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You’ve worked hard to build your online presence. You also have to step outside and meet your future readers face to face. Enter author events. These range from speaking engagements to craft fairs, library events and everything in between. Be creative. Go where your readers are.

At your event, you need to set up a display that gives your readers an opportunity to meet you, buy your book, and sends them home with something in hand that will tell them how to connect with you afterwards even if they don’t buy your book. You also want to use this event to build your contact list.

Your display should convey something about you and your book(s). If your writing is humorous or playful, let your display have that same feel. If it’s a Victorian or fantasy setting, your display should have that feel. It should be professional and well organized in its appearance. Make it something they will remember.

I didn’t know what to expect at my first event and took too much stuff. Afterwards, I decided I needed to carry everything I needed by myself in one trip. After the second event, I decided I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel every time I needed to pull together supplies for an event.

I created my event-in-a-box. One plastic tub filled with everything I’ll need except my books, banner and poster. These are too big to fit. The week before my event, I double check my supplies for anything I need to buy then load up my large bag and my box on wheels and I’m good to go.

Here are 10 things you need to take with you to your author event:

Table coverings. I have had large spaces and small spaces to cover, so I have more than one table cloth to choose from. I like to have a more elegant look and my table covering reflects that.

Decorations. A poster of my book with a stand to sit it in.  I like to add my Willow Tree figurine of husband and wife standing together. (these are things I have displayed in my home so although I could add these to the box, I don’t). The poster stand I use is a display stand for a plate or some other decoration. Add touches that give people an idea about who your are and what your writing is about.

Informational posters and stands. I have an informational poster that nicely displays the cost of my book. I also have one with information about my newsletter. I slide these into a plastic display stand. They look so much better if you type them on your computer instead of handwriting them. You may have different posters you use for different events. If you make a new one, keep it, you may use it again. I keep these in a folder so they won’t bend.
Sign up forms and clip board. Events are a great place to have people sign up for your newsletter. Maybe you’re having a giveaway and need entry forms. This helps to build your contact list so have something to offer in exchange for their information.
Pens. Be prepared for people to walk off with these – bring plenty of extras.
Contact information and marketing material. People like to take something with them. Have plenty of bookmarks and business cards. I have been to book events where other authors have NO contact info. Don’t even think about going to an event without some way of letting people know how to contact you/follow you.
Your book(s) and pens to sign. It’s hard to tell with books how many you will need. Be prepared with a few more than you think you will need and a way for people to order one if you run out. Don’t put too many up on your table at once. It will make it look cluttered. If you have a special color pen you like to sign with – I use purple-have more than one on hand.
Giveaway. I like to give a nice handmade bookmark to everyone who buys a book. If it is a small event, I will give one to everyone who comes. I also have chocolates to offer my future readers when they stop by my table. After using a glass dish several times, I have landed on using a basket to put mine in.Readers will remember your generosity and helpfulness. Is there something small you can give to your readers?

Cash to give change and (if possible) a way to take credit card payment. I also like to keep receipts for myself for tax purposes.

Snacks and water. I always add these to my bag– especially if I’m going to be by myself and don’t have any idea what will be available. Also gum or mints: I don’t want to visit with new readers with stinky breath.

Not everything goes with me every time, but I’m ready if I need it.

When I load up, I use a fabric hobby tote to keep my small items- pens, candy, bookmarks, business cards, and such – organized inside my bag. I have a large bag if I need more than will fit in my box on wheels and it sits nicely on top. If you use a box on wheels, you need a liner of sorts to protect your things from whatever may splash up from the ground.
As you do your face to face marketing, have you discovered a tip or useful item to have at events?
A detoured sheep drawn by Savannah Wilkes

Write a fun story using the two sheep photos. You can add your story to the comments here, or on WordSowers facebook page. 

Happy Dreams drawn by Savannah Wilkes
Robert McKee says, “A STORY must build to a final action beyond which the audience cannot imagine another.”
When you finish your story for the newspaper, an article for magazine or a novel, all problems are resolved.
“We’re supposed to be better writers than they.The audience wants to be taken to the limit, to where all questions are answered, all emotions satisfied—the end of the line.”  McKee suggests, “The audience’s emotional involvement is held by the glue of empathy.”
Story on Amazon

There is no word count needed–be creative.

Remember, even a short story needs a beginning,
a middle and an ending. Have fun and send your stories to lionheartedkat@cox.net

 

June 12, 2014—Janet Nitsick presents:
Are you writing God’s Way
How do authors determine if the path they are traveling is their way or God’s way? Janet will share her insights and tips and participants will assess their own journeys through fun-analytical handouts and discussions.
Janet Syas Nitsick, lives in Springfield, Nebraska. She is the author of Seasons of the Soul, the story of life with her two autistic sons, Lockets and Lanterns, and historical western romantic anthology, Bride by Arrangement.

Interview by the Lionhearted Kat:

When I received word Janet Nitsick planned to hold a book event at Divine Truth, I dumped my plans for the day and drove west. When I walked in I saw this delightful lady in her elegant dress and hat. What a fun afternoon sitting and visiting with her.
Janet’s book Seasons of the Soul is a heart touching story about being the parent of two autistic sons. While we visited that day, Janet shared even more about the challenges of their family life, their travels and how God has blessed them because of their sons.

In years past I kept in touch with writers on TWV2. I posted, asked questions and learned from the well-seasoned authors that served as moderators.

Many of you know Sally Stuart published The Christian Writer’s Market Guide for years. Then a few years ago she sold her business to Jerry Jenkins. Side note: In my opinion, the market guide is a must for every author.
One day on TWV2 Sally posed the question: If an editor rejects a manuscript with a form rejection, is it OK to ask them to explain why?
My response: A month ago I sent two articles to an Adult SS handout editor. The same day the editor rejected both of them with a form letter stating, “These do not fit our needs.”
I replied by email. First I thanked him for the quick response and then I wrote, “I realize my articles didn’t fit your needs. Do you have a particular topic you are seeking? A hole that needs to be filled?”
Next day the editor replied, “Need Easter story for next year.”
Every Author Needs One
I found an old article I’d written years before and never submitted. Sent it. Sold it. Celebrated.
What did I learn? Form rejection letters say nothing more than ‘can’t use that manuscript at this particular time.’ They don’t say your writing is junk or the article isn’t good. I became bolder after such a great response to my email and have continued to write for this editor—more than once I’ve asked, “What hole do you have that needs filled?”

A few years ago I received a note from Jeannette Littleton, “Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers will be released April 10th with your two stories.”

Then the Publisher’s Assistant wrote, “We need your help. Every author is paid to help market.”
Lord, we could use the money, but I don’t know how to market. In the past, you placed someone in my world that wanted to use his or her spiritual gifts. Please, Father, give me that person now.
A few moments later, I heard the answer. “You have more expertise than you think. Hire yourself. You knock, I’ll open.”
“Is that you, Lord?”

“You said you planned to ditch your fears. Get serious about my plans for you. Spend more time talking to me about your needs and allow me the honor and glory.”

I prayed on the way to work. I felt giddy when I arrived at the office. My non-believing co-workers laughed at me when I announced, “I just hired myself as my promotional manager.”
The laughter ceased when I ditched my fear and marched to the cubicle of our company social committee chairperson.
“Nanci, I have two stories in this Cup of Comfort anthology,” I handed her my copy. “Is it possible the social committee will host a book signing?”
Five Devotions by Kat
Five Devotions by Kat
My stories in Cup of Comfort unleashed a dynamo in action. Every day I spent more time in prayer–kneeology production. Every day another door opened. My co-workers saw God in action.
One day I announced, “I have scheduled 6 book signings, 4 newspaper interviews, and 2 radio interviews.” An hour later I reported, “A patient just called about her bill and guess what? She is in marketing. She gave me tons of leads.”
Later, Peg, the host of my first book signing called. Before we hung up she said, “I have a degree in marketing, lets meet. I’ll coach and you’ll sell.”
What have I learned?
  • Pay your dues. I didn’t miraculously have the ‘know how’. I spent three years in study on FCW, Wordsowers, TWV2, and HACWN. I set goals, journaled praises, and wrote daily. I attended writer’s conferences, studied grammar, asked questions and accepted critiques.
  • Pray. “Kneeology” is promised production. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Ephesians 4:6 (NIV).
  • Pitch your product. In the past, I mumbled to my co-workers about my sales. Now I email my progress to friends and family. I have also become more vocal about my freelance status. I hand out my business card or a flier I just happen to have in my purse. My card says freelance author, but I know God calls me Freelance Missionary.
  • Praise Him. Allow the Lord to receive the glory. Being vocal about the answers to prayer has been an ongoing witness to others.
Follow my lead, hire yourself, tackle new ideas and brainstorm often. Then when you look in the mirror say, “Look out world. I’m a dedicated go-getter with my bosses highest good in mind. I might be untrained, but I’m willing and I have a great attitude.”
My stories in “Cup of Comfort” helped build my marketing skills. Who knows with the continual writing and the promise of another book coming out, I might end up on Oprah or Joyce Meyer. With the Lord, all things are possible.

To finish the story: Yes, I published in each Cup of Comfort until the publisher decided not to publish another one.

My stories have been published in many more anthologies also. What I learned with marketing Cup of Comfort became my stepping stone into real sales. I’m still an inspired go-getter.

My daughter recently asked, “So Mom, do you have tons of blog followers now?”

Hmm. If she defines “tons” as some, then yes. Whoo hoo! I have tons of followers.

The pressure to hook readers can be intense for new writers like me. I’m tempted to grab people on the street, drag them into a dark alley, and force them to sign up for my blog and newsletter.
“C’mon, it’s free. And I give gifts. What are you afraid of? Just sign up. DO IT.”

Since the police won’t let me use that technique anymore, it’s back to work. I need to

  • Be diligent in writing
  • Submit my work
  • Stay active with the social media sites I use now.

So what’s the problem? When presented with new technology my fight or flight response kicks in. Learn how to create a podcast? Aaagh! Run! Escape to the safety of the refrigerator!

Picture courtesy of iosphere @freedigitalphotos.net
Does anybody else push dreaded tasks to the back-burner?
Hmm, I can’t do that now because it’s time to
           Make a Starbucks run
                       Wash the car
                                   Check on the sleeping children AGAIN
                                                                       Cut the grass…with scissors.

My current lofty goals:

1) Stop chasing my tail like a Yorkie on crack and take advantage of free resources like YouTube. Sometimes their videos give clearer instructions than a company’s tutorials.
2) Better utilize my current social media sites, like posting interesting and relevant content to my Facebook author’s page.
Jeanie’s tutorial, “What to post on a professional page.”
A) A video of a two-headed lamb. Interesting, but not relevant. Leave it.

B) A video of a two-headed lamb writing poetry. Interesting and relevant. Post it.

In my last blog I promised to share

Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s

Those are things that cause editors to shred your writing, drive to your home, and sprinkle the pages like confetti over your head. Which is inconvenient for them, and wastes a lot of gas. In the interest of conserving natural resources we learned:
Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Today’s secret is
Adverbs are our adversaries.
Using them tripped me up badly, royally, horribly, and exceedingly.
Our critique group leader read my first submission, stifled the urge to roll her eyes,  and told me to search out every word ending in “ly.” A peck of them peppered the pages.
Here’s the fix: Use strong verbs
Example using Dreaded Adverb:John walked slowLY behind.
Better: John lagged behind.
Best: Leave John at home. He needs us to make a Starbuck’s run for him.
Platform building also includes face to face human interaction, which I love. So on June 28th I’ll be at Bible Truth Ministries church sharing my experiences with others who want to start their own writing journeys. You’re welcome to join us.
When developing your online presence, it is important to be professional if you want to be taken seriously. Here are a few tips ensure you are putting your best foot forward.
  1. When you create your online ID make sure they are the same on all sites. It’s easier to find you and establishes a stronger presence. Use similar colors and publicity picture on every site. This creates a cohesiveness for your brand.
  2. Update all profiles for all social media sites you are on. DO NOT leave them blank. Put contact information into each one. You are leaving bread trail for people to follow back to you.
  3. Have your pictures taken professionally. If a friend takes your pictures, make sure they are professional quality.
  4. Be active if you are on social media sites. An inactive site is worse than not having an account on that site. So, don’t bite off more than you can chew. You don’t have to post, share or Tweet every hour, as long as you post regularly. You can schedule your posts if you choose. There are various sites you can use for this.
  5. Keep it simple. An uncluttered website is more inviting to linger on.
  6. Write an interesting bio. Make sure it shows your personality while remaining professional. Write it in 3rd person to give it a more professional tone. If you like, you can write two with one more casual.
  7. If you use pictures on your blog posts, give the appropriate attribution. Just as you wouldn’t want someone to use your writing without permission, don’t use someone’s photo without permission. You can’t just grab any picture you see out there and use it. Check the rules of the sight you go to for permissions necessary.
  8. Have a way for people to keep up with you. Make it easy to find the links on your website. At the very least, you need to have a newsletter for people to sign up for. But many people would rather just follow you on Facebook or Twitter.
  9. Make your blog stand out. Templates are great for beginners, but if are able, upload your own picture. Some of the pictures provided with the templates get used in multiple places and start looking like worn out repeats. If you upload your own picture, google the size necessary for the particular social media site. Otherwise, the pictures may look stretched out or out of proportion. Fotoflexer is on online editor that is easy to use without downloading any software.
  10. As you post, remember how you want people to see you. For instance, I care a lot about politics, but rarely post about them, because that is not my “banner”.  Represent yourself intentionally the way you want people to see your brand. Some things I will post to my personal Facebook profile, but not to my fan page.
In everything you do to build your platform, do it right. Don’t just make do. Google it. Ask a friend. Watch a tutorial. Pay someone to do it for you. At the end of the day, you may just attract someone’s attention because your presence stands out from the rest.
What have you seen other bloggers do that scream 
“unprofessional” to you?
With the new changes on our blog, I’m a bit delayed getting the final part of this series out to you. But here it is.

Now that you have designed your newsletter and linked your freebie, you’re ready to send it out into the world.

Design the Mail Chimp sign up forms.

Slide #1
From the dashboard, click on the Lists button (#1).
When this screen comes up, click on the “Signup Forms” button (#2)







Slide #2
When this screen opens,
click on the General Forms button.

Slide #3
This screen is where you will design the look of your sign up form.
 
From the drop down menu (#1) you can choose which form to design: sign up,  confirmation, unsubscribe, etc. The bottom half of the page has all the design elements you need. Under build it, you will choose which fields you want. Under design it, you will choose the colors and overall look. If you need more explanation after exploring this portion, go HERE.

Once it is designed and you’re ready to share the sign up form, the box labeled #2 has the link you can share to take people to your form.

~ ~ ~

If you want to embed the form onto your website, go back to the screen shown in slide #2 and click on Embedded Forms.

Slide #4
This screen will come up. In the #1 line, type in the title of the form as you want it to show up. Then copy and paste the code from box #2 to the location you want your sign up form.
If you want to integrate a sign up form into your Facebook page. Go HERE.
 
~ ~ ~
slide 5
Send it. Go back to the campaign tab and choose your campaign (slide 5).
From the design screen below (slide 6) if you have done all the steps, choose the confirm button at the bottom of the screen. From here you can preview the newsletter as well as send a test email to verify the newsletter comes through looking just the way you want it. Test all the links.You are only allowed a few test emails, so be sure you are ready with all your content and buttons. For tips on sending out your test email, go HERE.
slide 6

With the free service, you will have to check back for new subscribers to send out the welcome edition to them. If you have a paid service you can use an auto-respond and not worry about it.

 
If you have any questions, feel free to leave it in the comments below. Or visit the wonderful tutorials that Mail Chimp provides.

Give yourself a pat on the back. You now have a newsletter and can start building your email list.

Starting in May you’ll find exciting changes here on the Wordsowers blog.
I don’t want to give it all away, but here’s a quick overview:
  • 1st Monday of the month. David Williamson, Grammar Nazi, helps hone your writing skills.
  • 3rd Tuesday of the month: Kat Crawford, Super Resource Woman.
  • 2nd Wednesday of the month: Angela D. Meyer, Technical aspects and more.
  • Thursdays: Fun flex day. Check in for our surprise guest and topic.
  • 4th Friday of the month: Jeanie Jacobson (me). Encouragement and humor on platform building.
I’ll share the fun stuff from a rookie perspective. (You’ll still learn about technical aspects through Angela and others.)
Friday’s will be our kick back time. We can laugh together over my goof-ups, and help you avoid the same pitfalls.
Plus I’ll share super-secret tips so you won’t be spotted as a new writer. (Ok, they’re not super-secret. But doesn’t it sound more fun that way?)

In most TV shows the rookie stands out. Whether it’s a detective or medical series, we spot the newbie right away.

When I first joined a critique group I thought my book was ready to go. Bzzzt. Wrong. It was worse than Sister Mary Catherine hip-hopping at a rave.

Learn from my mistakes so you don’t make the same ones. We’ll erase the giant overhead “ROOKIE!” finger earmarking you. You’ll feel more confident going into critique groups and meeting editors.

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles@freedigitalphotos.net

For example, I learned this the hard way:
Watch out for it! Top of the list! The exclamation mark!

  • Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Editors can spot a new writer at a thousand yards by the number of exclamation marks in the submission. Find the exclamation marks and eradicate them.
Next week’s super-secret insider reveal: Adverbs. Beware! Oops. Exclamation mark.
I hope you’ve started to design your newsletter and worked on your incentive for sign ups. If you missed last week’s post, catch it HERE. Today, we’ll pick up where we left off after we hear from Jeanie.  

Jeanie is a fellow Wordsower and newly published author with a story appearing in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles Happen. Released February 4, 2014. Every week, she shares her journey experience of building a platform. 

Connect with Jeanie: website (you can sign up for her newsletter here as well) Facebook



Jeanie tell us about your WIP: King Elyon. The first chapter is one of your freebies and the book is the reason you’re building your platform. Tell us what your book is about. 

Orphaned twins Asher and Zadok slave in a nightmare world ruled by the brutal Overlord. A mysterious Voice in the night propels the teens on a daring escape. Pursued by vicious Watchers and other savage creatures, the brothers seek out the forbidden Wise Woman. Her startling revelations point them toward refuge with King Elyon, the powerful ruler of Galya.

Along the way lies and deceptions drive the brothers apart. With danger pressing on every side, each must decided who to trust. Will their journey lead to freedom…or destruction?
Who is your audience? 
I originally envisioned King Elyon for 5th-6th graders. Based on input I received from several authors, I have expanded it to a young adult fantasy novel applicable for both the CBA and ABA markets. I’m writing it as an alternative to the Harry Potter and Twilight type books.
Why this book? 
I’m praying that people who don’t know God will be drawn to him through it. At the same time, I shy away from being “preachy.”
You are going the indie route with self-publishing. Why not look for a traditional publisher? 
Julie Christensen’s self-publishing class struck a chord with me. The market is changing. Bookstores are closing.  A traditional publisher may be less likely to publish my work, given the wide range of established authors they already have. Self-publishing gets manuscripts to market quicker, and I have more control over my content.
  
Are you looking forward to Lee’s presentation at our monthly meeting next week? 
Lee has years of experience in the market, both as an author and as an editor, so I’m eager to hear what he’s sharing. I hope he touches on the editing aspect of self-publishing. I’ve seen self-published books that would have been great had they been edited. Even the most beautiful gems need to be cut and polished to make them shine.
How-to Link your freebie to your newsletter. 
1. Have your document in PDF form. 

2. Open the text box where you want the link to your freebie to appear.  Within the text in your text box, highlight the word(s) you want to link your document to. 


3. Click on the link button.


4. When this box appears, click on the arrow for the drop down menu. Choose “file”.

5. When the file manager box appears you can now upload the PDF document you have ready. Click on browse for a file then upload. For future issues, if you already have the file uploaded, you can choose “files” on the bar across the top and choose it from there. 


6. Once you have chosen the file you want uploaded, this box will appear. Click “insert”. Your document is now inserted into your text. 


7. At the top right of the design frame click on the preview and test button. On the drop down menu, click on “enter preview mode” (NOT send test email). From here you can make sure it looks right and test the links. 


I do not recommend sending a test email until you go back and check all your text, pictures and design. You can preview and test links at any time through the design process.

Next week, we will cover sign up forms, scheduling your newsletter and sending out a test email. 

If you have any questions, please leave them below. 
Jeanie is leading the charge on building your platform.  Let’s touch base with her and see how it’s going with her newsletter.
Jeanie is a fellow Wordsower and newly published author with a story appearing in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles Happen. Released February 4, 2014. Every week, she shares her journey experience of building a platform.

Connect with Jeanie: website (you can sign up for her newsletter here as well) Facebook

After you figured out how to work with Mail Chimp, how long did it take you to put your newsletter together?
4.3 seconds. In my dreams.
Here again I turned it into a horrific process. I came up with an overload of ideas unrelated to anything. I’d write a segment, then delete it. Rewrite. Delete it again. Days of furious writing wound up in my computer’s dungeon.
Instead of one Spring story, I wrote four. I agonized over what to offer as a sign-up incentive.
I didn’t want to take 5-10 minutes to choose a template (which can be reused for subsequent campaigns). Heck no! Instead I spent hours creating my own plain-Jane one. Bad idea for someone whose artistic skills are limited to drawing stick figures.
What should have been a few hours work turned into 2 weeks.
How did you decide on what to offer in your newsletter? 
I looked at other authors’ newsletters. Took advice from experienced writers. Prayer interspersed with hair-pulling sessions.
What kind of signup response have you had?
My mom and I comprised my first list. (Thanks Mom. You’re fabulous!) So even though I don’t have a huge following yet, I’m excited to see people signing up every week.
Is there anything you will do differently next time?
Absolutely. My first newsletter is such a homely baby even this momma can’t pretend any differently.
My next edition is brighter, bolder, and easier to read. I used a MailChimp templates. In about 30 minutes I finished the basics of the Summer newsletter (including finding the pictures). It looks sooooo much better.
Plus, I’ve chosen the perfect gift card for the next drawing.
Any advice for those who are just starting to consider a newsletter?
Don’t panic. Keep calm and write on.
Read other author’s newsletters to see what you like about them. Utilize the things that resonate with you…and I’m not talking plagiarism here. Check out their sites to get an overall feeling for what you want in yours.
People are inundated with online invitations daily. Offer an incentive for them to join you.
Think your content through, but don’t second (and third…and fourth…) guess yourself.
Ask for help. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

Now it’s your turn – let’s get started. 

You’ve decided on the content. What’s next?

1. Choose your service and set up an account.

Since I use Mail Chimp, all illustrations for this article will be from that service.

2. Get familiar with what your service has to offer.

Let’s start at Mail Chimp’s dashboard. The two icons you need to know about for this post are the campaigns and lists icons.

3. Create a list:

Lists are the groups of people who sign up to receive your newsletter. You can have multiple lists. For example. Here it shows my two lists. One is for my RSS driven campaign, sending my blog posts to my readers by email. The second list is my quarterly newsletter.

Click the list icon on the dashboard and you will be sent to this page. To create your list, click on the create a list button in the top right hand corner of the list page. The instructions will walk you through this.
Once you have a list and you click on that list on the lists page, you will be able to manage your subscribers.

4. Create a campaign: 

Campaigns are the batch of newsletters you send out via emails. For each edition of your newsletter you have to create a new campaign. If you send out welcome editions in between your scheduled newsletter, you have to create a new campaign.
Click the campaign icon on the dashboard and you will be sent to this page. To create your campaign, click on the create a campaign button in the top right hand corner. At the bottom of the next screen in the black band, you will see  the buttons to click on to guide you through the process.
Once you have a campaign, if you click on one of the campaigns you can see all of the stats. How many people opened your newsletter. How many clicked through for what you are giving them.

5. Choose your recipients 

Once you click on the create a campaign button, the first thing you will be asked to do is to choose the recipients. You will have a choice between the different lists you have created.
If you notice the buttons along the bottom in the black band, you will be able to tell which stage of designing your campaign you are in. The great thing? Until you hit the send button at the very end, you can change anything or scrap it all and start over. So, relax and have a little fun.
The first campaign you want to set up will be the welcome edition of your newsletter. The reason you want to have this ready is so that when you have new subscribers you can send this out to them ASAP even if you are between regular campaigns. If you wait, they may not remember they signed up and quickly unsubscribe. You will be able to resend this same welcome edition as many times as you want, only changing the recipient. More on that next week.
In the next few steps you will be plugging in all that wonderful content you have decided to include. My instructions today are fairly simple, but Mail Chimp has some great tutorials if you need more information. Take advantage of them. Or feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer the question.

6. Set up the campaign.

That is when you name the campaign and choose a few social media options if you want them – let it post to FB and Twitter are two. I didn’t like the way those posts looked, but it may work for you.

7. Choose your template to work with.

Nose around and see what you like. Once you have a design you like, you can save the template to use in the future to make it simpler. I’m going to walk you through the Basic template choice. I like this selection because you have greater freedom to personalize it. However, as you read in Jeanie’s Q & A, she prefers the pre-designed template. Find what works for you and go for it.

8: Design your newsletter.

When you click on Basic you will go to this screen next:
Have fun and play around. Click and drag the boxes on the right into the sections on the left. Click the edit button to add content. In the top right hand corner you can click on the preview button at any time. DO NOT test at this stage. In the free service you only get a few tests and you want to save those for just before you actually send the campaign.
Next week we will pick up with the “confirm” stage of the design. But you want to have everything in place before we get there. So between now and then, be working on the steps we have covered so far.
About the freebie. You want to give people a reason to sign up for your newsletter, that’s why you offer something free just for signing up (sent with your welcome edition). Work on your freebie. Make sure it looks professional. Next week we’ll talk about how to link your freebie to your newsletter.
We will also cover designing your sign up form and where/how to share those. Scheduling and putting it out there.
Of course, don’t feel like you have to wait on us. Step into the adventure and forge ahead if you are so inclined.
If you have any questions, be sure and leave them in the comments below.
See you next week.
You’ve decided to embark on building a platform. You know a blog is important and you are in process of getting that set up and deciding what to blog about. But are you ready for company to drop by?
As you design your website/blog, there is an important factor you don’t want to forget. Getting permission from your readers to contact them in the future. This is how you build an audience that will want to buy your books.
Building a mailing list is the best way to get that  permission. But people won’t just give you their email address for no reason. You have to give them something in return. Enter the newsletter.
Never fear, services like Mail Chimp (which is free up to 2000 subscribers) make it easy to design and mail out newsletters to your audience.
To get you thinking, here are a few things to remember as you put together your newsletter:
  • Have a welcome edition subscribers will get right away, or they may forget that they subscribed to you, then opt out once you send the next issue.
  • It doesn’t have to be weekly to be effective. Just enough to keep your name in front of them. I send mine quarterly.
  • Be consistent and follow through on promise of delivery.
  • Give them something free right up front to encourage them to sign up.
  • A collection of devotionals you have put together in a PDF format for them to download. A free short story. A free ebook (PDF download) of some sort of “how to” advice. A collection of your own poetry. ETC.
We will be writing more details next week about the newsletter. Our Google+ Hangout in April will cover newsletters, as well. Until then:
Brainstorm ideas for what to  write about offer as an incentive to sign up.
Look at those newsletters you have signed up for and see what others are doing.
Sign up for an account with Mail Chimp. Nose around and get familiar with it.
Check out these resources (sign up for their newsletters):
Michael Hyatt * Jeff Goins * Tim Grahl

Before we go, let’s ask Jeanie about her newsletter experience. 
 
Jeanie is a fellow Wordsower and newly published author with a story appearing in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles Happen. Released February 4, 2014. Every week, she shares her journey experience of building a platform. 

Connect with Jeanie on her website or on Facebook .

How did you first feel at the thought of starting a newsletter?
Confused. “How often should I send one out? What would I include? Can’t I just hide in the corner with my Hershey bar?”
Reluctant. “Do I really need to do this?”
Overwhelmed. “I don’t understand the technical aspects of getting it to people. Where do I even start?”
What benefits are you looking for with your newsletter? Instead of screaming into the vast virtual world, “Hey, look at me,” my heart is to give people hope and encouragement. I want to engage people by offering them things they can use. For example, my first newsletter came out March 20th. In it I shared:
  • 3 different organizing methods to speed up Spring cleaning
  • A 4-in-1 story, “Perspectives.”
  • A fun interactive editing/voting opportunity.
  • A drawing for a $20 Visa gift card.
Did you run into any roadblocks along the way? Yes, an epic battle with Evil MailChimp. Actually, it’s a wonderful email marketing service…once it’s mastered. MailChimp and I wrestled like God and Jacob. Except for my nose getting out of joint, I came away fairly unscathed. I bogged down watching tutorial after tutorial, but the monkey’s off my back.
How easy/hard was it to start? I made it harder than it should have been. I was convinced that it would be a drawn-out, painful process. So I turned it into one.
What is the link for people to sign up for your newsletter? Go to www.jeaniejacobson.com Sign up before March 31st to be eligible for the Visa gift card drawing. (Cha-Ching)