Posts Tagged ‘guide for writers to build name recognition’
Last week while my husband was at a music workshop, I started a new writing project–a guide for writers to build their names so that they’d have the competitive edge when pitching to an agent or an
acquisition editor at a publishing house or pursuing the independent publishing route. The guide will serve my clients as well as writers who prefer to learn from written instructions.
The catalyst for my coaching came from their reports:
- “I landed a big acquisition editor. He helped me with the book proposal over months. Everything looked promising until he pitched my book to the sales people at the publishing house and they asked him: ‘What kind of platform does this author have?’ Just like that I was rejected. I hope they won’t take my idea and let a big-name author write it before I build my fame.”
- “I’m tired of getting rejection letters from agents. They tell me I’m a fine writer, but, they also tell me that fiction is very competitive . . .”
- “I’m an expert in my field, and, still I can’t get a publisher to take my book. They asked me: ‘How big is your readership?’ Isn’t that their job, to find the readers?”
- “I was a ghost writer for a celebrity. He got the big advance from the publisher. I got paid one time, a small sum, and, I’m supposed to keep my mouth shut that I did the work.”
Here’s a tip from my upcoming guide: Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, identify the themes in your work. In my all-time -favorite story, Charlotte’s Web, the themes included: cycle of life; friendship;
self-esteem; courage; loyalty. In Love Made of Heart, the themes included: daughter wanting mother’s approval; woman carrying guilt; traumas from domestic-violence and effects on children; stigmas with mental illness; struggles and courage of immigrants.
When you’re describing your book to anyone, focus on the themes. When you’re calling in a talk show, make your comment or question relevant to the themes of the program as well as to your book. Be sure to say your full name.
What is fame, really? Fame is when people hear or see your name, again and again.
Are you writing letters to newspaper editors? Read the paper and see what your community is most concerned with; then write the letter and offer a solution. Pure complaints usually don’t help; succinct proposals offering resources often do help (and get published).
I hope to see writers and readers in the next few months, at these events:
Sunday, August 23, 2009 1:00-3:00pm
Three Stories, Three Writers, Three Paths.
with Luisa Adams, author of Woven of Water; Martha Alderson, author of Blockbuster Plots—Pure & Simple; Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart; Moderator: Tory Hartmann, author of The Ghost of Harvey Milk and president of California Writers Club-SF Peninsula Branch
Expo Hall–Creative Arts Stage (west of #13 on festival map)—-at San Mateo County Fair/Peninsula Festival
www.sanmateocountyfair.com/event-info/fairgrounds-map
They met through the Jack London Writers Conference and the California Writers Club over 10 years ago.
How are they inspiring the reading and writing community today?
http://www.lovemadeofheart.com/Teresa-LeYung-Ryan-s-Events.html
Thank you, CWC SF Peninsula Branch President Tory Hartmann, Bardi Rosman Koodrin and Alexandra King, for orchestrating this fun gig for us! Other CWC members at the festival will include: Tory Hartmann, Christopher Wachlin, Laurel Anne Hill, Joyce Robins, Geri Spieler, Inés Villafañe-León, Jo Carpignano, Lucy Murray, and Linda Okerlund.
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Thursday, Sept. 3rd, 2009 6:00-8:00pm
Library Advocates MEET!
Oakland Main Library – West Auditorium
125 14th Street, Oakland, CA
http://savethelibraries.spaces.live.com
Find out how we can help the folks who have lost Book Mobile.
Find out how we can help the learners and tutors at Second Start-the adult literary program in Oakland.
Find out how our might voices can influence city council members.
http://savethelibraries.spaces.live.com
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Saturday, September 19, 2009, 10:00am–4:00pm in Santa Rosa
Sonoma County Book Festival, Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA http://socobookfest.org/
Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart www.LoveMadeOfHeart.com
Mary Lunning, aka “Shyne” the poet, author of My Human Heart www.shynespoems.com
Kate Farrell, author of Girl in the Mirror www.girlinthemirror.info
Marcia E. Canton, Ph.D., co-author of Mentoring in Higher Education: Best Practices
www.cantonassociates.com
Stop by and say hello to these 4 authors and members of Women’s National Book Association.
http://www.lovemadeofheart.com/Teresa-LeYung-Ryan-s-Events.html
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Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, 2009
Jack London Writers Conference http://jacklondonwritersconference.org/Event-Schedule.html
Saturday October 10, 2009 11:00-11:45am
Map Out Your Career NOW:
3 Easy Steps for Fiction and Nonfiction Writers
with Author and Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan
Learn how to:
• identify advocates, endorsers and fans.
• gain recognition through your words and your community.
• build your platform by reaching out, not stressing out.
How do writers thrive in the fiercely competitive industry? Find out for yourself in this fun
interactive session.
http://www.lovemadeofheart.com