Getting Unstuck: How to Keep Writing When Writer's Block Strikes

with guest Sarah Ladd.

Has this ever happened to you? You are knee-deep in your writing project, developing characters and creating settings, when all of the sudden … WHOOSH! Your mind goes blank. 

Whether you are on a deadline or you write in your free time, writer’s block can be terribly discouraging – even paralyzing. What’s worse, you never know when it is going to strike. Writer’s block does not discriminate: You may be “plotter” who has every scene outlined in detail, or you might be a “pantster” who is always surprised by what you write next. Regardless of how you approach your writing, one thing is for sure – no one wants to waste precious time by not being able to come up with the words! 

So without further delay, here are 10 tried and true tips to get your creativity – and words! – flowing. 

#1. Switch up the point of view.
Sometimes we can get the words on the page, but the words do not seem to “flow”. If this happens to you, why not try telling the scene in another character’s P.O.V.? Allow yourself to take a fresh perspective on what is going on in the scene – see, hear, and feel it from another character. This altered scene might not make it to the final version, but by doing this little exercise you might gain a viewpoint you did not expect. 

#2. Chat about it.
This one is a biggie, friends. Who can understand the frustrations that come with writer’s block better than another writer? So call that writer friend. Meet with them for a brainstorming session. Talking out loud about your story can make you think about your story in a different light. A few minutes of brainstorming can save you hours of frustration in front of a blank screen. And who knows – one day you might be able to return the brainstorming favor one day! 

#3. Dive into backstory.
Occasionally we get stuck because we write one of our characters into a situation, and once they are there we don’t know what they should do next. One way to work through this type of issue is to have fun with backstory. Go ahead … interview your characters about their childhood, or even take it a step further and write a scene about the character’s early life. Again, this will probably never make it into your actual book, but sometimes getting back to the basics with your characters and diving into their internal motivations can give you the jump start you need. 

#4. Make a list. 
Are you a list maker? If so, why not try making lists to move your story forward? If you are having trouble with a scene, write down five things that MUST happen in that scene. It could be an action or a snippet of dialogue. If that isn’t enough to get the words flowing, write down 5 more things. Pretty soon you will have a mini outline, and you can just take it from there!

#5. Go on a virtual “settings” vacation.
Does your book take place in a unique setting? The old west? Victorian England? Modern-day L.A.? Take a little break and watch a movie that takes place in that setting or listen to some music that would be accessible in that setting. Be inspired by what you see or hear. Or, if you are a Pinterest user, take a few moments to create a Pinterest board. If you are a Spotify user, think about making a Spotify playlist. You are bound to see or hear something that will jolt your creativity. 

#6: Read. A lot. 
One of my favorite quotes on writing is from Stephen King. He said, “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”  Wow. And that is so true! If you are losing your way with your story and the words just won’t come, step away from the computer and pick up a book. It can be a book in your genre, a classic, a book on writing craft, or a book totally unrelated to your project. I really don’t think it matters what type of reading you do. Sometimes, just getting your head out of your own story and spending some with other words with jump-start your creativity. 

#7. Take a break. 
Upcoming deadlines and tight schedules can make you feel that if you aren’t making every writing minute count, you are failing. But sometimes, forcing words can be counter-productive. Take a walk or go to a yoga class. Meet a friend for coffee. Bake something. Go shopping. Sometimes a little break can be the ticket to renewing your vigor for your story. But let me offer this word of caution … don’t take too much time off! Writing is like a muscle … if you don’t use it frequently, it grows weaker. So take a break … just make sure you get back to it!

#8. GO ahead – jump forward. 
Do you know what will happen next in your story, but you aren’t sure how to get there? Go ahead and write the scene you know that is coming, and then write backwards. It could provide the insight you need to get your current scene hopping! 

#9. It’s all about the dialogue. 
Sometimes when I sit down to write a scene and I am not sure what should happen, I only write the dialogue. No setting, no descriptors, no action – just dialogue. If you can just hear the words in your head and get them on the page, then you can go back and fill in the details. In a scene where the dialogue is key, this trick can help make sure you give your scene the structure it needs. 

#10. Don’t beat yourself up. 
This is another big one. I will go out on a limb here and say that the majority of writers stare writer’s block in the face at some point in their career. Sometimes an illness or an issue at work can silence your inner storyteller, and the busyness of life or the hectic nature of daily schedules can zap our creativity. Just remember – don’t give up! Even getting 500 words on the page a day can keep your story moving forward. 

So … Plotters and Pantsters … We want to hear from you! How do you get unstuck?

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in that era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series, The Heiress of Winterwood (2013). That title was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance and is a finalist in the Debut Author category of the 2014 Carol Awards. The second book in the series, The Headmistress of Rosemere (2013), was on the ECPA best-seller list for several months, and the third book in the series, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall, spent time on the CBA best-seller list. 

Her newest release, The Curiosity Keeper, released in July 2015. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. Ladd lives in Indiana with her husband, daughter and spunky Golden Retriever. To keep up with Sarah E. Ladd, visit www.sarahladd.com, become a fan on Facebook (Sarah Ladd Author), or follow her on Twitter (@SarahLaddAuthor). 

A mysterious stranger, a missing gem, and flying sparks! Don’t miss Sarah Ladd’s new book, The Curiosity Keeper. Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, these two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, Camille and Jonathan will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness. 

Today one commenter will win a copy of The Curiosity Keeper. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.

ON DEADLINE: How to Make Your Writing Deadlines Work for YOU

with guest Sarah Ladd

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.”  - Napoleon Hill

Deadlines. If you are a writer, you are no stranger to them! Contest entry deadlines. Blog post deadlines. Manuscript deadlines. Editing deadlines. Keeping track of all your deadlines and meeting them can be as difficult as actually writing your book! It’s easy to get nervous when a deadline is approaching, but with proper planning, you can survive you writing deadlines – and even thrive!  Here are a few tips and tricks to help you reach your next deadline.  

DEVELOP a plan. Some of you are full time writers. Some of you work outside the home. Some of you are caring for children or other family members. No matter how many hours a week you are able to dedicate to your writing, the important thing is use those hours wisely. Start with a blank calendar and circle your deadline date. Then, figure out how many days a week you are going to write and how many words a day you will need to write to meet your deadline. If you are working on multiple writing projects, create a different schedule for each project and layer them on top  of each other to make sure you plan is feasible. This will help you visually keep your projects on track. 

SHARE your plan with others.  Writing is rarely a solitary endeavor. Even though you are the one putting words on paper (or the screen), writers often need the help and support of others to make it happen. So make sure you communicate your goals to those important to you – your spouse. Your children. Your friends. Let them know when you will be working so they can support you and know what to expect.  

ASK for accountability. One of the great things about being a writer is that you probably have “writer” friends or you are a member of a writing community. Most of the people in these circles are likely facing deadlines of their own … Support each other! Share your goals with other writers. Ask for encouragement. Encourage others. You will find that communicating your success (and your concerns) with those who are on the same journey will inspire and motivate you.

BE diligent.  Some days, you will fly through your day’s word count goals. Other times, you will struggle to get even 100 words on the page. This is normal! The important thing is that you keep your goal in mind. Even if you don’t feel like it, WRITE. Even if the words aren’t coming, WRITE.  Writing is a discipline. The more you practice, and the more you exercise your ability to write even if the words aren’t coming, it will be easier to get through those harder days in the future. 

CUT yourself some slack. While it is important to be diligent, if you get off track, don’t beat yourself up. In fact, it is a good idea to include some “make-up” days in your schedule. It happens to us all – we get sick, stuck in traffic, or the day’s schedule is just overwhelming.  So if this happens, start fresh the next day.

STAY balanced.  While it is important to meet your deadline, remember your priorities. Every writer’s situation is different, but don’t sacrifice special moments. Enjoy your family. Hang out with friends. Spend time in the Word. Work out. You will find that if you balance your activities appropriately, you will be more creative with your writing.

REMEMBER to have fun! Don’t let deadline stress get you down. When a deadline gets tough, remember why you love writing. Take five minutes and read a page or two from your favorite book. Chat with an author friend.  Write a scene – just for fun. Writers write because it is their passion. Enjoy the journey, my friends.

Thanks so much for having me on Seekerville! I always love getting to visit. So now it’s your turn! I would love to hear your tips and tricks for meeting your deadlines! 

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. Her debut novel, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance, and her second novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere, is now available.  Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. Connect with her online:  Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter




Don't miss the contest going on right now on Sarah's Facebook page!


 The Headmistress of Rosemere is an RT Bookreviews 4 1/2 star TOP PICK!

"This book has it all: shining prose, heart-wrenching emotion, vivid and engaging characters, a well-paced plot and a sigh-worthy happy ending that might cause some readers to reach for the tissue box. In only her second novel, Ladd has established herself as Regency writing royalty."


Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.
 

 Today Sarah is generously giving away one print copy of The Headmistress of Rosemere (Whisper on the Moors Book Two) to one lucky commenter. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.

We are including this additional picture of Sarah from an ACFW Conference, so you realize that she looks as lovely in real life as she does in her bio picture!

YOU JUST SOLD YOUR BOOK! (NOW WHAT?) with Guest Sarah Ladd

Congratulations! You have sold you book. You have loved it, cried over it, and probably lost sleep over it. You have polished it, tweaked it, and turned it into your editor. You are ready to venture into the next phase of publication:  Working with your editor launch your book into the market.

You’ve probably heard a dozen published authors say it 
… the months before and after a book launches are very busy! My debut novel, The Heiress of Winterwood, released a few months ago, and I learned so much about the writing journey and the publishing industry during that time. Since it was my first publishing experience, I was eager to soak up everything I could about the process, and I even made a list of things I could do ahead of time with the next book so I could really hit the ground running. It’s never too early to get started on some of the details, and by tending to some of these items early on in the process your mind will be free to focus completely on edits and other steps of the journey.

 So what’s on my list? Ready? Here we go …

 
Dedication
 
This seems like it should be a fairly easy step. You probably already know who you want to dedicate your book to,   but do you know exactly what you want to say?  Dedicating a book to a person is like giving them a gift that is created just for them. Even though a dedication is short, you want to get the words just right. The last thing you want to do is rush this. So when you have some free time before you are in the heat of editing, really think about what you want to say in your dedication. Your dedicatee will thank you.

Acknowledgements
 
Writing is rarely a solitary practice. Even though you are the one to actually develop the story and write the book, there are probably several people who have helped you along the way. Your agent. Your family. Your friends. Your writing/critique group. Even your editorial team. Keep a list of people who you want to include in your acknowledgements so when the time comes, you are ready to go. 

Discussion Questions
 
You’ve seen these, right?  At the back of a book, the author will sometimes develop 10 or so questions that readers can use as a study guide, discussion starters in book clubs, etc. Even if your publisher does not include these in the actual book, it is a GREAT IDEA to develop some study guide questions. You can put them on your website as a special download, post them to your Facebook page, distribute them to book clubs, etc. And the best part? These can be done VERY early in the process. You might even jot questions down while you are writing the book!

Twitter Posts
 
Are you on Twitter? If you aren’t … you should be! It is a great, easy way to help spread the word about your book. And the other good news about Twitter posts? You can prepare them in advance. Develop about 30-40 posts that you can simply cut and paste. Perhaps the easiest way to get started it to go through your book and pull out a teaser sentence or two. (You can also use these as Facebook posts on your author Facebook page!) If you spend time doing this BEFORE the book releases, then you won’t be scrambling to find good snippets to use as tweets during your busy release time. 

Blogging
 
Book release time is a busy time for a writer. Not only are you on an emotional high, but this is THE TIME to really get out there and promote your book! Bloggers are instrumental in helping to get the word out about new releases. Start early on this. In fact, START NOW! Read blogs. Comment on blogs. Get to know bloggers and reviewers and develop relationships with them. I have found that a lot of bloggers have pre-determined questions that they like to have authors answer, and usually, if you ask them, you can get these questions well in advance of the time you are going to be a guest so you aren’t rushing to answer questions at the last minute. After all, you want to be genuine with your answers … this is a time for readers to not only learn about your book but to also learn about YOU.


Headshots
 
This is something a lot of authors drag their feet about, but it is VERY important to get a good, professional headshot. I know, most people don’t like to have their picture taken, but once your book releases, your picture will be everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Make it a good one!

Create a Book Launch Team
 
A book launch team is a group of people who are dedicated to helping your book succeed. This can be friends and family, avid readers, other writers … the sky’s the limit. Usually this is a group of people you assemble that agrees to write a book review and post it to e-commerce sites. These are the people who will retweet your tweets. Interact with your posts on Facebook. These are your cheerleaders, and usually, if you ask, they are eager to do it! If you identify these people ahead of time, they can really help your book launch experience go smoothly.

Bio

 
A lot of people will be asking you for your bio. You will want to have a couple of versions of this … one that is 1-2 sentences long and one that is 3-5 sentences long. You can write this well in advance and then you won’t have to give it a second thought once the book comes out.
 


Now, this is certainly not an exhaustive list … there are so many other things you can do in advance to make sure your book launch goes smoothly! 


 Now it is your turn … published authors … what advice do you have to share? 


SARAH’S BIO:
In addition to a lifetime of writing and exploring fiction, Sarah Ladd has more than ten years of strategic marketing and brand management experience, including five years of marketing non-fiction books and three years of marketing the musical arts. She lives in Indiana and is blessed to share her life with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and very lovable Golden Retriever.





Today, Sarah is giving away one copy of The Heiress of Winterwood, (Whispers on the Moors) her debut release from Thomas Nelson. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.

Darbury, England, 1814

Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything.

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. She’ll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father—a sea captain she’s never met.

When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.

Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.

Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.

Author Facebook Pages … What Every Author Needs To Know with Guest Blogger Sarah Ladd

No doubt you have probably heard that an author Facebook page is an important marketing tool. But do you know why?

Whether you love Facebook or hate it, there is no denying the effectiveness of a well-executed Facebook page. Not only can it help an author establish an online presence, but it provides an unequaled opportunity to network and interact with readers and other writers. Many authors think that they don’t need an author Facebook page until they are published. This is far from true! Let’s explore why.

What are industry professionals saying about author Facebook pages?

I asked literary agent Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency what she thought about author Facebook pages for unpublished authors. Here is her response:

“When I am serious about signing an author, I first visit the author's website, and then I peruse Facebook. Interaction with friends and fans shows how the author will appear in public, which is important to publishers. An active Facebook page, coupled with a professional web site, is a way for authors to show they are serious about their work, and about being part of the publishing community.”

Katie Bond, Publicity Manager, Fiction, at Thomas Nelson, had to say:

“In book marketing, we speak a lot about meeting readers where they are. Right now, Facebook is a big part of that solution, with users congregating around thousands of products and causes. Facebook’s regulations for promotion have changed over the last few years and will likely change again, but maintaining a professional page is a must for authors now. These pages provide functionality that personal pages can’t, allowing you and your marketing team to gather and energize readers, and to monitor the success of various promotions to learn more for the long-term building of your brand. As an author, think of yourself as the host of the party: the ultimate goal is to graciously provide a place for people to get to know each other, all in your lovely home. Aim to give them special consideration with thanks for their following you, and they’ll loyally help to spread the word to more friends.”

Here is what it all comes down to: An author Facebook page is a marketing tool that you need!

More and more, authors are called upon to play an active role in promoting their books. Agents and publishers like to know that an author has already thought about this and is taking steps to support those future goals. Sure, you may have a website and business cards, but a Facebook page allows you to take your marketing one step further: it allows you to interact with readers on a personal level. Facebook is not just about promoting and selling your books … it is about building relationships and getting to know the people who will one day be your readers.

Below are some questions I have heard regarding author Facebook pages. Let’s take a look … 

What’s the difference between a profile (or timeline) and an page?

A personal profile page (or timeline) is just that … personal. This is where you can talk about your day, share pictures of your kids, connect with old college friends, etc. You are limited to 5,000 friends, and in order to add someone as a friend to your profile page, one of two things must happen:

1.    The other person sends you a friend request and you accept it, or

2.    You send the other person a friend request and they accept. 

The key takeaway here is that you, the profile owner, are giving the other person “permission” to see what you post on your wall. 

A Facebook page, on the other hand, is intended for professional use by businesses, celebrities, bands, and authors. Anyone with a Facebook account can “like” your page and follow your posts – and there is no limit to the number of people who can do so. Pages are much less private than profiles. You do NOT have to give another person permission in order for them to see the content on your page. Because of this, you want to be very intentional and judicious about the types of content you post here. 

The fact that a Facebook page is public and visible for the whole world to see may be daunting, but consider this:  since your author Facebook page is public, it will come up when someone searches for you on the internet. If an agent, editor, or publisher is trying to learn more about you and all you have is a private profile (timeline), they may not be able to find you. As an author, you want – need – to be visible.

How do I set up an author Facebook page? 

It’s easy, and it will take you all of five minutes to establish your page!  

1.    Go to www.facebook.com and click the following link at the bottom of the page: Create a page for a celebrity, band or business.

2.    Next, click the lower left-hand box that says “Artist, Band or Public Figure”

3.    A drop down menu will appear. Select “Author”. Below that, you need to enter the name you want to appear on your page, agree to Facebook’s terms and conditions, and click the “get started” button.

4.    The next page asks if you have a Facebook account. If you have one, you will log in at this time. (NOTE: If you already have a Facebook account, both your profile and your new author Facebook page will share the same username and password. See below for more information on this). If you don’t have a Facebook account, you’ll be prompted to create one.

5.    Once logged in, you will have the option to upload a picture for your author page.

6.    The next step allows you to enter a little bit about yourself, such as a brief description and the link to your website. 

7.    And now, your page is created! Congratulations!

8.    Once you have at least 25 fans, you can create a username, which will give you a unique web address for your page (for example: www.facebook.com/yournamehere). To do this, go to www.facebook.com/username and follow the instructions. But remember, 25 people must like your page first!

9.    Spend some time getting familiar with your new Facebook page. Check out the Help Center. Play with your settings. Practice uploading pictures and updating your cover photo. These functions are all very similar to the regular profile pages, but you will want to make sure you are familiar with everything before you start directing traffic to it.

10.    When you are ready, post your first post!  Be sure to post the link to your new page on your wall so your friends and family can “like” your new author page!

I have the same login information for both my profile (timeline) and my author Facebook page. How do I switch between the two accounts?

Once you log in to Facebook, you will see a dark blue bar across the top. On the right side, you will see an arrow pointing down. Click on that arrow, and your other account(s) will appear. NOTE:  It is important to give your profile page and your author page different names. Otherwise, it can get very confusing! For example, if the name on your profile page is Jane Doe, then you will want the name on your author page to be Author Jane Doe.

At the top of my author page, I see an Admin Panel. What is that?  

The Admin Panel is how you manage your Facebook page. There are a lot of goodies in this section that you will want to be familiar with!

1.    Across the top of the admin panel, you will see the following web buttons: Edit page, Manage, Build Audience, Help, and Hide. I recommend spending a few minutes exploring these links. 

2.    In the admin panel you will see a link that says “View Insights.” The information in this section is key to understanding how your fans are interacting with you!  In order to view this information you must have at least 30 fans. Here are some terms that will be helpful to know: 

a.    Reach: The # of people who see each post.

b.    Engaged Users:  The #of individuals who clicked on each post.

c.    Talking About This: The # of people who liked, commented, or shared each post.

I am not currently on Facebook and know nothing about it. I really want to start an author Facebook page, but I don’t know the Facebook basics. Where should I start?

Here is my advice: Get to know Facebook before using it as a professional networking site. Set up a personal profile account. All you need is an email address to get started. You can register here. Try it out for a while. “Like” other Author Facebook pages and watch how they are using this tool. See what works and what doesn’t. Then, when you are comfortable, you can take the steps outlined above.

I’ve heard that there are rules for hosting promotions and giveaways on a Facebook page. What are they?

It’s true … Facebook has strict guidelines about hosting giveaways and contests on your page. If you are considering hosting a contest, make sure you fully understand Facebook’s terms and conditions regarding promotions. These can be found here. Failure to comply with Facebook’s terms could result in your page being shut down. Yikes!

What are some guidelines for posts on my author Facebook page? 

Rule #1:  Keep it professional.

In my humble opinion, this is the most essential rule for an author Facebook page. Remember, this can be one of the first impressions that a potential agent or publisher will see of you. Later, this will be the forum for readers to establish a relationship with you. The last thing you would want to do is offend someone or say something that may put your reputation in jeopardy.

Rule #2: Keep it consistent.

In order to establish a relationship with readers and other professionals, it is important to maintain a schedule. Whether you post once a week, three times a week, or every day, your fans will get a sense of what to expect from you. I suggest creating an editorial calendar. At the beginning of each month, sit down and jot down ideas for your posts. Perhaps you are blogging later this week and know that this is perfect for an upcoming post. Perhaps a fellow writer’s book is free on Kindle next week and you want to help her promote it. These are great ideas … not only will planning your posts ahead of time save you time in the long run, but it will help ensure that you get the messages out that are most relevant to your fans.

Rule #3:  Keep it intentional.

In a previous Seekerville post, I pointed out the importance of making sure that your marketing initiatives (such as Facebook) support your overall marketing goals, regardless of where you are in your publishing career. As your career develops and changes, your messages and your marketing plan should as well. If you are interested in learning more about this, feel free to check out my Seekerville post on marketing from back in January here.

Rule #4:  Keep it diverse.

Yes, your fans are following you because they want to know more about your writing. But they are also following because they want to know more about YOU!  Because of the very public nature of Facebook pages, I advise that you stay away from posting personal information, such as where you live, information about your family, when you are going to be out of town, and so forth. But do let your fans get to know you!  Share your interests …what websites do you like? What are you reading? What are some of your interests? Ask your fans questions to encourage interaction. Remember, Facebook is as much about developing relationships as it is about promoting your book, so ask questions. The stronger the connection a fan feels to you as an author, the more likely they will be to support your future projects.

Rule #5:  Keep it fun!

Writing is work. Marketing is work. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy yourself. Use your Facebook author page to get to know other writers and interact with readers. Network. Learn. Grow. You might make a few mistakes, and that’s all right. Facebook is like anything else … the more you practice, the better – and more proficient – you will become. And when you do sign that contract, you will wish that you already had your page up and running. So what are you waiting for? 

Now it’s your turn!

So, who’s going to be the first to get their author Facebook page up and running?  Will it be YOU?  Be sure to let us know if you do!

Already have an author Facebook page?  Share your experience and advice.

Not ready to start your author Facebook page? That’s okay … it is a big step, and it’s a commitment. But I am not letting you off the hook!! I have a few questions for you … be sure to share your answers in the comments section.

1.     Do you follow other author’s pages?  If so, which authors do you think hit the mark?

2.    What type of content do you like to see as an author?

Thanks for spending this time with me. Have questions about author Facebook pages? Let’s talk about it!

Sarah Ladd lives in Indiana where she shares her life with her amazing husband and sweet daughter. She has more than ten years of strategic marketing and brand management experience, including five years of marketing non-fiction books and three years of marketing the musical arts. Heiress of Winterwood, the first book in her Whispers on the Moors series, will release next spring. Visit her website or like her on Facebook!

Today Seekerville is giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one commenter in honor of Sarah's visit. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.

Seekerville Welcomes Guest Blogger Sarah Ladd

Your First Marketing Plan: Why Every New Author Needs One and How to Get Started


You have a website. You post to Facebook. You tweet. You even have a one sheet and a tag line.
But…do you have a plan?

If you answered yes to that question, GREAT!

If you answered no, then pull up a chair and grab a cup of java. I have some information that might help you in your writing career.

So, you may be asking yourself the following question: If I am not published, why do I need to worry about marketing? The answer is very simple: You need to establish your brand.

Now, if you ask ten different marketing professionals what a brand is, you will likely get ten different answers. From my ten-plus years in the marketing field, I define an author’s brand as their “reputation” in the marketplace. Many new authors make the mistake of believing that their brand is their tagline or the way their website looks. But dig deeper. What are other writers saying about your work? What do agents think when they hear your name?

Believe it or not, you can influence the answers to these questions, even before you are published. And how do you do that? You need to execute a well-developed marketing plan!

So, let’s get started.
Think of your marketing plan as your roadmap to establishing your brand. I believe there are eight basic components that must be included in every basic marketing plan. You can add elements as needed, but the points outlined below will get you headed in the right direction.

#1: Current Situation Analysis
In order to decide where you want to go with your marketing, you must first have a clear understanding of where you are now. Write two or three sentences about your current marketing initiatives. Do you have a blog? Do you post to Facebook? Do you tweet? Outlining all of your current marketing and communications initiatives will help you identify what areas are already working and in which areas you need to grow.

#2: Marketing Plan Objectives
Spend a few minutes thinking about what you want your marketing to do for you. Do you want to attract an agent? Do you want to increase your exposure through guest blogging? Do you want to broaden your networking base by increasing the number of Facebook friends you have? Write down at least three.

#3: Measurable Outcomes
How will you know if you are making progress towards your marketing objectives? In order to help define marketing success, you need to assign a numerical measure to each objective … even if you are just getting started. Here’s why: Let’s say one of your marketing objectives is to broaden your networking base by increasing the number of your Facebook followers. That’s great, but in order to gauge success, you need a numerical goal. So a measurable outcome could be “increase my Facebook followers by 50 people in six months.” When you tie a number to an objective, you now have a goal and a timeline. At the end of six months you will know whether or not you have been successful and then, if necessary, you can reevaluate your strategies.

#4: Who’s Your Audience?
Your marketing messaging must be personal and relevant in order to have maximum impact, and having a clearly defined audience is the first step. Jot down your primary and secondary audiences. Your audiences can be broad or narrow: other Christian writers, potential readers, agents, etc. This may seem like a trivial step, but it will help you as you define marketing strategies and tactics in #8.

#5: Find Your Focus
What are three things you want the audiences you identified in #4 to know about you? Write those down. They can be as simple as adjectives that describe your writing or as complex as mission statements. This is also the appropriate time to think about your tagline. The key messages/concepts you identify in this step will lay the framework for the messaging you use in your marketing initiatives.

#6: Budget
Ah, money. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get your marketing plan up and running, but you will probably need to spend a little. At minimum, you will probably need to pay a website hosting fee and have business cards printed to distribute at writing events. Keep track of these expenditures. Doing so will help you evaluate what you have done in the past and decide which expenditures have been effective.

#7: Timeline & Marketing Editorial Calendar
Dedicate a calendar specifically to your professional marketing. When and how often are you going to post to Facebook? When are you guest blogging? When are you going to update your website? Not only will a marketing calendar keep your communication initiatives from falling through the cracks, but it will also help you establish your marketing editorial calendar.

#8: Overarching Strategies and Marketing Tactics
This is the fun part, folks. This is where the rubber meets the marketing road. Think of “overarching strategies” as marketing buckets or channels. These strategies should be broad. Examples of overarching strategies could be “utilize social media to increase author awareness” or “use writing organization memberships to strengthen writing network” or “develop print collateral to reinforce author brand”.

A marketing tactic is the specific action you take to support each strategy. For example, if your strategy is to “utilize social media to increase your author awareness,” then the tactics could be (1) post to Facebook at least three times a week, (2) comment on at least five other author’s posts, and (3) friend at least two new people a week, (4) tweet twice a week, etc. Try to have at least three tactics to support each strategy. (BONUS TIP: Now that you know how often you will need to perform a tactic to support your overarching strategy, you can plan ahead and mark those dates in your editorial calendar. See how they are all related?)

This all may sound like a lot, but don’t worry. You may need to think about these concepts/questions for a few days or weeks, and that is okay. Keep in mind that your marketing plan will change and grow as you move through the different stages of your writing career. I have a download that may help you on your marketing journey. Visit my website at www.sarahladd.com and go to the resources page to help you get your marketing plan started on the right foot.

In parting, I have a few “rules” I want to leave you with:

Keep it consistent.
One of the worst things you can do to your marketing reputation is to be inconsistent. Don’t tweet five times in one week and then not tweet for three weeks. This is when your editorial marketing calendar/timeline will help you.

Keep it current.
Your marketing plan is not a “one and done” document. Visit your marketing plan every few months. What is working? What isn’t? What needs to be tweaked? It’s okay to change your goals. Remember – your marketing plan is a working document and will continue to develop as your writing career grows.

Keep it separate.
This rule applies mostly to social media, especially Facebook. Consider having an author page instead of using your personal page for both personal and professional updates. Remember … if social media is one of your overarching marketing strategies, then you are using it to help establish your brand, your “reputation” in the professional marketplace. Be intentional with your posts.

Thanks for letting me visit with you all today. Best of luck in your writing … and in your marketing endeavors!

Sarah Ladd lives in Indiana and shares her life with her amazing husband and sweet daughter. She had more than ten years of strategic marketing and brand management experience, including five years of marketing non-fiction books and three years of marketing the musical arts. Sarah writes historical romance. Recently, her book Heiress of Winterwood won the Historical Romance category of the 2011 Genesis Contest and was the overall winner for the 2011 Touched by Love contest.





In honor of Sarah's visit with us, Seekerville is giving away a Seekerville surprise book package to one commenter. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.