We’ve been using the Kajabi platform for several years because it manages almost everything we need for business. It’s truly an all-in-one system for email, website, products, offers, coupons, analytics, and more.
If you’re using a piecemeal system to connect all your funnels and parts, you may want to try Kajabi, which includes:
We’ve long discussed making sure you have content on a platform that you own and with all the craziness revolving around Big Tech these days, we are no longer comfortable leaving a lot of content on these platforms.
For instance, without warning or reason, Serious Writer co-owner Cyle Young was temporarily restricted from his account, including the ability to go live within our own Facebook groups.
To avoid this happening again, we’re introducing the Serious Writer Family to Discord.
The Discord platform is similar in interface to Slack and has almost endless possibilities for how we can sort and share information, including:
Smaller groups so you can interact with others within your genre
Networking opportunities for writing jobs, pitches, etc.
And more!!
We recommend downloading Discord to your phone or computer. It works for Mac, PC, iPhone, and Android. We LOVE that it has both desktop and app capabilities.
Our Family & Club Facebook groups will remain in place, so no worries there!!! We just want to have a place outside of Facebook so that no matter what, we’ll still be able to communicate and not worry about being “canceled.”
Want a Discord Tutorial Walk-Through?
Bethany Jett filmed a step-by-step walk-through video of how to utilize Discord, along with some ideas you can use for your book launches, book studies, groups, etc.
We’ll slowly be rolling out this move, along with training videos, so be sure to subscribe AND receive notifications for the Serious Writer YouTube channel and our Facebook groups.
Thanks for being part of our Serious Writer family! Leave questions in the comments!
At Serious Writer, we’re huge fans of LeadPages. They can help business owners get their businesses off the ground and authors to expand their readership.
LeadPages is now offering free classes for people who want to know how to target more customers, and in the writing world, that means more readers.
Here’s a little bit more about the classes:
As a coach or consultant, you’re an expert in what you do.
But we often hear that managing the business side of things is a bit of a headache. The reasons are almost always the same: good clients are hard to come by, programs always need tweaking, and revenue is unpredictable.
Leadpages is hosting a free event called Converted Series: Seal the deal, and we think it’s going to help you overcome some of those challenges. They’re providing on-demand training that you watch first, and then attend the live workshops (Oct 21-23) where you’ll learn how to:
– Avoid low-commitment leads and star winning high-ticket clients
– Create short programs that help you redefine your offer and build your brand
– Generate passive income by creating a digital product that serves more people, 24/7
We like this format because it’s actionable and doesn’t take up a huge chunk of time.
When it comes to querying, there isn’t one perfect query formula that will always capture the hearts of agents and publishers alike. However, most agents and editors will want to see certain formulaic elements that appear in winning queries, like the ones listed in this article.
Since many queries are geared towards agents, we’ll use that term throughout the post, but these tips can be used for editors, as well.
Check out the formula below on how to capture an agent or publisher’s attention without creeping them out.
1. The Greeting
First impressions matter.
Include the name of the agent and spell their name correctly.
2. Comps
If there are any comparable titles in the market published within the last few years, use the THIS X THIS formula. For instance:
My Book Title is Pride & Prejudice meets Moby Dick, the perfect combo of history and whaling.
3. Manuscript Details
Include the genre, word count, and completion status.
Example #1: My Book Title is a picture book complete at 560 words.
Example #2: My Book Title is a completed Young Adult urban fantasy of 92,000 words.
Example #3: My Book Title is a 56,000-word narrative nonfiction book with three chapters complete. Full manuscript can be completed within 3-4 months.
4. Your Credentials
Under the pitch, include why YOU are the perfect person to write this story. Tell them about previous publications, social media numbers, and anything else that you would deem relevant for this particular story.
5. Simultaneous Submission
A simultaneous submission is when you send the same query to 1) other agents in different agencies and/or 2) agents within the same agency.
Be sure to check the agent’s submission guidelines to see if they accept simultaneous submissions. Many agencies do not want you to send the same query to more than one agent within their agency. You may see language like, “a no from one, is a no from all,” or “If the agent you query passes, they may refer you to another agent within their agency but at their discretion.”
Remember, the purpose of a query is to have an agent want to read your full manuscript or open your proposal. It’s a key element to help you reach the “I want to represent you,” phase.
Did you have a winning query? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.
When I first heard that I had to take a “one-sheet” to a writers conference, I thought, “One sheet of what?” My book was still mostly an idea in my mind, but it forced me to think through my book from beginning to end.
What Does a One-Sheet Do?
The one-sheet’s primary purpose is as an introductory tool so an agent or editor can get an idea of who you are and what your book is about. Its other purpose is to distract the editor while you take a few deep breaths and wipe your sweaty palms down the leg of your pants.
Though it’s important to keep the one-sheet professional, it will not make or break you. The majority of the time, the editor will scan it and hand it back, so you don’t even need a lot of copies.
What to Include in a One-Sheet:
Contact Information
All you need is your name, email address, and website. For safety reasons, leave your address and phone number off. If you’re represented by an agent, include his or her contact information.
Headshot and Bio
Keep the headshot professional and small. You have a lot of information to include, and your headshot doesn’t need to take up half the space. The same goes for your bio. Include relevant detail and provide a call-to-action for people to check out your website or social media platform.
Book Title and Blurb
Think of this as a back cover copy or a short synopsis. You’ll need a great hook as well as details about how the book progresses.
Book Statistics
Include your approximate final word count (even if the work isn’t finished), genre, target audience, and how long it will take you to complete if it’s not done. If you have endorsements, include a couple here, as well. This gives the editor an idea of the type of book you’re pitching.
Relevant Photo
Your one-sheet should look beautiful. Make sure the image is relevant to your topic. My first one-sheet did not include a photo. It would have helped things tremendously. That said, keep the aesthetic of your one-sheet clean and don’t be afraid of white space or color.
“I would much rather you have a one-sheet (when pitching a project at a conference). So you have in front of you exactly what you want to pitch to me. And the pressure’s off. We can sit and talk . . . and you don’t have to worry that you didn’t say the right thing.”
Use a software program that is familiar to you. On non-Mac computers, you can use Microsoft Word or Publisher. For Mac fans, Pages works well. For photo editing, Canva and PicMonkey are great for adding text, editing, and resizing photos.
Keep your fonts readable—don’t use the Comic Sans font!—and don’t add anything that doesn’t belong. Your one-sheet not only reflects your book, but it reflects who you are as a writer.
My first one sheet was a disaster, but even so, I signed a contract three months after the conference. It’s important to remember that you and your ideas are the most important thing.
Do your best to make your one-sheet amazing, but at the end of the day, an editor or agent will work with you because they like your book idea and they like you.
“One sheets are fantastic resources. They help you remember what your book is about, when you get pitching jitters, and give agents and editors a great overview of your project.
