Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Writers are Business Owners Too #IWSGbloghop

 

Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop
#IWSGbloghop
Happy IWSG Blog Hop Day!
Happy April!

What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?
Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database, articles and tips, a monthly blog posting, a Facebook and Instagram group, Twitter, and a monthly newsletter. To find out more, click this link:  Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The purpose of the group is 
* to share and encourage. 
* Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. 
* Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. 
*It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 
You're invited to become a member of this supportive group. Click here to sign-up.

Thank you to our awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG Blog Hop- Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise - Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!

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I have not published an audiobook, but I am interested in reading the answers to this month's question about publishing and marketing them. I have considered narrating my memoir for an audiobook. But, I have no studio or equipment to do that. Nor any idea about marketing an audiobook. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Gardener Ted and I were Mom and Pop business owners
operating a floral shop, a commercial greenhouse operation and a garden center

Last week's blog post, Celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day recognized local businesses. I mentioned writers are also business people and could be thought of as operating a small business in the writing industry.

The story of the  first year
we were in the flower business
Did you ever consider your book as a product, a commodity? I imagine you didn't write your first book thinking about selling it. Instead, the story or topic swirled in your brain until you just had to write it down. But because you had a message or a desire to touch people's hearts, you shared it with the public. 

  At the moment the book is published--indie or traditional--it becomes not just "heart work," but also hard work. In order to actually sell a book, you need to convert your mindset from the creative side of your personality to the practical reality of being a producer, a business owner.   Your responsibilities include editor, publisher (indie), marketer, speaker, and bookkeeper. I bet you can add another one in the comments below.

I never realized there were so many "jobs" associated with being a published author until my first novella was published. The good news is there are many tools/resources to help you learn about running this small business- books and online websites, writing groups, and authors who are willing to share their experiences such as the bloggers here at IWSG!

I have listed a some of my favorites below for marketing your books. Please add your favorite sites in the comments section. Thank you.



The Business of Short Stories 
by Shannon Lawrence

Shannon Lawrence helps readers with the business of writing short stories. Click here to read my blog post and my review of her informative book, The Business of Writing Short Stories.

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UPDATE: Quarterly delivery of the Rose Courier--Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall

Click the link below to receive the quarterly Rose Courier edition delivered to your inbox.
Filled with photos, updates, freebies, new book releases and more! Thank you.

In order to find more time for writing and playing, I will not publish the Rose Courier every month. Instead, the edition will be delivered quarterly to your inbox. 
If you have not subscribed to the Courier, yet...

Click Here to receive your first letter the second week in April. 
Thank you!!
The first day of spring





25 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Yes, there are a ton of jobs! And the first book DLP put out was mine and yes it was about selling it as it tied in with two seminars I taught.

Audio books are not expensive if you do royalty-share.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

My books are on audio but my publisher took care of that.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, authors have to wear many hats whether they are published traditionally or self-published.

J.Q. Rose said...

Great idea to expand with the book.

J.Q. Rose said...

Yes, my publisher has all the electronic rights. I forgot about that. She may be ready to try it.

J.Q. Rose said...

Yes, especially since most publishers dont help with marketing.

Jacqui Murray--Writer-Teacher said...

I've read a lot of answers to this question and most seem like you--thinking about it. Me, too!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

You should think about it, Janet. Your memoir would make a great audiobook.

Melissa said...

There are more things to do to publish a book than to simply write it. And don't get me started on marketing...

C. Lee McKenzie said...

I loved your play with "heart work" v. "hard work." That was perfect.

J.Q. Rose said...

That's a start!

J.Q. Rose said...

Thanks. I would like to narrate it because it is a memoir, my story.

J.Q. Rose said...

And that's the truth!!

J.Q. Rose said...

Thank you. Heart work definitely describes my memoir.

Fundy Blue said...

I really enjoyed your memoir, Janet. I'm not big on audiobooks myself, but I'll bet there are lots of people who would enjoy listening to your memoir as an audiobook. I have so much to learn. 😱 I'm definitely in the heart work phase of my memoir. May your first day of spring and your first day of spring be a short interval!

Diane Burton said...

When my 1st book was published, I had no idea about marketing. Or that it was something I had to do. I've learned so much since. We have to wear lots of hats. LOL

Victoria Marie Lees said...

You are right. Our books or our stories become a commodity that we must market to the best of our ability if we wish to become successful in our business of being a writer.

I love your definition of spring. You are soooo right. I'm still hoping spring comes soon. All best to you!

J.Q. Rose said...

Thank you. The official first day of spring for me was in Florida. I know the real first day of spring is ahead for me in Michigan next week!

J.Q. Rose said...

Right,Diane. Marketing was not on my radar either. What a shock!

J.Q. Rose said...

I always caution new authors when the writing and publishing of the book is over, but after that, their hard work begins with marketing!

Marsha said...

Hey, JQ. Yes, if all we had to do was write the next book, this would all be so much easier. I agree with those that suggest your narrate your memoir. You've got some experience with that with some of your travel blogs you've narrated. Absolutely you should ask your publisher and do it even if they want to use another person to narrate, which might be better use of your time. Fingers crossed you get to do this. I don't have any audio books because of the time to get them created auditioning actors to the cost. We'll see, maybe someday. Safe travels to the land of beautiful green trees and lakes. :)

Sandra Cox said...

I loved Arranging a Dream. And what a great pic of you and Ted.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

When I started writing, it was all heart. Now I think of it more as a business. Not a very lucrative business, but a business nonetheless. The heart side of it remains too, and I think that's what keeps me going.

Lori L. MacLaughlin said...

For me, marketing is the hardest part. It's a full-time job itself. Thanks for the links! I'll check them out.

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