Have you ever wondered about travel writing retreats? Lisa Daily and Cami Ostman take authors on travel retreats for writing and are loving the results.
Trying to force creativity can be frustrating and often leads to disappointment. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, consider using travel as a tool for enhancing your writing. Immersing yourself in new cultures, environments, and experiences can open up new perspectives and ideas for your writing. From exploring the streets of a new city to experiencing the natural beauty of a different landscape, travel can offer unique opportunities for observation and reflection, ultimately fueling your creativity and improving your writing skills.
Traveling opens you up to newer possibilities, newer things, newer creativity, newer ways to think about things that you may have never thought about before. – Cami Ostman
Lisa Daily and Cami Ostman's love for travel led them to create Wayfaring Writers, a unique program combining exploration and writing retreats.
About Lisa & Cami:
Lisa Dailey is an avid traveler and writer. In 2015, she traveled around the world with her husband and two teenage sons visiting 14 countries and nearly 100 locations. In her time abroad, she unearthed new ways of looking at her life through her discoveries in remote corners of the world and she continues to enrich her life through travel. Lisa is a voracious reader and writer, and has published more than 20 titles and 200 authors at her company, Sidekick Press, including her own travel memoir, Square Up. A native Montanan, Lisa now makes her home by the ocean in Bellingham, Washington, but returns to her roots every summer for a healthy dose of mountains and Big Sky.
Cami Ostman has traveled to all seven continents and to twenty-four countries. She’s run 25 marathons and zillions of races of other distances, always at the back of the pack. She is the author of Second Wind: One Woman’s Midlife Quest to Run Seven Marathons on Seven Continents and co-editor of Beyond Belief: The Secret Lives of Women in Extreme Religion (Seal Press). Cami holds a Bachelor’s of Education in English and Theater from Western Washington University and a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University. She has a special interest in helping women live more authentically and freely. She is also a dog lover, a wine connoisseur, a runner, and a blogger. She runs a program for writers called The Narrative Project and has a passion for changing unhelpful narratives so people can be in charge of her own stories. She coaches people into their truest expression of themselves. Cami lives in Seattle, Washington.
In this episode, we covered:
Adventure Writing – Why Travel is THE Way Hone Your Craft
Travel is the best thing we know to spark an adventurous spirit and inspire creativity
Travel WRITING offers opportunities to be inspired by PLACE and CHARACTER like nothing else.
The Wayfaring Writer Retreats – a rare opportunity for a small group of writers to immerse themselves in their craft while experiencing the food, drink, art, and history of foreign places
Writers to step out of their comfort zones and into using all their senses.
Together Cami and Lisa have visited nearly 50 countries and know first-hand the impact that travel has had on their writing
The Wayfaring Writers Experience
Wayfaring Writers takes a group of writers to a particular location and goes on adventures from there. The group includes an agent who consults with writers, and mastermind sessions with Lisa, Cami, and an expert on the craft of writing. The writers are given specific coaching and lessons to help them build their skills in observation and incorporating their experiences into their writing.
Key Takeaways
Unlock the creative potential of travel for boosting your writing prowess.
Delve into off-the-beaten-track adventures for a truly immersive cultural experience.
Grasp essential tips for women to make their travel escapades safer and more enjoyable.
Immerse yourself in specialized writing guidance crafted to address your unique needs.
Embrace the rewards of moving beyond your comfort zone to elevate your horizons.
Memorable Moments:
00:02:43 – Philosophy of Adventure Writing, Travel is about challenging assumptions and opening writers up to new experiences, sights, smells, and sounds. It helps writers hone their observational skills and become better at incorporating those experiences into their writing.
00:14:23 – Favorite Wayfaring Writers Experience, Lisa and Cami share their favorite experiences, including a doctor who was able to finish her book and get published with Cambridge University Press after coming on a Wayfaring Writers trip. The trips are designed to challenge assumptions and open writers up to
00:16:01 – The Importance of Travel in Writing, The hosts and guests discuss the benefits of traveling for writers. They believe that experiencing different cultures and perspectives can help writers become better contributors to the collective consciousness.
00:17:09 – Eating Tarantulas in Cambodia, Lisa shares a story about taking her family to a restaurant in Cambodia that served tarantulas. The restaurant was also a non-profit that helped children from the street find a career in the food industry. The group believes in off-the-beaten-path experiences to expand their sense of the world.
00:27:10 – Setting Travel Intentions, Alexa shares her intention to travel more and write about her experiences. She believes that travel is important for personal growth and to capture unique perspectives in writing. The guests encourage her to join their travel group and explore new destinations.
Do you want to boost your book's discoverability and skyrocket your sales on Kindle? Are you struggling to get your book noticed in the crowded marketplace? Our guest, Dave Chesson, has the perfect solution to help you achieve your goal of increased book exposure and higher sales on Amazon.
By using effective keywords, you can enhance your book's visibility and attract more potential readers to your page. Dave will be sharing his proven strategies and techniques to help you achieve greater success on Kindle. Get ready to achieve your desired outcome of increased book sales and greater readership through the power of keywords.
The most important part for a book is to make sure that the keywords you're using are synchronous with everything else. – Dave Chesson
Dave Chesson is a rockstar and one of the most knowledgeable people in the book publishing industry, certainly with respect to how to get more visibility through your keywords and categories.
About Dave Chesson:
Possessing a wealth of knowledge in Kindle sales and keyword optimization, Dave Chesson is a leading expert assisting self-published authors in enhancing their book visibility, ultimately resulting in increased sales. Drawing from his experience in search engine optimization and niche website building, Dave understands the intricacies of engaging with target markets on various platforms. As a former military veteran who found success in transitioning into entrepreneurship, Dave is driven by a passion to share his expertise and guide writers in optimizing their online presence and expanding their readership.
In this episode, we covered:
Understand how pinpointing the right keywords can dramatically elevate your Kindle book's sales performance.
Learn the significance of an eye-catching cover, title, and description on attracting and retaining readership.
Tap into the minds of your target readers and communicate effectively for fostering strong engagement.
Explore Dave Chesson's incredible journey from serving in the military to pioneering the field of Kindlepreneurship.
Master the use of KDP Rocket and other innovative resources for enhancing your book marketing strategies and gaining higher visibility.
Making Sales on Kindle
There are two ways to make sales on Kindle: write a book that Amazon promotes to a pre-existing market, or go find the market somewhere on the Internet, grab their attention, drag them over to your book, and convince them to buy it. It's important to understand the demand opportunities and keywords that people use to search for books on Amazon.
Key Takeaways
Discover the power of strategic keyword use for boosting Kindle book sales and visibility.
Uncover the crucial role of compelling book covers, titles, and descriptions in captivating potential readers.
Gain insights into identifying and connecting with your target audience through intentional content creation.
Follow the inspiring story of Dave Chesson's transition from military life to becoming a Kindlepreneur founder.
Check out KDP Rocket, a powerful tool designed to help authors find profitable keywords for their books on Amazon.
Purchase Dave Chesson's book, Kindlepreneur's Book Marketing Guide, for in-depth strategies and tips on how to market your book successfully.
Memorable Moments:
00:09:03 – Keywords for Nonfiction, When it comes to nonfiction, Dave stresses that keywords are about the pain points or what people are looking for when they search for a book. It's important to find high-demand, low-competition keywords that are synchronous with your book's title, subtitle, and cover.
00:14:14 – KDP Rocket Tool, Dave Chesson introduces KDP Rocket, a tool that provides authors with Amazon book ideas based on data analysis. The tool suggests better book ideas, provides information on money-making books, competition scores, and the number of people searching for a particular keyword.
00:19:00 – Two-Phase Process for Indexing, To get Amazon to index a book for a keyword, it must be included in the seven fields for keywords in Kindle Direct Publishing. Other options include including the keyword in the book's title, subtitle, and within the book itself. Additionally, having a high conversion rate over other books for the same keyword will raise a book's ranking.
00:36:33 – Kindle Select and Building a Platform, Kindle Select can be beneficial for newer authors to gain exposure, but may not be the best choice for established authors with an extensive marketing plan. A well-crafted author bio can also help bridge the gap between the book and the author's platform by connecting readers with the author on a personal level. Content upgrades can help with email sign-ups, but providing readers with a free book or prelude can help build a fan base.
00:46:30 – Getting Noticed as a Writer, Dave Chesson emphasizes the importance of getting books in front of enough people and the right people. He believes that even amazing writers can miss out on opportunities if they don't get the exposure they need. Using KDP Rocket is just one tactic to help authors get noticed and get their work seen by potential readers.
The folks at Kindlepreneur have updated their information on how to choose your categories based on the changes at Amazon, so be sure to check that out here!
Join Alexa Bigwarfe for a VIP Day focused on developing YOUR content marketing strategy to grow your audience and help you sell more books, coaching, courses, and so forth.
This VIP Day is limited to TEN people so we can get personal and Alexa can offer individualized feedback!
In this VIP Day, you'll receive a combination of masterclass content delivery, 1:1 coaching, and skill building.
Content marketing 101 – What to create, when, how, and why? (and how to grow your audience in the process)
Live coaching through creating a content marketing strategy – which isn't as scary or complex as it sounds!
Determining the best topics to write content about & making sure they are reaching the correct audience – plus, the strategy to convert these to leads / build your email list
Each attendee will get a “hot seat” 1:1 coaching experience that all attendees can learn from.
You'll leave with a plan for your content marketing strategy and plenty of ideas on what to write about and how to promote it.
Bonuses include: Workshop on AI tools and how to use them to enhance your content marketing, sample editorial calendar & social media calendar posting.
Alexa Bigwarfe is a USA Today best-selling author and the founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell, a company dedicated to helping authors professionally self-publish and market their books. Her courses and training focus on author platform growth and creative ways to market books. Alexa is the founder of Write|Publish|Sell, Kat Biggie Press, Purple Butterfly Press, Chrysalis Press, and the Women in Publishing Summit.
If you get to the cart and it's full, please email Alexa at info@writepublishsell.co and let her know you want to be added to the wait list for the next session!
Every writer starts a book with the intention to finish it and publish it, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction or a children’s book. However, determining your individual writing discipline to complete it as planned can be confusing and daunting. Understanding what it takes to actually write your book consistently so you can get it done can seem like a mystery of its own. In this presentation, Jennifer S. Wilkov, sought-after book consultant at Your Book Is Your Hook! and the curator of The Make It Happen Room, will show you how to master the right discipline for you to finish your project! Break through your writer’s block, discover the right regimen for your individual writing routine, and start using it to write, complete and publish more books.
Expect to learn:
The importance of having and scheduling a writing routine
Determine the best option for you to accelerate your writing
Understand how to construct your positive writing discipline
The secret to elevating your writing experiences
Fool-proof ways to create the balance you’re seeking between writing and the rest of your life
Proven techniques to design the right regimen for you
Top strategies to complete your project according to your schedule or the schedule from your publisher/literary agent
Media personality and curator of The Make It Happen Room, Jennifer is a multi #1 international best-selling award-winning author, an award-winning freelance writer, a columnist, the Literary Agent Matchmaker™ and a respected book & business consultant in her business by the same name, “Your Book Is Your Hook!” She supports first-time and seasoned authors and writers (ghostwriters too!) with the writing, getting published, and marketing of their book ideas and projects as well as the building of their platforms to raise their visibility to readers, Hollywood and the media. www.YourBookIsYourHook.com
Join Alexa Bigwarfe for the how, why, and the key tools to sell your book from your website – or directly from a sales cart – bypassing third party sites and earning more + building your email list.
By the end of this webinar you'll know: 1 – Why you should sell a book direct 2 – What the process / steps are to sell a book on your website or directly from a sales cart 3 – What tools you need to do it 4 – Fulfillment options and post sale activities 5 – Ideas for how to get others to sell your book for you
If you can't join live, the replay will be available!
Do you want to write stories that inspire change and promote inclusivity? Are you eager to learn how to create engaging content that addresses social justice issues?
Sherry Paris never could have predicted the impact a group of high school students would have on her life. As an educator and author, she collaborated with these young leaders on sensitivity training for middle schoolers, delving into complex issues such as racism and sexism. What she found was a group of passionate, insightful individuals who would inspire her to create books that engage readers of all ages in these crucial conversations. Sherry's unexpected journey taught her the power of young voices in advocating for change and challenging societal norms. But what happens when we empower these young leaders? The answer lies within the pages of her inspiring books.
From the student leaders. Elise says, I think the basis of a lot of social justice is being compassionate towards yourself and others. Love and compassion are a really radical thing that people underestimate all the time. – Sherry Paris
Join Sherry in a quest for inclusivity and social justice as she shares her tips on empowering young people to create a better world through their writing, while navigating the challenges of ageism, marginalization, and polarized times.
About Sherry Paris:
Meet Sherry Paris, an experienced educator and author dedicated to promoting social justice and inclusivity through her work. For the past 20 years, Sherry has successfully collaborated with young individuals as a diversity trainer, helping create a culture of acceptance and allyship in various communities. She is the brains behind the creative workbooks You Can Make a Difference and Being a Super Trans Ally, inspiring a new generation of activists and allies. Sherry Paris' work focuses on uplifting voices from all backgrounds and encouraging positive change through self-expression and understanding.
In this episode, we covered:
Why Sherry wrote You Can Make a Difference! A Creative Workbook and Journal for Young Activists and included interviews with four student leaders
Why this book is needed now (all actions by people of all ages are more important than ever!)
How to empower others through your writing
How she created and sustains a supportive container for writing (making writing and illustrating a sanctuary space/ritual)
Tips for authors who want to be more inclusive in their writing
How to be the beacon of love for marginalized people
Creating a Supportive Container for Writing
Sherry shares her tips for creating and sustaining a supportive container for writing and illustrating, including creating a space and routine, practicing self-care, and collaborating with others. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your why and allowing creativity to flow. By creating a supportive container for writing and illustrating, authors can cultivate an environment that nurtures creativity, sustains motivation, and encourages personal growth. Sherry's tips emphasize the balance between discipline and self-care, collaboration and individuality, and purpose-driven creativity, all of which contribute to a fulfilling and productive creative journey.
Key Takeaways
Delve into the power of inclusive writing and its impact on social justice.
Explore the essence of encouraging ally action and cultivating a welcoming environment.
Recognize the importance of self-preservation and drive in the realm of activism.
Acquire knowledge on protecting oneself professionally in the fields of writing and consulting.
Comprehend the necessity of empowering the youth to acknowledge and appreciate diversity for a better future.
Memorable Moments:
00:01:56 – Why the Book is Needed Now, Sherry talks about the importance of the book and the need for young people to be affirmed in who they are and empowered to take action towards social justice. She shares quotes from student leaders who were interviewed for the book and highlights the importance of compassion, support systems, and motivation in making a difference.
00:12:33 – Marketing and Business, Sherry discusses her marketing strategy for You Can Make a Difference, including co-presenting with student leaders at a queer and trans resource center and a book and business launch. She also shares her process for creating an LLC to protect herself as an author and educator in these polarized times.
00:18:05 – Tips for Authors, Sherry provides tips for authors, emphasizing the need for writers to educate themselves by learning and unlearning about diversity topics, including sensitivity readers for their manuscripts. She also recommends paying marginalized people for their labor and being a beacon of love for marginalized communities.
00:23:11 – Where to Find Sherry's Books, Sherry invites people to consider buying her books from bookshop.org, which is a public good company that donates or offers proceeds to independent booksellers. She also shares that her books, Being a Super Trans Ally and You Can Make a Difference, are creative workbooks sold anywhere books are sold and include affirming illustrations that she drew. She encourages people to get her books into the hands of schools, guidance counselors, and libraries.
Are you a good candidate for self-publishing or should you consider traditional or hybrid? Carol Saller gives her advice on the different routes to publishing, tips for self-publishing, tips for submitting to an agent, and more.
Just when Carol Saller thought her publishing journey had reached a dead end, she stumbled upon the unexpected twist that would change everything. But what she discovered about self-publishing will surprise you. Are you ready to hear her story?
If you're in a hurry to get your book out, self-publishing allows you to move ahead and take control. – Carol Saller
When considering self-publishing, it's important to understand the various types of writers who may benefit from this route.
About Carol Saller:
Carol Saller’s books include The Subversive Copy Editor and several books for children. A career copyeditor at the University of Chicago Press, she now serves as contributing editor to The Chicago Manual of Style and writes for the manual’s Shop Talk blog. In the past, she was a senior editor of children’s books for Front Street/Cricket Books.
To help writers understand the writer-editor relationship and prepare their manuscripts for submission, Carol has given keynotes, sessions, and workshops at national, regional, and local conferences, serving as faculty at Novelists, Inc., Midwest Writers Workshop, and the Willamette Writers Conference. She guest lectures for the University of Chicago Graham School’s publishing program and has appeared on Chicago’s PBS news program Chicago Tonight as well as at writers' events, bookstores, panels, webinars, and workshops on writing, editing, and publishing.
Carol’s young adult historical novel Eddie’s War was named a Best Book of the Year by Bankstreet and Kirkus Reviews, and a Best of the Best Fiction for Teens by the Chicago Public Library. Her picture book The Bridge Dancers received the Carl Sandburg Award for Children’s Literature. George Washington Carver was a NCSS/CBC Notable, and Pug, Slug, and Doug the Thug was a main feature on PBS Storytime television. Now in its second edition, The Subversive Copy Editor was Publishers Weekly Online’s starred “Pick of the Week.”
In this episode, you will learn to:
Uncover the advantages and drawbacks of self-publishing compared to traditional publishing.
Emphasize the significance of quality, copy-editing, and book design in the realm of self-publishing.
Grasp essential marketing expertise for self-publishing and grammatical knowledge needed for traditional publishing.
Recognize the importance of adhering to submission guidelines and the role of copy editors.
Discover the valuable insights within The Chicago Manual of Style on writing and style.
Preparing a Manuscript
A crucial element of both traditional and self-publishing is creating a polished, professional manuscript. This involves careful editing, proofreading, formatting, and ensuring that the work adheres to the chosen style guide. The author should also research the submission guidelines for the target publisher or platform to ensure their manuscript complies with those standards. By taking the time to properly prepare the manuscript, writers increase the chances that their work will be well-received and taken seriously by publishers or readers. During her conversation with Alexa Bigwarfe, Carol Saller discusses the importance of a good copy editor in improving the readability and consistency of a manuscript. She points out that copy editors can also provide formatting services upon request, ultimately helping the author prepare their work for submission. Carol further emphasizes the significance of following the recipient's guidelines when submitting, as failure to do so can result in a negative impression. She also suggests having others read the manuscript prior to submission to ensure it is polished and consistent with the chosen style.
Key Takeaways
Examine the key differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing in terms of benefits and limitations.
Recognize the crucial role of quality, copy-editing, and appealing book design in successful self-publishing.
Develop essential marketing and grammatical skills to conquer both the self-publishing and traditional publishing worlds.
Explore the value of following submission guidelines and utilizing the skills of copy editors.
Memorable Moments:
00:04:08 – Five Categories of Writers for Self-Publishing, Carol Saller discusses the five types of writers who are good candidates for self-publishing: celebrities/social media stars, business owners, writers of genre fiction, writers who want to print a book for personal reasons, and writers who are in a hurry.
00:09:45 – Factors to Consider, Carol Saller mentions additional factors that should be considered when deciding between traditional and self-publishing, such as the need for tech support, desire for cachet, and the difficulty of marketing quiet literary fiction.
00:17:34 – Formatting in Manuscripts, Copy editors often offer formatting services or as an add-on service. Manuscripts require proper formatting to easily convert into the coded product. It is important to ask if a copy editor includes formatting and negotiate this service.
00:20:05 – Mistakes in Manuscript Preparation, Not researching the recipient's guidelines is a big mistake. It shows a lack of respect and professionalism. Always follow formatting conventions, such as double spacing, page numbers, and using a standard font. Have your work read and edited by others for consistency and readability.
Brand, Book, Bestseller: How to Write the One Book that's Going to Boost Your Brand and Accelerate Your Paydays
Brand, Book, Bestseller is a signature presentation for ensuring that you not only build a solid brand based on your book, but that you position yourself as the expert in your industry–allowing you to accelerate your paydays and unlock unlimited doors of opportunity.
Hosted by Tenita “Bestseller” Johnson, this session will cover:
Many of the pitfalls that stop aspiring authors from publishing their signature book
The signature framework my clients are using to write their bestseller in 60 days or less
What makes you the G.O.A.T and how that translates into a bestselling book
The mindset shift you're going to have to make to make it all happen
Bookshop.org is a nonprofit, online retail store that sells books – donating profits back to book retailers across the United States.
As an indie author, do you want to support your local bookstores but feel confused about Bookshop.org's mission? Have you heard the myths that Bookshop.org takes away sales from indie bookstores, only supports bestselling authors, and charges high fees? Don't worry – I'm here to set the record straight and share the truth about how Bookshop.org is actually benefiting indie authors and bookstores.
When we support the independent bookstores, we support the independent publishers, we support the independent authors. It all boils down into us helping each other. – Elle McKenzie
Just when I thought I had found the perfect ethical alternative to Amazon, I discovered a surprising twist in the story. Listen in as I uncover the unexpected truth behind Bookshop.org's mission to support independent bookstores and authors. You won't want to miss this shocking revelation.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Understand Bookshop.org's inspiring objective of uplifting independent bookstores and authors.
Dive into the rewards of Bookshop.org's affiliate program for both authors and publishers.
Acquire tactics for featuring your book on Bookshop.org to boost its exposure.
Keep yourself informed on Bookshop.org's game-changing plans for a free shipping and ebook platform.
Appreciate the essential role of fostering diversity in book choices on Bookshop.org.
Benefits of Supporting Bookshop.org
Bookshop.org offers a unique opportunity for indie authors and book lovers who want to support local bookstores. This platform allows customers to purchase books online, with the majority of the profits going back to independent bookstores. This not only helps maintain the survival of small bookstores, but also provides authors with exposure through the platform's Bestsellers lists and regular newsletters. Bookshop.org gives 80% of its profits back to independent bookstores, ensuring that they thrive in the online market. Plus. the affiliate program allows authors to earn a 10% commission on book sales through their unique affiliate links.
Key Takeaways
Understand Bookshop.org's inspiring objective of uplifting independent bookstores and authors.
Dive into the rewards of Bookshop.org's affiliate program for both authors and publishers.
Acquire tactics for featuring your book on Bookshop.org to boost its exposure.
Keep yourself informed on Bookshop.org's game-changing plans for a free shipping and ebook platform.
Appreciate the essential role of fostering diversity in book choices on Bookshop.org.
Memorable Moments:
00:14:06 – Making Books More Visible on Bookshop.org, Authors can promote their books on Bookshop.org by reaching out to booksellers and mentioning that their books are available there. Curated book lists can be created to get more exposure to readers.
00:23:27 – Bookshop.org's Bestseller List, The sales and advertising team selects the bestseller books based on certain parameters. A book does not have to be a bestseller to be on the bestseller list.
00:26:08 – Getting on Bookshop's Lists, After signing up for Bookshop's affiliate program, authors can submit lists for consideration to be displayed on the homepage. These lists can be anything, from recommended reading to holiday selections.
00:33:48 – Supporting Local Bookstores, Bookshop is a tool for authors to offer their readers an alternative to Amazon and support local bookstores. The program gives 80% of book sale profits to local retailers, and affiliates can use their links to promote not only their own books, but others in their community as well.
In this hour long webinar with Publisher Rocket's Product Manager, Hank Marcacci, we'll dive into the details of how Keywords and Categories work on Amazon, tactics authors can use to gain traction, and optimization for effective sales results. Included topics are:
Finding profitable keywords that users actually search for on Amazon
Discovering and applying secret Amazon categories most authors don’t know about
Learning how to become a category bestseller without spending thousands
Strategies to make a book more discoverable to target readers
…plus more!
Publisher Rocket just released a huge update to their software, so don't miss this webinar! Hank is a great teacher, and we're pleased to welcome him back.
