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Is Independent Publishing For You?

Behind the Seens with Jenn T. Grace, founder of Publish Your Purpose Press

The publishing world is anything but straightforward these days and there are many routes for an author to get a book published. In a recent conversation with Jenn T. Grace, founder of Publish Your Purpose Press we discuss which publishing path is best for your next book.

Highlights of our conversation include understanding the differences between:

  • Traditional publishing
  • Hybrid publishing
  • Independent publishing
  • Self publishing

Bonus:  Why you should beware of “vanity publishers”!

Interested in learning more, watch our entire conversation here: 

In this half hour conversation, Jenn and I catch up on: 

1) How she got into book publishing after publishing her own books

2) Several projects that we collaborated on

3) What does the publishing environment look like now

4) Is independent publishing for you

5) Advice for writers who are working on or have finished manuscript to help decide

6) What will the publishing industry will look like 2021 and beyond

7) How to find / connect with Jenn  and PYP

Jenn is an amazing resource and would love to talk with any would-be-author. Find her at Publish Your Purpose Press where you’ll find her FREE “Getting Started For Authors” program. 

If you want to learn more about how to be seen, be found, be heard, please connect with me on the socials or let’s set up a call to chat.

The Upsides of Podcasting for an Author

Behind the Seens with Kate Hanley

Author and podcaster Kate Hanley shares how her podcast helped her find her voice, get a sponsor, and reach a wider audience.  In approaching her one-year anniversary, Kate Hanley generously shares some how-tos and benefits of podcasting that surprised her.

In the video we talk about: 

1) her process, batching and consistency

2) if it got easier

3) getting a sponsor – see video below

4) how she could pivot and respond in the pandemic world

5) the unexpected surprises since she launched her podcast

Want to learn how Kate Hanley got her first sponsor for her #HowToBeABetterPerson podcast without really trying (and she’s since gotten more!) Watch now where you’ll learn iIt has as much to do with great content, consistency, and authenticity as it does with numbers of listeners and downloads!

Always fun to chat and learn from Kate! Learn more at KateHanley.com where you will find all about her book and podcast.

If you want to learn more about how to be seen, be found, be heard, please connect with me on the socials or let’s set up a call to chat.

What Makes A Great Reach Out

Behind the Seens with Molly Beck and Carly Valancy

One of the best practices I’ve discovered during the pandemic is reaching out! It can be game changing for your network, your business, and clarity on your purpose. Huge gratitude to Molly Beck and Carly Valancy who have been fearlessly leading “Reach Out” parties since April. Check out their advice on what makes a great reach out in this fun video.

While much of this is common sense, there is an art and science to a great reach out: 

  1. Compelling subject line that is unique; use Title Case
  2. Keep it short
  3. Make it specific
  4. Give a gift
  5. Follow the impulse, have the courage to send it

If you are interested to learn more from our fun conversation, here is full interview:

In this full version of the “Behind the Seens – The Power of the Reach Out” we cover: 

  • Learn how Molly got her book deal for Reach Out
  • How Molly and Carly met – a reach out of course.
  • How the Reach Out parties started.
  • What makes a great reach out
  • The power of reaching out as a community.

For more information about Reaching Out, check out Molly’s book Reach Out and consider joining the Reach Out parties. 

If you want to learn more about how to be seen, be found, be heard, please connect with me on the socials or let’s set up a call to chat. 

Listening. Learning. Being vs Doing. It’s tricky.

So . . .  we are in the third month of a global pandemic AND we’re nearly a month into a global anti-racism movement that hopefully won’t be just a moment. 

So much going on. So much to feel, contemplate and grieve. 

This is not easy. This is uncomfortable. This does not feel good. This is emotional. We are all making mistakes. And finding the balance of being and doing is really tricky and hard. 

I am not sure how you are getting through these times, but here are some helpful mantras I’m finding useful. . . Listen. Learn. Find your lane. Use your platform. Do not judge. Seek grace.

As I approach things from the perspective of a connector and a curator, I’d like to share several resources – focused mainly on racial injustice – I have discovered over the past several weeks that are helping me to understand and process and be present to the profound changes we are experiencing:

  • Talented artist and designer, Danielle Coke aka @ohHappyDani – has become a leader in her own right on the subject of racism. Check out her Instagram video series “Up, In and Out” that aired LIVE June 1-3.
  • Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho is having courageous conversations about racism in with a series Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man; Here’s how he introduced the videos: “Dear white people, For days you’ve asked me what you can do to help. I’ve finally found an answer. Let your guard down and listen.”
  • Adrian Parker is not only the Global Vice President, Marketing – Patrón Tequila, and he is also a podcaster of the Unfollow podcast and a very thoughtful and discerning Christian on the subject of racism. 
  • #SharetheMicNow is a movement that launched last week pairing influential white women with Black women where they shared their platforms for new audiences and understanding. 
  • The book “White Fragility” by Robin Diangelo was recommended to me as a great place to start. So I am. There will be a book group discussion hosted by Hayvn on July 13th. LMK if you’re interested in details. 
  • Support #BlackPublishingPower this week by buying two books by Black authors to help them “blackout” the bestseller list. I’ve ordered Trevor Noah’s “Born A Crime” and “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett.

It’s been great to see how friends and clients are using their work, platforms and voices for change: 

  • Author and podcaster, Kate Hanley is focusing her “How To Be A Better Person” podcast this week on the “Inner Work of Anti-Racism”. So much goodness here. 
  • Susan McPherson has always been a champion of social justice and impact. Heck, her company, McPherson Strategies, specializes in it. Sign up for her McPherson Memo newsletter and follow her on Instagram for up-to-the-minute news, movements and events for a better world. 
  • For people and organizations interested in making value-based changes, Debra Hertz of The Strategy Group offered a free webinar on “Radical Reflection” and the exercises she shares are simple yet powerful. 
  • Author Kelly Corrigan (not a friend yet or client, but I’m a huge fan!) has turned her BYOB videos into the “Education of Corrigan, Kelly” where she is sharing her journey of learning and understanding more about racism and supporting Black people. 

Also, I have to say that my awesome #SaltsmanSisters have been a huge source of inspiration: 

  • Holland Saltsman is the owner of The Novel Neighbor bookstore in St. Louis, shared a very heartfelt and inspiring pledge to her community. 
  • Ashley Parker who owns her own real estate firm and is also the Chair of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance took a stand on local television. 
  • Jacque Saltsman is a leadership coach and has been on the path to ally-ship for quite some time. I am humbled by the courageous work she does. Follow her on Facebook for action steps for justice.

Who are you learning from? Where is your inspiration coming from right now? How are you – really???