tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post5956368892649035002..comments2023-12-09T00:33:24.572-08:00Comments on Novel Matters: One Novelist Calls It QuitsBonnie Grovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11377519561074174038noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-47870409885485967032014-08-11T10:37:46.330-07:002014-08-11T10:37:46.330-07:00Oh I still have to do lots of marketing . . . but ...Oh I still have to do lots of marketing . . . but if for some reason my sales aren't so great for a particular title, I won't face an automatic rejection on the next book. Robin Baynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02640632701164428942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-20343132847153645432014-08-11T09:51:28.644-07:002014-08-11T09:51:28.644-07:00Robin, I couldn't find it either!
I liked y...Robin, I couldn't find it either! <br /><br />I liked your comment about a small press. Hadn't thought of it that way. I always assumed they'd want more author marketing, not less?Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-81965178899165267022014-08-11T08:02:29.686-07:002014-08-11T08:02:29.686-07:00And I would have shared the link on facebook to Ma...And I would have shared the link on facebook to Mary's post, but I can't find and wonder if she pulled it offline. <br /><br />I started writing before email or the 'net, and sometimes miss those days. (Of course, I don't miss my typewriter LOL).Robin Baynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02640632701164428942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-72416978873471619752014-08-11T07:57:46.210-07:002014-08-11T07:57:46.210-07:00Mary's words spoke volumes! They spoke of the...Mary's words spoke volumes! They spoke of the stress of constant worry over maintaining a "platform," of keeping up with social media and other marketing to increase sales. And how it never seems to be enough. <br /><br />I have not reached the career level Mary, or Lisa has, but I feel the same pressures on my time. And honestly, it makes me want to stay with a small press that doesn't put so much importance on sales figures. I hope I can reach just one person and make a difference with each story. <br /><br />Robin Baynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02640632701164428942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-83704755158603445932014-08-11T06:49:22.578-07:002014-08-11T06:49:22.578-07:00Adelaide, thank you for sharing your life and your...Adelaide, thank you for sharing your life and your passion for writing-- the purest motivation, other than the passion for helping others-- that we at NovelMatters congratulate. May God bless you in glorious ways that show He is behind it, not marketing efforts! Now, that's a seal of approval you can't get anywhere else!<br /><br />Shannon, love how you put it. I'm going to quote you on my Facebook page. My kitchen is has fires all over it. Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-32075132836177124582014-08-10T10:00:40.940-07:002014-08-10T10:00:40.940-07:00Always give joyful thanks for all things to God - ...Always give joyful thanks for all things to God - Ephesians 5:20<br /><br />That means we do the footwork and leave the rest to someone else. Footwork to mean means I write. That's it. And what about casting one's bread?<br /><br />Quitting or not quitting is a personal choice. It's always been hot in this particular kitchen.Shannon Donnellyhttp://www.shannondonnelly.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-16153093014677621492014-08-09T18:58:18.062-07:002014-08-09T18:58:18.062-07:00I do not write for the Christian market, but for a...I do not write for the Christian market, but for a general market.<br />I am not a known writer since my 60 plus published stories have appeared only in small literary journals, some in print, more recently on-line. My three novels have yet to find a conventional publisher. I've self-published and e-book of previously published short stories and after nine months have had very few sales.This is probably because I'm not a good self promoter. I do not have a face book account, nor a Twitter account. My writing blog has drawn only four followers and one is my sister and very few readers for each post. I can well understand Lisa Samson's frustration and dismay at the need to market oneself in order to be a successful (in terms of money) writer. Twent-eight years ago when I began writing fiction I didn't expect to make money; I wrote for the love of writing. I still write for the love of writing. I am now 78 years old (next month) and will probably never be a financial success as a writer. It's a fact I accepted long ago, but will continue to write every day and send off my work. I encourage Lisa Samson to keep on writing since she enjoys it so much and it has been such a big part of her life. Perhaps she could write about her new field of therapy. There should be a wealth of material there.<br /><br />Thank you for letting me post my thoughts here.<br /><br />Adelaide B. ShawAdelaidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01807278813737986532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-43106262690284197112014-08-08T11:31:25.638-07:002014-08-08T11:31:25.638-07:00Robin, you are very much an active and veteran wri...Robin, you are very much an active and veteran writer. Why did Mary's words speak so to you?Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-58328679289462558262014-08-08T11:05:41.091-07:002014-08-08T11:05:41.091-07:00Thank you, Kaira.
And Robin, now that I think ab...Thank you, Kaira.<br /> <br />And Robin, now that I think about it, I believe I'd heard about Mary Demuth as well. Thank you. Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-466574946152341012014-08-08T08:44:34.826-07:002014-08-08T08:44:34.826-07:00Latayne, Yes! That's a great way to put it....Latayne, Yes! That's a great way to put it. I could write a book on that topic. ;DKairahttp://www.thegloryofitallis.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-85505830596270508142014-08-08T08:13:02.717-07:002014-08-08T08:13:02.717-07:00Latayne, I can't find the link now to her post...Latayne, I can't find the link now to her post but I saved her comments because they spoke to me. It's author Mary Demuth.Robin Baynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02640632701164428942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-23913221924118963262014-08-07T18:14:09.666-07:002014-08-07T18:14:09.666-07:00Anonymous, I'd like to know too.
Kaira, I th...Anonymous, I'd like to know too. <br /><br />Kaira, I think the world is tiring of super personalities with great platforms. Of course they would say they got where they are because they have something to say, and that's undoubtedly true. <br /><br />But there's a big difference between having something to say, and having something to say that you can write about really, really well. <br /><br />Yes?<br />Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-63415166309550293282014-08-07T12:05:18.860-07:002014-08-07T12:05:18.860-07:00This is really unfortunate. Honestly, I have be...This is really unfortunate. Honestly, I have been wildly unimpressed with the world of bloggers-turned-writers that seem to overwhelm social media with each new release. Knowing some personally, I know there is much pressure to crank out ministry books for huge amounts of money, regardless of their circumstances. It is a huge turn off for me as a reader. Further, the business of social media has had me quietly moving my blog on 2 occasions. I miss when writing was just writing. Kairahttp://www.thegloryofitallis.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-1219064258065132102014-08-07T10:19:22.344-07:002014-08-07T10:19:22.344-07:00A couple of people have mentioned that this is the...A couple of people have mentioned that this is the second such announcement this week. I sure would like to know who the other one is, and where we can read about it. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-53762343946608781102014-08-07T07:51:02.983-07:002014-08-07T07:51:02.983-07:00I read that post, Kim, and thank you for it! I ca...I read that post, Kim, and thank you for it! I can't wait to read Ann's further thoughts, especially what she promises:<br /><br />"In this series, Building a Platform, we take a look at what it looks like to embrace marketing while leading from the soul and, at the same time, faithfully stewarding roles, responsibilities, and resources to impact the Kingdom of God."Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-7436089507517600942014-08-07T04:18:26.545-07:002014-08-07T04:18:26.545-07:00Read a post by Christian author, Ann Voskamp, abou...Read a post by Christian author, Ann Voskamp, about the subject of platforms for a writer of faith. Thought you might be interested in what she has to say. http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/08/3-truths-about-platform-what-your-soul-was-never-made-for/<br /><br />Thanks for sharing this thought provoking post.Kimhttp://www.kimstokely.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-19487063063183607282014-08-06T19:51:38.864-07:002014-08-06T19:51:38.864-07:00Michelle, I am so glad you came here and provided ...Michelle, I am so glad you came here and provided so much rich information. You have truly encouraged me, and given us some great ideas. I am certain that God is honoring you because you honor Him. And I am very glad to get to know you. I went to your website http://michellestimpson.com and it is full of practical, helpful information! Bless you!<br /><br />Denise, I concluded from Lisa's post that she had been able to support her family with her writing, but she wrote a subsequent FB post in which she corrected that impression-- she said that only three years was she able to do that (with 11 books, no less!!!) and the rest of the time her writing was "financed" by her husband's income (my words, not hers.) But you're right, she's a super writer.Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-32605990859244530282014-08-06T18:34:45.126-07:002014-08-06T18:34:45.126-07:00I read LIsa's story with some dismay as it is ...I read LIsa's story with some dismay as it is the second such post on a similar vein this week. But I would say Lisa has been extremely blessed if she has been able to live off her writing up until now--not many modern published authors can say the same. Most authors I know need their day job to survive--writing is more like a hobby, even though they'd wish otherwise. <br /><br />I wish Lisa all the best in her future endeavours.<br /><br />DeniseDenise Covey https://www.blogger.com/profile/07106490051555233439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-67546265599920547742014-08-06T17:56:27.004-07:002014-08-06T17:56:27.004-07:00Thanks, Lataynne, for sharing this post. I am sadd...Thanks, Lataynne, for sharing this post. I am saddened to hear of Lisa's change but happy for her to move into a new venture. <br /><br />As for staying afloat in this industry as an author of Christian fiction, I've been blessed to successfully make the switch from traditional to self-publishing. Though some of my books still remain with my first publishers, I've been able to get back the rights to my first two (which came out in 2004 and 2006) and I'm hoping to get back the rights to the others. <br /><br />In 2012, my mom had a stroke and I knew I had to get busy self-publishing so that I could still have flexibility as a writer. I'm married (two incomes) and I do some educational consulting, but I did take a "pay cut" for a while in order to get the ball rolling in the self-pubbing world. I'm writing mostly novellas--which I actually enjoy more than novels--and making a decent income (significantly more than my last full-time job) as a writer now. I don't consider myself particularly aggressive in social media. I mean, I like FB so it works for me, but I don't fool around with Pinterest because, honestly, I just don't get it. <br /><br />My advice to other writers: consider becoming a hybrid author if your contract allows. Talk with your agent to see if you can allow for this room by limiting what you have to submit to the publisher in terms of genre and word count (first right of refusal) and loosening up any non-compete clauses. I have several friends who are hybrid - they say it's nice to have the royalty checks on top of the monthly income. <br /><br />Secondly, my biggest boosts in sales haven't come from social marketing. I believe the "divine" push has come from God being honored in my work. Aside from what He does (which is A LOT), I have seen a lot of boosts from using services like bookbub, ebookbooster, and ereadernewstoday. I put aside about $180 a month for direct marketing and I rotate which books are free or 99¢. I find that the more books I give away, the more books I sell (sounds almost biblical, right?) <br /><br />Anyway, I hope all of that is helpful to someone :)Michelle Stimpsonhttp://www.michellestimpson.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-59434744689999089522014-08-06T11:53:40.696-07:002014-08-06T11:53:40.696-07:00Susie, it is true that speaking is much more profi...Susie, it is true that speaking is much more profitable than writing. I know that people need to hear what you say, because you write on subjects of substance.<br /><br />Deborah, very insightful comments. I am glad you can learn how to market well-- it involves time and skill to learn such things. Good for you!<br /><br />Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-83724985895993898762014-08-06T11:41:17.028-07:002014-08-06T11:41:17.028-07:00As a former Christian writer now writing for the g...As a former Christian writer now writing for the general market, I can relate to Lisa's discouragement. I left the Christian market as well, but not for financial reasons. I never made a living writing. I am a therapist and wrote while sustaining a private practice. I still do. I've always had to market my own books. All of my publishers folded.<br /><br />Cost aside, I really don't understand why Christian publishers aren't getting more savvy about social media and wonder if it is because they haven't kept up with the changing culture. For that reason I'm getting certification in Social Media Management. I figured if I was going to have to market I might as well learn how to do it efficiently and well. Most social media is free and not all that time-consuming if you know how to use it.<br /><br />Lisa's defection is confirmation that I've made the right decision. Of course, I doubt I will fare much better in the general market but at least I will have a larger audience. Deborah Dunn, LMFThttp://www.deborahdunnbooksandart.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-59091200519290666182014-08-06T11:02:31.641-07:002014-08-06T11:02:31.641-07:00Latayne, I think you're spot on. For me to spe...Latayne, I think you're spot on. For me to spend money on a marketer would take all the income I get from royalties. <br /><br />What I think is interesting is the fact that I can make more from a 30 minute speaking engagement than I sometimes do from a royalty check. So, that's one way I pad my income a little. <br /><br />Sigh.<br /><br />But I keep going because I love this job. Susie Finkbeinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02134090068018561836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-14553098318131900302014-08-06T10:28:32.720-07:002014-08-06T10:28:32.720-07:00Carole, bless you for your broken heart. I mean th...Carole, bless you for your broken heart. I mean that sincerely. You truly care.<br /><br />There are indeed smaller, less expensive venues for publicity. But when you have spent months or even years crafting a novel, marketing it to an agent or editor, and even doing your "workman's" job through your own social networks, if you have an advance (let's say, of $3K to $5K), at the point of publication you have already "spent" the advance working at far below minimum wage per hour. And most books do not "earn out" their advance, so that will probably be all you will receive for the book. At that point, it seems beyond the financial capability--and responsibility, if your family depends on your income-- of the ordinary author to hire professional help.<br /><br />Other authors, is this your take, as well? How would you answer Carole's question? <br />Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-80611025822634137582014-08-06T10:10:35.736-07:002014-08-06T10:10:35.736-07:00Heartbroken, because Lisa's style of writing h...Heartbroken, because Lisa's style of writing has always appealed to me and I can't imagine not having another one to look forward to. <br /><br />Heartbroken, because I keep searching for literary, character-driven dramas in Christian fiction and can't find a lot. The few authors I have found struggle to get new contracts. Also, I've read and loved novels by all of you and long for more.<br /><br />Heartbroken, because I see what's happening in the publishing world and am disappointed by the quality of much that is being published today.<br /><br />I'm just a reader who enjoys reviewing and promoting stories through my blog and social media, and have seen some very effective street teams and publicity campaigns. I'm sure the big publicity companies like Litfuse are expensive, but there are some smaller ones that seem to be just as effective. Would something like this work without taking too much of an author's time?Carolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-66144028755951024032014-08-06T09:14:49.150-07:002014-08-06T09:14:49.150-07:00Susie, you're young and have lots of energy PL...Susie, you're young and have lots of energy PLUS you are a good writer. If God has called you and enabled you, He will give you fruit for your labors, whatever that might look like.<br /><br />Robin, I don't know who the other one is? Are you comfortable sharing?<br /><br />Sharon, writers keep writing. Unlike Susie, we don't have (assumedly) multiple decades stretching out before us, but we keep writing. Your Color of Sorrow is an example of an extraordinary book that requires publication. It must find print.<br /><br />Golden, though I've not read your works, it is obvious from the awards you've won that you are serious about the craft of writing. I am so glad to have your input. Thank you.Latayne C Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06133535124591010838noreply@blogger.com