Hello fellow writers!
Have you ever wondered how you can see more stories like yours on the bookshelves?
In this episode, I dive deep into how you can make your dream of seeing your book published come true. I talk about four easy and practical ways to start working towards your goal, support other writers, and even share some awesome resources to help you get started in your writing journey. Tune in now!
Overcome your excuses, start writing, and join The Write More Challenge HERE!
I want to know who you are and where you’ve been! Come hang out with me in the Writers Squad Facebook group and over on Instagram @laurenmariefleming. I can’t wait to chat with you there!
You can also stay tuned for new weekly episodes @businessschoolforwriters, and if you want to spread the love even further, consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
– Are you a fan of audiobooks? Check out Libro.fm HERE!
– Join my free workshop on how to create the time and space you need to write, HERE.
– Check out my 3 secrets to guaranteed publishing success HERE.
Transcript:
Have you ever walked into a bookstore, seen the books on the shelves and wondered: where’s my story?
I ask this all the time. Not only because I’m a writer and I want to see my books on the shelf, but also because I’m queer, and fat, and part of the leather community, and super witchy, and a progressive feminist, a woman entrepreneur, a writer actually making money doing what she loves, etc, etc, etc.
Like you, my life is full of identities and layers, hopes and dreams, that are all too often left out of the conversations being had in mainstream media.
When I go to the bookstore, my life is often left to a corner stack of books pulled to the front only in the month of June. And even then, it’s often straight people writing about gay teens that sells, not queer people discussing their lived experiences.
It is even harder for people of color, immigrants, and trans people to get to see their stories on the shelves.
Which is why diversity in publishing matters. It is also why I am so passionate about helping you write and publish your stories. Because YOUR VOICE MATTERS. Your story deserves to be on that shelf as much as any other story.
How do you get more stories like yours on bookshelves?
First, you have to accept that traditional publishing is a for-profit game. If you want books like yours on the shelf, then you need to buy books with stories like yours in it.
And don’t just buy them, READ THEM! Rate them and share all about it on social media. Follow the author. Leave a raving review on Amazon. These things matter. They help publishers decide who to buy into.
Second, you need to support independent bookstores. I know it’s hard to fight the Amazon urge, but Amazon only cares to show you what is already selling. Independent bookstores care about community and fostering diverse voices.
If you’re a fan of audiobooks, check out Libro.fm, a much better alternative to Audible. Not only does it allow you to pick an independent bookstore to support with each purchase, it also lets you own your audiobook files, meaning you can share them with others.
Third, you need to write your book! Not to brag, but my Write Your Friggin’ Book Already program is amazing for that, but it won’t be open again for enrollment until 2021. Until then, check out my free course on creating more space in your life for writing at businessschoolforwriters.com/writemore.
And fourth, you need to get your book published! Which, I recognize can feel even more daunting and scary than writing a book can.
So, I’m putting together a series of blog posts, emails, and live videos to help you through the publishing process.
From how to get a literary agent, to the steps you need to self-publish, to how much money money you actually can make from publishing a book, I’m going to break it all down for you and make it feel less daunting.
There will even be a free masterclass at the end of the month and, eventually, a paid program tailored just for you, if you’re interested in delving even deeper into the topic of book publishing.
Why am I doing this?
Because your story matters.
Because diversity in publishing matters.
And because, quite frankly and quite selfishly, I want to read your book. I want to sit curled on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon and get lost in your story.
If you’ve got a story in you that you want out in that world, I invite you to join in on this educational conversation on book publishing in the Writers Squad Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/WritersSquad.
Because the world needs your story now more than ever, and you don’t have to go at it alone.
Looking forward to chatting with you over the next few weeks!
I’ll be here live Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and daily in the Writers Squad FB group so be sure to go join that.
See you tomorrow in the FB group. I cannot wait to read your book.