Becomming an Instant Bestselling Author

Lindsey K. Rietzsch

Becoming a bestseller on Amazon may not be as prestigious as becoming a New York Times Bestseller but it's still a great achievement and has it's advantages and... it's not that difficult to achieve!

The first time I became an Amazon bestselling author was back in 2009. I had just forked out some cash to go on a national book tour. This was before the convenience and popularity of virtual book tours and it was expensive. I hired a PR company to do a media campaign for me which sent me from the East Coast to the West coast in just a few short months. It got my book ranked pretty high on the bestseller list and the benefit of this was it lasted a very long time because of all the media my book was getting.

The cost of travel vs. books sold caused me to break even over the next two years. It wasn't lucrative by any means but it helped me gain a national fan base and establish credibility as an author and expert in the field of relationships and marriage. I was able to use this credibility to open up more doors which led to speaking opportunities.

With my second book Successful Failures I posted it for FREE for five days through Amazon's KDP Select program. For it being such a niche book with no marketing and no budget I felt that over 500 downloads in 5 days was pretty good at the time.

Then, with the release of my most recent book The Realm, I promoted it for free again for the first 5 days it was released but really bumped up spreading the word though social media and received almost 2,000 downloads in five days - putting me at #2 on the bestsellers list in my category as well as #28 in Teen and young Adult Books. I was thrilled!

Just last week I did a special for my first book, How to Date Your Spouse and listed it for free for five days and achieved #1 ranking in eBooks under marriage books!(See my Amazon rankings below)

What I Learned

You only get one chance to release a book - so do it right. Promoting your ebook for free will gain you that large fan base you need instantly. That large fan base will your free marketing network. I have nearly 2,000 people reading my book and telling their networks about it. That's priceless. No, I didn't earn a penny on those downloads but I gained a fan base that will follow me for my next book and I now can say my book has been a bestseller which I can use to promote it for years to come. Being able to say you are a bestselling author adds the credibility you need to establish yourself in the industry and open up more doors for opportunity.

The mistake most self published authors make is focusing on royalties rather than fans. When your focus is making a profit right out the door it's much tougher becoming a bestseller - you may steadily sell a bunch of books over the course of a couple years but it won't be enough to put your name or your book in the spotlight. However beginning with a bang and just getting your book out there to as many readers as possible will open up all the right doors for you.

Good luck on your writing adventures!

Elsha's Book Premier!

We are excited to announce that our very own Elsha Fornefeld has just released her new book The Altar! She has worked on this book for several years and it's very exciting to finally see it on Amazon.

What's even more exciting is that for a limited time you can download it for just $0.99. Be one of the first to get wrapped up in this amazing story that will take you on a journey, you'll never forget. The Altar is part of the Timeless Generation Series and trust me when I say that by the end of Book 1, you'll be salivating for Book 2 and 3!

- Lindsey Rietzsch

Buy Elsha's Book Here

Ava Cook is a vibrant senior in college, is about to be, thrust into two different worlds that she never knew existed; a world of sacrifice, bloodlust, power, and immortality that she will likely never return from.

However, there are two very distinct reasons that might make her never want return to normal. Damen her professor, the man who saves her life, haunts her dreams, and is literally off limits to her. He is there every moment she needs him, making her confused with his longing touch. Then she meets Travis who is large, masculine, possessive, and one of the most handsome men she has ever seen and he has eyes for her alone.

Ava must fight her feelings for both of them, while Damen and Travis are forced to work together from opposite sides to keep her safe from Braden, who's certain that Ava knows the key to ultimate power, immortality and knowledge of the Aztecs. All of them are certain that she is the key to unlocking the legends of these powers, but Ava does not know herself what they are after; all the while being forced to choose between love and safety, and in whose arms she can find it.
Enter the world of the Timeless Generation. Learn their ways, secrets, and struggles of their survival as a people who have existed for thousands of years without discovery.

 Elsha Camille Fornefeld has been writing stories since the age of ten. Wherever she went, she often had a notepad to scribble stories in. Elsha has won several awards for short stories. She also has stories published in local magazines and newspapers.

               

Elsha graduated in 2009 from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Marketing and a minor in Business Management.  Since then, she helped several friends to launch their own books. Today she is a Business and Marketing consultant for smaller businesses. Still trying to find time to write and publish her own books while raising a 9 year old son, 3 year old daughter, and 2 year old twin daughters at home.

 The marketing experience she gained has helped her in understanding how to launch books and how the publishing world operates.

Follow Elsha and her book here: http://timelessgeneration.blogspot.com/

This Week's Featured Author - Misty Dawn Pulsipher

Misty Dawn Pulsipher

Misty Dawn Pulsipher was born and raised in Utah. She attended Snow College where she developed a love for writing. Misty served as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Washington, D.C. area. She and her husband now reside in Maryland with their three children, two dogs, and the colony of squirrels that lives in their back yard. When she's not writing or procrastinating an edit, Misty is reading, baking, sewing, playing the piano, or bribing her family to play Monopoly with her.  Visit her Facebook page or author blog:  mistydawnpulsipher.blogspot.com

Our Interview with Misty

What made you want to be a writer/author

I've always enjoyed writing, from the first story I ever wrote about a blue-eyed ginger cat named marble with super powers, to my first novel. Most of my writing was angsty poetry that came out of my college years. One day, after reading Pride & Prejudice, I was slicing tomatoes for a salad and I had an epiphany.....I love Pride & Prejudice so much, I'm going to write my own version!

What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has definitely been motivation and belief in myself. It took about five years for Pride's Prejudice to come full circle, and there were countless times when I gave up along the way. I had to learn that writing is a process and not an event.

What's been the most rewarding part of being a published author?

The most reward part of having my book published has been first, seeing the finished cover (what a rush!), second, seeing people purchase copies, and third, hearing feedback from readers.

Are you working on a book right now? Can you share?

I am currently working on my second novel, which will be a modern version of Jane Austen's Persuasion. I hope to have more like a 1-2 year timeline rather than 5-6.

What advice can you give to aspiring authors who are not yet published?

My advice to aspiring authors would be: be patient with yourself! Also, writing groups and beta readers are fabulous for helping you pinpoint your weaknesses and bad habits as a writer, and getting feedback on your plot, characters, etc. They can also be a little stifling, especially when you need to just get something on the page. It's tough to get a first draft done when you're worrying about what all your writing group would say. If the writing just isn't flowing, take a break - possibly weeks or a month - and then come back to it. It's a process, not an event!

                                                Misty’s Book

 
Beth fumed all the way back from the dance.

She could still see William standing before her with that intolerable smirk of his - hands in his pockets as his eyes dug into hers.

It didn’t matter that he was pleasantly taller than she remembered, or that those eyes were the color of dark chocolate.

She’d always preferred milk chocolate.

Pride's Prejudice - the timeless classic with a modern twist.....

Beth Pride really can’t stand William Darcy:  he snubbed her at the Hartford College Children’s Benefit Auction; he has an infuriating propensity for pushing her buttons; his actions are frequently at odds with his words; and even his melting chocolate eyes and impressive physique don’t quite make up for his deficient personality.

Beth’s plan to avoid William backfires when her roommate falls for his best friend.  As the unlikely duo are thrown together time and again, Beth begins to second guess her earlier assumptions about William.

Will Pride’s prejudice keep her from a happy ending, or will Beth discover that first impressions aren’t always what they seem?

Get Misty’s Book

The Balance of Writing and Being a Mom

Lindsey Rietzsch

I was just asked this question on Thursday by a friend of mine who is writing a book, “How do you juggle being a mom and writing a book? Any good tips?” 

Funny, because I get asked this all the time and thought it would be the perfect topic to start off the week.

Ask any mom with a side business, blog, or hobby – and she’ll tell you that in order to keep your sanity you need to prioritize, organize and makes some sacrifices. It’s very simple but easier said than done!

For me, I set aside specific times for writing so that it doesn’t interfere with my family time. My kids nap and have quiet time from 12:30 to 3:00 every day. That is my time to do business stuff, blog, and write books. All other time throughout the day is reserved for taking care of my family. After the kids go to bed I squeeze in my workout and a little reading – but it’s important that I reserve the evenings to spend time with my husband. 

By sticking to this schedule everyone stays happy and I feel in control. HOWEVER, I must admit I have been guilty of not sticking to the schedule when I get caught up in a great idea. On days like this, I am glued to my computer, my kids are still in their PJs and they are helping themselves to the fridge and pantry – which means a giant mess in the kitchen. Not to mention on days like this my phone seems to ring off the hook and beep with endless text messages. By the time the kids are in bed, I’m too tired to exercise and I feel mentally exhausted which makes for one big headache.

Overall, I think when you’re kids see you constantly on the computer or phone they feel neglected and you end up feeling guilt ridden by the end of the day – I know I do. 

So, here are some quick tips to help you juggle writing with parenthood:

Make a Schedule and Stick to It!

Set aside no more than 2 ½ hours a day to do your writing. I have found that anything more than that is too much anyways and I end up needing a break from my computer screen. If the time is up and you feel you are on fire with your writing and need to keep going – allow yourself an extra 15-20 minutes tops. Quickly type your ideas out so you can get back to them the next day. Then you don’t have to worry about forgetting them.

Do Your Writing When You Have Alone Time

You don’t want your spouse and kids to resent your writing because it’s become your number one priority. When they are in the room, they should be your priority. Besides, it’s hard to write when you have distractions and it’s easy to lose your temper at your kids or spouse when they cause you to lose your train of thought or interrupt your flow. It’s just best to write when you have alone time. If that means turning on a movie, giving them quiet time in their rooms or sending them off on a play date – they won’t mind if it’s a part of the daily schedule. Kids do well with routine and it’s good for everyone to have a break. If you are consistent with your schedule this will work just fine. If you are not, your kids may have a hard time with it. 

Don’t Make Writing Your Only Focus

If you eat, breath and sleep writing it’s easy to let it overtake other areas of your life. I have found that it’s good to turn that part of my brain off during the day and only allow it on during my writing time or when I’m alone such as driving, in the shower, etc. Sometimes I have to force myself to enjoy a good movie , bakes some treats or even paint my toenails – because when I have a good idea for my next chapter all I want to do is write. But by taking time for myself to enjoy other things I tend to be happier which makes for a happier mom and wife.

Make Small Sacrifices

If you have a super busy schedule and it’s hard to find the time to write you may need to make some small sacrifices. Giving up some TV time, cooking quick meals, or getting up early in the morning are all ways to add some extra time for your writing. It may even be that you only have time on the weekends to write – that’s okay. Writing is something that shouldn’t be rushed; a good book takes time.

Summary

It’s very possible to be a mom and an author, you just have to set guidelines for yourself and your family and stick to them. Remember also, that it’s okay to take long breaks. I sometimes will skip an entire week if needs be. If you ever feel guilty – listen to those feelings and don’t ignore them. Take a break and tend to the things that are more important. Don’t sacrifice a clean house and happy kids for the sake of finishing a chapter – it’s just not worth it. Write during designated times and make sure your family is aware and okay with those designated times to avoid conflict. Overall, if you stick to these tips I’m confident you’ll be able to find a nice balance between being a writer and being a mom.

Happy Writing!

Lindsey

The Journey of Writing - Guest Blogger Anne Bruns

Anne Bruns

Writing is a journey with no set course. As a writer, you feel everything your story wants to tell and anything you want the reader to feel. It’s hard work but the satisfaction of a finished page is what brings us back to our laptops and notepads each day. Two of my favorite lessons learned while studying in college was to write what you know and that the more you read, the better you will write. 

 When we write what we know we bring depth to the story. A writer doesn’t always have the time or means to research a topic before writing and those that haven’t will produce work that doesn’t stand.  Stick to what you know. Bring the experiences of your life, those around you and the vivid dreams while you were sleeping to the paper each day. Your work will grow and be filled with something real and solid. Create people in your books, not characters. Anyone can create a character. A great writer will bring them to life so well that their readers will want them as friends, lovers and confidants.

Reading creates better writers. The more you read the better you will write. Expand your genres and read something you would never dare. The words you read will forever be placed in your mind and your imagination and vocabulary will grow. You will discover within yourself exactly who your voice is as you read the various styles of writing. Read, read, read then write, write, write. 

Printing the last page of your manuscript is really just the beginning. We all hold our stories close and feel that they are truly a work of art, but even the greatest piece of art goes thru a stage of defining. An editor can be your greatest tool while completing your work. They look at every detail of character development, storyline and polish the focus that the writer has intended the reader to have.  An editor will help turn your good story into a great book. 

Take your idea, the one burning images in your mind and begging to be told, and write it down. You have a story to be written and a voice to be heard. Writing is a journey worth sharing.

Anne Bruns is a writer and freelance editor. She has worked for several publishers as a copy writer and editor, acquisitions editor and evaluated manuscripts. Besides guiding authors to create their best work, she is currently working on her own novel. She resides in Utah with her husband and three children.

Do you have a question for Anne? Ask away in our comment section below.  Anne is listed on our Author Resources page as a trusted and recommended editor - click here for more details.