Will you take the leap in 2022?
By Amanda J. Clay
Is 2022 the time to level up? I’ve talked all year about the business side of publishing and I’ve thrown a LOT of information at you. Like any industry, building a successful publishing business is tough. It takes time, money, and market research and lots of dedication. You’ll have to wear many hats–from creative to CFO–and there will inevitably be a lot of ups and downs. So I get how overwhelming it can be to take that first step.
But if you’re reading this blog, it’s because you’ve already decided bringing your stories to life is your dream. Are you ready to take the leap in 2022?
I know everyone loves a clear cut lists, so here are some of my top takeaways from the year to get you started January 1st!
Decide whether you want to publish independently or traditionally.
You can always do both–I personally feel hybrid is generally the best option for long-term success and is something I’m pursuing. But your business plan is going to be a little different for each path, with some overlap, so it’s important to make an intentional decision about it and fully understand the intricacies of both. And honestly, most of this advice applies to both paths.
Figure out specifically WHAT you write.
You might have a hundred stories in your mind in ten different genres. I totally feel you on that. But, do yourself a favor and Pick ONE. I mean it. Pick your lane and STAY there. And the more narrowed down you can be the better. Come up with a one sentence tagline. I write…“Feel good, sexy small town romance.” “Gritty crime thrillers with sharp dialogue.” “Heartfelt women’s journeys.”
Readers want to know exactly what to expect from an author. If you walked into Starbucks excited to satisfy your craving for a venti caramel macchiato and sous vide egg bites, and suddenly the menu was all fried chicken and Mt. Dew, you’d be pretty irritated. Give your readers what they expect.
Once you’re WELL established, you’ll have a little more freedom to branch out, but in the beginning, do yourself a huge favor. I made this mistake, and it cost me time, money and readers!
Start building your audience!
I wrote a post a few months ago to the importance of owning your audience through a newsletter. You might have thousands of followers on Amazon or Instagram, but if those platforms suddenly go down or change their algorithms, you have zero access to those followers. Facebook is notorious for changing the rules of engagement on their platform. Your newsletter is a direct link to your readers (use it wisely!).
Find a good editor.
No matter how well you write, how much of a grammar master you are or how well you edit other people’s work, you will never be able to see all your own plot holes, inconsistencies and typos. An independent editor who understands your genre is an absolutely necessary investment. If you’re on a budget, see my post about how becoming a better self editor can save you money.
Get a professional cover!
Writing a jaw-dropping story might ultimately be the most important thing, but if your cover doesn’t convince someone to buy the book, no one will ever know. The cover is your ultimate advertising piece, so do your research and select one that meets the readers’ expectations for your genre.
Set aside a few bucks for marketing.
There are more ways than ever to get your work in front of an audience these days. But while open doors mean more opportunity, it also means more competition. Even seasoned authors need to advertise. Don’t panic, start small. Learn the ropes. Your main avenues will be:
- Amazon Ads
- Facebook ads
- Bookbub ads
- Smaller promo sites like Bargain Booksey
While I do feel paid advertising is a must, it’s not the only way to reach readers. Newsletter swaps with other authors in your genre and social media are other methods that require time over money.
Speaking of social media
Figure out where your readers hang out and go join them. Unless you are a superhuman, you probably won’t excel at all the things. And your readers probably don’t hang out everywhere either. Pick your favorite platform (ideally where your target audience is) and spend your energy curating that. I personally have the best luck with Instagram and TikTok, so I spend most of my energy there. I have a Facebook Author page (you need to advertise) but I’ll admit I don’t do much with it.
Plan out how you’re going to make time for it all.
If you’re just starting out, I’m guessing you still have a full-time gig somewhere else–a job, a family, school. It’s going to be tough to make it all work. But I promise with some planning, you can do it. I wrote my first book with a very demanding corporate job by waking up earlier to get some words down, then squeezing some words in at lunch, then right before bed. Everyone’s schedule is different and there is no one sized solution. But I guarantee you can find thirty minutes in your day to stop scrolling Facebook and jot down some words.
My best time manifesting tips:
- Wake up earlier. (Please don’t throw something at me!). I know it’s hard. We’re all sleep deprived. I have a seventeen-month-old baby at home. I get it. But it’s amazing what I have been able to accomplish with just an extra thirty minutes in the morning.
- Learn dictation. I can type about 85 words per minute. Not bad! But I can dictate about 130. That’s an extra 500 words in a ten-minute sprint. That seriously adds up!
- Write on your phone. Google Docs is my best friend, especially the dictation feature. I write in traffic, waiting in line for coffee, while watching TV when inspiration strikes. Sometimes I even use the bluetooth feature in my car to dictate while I drive. It’s really just the equivalent of carrying around an old-fashioned notebook. The difference is that it’s sitting there on your computer when you get home.
And the final tip? Believe in yourself! You have what it takes.
Wishing you a very Happy Holidays!
Amanda J. Clay writes gripping domestic suspense and thrillers with complex, kick butt female leads designed to keep you up all night. A Northern California native, she currently lives in Nashville, TN with her dashing, real-life hero of a husband who inspires her heroes and villains alike. During the pandemic they welcomed their first daughter who is doing her best to keep them on their toes.
IG: amandajclayauthor
TikTok: @amandajclayauthor
Facebook: amandajclayauthor
