Some of you may be curious as to the authors I work with and the types of books I edit. Let me start by saying that I see promise in every project. Of course, not every book is destined to achieve bestseller status. Some authors simply want to share the book they\u2019ve been carrying around inside them with even a small segment of society. Others hope that a book on an aspect of their expertise will help to give them more credibility in their field. Then there are those who come to me with the desire to amass a fortune through the sale of their book on how to raise baby bunnies, their dull homemaker\u2019s memoir or their collection of aviation poetry, for example. <\/p>\n
Sure, I will help them to prepare their books for publication, if that\u2019s what they still want to do once they\u2019ve followed my recommendations to educate themselves about the publishing industry. I aim to instill in my clients the most realistic expectations for their projects while encouraging them to build on their qualifications and abilities.<\/p>\n
One thing that a publishing coach and editorial assistant (editor) loves to receive is news that a client is succeeding, whatever success happens to mean to that individual. Some authors excel in the area of book promotion. Today, I\u2019d like to introduce you to four of my clients and share with you some of their tremendous successes.<\/p>\n
An Example of a Successful Inspirational Author<\/strong> What makes Constance\u2019s book unique and powerful is the personal touch, which I strongly advised her to include. How she came upon the 7 Laws in her own life is a fascinating story and really gives her process of study greater impact. Visit her website for more information about Constance and her growing 7 Laws book series. http:\/\/www.the7lawsofinnerpeace.com<\/a> <\/p>\n This Author is Succeeding With a How-To Book<\/strong> I helped Lydia, a native of Puerto Rico, Americanize her writing\u2014remove the accent, so to speak. Check out her gorgeous hardcover book, Lydia Silvestry\u2019s Beauty Secrets <\/em><\/strong>at: http:\/\/www.lydiasilvestry.com<\/a> <\/p>\n The Psychic Author<\/strong> Your Keys to Heaven, Secrets From God <\/em><\/strong>is a lovely hardcover book available at: http:\/\/www.garyspivey.com<\/a> Check it out. After only a few months of book sales, we got word that this book was going into a second printing. Obviously, Gary\u2019s already established platform and connections are paying off big time. <\/p>\n Her YA Fantasy Books Sell Like Magic<\/strong> The editorial work I did with Diana on this book and more recently with a business book she is co-authoring, amounted to pretty basic editing. Every author needs an editor and a proof-reader (these are two different tasks and require two different experts.) Take a look at how Diana Zimmerman is promoting this book at: http:\/\/www.kandide.com<\/a> <\/p>\n These four authors are excelling in the book selling arena. Why? What does it take? Here it is, folks. It takes: <\/p>\n \u2022\tA good idea. And it all boils down to being a savvy author instead of a timid, clueless author. It\u2019s not enough to have a good idea. It\u2019s the whole package that makes for a successful publishing venture.
\nYesterday, I received a packet of clips from my client, Constance D\u2019Angelis, representing some of her recent promotional activities. Constance, an attorney and a resident of Florida, is the author of a lovely little chunky 4 x 6 book, encompassing 148 pages called The 7 Laws of Inner Peace.<\/em><\/strong> And she is really doing her homework as far as promoting this book. Every few months, she writes to me with news of a series of book signing events she is participating in or workshops she is conducting. Yesterday, I received a whole packet of clips representing her presentations and advertisements. Yes, she is sticking her neck out and advertising herself as an inspirational speaker in appropriate classified ads sections. She also promotes herself through a newsletter and some classy, professional promo pieces and flyers. She has a great website. She\u2019s even on UTube. <\/p>\n
\nAnother client, Lydia Silvestry, is the designer of the famous Infinite Dress. She is also a strong proponent of natural health and body care. You must visit her website and see for yourself how her natural beauty regime, which she has practiced practically all of her life, has served her skin and body. This grandmother glows with good health. A few years ago, she decided to let others know about her beauty secrets, which include the use of almond and olive oil instead of expensive body oils and creams and even in place of nail polish; baking soda instead of deodorant and so forth. Lydia was accustomed to appearing on TV and radio, traveling the world introducing her Infinite Dress, so she was prepared for her book promotion journey. Like Constance, Lydia, too, is selling large numbers of books due to her extraordinary efforts. <\/p>\n
\nGary Spivey is a psychic who has been presenting workshops throughout the world for many years. He also does regular radio shows. Maybe you\u2019ve heard of him. When he decided that he wanted a book that summed up his work, that provided some keys for people to use in their own lives and that he could promote along with his workshops, he came to us at Matilija Press. We edited his book and did the page layout, as well. Gary\u2019s book was an interesting project for me. It required very basic editing. It was already well-written. It was up to me to correct some grammatical and punctuation errors and enhance the readability of the text.<\/p>\n
\nDiana Zimmerman is also accustomed to being in the public eye. She was once billed as the world\u2019s foremost lady magician. Now she is a high-powered businesswoman with a desire to write young adult fantasy. We edited and designed the inside of her first book in the series, Kandide and the Secret of the Mists<\/em><\/strong>. Books two and three are in the works. Diana is an amazing marketer. She was able to hire a publicist and this has been an incredibly wise decision. Diana travels all over the US presenting programs for young and old alike and doing book signings. She participates in fairy (and faery) events nationwide. And I can tell you that, when Diana has an event, it is spectacular, with magicians, games, refreshments and more. I attended her first one in Santa Monica, California. What fun. She also has an amazing website with games for kids, ideas for how teachers can use this book with their students and more. This book is in perfect bound (soft cover) and in hardcover.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022\tA platform (your following\u2014your way of attracting readers\u2014your connections).
\n\u2022\tA keen marketing sense.
\n\u2022\tThe willingness to take advantage of promotional opportunities.
\n\u2022\tThe ability to create promotional opportunities.<\/p>\n
\nBy the way, I earned a spot in the Acknowledgements Pages in each of these books as editor. How neat is that?<\/p>\n