To summarize:
For the soon-to-be self-published author who wants to make this writing thing a full-time gig, here are some important things I believe you should know. For more details on each point, click the links.
Number 1: Time management is key when going from a structured job situation to one where you're in charge of everything.
Number 2: In order to effectively manage your time, you need to know what it is you want and need to get done. One of the main tasks will be marketing yourself and your work. Self-promotion may not come easily at first, but it must be done consistently in order to garner the attention of your audience.
Number 3: Plan accordingly and in ways that suit your personality. Forcing yourself to "plan" in ways that aren't natural to you will only breed excuses and reasons to procrastinate.
Will following those three steps guarantee your success? Depends on how you define success. As it stands, for me anyway, I'm still here, plugging away at building my business. I average one paying client and or book sale every month. I'm able to keep my blog and newsletter in people's inboxes consistently and I got over my fear of video content to the tune of 80 published videos on my YouTube channel. Opportunities to present are showing up and I'm forming partnerships that will open additional doors in the near future. Oh, and last but not least, the clients I've worked with have all gone on to self-publish their work, a couple of them it was their first ever, and others are now on their third and fourth books using my Simply Self-Published process.
And that right there is a level of success I'm proud to have achieved and been a part of thus far.
Speaking of Simply Self-Published...
I'm wrapping up this year by introducing my signature program as an online course/coaching group. If you'd like to make April 2023 the release date for your first, or next, self-published book, then please consider being one of the 15 inaugural members of the Simply Self-Published online group beginning in October.
We'll be meeting live via Google Meet each Wednesday beginning October 5th, 8 pm EST. for up to 90 minutes of coaching and writing.
By the time we're finished in December, you'll have a notebook (binder, hard drive, file...whatever) full of everything you need to self-publish your first book:
complete character/concept sheets - you'll know your characters and concepts, themes, etc. inside and out.
notes on settings - imagery so clearly defined, you'll be able to bring them to 'life' on the page with ease
your entire first, rough draft
notes from other group members to help you transform your draft into the book you envisioned
a marketing plan and launch calendar
ISBN and Copyright registration resources, and as they say, so much more...
Cost is $100. No muss, no fuss, or marketing gimmicks. Suitable for ages 16 and up, and any genre is welcome (there will be boundaries placed on what is shared during the critique sessions out of respect for the diversity of the group).
If you're ready to claim your spot, click the button below. Space is limited to 15 participants.
And that is that. As always, I appreciate you stopping by and taking a few minutes out of your day to read the words. If you have any questions about the Simply Self-Published course, leave them in the comments below so I can be sure to include them in my September posts.
Until then, sending light and inspiration,
Dana