Jennifer Lyon


Wednesday, June 3rd, 2015
Wednesday Worthy & Unsolicited Author Advice

So since I missed posting on Monday, this is a 2-in-1 blog. If you don’t want to read it all, you can skip down to the bottom for the Wednesday Worthy Hunk.

I sat down yesterday for two hours and read something that was written by another author! It was glorious! LOLOL!! Also wonderful is that I got the revisions of CAGED MAGIC in by my self-imposed deadline. Yay!!  As revisions go, this wasn’t hard, just intense due to my own crazy ass internal drive to get the story right. But there comes a point where I have to let it go…so now the editor is doing her second read and I’m feeling…mostly confident, while knowing there will be a few more edits :-)

Now before I move to the hunk portion of this blog, I also wanted to say something. What brought this to mind is I came a across a social media type of communication (I’m being purposely vague) from an author upset about the lackluster sales of her most recent book.

Believe me, I’ve been there. Most authors have been there.

But here’s my take on that:

1) Readers do NOT owe authors anything, not reviews (though I so appreciate it!). And they don’t owe the author the automatic purchase the author’s next (or any) book. Readers make their own choices. This is something I truly try to remember each and every day that I show up to the computer to write.

2) When a book does not perform to expectations, suck it up. It’s like a bad review. Bad reviews are not fun, but they are part of the job. Low sales also happen, and lately, the tide has shifted and many authors are seeing fewer sales. I can get into a whole blog about why, but basically after the big self publishing boom, along with the plethora of free books, readers have become more discriminating. It’s their right.

3) Write another book, and make it the best book you can. Looking at what’s selling in the market is good research, but my personal feeling is write a book that says something important to you. This is also a subject I can go on and on about. What’s hot in the market is important, and often key to getting noticed when a book is release. But a passionate, well-constructed story with interesting, well-rounded characters will give the book “word of mouth” which means getting readers talking and igniting real, lasting momentum that translates into sales. Well-constructed means hiring the best editor you can afford, one who will make you work your ass off and kind of hate her/him, and then fall crazy in love with him/her once you see exactly how all that painful but pointed criticism strengthens your story, characters and construction of the book.

4) Take another look at your marketing, things like cover, blurbs, promo etc. Understand what your tropes are and use it in your marketing. Understand that readers won’t buy and read your book if they don’t know about it.  I don’t excel at promoting, but I understand it’s value. Also, try NOT to annoy the crap out of readers by over-promoting.

5) And lastly, refer back to #1. Readers are NOT obligated to buy our books. Ever. For me personally, I try to always respect and appreciate my readers. (Please note that respecting readers does not mean I’d let anyone take advantage of me, or cross a line. But that has only happened a very few times in my career. However it’s still worth mentioning — respect the reader AND yourself.)

Okay enough of that.  Let’s move onto Wednesday Worthy! So after last week or two of working so hard, I think this guy totally has the right idea in kicking back on the floor:

Attractive young muscle man laying on the floor with muscular ripped body

 

Who by the way, is our Wednesday Worthy Hunk Candidate. What do you think is he worthy?

8 comments to “Wednesday Worthy & Unsolicited Author Advice”

  1. B.E. Sanderson
    June 3rd, 2015 at 7:00 am · Link

    Exactly. Yep. Here here. And all that. You hit the nails on their heads and I wholeheartedly agree. I mean, I understand being upset when sales are lower than expected. But suck it up, buttercup. Look at each sale as a gift. I know I do. LOL, I’m just happy when the graph shows a mark above the zero line first thing in the morning, because then the rest of the day is golden. Ah, the simple pleasures of the self-pubbed.

    Yes, this one is worthy and yes, he does have the right idea. Kick back and relax. You earned it.



  2. Silver James
    June 3rd, 2015 at 8:30 am · Link

    I can get down on that…er, him….er….What were we talking about?

    As to points 1 thru 5, I concur. I bemoan my sales on occasion but seldom publicly (I started to say never but I’m not sure I haven’t slipped a time or two) and never to berate readers. Every reader/fan I have is a gift! If my sales tank, that’s on me because I’m not doing something right.

    How can it be Wednesday already? *crawls back into writing hole* ;)



  3. Meg Weglarz
    June 3rd, 2015 at 9:08 am · Link

    Brilliant! I think a copy of this post ought to be given to everyone who considers going in to writing; it’s full of good, sensible, positive advice. If at first you don’t fricasee, chickies ….



  4. Jenn
    June 3rd, 2015 at 10:55 am · Link

    B.e., I agree. We all make missteps of course, *I know I have, probably more than my share* but I expected a bit more common sense from a seasoned author.

    However the point of my blog wasn’t to shame anyone (I hate the social shaming trend) but to help us all, myself included, keep our priorities front and center.

    Glad you like him — I just wanted to stretch out on the floor like him, LOL! I totally kicked back yesterday afternoon and evening and it was awesome.



  5. Jenn
    June 3rd, 2015 at 11:01 am · Link

    Silver, I’m laughing to hard to remember what we were talking about

    I don’t recall you ever doing that. I’m pretty sure I would have noticed. Chatting privately with friends and family is entirely different — I know I’ve done that!

    Sales can tank for many reasons. But we can’t blame readers. Readers freedom of choice is just as important as an author’s freedom to write what they choose. Respect goes both ways.

    And by the way, I finished Cowgirl’s Little Secret and really enjoyed it!!



  6. Jenn
    June 3rd, 2015 at 11:03 am · Link

    Meg, thank you! Authors are a passionate group and sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of good sense.



  7. Viki S.
    June 3rd, 2015 at 3:43 pm · Link

    What a good post. I hope the person who moaned and groaned earlier in the week can take note of your advice and apply it :). Writing is hard work ( I can’t do it ) and like all jobs needs to adjust to the demand.

    I love this guy! He is very worthy :).

    I hope you are having a great day. Mine has been good but I am So behind. Must kick it in gear and go work on dinner ;).



  8. Jennifer Lyon (Apodaca)
    June 3rd, 2015 at 8:19 pm · Link

    Hey Viki! I had a very good day, thanks! Hope you had a good dinner :-)

    And thank you on the advice. I’m basically trying to share some of the things I’ve learned, but of course, learning is a constantly evolving process.

    Glad you like the guy!



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