I have a love/hate relationship with character sheets. I love getting to know my characters, and I know the predetermined details come in extremely handy during the writing process. But, they are so, so ... well, the phrase 'Just the Facts, Ma'am,' keeps coming to mind. Once I sit down – and force myself to fill in every minute detail about my character, from their date of birth to their favorite food - I love my character sheets! I keep them in a handy spot, and refer to them often - making sure I'm staying true to my character's nature. (So much so, that I've considered laminating them to make them last longer!)
However, I find that I still dread filling them out - only slightly less than those dreaded forms the dentist makes you fill out before you can proceed with a simple cleaning. Yeah, it's that bad.
So that's now got me thinking ... what could I do to make the process seem less like filling out something boring like a medical form? Well, here's another factoid - I also hate filing paperwork. You are so shocked, I'm sure . . .
The solution I found to cure my issues with filing, was to use the money I get back from my favorite office supply store's ink cartridge recycling program to buy folders, binder clips, binders and other colorfully designed supplies that appealed to me. Now I actually enjoy filing! And, by using my recycling money, I don't have any guilt for spending extra money on something attractive, instead of the standard blah supplies. (And yes, they make folder designs that appeal to a guy's personal style too - in case this is sounding all too girlie.)
Yeah, a few of you are now thinking I'm a little wacko. But because I know many writers are also visually stimulated, like the crazy graphic designer/writer that I am, I'm betting a lot of you also 'get it'. So I am considering spending some design time on creating visually appealing blank character sheets that I could share with my writer friends on my web site.
My idea so far, is to create a pair of sheets for each writing genre; either a male and a female sheet, or a protagonist and an antagonist sheet. Each pair would be designed to match a particular writing genre. So a mystery sheet might have fingerprints, evidence bags ... shoe prints or something of that nature surrounding the information area. Fonts would also be grungy and colored to match.
I also want to include a space for an example photo if someone has found one for inspiration, and I'm also hoping to make it so that it can either be printed and filled out by hand, or it can be opened and filled out on screen if people prefer to keep everything on their computer. We'll see on that one - I know it can be done in Acrobat Pro, but I have to figure out if it can be opened and altered in the free Acrobat Reader or another free Mac/PC application, so that more people could use it.
I'm hoping to make them interesting enough that if I wanted to keep them posted on my wall while I write they would be somewhat decorative. Which is why I'm thinking other writer's might find them inspiring too? I'll likely post them on my site for free or for a small amount like 25 cents each. Would anyone even be interested except me? Or am I really more of an oddball than I think I am?
Feel free to tell me if I am. I can take it.
(I'm trying to determine if it's worth spending the time on more than the genre I am personally working on - for my own use. Any input would be extremely helpful!)
Showing posts with label Suzanne Wesley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suzanne Wesley. Show all posts
Friday, May 4, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
My Peter Pan Syndrome
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| Suzanne & her daughters |
When I was little I was more like my children. I remember donning my mother's or even my grandmother's clothes to play 'dress up' - including shoes, jewelry and the like. As a writer, I don't usually go to the extreme of dressing up like my characters, but I had the opportunity this summer to visit a local treasure called Conner Prairie up near Fishers, Indiana. If you are at all interested in history it is worth the trip.
While walking through the Conner homestead (resembling an 1836 prairie town) it hit me how awesome imagination can be. Around every corner was a new opportunity to pretend you lived there and fill the town with crazy neighbors, rugged heroes, and every day challenges. My daughters loved it when I jumped in and dressed up with them in some provided costumes for the photo above, but I realized the truth to be that nothing provided came close to the costuming and conversations I was picturing in my head.
Even in more modern settings, a snatch of conversation can stimulate my mind to manufacture an entire back story for the people I've overheard. And I love it! Even if the stories I make up aren't their 'real' story, I feel this ability makes me more understanding of others ... more compassionate. How can that be a bad thing?
So I don't think I'll ever be done 'playing pretend' - even if I mostly do it in my mind, or on my computer screen via keyboard. And I know that amongst fiction writers I have many kindred spirits. How about it everyone, off to Neverland?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Hope or Fear: It Really Is Your Choice
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| © istockphoto.com/fmatte |
During times when the work has run dry, and therefore the funds have too, God has repeatedly found a way to sneak a little extra cash into our family accounts. One time it was in the form of an extra tax refund check when my accountant somehow forgot to ask if I'd been paying taxes on my own on a quarterly basis? (I'm still amazed that happened since my accountant is the one who had set it up for me to pay quarterly taxes the year before?) More than once it has been in the form of an insurance-related refund ... and most recently a partial refund for paying for all-day Kindergarten. None of the refunds were expected, and they always came when we were starting to worry over how we were going to scrape together enough money to pay the bills.
I don't mean this to sound like I feel like I could sit back, relax, and the Lord would just do my bidding; nor that I should go on a spending spree because 'magic cash' will just appear. Far from it. However, what it does mean to me ... is that as long as I keep doing my part, God is making sure my family's most basic needs are met. [It reminds me continuously of the bible verses regarding the sparrows ... Luk 12:7]
This gives me so much to be hopeful about.
Beyond money, God has also helped me make invaluable connections with people that have helped me grow as a Christian and as a business. Have you ever felt the prompting from God to write an e-mail or call someone you barely have a connection with ... only to find out that they were praying to hear from someone exactly like you? Yup, that happened to me.
It was a pretty amazing experience, yet the most powerful personal example for choosing hope over fear that I have is even more remarkable. During my first year as a freelancer I had a freelance client who stiffed me for over $700 worth of time already spent working on his company's web site copy. I had done everything I was asked to do, the cost had been quoted and agreed upon prior to the first draft, and I had every intent of revising the text until they were satisfied. But instead the client was quite rude, reacting as though my writing was in no way what they had asked for, and they not only refused to pay but refused to explain how it could be improved - which meant I could not even try to improve it to make them happy. I was devastated. I was angry. And when further negotiations failed I began to question my writing abilities, and my business skills, more than I ever had before.
I had always had very positive client writing experiences in the past - even when changes were necessary. I had also never had someone treat me in so unprofessional a manner. It ate away at me in the weeks following, and I remember at my lowest point crying and praying for God to somehow let me know if I was meant to keep writing. I questioned if it was my will or His to be a writer. [Am I the only one who has prayed this prayer?]
I still get goosebumps thinking about this ... but all I did was walk maybe 20 steps to my office from where I had wept and prayed that prayer ... to do something as mundane as check my e-mail. I had already been on the computer most of that day and checked my e-mail many, many times. However, when I returned to my computer, moments after praying that prayer, in my e-mail inbox was a request to buy an article that I had written and submitted over 6 months prior to that day. Of note is that this was my first article I ever sold that wasn't written 'for hire'. So this was a very big deal to me. It felt like winning the lottery - though I probably earned a grand total of $150 and it was only published on a blog.
The timing of that sale sounds like something 'made up' even to me. But I still have that remarkably timed e-mail, and I look at it whenever I need a pick-me-up. [I actually sold a second unrelated article only a couple of weeks later – one which was also submitted around the same time frame as the first one. Which reminds me ... I really need to submit queries more often!]
What about you? Have you had moments of fear about your calling to be a writer? Has God ever answered your prayers in a way that gave you every reason to hope and continue writing?
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Suzanne Wesley works as a full-time freelance graphic artist and copywriter from her Indiana home. She is also a full-time mom of two girls under the age of 6. (Sometimes the two full-time jobs collide, but mostly it is the best job decision she ever made!) Between filling sippy cups, reading princess stories ... oh, and designing marketing materials, she sneaks in time to work on her secret passion for fiction writing.
She also reads and reviews Christian books and their cover designs on The Book and Cover Reviewer blog - found at www.suzannewesley.com
Friday, December 2, 2011
Supplementing Your Publisher's Marketing Efforts Part Three: Your Role In the Process
In today's economy publishers, like many other businesses, are having to cut back on marketing budgets. In some cases this means authors are left needing to supplement whatever has been provided – on their own. In parts one and two of this series we covered ways to find a qualified professional designer to assist you in creating supplemental materials to market you and your books and what to expect as you negotiate the terms of a design project.
You now have a designer, you've negotiated a price ... and now what happens?
If you are doing a larger project, such as a web site, book trailer, or ebook design you may have been asked to pay a portion of the design cost up front or as certain stages of the project are completed. Part of this up-front payment is to enable the designer to pay for any photos, illustrations, videos, sound files etc. they might need to purchase on your behalf and also for them to be able to pay their rent and utilities while they work several weeks with you to complete a longer project. (Much like the advances a publisher can give a writer during the writing process.)
On smaller projects, such as a single postcard or bookmark design, you are more likely to be billed at the end of the project. (Note: On larger projects it is very common for a signed contract to be used - for the protection of both you and the designer. The timing of expected payments will appear on the written contract.)
A designer may also have supplied you with a proposal or a creative brief prior to signing a contract. This is where they will describe their plan of action, giving you expected deadlines and descriptions of what they plan to do for you. Often this will repeat the details you have given them about your target audience, your goals, and what you have asked them to do. Depending on the size of the project and the designer it might be handled in a less formal fashion via e-mail instead of a formal document such as a brief or proposal.
Reviewing Drafts
By your negotiated deadline the designer will likely send you a first draft for review. In order to prevent delays in this process you will need to provide anything you were meant to supply to the designer ASAP. Examples of such items include: a professional head shot of yourself, the cover art of your book from the publisher, and any marketing copy or other text you may have agreed to supply. Note: If you have these items ready before choosing a designer you will certainly speed up the process!
The designer will likely send you either a link to a test site or a pdf or other file via e-mail for review. Often these drafts will be low resolution and will possibly include 'mock up' or 'comp' photos that are low resolution images with watermarks still on them as they have not yet been purchased. You may even receive several files at once with different appearances. This depends on your budget and what you have agreed upon. Using comp images saves you money. It allows you to approve all images used before they are purchased.
Once you have approved a design
Design changes and new drafts will continue to go back and forth via e-mail until you approve the total design. At that point you will be invoiced either the full amount for smaller projects or the remaining amount if you are working on a larger project and paying in installments. The designer will provide you with the final files or they can also submit files on your behalf to printers and advertisers. Often this is a good choice in case there are any file issues so that you don't end up having to mediate.
With luck, you won't be left having to supplement your publisher's marketing efforts - but if you do I hope that you now know how to find some help and feel comfortable with the process.
If you already know you need supplemental materials what are they? And how much do you think it should cost? (I'm asking for sharing purposes only. If you want a quote from me let me know, but I'm just asking to get a general idea of what people need and feel they can afford.)
Suzanne Wesley works as a full-time freelance graphic artist and copywriter from her Indiana home. She is also a full-time mom of two girls under the age of 6. (Sometimes the two full-time jobs collide, but mostly it is the best job decision she ever made!) Between filling sippy cups, reading princess stories ... oh, and designing marketing materials, she sneaks in time to work on her secret passion for fiction writing.
She also reads and reviews Christian books and their cover designs on the book and cover reviewer blog - found at www.suzannewesley.com
You now have a designer, you've negotiated a price ... and now what happens?
If you are doing a larger project, such as a web site, book trailer, or ebook design you may have been asked to pay a portion of the design cost up front or as certain stages of the project are completed. Part of this up-front payment is to enable the designer to pay for any photos, illustrations, videos, sound files etc. they might need to purchase on your behalf and also for them to be able to pay their rent and utilities while they work several weeks with you to complete a longer project. (Much like the advances a publisher can give a writer during the writing process.)
On smaller projects, such as a single postcard or bookmark design, you are more likely to be billed at the end of the project. (Note: On larger projects it is very common for a signed contract to be used - for the protection of both you and the designer. The timing of expected payments will appear on the written contract.)
A designer may also have supplied you with a proposal or a creative brief prior to signing a contract. This is where they will describe their plan of action, giving you expected deadlines and descriptions of what they plan to do for you. Often this will repeat the details you have given them about your target audience, your goals, and what you have asked them to do. Depending on the size of the project and the designer it might be handled in a less formal fashion via e-mail instead of a formal document such as a brief or proposal.
Reviewing Drafts
By your negotiated deadline the designer will likely send you a first draft for review. In order to prevent delays in this process you will need to provide anything you were meant to supply to the designer ASAP. Examples of such items include: a professional head shot of yourself, the cover art of your book from the publisher, and any marketing copy or other text you may have agreed to supply. Note: If you have these items ready before choosing a designer you will certainly speed up the process!
The designer will likely send you either a link to a test site or a pdf or other file via e-mail for review. Often these drafts will be low resolution and will possibly include 'mock up' or 'comp' photos that are low resolution images with watermarks still on them as they have not yet been purchased. You may even receive several files at once with different appearances. This depends on your budget and what you have agreed upon. Using comp images saves you money. It allows you to approve all images used before they are purchased.
Once you have approved a design
Design changes and new drafts will continue to go back and forth via e-mail until you approve the total design. At that point you will be invoiced either the full amount for smaller projects or the remaining amount if you are working on a larger project and paying in installments. The designer will provide you with the final files or they can also submit files on your behalf to printers and advertisers. Often this is a good choice in case there are any file issues so that you don't end up having to mediate.
With luck, you won't be left having to supplement your publisher's marketing efforts - but if you do I hope that you now know how to find some help and feel comfortable with the process.
If you already know you need supplemental materials what are they? And how much do you think it should cost? (I'm asking for sharing purposes only. If you want a quote from me let me know, but I'm just asking to get a general idea of what people need and feel they can afford.)
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Suzanne Wesley works as a full-time freelance graphic artist and copywriter from her Indiana home. She is also a full-time mom of two girls under the age of 6. (Sometimes the two full-time jobs collide, but mostly it is the best job decision she ever made!) Between filling sippy cups, reading princess stories ... oh, and designing marketing materials, she sneaks in time to work on her secret passion for fiction writing.
She also reads and reviews Christian books and their cover designs on the book and cover reviewer blog - found at www.suzannewesley.com
Friday, November 4, 2011
Supplementing Your Publisher's Marketing Efforts Part Two: How To Start a Project With a Designer
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| © graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
No matter which way you find a designer the first few steps will involve interaction between you and the designer to determine what your needs are. Whether this is done on-line, over the phone, or during a face-to-face meeting depends on what you are comfortable with and how close you live to the designer. In most cases it is totally up to you if you wish to meet in person. If your life is completely crazy and even thinking about rearranging your schedule to meet with someone gives you a migraine ... well, chances are the designer can relate. The entire process can be done remotely without affecting the quality of design.
Where should you meet?
If you do choose to meet in person your designer might be able to suggest a good location. Many of my first meetings with potential clients have happened in coffee shops - whatever public location offers a comfortable environment and is the most convenient for both parties. I always bring my portfolio to show a prospective client some physical examples of past work I have done and a notepad to take notes about what their particular design needs are. I suggest not meeting in your own home, even if that is where your office is located - a neutral location is best for the comfort of both you and your designer.
What should you bring to the first meeting?
This first meeting is your opportunity to bring physical samples to show the designer (or mention online samples of things you like) and might wish to emulate. If you have published books you might also want to bring copies of these for the designer to see or possibly even for them to borrow and read. This will give them an opportunity to familiarize themselves with your writing style and try to match it as closely as possible in their designs for you. The more they know about you, your writing style, your personality and your readers - the better their designs for you will be.
What if you don't meet in person?
If you can't meet with your designer in person they will likely either send you e-mails full of questions to get to know you and your needs or possibly a form for you to download, fill out and return. I have also had FaceBook or Skype chats with potential clients that can work just as well as a face-to-face meeting.
What happens next?
After the designer knows more about you, your readers and what your immediate design needs are they will usually provide you with at least an estimated price of what the design will cost. Some designers will roll the costs of stock photos or illustrations into their pricing and others will let you know that photo costs will be in addition and only purchased upon your approval. (Note: The second option sounds more complicated, but is actually how I prefer to work so that I can keep the price as low as possible and increase awareness of the costs involved for me to fulfill the project as well.)
One you have gone over the estimate provided by your designer you have the opportunity to accept it, ask questions, attempt negotiation, or let the designer know if it is simply not within your budget at this time. The designer will not start working until they know you have reached an agreement on pricing. On larger projects, such as web site design, the designer may ask you to pay in installments. One payment at the beginning of the project and others after certain stages of the project have been reached. This is usually due to both the fact that the costs involved in these projects are higher and that these projects also take more time to complete. Spacing out the payments is to help both parties manage the costs and encourages fast responses and the meeting of deadlines!
Once an agreement has been accepted the designer will begin work on your project. Tune in next month for more on what the next steps in the process will likely entail, and what your role will be.
If anyone has questions about this post, or ones they wish me to tackle in next month's post please comment below.
Suzanne Wesley has been a member of ACFW since November of 2009. She considers herself still very much a student to the craft of fiction writing, plunking away on her stories in only her spare time. She makes her actual living supporting other writers and businesses large and small by creating marketing materials from her home office. She has been a professional graphic designer and copy writer for over 15 years. Visit www.suzannewesley.com to see samples of her work.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Supplementing Your Publisher's Marketing Efforts Part One: Finding A Designer
Note: I was hoping to contribute to this topic for the stay-at-home conference but ran into a shortage of time. So instead I thought I'd post it here for the benefit of our Hoosier Ink readers!
Mary has just published her first novel. She hugs her first copy and cries with delight at how perfectly they captured the feel of her writing with the beautiful cover. She can't wait to see it in readers' hands. Unfortunately, the publisher didn't put much money into marketing her book because she's an unknown author and therefore not likely to sell many copies. But how can Mary become known without more marketing from her publisher?
What seems like a Catch 22 situation may lead to it being necessary for Mary to invest a bit of her own time and money into marketing.
Social networking and guest blogging about your book are virtually free ways of getting the word out. But what if you want to send postcards to local bookstores, create bookmarks for guests of book-signings, web-site ads and other marketing of a quality that you feel matches your book? Then it might be time to seek out a professional designer.
Where do you find a professional designer?
Probably the most expensive approach would be to hire an ad agency. The positives of using an ad agency are that they typically encompass a pool of talented folks and the capability to do many forms of advertising from video to print. The negative, however, is that their prices also reflect a lot of office overhead costs to support this large group of people and all of their capabilities. You can find your local options via the phone book, Google or even by visiting your local Chamber of Commerce.
If your needs are less broad (i.e. you know you don't need ALL the bells and whistles) you might be able to find a professional designer working solo that is experienced in exactly they type of design you need. Local options to find a designer would be to check with area universities and the chamber of commerce. For non-local options you might try sites such as iFreelance, ODesk, eLance and others where artists are asked to bid or compete for your business. I would strongly advise that you not choose the artist by the lowest bid when using this type of site as in many cases you do in fact get what you pay for! Look closely at their portfolio of past work and choose the artist whose style most closely matches what you are looking for - AND whose rating is above par.
Often, the best method is to ask around. Ask other authors who they are using. Since we are all members of ACFW I suspect that putting the question to the loop would garner you lots of options! (Yes, I would be among those options.)
Next month I plan to tackle what to expect when working with a freelance designer. If any of you have related questions please include them in a comment below and I will be sure to answer them.
Mary has just published her first novel. She hugs her first copy and cries with delight at how perfectly they captured the feel of her writing with the beautiful cover. She can't wait to see it in readers' hands. Unfortunately, the publisher didn't put much money into marketing her book because she's an unknown author and therefore not likely to sell many copies. But how can Mary become known without more marketing from her publisher?
What seems like a Catch 22 situation may lead to it being necessary for Mary to invest a bit of her own time and money into marketing.
Social networking and guest blogging about your book are virtually free ways of getting the word out. But what if you want to send postcards to local bookstores, create bookmarks for guests of book-signings, web-site ads and other marketing of a quality that you feel matches your book? Then it might be time to seek out a professional designer.
Where do you find a professional designer?
Probably the most expensive approach would be to hire an ad agency. The positives of using an ad agency are that they typically encompass a pool of talented folks and the capability to do many forms of advertising from video to print. The negative, however, is that their prices also reflect a lot of office overhead costs to support this large group of people and all of their capabilities. You can find your local options via the phone book, Google or even by visiting your local Chamber of Commerce.
If your needs are less broad (i.e. you know you don't need ALL the bells and whistles) you might be able to find a professional designer working solo that is experienced in exactly they type of design you need. Local options to find a designer would be to check with area universities and the chamber of commerce. For non-local options you might try sites such as iFreelance, ODesk, eLance and others where artists are asked to bid or compete for your business. I would strongly advise that you not choose the artist by the lowest bid when using this type of site as in many cases you do in fact get what you pay for! Look closely at their portfolio of past work and choose the artist whose style most closely matches what you are looking for - AND whose rating is above par.
Often, the best method is to ask around. Ask other authors who they are using. Since we are all members of ACFW I suspect that putting the question to the loop would garner you lots of options! (Yes, I would be among those options.)
Next month I plan to tackle what to expect when working with a freelance designer. If any of you have related questions please include them in a comment below and I will be sure to answer them.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Are You a Bench Warmer or Are You In the Game?
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| © digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
True confession time: I am a writer who has been warming the bench for a while now.
Oh, I write.
I write blog entries. I write e-mails. And, I even wrote a nice lengthy article for my local newspaper a few weeks ago ... but as to writing the fiction God placed a passion for on my heart a LONG time ago - I've been warming the bench for far too long.
I am at least warming the bench with a lot of writing books on my lap, and a lot of completed graphics projects on my trusty laptop (I am a full-time freelance graphic artist), but it truly bothers me that I have hardly touched my fiction since January. Oh, I could continue to make excuses about how busy my graphics business is, how my kids are always needing me, but I'm tired of not being committed to my dream. Even if I write less per day than many other writers - my gut tells me that I'll be happier if I am at least sensing some progress is being made.
So, ... I am signing up for the ACFW NovelTrack Writing for July. I'm committing to write 2,500 words a week and 12,500 for the month. I know for many of you that is a pitifully small goal, but for me it will be a good start. A VERY good start! I'll post my word count at the end of each week in the comments section here as well - for accountability. Certainly NOT to brag!
Are there any other bench warmers out there? Why don't you 'get in the game' with me and join in the ACFW Novel Track challenge! It starts today, so none of us are behind on our word count ... yet. (10,000 words by the end of the month is the minimum goal.)
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Slightly Morbid Source for Writing Inspiration
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| Very German, no? (These were my great grandparents.) |
It started when I took a folklore class in college. For that class I had to collect several rubbings from area tombstones in a semi-Indiana Jones fashion. Although we weren't tracking down any famous or valuable historical relics we were collecting samples of educational value. We had earlier learned some of the symbolism of the most common images to be found on tombstones.
For example, did you know that the inclusion of the image of a broken rose bud almost always indicates it is a child's grave? It makes sense once you think about it, but like many people, I hadn't stopped to ponder the graves of anyone but my own relatives - until I took folklore.
I additionally find that some epitaphs make great story starters. But even an unusual gravestone, or an unusual name can make the wheels churn in my head. What were they like? How did they die? And more importantly ... what happened during their lifetime?
In my hometown there is a rich immigrant heritage, largely due to the coal mines that existed there for several decades. Because of this, a visit to the local graveyard is now a goldmine for names of Italian, German, Hungarian, Irish and other origin. I could look up sources for immigrant names elsewhere I'm sure, but what is also fun about this source is that the names are often variations of those I've heard spoken aloud when I was small. I would want to be careful how I use any of them - so that no one thinks I'm writing about their dearly departed grandmother - but slight alterations or mixing and matching would allow for some authenticity and local flavor to leak into my stories.
Don't knock it til you've tried it! See if your local graveyard sparks any ideas for you.
- Suzanne
Monday, January 3, 2011
Should you add maintaining a Cash Flow Analysis to your 2011 Writing Goals?
by Suzanne Wesley
Like many fiction writers I use writing and other skills to 'supplement my fiction habit' and assist my family in paying the household bills. This year, it was suggested to me that I should create a Cash Flow Analysis to track the highs and lows of my business income. If I repeat this year after year I will better be able to predict when I will experience less work, less income or even potential surges in work (so that someday when I can afford a vacation again I will know what month NOT to leave town!)
Not being a 'math person' I didn't get it right the first go-round. But what I discovered was that I was making the process WAY more complicated than I need to, and it's really pretty simple and easy to maintain throughout the year.
Tips to Make The Process Easier
Creating Your Cash Flow
Essentially my cash flow is an Excel file I use to track how much income came in each month, where any cash was paid out, and how much cash is available for use the start of the following month. (If any, right?) Each month, when you get your bank statement for your business checking account, you will compare it to your Cash Flow analysis to make sure that the balance at the beginning of each month matches what you have recorded on your Cash Flow file.
I find it easiest to record income onto the file whenever I have made a bank deposit, (whether by depositing a paper check, or by moving money from PayPal) and not saving it all for the end of the month. Additionally, if you pay yourself 'wages' because the house payment is due ASAP ... it's easier to record it right when you do it, then to expect that you will remember where that x amount of $ went at the end of the month.
Thanks to on-line bill pay, many of us already know our bank balance at any given time, but seeing where a whole year's worth of income has really gone is a real eye opener! You may find a few surprises ... or just have black and white evidence of what you already knew. I can definitely see that doing this year after year will help me see semi-predictable financial patterns that will be helpful to growing my business - and paying my bills!
Have you ever done a cash flow for your writing business?
If not, maybe 2011 is the year to get started on one. I'd be happy to send the blank Excel file that was given to me to get you started. Send me your e-mail via my web-site contact page, www.suzannewesley.com and I'll send the file to you ASAP so that you can started tracking your January income and expenses.
Like many fiction writers I use writing and other skills to 'supplement my fiction habit' and assist my family in paying the household bills. This year, it was suggested to me that I should create a Cash Flow Analysis to track the highs and lows of my business income. If I repeat this year after year I will better be able to predict when I will experience less work, less income or even potential surges in work (so that someday when I can afford a vacation again I will know what month NOT to leave town!)
Not being a 'math person' I didn't get it right the first go-round. But what I discovered was that I was making the process WAY more complicated than I need to, and it's really pretty simple and easy to maintain throughout the year.
Tips to Make The Process Easier
- I recommend having a separate checking account - it can be a second personal account and not a true 'business' account by the standards of your local bank.
- Deposit every cent you make via your writing or other freelance skills into this account.
- Pay any business related bills through this account
- Pay yourself 'wages' to another account in order to pay non-business related expenses.
Creating Your Cash Flow
Essentially my cash flow is an Excel file I use to track how much income came in each month, where any cash was paid out, and how much cash is available for use the start of the following month. (If any, right?) Each month, when you get your bank statement for your business checking account, you will compare it to your Cash Flow analysis to make sure that the balance at the beginning of each month matches what you have recorded on your Cash Flow file.
I find it easiest to record income onto the file whenever I have made a bank deposit, (whether by depositing a paper check, or by moving money from PayPal) and not saving it all for the end of the month. Additionally, if you pay yourself 'wages' because the house payment is due ASAP ... it's easier to record it right when you do it, then to expect that you will remember where that x amount of $ went at the end of the month.
Thanks to on-line bill pay, many of us already know our bank balance at any given time, but seeing where a whole year's worth of income has really gone is a real eye opener! You may find a few surprises ... or just have black and white evidence of what you already knew. I can definitely see that doing this year after year will help me see semi-predictable financial patterns that will be helpful to growing my business - and paying my bills!
Have you ever done a cash flow for your writing business?
If not, maybe 2011 is the year to get started on one. I'd be happy to send the blank Excel file that was given to me to get you started. Send me your e-mail via my web-site contact page, www.suzannewesley.com and I'll send the file to you ASAP so that you can started tracking your January income and expenses.
Monday, November 1, 2010
4 Easy Writing Lessons I Learned From My Grandfather
by Suzanne Wesley
(Dedicated to my grandpa, Joe Kanizer, who died Oct. 9, 2010 at age 89.)
1. Re-energizing and finding joy on any given day can be as simple as overturning some earth to plant a seed or dropping your hook into the ocean to catch a meal. Whatever you do doesn’t have to take very long, and you can bring your notebook in your pocket in case an idea strikes you while you are relaxing.
2. Story telling isn’t just fun for the listener. Grandpa was known to invent ‘Old Indian Tales’ about various tools etc. in his shed for the entertainment of his older grandchildren. The story was always evolving.
3. You can expand your mind and your vocabulary by playing fun word games, such as crossword puzzles. There were usually stacks of crossword puzzles, dictionaries and other reference books next to his favorite chairs - particularly in the winter, when he couldn’t be outdoors in his garden.
4. Journals of everyday events can become priceless family treasures. He kept daily records of weather, visits from family etc. and anything he wanted to remember for many years. If you made it into the journal entry you were made to feel special.
May your day of writing be full of enjoyment and discovery. May you find time to re-energize and expand your mind. And most importantly, may you be present to God today - so that you make it into His journal - as His special child. Amen.
(Dedicated to my grandpa, Joe Kanizer, who died Oct. 9, 2010 at age 89.)1. Re-energizing and finding joy on any given day can be as simple as overturning some earth to plant a seed or dropping your hook into the ocean to catch a meal. Whatever you do doesn’t have to take very long, and you can bring your notebook in your pocket in case an idea strikes you while you are relaxing.
2. Story telling isn’t just fun for the listener. Grandpa was known to invent ‘Old Indian Tales’ about various tools etc. in his shed for the entertainment of his older grandchildren. The story was always evolving.
3. You can expand your mind and your vocabulary by playing fun word games, such as crossword puzzles. There were usually stacks of crossword puzzles, dictionaries and other reference books next to his favorite chairs - particularly in the winter, when he couldn’t be outdoors in his garden.
4. Journals of everyday events can become priceless family treasures. He kept daily records of weather, visits from family etc. and anything he wanted to remember for many years. If you made it into the journal entry you were made to feel special.
May your day of writing be full of enjoyment and discovery. May you find time to re-energize and expand your mind. And most importantly, may you be present to God today - so that you make it into His journal - as His special child. Amen.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Think Your Family is Too Boring to Write About?
Odds are, that if you get an old box of fading photographs into the same room as older members of your family - stories will begin to fly. Even if no one can remember who in the world is in the photo! (Sometimes those are the best kind for writers - as you can let your imagination run away with you ...)
Everyone has a story. You may think your own life story is boring. And maybe today it is. However, your story uniquely interacts with all of the other story lines among your family and friends. Next time you feel writer's block creeping up on you, if you have time in your impending deadline ... dig out that box of photos gathering dust in your drawer or closet, and go hang out with your relatives or friends. Jot down a few of the more interesting tid bits revealed while you wax nostalgic about the 'good ole days'. Family stories are great for analyzing motivations for characters. Why did your great, great grandparents pack up their entire family and leave their home country to come to America? Why did Uncle Larry sell all of his tractors and move to Boston? Could you twist those elements of motivation into a new story, with new characters of your own? Go on, spice it up a little ...
In my family, Fall is traditionally when we have our family reunion. Because my grandfather is ailing we aren't having it this year. However, we've started digging through the family photos to distract him while he is hospitalized and oh what treasures we are finding! We've additionally made new contact with cousins in Hungary - reconnecting with a part of our family that we had lost for a time. What great story ideas are unfolding ...
May you all find buried treasures amidst your own dust-gathering photos that are worth borrowing ideas from!
- Suzanne Wesley
Monday, September 6, 2010
What is a One-Sheet ... and Do YOU Need One?
Want a true confession? Until a few months ago I had never even heard of an author one-sheet. I had studied the craft of writing but didn't really know a lot 'specifically' about how authors presented themselves to agents and editors at conferences. I still have a great deal to learn, but after lurking the various writing related e-mail loops, and investigating samples etc. I feel I finally have at least a handle on what the one-sheet is intended for, when to use it, and when not to.
A One-Sheet is a Marketing/Memory Tool
When given only 15 minutes in front of an agent or editor as a conference appointment – with your nerves on edge, and the plot of an entire novel (or three) ready to trip off of your over-eager tongue in a ramble of nervous energy – the one-sheet is literally one sheet of information, either single or double-sided, filled with information about you as an author and whatever you are pitching. Having one with you is a way to prepare, to look professional, and keep yourself on track so that you don't run out of time before you get around to saying the things you 'intended' to say. Additionally, if the agent or editor you speak to is interested in hearing more from you, they may opt to keep your one-sheet to jog their memory about your pitch, and to glean your contact information from it. Note: one thing I have seen stated repeatedly is to not 'expect' them to keep it, (in other words, don't be offended if they don't) and to never push business cards, one-sheets, proposals etc. on anyone.
How Do You Know if You Need a One-Sheet?
1. Do you have at least one completed manuscript?
2. Are you ready to pitch it?
If you answered 'yes' to those two questions, then the answer is still only 'probably'. From what I have read, you can proceed to pitch to an editor or agent successfully without one. It is not an absolute requirement. If you are an author, but you don't have a completed manuscript and/or you aren't ready to pitch your work, you may opt to spend your appointment time asking questions. If this is your situation (like it is for me) then you don't really need a one-sheet yet.
(I still plan to take a single sheet of typed-up questions I have though, simply because I can't remember my own name when I get too nervous!)
Blessings,
~ Suzanne
A One-Sheet is a Marketing/Memory Tool
When given only 15 minutes in front of an agent or editor as a conference appointment – with your nerves on edge, and the plot of an entire novel (or three) ready to trip off of your over-eager tongue in a ramble of nervous energy – the one-sheet is literally one sheet of information, either single or double-sided, filled with information about you as an author and whatever you are pitching. Having one with you is a way to prepare, to look professional, and keep yourself on track so that you don't run out of time before you get around to saying the things you 'intended' to say. Additionally, if the agent or editor you speak to is interested in hearing more from you, they may opt to keep your one-sheet to jog their memory about your pitch, and to glean your contact information from it. Note: one thing I have seen stated repeatedly is to not 'expect' them to keep it, (in other words, don't be offended if they don't) and to never push business cards, one-sheets, proposals etc. on anyone.
How Do You Know if You Need a One-Sheet?
1. Do you have at least one completed manuscript?
2. Are you ready to pitch it?
If you answered 'yes' to those two questions, then the answer is still only 'probably'. From what I have read, you can proceed to pitch to an editor or agent successfully without one. It is not an absolute requirement. If you are an author, but you don't have a completed manuscript and/or you aren't ready to pitch your work, you may opt to spend your appointment time asking questions. If this is your situation (like it is for me) then you don't really need a one-sheet yet.
(I still plan to take a single sheet of typed-up questions I have though, simply because I can't remember my own name when I get too nervous!)
Blessings,
~ Suzanne
Monday, August 2, 2010
Select an Ideal Reader for Your Writing (& Marketing)
Who are the primary readers of your writing? Can you picture a single ideal person reading your article or book, as you are involved in the writing process? If you just answered 'anyone who can read' to either of those questions ... you should reconsider a narrower primary target. There will be other readers whom you will reach outside of this primary target, but in order for you to effectively market your writing, you need to know where and how to reach the people who would be 'most' affected by what you have written.
It is much easier to market to a woman, with small children, age 25-35, who rarely has time to read if you are targeting her specifically (and repeatedly) in publications, stores, or internet advertising that is targeted to catch her attention - than to expect her to catch something that is in the New York Times or even on the national, or local news for only a day. Once you know your target reader, you can investigate primary methods to communicate with that person. If you create a post-card regarding your book, where are you going to leave it behind that your primary readership would see it (pediatrician offices, day cares, children's music or gym classes)? If you are going to place an ad, what types of media does your reader have time for? What are her other interests? Is she easier to reach on-line, or would she have the free time to read a parenting magazine cover to cover?
Incidentally, knowing your reader better might also indicate that a post-card would be the exact wrong method to reach your ideal reader. Maybe she would be more tech savvy and on-line ads, forum posts, or forwarded messages from friends in her book club would be the better method to reach her? FaceBook or Twitter contests encouraging friend referrals etc. might also bring you a much higher rate of return with a tech savvy readership.
And, this idealized female reader may only be your main target, but my point is that this primary reader may never read your message if you don't try to specifically reach her - rather than to go about trying to reach everyone at once and hope that she is among them. Not only will targeting your writing reach people on a deeper level, but it will also make marketing your work easier for both you and your publisher (or potential publisher).
'Tis the season for writing conferences ... and I am so excited to be attending my first fiction writers conference in just a few weeks. With two manuscripts in progress, I am anxiously trying to prep my information to sound as targeted, and as marketable as possible. I'm really attending more to network and learn than to present my own material at my first conference – I still want to make a good first impression.).
How about you? Could the one-sheets, queries or proposals you plan to take to conference be a little more targeted?
- Suzanne Wesley
It is much easier to market to a woman, with small children, age 25-35, who rarely has time to read if you are targeting her specifically (and repeatedly) in publications, stores, or internet advertising that is targeted to catch her attention - than to expect her to catch something that is in the New York Times or even on the national, or local news for only a day. Once you know your target reader, you can investigate primary methods to communicate with that person. If you create a post-card regarding your book, where are you going to leave it behind that your primary readership would see it (pediatrician offices, day cares, children's music or gym classes)? If you are going to place an ad, what types of media does your reader have time for? What are her other interests? Is she easier to reach on-line, or would she have the free time to read a parenting magazine cover to cover?
Incidentally, knowing your reader better might also indicate that a post-card would be the exact wrong method to reach your ideal reader. Maybe she would be more tech savvy and on-line ads, forum posts, or forwarded messages from friends in her book club would be the better method to reach her? FaceBook or Twitter contests encouraging friend referrals etc. might also bring you a much higher rate of return with a tech savvy readership.
And, this idealized female reader may only be your main target, but my point is that this primary reader may never read your message if you don't try to specifically reach her - rather than to go about trying to reach everyone at once and hope that she is among them. Not only will targeting your writing reach people on a deeper level, but it will also make marketing your work easier for both you and your publisher (or potential publisher).
'Tis the season for writing conferences ... and I am so excited to be attending my first fiction writers conference in just a few weeks. With two manuscripts in progress, I am anxiously trying to prep my information to sound as targeted, and as marketable as possible. I'm really attending more to network and learn than to present my own material at my first conference – I still want to make a good first impression.).
How about you? Could the one-sheets, queries or proposals you plan to take to conference be a little more targeted?
- Suzanne Wesley
Monday, July 5, 2010
Using a Tag Line to Promote Your Writing
Last month I covered how having a professional logo could make you more memorable, and save you time explaining yourself during a first meeting with a prospective client or editor. This month, I’d like to add one more promotional element to your writing arsenal that can also assist you in promoting your writing – the tag line. Tag lines are also referred to as a slogan, and are usually a phrase, of up to seven words, that is catchy and ties in directly to the first snap-shot impression you want someone to have of you and your writing style.
Tip: This is not to be confused with your elevator pitch – which is a short, 30-second description of you, what you write, and what makes you unique from other writers.
Most of us are familiar with product tag lines, such as: Nike - ‘Just Do It’, Bounty – ‘The Quicker Picker-Upper’, M&Ms – ‘Melts in Your Mouth Not in Your Hands’ … and oh-so-many more. These companies have been using the same tag-line to promote the same product for many years. For businesses and individuals it is much more common that you will change your slogan or tag line about every two years to match up with any change in direction you may be taking. After all, if you happen to be a prolific writer, you are hopeful that the novel you are working on now will be published within two years and you will then be moving on to writing and promoting your next writing adventure! Watch for slogans everywhere you shop, or even in your kitchen cabinets. Analyze the ones that seem the most effective, or interesting to you.
Questions that need to be addressed when creating your tag line:
While thinking about those 5 questions write down all of the words that come to your mind. You might also want to check out what tag lines your competition is using. Pay attention to what words they use. Make sure that you aren’t copying a tag that someone in your field is already using. You might find some useful words, but don’t make your tag-line TOO similar to avoid plagiarizing.
At this point, dig out your thesaurus, write down even more words to choose from and then develop a list of your favorite tag line ideas. Look them over and apply the 5 questions above to your list. Narrow your choices down to the most effective ones and then ask willing family, friends or colleagues to chime in. If you end up with more than one top choice – either keep tweaking the words until one is the obvious choice, or use one for a couple of years and keep the other for your next promotional campaign, to keep things fresh.
Example - My First Tag Line
Aside from my personal writing projects, I run a small business performing copy writing and graphic design projects for individuals and other businesses. I regularly work with clients that have an idea of what they want, sometimes they even have some of the writing, or even logos and photos they know they want to use, but they can’t quite put their finger on how to pull it all together and make an advertisement or brochure out of it … (or whatever the project may be). Sometimes they don’t even know how they want to advertise themselves, they simply know they have a great product and want their potential customers to know all about it. And my clients can be everything from another writer, to a large global company. My slogan had to be somewhat generic to incorporate a very big potential client list.
After working on tag lines for others for years, I still found it a challenge to come up with the first one to use on my own business. Because I’m a visual thinker I eventually chose to use wrought iron and ceramic tiles as elements in my advertising and I also wanted to mimic that in my slogan. Both wrought iron and tile are raw elements that are usually unimpressive on their own, but you can use them to make items that are beautifully intricate, and often useful too. So my brainstormed slogan ideas reflected taking raw elements and making something whole from them.
I eventually came up with ‘Taking raw ideas … and making something beautiful!’ as my first tag line. Hopefully, my journey to my own first tag line will inspire you to work on one of your own. I am just starting to use it on my web site and in my advertising, and I still need to add it to my e-mail signature, business card etc. As I slowly develop all of the elements I use to promote myself I will now include my tag-line, pictures of tile, and my logo – which includes an intricate wrought iron fence. The more I do this, the more potential for instant recognition I will have.
Are you using a tag line? If so, please comment and share what you are using.
Blessings,
Suzanne Wesley
Tip: This is not to be confused with your elevator pitch – which is a short, 30-second description of you, what you write, and what makes you unique from other writers.
Most of us are familiar with product tag lines, such as: Nike - ‘Just Do It’, Bounty – ‘The Quicker Picker-Upper’, M&Ms – ‘Melts in Your Mouth Not in Your Hands’ … and oh-so-many more. These companies have been using the same tag-line to promote the same product for many years. For businesses and individuals it is much more common that you will change your slogan or tag line about every two years to match up with any change in direction you may be taking. After all, if you happen to be a prolific writer, you are hopeful that the novel you are working on now will be published within two years and you will then be moving on to writing and promoting your next writing adventure! Watch for slogans everywhere you shop, or even in your kitchen cabinets. Analyze the ones that seem the most effective, or interesting to you.
Questions that need to be addressed when creating your tag line:
- Who will see it? Who is your customer/audience?
- What benefit do you offer to them?
- How do you stand out from your peers?
- What type of emotion or feeling do you want to emit?
- Is there any action you want someone seeing your slogan to take?
While thinking about those 5 questions write down all of the words that come to your mind. You might also want to check out what tag lines your competition is using. Pay attention to what words they use. Make sure that you aren’t copying a tag that someone in your field is already using. You might find some useful words, but don’t make your tag-line TOO similar to avoid plagiarizing.
At this point, dig out your thesaurus, write down even more words to choose from and then develop a list of your favorite tag line ideas. Look them over and apply the 5 questions above to your list. Narrow your choices down to the most effective ones and then ask willing family, friends or colleagues to chime in. If you end up with more than one top choice – either keep tweaking the words until one is the obvious choice, or use one for a couple of years and keep the other for your next promotional campaign, to keep things fresh.
Example - My First Tag Line
Aside from my personal writing projects, I run a small business performing copy writing and graphic design projects for individuals and other businesses. I regularly work with clients that have an idea of what they want, sometimes they even have some of the writing, or even logos and photos they know they want to use, but they can’t quite put their finger on how to pull it all together and make an advertisement or brochure out of it … (or whatever the project may be). Sometimes they don’t even know how they want to advertise themselves, they simply know they have a great product and want their potential customers to know all about it. And my clients can be everything from another writer, to a large global company. My slogan had to be somewhat generic to incorporate a very big potential client list.
After working on tag lines for others for years, I still found it a challenge to come up with the first one to use on my own business. Because I’m a visual thinker I eventually chose to use wrought iron and ceramic tiles as elements in my advertising and I also wanted to mimic that in my slogan. Both wrought iron and tile are raw elements that are usually unimpressive on their own, but you can use them to make items that are beautifully intricate, and often useful too. So my brainstormed slogan ideas reflected taking raw elements and making something whole from them.
I eventually came up with ‘Taking raw ideas … and making something beautiful!’ as my first tag line. Hopefully, my journey to my own first tag line will inspire you to work on one of your own. I am just starting to use it on my web site and in my advertising, and I still need to add it to my e-mail signature, business card etc. As I slowly develop all of the elements I use to promote myself I will now include my tag-line, pictures of tile, and my logo – which includes an intricate wrought iron fence. The more I do this, the more potential for instant recognition I will have.
Are you using a tag line? If so, please comment and share what you are using.
Blessings,
Suzanne Wesley
Monday, June 7, 2010
Does a Writer Need a Logo?
Maybe the simpler question to answer is, can a writer get by without a logo? The answer would be, yes – you certainly can. But, ... you'll be working much harder when making a first impression than writers who do have one (just like everyone in every other profession).
It is very cliche' but there is definitely a bit of truth hidden in the saying that a picture is worth a 1,000 words. When you have only moments to make a first impression; any advantage you can get is going to be helpful. A well-crafted logo can help you appear professional, organized, creative ... or even reflect a particular writing specialty that is your niche'. And a logo can do that, before they read a single word about your latest pitch!
First impressions matter. In a world where everyone is inundated with too much information on a daily basis, we are left to hope against hope that someone will notice our writing, make the time to read it, and fall in love with it (and then champion it on our behalf to those with the power to say yes or no to its publication.)
The font choices, colors used, and design style of a logo can say a lot about you - even without using the stereotypical ink pen, quill, book or typewriter that are often used symbols of the writer's trade. For instance, if you consider yourself a chic lit writer, are you a writer of warm and fuzzy romance, or do you go for edgier female topics and handle them with gusto? You can hint at your writing style with a feminine script font and your choice of color. A softer pink or rose for a romantic vs. a bolder red instantly make a statement about your style. Or, maybe comedy is your writing genre of choice. A bright, and vibrant color such as orange, yellow, or shocking pink or green enhance an instant sense of fun being afoot! Add in a fun (yet readable) font and your logo has made an instant statement on your behalf - even before anyone has had the chance to meet you, or read your query or proposal.
The below is my own logo, what first impression does it give to you? I'll discuss any responses I get in next month's blog post ... where I will also reveal my related business tag-line. Tag lines are another part of personal/professional branding to consider for successfully marketing your writing talents.
Blessings,
~ Suzanne Wesley
www.suzannewesley.com
It is very cliche' but there is definitely a bit of truth hidden in the saying that a picture is worth a 1,000 words. When you have only moments to make a first impression; any advantage you can get is going to be helpful. A well-crafted logo can help you appear professional, organized, creative ... or even reflect a particular writing specialty that is your niche'. And a logo can do that, before they read a single word about your latest pitch!
First impressions matter. In a world where everyone is inundated with too much information on a daily basis, we are left to hope against hope that someone will notice our writing, make the time to read it, and fall in love with it (and then champion it on our behalf to those with the power to say yes or no to its publication.)
The font choices, colors used, and design style of a logo can say a lot about you - even without using the stereotypical ink pen, quill, book or typewriter that are often used symbols of the writer's trade. For instance, if you consider yourself a chic lit writer, are you a writer of warm and fuzzy romance, or do you go for edgier female topics and handle them with gusto? You can hint at your writing style with a feminine script font and your choice of color. A softer pink or rose for a romantic vs. a bolder red instantly make a statement about your style. Or, maybe comedy is your writing genre of choice. A bright, and vibrant color such as orange, yellow, or shocking pink or green enhance an instant sense of fun being afoot! Add in a fun (yet readable) font and your logo has made an instant statement on your behalf - even before anyone has had the chance to meet you, or read your query or proposal.
The below is my own logo, what first impression does it give to you? I'll discuss any responses I get in next month's blog post ... where I will also reveal my related business tag-line. Tag lines are another part of personal/professional branding to consider for successfully marketing your writing talents.
~ Suzanne Wesley
www.suzannewesley.com
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