Here are some of the highlights of today’s convention:
Claim It, Rename It, or Throw It Out – Steve Brewer
“Your manuscript is not ready – go look at it some more. You owe it to your agent, your editor and your future self.”
“We’re all in love with our books while we’re writing them.”
“Come in late and get out early – all we really want is the drama in the middle.”
“Everything you write teaches you something.”
“If you’ve written the best book you can write, roll the dice. Try to get an agent and sell it in New York.”
“It’s a typical newbie mistake to think of writing a trilogy or a series – just write one freaking book!”
“Write what you want to write, what you’d like to read.”
“Are you eager to start the next book? You’re probably a writer.”
C.A.R.V.E. Your Platform to Snag Agents, Publishers and Readers – Bill O’Hanlon
You have three audiences: the agent, the publisher and the reader.
C = channels. How many places can you get the word out?
- social media connections
- blog views, readers and subscribers
- podcast listeners and subscribers
- email list open and click-through rates
- media appearances and interviews
- public speaking
- partners
- where your book’s audience hangs out or pays attention
A = accomplishments.
- previous publications and sales
- previous media experience
- previous public speaking experience
- academic degrees or positions
- awards
- life accomplishments
- partners
R = relationships.
- within the publishing industry
- other authors, agents or editors
- well-known people for blurbs
- people with large followings for getting the word out
- co-authors
- media people and podcasters
V = visibility.
- regular activities to get your book or yourself seen or heard about
- website visitors
- social media followers and connections
- media appearances
- reviews and bestseller lists
E = evidence. Keep everything to prove your claims.
- take screenshots of Amazon ratings or email lists or followers
- collect records of appearances
- scans or photocopies of reviews
- keep programs from your speaking engagements
- keep previous publications, magazine covers, etc.
- no lying or exaggerating!