Allison Knight's Blog, page 21

From now on until...

What does a writer write about when they are told they are going to die?
Not some time in the distant future - but a lot sooner than they expected?

Well, I don't know about most writers, but this one is going to blog
about the experience. Being told you have inoperable cancer is an
eye-opener.

Sounds ghoulish, maybe, but since I seem to have a very good
attitude  (which may change!) I thought perhaps I could help
someone who is facing the same or a similar situation.

So, if you have no interest in what's goes on in the mind of
someone preparing for death, then don't bother with this blog.
However, if you know someone struggling with the same
questions I am, then they might want to follow me on this
new journey.

It is that. Exciting in a way, but also terrifying, because any new
experience is in itself terrifying. But, I'm stubborn enough, and
maybe dumb enough, to think of it as just that a new experience.

I remember when I decided to write a book. I knew I could do it.
I just had to start. And I did.

Okay, I'm dying, but this is that new experience, I know I can do
it. After all everyone has to go through this. You don't have a
choice. All we have to do it.

So, for as long as I can, each day, I'll blog about what's going
through my mind on this new journey. It should be an interesting trip.

Allison

Things I like about the south

Health problems have kept me away for a bit, but I'm trying to
get back in the swing of things. I may be going in a different
direction with this blog in another month of two, but I'll trying
to keep this updated.

In the meantime, I've decided to comment about my new home state.
We moved south about fifteen years ago, when we retired. Before that
as a child and then as a married woman, I either visited or lived in all
but three of our United States. I've been to the Caribbean but never to
Europe or the far East but at least I can compare the people and the
states in the US.

So here are some comparisons. Many who live in other states may
disagree, but I can't be too wrong because we have transplants coming
south constantly.

First, we only have two seasons here in the south. Football season and
the rest of the year. If you don't like football the south is not for you.
However, I love football, especially college football. And, yes, I do
cheer for Alabama which has a lot of work to do! The football team
of course!

Second, we don't have ice or snow often. Maybe once in twenty or
thirty years, and then not much. Having experienced lots of snow
and ice, I consider this a blessing.

Third, the people here in the south are very friendly. Okay, yes I did
live in New York. and no, I'm sorry but people aren't very friendly. I
also  lived in Michigan, the Detroit area, and they aren't very friendly
either. Neighborly, okay, but the grocery, the state offices, the retail
stores -  not very friendly. Here in the south people greet you even
if they don't know you from Adam, and you smile and greet them back.

Fourth, the people in the south have some unusual driving techniques
I've never encountered before. If the person driving in front of you
signals a left turn, they may not be turning at all.  It may be the car
in front of them or the car in front of the car in front of your car.
And, if the car in front of you pulls over to the side of the road and
you don't hear a siren or see flashing lights, you better pull over too,
because a funeral is approaching from the opposite direction, even
if you have no idea whose funeral it is.

Fifth, here in the south, on Sunday morning most people go to
church. And after church, they go out to eat. Chances are you will
wait for a table if you decide to join the crowd. But it's so nice to
see everyone dressed to the nines!

And last but not least, the weather is remarkable. It can be raining
cats and dogs in the front of the house and dry as a bone in the back
of the house. Despite the rain we have sunshine, lots and lots of
sunshine and when the mood hits, the beaches of white sand are
not far away.

Can you tell I love my new home?

Allison
Check www.AllisonKnight.com for
excerpts for my two new books, a
contemporary, Betrayed Bride, and a
regency time period historical, Lynbrook's Lady,
both available from www.ChampagneBooks.com

Still trying to decide

I haven't decided what I'll post about in the near future. I'm working hard on Lovesong and trying to visit the blogging sites I promised to post with. I think it's time I opened the blog to some of my writing friends. I'll decide in the next day of two what we will do for the next go-round. I'm thinking in terms of asking why these authors have shown to write a certain genre.

Now that ought to prove interesting. Let's go with that. Look for this new series starting in July.
Since July tends to be hot and humid for most of the Northern Hemisphere I think I'll start with the hot end of the scale and ask why people want to write hot (Or way they selected to try that genre)

Stop By July 1, for the first adventure in writing Hot. (which is something I don't do)

Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
Betrayed Bride, a contemporary Romance available from www.ChampagneBooks.com
Lynbrook's Lady, a Historical Romance coming in August from www.ChampagneBooks.com

Monday's Helpful Hints - a wrap up

Today I intend to summarize the last several weeks, so this should be short and simple. I can hear some of you saying, "Oh, yeh! The other blogs were supposed to be short."

No, this will be short.

My best advice is always take what you hear and apply it to you, to the house your are trying to sell to, to the genre you write. Don't take my word for gospel. It may not fit your situation.

There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of sites on the Internet that detail any of the subjects I've covered here, so with a little searching through "Google" or "Bing" you can read many other opinions about what to do and how to do it. I've tried to approach these blogs with what I've learned over the years. However, remember, my genre, my own style, the houses I write for, and the more I learned have always determined what I'm doing and how I do it. So, do your research.

It's your career, they are your books, not someone else's work. What works for you might not work for another author. It's determine by your time, money, personality and talent.

So happy writing and researching.

Now I have to decide what I'll blog about for the next month or two.

See Ya!

Allison Knight
www.AllisonKnight.com
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch
"Betrayed Bride" available from www.ChampagneBooks.com
"Lynbrook's Lady" coming in August from www.ChampagneBooks.com

Monday's Helpful Hints - Press kits.

Late again. Sorry about this.

Okay, what is a press kit. It's something to give to the press, make available through your web site, send to your publisher, provide to a speaker's group. There are any number of reasons why you should have a press kit available. So what should it include and basically - why?

Yes, I have a press Kit, and yes, I prepared it myself. You can do it yourself, or you can pay to have it done. I don't have the kind of money available to spend on things like a kit when I can do it myself. So what did I use and how did I assemble this advertising medium, because that it what it is. This summarizes your writing career - in detail.

Fist, I started with a clear plastic binder to hold the information. You can get these at any office supply store. Next I printed a copy of the book cover I was presently promoting in good glossy photo paper. Also with everything I printed I used good 24 lb paper. Think of it as a resume for an important job.

I printed a bio, and this was extensive. But it was only about my writing experiences and career, starting with the education classes I took to learn to write fiction. Since I didn't teach English I didn't bother with a description of my teaching experience. Only that I taught high school and recently retired.

I did detail the books I had published, the kind of genre I wrote, and awards I'd received. Next, I included a recently professional photograph of me, a book mark, a list of my published works, a short description of any speaking engagements or appearances I planned, offices held that involved my writing career.

Some authors include a disk of their ebook, or a copy of their print book, but unless the organization you are submitting to, is reviewing books, or is interested in you genre, it might be a waste. That's for you to decide.

Last but not least, I include my online connections, URL's, publisher's URL, and personal contact information.

The object is to look professional, sell yourself and your career. Do you really need a press kit? It's another of those things you have decide for yourself. I decided years ago, I needed one.

I'd love to see what those of you who have press kits would be willing to share.

Allison       
www.AllisonKnight.com
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch
Betrayed Bride available from Champagne Books
Lynbrook's Lady available in August from Champagne Books

Monday's Helpful Hints - What didn't work - for me.

There are several things I did, as far as I know, (note the caveat here) had little effect on my marketing of my books. I also had a good friend who was a military analyst who agrees with my own results.

It doesn't seem that much benefit is gained from online advertising. It's way down on the list of things that work. I'm not certain about paid advertising in print medium because I've seldom had the money to be able to buy an expensive spread in a retail spot. So I'd have to say - for me at least - paid advertising was a waste of my money.

Also, today, many of the loops devoted to romances, which I write, are full of other authors promoting their books. So, for as much time as I spend on those loops, I doubt I gain much help in selling my own books.

Giving away books also doesn't do a lot either. I have to buy my print books and except for the few copies I get when the book is released in digital form, I must buy the digital book from my publisher if I want to continue to gift the ebook to others. Contests stir up some interest, but giving away a lot of books doesn't seem to aid in my actual sales numbers.

The three best things I do, is first word of mouth. It's been reported that your name has to register at least seven times, before people will begin to recognize you. So, if that premise is true, then you have to have someone talk about you at least seven times before you'll be remembered, they'll have to see your name in print at least seven times before they get it. So, word of mouth is the most important and seeing your name in print is next. That means blogging for others and well as at least one blog for you, tweeting and facebook, and the other forms of internet media.

The third thing I've found that helps is always carrying a bunch of bookmarks (mine are business cards and I'll explain why in a minute). I pass these out to anyone I see reading, in a restaurant, doctor's office, where ever. Of course, I will also pass them out to people I see reading from a digital device like a kindle. I usually ask what they are reading and if it's history, romance, or most forms of fiction, I'll pass out a card or two. I also keep my doctor's office supplied, hand them out at the hospital when I go for blood tests, at the beauty salon, and I add them to almost all of the mail that leaves the house.

Now, why do I use business cards as opposed to regular bookmarks? First, I can make them myself and print as many or as few as I want or print them as I need them. I can print both sides, and let face it, today not everyone uses a bookmark, but people do keep business cards. The stock available is excellent, not horrendously expensive and with the new printers, you can produce a reasonably good product. I put the latest cover of my book on one side and my back list and buy info on the reverse. I'm definitely looking into using a small QR code on my next card.  Don't know what that is? Look it up and you'll notice it's now frequently on all kinds of products.

Okay, I'm a little long again, but there is much to share. I'll wait until next Monday to get into the press kit. So, see you then.

Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch
Betrayed Bride available from Champagne Books
Lynbrook's Lady coming in August from Champagne Books

Monday's Helpful Hints - What you must do

Okay, there is only one thing you must do. Whether you are self-published, traditionally published, or indie pubslished, you must have a web presence. And, that is the trick. How you establish a web presence is up to you.

I would recommend a web page, be it through a blog, or a traditional web page, you need some way for people to see your name and your books.

I have a web page. If you are reading this, then you know I have a blog. I also blog for other people on their web sites or blogs. I tried to visit some of the reader loops that are on line as well, but not as much as I probably should.

So you have to decide how you are going to make yourself known on the web. And, yes, I know not everyone has a computer, but the number is decreasing dailey, and most readers do check the online book sites to see what books are available, if they are reviewed, or if there are any comments about those books.

So your marketing plan must include some information about how you are going to promote yourself on the web. It's also a good idea to decide, at least for yourself, how often you intend to visit your web page, blog, or the loops on which you want to promote your books.

Today social media is the big buzz. Your marketing plan needs to detail if you intend to promote on one or more of those sites. I'm talking about facebook, google +, pinterest, twitter, to name a few.

Then there is the paper market. Are you going to make bookmarks to pass out and where are you going to give them out? How much money are you going to spend? Paper products cost money, whether you make them yourself, or have them made for you. What you plan to use becomes part of the marketing plan.

Remember, a marketing plan is how you plan to sell your book and most publishers want some idea of just how you are going to go about it. Let's face it. Unless you are a seven day wonder, the next best thing to Nora Roberts, or Steven King, you are going to have to promote yourself.

Next Monday, I'll cover some of what I tried that didn't work for me and if I don't run out of space, what a press kit should look like and whether you need one or not.  See you then.

Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch
Betrayed Bride available from Champagne Books
Lynbrook's Lady coming in August from Champagne Books

Monday's Helpful Hints - Marketing

Okay, today is about hints about what I've learned.

First, I learned, years ago, when my books where being published by NY, that unless you were one of the BIG authors, your publishing company was not going to spend any bucks on you, to tell the world you have a book available. You had to do it yourself. Of course, I didn't know that. At the time, I was teaching in a conservative, rural high school, and didn't feel comfortable advertising the fact that I was writing steamy (well at the time it was considered steamy) romances. I could just hear some of the parents having fits. So, I selected a pen name and kept my mouth shut. Only my family knew.

Mistake! My sister and the wife of our principal were good friends. So, right after my first book was published, when we are at a teachers' meeting after school, my principal announces to the assembled teachers - he wanted me to autograph my first book. The 'cat' was out of the bag.  So, here I was with a book, not knowing a thing about how to sell, market, advertise, or even defend myself if there was a need - nothing.

So hint # one, if you don't want anyone to know you are writing a book - don't tell anyone. However, know that no one, except maybe your aunt Tellie, or uncle Joe (depending on what you write) will only ever read your book, because that's what they read. If you want others to read your book, you are going to have to market it - yourself!!! You need a plan. I had no idea where to start, and I've learned, it's different for every author, depending on time, money, genre, commitments,  a hundred and one things. 

My next hint is probably the hardest one to achieve. Learn to control you time. Life has a habit of getting in the way, so you have to be committed. Okay, you've written a book, but are you going to be a one book wonder? You need writing time and time to learn, as well as life in general. Most people who write also work - somewhere, at a go-to job, at home, whatever, so you must make time to write, and promote. There's that word again. So you need to start with a written plan and try to stay with it. As I said, that's the hardest part.

My next hint is be realist. Little goals, once achieved, can multiply into larger goals. You decide what you can reasonably do and if you've planned too much, pare down your goals a bit. And, remember, don't break the bank. If you can't afford to pay for advertising, don't sweat it. Lot's of us don't pay for much. I can't afford a big promo budget. Most mid list authors can't.

So with all of that in mind, take a peak at the Internet, and start reading about marketing plans. I'm not giving you a detailed plan, because what works for me will not necessarily work for you.  Go to google or Bing and look for marketing plans for authors. Check them out, read a bunch, then decide what you can do. And pick those things you are comfortable with. If you don't like speaking in front of people, don't plan to do readings or talk to groups about writing. You'll make yourself sick and won't achieve a thing, other than making yourself sick.

Last hint for today. First and foremost - You must decide who you are writing for and why.  I think the why is probably the most important. I write because I must. I have always written - something. Now, I write love stories. I do want others to read my books, so I have two goals. One for me - write, and one - to get others to read my books. How I'm going about that is my marketing plan.

Next Monday - There are some of things you really should do and I'll details those. Then I'll name some things that didn't work - for me! Remember, they just might for you. In the meantime, spend some time searching for marketing plans for authors!

Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch
"Betrayed Bride" available now from Champagne Books
"Lynbrook's Lady" coming in August from Champagne Books

Monday's Helpful Hints - Marketing plans

Today, we'll talk a bit about Marketing plans. And we'll discuss them in more detail over the next two weeks. Today, a few cautions and some information.

These are going to be as different as you and the genre in which you write. Unfotunately, these are now a part of the business of writing. At one time, authors wrote, companies distributed, and if you were lucky and the company for which you wrote thought you were going to make a splash, or you already had, then they were willing to do all kinds of promotion on you behalf.

Those days are probably long gone. The big six appear to be struggling to keep up with the influx of the independent authors and the small print and expanding digital market. Promotion of any kind is restricted to only the very big names. So, you have to be able to present your publisher, or yourself if you've decided to go the indie route, with a plan to sell your book.

Some things I've learned and some things other author friends of  conveyed to me are some of the things we'll cover in the next two weeks, starting with what are some of the things I've learned. And let me repeat, every plan will be different.

You will need to give some thought, well, probably a lot of thought, to how much money you want to spend in the way of promotion. And that means being very realistic about what you can make from the sale of your work.

This will probably surprise and annoy a lot of writers, but several years ago, a survey gave an honest appraisal of what exactly a freelance author could make in a year. The dismal number of about Six thousand dollars was the number finally agreed upon. And that was for the year. It hasn't change much over time, for it was about that twenty years ago. So, writing is no way to get rich quick.

There are sites available on line that detail the amount of money an author of certain genres can make,  if you are lucky and write a best seller first time out. One of them is "Show me the money" and covers the categories of romance novels.

So, we'll look at just how you plan to market your book. In the meantime, you might want to take a look at how much money you can spend, if you want to spend anything, how much time you will give to promotion. Most people forget about the amount of time promotion takes and believe me, that eats into writing time. Know that the plan will probably have to be written and present to your publisher, if you plan to contract the rights for your book. Even if you decide to go it alone, you should write out your plan. This then will be your guide line for marketing.

What I've learned and what worked for me next week.

Allison
www.AllisonKnight.com
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch
"Betray Bride" available from www.ChampagneBooks.com
"Lynbrook's Lady" coming in August form www.ChampagneBooks.com

What I Don't Know About Contracts

Plain and simple! I have no legal training. I never took a class in law, litigation, court proceeding, anything. So I know squat about contracts.

I do know they can be altered by either party before they are signed. Some publishers refused to change a word, some will be happy to change a phrase, wording made simpler, or spelled out in more detail. Even some agents now required contracts, and again, those can be changed before they are signed - but don't count on a lot of changes unless you have a huge backlist and even then, the second party may not want to change a thing.

I do know contracts are binding under the laws of the country in which they are written - usually. To break a contract can cost money. Way back when, breaking a contract could cost you a lot more even perhaps your life. Well, we are a bit more civilized today - I hope.

What I do know about a contract is simple. Read the thing. If you don't understand it, consult someone who will, that usually means a lawyer, or someone with some knowledge of the law. Even if it is something that looks simple to you, if you don't understand, then you need to.

No, I not promoting the legal profession, only that contracts can be binding and if you don't understand what you are signing, then you could, and I emphasis could, be heading for trouble.

I do know a bit about rights. So I'll explain what I know about them and call it a day, because as I said,  I know squat about legal matters.

Rights are what you are selling. You are giving someone the right to publish you work. You still own the work. You are not selling what you have created, or you shouldn't. The length of time, and to whom, for what, are spelled out in the contract you sign. The right to publish is granted to someone else for a specific good (spell that money - or copies of say the magazine, if it's a short story for a mag, or even an article, picture, etc.) The time the publisher has to hang on to those rights, how much they are willing to pay, when and how, based on what and also with what, usually, naming the currency, should be spelled out in that contract.

The most important thing I can tell you about contracts. Read every word - before you sign! If you don't understand, ask someone who will understand. Last, but not least, make sure you keep a copy yourself. Put your contract in a safe place. I have each contract I signed with the finished copy of the book and all the work sheets for each work I wrote and published. That's a lot of paper, but at least I know where everything is. I can put my hands on the contract I signed for that book, years after it has faded from memory. 

If you expect to sign a lot of contracts (grinning) then buy yourself a bunch of file folders and put them somewhere safe.

You won't be sorry.

Next week, we'll take a look at a promotional plan. Maybe you can give me some ideas.

Allison
Heart-warming Romance with a Sensual Touch.
Betrayed Bride coming in May, 2013 from Champagne Books
Lynbrook's Lady coming in August 2013 also from Champagne Books.