliminate your challenge(s) altogether.
Motion creates emotion. When you sit on the couch with a 6-pack of Krispy Kremes and watch TV, you’re going to feel even worse. When you sit around a table at lunch with your colleagues and co-workers and talk about how bad it is, you’re going to feel even worse. When you hear someone’s tough story and you try to make them feel better by telling them how bad it is for you, you’re going to feel even worse.
Step 1: Stop talking about it.
Step 2: Make a list of all the things you need to do to make your BHAGs happen and get-to-movin’! When you get into motion, you create positive emotions. We are creatures that get happy when we feel like we’re making progress.
Step 3: Talk to people who are up to big things themselves. These are the people who don’t have time to talk about anything else (they might even be someone who can help you, too). Find someone who has 3 BHAGs and help them achieve them while they are helping you achieve yours.
*You will need to address your challenge, without a doubt. Pretending it’s not there will most likely cause it to get bigger (penalties & interest, anyone?). Address it, get the help you need from the right folks, and take the necessary action steps to eliminate, change or accept it. Then get back to your BHAGs as quickly as possible.
Note: Don’t marinate in your bullshit. One effective way to address your challenge is to process it ~ meaning, talk about it with someone who will stay “in solution” with you. I’m always excited when my clients call me to talk through (vs. about) a challenge. We’re quickly able to drill down the challenge to its basic essence, make an assessment for what needs to be done to solve or eliminate it (including action steps) and get them in a better frame of mind. Make sure you have someone in your corner that will listen objectively and help you to move forward in the right direction as quickly as possible.
If you are concerned you won’t survive this particular challenge, you will. Don’t believe me? Just look back over your life and make a list of all the times you had major challenges. If you’re reading this, you’re still here. You’re capable of amazing things, so go for your BHAGs and let your challenges know who’s the boss!
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click here and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Most people I know go into the “talk-about-it” / “worry-about-it” zone. They worry about it when they’re not talking about it. Then they talk about it, which causes them to worry about it more. The Worry Zone is a potential death-trap and can not only paralyze you, it can stop progress being made on other projects or in other areas of your life.
The challenge with handling your challenges this way is that one tends to stay in that zone, versus getting “into the zone,” which I define as being “on a roll.” It is impossible to be a victor and at the same time a victim. You are either in charge of your challenge, or it’s in charge of you.
I can feel some of you saying, “Well, Honorée, you’ve never had my challenge.” Betcha $50 I have, and I’ve had bigger. Try me. While you’re having accounting cut me a check, try these:
Pay attention to what your focus rests on, what it keeps coming back to. If you have set powerful, excitement-inducing goals, and you consistently remind yourself of them, it is not possible to focus on your challenge.* These goals have got to be BHAGs: Big Hairy Audacious Goals. The kind that gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you working late into the evening. (Note to my Type-A folks: downtime, people, downtime!) Very often, the achievement of your BHAGs will mitigate or eliminate your challenge(s) altogether.
Motion creates emotion. When you sit on the couch with a 6-pack of Krispy Kremes and watch TV, you’re going to feel even worse. When you sit around a table at lunch with your colleagues and co-workers and talk about how bad it is, you’re going to feel even worse. When you hear someone’s tough story and you try to make them feel better by telling them how bad it is for you, you’re going to feel even worse.
Step 1: Stop talking about it.
Step 2: Make a list of all the things you need to do to make your BHAGs happen and get-to-movin’! When you get into motion, you create positive emotions. We are creatures that get happy when we feel like we’re making progress.
Step 3: Talk to people who are up to big things themselves. These are the people who don’t have time to talk about anything else (they might even be someone who can help you, too). Find someone who has 3 BHAGs and help them achieve them while they are helping you achieve yours.
*You will need to address your challenge, without a doubt. Pretending it’s not there will most likely cause it to get bigger (penalties & interest, anyone?). Address it, get the help you need from the right folks, and take the necessary action steps to eliminate, change or accept it. Then get back to your BHAGs as quickly as possible.
Note: Don’t marinate in your bullshit. One effective way to address your challenge is to process it ~ meaning, talk about it with someone who will stay “in solution” with you. I’m always excited when my clients call me to talk through (vs. about) a challenge. We’re quickly able to drill down the challenge to its basic essence, make an assessment for what needs to be done to solve or eliminate it (including action steps) and get them in a better frame of mind. Make sure you have someone in your corner that will listen objectively and help you to move forward in the right direction as quickly as possible.
If you are concerned you won’t survive this particular challenge, you will. Don’t believe me? Just look back over your life and make a list of all the times you had major challenges. If you’re reading this, you’re still here. You’re capable of amazing things, so go for your BHAGs and let your challenges know who’s the boss!
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click here and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
If enjoyed this article, then join my free newsletter and you’ll get a free copy of my networking book, Business Dating: Applying Relationship Rules in Business for Ultimate Success.
If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here .
July 26, 2017
Editing and Proofreading Your Book
This blog was originally published on Amazon’s Author Insights Blog.
You can read it here.
One of the four cornerstones of a professionally published book is the magical combination of proper editing and a final proofread. (These other three: cover design, book description and sales copy, and interior design, also known as formatting, are covered in separate posts.) When your book has been given the careful attention of a trained editor and a meticulous look by an experienced proofreader, the reading experience can be nothing short of wonderful.
Why everyone needs a good editor
Any piece of writing left unchecked is likely to be full of little mistakes, which leads to a bumpy read. Look, you want to do everything in your power to ensure a reader reads your whole book. Wouldn’t you agree it takes quite a bit of effort on your part to find potential readers? And, you don’t want them to abandon your project because of something as simple as a misspelled word.
If you’re just getting started, part of your hesitation about publishing might be that you’re not convinced you’re a great writer quite yet. Well, I have great news for you: your editing and proofreading team can turn a not-so-fabulous first draft into something your readers will absolutely love!
While every writer gets better when they practice a consistent writing habit, keep in mind that every first draft is ugly. After writing a couple of dozen books, I still brace myself for the return of my first draft from the editor. I always say it looks like a crime scene! There are enough marks and comments to drive anyone mad. But you know what? Those marks help me to learn my writing crutches and eliminate them so I can make better choices as a writer. For example, you won’t find even one dash in this post, yet I used to overuse them all the time (in lieu of our good friend the comma). Not only will a good editor turn your initial drafts into your intended message, they will help you become a better writer.
While some writers are of the opinion they can self-edit, it is likely that many simple errors will be missed. The kiss of death to a potential client in a business book is a typo, misspelled word, or even a missing word. Rabid fiction readers are more likely to abandon your tome when they spot an extra word, a missing “s,” or a character you renamed in the middle of writing but missed correcting in every instance.
Remember that no book is perfect and, no matter how many eyes you have on it, something is bound to slip through. But engaging an editor will create as smooth a ride as possible for the reader and help you turn a one-time reader into a raving fan.
The three kinds of book editing
There are three basic types of editing: developmental, copyediting, and proofreading. A developmental or content edit helps you take your good book and make it great by ensuring you have all the necessary elements in the right order. A copyedit takes your great book and delivers the information in a smooth and clear way, sentence by sentence. The proofread turns a smooth and clear great book into one that is also error free, or as near as may be. Your book may not need each level of editing, but you’ll want to get a professional assessment to be sure. The editor can provide an estimate of timing and fees as well. Without question, it could be argued that every single book needs proofreading, at the very least.
Keep in mind that quality editors are in high demand, and you should seek to engage the editor of your choice about three months before you think you’ll be ready. The bonus of a deadline is the accountability it provides, and we all need a little help to stay on track.
Once you’ve had a round or two (or more) of edits and you’re sure you’ve got the final version, engage a separate proofreader to review it at least twice. To err is human, to proofread, divine! Your proofreader will catch any last mistakes and put the final polish on your work.
Where to find great editors and proofreaders
When choosing editors and proofreaders, I lean toward hiring freelancers who earned their chops at traditional publishers. The folks in New York have high standards, and I’ve found that there is an abundance of quality editors and proofreaders who would love to help you. Many of them consider themselves “word nerds” and truly enjoy the process of taking any project and making it great. Generally, they will have an English degree, have edited hundreds of projects (preferably in your genre), and are avid readers as well. You’ll want to make sure they work from the Chicago Manual of Style rules because they are eloquent, reader friendly, and comprehensive.
You will find great editors through word of mouth, in Facebook communities with a focus on writing (such as Prosperity for Writers Mastermind ), or even on KBoards.
It took me several books to recognize the power of a great editor and the true benefit of a proofreader. These two form a power couple that will help to ensure your writing success.
More Good Stuff…
Your prosperity begins and ends with what you think, say, and do–or in this case what you do, read, and listen to, so try these on for size:
~Prosperous Networking: Business Dating: Applying Relationship Rules in Business for Ultimate Success by yours truly
~Prosperous Marketing: Book Marketing Questions to Help You Sell More Books with Joanna Penn
~Prosperous Listening: The Author Biz Episode 118 – The Essentials for Marketing Your Books, with Chris Syme
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click the link below and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here.
You can read it here.
One of the four cornerstones of a professionally published book is the magical combination of proper editing and a final proofread. (These other three: cover design, book description and sales copy, and interior design, also known as formatting, are covered in separate posts.) When your book has been given the careful attention of a trained editor and a meticulous look by an experienced proofreader, the reading experience can be nothing short of wonderful.
Why everyone needs a good editor
Any piece of writing left unchecked is likely to be full of little mistakes, which leads to a bumpy read. Look, you want to do everything in your power to ensure a reader reads your whole book. Wouldn’t you agree it takes quite a bit of effort on your part to find potential readers? And, you don’t want them to abandon your project because of something as simple as a misspelled word.
If you’re just getting started, part of your hesitation about publishing might be that you’re not convinced you’re a great writer quite yet. Well, I have great news for you: your editing and proofreading team can turn a not-so-fabulous first draft into something your readers will absolutely love!
While every writer gets better when they practice a consistent writing habit, keep in mind that every first draft is ugly. After writing a couple of dozen books, I still brace myself for the return of my first draft from the editor. I always say it looks like a crime scene! There are enough marks and comments to drive anyone mad. But you know what? Those marks help me to learn my writing crutches and eliminate them so I can make better choices as a writer. For example, you won’t find even one dash in this post, yet I used to overuse them all the time (in lieu of our good friend the comma). Not only will a good editor turn your initial drafts into your intended message, they will help you become a better writer.
While some writers are of the opinion they can self-edit, it is likely that many simple errors will be missed. The kiss of death to a potential client in a business book is a typo, misspelled word, or even a missing word. Rabid fiction readers are more likely to abandon your tome when they spot an extra word, a missing “s,” or a character you renamed in the middle of writing but missed correcting in every instance.
Remember that no book is perfect and, no matter how many eyes you have on it, something is bound to slip through. But engaging an editor will create as smooth a ride as possible for the reader and help you turn a one-time reader into a raving fan.
The three kinds of book editing
There are three basic types of editing: developmental, copyediting, and proofreading. A developmental or content edit helps you take your good book and make it great by ensuring you have all the necessary elements in the right order. A copyedit takes your great book and delivers the information in a smooth and clear way, sentence by sentence. The proofread turns a smooth and clear great book into one that is also error free, or as near as may be. Your book may not need each level of editing, but you’ll want to get a professional assessment to be sure. The editor can provide an estimate of timing and fees as well. Without question, it could be argued that every single book needs proofreading, at the very least.
Keep in mind that quality editors are in high demand, and you should seek to engage the editor of your choice about three months before you think you’ll be ready. The bonus of a deadline is the accountability it provides, and we all need a little help to stay on track.
Once you’ve had a round or two (or more) of edits and you’re sure you’ve got the final version, engage a separate proofreader to review it at least twice. To err is human, to proofread, divine! Your proofreader will catch any last mistakes and put the final polish on your work.
Where to find great editors and proofreaders
When choosing editors and proofreaders, I lean toward hiring freelancers who earned their chops at traditional publishers. The folks in New York have high standards, and I’ve found that there is an abundance of quality editors and proofreaders who would love to help you. Many of them consider themselves “word nerds” and truly enjoy the process of taking any project and making it great. Generally, they will have an English degree, have edited hundreds of projects (preferably in your genre), and are avid readers as well. You’ll want to make sure they work from the Chicago Manual of Style rules because they are eloquent, reader friendly, and comprehensive.
You will find great editors through word of mouth, in Facebook communities with a focus on writing (such as Prosperity for Writers Mastermind ), or even on KBoards.
It took me several books to recognize the power of a great editor and the true benefit of a proofreader. These two form a power couple that will help to ensure your writing success.
More Good Stuff…
Your prosperity begins and ends with what you think, say, and do–or in this case what you do, read, and listen to, so try these on for size:
~Prosperous Networking: Business Dating: Applying Relationship Rules in Business for Ultimate Success by yours truly
~Prosperous Marketing: Book Marketing Questions to Help You Sell More Books with Joanna Penn
~Prosperous Listening: The Author Biz Episode 118 – The Essentials for Marketing Your Books, with Chris Syme
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click the link below and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
If you’d like to receive more articles about writing and making money as a writer – and how to become a prosperous, full-time writer go here.
July 24, 2017
The Three Versions of Your Book
This blog was originally published on Amazon’s Author Insights Blog.
You can read it here .
I got the nicest email from a gentleman reading my book Prosperity for Writers , and his note included this sentence:
“My thoughts were to publish through Kindle, then later the Amazon physical publishing, and then Audible.”
The initial thought might seem to be the pragmatic approach. But, I have solid reasoning behind my belief that publishing all three versions (eBook, paperback, and audiobook) on or around the same date is the most prudent and wisest business move you can make.
I know you want to make the most money possible from your book. You don’t just want to make more money, you also want to have the happiest readers possible! Make sure your readers are happy by providing your book in as many formats as you possibly can. To realize this objective, it is a good idea to publish at least the eBook and paperback versions together (as well as the audiobook version if possible).
First, I’ve learned it’s important to give your customer (in our case, your reader) what they want, the way they want it. These days, we have the option to consume content in a way that works best for us. For example, I like to read the book I use for my spiritual studies in paperback so I can highlight passages, make notes, and use sticky notes (I’m such a sucker for a sticky note). But when I’m traveling, taking multiple books simply isn’t practical. I usually buy the Kindle version of the non-fiction books I use to study.
For most other books, especially fiction, it’s Kindle only for me. And, because I spend a fair amount of time walking to keep up with my 10,000-steps-a-day goal, I also consume lots of audiobooks. From conversations I’ve had with my fellow bookworms, everyone has their preferences. People who read a lot like to transition from written to audio so they can continue the story or their learning on the go.
I know it’s tempting to just put out eBooks. In fact, I initially put out a few of the books in The Successful Single Mom series only as eBooks. Eventually I realized the read-through rate was low for those who purchased the paperback because they simply didn’t know any more books in the series existed. It didn’t take many requests for paper versions of the other books in the series before I decided to produce them. Wouldn’t you know they immediately started selling, and I was cash-flow positive on each of the paperback versions within a month for each version. Go figure!
The same is true for the audiobook versions of my book. On more than a few occasions, I’ve been told, “I’ll wait for the audiobook. When is it going to be released?” I believe audiobooks have a bright future. Audible (Amazon’s audiobook division) makes it easy for authors to find professional voice talent and have their books produced. They even offer a no-upfront-investment option. I’m selling more audiobooks month-over-month because more people are discovering Audible and listening to their books in addition to, or instead of, reading them.
Second, what you might not know is that it does not have to be significantly more time-consuming or costly to produce a paperback on top of things. While you’re having your book’s front cover designed, ask your designer to provide a full cover, too. In my experience, the full cover might only cost a bit more than the front cover (for the eBook), and they might even create a square cover for the audiobook version for a nominal cost (again, ask first!). Your book’s interior designer can provide the layout for both versions simultaneously. Editing and copywriting are standard operating procedure for producing a quality book, which means the only two additional costs will be for the full cover and layout of the print version. For only an extra couple of hundred dollars, you could exponentially increase your chance of success.
Finally, publishing your book in multiple formats will make you look professional. I mean, multiple formats mean your book publishing game is tight! Unless there’s a great reason (like the book is too short to have a spine), I now publish all three versions of my books simultaneously. Bonus: one of the coolest things you can do is hand someone a copy of your book and offer to sign it.
When it comes to self-publishing, if there’s a mistake, I’ve made it – up to and including only publishing one version of a book and then wondering “why isn’t it as successful as I thought it could be?” Do yourself and your book a favor and publish it in at least two formats.
***RESOURCES***
~ Learn how to develop your marketing mindset on The Author Biz podcast!
~ Pump up your money maker and listen to Prosperity for Writers for free with Audible’s trial plan.
~ Download the free Change Your Life! ebook with great personal development tips from a variety of authors!
~S tart growing your prospective clients/readers list now (and how to do it).
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click here and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox quite yet? Get everything you need to finally get your book written. Just go here .
You can read it here .
I got the nicest email from a gentleman reading my book Prosperity for Writers , and his note included this sentence:
“My thoughts were to publish through Kindle, then later the Amazon physical publishing, and then Audible.”
The initial thought might seem to be the pragmatic approach. But, I have solid reasoning behind my belief that publishing all three versions (eBook, paperback, and audiobook) on or around the same date is the most prudent and wisest business move you can make.
I know you want to make the most money possible from your book. You don’t just want to make more money, you also want to have the happiest readers possible! Make sure your readers are happy by providing your book in as many formats as you possibly can. To realize this objective, it is a good idea to publish at least the eBook and paperback versions together (as well as the audiobook version if possible).
First, I’ve learned it’s important to give your customer (in our case, your reader) what they want, the way they want it. These days, we have the option to consume content in a way that works best for us. For example, I like to read the book I use for my spiritual studies in paperback so I can highlight passages, make notes, and use sticky notes (I’m such a sucker for a sticky note). But when I’m traveling, taking multiple books simply isn’t practical. I usually buy the Kindle version of the non-fiction books I use to study.
For most other books, especially fiction, it’s Kindle only for me. And, because I spend a fair amount of time walking to keep up with my 10,000-steps-a-day goal, I also consume lots of audiobooks. From conversations I’ve had with my fellow bookworms, everyone has their preferences. People who read a lot like to transition from written to audio so they can continue the story or their learning on the go.
I know it’s tempting to just put out eBooks. In fact, I initially put out a few of the books in The Successful Single Mom series only as eBooks. Eventually I realized the read-through rate was low for those who purchased the paperback because they simply didn’t know any more books in the series existed. It didn’t take many requests for paper versions of the other books in the series before I decided to produce them. Wouldn’t you know they immediately started selling, and I was cash-flow positive on each of the paperback versions within a month for each version. Go figure!
The same is true for the audiobook versions of my book. On more than a few occasions, I’ve been told, “I’ll wait for the audiobook. When is it going to be released?” I believe audiobooks have a bright future. Audible (Amazon’s audiobook division) makes it easy for authors to find professional voice talent and have their books produced. They even offer a no-upfront-investment option. I’m selling more audiobooks month-over-month because more people are discovering Audible and listening to their books in addition to, or instead of, reading them.
Second, what you might not know is that it does not have to be significantly more time-consuming or costly to produce a paperback on top of things. While you’re having your book’s front cover designed, ask your designer to provide a full cover, too. In my experience, the full cover might only cost a bit more than the front cover (for the eBook), and they might even create a square cover for the audiobook version for a nominal cost (again, ask first!). Your book’s interior designer can provide the layout for both versions simultaneously. Editing and copywriting are standard operating procedure for producing a quality book, which means the only two additional costs will be for the full cover and layout of the print version. For only an extra couple of hundred dollars, you could exponentially increase your chance of success.
Finally, publishing your book in multiple formats will make you look professional. I mean, multiple formats mean your book publishing game is tight! Unless there’s a great reason (like the book is too short to have a spine), I now publish all three versions of my books simultaneously. Bonus: one of the coolest things you can do is hand someone a copy of your book and offer to sign it.
When it comes to self-publishing, if there’s a mistake, I’ve made it – up to and including only publishing one version of a book and then wondering “why isn’t it as successful as I thought it could be?” Do yourself and your book a favor and publish it in at least two formats.
***RESOURCES***
~ Learn how to develop your marketing mindset on The Author Biz podcast!
~ Pump up your money maker and listen to Prosperity for Writers for free with Audible’s trial plan.
~ Download the free Change Your Life! ebook with great personal development tips from a variety of authors!
~S tart growing your prospective clients/readers list now (and how to do it).
BookBub!
Do you like BookBub? This site is crazy awesome and notifies you when books go on sale (think 99 cents). I have an Author Page with BookBub and if you follow me there, they will send you a personal note when I have a book sale. It’s that easy! Click here and hit the “Follow Me” at the top right of my profile.
Not receiving these posts in your inbox quite yet? Get everything you need to finally get your book written. Just go here .
