Karen Brown Tyson

Tag: Writing

How Writers Can Post Stuff on Social Media Readers Will Love
Let’s talk about social media. One of the most common challenges that writers have is knowing what stuff to post on social media that readers will love.

As a writer, I can tell you I understand how you feel.

If you’re a writer who wants to connect with readers, then it’s time to learn how to build and manage your social media presence.

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.

Let’s Deal with the Elephant in the Room

Before we go too far, I think we need to address the elephant in the room. Whether I’m at a conference or in a meeting with other writers, I often hear writers say, “I hate social media.”

If this is you, I think you should take a few minutes to understand why you don’t like using social media. Make a list and be honest with yourself.

If you cannot find any good reason for being on social media or don’t think it will help you build your writer platform, don’t do it. Give yourself permission to stay away from social media. Don’t torture yourself, and don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your decision.

If you decide to move forward, identify what you will and will not do in building your social media presence.

Find at Least One Social Media Platform

One mistake people often make is trying to post content on every social media platform. Please don’t do it. My advice for writing students is to start with one social media channel. Just one. Once you master one, add another site to your plan.

The social media channel you choose should:
- Align with your target audience;
- Fit with your goals and values; and
- Help you deliver content that is relevant to your audience.
Therefore, if you’re wondering which social media site is right for you, here’s a list to consider.

The Facts about Social Media Followers

If you are on social media, you want to have followers. But don’t try to take shortcuts. Avoid those ads promising 5,000 followers for $100. You do not need to buy followers.

But don’t drive yourself crazy by only focusing on how many followers you have or if every follower will buy your books or products.

Whether you have 25 or 250,000 followers, the most important thing to focus on is being informative and helpful to anyone who visits your social media platform.

Focus on connecting people with information that helps them be more informed about your niche, genre, or writing community.

Here are Ten Tips on How Writers can use Social Media

Create a social media schedule

While managing your social media account doesn’t have to take hours, you should schedule a time to distribute content your readers will love. HubSpot offers a social media calendar template for free.

Post consistently

Based on your schedule, post consistently. According to HubSpot, here’s a complete list of the Best Time to Post on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, & Pinterest

Promote other articles/information in your niche/genre

As you come across interesting articles, blog posts, and videos, share this information with your followers. Only post information you think is relevant to your audience.

Follow people

If you are building your brand for your writing business, follow other writers, authors, agents, or publishers. Look for opportunities to connect with some of your followers or collaborate on writing projects.

Use eye-catching photos

Include an image in your posts. The image is what helps people stop scrolling to take a closer look. I like to use vibrant, high-quality, colorful images for my posts. But you should use images that represent your brand.

Captions

When writing captions, you have to strike the right balance between sharing too much information and sharing enough to pique the reader’s interest. Write strong captions that tell stories, ask questions, or offer quotes that draw the reader into your post. Captions should be easy to read and should include white space, which offers a better reading experience.

Hashtags

Hashtags allow social media users to connect to other people commenting on the same topics. For example, a lot of writers use the hashtag #amwriting. If you include #amwriting as part of your post on Twitter, your post will show up in the #amwritingcommunity. Some popular hashtags for writers include: #books #bookstagram #author #booksandcoffee #booksandwine #booksandcats #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #amwriting #amreading #tbr #galleygrab #stacksonstacks #bookhaul #bookclub

Use automated tools

I like to batch my content and schedule my posts at the start of each week. This helps me to avoid posting multiple times per day. To do this, I use tools like CoSchedule, Buffer, and Tailwind. You can include this step as part of your plan.

Dealing with haters

Social media comes with pros and cons. One of the cons is dealing with unpleasant people. If you post something that angers someone, there are a few things you can do.
1. Decide whether you should address the comments. Lots of LinkedIn posts are full of people expressing their likes or dislikes on topics related to politics, discrimination, social injustice, and religion. But not every comment deserves a response from you.
2. If you decide to respond, offer a positive response using messaging you would like to direct to your target audience.
3. Don’t repeat the negative comments.
4. Don’t share the attacker’s messages.
5. If the attacker has a problem with a purchase they made from your writing business, try to take the discussion offline and deal with the complaint according to your refund policy.
Don’t be afraid to outsource

If you find social media challenging or you need to focus on finishing your next book, you can hire a social media specialist. Check out Fiverr or UpWork for help.

Stuff Authors Can Post on Social Media

So, what kind of stuff can authors post on social media? Here are a few ideas to consider.
- Offer your followers a glimpse of your writing process. Post information on how you brainstorm new ideas for your books or manage your time when writing.
- Run a LIVE Q&A session with fans. Schedule a live session with your followers to answer questions about your latest book or your writing routine.
- Show photos or videos that reveal your personal side. Allow your followers to see photos or videos of you doing things other than writing, like cooking, sightseeing, or playing with your pet.
If you’re looking for additional ideas, download a copy of 30 Content Ideas for Authors here.

In Summary

There are many ways to promote your book and promote yourself as a writer. Social media sites serve as additional channels to help writers and authors connect with readers, the publishing community, and other writers. If you are currently using social media, please share how you connect with your followers in the comments section.
November 13, 2020
3 Great Ways to Promote Yourself as a Writer
3 Great Ways to Promote Yourself As a Writer

I am so happy to present today’s guest blog post from Mike O’Mary on three great ways to promote yourself as a writer. Mike and Kathleen Meyer are Co-Founders of LitNuts, an e-newsletter that brings the “Best of the Indies” to booklovers. Mike is also an author and owner of Dream of Things, an indie press that published 13 books from 2009 to 2016, including two titles that sold more than 20,000 copies, 3 NYT Bestsellers, 3 Hoffer Award winners, and one book that was optioned for a film. I hope you enjoy it. Please share your thoughts in the comments.

[bctt tweet=”You’ve written a book. Now what? Here are three ideas to consider.” username=”KBTWrites”]

You’ve written a book. Now what?

Ideally, you’ve thought about the “now what” before and during writing the book. That’s because most publishers will want to know about your “platform” when you inquire about publishing your book with them.

Your platform is your following — on your website, blog, social media — maybe even some people you know!

If you’re a “subject matter expert” who decided to write a book, chances are you already have a platform or a following that you can leverage to help promote your new book. If not, you’re going to need to do some work.

I’m not going to talk here about the usual things. You can read elsewhere about creating a website and blog, and social media accounts. I’m going to focus instead on some “surround” efforts you can pursue to help round out and promote your platform.

Writers Groups

If you’re not in a writers group, find one and join it. The Authors Marketing Guild has a good list of writers groups. If you’re already in one, make the most of it.

I joined the Chicago Writers Association many years ago and have reaped the rewards ever since. The benefits include everything from something as simple as being able to network with other writers to publication opportunities, a review service, and more. Here’s a complete list of benefits from the CWA website:
- A personal user-friendly webpage on CWA’s official website to promote your writings and happenings
- Access to CWA’s official e-group where members share publishing, writing, and marketing information
- Opportunity to participate in CWA author reading and book signing events and industry expo booths, including the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair and our own, Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference.
- Opportunity to participate in our Speakers Bureau.
- Opportunity to participate in our book review service, Windy City Reviews.
- Opportunity to enter your book in our Books of the Year Contest.
- Opportunity to enter our members-only writing contests.
- Opportunity to be published in our Write City e-zine and Windy City Writers blog.
- Interaction with other writers.
Even though it’s a Chicago-based group, you can join CWA from anywhere. But you should also see what’s available in your area. The California Writers Club, for example, has 2,000 members and 22 chapters spread across the state. So if you happen to be in California, you should be able to find a chapter near you.

Offer Something of Value

I love creative writing, but until I retired earlier this year, I also did executive communications (speeches, presentations, annual reports, etc.) to pay the bills.

One of the things I learned in the business world is the concept of providing “something of value” (SOV) as a way to cultivate relationships with clients. It could be as elaborate as organizing a free conference for clients, but it could also be as simple as finding and sending an insightful article to prospects.

As an author, you can do the same. What can you provide that will be of value to your “clients and prospects” (i.e., people who might buy your book now or sometime in the future)? Chances are you’re a “subject matter expert” on something! Or again, maybe you share interesting information with clients. Here’s an example:

Kathleen Meyer, Co-Founder of LitNuts

Kathleen Meyer and I currently publish LitNuts three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The focus is mainly on indie books, and we don’t want to detract from that. But we always include a brief introduction to:
- announce the winner of that day’s prize drawing
- share a literary quote, and
- offer something of value.
Most recently, I came across an article about 12 ways to cope during stressful times. It didn’t tie directly to books (although reading a good book is a great way to reduce stress!). Still, I felt it might provide some value to our subscribers – and maybe also simultaneously strengthen and deepen our relationships with them.

Mike O’Mary, Co-Founder of LitNuts

Use Blog Tours and Guest Blog Posts to Promote Your Platform

A blog tour is a great way to promote your book and yourself as an author. I’ve used several blog tour services, and I believe a WOW! Blog Tour is one of the best values and most effective marketing tools you will find to promote yourself as an author.

You can also reach out directly to book bloggers and offer to write a guest blog post as a one-off. That’s where “something of value” comes into play again. It’s not just about promoting your book; it’s about providing something of value to people who might later decide to do business with you in the form of buying your book. (Full disclosure: That’s exactly what I’m trying to do right now! I’m hoping that by providing you with something of value – in this case, suggestions on how to promote yourself as a writer – then you might later say to yourself, “Hey, that Mike O’Mary guy is all right. Maybe I’ll give his newsletter a try.”)

Tip of the Iceberg

We can all agree on how important it is to pursue your writing dreams. Once you do, the things I’ve talked about today represent just the tip of the iceberg on how to promote yourself as a writer and should be strategies you consider for your overall marketing plan. Good luck!

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November 5, 2020
How to Uncover Ideas to Write Amazing Content Every Day
Do you ever wonder how businesses uncover ideas to write amazing content that reaches their customers?

You are not alone. In talking to small business owners about writing content, it is clear that finding new ideas every month is a challenge.

[bctt tweet=”Do you ever wonder how businesses uncover ideas to write amazing content that reaches their customers? You are not alone. Read more on the blog.” username=”KBTWrites”]

Content creation is a vital marketing tool. And with more than 5 million content pieces published every day, it’s essential to write about important topics to your target audience.

But the process to uncover ideas for writing is one of the hardest things to do.

So, where can you find the best content ideas? Research.

While quantitative research can offer valuable statistics on customer response to products and services, qualitative research allows you to gather information by talking and listening to customers and staff.

Below are some easy ways to conduct research to uncover audience-focused content ideas.

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.

Connect with the Customers You Have and the Customers You Want

Chiara McPhee, COO and co-founder of Bizzy, offers this advice: “I’ve found it incredibly helpful to have a framework in place to systematically collect, prioritize, and implement product features based on customer feedback–both from customers you have, and the customers you want!”

In addition to finding out what your customers think of your products and services, find out what problems they’re facing. Uncover content ideas from the information collected.

Plus, here are some other things you can do:

If you use an email service provider like ConverKit, you can ask your email distribution list questions like:
- What issues is your business facing today?
- List 3 questions you have for me [or my company].
- How can I [or my company] help you solve a problem you’re currently facing?
Use the information collected to meet customer needs and write educational content that will help others.

Consider connecting with your audience while they’re visiting your website. HubSpot offers a Live Chat feature where you can interact with current and prospective customers and see what questions they’re asking. Write content based on the topics you repeatedly see in the chat.

Listen to Audience Discussions through Keyword Searches

An excellent way to find content ideas is through search engines. In addition to Google, there are more than 16 other search engines available such as Bing, Swisscows, and DuckDuckGo.

Additional ways to search include:

Answer the Public allows you to search for keywords or phrases, and then it generates a circle of question keywords related to your topic.

BuzzSumo is great for everything, from topic research to brand marketing.

Ahrefs not only offers keyword search capability but lets you enter your competitor’s domain to see how frequently they’re publishing and republishing content on the same topic.

Uncover Ideas Using the Skyscraper Technique

As you search for ideas for content writing, consider using Brian Dean’s skyscraper technique. This technique examines high-performing content and makes it better. What is high-performing content? Posts with lots of social shares or high-ranking blog posts that appear on search engine pages.

Next, Dean recommends taking the content to the next level. He recommends taking all four of the following steps:
- Make it longer
- Use better designs
- Offer up-to-date information
- Create a more thorough version
Dean offers a few ideas on how to improve existing content.

Hold on to Your Research by Creating an Idea System

Coming up with ideas to write content can be hard. So once you develop a process for generating ideas, it’s essential to create a system for saving your ideas.

1. Keep a notebook

Jot down a new idea as it comes to you. Get a notebook that transports easily and can fit into any bag. Carry it with you as ideas and inspiration may strike at any time. If you are in a position where you cannot write, like a car or on a treadmill, record your idea on your mobile phone.

2. Keep a digital idea log

Any idea from your notebook that you decide to pursue can move to a digital file. Use Dropbox or Google Docs to organize your ideas. You can also use these tools to store photos.

3. Idea board

If you work with a team in an office environment, consider adding an idea board in a central location. Encourage staff to add ideas to the board regularly. Reward employees for their willingness to share. If some team members are remote, consider using a tool like Trello or Mindmeister.

Keep the Ideas Flowing Using a Fixed Repeating Schedule

Manufacturers use the Every Product Every Interval or a Fixed Repeating Schedule (FRS) to manage product production schedules. Using the FRS approach allows the manufacturer to repeat the same production schedule to produce the product.

Once you develop a process to uncover ideas, use the same approach daily or weekly. Evaluate how the process is going for a few weeks or each month. If necessary, make adjustments to your ideation process.

Find the Beauty in Capturing Your Ideas

A few months ago, I read about James Altucher’s approach to capturing ideas. He writes ten ideas every day. Altucher believes if you make a list of ten ideas each day, you will become an idea machine. I love this!

As a person who wakes up in the middle of the night with all kinds of ideas, I was excited by this approach to capturing my ideas each day.

As someone not afraid to jot down ideas on anything – journals, Post-It Notes, napkins – the concept of making idea-collection an intentional part of my day was great.

One of the things I learned by consistently capturing my ideas is that some ideas make it, and some don’t. My new approach is progress for me as I once thought every idea I came up with had to live and breathe. Today, I am just satisfied to get my thoughts out of my head to explore the possibilities of making at least one idea come to life.

How do you uncover ideas for blog posts or projects? Please share how your idea process works. Feel free to share your comments below.
October 8, 2020
This is How to Reach Your Writing Dreams
Ever dream of becoming a writer? Do you wonder how you can reach your writing dreams?

You are not alone.

[bctt tweet=”This is How to Reach Your Writing Dreams” username=”KBTWrites”]

According to Brian Tracy International, at least 82 percent of adults dream of writing a book. Outside of writing a book, many people dream of other writing opportunities like becoming a freelance writer.

Unfortunately, without a clear plan, most people don’t write a book or reach their writing dreams.

I am a firm believer that it is never too late to write the next chapter of your life or renew interest in your dreams.

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.

But why is it important to pursue your writing dreams?

First, life is too short. If you want to become a writer, don’t wait until your children are off to college, or you think you’ll have more time. You owe it to yourself to explore your writing dream today.

Second, you need an outlet. Whether you work inside or outside the home, you need an outlet that allows you to express your creativity. For example, writing a book is a great way to focus on something outside your job or family commitments. The process allows you to research information and share your thoughts with readers.

Unfortunately, too many people hold back from pursuing their dream to write.

According to Mitch Matthews, entrepreneur, success coach, and founder of the DREAM THINK DO podcast; there are two reasons people don’t pursue their dreams. The first reason is people think they have to have all the answers before they start.

But this isn’t true.

Mitch encourages people to start pursuing their dream and then gather information along the way.

In some cases, people don’t pursue their dreams because they believe they must be an expert to prove their credibility. In 2017, I decided to start a blog. While I was familiar with internal blogging in a corporate environment, I didn’t know everything about blogging to external audiences. Since starting my blog two years ago, I have learned a lot, which I’m happy to share with others.

Here are some things to try to reach your writing dreams

Start with the end

Identify your goal and work backward. From your goal, make a list of questions to answers. As you find the answer to each question, use the information to a series of steps that will help you reach your goal. For example, if your goal is to launch a website, some of your questions could be:
- What domain should I use for my website? Should I use SiteGround or Bluehost?
- Which niche should I choose as my focus?
- How can I build an audience?
You get the idea. Continue asking questions and conducting research to find answers. But don’t drag out this process forever. Use your answers to create a plan to get you started.

Make a visual plan

Consider making a vision board that features pictures, words, and inspirational messages focused on your dreams and goals. You can also use a vision journal or planner (see also ‘How To Create A Planner To Sell?‘).

Here’s a list of tools for creating a vision journal or a vision board
- Notebook
- Journal
- Sketchbook
- Pictures and words from magazines
- Markers and colored pencils
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Inspirational stickers
- Stencils
- Stamps and ink pads
- Art supplies (paint and brushes)
15-minute experiments

Another great idea from Mitch Matthews is to test your dream 15-minute experiments. For example, consider a 15-minute freewriting session to write about a specific topic or use a writing prompt. As you write, don’t worry about editing, grammar, or punctuation. From start to finish, write, and don’t stop. Here is a 30-day supply of free writing prompts to get you started.

Create an idea system

Coming up with ideas to write content can be challenging. So once you develop a process for generating ideas, it’s crucial to create a plan for saving your ideas.
- Keep a notebook — Jot down a new idea as it comes to you. Get a notebook that transports easily and can fit into any bag. Carry it with you throughout the day as ideas and inspiration may strike at any time. If you are in a position where you cannot write, like a car or on a treadmill, use the recorder on your mobile phone to capture your idea.
- Keep a digital idea log — Any idea from your notebook that you decide to pursue should be transferred to a digital file. Use Trello or Mindmeister to organize your thoughts. You can also use these tools to store photos.
- Idea board — If you work in an office environment, consider adding an idea board in a central location. Encourage staff to add ideas to the board regularly. Reward employees for their willingness to share.
Find support

To reach your writing dreams, find people who will support you. Look to add people who are good listeners and who can offer valuable input. Also, consider asking someone who already does what you want to do. If you want to become a writer, connect with other writers and authors.

Avoid negative people

Stay away from negative people and people who never support your ideas. Please, no dream killers or people who always see the glass half empty. The last thing you need are people who will shoot down all of your ideas or people who are afraid to follow their dreams.

Don’t let fear stand in your way another day

When you think about reaching your writing dream and what it will take, consider what Valerie Nifora, the author of I Asked the Wind: A Collection of Romantic Poetry., said:

“But here’s the part that I didn’t realize — doing the thing you dream about, actually doing it — even in small measures is enormously gratifying. If you don’t worry about succeeding at it (Not sure I’ll ever make NY Times Best Seller or Poet Laureate), somehow it comes. And it doesn’t matter how successful whatever your dream is — the joy of using your talents fulfills itself!”

The time to follow your dreams is now. You owe it to yourself to make time for the creative work that matters to you. If you need a little help to get started, download a free copy of, How to Start Writing Today.
September 22, 2020
This Is How You Save Yourself After Being Laid Off
Most people don’t like getting laid off.

You’re committed to your job, contribute to the team in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder. You follow the rules to help the company succeed. You enjoy what you do and the people you work with every day.

Then you get laid off.

Often, getting laid off has little to do with you and more to do with the company’s changing strategy or cash flow.

But just because your employer lays you off, doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines twiddling your thumbs.

Here are seven tips on how to save yourself after being sidelined from the workplace.

[bctt tweet=”Getting laid off is never great. But it’s not the end of the world, and it’s not the end of you. This is How You Save Yourself After Being Laid Off” username=”KBTWrites”]

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.

Take care of the basics before getting laid off

Before you decide what to do with your time after you get laid off, you must first understand the basics related to your job ending.

First, find out what benefits you are entitled to by your employer. Know your employee rights and your company’s policy on what to do once your job ends.

Next, create a spreadsheet that outlines your finances — last paycheck, unused vacation and sick days, severance pay, and savings. If you don’t have one already, create a spreadsheet outlining your expenses. Knowing how much money you have versus how much money you need to spend is essential.

Finally, contact your state unemployment office to find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits.

Start with the end in mind

Before you get laid off, start working on your vision for the future.

To create your plan, think about the person you want to be in three to five years. For example, if you want a job similar to the one you left, write that as your goal. If you’re looking to start a new career or your own business, list that as your goal.

Also, to understand the steps you need to take to reach your goal, I recommend you work your way backward from the target by asking a series of questions.

For example, let’s say you want to become a freelance writer. The types of questions you could ask are:
- What skills do I need to learn to improve my writing?
- What content have I written that can go into my portfolio?
- Where will I display my writing samples to secure new clients?
Then, what are the steps that go into becoming a freelance writer?

While you might feel strange asking questions but not having all the answers, don’t worry. You can do research, interview others who are doing the work you want to do, and attend free classes and webinars.

In the end, clear answers will help you plan your vision for the future.

Offer freelance services

The writer and director, Tyler Perry, is known for making movies and televisions shows and giving generously to the world.

However, Perry is also known for great quotes like, “Own your stuff, own your business, own your way.” To motivate others, Perry talks about building your table instead of always asking for a seat at someone else’s table.

After getting laid off, consider offering freelance services. Find companies in your industry that may need help. If you’re creative, consider offering writing, drawing, or painting for companies or clients.

While freelance work can be sporadic, at least you will be working. You can work with companies like Fiverr, or you can work on your own. Before reaching out to potential clients, determine your rates for the type of service you will offer.

“Own your stuff, own your business, own your way.” Tyler Perry

Write a book

If you have always wanted to write a nonfiction book, why not start while sitting on the sidelines?

Writing a nonfiction book is a great way to spend your time researching and writing about something that excites you. It also gives you a chance to express yourself or help people solve problems.

If you decide to write a book, you can search for an agent to publish your book through the traditional route, or you can self-publish your book through IngramSpark for sale on Amazon, Apple, and Kobo. Also, you can write a shorter ebook that you sell on your website.

Trust me, I used being laid off as a motivator to write my book.

Teach a course online

Have you ever considered how your knowledge and skills can help solve a problem for someone else? Creating an online course allows you to share your experience.

The beauty of creating online courses is that you can teach just about anything.

I’ve seen online courses on how to take care of goats, chickens, and dogs. How to bake bread, write captions, and learn to paint with watercolors.

Offer one-on-one coaching

Similar to offering online courses, one-on-one coaching allows you to help others grow.

Start by identifying your coaching niche by answering four questions:
1. What do you know? Consider the skills you learned from your previous jobs.
2. What do you love? Think about your passion or the things you work on during your spare time.
3. What do people need? If friends and family members are always asking you to help them with a particular topic, start there.
4. What will be the outcome of your coaching program? Decide whether you are trying to teach something or guide someone from point A to point B.
Donate your time

Giving away your time to a worthy cause is one of the best things you can do.

I have three job layoffs under my belt. During my first layoff, I obsessed about finding a new job.

Filling out applications, sending out resumes, and making endless trips to Kinko’s was exhausting.

During my second and third layoffs, I volunteered a portion of my time at my church, a local food bank, and helping people who needed free advice about communications or public relations.

Getting laid off is not the end of the world

Getting laid off is never great. But it’s not the end of the world, and it’s not the end of you.

Whether you decide to look for a new job or start your own business, your time on the sidelines doesn’t have to be boring or unproductive. Keep moving.

You can save yourself after being laid off by mapping out your vision and focusing on things that cause you to jump out of bed every day.
August 27, 2020
How One Young Author Used Her Voice Like a ‘Big Boss’

In recent weeks, I felt it was important to focus on capturing our thoughts, survival, following our dreams, and how to write a book when you feel like quitting. Today, I am happy to present one young author who used her voice like a ‘big boss’. Haelee Moone is the author of The Rules of a Big Boss: A Book of Self-Love. Haelee talks about what it means to be a big boss and the importance of self-love. This amazing young author is 12 years old. Please share your thoughts in the comments. Enjoy!

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.

Hello Haelee! Congratulations on your new book. What is your book, The Rules of a Big Boss, about, and why did you decide to write it?

The Rules of a Big Boss is my personal self-help book. It’s also for young ladies and adolescents like me. A big boss is someone who loves, takes care of, and is true to themselves. Anyone can be a big boss. The book covers topics like finding yourself, respect, and confidence. The book has exercises to help readers reflect, journal, and feel empowered.

I found myself inspired to write this book because I have always had an overwhelming desire to help others. I specifically like helping people with their self-esteem.

[bctt tweet=”Start writing your beginning, good luck in your ending, be inspired, and be your own Big Boss. Haelee Moone” username=”KBTWrites”]

When did you find time to write? Tell us about your writing process and how you went about putting the book together?

I had a lot of free time on my hands with everything being shut down due to COVID-19, so I used that free time to write. To get started, I searched for templates in Microsoft Word I could use as a model for the book. Next, I had to learn about distribution rights, copyrights, citing sources, royalties, and marketing for the book. Before I published the book, I had to choose a book cover design, size, sales price, and decide on a distributor. Finally, my dad helped me set up social media accounts and record a promo video for the book.

What made you decide to self-publish rather than looking for a traditional publishing house? What else can we expect from you?

I gave my rough draft to my dad, and he said, “Oh my God, Haelee, this is entirely too good not to share.” He asked me if I wanted to publish it. I smiled and said, ‘Yeeeaaaahhh.’ With my dad working as my editor, we published the book together. We looked into both self-publishing and traditional publishing. We decided to go with the self-publishing because it was easier and allowed me to have total creative control.

I decided to create a Rules of a Big Boss clothing and accessory line as an extension of the book. My dad had an artist design a logo for me, which allows me to become a brand.

I like the idea of my supporters and me sharing the message of self-love beyond the book.

What has this experience taught you?

By setting, meeting, and exceeding my goals, I’ve been able to taste success early. This has inspired me to strive for more while also teaching me the power of entrepreneurship.

I learn something new every day. I plan to release the second book of the ‘Big Boss’ series in 2021. In the interim, you can pick up a copy of my book on Amazon

Where can people find you online?

You can find me online here:

My website: https://www.thebookofselflove.com/

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thebookofselflove2020

Instagram at https://instagram.com/thebookofselflove2020?igshid=2bvfsqhoy40p,

Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/authorrulesofabigbossbook.

July 24, 2020