Karen Brown Tyson

Author: Karen

Insider Look at How to Get Your Book Seen and Sold: Book Review
If you’re an author, there are two important questions to consider before publishing a book.

The first question: Is the target audience for your book friends, family, or clients? The second question is: Do you want your book to reach an audience beyond friends, family, or clients?

While there is no right or wrong answer, if you’re an author looking to answer question two, you will find valuable information in Get Your Book Seen and Sold by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette. Here’s a closer look at what this book has to offer and how you can win a copy.

This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at no extra cost if you make a purchase using the links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Title: Get Your Book Seen and Sold: The Essential Book Marketing and Publishing Guide

Authors: Claudine Wolk & Julie Murkette

Release Date: September 25, 2022

Genre: Marketing and Publishing & Books

Pages: 122

Format: Paperback | Ebook

Purchase your copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or Barnes and Noble.

What You’ll Find in Get Your Book Seen and Sold

Claudine and Julie offer valuable advice throughout the book, starting with the Introduction and the importance of timing. If you intend to publish your book for a global audience, the authors emphasize the importance of allowing ample time for people to become aware of it before its official release date. Based on research, they recommend that authors allow 4 to 9 months before the launch date for a thorough evaluation and potential reviews.

The authors provide easy-to-understand explanations of self-publishing versus traditional publishing and highlight common pitfalls to avoid. Beyond the Introduction, the book unfolds into two parts – the first part focuses on the options of traditional or self-publishing, and the second part covers six chapters:
- Marketing and Promotion
- Message, Audience, Hook
- Marketing Tools: Meet the Media Kit
- Marketing Plan: Plus THE SECRET
- Distinctive Marketing Ideas
- Exhibits
Within each chapter, vibrant illustrations and informative charts explain important terms like galley, elevator pitch, and platform. The authors also describe how to use resources, such as Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform and IngramSpark, for printing books on demand. Additionally, you will learn about the importance of creating a website for book promotion or an author information page on Amazon.

The Benefits of Get Your Book Seen and Sold

The benefits of the book are numerous. Not only will you walk away with a better understanding of what it takes to publish a book, but as you work through each section, you can walk away with an actual plan. The authors do a great job of bringing each section to life with examples and stories from their own experiences. By the end of this book, readers should feel confident and prepared.

Last but not least, this book is inspiring. As an author, I plan to put Claudine and Julie’s ideas into practice, which I plan to share here on my blog. It’s also the kind of book that I am eager to recommend to my clients and friends wanting to publish a book.

When publishing a book, there’s a lot to consider. While there are several steps an author must take that are not covered, the book is still a goldmine. By employing the practical tips and strategies outlined in the book, you can confidently take control of your book’s marketing and publicity. Whether you are a new author or a seasoned pro, Claudine and Julie offer the help you need to get your book seen and sold.

About the Author

Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette are experienced in sharing their knowledge of the publishing industry to give books the BEST chance to be sold. Julie is the long-time owner of Satya House Publications, which published and marketed the award-winning I See the Sun series of books, among others. Claudine Wolk is a published author, journalist, podcast host, and book marketing consultant. You can find her writing in her weekly newsletter on Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold. Her book, It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers (Harper Collins), is translated into three languages and was released as an audiobook (Nov. 2022).

Find Claudine online at:

Substack: https://ClaudineWolk.Substack.com

Website: ClaudineWolk.com

Instagram: @ClaudineWolk

Facebook: Facebook.com/ClaudineWolk

Twitter: @help4newmoms
September 19, 2023
How to Embrace the Battlefield: I’ve Come a Long Way

When life hits you with unexpected challenges, it can feel like you’re fighting for your life on a battlefield. The fear, pain, and uncertainty can leave you feeling powerless. But what if I told you that surviving and thriving during your struggles is possible?

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

As someone who has experienced the battlefield firsthand, I’ve learned so much about relying on God’s power. While writing my new book, Better After the Battle: Finding God’s Strength to Overcome Turbulent Times, I thought about what I learned about battles.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with cancer. Ironically, that was also the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S. Despite all the uncertainties; I decided to trust in God’s strength and hold on to hope. Instead of focusing on fear, I focused on faith. Plus, I received unconditional love and support from my family, friends, and community, which empowered me to keep fighting. Through my experience, I realized that my health battle was an opportunity to grow into the person God wants me to be.

While dealing with cancer, my 91-year-old mother passed away. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. As hard as it was, I had to learn to move forward without her. Just five months later, my mother’s twin sister passed away. My Aunt Jess was like a second mother to me. It felt like a cascade of losses I couldn’t escape. But I knew I had to fight through it, so I prayed and trusted God.

One of the silver linings of my cancer journey and losing my loved ones led me to write my new book, Better After the Battle: Finding God’s Strength to Overcome Turbulent Times. In this book, I share my story and the lessons I’ve learned. But more importantly, I shine a light on people in the Bible who find hope, healing, and strength in God. I hope the book will inspire others to trust God when facing life’s challenges.

In all the lessons I learned, I appreciate what God showed me about me. I learned to survive by understanding that in my weakness, God is strong. I learned to thrive by choosing to see God’s goodness and mercy in every moment.

My heart’s greatest desire is to teach the uncompromising truths of God’s Word. Now more than ever, I feel a passion for others to understand His written Word and for everyone to experience His power. The battlefield can be dark and challenging, but the light of God’s love can shine so bright that you come out of darkness into a bright, brand-new day.

Embracing your battlefield is difficult but often necessary for growth and transformation. I hope my book, Better After the Battle, encourages you to find hope and strength in God, no matter what you face.

Remember, you’re not alone; God is always with you.

August 10, 2023
Write Out Loud Book Review: How to Become a Confident Author

As someone who struggled for years to finish my first book, I am a sucker for books on how-to-get-your-book-finished. So I welcomed the chance to read and review Naomi D. Nakashima’s Write Out Loud: How To Get Over Your Fears And Build The Confidence To Finally Write Your Book.

This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at no extra cost if you make a purchase using the links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Overview of Write Out Loud

If you need help determining where to start or are at a crossroads in your writing process, I recommend Write Out Loud. The 212-page book is divided into six sections. Each section tackles the critical parts of the book-writing journey. While each section offers valuable tips and insight, the first section, Introduction: Your Story Matters, explores your reason for writing a book, overcoming fears, and building an author persona. She even tackles the debate about when a person is considered an author. Nakashima states, “An author is someone who writes a work with the intention of putting that work through a formal publishing process.”

While the entire book is full of insights on how to write a book, I paid particular attention to the second section, Write and Never Look Back. Since I used to struggle at the beginning of my book-writing journey, I enjoyed reading Nakashima’s advice on They Call it a Rough Draft for a Reason, The Trick to Getting Started, and Staying Motivated to Write Everyday.

The best part of the book was…

The most satisfying part of the book was when Nakashima wrote, “So, how do I force myself to write every day? I don’t. I force myself to go through my routine every day, and I force myself to recognize my progress as progress every day.” Boom, there it was! For weeks I have been feeling behind schedule and disappointed in my progress in writing my third book. But after reading, Write Out Loud, I’m back on track.

Before closing out the book, Nakashima inspires readers to share their book with the world by building an author platform. She explains that an author platform is a stage where an author’s brand sits publicly. An author platform includes how authors promote themselves and their work to their target audience, both online and offline.

Conclusion

Looking to elevate your writing career or finally get that book written? Look no further than Write Out Loud. This book promises to give you the motivation and drive to see your writing projects through to the end. So step up your writing game and achieve your dreams with Write Out Loud.

May 17, 2023
Plan to Publish: How to Build a Powerful Author Platform
As part of my new series, Plan to Publish, I invited Naomi D. Nakashima, author of Write Out Loud: How to Get Over Your Fears and Build the Confidence to Finally Write Your Book, to share her wisdom on how to build an author platform. If you have questions, please let Naomi or me know. Also, we would love to hear what you’re doing to build your author platform.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

People tend to think of author platforms as something you are granted after you’ve been published. But the truth is that building a strong author platform will help you reach your dreams of finally being published and set you up for success and sales once you are published.

Let’s look at what an author platform is and what goes into building one.

What is an Author Platform?

An author platform is the stage on which your brand sits publicly. And while most people think of this as social media, your author platform includes all the ways you promote yourself and your work to your target audience, both online and offline.

It’s anywhere a person might be introduced to you as an author. This can include your website, blog, social media presence, email newsletters, speaking engagements, media appearances (both in print and online), and more.

Why is an Author Platform Important?

An author platform is crucial to your success for several reasons.

First, it helps you build a loyal following of readers interested in your work and more likely to buy your books. This is especially true for channels where you can build a community of readers through connection or engagement, such as email, newsletters, online groups, and social media channels. Any online or offline environment that allows your audience to dive into a conversation with you helps your audience develop a deeper relationship with you.

Second, it can help you attract the attention of publishers, agents, and other industry professionals who can help you grow your career. While many authors understand that they will need a platform to sell their books, they must realize that agents and publishers will often look at the author’s platform while deciding to publish that manuscript. That’s because if built well, the author’s platform can Indicate and help predict how many sales they might expect. The stronger the platform, the better an agent can predict the number of books. As a result, the author will be able to sell. Building an author platform also shows that you understand your ideal readers and your market, two things that will be crucial when it’s time to sell your books.

Finally, as agents and publishers will review your author platform as part of their decision-making process, other opportunities will rely heavily on the platform you build. For example, certain online summits, speaking events, and magazine publications may look at your platform’s size and quality to determine your fit with their event.

What Goes Into an Author Platform?

The same channels and tools you use to build your author platform will be up to you. But I like building an author platform using three distinct layers: core, virtual, and local.

The Core Layer

The Core Layer of your author platform should consist of three primary pieces:
- A public space where you can create content designed to draw your ideal reader to you
- A domain you can use as a call-to-action
- A list where you can communicate with people more privately and nurture them as leads
My favorite tools for this core are the Marketing Trifecta: your favorite social media channel, website, and email list.

Of course, you can choose any tool to build this core as long as the three primary functions are served. You need a public space where you can create content and people can be introduced to you, a domain you can tell people to go to once they’ve found you, and a way to invite them onto a list of some sort so you can talk to them further once they get to that domain. Once this Marketing Trifecta is set up, you can use this to support the rest of your author platform, including expanding to other channels and the other layers of your platform.

The Virtual Layer

The Virtual Layer of your author platform is just as the name suggests: virtual channels you can use to expand on the Core Layer.

While this can, and often does, include other social media channels, this can also include interviews on other platforms, podcasts, bloggers, YouTubers, etc. Now that you have a domain you can send people to, your call to action on any of these other platforms becomes really easy: follow me on my favorite social channel and/or go to my website.

The Local Layer

The Local Layer of your author platform does exactly what it sounds like it expands your Core Layer into your local area. This might mean local radio stations, television stations, bookstores, vendor events, conferences, or even, depending on the genre of your book, related offices and events where your ideal reader might appear.

Building out each of these layers may feel exhausting right now. The good news is that you don’t have to build each of them simultaneously. Instead, start with your Core Layer since that one will support each of the other layers over time. Then, as your schedule allows, you can work on building up the other two layers in any order you wish.

Building An Author Platform is Critical to Your Success

By creating your Core Layer first, you’ll establish the systems you need to always keep in touch with your readers. Then, no matter where you go next, your call to action can always be as simple as “Go to mywebsite.com to find out when my book is coming out” or “Go to mywebsite.com to find out where you can buy my book.” Then, with a newsletter form on your website, interested readers will sign up to get updates and find out when your books are being released.

Remember, building an author platform is an ongoing process that requires time, effort, and consistent engagement with your readers. But by investing this time into your platform, you can establish yourself as a credible and trustworthy author, increase your book sales, and take your writing career to the next level.
May 16, 2023
The Benefit of Employee Feedback: How to Turn Suggestions into Action

Have you ever considered that your employees hold the key to unlocking your organization’s potential? Employee feedback is a powerful tool for growth and improvement, yet many companies fail to harness its full potential.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of employee feedback, effective ways to collect it, how to prioritize suggestions for action, and ultimately how to implement changes that will drive growth and improvement.

Incorporating a culture of active listening and action can take your organization to the next level. So let’s dive in and explore the power of employee feedback.

The benefits of employee feedback

One of the primary benefits of employee feedback is that it provides valuable insights into the workings of your organization. As such, employees are the ones who interact with customers, carry out tasks and run the day-to-day operations. Ultimately, they are uniquely positioned to identify areas that need improvement and suggest new ideas to help your organization grow. You can leverage their knowledge and expertise to make smarter, more informed decisions by seeking their feedback.

In addition, employee feedback also helps to boost employee engagement and motivation. When employees see that their suggestions are being heard and acted upon, it creates a sense of ownership and pride in their work. They feel valued and respected, which leads to increased job satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, when employees feel they have a voice in decision-making, they are more willing to go the extra mile to achieve organizational goals.

Another benefit of employee feedback is that it fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Therefore, regularly soliciting and implementing feedback shows your commitment to growth and development. This encourages employees to take more risks, try out new ideas, and share feedback without fear of retribution. Over time, this creates a culture of openness and transparency, where everyone is invested in improving the organization.

Bottom line: employee feedback is a powerful tool to help your organization unlock its potential. It provides valuable insights, boosts employee engagement and motivation, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. By prioritizing feedback and taking action, you can create an environment where everyone is invested in driving growth and success.

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Kenneth H. Blanchard

Effective ways to collect feedback

Collecting employee feedback is essential to creating a culture of continuous improvement. However, waiting for feedback to come in passively is not enough. Here are some effective ways to actively collect feedback from employees:

1. Regular one-on-one meetings

Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with each employee to discuss their experiences and gather suggestions. This creates a trust-based relationship and encourages open communication.

2. Online surveys

Use online survey tools to ask specific questions and gather feedback. Make sure the surveys are straightforward to encourage participation.

3. Group brainstorming sessions

Host group brainstorming sessions to get feedback directly from multiple employees. This approach can help generate new ideas and encourage cross-functional collaboration.

4. Employee feedback boxes

Place feedback boxes in common areas or through online platforms where employees can anonymously leave suggestions. This provides a safe space for employees to share their thoughts without fear of retribution.

By using these methods and any other feedback collection processes that work for your organization, you can ensure your employees feel heard and valued. This, in turn, builds a culture of trust and transparency, where everyone is invested in making the organization better.

Prioritizing suggestions for action

While collecting employee feedback is a critical step toward improving your organization, it is equally essential to prioritize those suggestions for action. With a large number of suggestions, it can be challenging to decide which ones to focus on first. A useful way to prioritize feedback is by assessing its potential impact and the resources required to implement it.

Identify suggestions that address pressing issues or problems that significantly impact the organization’s success. Additionally, review suggestions that require minimal effort and resources to implement. These quick wins can help build momentum and demonstrate the organization’s commitment to employee feedback.

On the other hand, suggestions that require significant resources and have a lower impact on the organization’s success should be considered for the long term. Allocate time and resources to plan and execute these suggestions, but do not prioritize them over pressing issues or quick wins.

By prioritizing suggestions for action, you can ensure that your organization is making the most significant impact with its resources.

Implementing changes for growth

By prioritizing employee feedback and categorizing suggestions based on their impact and feasibility, your organization can identify quick wins and long-term changes for growth. But how can you turn those suggestions into action? Here are some steps to help you implement changes for growth based on the feedback collected.

First, identify the relevant stakeholders and decision-makers who can help implement the changes. This may include department heads, team leaders, or even external partners. Create a clear plan for how the feedback will be shared, who will be responsible for each action item, and what the timeline will be for execution.

Next, communicate the plan to all employees and stakeholders involved in the implementation. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands what changes are being made and why.

As you implement the changes, track progress and make adjustments as needed. Regular check-ins with the team and stakeholders can help identify any roadblocks or areas for improvement.

Lastly, celebrate successes and share the impact of the changes with the entire organization. This can help build momentum for future feedback initiatives and reinforce the importance of listening to employee suggestions.

Implementing changes for growth can be challenging, but by prioritizing feedback and following these steps, your organization can create a culture of continuous improvement and drive meaningful results.

Conclusion

Incorporating employee feedback into your organization’s culture can be a game-changer. By listening to your team members’ suggestions, you can uncover areas for growth and implement changes that will elevate your organization to the next level. Effective feedback collection methods and prioritization strategies can ensure your team feels heard and valued while helping you make data-driven decisions. The benefits of implementing employee feedback are clear – improved morale, enhanced collaboration, and better performance. So, seize the opportunity to harness the power of employee feedback and watch your organization thrive. As Kenneth H. Blanchard said, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”

If you need help with your internal communications, let Constant Communicators help.

We specialize in helping organizations create cohesive, effective communication plans that engage everyone.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your internal communications.

April 4, 2023
Why Self-Care is Important in Protecting Your Mental Wellbeing

Have you ever found yourself so caught up in pursuing success that you neglect your well-being? I only focused on work when I started my career 30 years ago. Work assignments consumed nights, weekends, and holidays. Looking back, I often saw self-care as a luxury rather than a necessity.

No more.

What if I told you that prioritizing self-care could improve your mental wellness and overall quality of life? In this post, we’ll explore the dangers of neglecting self-care, the benefits of prioritizing it, and provide actionable steps to make it a daily habit. Let’s dive in and learn how to prioritize your mental well-being.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

The dangers of neglecting yourself

Neglecting self-care can have severe consequences on your mental and physical health. When you prioritize work or other responsibilities over your well-being, you can experience burnout, increased stress, and even physical illness.

In extreme cases, neglecting mental well-being can lead to anxiety disorders and depression. It didn’t take me long to recognize the dangers of my behavior and take action to prioritize self-care in my daily routine.

Doing so can improve your overall quality of life and prevent these adverse outcomes. Let’s explore the benefits of prioritizing self-care and how to make it a habit in your daily life.

The benefits of prioritizing self-care

Prioritizing self-care may seem like a luxury, but it’s a necessary investment in your overall well-being. By prioritizing mental well-being, I experienced various benefits that positively impacted my mental, emotional, and physical health.

For starters, I felt less stressed and more energized, allowing me to tackle challenges with a clear mind and stronger resilience. Additionally, prioritizing self-care helped me get a better night’s sleep, improved my immune function, and increased my productivity, all contributing to a happier and more fulfilling life.

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, self-care has several benefits. Some of these include enhanced self-confidence (64%), increased productivity (67%), and happiness (71%).

Finally, I learned that by taking care of myself first, I was better equipped to handle the demands of daily life and enjoy the moments that matter most.

Bottom line: Creating a self-care plan helped me make self-care a habit.

Need help keeping it all together? Add a Wellness Journal to your life.

Creating a plan that works for you

To truly make self-care a priority, it’s important to create a plan that works for you. This personal plan should consider the specific activities and practices that promote your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The key is to make it a habit, not just a once-in-a-while indulgence.

Start by identifying activities that make you feel good. For me, this includes working out, journaling, reading, and spending time with loved ones. Once I identified my go-to practices, I scheduled them into my calendar with any other appointments. I treat them as non-negotiable time slots that I don’t cancel or reschedule.

In addition to your go-to self-care practices, having a list of minor activities you can squeeze into your day can be helpful. These include taking a quick walk, listening to your favorite music, or indulging in a favorite snack. By having various options, you can incorporate self-care into your daily routine in a way that works for you.

Creating a plan that works for you takes some trial and error. Be patient with yourself, and remember that it’s okay to adjust your plan as needed. The key is to make it a habit that feels natural and essential to your overall well-being.

Incorporating self-care into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In the next section, we’ll explore simple ways to make self-care a part of your everyday life.

Incorporating self-care into your daily routine

Creating a self-care plan is a great start, but it’s important to incorporate it into your daily routine to see and feel the benefits. By making self-care a habit, you’ll be able to provide yourself with the care and attention you need to thrive.

A straightforward way to incorporate self-care into your daily routine is to start your day with a few moments of silence and solitude. I like starting my day by reading, journaling, or taking deep breaths. Also, I like to pray and connect with God to set intentions for the day, which makes a big difference in how I approach the rest of my day.

Another way to prioritize it throughout the day is to schedule breaks and time for yourself. Getting caught up in work or other obligations can be easy, but taking regular breaks to stretch, walk, or even take a few minutes to breathe can help you recharge and refocus.

Incorporating self-care into your daily routine can also mean setting boundaries and saying no when necessary. It’s important to remember that focusing on your mental well-being isn’t selfish and that taking care of yourself is essential to show up fully for others. By setting boundaries and prioritizing your needs, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of daily life.

Remember, incorporating self-care into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By starting small and finding what works for you, you can make self-care a natural and essential part of your life.

Prioritize mental well-being. Be sure to start taking care of yourself before you’re burnt out. Neglecting our mental well-being can have dangerous consequences for us and those around us. By making self-care a daily habit, we can benefit from improved mental wellness and overall quality of life. Take action today by creating a personalized self-care plan and incorporating it into your daily routine.

March 30, 2023