Hello Reader!
Happy October! Sept 22 welcomed in Fall and if you've been following me for awhile you know that means baking in my house to celebrate Mabon (Autumnal Equinox). It also happened to be Bread Week on the Great British Baking Show.
So I tried a new recipe and made King Arthur's Tiger Milk Bread. It was a bit complex and there were things that will get better as I practice, but it actually came out both tasty and attractive (not always a guarantee with me)! It made me think about how baking and writing are similar: you start with a rough plan, follow it, and see what happens. You can stay in your comfort zone and make chocolate chip cookies all the time (never a bad choice) or stretch yourself and try something new and difficult. Write what you do all the time and know you do well? Nothing wrong with that! But what happens if you try something new? It could be amazing- you'll never know unitl you try!
I put out a call on the Women in Publishing FaceBook page to see if anyone had books coming out and wanted to be interviewed here. I'm excited to say I've been getting responses that mean you'll be meeting authors in a variety of genres with lots of different stories to share on their experiences with writing and publishing. That's what I want these interviews to be about: both celebrating authors and their books and sharing people's journeys in writing and publishing so you can see how we all come at things from different paths. Don't forget to let me know if you've got something in the works so I can feature you and your published writing here too!
We've also got some editors sharing their insights which means, despite my original plan, we'll have some more double interview newsletters. I've decided to add my articles back in while we're doubling up, so things will be a little longer than usual for a few months. But hopefully lots of fun- and full of good information! If you have ideas for articles or questions you'd like me to answer in these blog-style pieces, please email me and let me know!
Last but not least, in the strange but true category: both books I'm highlighting on my Reading Shelf just happen to have a bit of an October spooky theme to them. But I didn't realize that until I'd already decided to tell you about the books!
Editing Insights Club
Welcome to the Editing Insights Club! Here I'll introduce you to editors and other professionals from all over the publishing world. You'll see we're all here as part of the community that supports writers in their journey to success.
Meet: Erica Mito
Line/Copy/Proofreader
https://bluechalcedonyeditorial.com/
What type of content do you edit or proofread?
I currently work full time as a technical editor reviewing long-form financial planning content for the Nerd’s Eye View blog at Kitces.com. (Before becoming an editor, I was a financial planner and earned the CFP® marks in 2016). However, I’m also building my own freelance business with a focus on nonfiction content, where I aspire to work with self-publishing authors on memoirs and transformational nonfiction – stories that explore personal growth and meaningful change.
What's your favorite thing about your work?
My favorite thing about my work is that I get to think about words all day! 😊 I love how great writing can convey both subtle nuance and powerful clarity, and I feel incredibly lucky to help writers shape stories that hold deep meaning for them while inspiring their readers. I also enjoy learning each author’s unique voice so I can help them convey their message with grace and concision, exactly in a way that they want to be heard. It’s especially rewarding to support newer writers who are still finding and forming their style.
What is one tip you like to share with writers searching for (or working with) an editor?
While it’s definitely important to find an editor with strong grammar and language skills, it’s just as important to find an editor who respects your work and supports your why. The best editor is a creative partner—someone who seeks to understand your values and vision and helps refine your message in a way that stays true to your voice while elevating the writing.
What are some of your favorite things outside of work?
I love gardening (indoors and out), reading as much as I can, cooking (and eating!) delicious food, and enjoying good wine. I’m also a big fan of video games – World of Warcraft is my favorite, where I play an elemental shaman panda. I also have two cats, Oliver and Eugene, who are endlessly entertaining—and occasionally disruptive—editorial assistants. 🌿🐾
What's a book you're reading for fun right now?
Right now I’m reading Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown. When I got divorced and moved from California to South Dakota in 2020 to start my life over, I often felt out of place in my new town. As a middle-aged, non-white, non-conservative, single woman with no kids or big family, that feeling still lingers sometimes, but I’ve come to love my home here. Brené’s book is a powerful reminder for me that true belonging often requires a bit of courage. I’m also reading Magicka by Carlota Santos, a beautifully illustrated book that explores personal energy, mysticism, and our deep connection to the natural world.
You can also find Erica on her LinkedIn page!
October is NATIONAL BOOK MONTH
Banned Books Week is October 5-11 and the ALA has tons of information of banned books data for you to check out. They've also got great resources if you want to:
MEET THE AUTHOR
I want to help authors celebrate their accomplishments! Do you have a book getting published soon? Email me: I'd love to interview you about your experiences to share with fellow writers!
Anita Placido & Whispers of God
Q: What made you decide to write this book?
A: My therapist suggested I take all my journal entries and compile them into a book. I resisted because I did not want all of my dirty laundry out for the public to read. But I was convinced by God that it was not about me but about the many people who would be helped from reading my story. Another drawback was that my mother would be crushed knowing I had written something so personal and so I waited until she had passed away to publish it.
Q: What particular challenges did you face in your writing? Do you have any tips for other writers who might face similar challenges?
A: The hardest and most time-consuming part was editing down the journal entries into what was okay to put out in the public eye and what should not be put in the book. It took me about six years to edit it down, then organize it and polish it up. I did about four rounds
of editing and rewriting before I felt it was ready for a professional editor to review it. I would encourage writers to get a professional editor and some Beta readers (those who read the book and offer helpful ideas and criticisms, as well as catching typos). Beta readers can be a great source of letting you know whether they understood what you were trying to say. Because of the personal nature of the content, I had to put the manuscript down several times and wait a few months before I could pick it up again and work on it. I would advise new writers that if it doesn't seem to be going how you want it to, take a break for a week or more without touching it and do something fun to distract yourself. You may get inspiration to overcome where you are stuck.
Q: Are you a self or traditionally published author? Why did you decide this was the publishing path for you?
A: I would say I have tried both a publisher-assist company and self-publishing. My first book
I published with a publisher that was a small arm of a larger publisher. The process went smoothly, but at the end they were charging me a large amount ($10 for a $15 book) to purchase my own copies for book signings. So I got my files back from them and republished it as a self-publishing author on KDP (Amazon) in May of this year. Now it only costs me $3 per book to purchase! With my second book, which was published in August of this year, I tried again with a different small publishing company and made sure I was in charge of my own files and how much the cost would be for purchasing my own books for sale. I found this process went much smoother. I did not pursue a traditional publisher because for me I did not want to have to find an agent and go through the process of them pitching my book to publishers.
Q: Can you describe your publishing experience for writers who hope to publish one day?
A: I saved a lot of time and money with the second publisher because I already had the manuscript edited by a professional editor and I did not want marketing services from them. So my cost was about $2,000 for a cursory edit, the cover art and description work, and the actual printing of the book. It is print-on-demand so they only print them as they get orders for them. Be sure if you are working with a publisher that you make sure they distribute it not only to Amazon, but to Ingram because Ingram is where bookstores and libraries order their books. For new writers, I would highly recommend attending the Women In Publishing writing workshop that is held in the spring. It has publishers, editors, cover design people, and self-publishing assist companies that can answer so many questions about the publication
process. I was able to find someone to help me redo my cover for my first book from one of the seminars I attended. I also received great information about marketing strategies and things to do in some of the seminars I attended so I did not need to pay the publisher for marketing tools. My advice to new writers is to do your homework and research the publisher thoroughly. A lot of the "publishing companies" you see advertised on Facebook are taking your money and doing things you could do for yourself a lot cheaper. Again, I would recommend the Women in Publishing seminars. They are a wealth of information and you can find some really great people to help with different aspects of publication at reasonable prices.
Q: What is one piece of advice that someone gave you that you'd like to pass on to other authors?
A: Write something every day! Even if it is notes you jot down about a plot idea or character development and avail yourself of other writers and industry professionals who can help you navigate the twists and turns of publishing your book.
Anita Placido recently retired after two years as church secretary, ten years in the banking industry, and 30 years s a legal secretary/paralegal. She lives in Wilmore, Kentucky with her husband, Nick, and their 4-year-old black lab/boxer mix, Bella. She has four children and four grandchildren. She is also the author of "Dreams of Sanity: A Journey Through Depression and Beyond," which is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This is about God's healing from clinical depression through dreams. When she is not writing, she keeps busy reading mystery novels, crocheting and canning fruits and vegetables in the summer.
Ready to Sell This Holiday Season?
We may be just starting October, but that doesn’t mean now isn’t a good time to start thinking about the holidays if you’re a writer. How do you want to market your book to as many readers as possible this holiday season? Have you thought about:
· Author newsletters/Giveaways
· Bookshop signings
· Holiday markets
Author Newsletters/Giveaways
Do you know other authors who do newsletters? What about teaming up to swap interviews, or even giveaways? This usually works best with authors in your same genre, so you know your readers will be interested in those books, but that isn’t a hard and fast rule.
For giveaways, think baskets themed around your book (with a free copy inside!) that you can donate. Non-profits and other organizations are always looking for prizes for raffle drawings, so why not have a book basket ready? Extra points if you can connect it to a holiday theme.
Bookshop signings
Have you talked to your local independent bookshop about your book? Many indie bookstores will take books on consignment: check out their websites for details. If you’re not up for a full book signing and talking engagement, you can still sell signed copies. A “Signed By Author” sticker is always a draw when it comes to gifts. And don’t limit yourself to book stores! What does your book connect to? Is it about your local area? Talk to local gift shops, welcome centers, even restaurants might be willing to carry them for the holidays. For example, the book I’m writing is on butlers. What do we connect butlers with? Wine. So if my book was ready to sell this holiday season (it isn’t) I might check with local wineries to see if they’d carry it in their gift shops.
Holiday Markets
We all think of the holiday markets as great places to find gifts- and these are the places you want to start getting ready for as far in advance as possible. The more impressive and eye-catching your table or booth is, the more people come to see what you’re selling. So don’t just put your books on a table and leave it at that! What decorations can you do? A tablecloth that shows off your books or a specialty banner that shouts your brand. A posterboard sign highlighting your latest amazing cover.
What can you give away? Flowers? Candy? VistaPrint, Canva, and other websites let you create swag ranging from bookmarks to pen designs (and so much more! You can get seriously creative on these sites). Think about your budget and what you’re willing to give away for free to make people think of you later- it’s why bookmarks are always popular. If they’ve got your book and website on them, there’s a good chance someone’s going to go online and see what you’re about.
If renting a booth is too much for your budget, do you know another author who would go halves with you? Don’t forget to have a credit card reader you’ve practiced with before you get to the event so there’s no stress for people paying you for your books. Have an easy way for them to sign up for your newsletter right there.
Reading Shelf
Welcome to Boneyard Key, Florida: the most haunted town in Florida! Ghost Business is Book 2 of Jen DeLuca's new haunted town rom-com series, but you don't have to have read Book 1 to enjoy it. Sophie has loved this little town all her life and been running history/ghost tours for years. It's her passion project, so when Tristan comes in with a ghost tour of his own, she's not happy! She and Tristan may have great chemistry off the tour circuit, but on the tour Tristan has a bigger problem: the local ghosts don't like his tour any more than Sophie does!
If you're interested in Victorian Spritiualism and the women's rights movement, Emily Midorikawa's Out of the Shadows is a must-read book for you! From campaigning for voting rights for women in America to changing the lunacy laws in Britain, this book explores the lives of 6 women who used the popularity of Spiritualism to make their own voices heard. Well-written and well-researched, this is a side of women's fight for equality that shouldn't be overlooked!
