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The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up: Does Your Elevator Pitch Stand Out? (Issue #30)

February 23, 2014 by Kimberley Grabas

This post is part of a weekly series on YWP, aptly titled “The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up”.

Each Sunday, I will endeavour to provide you with a curated list of the best articles I have seen throughout the week that relate to building your platform.

The featured articles cover topics on book marketing and promotion, blogging, social media and self-publishing. (I may even throw in a few inspirational and fun posts, just so that it’s not all work and no play!)

Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch

“So, what’s your book about?”

Umm…

Distilling the essence of your book, your author brand, or even your freelance services down into just a few sentences has mentally defeated many a writer.

But, it’s inevitable–and desirable–that people will want to know (briefly) what your work is about, and why they should care.

To help you overcome the stuttering, rambling, discombobulated answer you may be currently giving to the above question, here are a few pointers for creating an elevator pitch that stands out:

Tip #1 Be Succinct

The beauty of having to create a brief, but compelling, elevator pitch is that it requires you to dig deep for the true essence of your book, your brand or your service. In order to concisely share it, you’ll first need to know it yourself. Think sentences, not paragraphs, and keep fine-tuning until you’re certain you’ve captured the heart of your work. [Read more…]

The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up: The Definition of Marketing (Issue #28)

January 26, 2014 by Kimberley Grabas

This post is part of a weekly series on YWP, aptly titled “The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up”.

Each Sunday, I will endeavour to provide you with a curated list of the best articles I have seen throughout the week that relate to building your platform.

Marketing May Have to Change Its Name

Marketing is simply the process and activities involved in creating awareness for a product or service, typically aimed at a specific group.

And, although there can be many definitions and variations on the theme (based on the intentions and the values of the one actually doing the marketing), the core concept itself isn’t especially unfavourable.

Intuitively it makes sense that there be a mechanism for connecting what you have to offer, to the group you’d like to offer it to.

The issue that arises for many authors is the suspicion and negativity associated with marketing that has evolved over time: smarmy undertones, cheesy or self-serving tactics, and the in-your-face aggressiveness of mediocre marketing strategies gone bad.

But, I think ‘marketing’ has gotten a bad rap.

The theory is sound, it’s the application that is–in many cases–somewhat less than stellar.

But, marketing your work as an author is a must, so if it still makes you feel dirty, just think of it this way: [Read more…]

The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up (Issue #27)

January 19, 2014 by Kimberley Grabas

This post is part of a weekly series on YWP, aptly titled “The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up”.

Each Sunday, I will endeavour to provide you with a curated list of the best articles I have seen throughout the week that relate to building your platform.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand “Likes”

Image based content is becoming more and more relevant in driving social media engagement.

Photos, infographics, image quotes and other forms of graphics often receive significantly more interaction than their text-based counterparts.

And, whether you are active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or Pinterest (or all of the above), the skillful use of images can give you an edge when it comes to capturing the attention of your audience.

To benefit from this trend, consider doing the following:

Share excerpts or quotes from your book, speaking engagements or reviews.
Create throat-grabbing blog post images, helpful infographics or fun collages.
Design image quotes that are entertaining, inspirational or even a series of quick tips.

Use your creativity (or get inspired by somebody else’s) and start developing some truly share-worthy images for your social media accounts. [Read more…]

5 Surprising Reasons Why Email Trumps Social Media

January 15, 2014 by Kimberley Grabas

Good old fashioned email. Definitely not the new kid on the block when it comes to communicating with your readership. Can it really compete with all the newfangled alternatives? Guest author, Jason Kong shares how email not only holds its own, but surpasses social media as a powerful communication channel.

Establishing your writer platform requires several important decisions. One of those is how you choose to keep in touch with those who care about your work.

Thanks to the explosion of social media, there’s no shortage of online options. Everyone has heard of Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. Pinterest is becoming more popular, and blogs remain so.

And then there’s email.

It’s a simple tool that hasn’t changed much since its inception. Still around, but hardly cutting edge. Is there a place for a technology that predates today’s social media?

The answer is yes, because an email list is one of the best ways to ensure your long-term success as an author. When powered by a service such as Aweber, email has some distinct and significant advantages over its social media counterparts.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits. [Read more…]

The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up (Issue #26)

January 12, 2014 by Kimberley Grabas

This post is part of a weekly series on YWP, aptly titled “The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up”.

Each Sunday, I will endeavour to provide you with a curated list of the best articles I have seen throughout the week that relate to building your platform.

Engineer Your Best Year Ever

I’ve just recently returned from an amazing 5 day stay in Vegas for the New Media Expo conference and WOW!

What a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the company–and experience the charisma–of some of the top bloggers, podcasters and new media experts killing it online today.

And although the conference boasted some pretty big names, the majority of the energy and inspiration could be felt in the halls, between presentations, from the teeming masses of average Joe’s, bursting with excitement at the possibilities–the potential that awaits for those of us just getting started.

If you’ve experienced a conference, you probably know what I mean. It is immensely motivating to surround yourself with a group of like-minded, passionate and intentional people. People who speak your language. [Read more…]

Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch

Marketing May Have to Change Its Name

A Picture is Worth a Thousand “Likes”

Engineer Your Best Year Ever

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