\Writing-+-Publishing Q & A /#2

?????? || ???? Some more Q and A between a new author (N.A.) and myself (WC):

And some of what I say here may well apply to how other ghostwriters, co-writers, editors, book consultants, etc.?work – but some is my own personal approach :)

?????? N.A.: "WHAT IS A BUSINESS FABLE?"

?????? W.C.: " It's a business-related book that is written like a novel. The author creates fictional characters and an imaginary-but-realistic situation to reflect real-world business issues and experiences.

Within the story, a conflict is explored, a professional problem is solved, a resolution arrived at. It can be an effective, interesting way to write about biz – and even can be almost like a thriller!

"The first business-fable book is thought to be "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson. Amongst the dozens of bright contemporary ones is "The Turnaround Artist: Create Great Workplace Culture for Growth & Impact" by Ahad Ghadimi (one of my hundreds of great connections!)

"Here's one of a few articles/posts I've done on business fables. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/books-fables-good-biz-winnie-czulinski/ Please contact me for more info, and many more book examples.

?????? N.A.: "WHAT ARE THE CHANCES FOR A BOOK OF POETRY?"

???????W.C.: "Whether for traditional publication (very difficult with poetry, unless you're well-known and well-followed) or self-publication, poetry can be a tough sell. But I do believe it's becoming more mainstream and popular – with Instagram poets, etc.

"Aim for first trying to get your creations published in mainstream and literary magazines and on websites. Read your poetry at open-mic events and podcasts – anything to build your profile and bring it to greater awareness. Build a blog that helps inform and inspire readers on the joy and merits of poetry, not just yours.

And think hard about the theme of your poetry, and giving readers a useful "orientation." I once worked with an amazing poet, with a wide variety of poems. I began to see two possible themes – food and cooking (as he had a chef background and worked in a restaurant) – and recognizable Toronto landmarks. They could be written about in such a way as to evoke feelings for a reader's own local landmarks.

I also suggested that this author's poetry might "open up" more for readers, if he could provide brief, colourful explanations as to how he came to write that poem, etc.

?????? N.A.: "MY STORY IS ONE OF HORRIFIC ABUSE AND TRAGEDY, AND I KNOW IT WILL STRIKE A CHORD WITH MANY...?"

???????W.C.: "It might – but that doesn't mean they'll buy it. These books often are known in the industry as 'misery memoirs,' and the market is full of them. That's not to say your book doesn't have merit, but unless you're a celebrity, it may be a tough sell.

"I've worked with authors on life stories/memoirs with some awful and uncomfortable material, but we try to work out a resolution, add resources, tie in with larger issues, offer hope, help and sometimes humour – and "make the personal, universal." And/or the author speaks and blogs regularly in a helping way.

"It's said that a reader always comes to a book or similar item thinking 'What's in it for me?

"So, meet your reader more than halfway with a book that can inspire and offer true help. And even if all of this doesn't resonate with the person picking up the book, it might, for someone that person knows.

?????? N.A.: "WHERE CAN I GET HELP WITH BOOK PUBLICITY?

??????? W.C.: "There are many websites, publications, podcasts, blogs and books on diverse ways to do this. Begin Googling, and/or I can suggest great resources. Lots of expert help/advice on LinkedIn, too – articles, posts and podcasts galore!

If you want the help of a professional publicist, you may have to pay a retainer of from $2,000 to $10,000 a month, on a months-long contract. Other publishers work in a "results-based" way – which can be costly too!

???SMALLER BUDGET?

An alternative! This kind of "publicist" can work behind the scenes, guiding you to become your own publicist. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/invisible-publicist-winnie-czulinski-/

Contact me for more on this – and helpful articles and posts I've written about book publicity – and how you can do your own! I've got lots of great tips, and ways to interest media in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV, and will offer more of these in upcoming articles.

You might also contact HARO, "Help A Reporter Out" (https://www.helpareporter.com ) By submitting interesting details of your book, project, etc., you may land in the radar of a media writer who's look for a great source/resource for an article.

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