Please join me in welcoming author L. Diane Wolfe! We are celebrating the release of her latest book, How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!
In addition to being a writer, Diane is a professional speaker and a member of the National Speakers Association.
Welcome Diane! So glad you could stop by. :) So tell us, what prompted you to write this book?
Hi Karen! Thank you again for doing this
interview. This book came from two seminars I’ve taught for over five years
now on book publishing and promoting. Both seminars are packed with information
and attendees have always asked if I had a book. Yes, I was missing a big
opportunity there, because I did have a book for my motivational seminars, but
not for those. My husband really prodded me to write one and through hours upon
hours of research, packing in as much information as possible, I finally
finished. Now when someone asks if I have a book they can buy, I can say
yes!
Sounds like a smart move. Where do you see the publishing industry heading in the next 5-7
years?
I know people don’t want to hear it, but I really see e-books
dominating. As tablet sales continue to grow and more schools adopt the devices
in lieu of physical books, I think e-books will overtake print books by next
year.
I also believe self-publishing will continue to grow, although
authors will have to maintain a high level of professionalism to compete with
the big publishers. Just because they are losing their major playgrounds (the
bookstore and print books) doesn’t mean the big boys are giving
up.
Wow, I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. Guess time will tell, right? Here's a question I just have to ask. You are known as "Spunk on a Stick" - where did that name come from?
My husband has a theory that everything is better on a stick.
Chicken is good, but chicken on a stick (like one gets at the fair) is even
better. He said that spunk was good (my nickname is Spunky) but Spunk on a Stick
was even better. Thus it’s the speaker name I’ve used for seven years
now!
I think it's a great title for a speaker. :) You're a member of the National Speaker Association, how did you
get started speaking to groups?
Over 15 years ago I was part of a motivational & business
training program. Believe it or not, I was incredibly shy back then. But I was
forced to speak and teach at team meetings and seminars, and it whet my appetite
for speaking. (The first time I got to use a microphone, I thought “Oh buddy, I
could get used to this!”)
I started speaking to writing groups and then put together my
publishing and promoting seminars and offered it through NC’s community
colleges. Now I have six seminars that I enjoy
doing!
Do you recommend that writers add speaking engagements to broaden
their audience?
Yes I do! Speaking places the author in front of more potential
readers. Hearing you talk gives people another way to get to know you better,
and when people feel they know you, they are more apt to buy your book. Speaking
is also a great way to supplement income, as it’s a rare author who can make a
living off his or her books alone. It prepares you for media interviews and
opens the door to a lot more opportunities.
These are great points, and something worth considering. Okay, one more question just for fun. What is your favorite writing snack?
Good ‘n’ Plenty or Red Vines. And I try not to eat the whole
package in one sitting. Thank you again, Karen!
Thank you, Diane, it was a pleasure! Wishing you all the best with your books!
Here is my review of Diane's book:
Author L. Diane Wolfe gets right to
the point. Selling books is tough business. But that doesn’t mean we should
ditch the dream of writing a book. Not at all. Give that book the best chance
for success, she says, by being prepared and tapping into good info.
The first portion of the book
discusses the writing industry, ghost writing, co-authoring, finding your genre,
and more. Diane poses dozens of questions. Will your book fill a need? Who is
the target audience? Is the storyline unique and fresh? Serious writers, of
course, should provide thorough answers to help ensure a book’s success.
The remainder of the book elaborates
on the ins and outs of the industry. You’ll find information on copyrights,
e-book formatting, offset printing, and print on demand. Do you know how to submit
a book to wholesalers, distributors, and libraries? Or how to handle budgets, media,
and blog tours? Diane does, and includes her upbeat and savvy advice here.
Short, user-friendly chapters include
tips, links, and all the information needed to make informed publishing and promotional
choices. As a bonus, chapters conclude with wise and encouraging quotes from seasoned
journalists, bloggers, and authors.
Diane
has done writers of every genre a great service by taking the daunting publishing
process and breaking it down into manageable
steps. Her
down to earth, conversational approach puts writers at ease and provides the necessary
ingredients for success. No matter where you are in the publishing process,
this wonderful resource offers valuable insight and advice.
You can pick up a copy of Diane's book at the following retailers:
Amazon
Amazon Kindle
Barnes and Noble
Stop by and visit Diane's blog. She'd love to see you!
Do you have any questions for Diane? What intimidates you most about the publishing process?
Happy reading and writing,
Karen