Fay Thompson, Author/Artist

Check in on your fan funnel today!

A fan funnel is a form that collects email addresses for your fan club.

Linktree is free and has a form available on its site. No excuses. Set one up somewhere. This will give you a link or qr code to hand out to find you online.

#writingcommunity #booksky

This is one of the big reasons writers go self-published, due to difficulty for unusual novels to get published. I talk about both traditional and self-publishing/indie here. You should follow the path that works for your novel and your personality. #writingcommunity #booksky I support all writers.

Always approach an agent with one novel that can stand alone. If they express an interest, then talk about it being part of a series. This can help or hinder the sale. Generally a publisher wants to control the whole series. New issues. #writingcommunity #booksky

Thank you Audree!

Yes. Show your competence in your genre and an understanding of recent new titles that are selling well. Agents want to work with competent pro writers. #writingcommunity #booksky

Your query list is a way to bolster your query. It shows that other editors have purchased your short stories. A good 15 sales from well-regarded markets is a substantial vote of approval. An agent will share this with potential novel editors. Be ready.

#writingcommunity #booksky #agents #editors

People like to eat, get health care, have housing. The driving motivation for most people is $. You may want to be a writing purist or gatekeeper, that's a choice. I support writers no matter what they write or why. The process is powerful. Everyone write. I'd like that. I don't have to read it all.

Write first - all humans have internal stuff to share. Quality begins at your first million words or so. You write up to and through that to the next million and the next. No boundaries. Getting through your own inhibitions is the trick. #writingcommunity #booksky

Yes. You can also start one in your area. A general writing group meets to talk about writing. They have topics and members lead those panels. They branch to other critique groups. They likely have a podcast access member too. Attend groups till you find a good fit for you. #writingcommunity #books

They are different. A car is not a horse. In a writer's world, a written story is not a filmed story. If you write screenplays you know this in simpler terms. Both deliver stories but often not the same stories. #writingcommunity #booksky

In today's world, you are selling too. And, it isn't really about writing well - many, many writers write well and cannot get an agent. The industry is concerned with what sells well. Cash. #writingcommunity #booksky

No. :::grins::: You want to look at grants and book awards where your writing has won something :)

A comparable needs to be modern (within 3 years) The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway was published (latest) in 1987 with stories as early as 1934. We also don't comp with selling new shorts to market, just novels. #writingcommunity #booksky Reading enjoyment is a whole other conversation.

It is hard to penetrate. At the top they throw big money at specific books. For everyone else, it is hard to penetrate. Persist and write more :) #writingcommunity #booksky

Your list should include the title of your short work, the year it sold and if possible the active link to that work. Many agents will go look and read it. Awards mean your work has been editor vetted. This boosts your value and confidence in your work.

#writingcommunity #booksky #lists #vetting

If you are querying traditional publishers/agents, there is usually a section in the query letter where you list your accomplishments (in writing). This is where you list your top sales (short markets), awards and any placement that shows well. Keep a list.

#writingcommunity #booksky #awards/sales

Every state in the US has humanities councils. They are currently under financial pressure but they still have funding from before the arrival of the asshats. Become a state recognized writer by finding opportunities to participate in council events.

#writingcommunity #booksky #humanities #events

I am up early today due to family leaving early and I get to see them off. It was a nice but short visit.

I will be doing formatting and proofing stuff today and getting back into my schedule. I am currently formatting "Wicked Sisters" and proofing "The Bug Mage" Busy.

#writingcommunity #booksky

Deciding to support writers, artists, filmmakers, plays, musicians, creators, doesn't require you to vocalize negative opinions - it is a decision to OVERTLY support the arts in all of their diversity. Leave criticism for those who hate the arts. Not you.

#writingcommunity #booksky #criticism

When you connect locally you will hear about more opportunities you didn't know existed. Come from 'yes' in moving toward accessing those opportunities. You may struggle socially, bring along a support friend to help you say yes for short periods of time.

#writingcommunity #booksky #community

Try to purchase one locally written new novel a month. Try to get it signed. It doesn't need to be in your genre. You don't have to read it. You can re-gift it if the autograph is generic. You are SUPPORTING writers. Be a positive in your local community.

#writingcommunity #booksky #booksales

Don't worry about formula writing. It exists because it sells reasonably well. Stay in your lane and write what you write. Your objectives may be different from the next writer or seller of books. Promote YOUR work and support other writers. #writingcommunity #booksky

Your town should know you exist AND that you are a local author. Become visible. Doing this means you will need to reach out to friends, family, co-workers, church groups and any connections you have. Encourage other people to help you toward success.

#writingcommunity #booksky #marketing #local

You go places (shops). You have hobbies. You know places. Look at your regular haunts in terms of would they be a good venue to display/sell your books. Cardboard displays are around $25 and can be placed in many shops. Work out wholesale or consignment with the shop owner.

#writingcommunity #books

Local bars and libraries often have jams. These are open mic where you can read to an audience. Practice at home reading aloud off your deck. Brave up. You need to support the visibility of your novels. This doesn't happen magically but through active hard work.

#writingcommunity #booksky #writing

If you have one or more novels already published, have copies ready to sell. Look for market opportunities in your local area. Find out how to dress up a table to sell books. Get a vending license if you need one in your state. Keep a few books in a box in your car.

#writingcommunity #booksky #sale

Find and attend at least one writing event every month. It may be a reading, a book launch, a market selling books. Push against your inner struggles. For those few hours a month be presentable, good hygiene, friendly and personable. Talk to people. Hand out cards.

#writingcommunity #booksky #sales

Many creators wear many hats. Network among your interests and share what you are doing. Have pro business cards where people can find you to look at your offerings. Prepare for business and take it seriously. Go to events and talk to other people.

#writingcommunity #booksky #marketing #writing

You will find that all creators share the same turf so you will find venues catering to all of them mingled together. This provides for support for the collective arts - your community and first buyers of your work. Polish yourself up and get involved local.

#writingcommunity #booksky #marketing

Write about where you live as a setting in your novels. People love to read about specific places and arguably you know more about where you live than elsewhere. You want your local community to support you as they will be easiest for you to market to.

#writingcommunity #booksky #marketing #local