Becoming the Total Package

Being a great writer is no longer enough if you plan to score a big publishing deal, especially as a nonfiction author.

Particularly if your book idea falls into the how-to or self-help categories, you not only have to sell your terrific writing, but you also have to sell yourself as the books conduit to the world.

Publishers want to minimize their risks, so they dont haphazardly award big book contracts to unknown writersunless, that is, the writer is the total package. What constitutes this package?

PLATFORM

Increasingly, publishers look for authors who have platforms. A platform is your megaphone to shout your books message to a mass audience. Famous people have automatic platforms; if Julia Roberts were to decide to write a book tomorrow, you can bet that shell have publishers clamoring. Why? Because they know that the media will go wild to tell the public about it, and shell have the ability to get as much air time as she wants all over TV and print.

But lets assume youre not quite so famous. Thats okay. You can build a platform in a number of waysa good start is by writing articles for newspapers and magazines. Work toward becoming a columnist (even at a freebie community paper), then work on syndicating your column.

Although some writers will thumb their noses at this suggestion, if your main objective is platform-building, I advise that you get your column out there to as many publications as will have it, whether they pay well or not at all. You may also choose to put your free articles on websites such as www.articlecity.com and www.articlecity.com.

Other ways to build platforms:

  • Host a radio show

  • Get a program on public access TV

  • Become a regular guest on a radio/TV show

  • Become a public speaker

  • Have your own e-zine (must be popular to count!)

  • Moderate a popular forum or e-mail list on your books topic

  • Become involved with well-known charities, nonprofit organizations, or professional organizations, preferably as an officer or spokesperson

  • Teach teleclasses or webinars

  • Write a free e-book

MEDIA EXPERTISE

It's not unusual for publishers to ask for proof of your media capabilities before buying your book. One publisher asked me for a 5-minute videotape that showed clips from my appearances on Lifetime TV and news programs. I also included a copy of a radio show where Id recently been a guest, and a headshotpublishers dont need beauty (unless youre writing a beauty book!), but they do like to see that your appearance wont make people scream with abject horror if you do public talks.

To become more media-savvy, you can practice your speaking skills at a local Toastmasters club (www.toastmasters.org), an international association meant to help people overcome public speaking fears and speak more effectively.

You can also practice by having a friend ask you questions on cassette or videotape, then paying attention to any bad habit's you have (yknow, umm, fiddling with your hands, running your hands through your hair, babbling). Work on your sizzling sound byte (the few sentences you want to get across to entice someone to hear moreor, if thats all the time youll have, to entice them to run out and get your book to read more!).

The keys to being a great interviewee? Be passionate. Be enthusiastic. Speak clearly and in short sentences. Let your body language and/or voice reflect a well-collected, happy, engaging attitude. Dont refer people to your book or website every three secondsbe there to genuinely teach the audience something, and know that if you enthrall them, you wont have to do a hard-sell to get them to follow you. Dress well for TV interviews (avoid white and beige if you have a light complexion; head for blues, purples, and pink; avoid flashy prints; avoid jangly, reflective jewelry and other distracting clothing and accessoriesyou want the attention on your words, not your wardrobe). Know how to lead an interviewer to ask the right questions if he or she goes off topic, and to turn negatives into positives.

If youre interested in media training resources or coaching, try these:

PROVEN PROFESSIONALISM

How will the editor know that you will turn in your work on time, that you will not be a huge pain in the rear to deal with, and that your work will be clean, on target, and on word count? If you have no other book credits to your name, youll need other credentials that show you know how to be a professional.

Credentials that prove you're an expert are one thing-- having a special degree, professional association membership, or teaching expertise can help establish that you know your subject matter, but you still need to prove that you know how to handle the writing and publishing process.

Articles in impressive publications certainly help. A regular column helps even more, because it shows an editor that you were able to meet deadlines week after week or month after month and that another editor liked you enough to want to work with you regularly. A contributing editor spot on a magazines masthead works in your favor, as does any prior experience on staff in the publishing world.

Although rarely requested, nobodys ever hurt by a letter of recommendation-- er, testimonial-- from a past editor or boss in a publishing field. Ive been known to throw in a few sentences from my editors that comment on how easy I am to work with, or how reliable I am, or how their audience always loves my work.

EAGERNESS TO HELP

Even if your platform leaves something to be desired, you can make up for it with a solid publicity plan and an eagerness to take an active role in publicity and marketing. Give concrete plans for who will interview you, review your book, or otherwise give you a spotlight... and why. Telling your publisher that youre sure this book is perfect for Oprah or that itll be right up the New York Times alley is useless unless you have a reason for them to believe yousuch as a contact at these places.

They are more impressed with solid plans, such as the fact that youve already spoken with local librarians who want you to come speak, the YMCA has asked you to come teach a seminar once your book comes out, two local colleges have courses in your subject matter and have agreed to check out your book for possible classroom use, a business organization is interested in buying copies in bulk, and youre happy to do a book tour of the southwest on your own dime (or will split expenses with the publisher).

If you plan to hire a publicist, thats usually a plus (rarely, the publisher would rather not have an outsider interfere with their publicity departments efforts). If youre going for media coaching, willing to attend book fairs, happy to do signings and readings, planning to buy many copies of your own book to sell during your seminars or workshops, etc.-- all of these are positives in a publishers eye.

Remember that you will wear many hats as a successful writer. To make it big, recognize that you are also a businessperson, a salesperson, and a public relations expert on your own subject matter. Work on becoming the total package, and youll cast your book proposal in a much more attractive light.

About The Author

Jenna Glatzer is the author of MAKE A REAL LIVING AS A FREELANCE WRITER, which comes with a FREE editors' e-mail cheat sheet directory for a limited time! Check out www.articlecity.com for details. She's also the editor-in-chief of Absolute Write (www.articlecity.com), the most popular online magazine for writers.

Copyright 2004 Jenna Glatzer. All rights reserved.

This article may be freely reprinted as long as my bio and copyright are included.

Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

Fueled by artificial intelligence, CyberDog the robotic dog is designed specifically locate fire ant nests, which are endangering ecosystems.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
Internet browsers are useful, but they can be dangerous. Clicking on malicious links can direct you to dangerous websites that steal information or infect your device.
Apple's latest iOS update introduces advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which may be capturing and analyzing sensitive information.
Breach site confirmed 56,904,909 Hot Topic users' data leaked online. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the company's silence makes matters even worse.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how an innovative Easy-Way kit turns standard strollers electric, simplifying navigation for parents.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about T-Mobile being hacked in broad cyberattack on global phone and internet companies.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to add, customize and manage widgets for quick access to apps and info from your iPhone home screen.
Wrong Google searches can not only compromise your device and personal data. They can also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. Hackers are targeting Google searches.
China's Shanghai Kepler Robotics has developed a new humanoid robot that can carry up to 35 pounds per hand for commercial applications across various industries
Checking your hearing has gotten easier with the new hearing test feature in AirPods Pro 2. You can take reliable hearing tests using your iPhone or iPad.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how a VPN — virtual private network — works and how running it can slow down the operation of your device.
The WalkON Suit F1, an exoskeleton developed to help people with disabilities, can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair, solving a major problem.
ClickFix, a new scam targeting computer users, is on the rise in the U.S. The scam prompts its targets to click on a link to fix a problem.
Skydweller is the world's largest unmanned solar-powered aircraft that can stay airborne for weeks, and even months, without refueling.
The U.S. government said it is investigating after People's Republic of China hackers targeted commercial telecommunications service providers in the U.S.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated ways to lure unsuspecting victims, and some are impersonating an email help desk or support team.
You can unsend or edit your iMessages with the latest iOS updates. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how you can save yourself some potential embarrassment.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says there’s been a rise in cybercriminal services using hacked police and government emails to send subpoenas and data requests to U.S. companies.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Axiom Space and luxury designer Prada are collaborating on NASA's Artemis III spacesuit design.
Voice assistants may cause confusion across devices. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers some solutions to fix it.
Shameless scammers trick veterans into giving personal info or cash. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explores five common scams.

Got an Idea? Turn it into a Novel in Thirty Days or Less!

People can't believe I did it, but I did. I... Read More

Your Words Will Determine Your Business!

Be careful when you write.Words you use, sentences you phrase... Read More

Writing Without Style

Style manuals are all well and good, and in fact,... Read More

How to Have an Effective Reading Group

Writing leads to reading. Therefore, it's only fair to supply... Read More

Basic Word Processing Tips for Writers

Word processors are so widely used now that I tend... Read More

Business Writing Tip: Question & Answer Format

Traditionally, business writing uses the "one thing after another" format,... Read More

Technical Writing for the Terrified

IntroductionSometimes it may be beyond a companies or individuals budget... Read More

A Checklist For Drafting Business Letters And Emails

Write Right - You have an all important business letter... Read More

Freelancing Doesnt Mean Writing For Free. Does it?

Writer's forums are bustling with debate over whether or not... Read More

How You Can Find Freelance Editing Jobs

Freelance editing opportunities are out there, you just need to... Read More

Getting the Story Down

Questions and answers on writing life experiences for ourselves and... Read More

Five EASY Ways to Improve Your Business Writing

Have you ever wondered why some people can make millions... Read More

How to Finish Your Self-Published Book Fast

Started a book and then got bogged down? Like many... Read More

The Cost of Being a Writer

You are the only one who knows what being a... Read More

If You Want to Succeed As a Writer, Dont Just Think It, Do It

It never ceases to amaze me when a prospective writer... Read More

Why Every Freelance Writer Needs A Website

What do you mean, you don't have a website yet?... Read More

Want to start a publishing revolution?

Calling all publishers, editors, journalists and freelance writers. It's time... Read More

Childrens Stories - The Essentials

There is no specific formula for children's fiction. There are,... Read More

Writing IS a Business

Why is it that so many people don't take writing-as-a-job... Read More

Im Just The Writer

Writers are often are greatly surprised or disappointed by how... Read More

10 Best Writers Who Ever Lived

Compiling a list of the history's ten best writers is... Read More

Under The Leaded Sky in Serbia by dr Mirjana Radovic

When one population in one century survived five wars, two... Read More

7 Book Publicity Tips for Authors and Small Publishers

The biggest mistake authors make when trying to get free... Read More

The Myths of Writing: Have You Bought Into These?

There is an image most people carry of the artist... Read More

Celebrating Writing and Life

Every morning I excitedly get out of bed. Just a... Read More

Antigo wedding limo ..