Tag Archives: writers

Giveaway – Here is a chance to get a book of your choice on me!

November 6, 2017 L.M. Durand

GIVEAWAY – Enter for a chance to win a Barnes and Noble Gift Card. Two Winners!

This is the last giveaway I’ll be running for this year to celebrate the Holidays, NaNoWriMo and you awesome readers! The giveaway will start today, November 6th at 12:00 pm PST and will end on 11/30 at 12:00pm PST.

There will be two winners, and the prize is a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift card. In other words, it’ll be a book or two on me. Due to the nature of the prizes, it’ll be US only (Sorry!). Please see full rules on the Raflecopter link below. Please no giveaway accounts. This is meant for readers of this blog and lovers of books.

The winners will be contacted when the giveaway ends. The names should appear on the website within 48 hours after the winners replies back to me.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I wish you all good luck, and thank you for being awesome! Can’t wait to start a new year with you all.

Thanks for reading! I’m a Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words. I’d love to hear more about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.

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6 Best Tips to help you grow your business with Instagram

July 14, 2017 L.M. Durand 6 Comments

Instagram is a social media that allows you to share photos and videos. With over 400 million daily users in 2017, businesses use more and more of this fast growing platform to increase brand awareness, drive traffic, and make money. End of last year, I created an account and posted a few random pictures on a regular basis. My problem was that I couldn’t seem to go over 100 followers for a long time.

I’m busy, you’re busy, and everyone else is busy. So the bottom line is that I can only invest time on a social platform that it can yield value to my business. Because if it doesn’t, what’s the point?

Best Tips to Grow Your Business with Instagram

I wasn’t sure how it worked, and Instagram attracts mind blowing talented creative people. Look at the top posts! They are usually stunning visuals. I know who I am and don’t expect to top this and I could certainly do better.

So in the end, I needed to up my game big time.

But again, I’m not one of these creative Instagram phenomena, and you know what? That’s ok. I’m a writer, not a photographer. I’ve seen many successful people build a meaningful community without displaying a crazy creative side.

In May 2017, I read an article about Instagram from Neil Patel, and I realized that what I was doing with Twitter wasn’t far off from what I was supposed to do with Instagram.

#1 – Open a business Instagram account

If you’re starting, I strongly suggest opening a business account. The same way you use a Facebook page, you also have a Business Instagram account. It’s free, so there really isn’t any downside to it

Why should you use a business page?

A business page will give you access to features a private account can’t.

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– Be seen as a professional: Having a business account will increase your credibility as a business.

– Get notified real time when your post is performing better than the others. These notifications are quite handy to grasp better what resonates with your audience.

– Get insights (engagements, reach, website click,…): You will know which pictures or videos generated the most traction in more details. You’ll have a better understanding of how your audience interacts with your material. Also, you know how many people clicked on your link in your profile.

– Add information on your business (hours, location,…)

– Promote your page: If you have a new product coming out, Instagram gives you the ability to run ads and reach a larger audience.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]75% of Instagrammers take action after being inspired by a post[/tweet_box]

#2 – Post consistently

So here is a caveat for me. I’m writing and reading a lot when my family isn’t around, so I don’t have much time for social media. I’m sure I’m not the only one having this issue.

There are a few things I can schedule over the weekend, but I try not to go beyond 30 minutes a day (all platforms except Instagram) on social media.

The problem is that it can be difficult to grow with not a lot of time at hands. I could make more, but I ultimately need to write and read to improve and finish my book. Plus, most of the scheduler with Instagram allows you to schedule, but will notify you on the day/time to post that picture. There is an extra step. It still can save time for people who posts several times a day, but I only post only a day. So it’s manageable for me.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]More than 40 Billion photos have been uploaded to Instagram so far.[/tweet_box]

I read in a few posts that the most recommended number of posts was at least twice a day and have one live video/story. The truth is: I don’t have time (or in other words, I won’t make time and won’t budge). But I understand the importance to consistency, so I committed to 1 picture a day. Find what works for you, but keep your expectations to the efforts you’re willing to put in. My growth isn’t spectacular, but it is consistent and targeted.

I’m starting to witness a steady traffic to my site, and this is truly what I’m looking for beyond connecting with other Bookstagrammers (AKA people on Instagram who only post pictures of books), book lovers, and writers.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]If you’re new to Instagram, no need to panic, Instagram offers free training through Facebook to optimize your presence.[/tweet_box]

Here is the link.

#3 – Pictures or videos? Your call.

Consistency is key. You can post a picture or a short video, but the best is usually to vary a bit. The posts with the most engagement are often the accounts with a theme (color/topic) and consistency. Your business page shouldn’t be like your personal page where you post everything you like.

Your business page should reflect your product with a creative approach and always aim at growth. Who do you want to target? Think about it, and when you have your answer, keep it in mind. Then think how your picture can reflect it.

Instagrammers are very talented and creative individuals. If you decide to share some videos, here are a few facts. You can give it a try. Not everyone is comfortable with videos, so only go there if you feel comfortable with it. But, always be professional about it. It’s YOUR brand, your baby.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]When Instagram introduced videos, 5 million videos were uploaded in the first 24 hours.[/tweet_box]

Instagram videos get two times the engagement of photos that any other social media platform.

#4 – Comment on other posts.

Comments are powerful to build a relationship and grow your brand. I don’t force myself in doing anything. I leave a comment when I want and feel compelled to do so.

Guess what?

Commenting allowed me to meet great people on Instagram too. In 2 months and posting only once a day, I’ve gained close to 1,400 new followers without going crazy over it. I’m sure anyone who has the time can go way beyond this. Once my book is complete, I’ll probably start taking a little more time on Social Media.

For now, I don’t want to disappear, so I post regularly, but I have my priorities straight and mainly focus on writing.

#5 – Hashtags

Hashtags are like keys to doors with an audience behind. You need enough keys to make a big enough impact, but most importantly, you need the right keys to make an impact at all.

I looked up other sites too, but the magic number to extend your reach seems to be at least 11 in your title, and up to 50 if you add more in a comment with a limit of 30 hashtags per post. (This limit may have changed, but couldn’t confirm if it was the last update.)

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Source: Get.simplymeasured.com

I haven’t done this yet. I usually have about 10 hashtags in the title, but I look at what the other bookstagrammers do, and it doesn’t seem crazy. Know what your established competition do, so it’ll give you a better sense of what’s acceptable.

I may try to do this though once I get more time.

#6 – Get an app to track your unfollowers

Get an app to make sure you unfollow the people who only added you to get a follow, but will get rid of you as soon as possible. I have an app called Followers + that helps me keep track of my activity.

No affiliates of any kind. I found this app on my own reading reviews and it’s my personal opinion.

You need to target your following by following profiles with similar interests. Go to the Top Posts and click on their followers. Look at the list of profiles and follow 50 max at a time. Don’t get spammy.

Don’t forget to unfollow the people who do not follow you back within 48 hours. You need to remove them, or it will tank your numbers. I do have a handful of people I follow and don’t expect them to follow me back, but keep it to the lowest number I can.

Remember that you don’t have to follow everyone, but it will certainly help you increase your audience faster.

Like any social media, Instagram is only what you want it to be. The time you dedicate to the platform will have a direct correlation with the amount of growth you’ll experience. The formula is pretty standard.

Be consistent. Be relevant. Be creative. Be genuine. Be social. Be a leader.

Whenever you have a bit more time, use it wisely. Also, NEVER buy followers. It’s tacky and a complete waste of money because it won’t bring you the following you need to develop your business. Embrace your creative side and connect with like-minded people.

Do you use Instagram? Share your experience. 🙂

Thanks for reading! I’m a YA Fantasy writer who loves books beyond words. I’d love to hear about you. Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

If you enjoyed the post, make sure to hit the “like” button below, leave a comment, and share on Social Media.

Also, enter your email to access my bi-monthly newsletter and receive an e-Book where I’ll give you simple steps on how to built a Twitter Platform with the right audience for you (I have now 27K followers and it only took me a few months).

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Interview on Frank McKinley’s website on how I grew my Twitter community – Check it out!

June 16, 2017 L.M. Durand

This week, I was honored to cover a Social Media that I love, Twitter. I had the privilege to discuss how you can grow the right community for your business. I used a few techniques that got me from less than a 100 followers to 10K in 4 months. I’m now close to 27K after a break that I had to take beginning of the year. I’m excited to share this interview with you and hope you’ll learn a few things that can help you grow with the right audience for you.

Grow the right audience for you with Twitter.

Here is the link to the interview and while you’re at it, check out Frank McKinley’s website. He is the author of 6 non-fiction books all available on Amazon. Frank truly is a wonderful resource for writers and business entrepreneurs.

You got 10k Twitter followers in 4 months. How many hours a week did that take, and what were the keys to your success?

As of today, it takes me about 30 minutes a day, but when I first started, I did not have the proper tool or understanding of how Twitter worked. I would spend an hour or two each day trying to figure it out and ended up reading a few books on the topic because it was eating up time I desperately needed.

Social media is great to grow your author platform and build your readership, but you need to be interested in connecting with like-minded people. And, this is why it is time-consuming. To succeed, it’s important to start with the right tools. Social media should never consume all your time because, at the end of the day, you’re still a writer and need to write.

To succeed, you need to…

Click here to Read More on Frank’s website.

If you enjoyed the post, make sure to like, comment, and share on Social Media. Also, enter your email below to receive a Free e-book with the exact 10 steps that I used to grow my Twitter platform, and receive bi-monthly updates and tips.

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14 “animated” steps to write a book

June 9, 2017 L.M. Durand 2 Comments

This week, I spent an impressive amount of hours editing my book. Writing a book can be rough at times, but I love it. What can I say? If you’re a writer, you’ll understand. So, I wanted to do something a little different, something… animated. It’s Friday after all! We should all smile a little.

Interested in writing a book? Already writing one? Follow these 14 (or maybe more) animated steps. You’ll know if this is for you, and if you’ve written a book, this might look familiar.

How to write a book in 14 steps.

Step 1: Get the right idea for your book.

You’ll need to get an idea so good that you’ll feel compelled to write the second it hits you. Be passionate by your topic.

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Step 2: Do your research

Own your topic like a crazy mad person… or not. Just know what you’re talking about. Be credible.

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Step 3: Outline your novel

Outline, but leave some room for imagination

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Step 4: Write the first draft

This is where the fun begins. Don’t stop until you have a complete manuscript. Have fun with it!

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Step 5 – Celebrate your writing

It was hard, but you did it. Be proud of you. Take a moment to celebrate this achievement, because, YES, you did it.

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Step 6 – Allow a waiting period before editing

Let it sit for a while and grab a book. This time will give you the distance you need to edit with focus. Meanwhile, read as much as you can.

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Step 7 – Edit your book

Beware it might hurt your eyes. You might wonder how you could have even considered this draft as remotely good, and it might depress you. But, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there.

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You might even freak out, and even want to go there, but don’t!

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Edit, edit, and edit.

Step 8 – Send it to your Beta Readers

After several rounds of edits where you carefully look at plot, pacing, characters, structure, writing styles and so on, it’s time for beta readers. Give them specific instructions, so they know what to look for.

Also, your cat may not be able to do the job… I’m just saying. Hopefully, it won’t plot against you.

via GIPHY

via GIPHY
Yes… having people read your book might do that, but it’s ok. It’s an important step.

Step 9 – Edit some more

Did I say edit? Edit again, read out loud and edit again

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Step 10 – Send your book to a professional editor

But, only when you think you can’t do better.

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And I meant by email… or mail. It might be more efficient.

Step 11 – Use your waiting time efficiently

Fight the urge to eat all the chocolate or bite your nails. Make sure you’re on the right track with your Author Platform, start your promotion, guest post, or start outlining your next book.

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Step 12 – Edit again and again

Several rounds of edits may be needed… ok let’s be honest, it will be needed…

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Get that fire in you burning (but not literally)! Nothing can distract you from finishing this book… well, maybe a few things, but for the sake of it, let’s say nothing can.

Step 13- Read proof

When you’re absolutely sure it’s ready, have someone else (preferably someone who never read the book) read proof your book. You’ll need a fresh pair of eyes.

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I know what you think by now.

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Well, yes, it is hard! It takes a lot to become a writer. But, spend the time necessary to make your story a page turner. No rush!

Step 14 – Query agents or go with self-publishing

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It’s up to you at this point, but know that another journey begins here. I certainly hope you have that energy and enthusiasm when you get there because, let’s be honest, you’ll need it.

And here is how you write a book in 14 steps!

Ok! I know what you’re all thinking…

via GIPHY

I know, right?!? LOL, I can see the editor in you cringe.

Complete these 14 steps and you’ll be ready for another adventure. Publishing is another lengthly journey, but if it’s worth every sweat and headaches. Whether you go with traditional or self-publishing, bear in mind that the writer in you should take a backseat and let the PR/business entrepreneur/publisher take over.

Have fun!

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4 reasons why attending writing conferences will help you become a better writer.

May 30, 2017 L.M. Durand 6 Comments

Last October, I attended the Writer’s Digest Writing Conference in Los Angeles, CA. It was my very first writing conference, and I was quite nervous. I had just completed the first draft of my novel and saw an opportunity to get better before starting the editing process. I felt that I needed to attend a Writing Conference because I never want to stop improving my writing skills when given a chance. Like many writers, I’m not exactly comfortable with social gatherings with perfect strangers. So, attending this conference was both exciting and terrifying. Or so I thought it would be.

Continue reading 4 reasons why attending writing conferences will help you become a better writer. →

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On Finding Inspiration and Mosquitos

May 19, 2017 L.M. Durand 2 Comments

This past month has been chaotic from a writing perspective. After an entire month abroad, I’m back. Honestly, I’m happy I went there because I desperately needed some “me time.” I had reached a point where pushing forward was very difficult.

As you may know, I’ve been living in the U.S. for a very long time now, but I’m originally from a small French island called Reunion Island. It’s a beautiful Island (somehow similar to Hawaii). So, I decided to go there to see my family, but also to take a much needed break. While it was nice to be with my friends and family, I used that time to find inspiration, peace, and the strength to push again.

I also visited the island as if for the first time, experiencing or looking at the sceneries with fresh eyes. After 6 years away, it was a fun experiment and I like challenging myself or try new things.

Here are a few things I’ll share from this trip.

What I particularly enjoyed:

Coffee

I rekindled with French coffee, tiny yet so strong they could wake up the dead. They are like tiny prepackaged walking bombs. You drink one, and I can assure you that you look like you just took a shot of vodka. In other words, you’re ready for the day.

I probably wouldn’t recommend that for the faint of heart.

Food

I’m a foodie, and I enjoy all sorts of food but the food there is to die for. Of course, you need to love rice, and I do.

The fruit tastes so much better. It’s like an explosion of flavor in your mouth. I had to go on a diet the last week. It was that bad (or that good)!!! Well, it did not feel like a diet. Whatever I ate, it was delicious.

Sceneries

Since 2010, the center of the Island (about 40%) is home to a Unesco World Heritage Site. I mean it gives you an idea of how beautiful the island is (Ok! I might be biased, but I assure you it’s beautiful). I found so much inspiration for my book there.

People

While I speak the creole there, I was a little concerned my kid would get even more confused, but that did not seem to bother him one bit. It was quite funny. He said hi or talked to them in English or French depending on the mood of the day. He got a few blank stares, but most of them were really kind with him.

Nothing’s perfect, so there were also a few things that weren’t ideal.

Sharks

Sharks are a real issue there, but it didn’t bother me too much because you have a few authorized places you can go swimming without any problems.

As far as I’m concerned, you’re also talking to the girl, who until she was 3, wouldn’t put her feet in the sand because it was sticky (Lol). I commend my mother for everything I put her through. I never really like the beach up until I was a teenager. It was kind of an annoying situation especially when you live on a tropical island.

Mosquitos

I think my skin developed some sort of natural repellent because they weren’t interested in me. It’s almost like I was old news (labeled already tasted, been there, done that), but I could see them lurking at night. They wanted fresh blood and were ready to do anything to get it. In other words, my kid was the perfect candidate – tender and sweet.

As a concerned mother, I ended up spending a lot of time with insect repellent in my hand chasing down my little boy. Towards the end of our stay, he thought I was playing with him and really made me run for it. My cardio was right there. It probably contributed to the fact I got here without any additional pounds.

Anyway…

As wonderful as my vacation was, reality is catching up with me now. Whether it’s about writing my book or posting on my blog, I haven’t been consistent. Needless to say, it’s never good to do so.

Now…

Would I do it again? Leaving an entire month without posting a thing? Probably not… Definitely not.

Am I getting something out of it? Absolutely! We usually learn best the hard way, right?

What exactly did I learn? Well, mainly three things.

1. Always be organized.

Learning to plan ahead of time is sometimes a challenge. I let myself lose track of priorities. As much as possible, you need to anticipate time off and schedule what’s needed, so you don’t lose any momentum.

2. Find a way to make it work!

We all have a set of excuses ready to go whenever we can’t find time. I wouldn’t go to a store the day before Christmas for obvious reasons – the principle is the same. Don’t wait last minute to do what’s needed. It’ll allow room for unforeseen events to happen without unpleasant consequences.

3. If necessary, relax but let everyone know.

We all know: Life happens. When it does, there’s nothing you can do. Let everyone know that you’ll take some time off because that is ok.

That’s my takeaway from this trip in a nutshell and, now that I’m back in California, I started writing full time. This is a nice change of pace, but I did not think I would have so much to do. My days are flying by so fast.

I guess that means I’m having fun…

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8 proven ways to make a writer’s eye twitch

April 3, 2017 L.M. Durand 3 Comments

Does anyone dread the moment someone asks you: “So, what do you do for a living?” I recently quit my job, and, even if I’m super excited about it, I’m also very uncomfortable with the question when it comes from a non-writer.

All the writers will get what I’m doing, or even why, and I get very excited when I converse with them. However, when it’s a non-writer, most of the time I tend to panic a little inside.

http://gph.is/1FyeYDV

Ok! Maybe not that bad… and I’m not talking about my friends because most of them know me enough to know I’m not crazy and it was a mature decision (or at least, they are letting me think that).

I’m talking about the random people I meet. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by amazing people, but, here and there, you’ll have this one person that will get on your nerves right away. It’s like “Go directly to prison. Do not pass GO, do not collect the money” kind of situation, and you can’t bail. You have to sit (or stand) there and you’re not sure whether or not you should laugh or be annoyed.

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So here are a few situations I’ve heard/experienced that would annoy any writer:

#1 – “Have you finished writing your book already?” when It’s only been a few months since you started…

As a rule of thumb and regardless of the time, no one should ask that question. Oh, gosh! I saw a meme this week that translated well the feeling because at the end of the day, you’re writing a book and not a grocery list.

It does take time to write a book, and even if you wrote the first draft, the book is far from being completed. It’s a lengthy process that you don’t want to rush because when it is, it’s usually not finished. In this situation, the tone used is really what will make me smile or go nuts.

I don’t mind questions like, “how is it coming along?” or something in those lines. Believe me – writers already feel the pressure. Let’s not add to it or be demeaning.

Reading a book not fully developed or full of typos is a sure way to kill your credibility as a writer. No one should ever rush, especially when you start. As time goes on, you’ll have deadlines, but you will have to set realistic expectations for quality work (even though I get some time, it’s not your choice).

#2 – “So, are you going to be the next bestseller?”

First of all, a writer isn’t a psychic, doesn’t have a crystal ball (or at least, I don’t know any), and I’m certain a writer doesn’t have magical abilities. I wish though because that would be really cool, but no, for sure. So, no one would be able to answer accurately.

http://gph.is/172LYOa

I think it was meant as a joke, but just turned out to be awkward. So, this is a pointless question.

The likelihood of being a best seller remains small because, depending on the list, if you want to be a best-seller, you need to sell between 3,000 to 9,000 books in the first week alone… On average, a book is sold at 3,000 copies in its entire lifespan.

Stephanie Meyer’s success with her debut novel, Twilight, isn’t going to happen to all of us. Of course, this is a dream of mine like many writers, but I write first and foremost because I enjoy it and it makes me happy.

To be honest, I’ll be happy if I make enough money to do this full time over the long haul. For many of us, success doesn’t mean being rich and famous, but being able to sell enough to make it a full-time job.

#3 – “Why is it taking so long to publish?”

I have to say that if you’re not in the industry, it’s not necessarily obvious how much it takes to get your book out. Writing a book requires many talents apart from writing, or at least the ability to hire the right people to do it successfully for you.

Because, even if you go the self-publishing route, it will take time, but much less than with traditional publishing that has a lot of layers. Just keep in mind, nothing will happen overnight.

#4 – If you ask a writer to read a book/paper, please read proof it first.

I guess if not published yet, it won’t bug me too much. But, reading a published book – or “ready” for publication – full of typos and grammar errors drives me to the edge. It does to most people, writers or not.

I almost need a bag as I hyperventilate. The typos suddenly appear so much bigger than they eclipse the rest as if they had the power to go ten sizes up as soon as I see them.

I mean once or twice in a book won’t kill me, it’s tough to catch everything, but every 2 or 5 pages, it gets on my nerves and ruins the story.

It’s like being in a closed room next to someone who has a cold and keeps coughing next to you. Once or twice is tolerable, but more than that and you want to dart outside before you get sick. You can’t even see how beautiful the room is anymore.

It’s important that the story is the only thing that you see as a reader, so please take some time to double check everything, or ask someone to do it for you.

#5 – “Oh, I have a wonderful idea; you need to write the book for me.”

This is very awkward for me. After I say that I’m a writer, I’ve had a few people asking me to write a book for them as they have wonderful ideas.

I’m flattered, BUT what you need is a ghostwriter, not a fantasy writer or blogger… I love writing things that pop into my head, not necessarily into a random person’s mind. I wouldn’t be against it if it’s something I feel passionate about, but the likelihood I would do it is rather thin.

#6 – “How are you going to survive financially?”

This is usually when I wonder if you have a death wish. Lol.

First of all, no pun intended, but I have a decent idea of what I got myself into (not really, but I like to think so). Second, who said anything about surviving? I’m not going to survive, but live my life to the fullest.

http://gph.is/1HTrgG2

Not everyone gets how happy writing makes me feel, and I can’t blame them. Unless you have a passion, it can be tough, but in any way, this feels like a sacrifice or a burden. So, let’s be clear, I LOVE writing.

#7 – “So, you’re going to be rich…”

This one makes me want to laugh out loud pretty bad. It’s (almost) cute.
Ah, if only being a writer made you rich…

There are exceptions obviously, but, if you start writing because you want to make tons of money, I would say you haven’t picked the easiest way.

But, hey, you can try. I want to say, live your life with no regrets. With that said, you should also write because you love it and not because you want to be rich and famous.

#8 – “That’s great, you have a lot of free time, then!”

This one let me perplexed and made my eye twitch a little. Don’t confuse full-time writer with being unemployed with a hobby.

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The principle of writing full-time is to write full-time… and, I do take this very seriously. I don’t like when people try to undermine your professional endeavor. [tweet_dis]Follow your dreams no matter what. That’s what matters in the end.[/tweet_dis]

I’m sure I’ll come across more and more of these awkward situations as time passes, but I won’t let them define me. I’m proud and sincerely happy to write. I love having a writing community who gets my challenges. For the most part, I wasn’t that annoyed with the questions (more amused actually). But, it made me realize how very often being a writer is either under-appreciated or misrepresented.

It takes a lot of work to get your story out, and only the passionate and hard workers who are committed get to see this happen.

No one knows what the future holds, and it may fade with time, but I certainly hope not. Writing is a wonderful way to express yourself in the most creative ways.

I feel blessed everyday for finding a passion that makes me wake up each morning excited and happy regardless of the outcome or the challenges.

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Interview – Joan Marie Galat, Author of “Dot to Dot int the sky, Stories of the Aurora”

March 22, 2017 L.M. Durand

Although she started making books at the age of nine, Joan Marie Galat wasn’t published until 12 years old, when she became a paid weekly newspaper columnist. Today she is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books, with new titles scheduled for 2017 and 2018. Her newest title, published by Whitecap Books is Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories of the Aurora.

She shares her love of the stars in the Dot to Dot in the Sky series, which combines the science of the night sky with the ancient myths that give constellations and planets their names. Her first title, Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories in the Stars, became a best seller within six weeks of its release.

Continue reading Interview – Joan Marie Galat, Author of “Dot to Dot int the sky, Stories of the Aurora” →

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Is Self-Publishing right for you?

February 27, 2017 L.M. Durand 3 Comments

When writing a book, you often go back and forth between traditional or self-publishing. The dilemma is real because, even though they both offer great advantages, they also come with restrictions.

So how do you know what’s best for you?

Well, it depends…

It depends on your situation and what matters to you. For some, what matters will be the display of their book in a bookstore, the help of an experienced and recognized team, the higher earnings through royalties, or the freedom to decide what’s best for your book. Many writers, especially those with an established Author platform, will prefer self-publishing.

Why? Well, the first barrier to traditional publishing is to find an agent, and after that, the process can take a very long time. Of course, it also presents great advantages such as being supported by an experienced team, having more chances to be on the top of prestigious best selling lists, or having the recognition of the industry. Traditional publishing is a great form of publishing, but it’s not for everyone.

So when do you know self-publishing is right for you?

Self-Publishing refers to a type of publishing where you take on the entire workload. If you’re not ready to wear the writer, marketer and seller’s hat, you can stop here. This won’t be for you.

Self-publishing is meant as a way to fully favor the author. Although in execution, it has its own limitations.

What that means to you…

As a self-publisher, you first have to have a manuscript to publish, meaning a manuscript that has been edited with a story and characters fully developed. Parts of what a publisher does are to proofread and edit the manuscript to meet the set quality standards. So as a self-publisher, you first have to set a high quality standard, which you aspire to meet or work towards.

After that, you have to come up with a cover design that best suits your work and a title that works well with it. The title must be catchy, and the cover must be attractive. Readers do judge your book by its cover. Think of what you do when you go to a bookstore or scroll through a list. There are definitely a few pitfalls to avoid before publishing.

Then come publishing and distribution. You have to figure out whether to provide your work in print or through electronic media as it best suits your needs. Distribution of the book relies on your marketing prowess and the reception that it gets once it is released.

Pros of self-publishing

Full control over your work

As opposed to traditional publishing, you get to exercise full and decisive control over your work. You get to decide what needs to be edited, how the ideas are presented, the title of your book and the cover design. These are all roles that are taken on by the publisher when it comes to traditional publishing, which can be a real downer and hindrance to your creative prowess.

Fast publishing

When it comes to traditional publishing, you could be on the waiting list for months before your book is published. As a self-publisher, you decide when to publish your book and what avenues to take. Of course, it is not an easy process, but in comparison, it is a fast option. It can take a matter of hours to release it on Amazon and months even years through traditional publishing.

Maximum control of the profits

As part of the publishing deal you get from a publisher, you relinquish the rights to your book in exchange for an advance and royalties. The royalty rates are usually low and unsatisfactory when you factor in all the heart and work you had to pour into creating the book. As a self-publisher, most of the revenue the book generates goes directly to you. You retain full rights over the material and can control it as per your preference. So if you have a large platform (not talking social media, but overall), you may prefer this route. As a new writer, traditional publishing might still be the best avenue for you, yet again it depends on how committed you are.

Sharpening your skills

The more you self-publish, the greater the experience you gain. Over time, this helps you develop useful skills that reduce the resources you spend publishing subsequent books. You build useful relations that help you become more accomplished in the industry, and you figure out shortcuts in the system that you can use to your advantage.

Cons of self-publishing

Low-quality standards

I can’t stress enough how important having your book edited by a professional is. Since there isn’t a set standard of quality, self-publishers are expected to publish high-quality work. Unfortunately, the industry usually has a view of low quality and poorly edited work when it comes to self-publishing. I’m sure you’ve read books where there are so many typos and errors that you can’t enjoy the book. Yes – it also happens with traditional publishing, but much less. Lots of readers have become skeptical of the work that comes off of self-publishing. Therefore, even if your work has exceptional quality, it takes time for it to be recognized and to receive the appreciation it should.

Costly venture

You will foot the bill for everything, which is a very costly affair. You need to pay for marketing, book cover, and more. Marketing is important to get exposure, so that’s why having an author platform is so important. Generating the income needed to break even on such a project, and the low uptake the book might get from the market might put you in serious financial jeopardy.

Too much work

Since you will be working on everything by yourself, you have too much of a workload on your hands. This affects your performance and sets you back by a considerable amount of time. You might easily get stressed out and give up on the project due to frustration.

Alternatives to self-publishing

Hybrid publishing

This is a great alternative to self-publishing since it is part self-publishing and part traditional publishing. It limits the cons of both self-publishing and traditional publishing and offers you a wonderful solution.

Traditional publishing

This alternative is one that you should seriously consider before committing to anything. Despite the disadvantages, traditional publishing allows you to rely (mostly) on agents and publishers who are experienced and recognized by the industry. Yes – it’ll take more time, but it’ll come with the opportunity to target a larger audience.

All in All, self-publishing is great for anyone with a large platform, who wants more power in the creative process and is willing to invest lots of time in the promotion. Indie Authors have a business entrepreneur type of mindset and are capable of hiring professionals to help.

Traditional and Self-Publishing are great forms of publishing, but depending on what you’re looking for, one might be better for you than the other. Plus, many successful authors used all the publishing forms. Again, it depends on what you’re looking for at that time.

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Social Networking Faux Pas – By Katie Salidas

February 15, 2017 L.M. Durand

Nerd, Paranormal Fantasy Author, Doctor Who fangirl, Las Vegas Native, and SuperMom to three awesome kids!

Katie Salidas tries to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is one of her many passions, and she hopes that it will bring you hours of entertainment.

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How to Know When to Publish Your Book: Heart, Not Hustle by Kate Harvie

February 1, 2017 L.M. Durand 2 Comments

Talented author, Kate Harvie is coming back with a new inspiring guest post on “How to know when to publish your book.” Kate is the Author of the upcoming Believe It and Behave It: How to restart, Reset, and Reframe your Life.

Kate Harvie is an author, editor, and brand strategist. She was born in New York City and grew up in Cleveland. After grad school, she decided to live where she was born. She defines herself as a combination of denim and satin, Cleveland and Manhattan.

A trained singer, Kate always has been and always will be immersed in and dedicated to music. She loves to drive, cook, read, and be a voice for those who don’t quite know what to say or how to make their point.

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Starting off the year with the right resolutions…

December 31, 2016 L.M. Durand

How many of you started a year with a lot of great resolutions and miserably failed at most or all of them? I’m raising my hand right now and pretty sure quite a few of you did too.

We all have been down this path before, and we don’t seem to learn from our mistakes as we follow this pattern every year. Eventually, some of us stop, and some persist in hopes of success.

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9 effective ways to use Twitter for Writers

November 13, 2016 L.M. Durand 4 Comments

Twitter can be an intimidating little bird when you first start. It’s natural to question its relevance as a writer, blogger or an author. After all, our time is precious and unless you find something of value, why should you bother? I started using Twitter in June 2016 and this social media keeps surprising me.

As a writer and blogger, I sincerely believe Twitter is becoming a powerful tool for your business/author platform, especially when you know how to use it.

So what’s in it for you? Why should you care?

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