Category Archives: A blog about the topics of writing

A blog about the topics of writing, Writing tips

Do you charge what you are worth?

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Do you sell your wares? What are they worth? The products could be anything from knitted outfits to beautiful paintings.

But how about your services?

When I became a development editor, I set in my mind what I thought I should charge for it. I didn’t want to put a number so out of reach that it would scare potential clients away. Also, you don’t want to be charging the bottom of the barrel.

Yet, that is what people want you to do. But in that comes a catch 22.

People want the best bargain. But then they question the validity of your service. It is said that the best of the best costs more. Bargain deals are for the lukewarm items.

So, if I charge a lot, I might not get clients. If I price my ware too low, people are hesitant. Even more frustrating is when people want you to do it for free.

As I started getting clients, the first few were a learning curve. The first person I charged in food. Yes, you heard me. I would meet the client at a coffee shop, and she would feed me. The experience and her testimony to build on was the goal.

Another new client gave me a flat fee for what he was willing to pay. Considering the length of his book that made my hourly wage below minimum wage. But I was building a clientele, so I did it to get the experience and another testimony.

I, for years, would reach out to my fellow authors in our area, wanting to help them. No one took me up on my offer. By the time they finally did, and we are talking years later, I was now charging much to their surprise. I didn’t budge. Taking the time and effort to build a person’s social platform, work on their website, or doing development work on their stories is high. It is time I am taking away from my platform, site, and own writings, not to mention family.

Attending a class at a writer’s conference that was on knowing your worth was eye-opening. For all of us to start charging for my wares and services. I should not let people barter me down for their own sake and against mine.

I now challenge anyone who wants to hire me, and are not liking the cost, to try to find someone, anyone, who will do it at a lower price. They won’t. I’ve checked.

I am sticking to my guns. Everyone ought to when it comes to their services. We put a lot of work into what we do. As authors, you should not expect me to lower my standards for you. Would you do that for me?

The only difference is I would not ask you to do this for me for free.

A blog about the topics of writing, Writing Advice

Authors and their blogs

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How does one find content for one’s blog? What direction do you want to go? Will it be fun or more serious? These are just some questions to ponder when one takes on a blog.

When I first started, it was a mixture of different content. I would talk about anything that came to mind. That was fun to do.

But as I grew as an author, I decided to make this my author’s website. It would be the place to talk about my books, writings, brand, and all that came with being an author.

That comes with a lot of topics to discuss. Right? Most times, yes. Other times I sit at my desk and look around the room, trying to think of something. Topics I have not discussed before. I try not to recycle posts I have written in the past. However, some topics need to be mentioned again when it comes to writing.

As writers creating a place as a one-stop when it comes to your brand is helpful. I have made this site the hub of my social platform. You also can do this.

You can include links to your social platform, list your books, interviews you have done, pictures and videos, and so much more. It can be a site where people who are interested in your works can check you out. You want that as an author.

It is a good start to create a blog as an author to get your foot in the door and for the world to see who you are.

And you need the world to see who you are.

A blog about the topics of writing, Writing Advice

Judging a book by its cover: Do you do this?

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“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

But one does when it comes to actual books. We will pick the ones that are pleasing to us and then check out the blurb.

How much time do you put into creating a cover? It can be pricey if you are unable to design your graphics. Or to find an artist who will work with you and not break the bank.

Yes, there are sites where you can buy prefab covers. There is nothing wrong with those if you are starting your career. Maybe a prefab cover will be just the right fit for your book. I have seen some amazing ones that can fit into a variety of budgets.

But coming up with the right cover can determine if your book is purchased and read. It is a decision that one should not take lightly.

I am the same way when I am checking out books. Once it is in my hand, I soon learn the blurb does not always interest me. The point being is it has a shot of being purchased.

Paying attention to your cover is just as important as the work between the pages. Spend some time on this part. After all the work one puts into a book, it would be a shame if it remains on the shelf due to a cover that has no pop.