Once I discovered this publisher and saw that they were, indeed, looking for just the type of book I was writing, the biggest thing was changing all the formatting of my text.

They wanted three chapters and the synopsis of the rest and had very specific ways they wanted that all done.

It took me the better part of two weeks to get it altogether.

About nine months.

I finished the original trilogy, so have no other timeline.

They’ve made it clear they are interested in other books I write, but no timeline right now.

I will write freelance articles again if I come across a good idea.

It’s nice doing shorter pieces and receiving payment in a reasonable time!

I do the giveaways in my newsletter to engage more directly with my readers.

Often it’s just a $10 Amazon card.

I’ll ask questions about the current topic, then when the answers come in, I read and respond to them all, then I number them all, and blindly choose a number.

Whose ever number I pick, is the winner.

I’m working on a blog series about fantasy as a literary genre.

My most recent request of my newsletter readers is why they like fantasy and what some of their favorite books/authors are.

I think it’s successful because several people replied–three I’d never spoken to before.

So–new relationships, and hopefully, more intense “super” fans who will be watching for my next books!

I like my website, too-thank you!

Back when I first began writing books, I was told a website was an absolute necessity.

“It’s like your business card online,” one person told me.

People do everything online now–they have to be able to find you.

I’m not exactly sure how helpful it’s been, though. I’m just now learning about SEO so maybe I’ll learn more soon!

I just started blogging again, after quite some time.

That’s often a good way to see if you’re reaching people. I’ll be keeping my eyes open!

Elk Lake was fabulous with my book covers.

I did some of the image searching myself, added some ideas, and passed them along. I was thrilled with what they came up with!

Along with our coverage on Amazon, we’re encouraged to do blog tours and big book launches to get as many reviews as possible.

Those Amazon (and GoodReads) reviews catch the attention of potential readers and are worth their weight in gold!

We’re also encouraged to do in-person events, to develop our speaking abilities in order to teach at conferences (and sell more books!), and to just talk it up wherever we go.

A great story?

I do a lot of my writing at the local Starbucks. I mentioned this to one of my favorite baristas one day, and she immediately asked “are you on Amazon?”

When I said yes, she pulled out her cell phone and ordered all three books right then!

I loved it!