Tag: Elaine Marie Cooper

Categories
Book Reviews Writer Encouragement

Getting Reviews Part 2

Elaine Marie Cooper

If you have not read Part 1 of this two-part series on getting reviews, click here to read it.

Assuming you have been hard at work gathering potential reviewers, you should have sent out dozens of requests by now. Be prepared that you may not receive a reply from some. Others may reply but say they cannot commit to this project at this time. Always send a gracious response in return. Perhaps in the future they may accept another request.

Hopefully you will have an enthusiastic group who are excited to help you launch your book baby.

Here is the next VERY important step: The letter that accompanies your PDF.

Open your letter with an expression of thanks. They are taking out many hours of their time to help you. Be grateful.

Your next paragraph should include something like this:

After reading (Name of your book) please write the review as soon as possible while it is still fresh in your mind. Please send me the text of your review so I can keep a file and use the quotes. Also, please SAVE the review in your files somewhere so you can post it on Amazon and Goodreads when the book releases on (date of release). I will send a jpg of the book cover before it releases.

Road to Deer Run - Cover

Many of your readers may never have written a review before. Here are helpful tips that I include in this letter:

 

  • Include the title of the book in the review
  • If you have any kind of relationship with me (friend, relative, etc.) please do NOT include that in the review.
  • Short reviews are fine—sometimes preferable.
  • Please do not include any spoilers, i.e. giveaways to the plot.

 

You would be amazed at some of the well-meaning reviews that say something like “This author is my best friend!” or worse, give a complete synopsis of the book from start to finish.

Help them out. You will both appreciate the final result.

Hopefully, by the time your literary baby is birthed, it will be wrapped in a snug bundle of positive reviews that will help catch the eye of future readers. Best wishes!

 

Green typewriter image courtesy of Just2Shutter via freedigitalphotos.net

Categories
Things Every Writer Should Know Writer Encouragement

Getting Reviews Part 1

by Elaine Marie Cooper

Many authors, both new and the more experienced, get discouraged when hunting for knowledgeable readers to do advance reviews for new books. It’s all part of the marketing package that authors are expected to develop on their own: Finding folks to read and review their new book “baby.” It’s enough to prod some of us into the fetal position!

I inwardly cringe when I see a fairly new release wallowing on Amazon with a handful of reviews. It makes me want to buy their book and pray I can give it a four or five star review to show the author that I understand all the work that went into birthing their release. There are not enough hours in my day, however, to rescue all the forgotten books destined for an early demise. Readers like to see reviews, and lots of them.

So what’s an author to do? There is really no magic here. It takes planning months ahead—long before your book releases—to gather potential supporters who will help you out. Think of it this way: You would not wait to announce the upcoming birth of your newborn a couple of days before the due date. You would send out notes, allow your friends to give you baby showers, and rev up enthusiasm for the long awaited arrival.

And so it is with a book release. Invite your friends and others to be in on the celebration.

Caution: Do not allow your cat to post reviews on Amazon
Caution: Do not allow your cat to post reviews on Amazon

Start with your social media contacts, who are already excited about your writing. Expand your list to include other authors who write in a similar genre. Gather experts in the field of your topic. Think outside the box.

 

Private message them (or email them if you know their address) to see if they are interested in reading and reviewing, possibly endorsing your upcoming release. Give them a brief synopsis of the book and tell them the genre. If they say “yes,” ask them for their email address so you can send the PDF to them. Never send a PDF to someone who has not agreed to read and review. Unsolicited PDF’s in my inbox = rudeness. Be polite and gracious.

If there are any edit issues because you are sending it early (before final final edits!) be sure to apprise them of that.

Next month I will do Part 2 of gathering reviewers early. Come back in March for a very important letter that you should include with your PDF. In the meantime, start gathering your list of potential reviewers.

 

Green Typewriter courtesy of Just2Shutter via freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Simple Acts of Kindness

Kindness is such a simple word, yet all too often it seems vacant from our speech.

Perhaps it’s the plethora of reality TV shows where everyone “speaks their mind” in aggressive, hurtful words that are meant to increase the network ratings. Perhaps it has to do with our own inadequacies; if we put someone else down, we think we are raising our own image. Wrong! Or perhaps it’s just that we are born to be self-seeking, focusing on our own needs.

This lack of kindness in our society really hit home to me on a recent out-of-state trip. I was in the restroom stall—sorry if that’s TMI—when I overhead a young woman poking fun at a person I assumed was her sister. “I hate those pants on you. They make your butt look fat.”

Nice, I thought sarcastically. Had I been outside the stall, I would have said something to the evil sister. But being trapped, all I could do was ponder these mean words. Obviously the sister being derided for some fashion faux pas had no recourse but to wear the “ugly” pants, unless she happened to have another pair in her carry on luggage, AND had time to change before her flight left.

ID-100318031

Regardless of Nasty Sister’s words, it would have been so much kinder to wait until they were home and said something in private. Or just keep her mouth closed, period.

 

Although I wish it were not so, I’ve seen unkindness in the Christian writer’s realm. These include mocking another author’s hairstyle at a conference and leaving a conference attendee alone at a table rather than inviting him or her to join your group. A lack of kindness can be found everywhere.

As we begin a brand new year, I pray that writers (including myself) can determine to be kinder. If you can’t review a book, kindly decline, offering well wishes for the book’s success. If you really don’t like a book by a fellow writer, don’t leave a negative review. Privately message the writer if you think that will help them, but don’t publicly deride their words.

If you are at a conference, be a help to your fellow writers, especially the new ones. Don’t just seek out the so-called “famous” authors. Someday, the writer you scorn may be on the best sellers list!

Please remember, we are all children of the King. Determine in 2016 to treat others like the royalty they are.

May your new year be blessed!

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5: 22-23) NIV

 

Image of green typewriter courtesy of Just2shutter via freedigitalphotos.net

Image of helping a drowning person courtesy of Kateen2528 via freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Writers Being Thankful

I am writing this blog on the eve of Thanksgiving. Thinking about this holiday causes me to consider the fact that we only designate one day a year to ponder gratitude. Yet the Bible encourages us to “be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)

So while I know this post will run in the midst of Christmas season, I’m going to claim a day of thankfulness and encourage writers to think about the many people who bless and enrich our lives.

Here are just a few of the folks for whom we can be grateful:

 

  • Critique groups who offer helpful advice.
  • Authors who write better than we do. They inspire us to excel and do better.
  • Spouses who don’t mind eating take-out food when we’re in the midst of editing.
  • That friend or relative who believes we are the best writer they’ve ever read. We know it’s not true, but we appreciate their love and support anyway!
  • Editors who catch all those mistakes that we know are there but we just can’t see. They have our backs.
  • That more experienced author friend who takes us under their wing and helps us become a better writer.
  • The acquisitions editor who says, “Please send me that book proposal.”
  • The fellow writer’s conference attendee who sees you sitting alone at lunch and says, “Can I sit with you?”
  • That author who takes the time to read and review your book, even though you know they are too busy.
  • Your family and friends who will always love you, even if you never become a best-selling author.

 

DSCN3966

So in this Christmas season of remembering the birth of our Savior, let’s remember that the Child born in the manger came to save us and be a blessing to us. Let us, in turn, be a blessing to others. Be an encourager to a fellow writer.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Merry Christmas!

 

Green typewriter image courtesy of Just2Shutter via freedigitalphotos.net

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Writer Interruptions

There it is again—another interruption.

If it’s not the screaming baby needing to be fed, it’s the dog demanding another outdoor visit. Or a phone call from your mom who requires another trip to the doctor. Interruptions like these plague a writer wanting to be serious about their work.

“How will I ever get to my writing with so many obstacles?” You throw up your hands in exasperation, wishing you could hole up somewhere and do nothing but write.

But wait. Aren’t these “interruptions” our work? Our life? Dare I say it—our inspiration for our writing?

We can view these common episodes as a negative or a positive. I choose to view them as the latter.

ID-100149508

I remember when my kids were small, I felt like I was drowning in baby spit up, poopy diapers and all the other “gifts” our little ones share with us. In frustration, I decided to turn these episodes into short humorous poems about the daily difficulties of being a mom. Little did I know that these verses would end up on the desk of a features editor at a local paper. My attempts at poetic sanity had led to a freelance job and two newspaper columns.

 

Now, I understand deadlines and contracts, and all the other responsibilities that writers face. And there may be times when a babysitter needs to be hired or your spouse may need to fill in a bit more while you put your fingers to the keyboard. You are blessed if you have a family that supports your creativity.

But a balance needs to be reckoned with. If you are constantly frustrated by these day-to-day interruptions, perhaps an evaluation of your time commitments needs assessment. Have you taken on too many writing assignments? Too many blog posts? Too many contracts to juggle? Remember, you don’t always need to say, “Yes” to every offer. The wise writer prays for guidance.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (KJV). Is this your season to take on writing tasks that fill your whole day, every day? Or are some of these writing commitments best put off until the kids are in school or have flown the nest?

One thing is certain: Your daily commitments to family that are “swallowing” up your time and energy today will some day change. Your children will grow and then be gone. Your parents will pass on. I’d encourage you to plan your today in such a way that tomorrow holds no regrets.

 

Image of typewriter courtesy of Just2Shutter via freedigitalphotos.net

Image of woman courtesy of artur84 via freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Fixing the “Flat Tires” In Our Writing

There it was—the flat tire we dreaded finding. After discovering it flat twice that week, the expected deflation was not a total surprise.

It was an otherwise beautiful fall morning with enough chill in the air to be refreshing and not so many leaves collecting on the ground that they’d stir our conscience to take out the rake. But the flat tire on my husband’s aging Subaru definitely added clouds to this Saturday morning.

We knew it was time to visit the tire store.

The news there was worse than we imagined: Not only did that tire need complete replacing, but every tire on this vintage Subie needed an immediate sounding of the taps. It was time to give them all an honorable burial after years of faithful service.

Inhaling bravely, I nodded to my distraught husband. “Just do it. Buy four new ones.”

ID-100144252

In similar bleak scenarios, writers can struggle with such ominous news about their work: “It’s got too many holes. It can’t be saved like it is.”

 

The analysis might come from a critique partner, an editor, an agent, a publisher. The kinder ones will gently tell you your work needs improvement. Others will perhaps give you a more blunt analysis: It’s flat. It’s hopeless. Start over. Sound the taps.

Words of discouragement can set a writer back, thinking they’ll throw out the original idea all together. But sometimes the core of the story is still a good one. It just needs a retread. A do-over. New life. Fresh opening. More likable characters, perhaps?

I can think of a few stories that I’ve read that could have used an evaluation that challenged the author to do just that. Put the story up on the rack in the repair store and throw out the bad parts. Edit, edit, and edit some more.

You’ll notice that, when we got the new tires, we didn’t get rid of the car. Although ancient, it has served my family for many years now. It still runs, even quite well at times!

So if I could encourage writers who have been given some serious news and suggestions about changing their story or manuscript, I would say, “Take a deep breath. Pray for inspiration. And just do it.”

 

Typewriter image courtesy of Just2Shutter via freedigitalphotos.net

Changing a car tire courtesy of Stoonn via freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Just A Writer

Do you ever feel like “just a writer?” “Just” a wannabe author? “Just” a wordsmith who spends hours inventing characters and hoping someone will read your work?

I encourage you to throw out the word “just” from your thinking. Treat it like yesterday’s trash that’s contaminating your mind. You are not “just” a writer. You are “A WRITER!”

So why are writers—especially Christian writers—important? Because when you feel that niggling urge to create words that are meaningful, then being a writer is “A CALLING.”

There are billions of folks in this world with numerous callings on their life. Some are called to heal, some to organize, some to preach God’s Word, some to be leaders, some to be helpers. The list can go on. But to be called to write is unique in that you can reach people around the world without so much as a passport.

ID-100279343

I know many writers with debilitating illnesses. Many who have difficulty traveling for one reason or another. Some with responsibilities that anchor them to their homes. Yet the message in their words can reach hundreds, thousands, even millions, without so much as using a gallon of gasoline.

“But all I write is fiction. How is that a calling?”

There are thousands of folks around the world who would never think of picking up a Christian non-fiction book. You could find them running away from a Max Lucado book as though rabid dogs were on their heels. Fiction is less threatening, more entertaining, and, if a writer is good, they can slip in the gospel message without scaring off the reader. Christian fiction might be the only Gospel message they’ve ever heard. Who knows where those seeds might sprout?

Another blessing about writing is that you can create a variety of messages, and not just in your usual genre. Most writers have blogs. These allow writers to create words that can fulfill promptings that the Holy Spirit places on your mind and heart. While some in the writing field encourage writers to always stay within the expected theme (such as historical fiction), I choose to believe that God wants to use our words to minister and enlighten the audience He has created for our writing.

These last few weeks have revealed horrifying videos about abortion taking place in our country. Although I write historicals, I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to create words that will hopefully open people’s eyes in a new way to the atrocities taking place in contemporary America. If you wish to read that blog, you can click here.

So the next time you think you are “just” a writer, praise God for the calling He has placed in your heart. And get writing!

 

Vintage Typewriter courtesy of: Just2shutter through freedigitalphotos.net

Photo of man writing courtesy of: tiramisustudio through freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

When Discouragement Leads to Doubt

Discouragement happens to everyone at one time or another. When it visits creative writers, we sometimes begin to doubt. We can even get downright depressed.

Am I really called to write? Maybe I’m no good. Maybe I never will be. Maybe I’ve missed God’s will for my life. I’m just so weary, Lord.

I’ve been in that pit of discouragement. I’ll never forget the Spring of 2012 when I had signed up to attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I’d heard it was one of the best for connecting with writers and editors and the atmosphere there usually stirred with God’s Presence. I couldn’t wait to attend, even though I knew few of the people who were going.

The discouragement began several weeks before. First came a family crisis that necessitated a visit to another state. Next came a visit to my son in yet another state to bid him farewell. He faced a dangerous deployment overseas and I wept and prayed he’d return home to us safely. (He did)

ID-100184055

A few days before I packed for Blue Ridge, fatigue and sadness crept in. I emailed a writer friend and told her I didn’t have a clue what to do at the conference. I had a few ideas for books but didn’t know what to do with them. She encouraged me to put together a single piece of paper (called a one sheet) that explained briefly who I was and an explanation of a book idea.

Why not? It couldn’t hurt. I’d invested my time and money in this conference and I might as well take advantage of the opportunity. I ran off several copies of these one sheets, packed my bags and, once again, went to yet another state. I was weary from traveling.

By the time I’d dropped my suitcase in my dorm room in Blue Ridge, I plopped on the bed and wanted to cry. Why am I here Lord? I just want to go home.

Talk about discouraged.

By God’s grace and strength, I fought back at those negative thoughts and prayed for the Lord’s leading in the next few days. Lord, I prayed, use my time here for Your will.

The upshot is, I had the best week at conference, met dozens of writer friends and was ministered to by the incredible praise and worship music. It was a balm to my weary soul.

Oh and, remember those one sheets? Both of those book ideas are now published. They’ve both won Selah awards at Blue Ridge. God is gracious and uses even the weak among us, including yours truly.

If you’re feeling discouraged in your writing and too weary to type yet one more sentence, take a break—a prayer break. Ask Jesus Christ for His guidance and proceed in the strength of the Lord.

[bctt tweet=”Discouragement happens to everyone at one time or another. #writerslife #novel” via=”no”]

(Old Typewriter image courtesy of Thaikrit through FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

(Discouraged woman image courtesy of Stock Images through FreeDigitalPhotos.com)

 

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Listening to Writing Mentors

Writers who listen are writers who learn. If we’re so busy pitching our ideas and promoting our writing agenda, we’ll turn into writers without a clue. And likely, writers without a contract for publication.

Years ago, I was a nursing student and one of my classes was entitled “Therapeutic Conversation.”

The title sounded ridiculous but it was anything but that. It taught me how to really listen to what a patient says, as well as observe their body language and facial expressions. The class coached us in how to rephrase what the person said back to them to be certain we understood their meaning. It forced us to listen, rather than speak all the time.

The biggest thing I learned from that class was how much I talk. That was humbling. I like hearing what I have to say, it seems. But I quickly was educated in the importance of really listening to my patients so I could be a better caregiver of their needs.

I also realized that this can carry over into every area of my life to improve communication with family and friends. It can also carry over into communication with other writers and editors, publishers and agents.

ID-100299392

Often I hear other writers express concern for what they will say at writer’s conferences, especially if it’s there first conference. If they ask me for advice, I encourage them to keep their introductions simple, their words few and their ears OPEN.

It seems we live in a society of talkers. National news interviews and reality TV shows are flooded with talk—and plenty of it. People are talking over people, expressing their thoughts and ideas without a concern for what the other person is trying to say. It gets downright annoying and you come away thinking, did anything get resolved? Did anyone learn anything?

That’s how I perceive some writers I’ve observed who attend sessions with potential mentors—editors and more experienced writers. These fledgling writers talk much, listen little—and already have all the answers. Or so they think.

The way to a potential relationship with an editor or publisher is to listen and learn. Ask questions but hear the answers. In this world of chatter, it can be hard to focus. But for the serious writer seeking publication, wisdom is in the words of the more experienced. I’d encourage some therapeutic listening.

[bctt tweet=”Fledgling writers talk much, listen little #writers #writetips” via=”no”]

Typewriter image courtesy of Thaikrit through FreeDigitalPhotos.com

Image of woman courtesy of Stock Images through FreeDigitalPhotos.com