When it comes to writing, and publishing, the fabulous concept you had a few years ago may need to be rethought, revamped, or, gulp, tossed out.
Is the idea you have current? Leading Age? Has it been done been done before and have you come up with a whole new twist? Or is it … yawn … old hat?
For non-fiction, would doing a survey spark up some interest? How about conducting interviews with controversial or “in the news” personalities? Or, facilitate a focus group that might reveal new thoughts, trends or twists?
For fiction, just how clever or unique is your story line? Is it more like a “fill in the blank” that are common in the formula books that liter book store shelves or a true page-turner? Have you spent some time with a creative writing coach that can accelerate your learning and imagination curves?
Have you spent some visual time at your local bookstore and devoured the book covers—note the colors used; the presentation of the title; the topies—what else grabs you?
Have you thought about ways to capture your reader’s attention? And, do you know who your reader is? Anyone who thinks, “Everyone,” is clueless about their market and will sabotage their efforts. My clients have heard me say countless times,
Become a big fish in a small lake. The expert. The visionary. The unique voice. By dumping ideas that aren’t working, scenes that don’t click, you will become a new you and an author that demands notice. A new form of Spring Cleaning—ready to bask in the warmth of the Summer Months–my favorite time of the year.
It’s still a glorious summertime … what are you doing to move your authoring life forward? For me, I’m repurposing one of my books into an entire Author YOU Mini Guide series for authors and publishing –three intense weeks of work coming scheduled beginning the end of this month. Happy dance and probably some sore fingers as they tango across the keyboard!
Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd a book publishing expert and coach. She is the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord Indie/Fab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Unplugged, a two day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at http://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio . Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.