Freelance Writing Direct with Estelle

In this episode:

• How to get published with Motina Books Publishing [31:16]

• Why Motina Books Publishing focuses on books by and for mothers [3:21]

• What you need in a proposal to get published [32:32]

• Insight into the publishing/author relationship [9:27]

• Publicity and marketing ideas for authors [14:58]

• The differences between self publishing and hybrid publishing [20:37]

• How to ensure a publisher is legitimate [23:31]

• What book topics Motina Books is looking for [9:52]

Diane Windsor is the owner of Motina Books Publishing, which specializes in publishing books by and for mothers. The publishing industry has changed drastically in the last 10 to 20 years, and the majority of authors are required to get out there and market their books. Diane believes that the publisher should help their authors with these efforts through education and guidance. There's always something new to learn when it comes to marketing your book!

Connect with Daine: Website: www.MotinaBooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motinabooks

Instagram: https://instagram.com/motina_books

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@publishchick

Connect with Estelle:

Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast):

https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Are you wondering what makes a good pitch that will catch the attention of editors? In this episode, Estelle Erasmus shares real-life examples on what makes a good pitch.

From crafting a compelling hook to sharing pertinent information that resonates with editors, Estelle dissects actual pitches and provides insights to enhance your understanding of the pitching process.

For more on pitching, check out Estelle's book Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published.

Connect with Estelle:

Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast):

https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this episode:

• How Jennifer started her YA writing journey [2:52]

• Going on submission during the pandemic, and eventually getting a 2 book deal [6:15]

• The exercise of narrowing down characters [13:20]

• The art of writing time pressure into your story [20:00]

• Jen's advice for excavating specific emotions for your characters [32:31]

Jennifer Chen is a freelance journalist who has written for Today, New York Times, Oprah Daily, Real Simple, and Bust. Jennifer has a MFA and BFA in dramatic writing from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She is a proud volunteer for WriteGirl, a creative writing and mentoring organization. She lives in Los Angeles with her TV writer husband, twins, two pugs, and a cat named Gremlin.

Contact Jennifer

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jchenwriter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jchenwriter/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jchenwriter

Substack newsletter: https://jenniferchen.substack.com

Website: https://jchenwriter.com

Connect with Estelle:

Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast):

https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this episode:

• The elements of a good author/publisher relationship [20:12]

• The kinds of books New World Library publishes [12:04]

• What proposal submissions need to include [30:05]

• How authors can road test their book ideas [17:07]

• Insights on how authors should be building their platforms [14:15]

• Trends that Georgia has seen in the publishing industry and her thoughts on AI [30:49]

• What makes New World Library stand out from other publishers [18:30]

• Estelle's experience with New World Library [20:19]

Georgia A. Hughes is editorial director at New World Library, where she acquires and edits nonfiction books in the areas of spirituality, personal growth, sustainable business, relationships, health and well-being, animals, and women's issues. New World Library, publisher of the bestselling The Power of Now and other award-winning books, strives to publish books that help readers change their lives and the world, and aims for diversity and inclusion. Prior to joining New World Library, Georgia worked as a bookseller, at HarperCollins, and as a freelance editor. Recent acquisitions include Writing That Gets Noticed by Estelle Erasmus, Say It Out Loud by Vasavi Kumar, Hagitude by Sharon Blackie, The Eloquence of Silence by Thomas Moore, Bones & Honey by Danielle Dulsky, and Growing Big Dreams by Robert Moss.

Connect with New World Library:

Website: www.newworldlibrary.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewWorldLibrary

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/newworldlibrary

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewWorldLibrary?ref=br_tf

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/NewWorldLibrary

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/newworldlibrary/

Connect with Estelle:

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast

Writing That Gets Noticed Wins a Zibby Award for the "Best Book for The Writer"

https://estelleserasmus.com/writing-that-gets-noticed-wins-a-zibby-award/

In this episode:

• Liz's inspiration for writing her book [5:05]

• How Liz got her book published and the process she went through [6:45]

• The importance of a social media presence and creating a brand when writing [7:31]

• Advice for picking a book cover [11:43]

• The importance of active verbs [19:10]

• How Liz structured her book and used alliteration [18:15]

• Choosing what stories to put in your book, and what not to include [26:40]

Liz Elting, Founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation, is an entrepreneur, business leader, bestselling author, linguaphile, philanthropist, feminist, and mother. After living, studying, and working in five countries across the globe, Liz founded TransPerfect out of an NYU dorm room in 1992 and served as Co-CEO until 2018. TransPerfect is the world's largest language solutions company, with over $1.1 billion in revenue and offices in more than 100 cities worldwide. Liz received the 2019 Charles Waldo Haskins Award for business and public service from NYU's Stern School of Business, the American Heart Association's 2020 Health Equity Leadership Award, the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs' 2021 Vertex Award for changing the face and direction of women's high-growth entrepreneurship, the American Heart Association's 2022 Woman Changing the World Award, Trinity College's 2022 Kathleen O'Connor Boelhouwer '85 Alumni Initiative Award, and the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation's 2023 Angel of Hope Award. Liz has been recognized as a NOW Woman of Power & Influence, American Express' and Entrepreneur magazine's Woman of the Year, and one of Forbes' Richest Self-Made Women every year since the list's inception. Elting is the bestselling author of Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business.

Connect with Liz:

Website: https://lizelting.com

Liz's Foundation: https://www.elizabetheltingfoundation.org

Get Liz's Book: Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizelting/

X: https://twitter.com/LizElting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Liz-Elting/pfbid0384nDaMaX8DzW1u3Zvnqn9N6HSzeWAq56AXHhEXWbVHgRKgBsztpNn6RzGHW72nVsl/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelting

Connect with Estelle:

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

Estelle's Bookshop (where you can buy the books from the authors in this podcast): https://bookshop.org/shop/EstelleSErasmus

In this episode:

• What authors don't know about media [2:26]

• How to be media ready [3:33]

• Timing on preparing for media interviews [5:27]

• Advice for authors on getting comfortable on camera [5:45]

• Paula's accordion method for sharing information [10:20]

• Advice on speaking good sound bites to break through the noise [16:29]

• How to pitch media and where to find contacts [20:25]

• Lists and using them to stay productive [26:53]

Paula Rizzo is an Emmy Award-winning television producer, best-selling author of Listful Thinking & Listful Living, a media-training coach, speaker, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, host of the live-stream show Inside Scoop, and creator of the popular online training Media-Ready Author.

She media trains fiction and nonfiction authors who are both traditionally and self-published. Harper Collins, Workman Publishing and Time Inchave all hired Paula to prepare their authors for book launches. She's also media trained executives from The New York Times, Dow Jones, Fortune 200 companies and privately-owned organizations.

Paula served on the advisory board of Books for Kids, is a member of The Authors Guild and Women's Media Group, as well as a founding member of Chief in New York City. She's currently working on a novel and several children's books.

Connect with Paula:

10 Media Questions That Every Author Needs to Answer: http://paularizzo.com/10Q

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paularizzo1/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listproducer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ListProducer

Connect with Estelle:

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this super short episode Estelle Erasmus shares a recap of her year with Freelance Writing Direct and her book, Writing That Gets Noticed, which just received a Zibby Award for the "Best Book For The Writer".

There is so much more to come, so be sure to keep following the podcast, and Estelle's website EstelleSErasmus.com and her substack at https://estelleserasmus.substack.com

Connect with Estelle:

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

The Articles/News Estelle Mentioned

Inc. Magazine: 17 Small Changes That Will Make Your Writing Irresistible, According to an NYU Writing Professor.https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/17-small-changes-that-will-make-your-writing-irresistible-according-to-an-nyu-writing-professor.html

Inc. Magazine: Here's How Smart People Use the Empathy Rule to Make Sure Their Emails Get Read https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/heres-how-smart-people-use-empathy-rule-to-make-sure-their-emails-get-read.html

Freedom with Writing: An Interview with Editor/Author Estelle Erasmus https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/uncategorized/interview-with-editor-author-estelle-erasmus/

Writing That Gets Noticed Wins a Zibby Award https://estelleserasmus.com/writing-that-gets-noticed-wins-a-zibby-award/

Writing That Gets Noticed is Now an Official NYU Journalism Course https://estelleserasmus.com/writing-that-gets-noticed-is-now-an-official-nyu-journalism-course/

In this episode:

• The genesis of this book [3:29]

• Why parents should be addressing tough topics with their children [6:20]

• Why yelling works sometimes [8:25]

• The danger in outside sources of information such as TikTok [15:14]

• Strategies she used to research the book [16:27]

• Writing in a reader-friendly style [20:02]

Known as the "Conversation Doc," Dr. Robyn Silverman is a child and teen development specialist and author of the [forthcoming] book, How to Talk to Kids About Anything, as well as the host of the popular podcast of the same name. She is a cofounder of the Powerful Words Character System, which gives educators the talking points they need to help children become kind, responsible citizens of the world. Dr. Robyn has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Early Show and Nightline and has been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, CNN.com, and many other publications. She lives with her husband, two kids and a fuzzy rescue dog who loves sunning himself on their front steps, even in the summer heat of North Carolina.

Connect with Dr. Robyn:

Website: https://parenting.drrobynsilverman.com

Podcast: https://drrobynsilverman.com/category/podcast/

Get her book: https://parenting.drrobynsilverman.com/book

Connect with Estelle:

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

In this episode:

• Writing from a neurodivergent perspective [3:29]

• Working as an advocate [5:48]

• Drawing real life into fiction writing [6:13]

• The benefit of using sensitivity readers [6:31]

• The importance of writing inclusive books [5:25]

• Tips on the process of publishing children books [12:36]

An autistic mom of three autistic kids, Jen Malia is the author of The Infinity Rainbow Club series and Too Sticky! Sensory Issues with Autism. She is Professor of English and Creative Writing Coordinator at Norfolk State University. She has written for or appeared on the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR, Parents, Glamour, Woman's Day, and others. She has a Ph.D. in English from the University of Southern California and is pursuing an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Originally from Pittsburgh, she currently lives with her husband and three kids in Virginia Beach.

Connect with Jen:

Website: JenMalia.com

Information about Jen's Books: https://jenmalia.com/books/the-infinity-rainbow-club-series/

Jen's Publisher's information: https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/author/8504/Jen-Malia

Connect with Estelle:

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social

The website designer Websy Daisy:

https://websydaisy.com/

In this episode:

• How Bianca writes about different genres [2:45]

• Writing a story from many POVs [4:47]

• Opening a novel in a compelling way when there are multiple characters [5:26]

• The way Bianca included research into her fantasy book [9:02]

• Exploring the science of magic [11:08]

• The backstory to The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast [18:45]

• Bianca's tips for interviewing and writing [28:11]

Bianca Marais is the author of the bestselling The Witches of Moonshyne Manor, as well as the beloved Hum If You Don't Know the Words and If You Want to Make God Laugh, as well as the Audible Original, The Prynne Viper. She taught at the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies where she was awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award for Creative Writing in 2021. She's the co-host of the popular podcast, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, which is aimed at helping emerging writers become published. She now teaches creative writing through the podcast and in her personal capacity. She lives in Toronto with her husband and golden retriever, and she's furiously working away on finishing her next novel.

Connect with Bianca:

Twitter: @BiancaM_author and @TSNOTYAW

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancamarais_author/ and https://www.instagram.com/the_shit_about_writing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biancamaraisauthor

Connect with Estelle:

Her website: https://estelleserasmus.com (sign up for her newsletter and receive her free pitching guide).

Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published: https://estelleserasmus.com/books/writing-that-gets-noticed/

Adjunct Instructor, NYU (Sign up for her latest classes-Writing That Gets Noticed is now a course for the Journalism Certificate) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/professional-pathways/faculty/1068-estelle-erasmus.html

Her Substack https://estelleserasmus.substack.com (with craft advice and writing opportunities)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EstelleSErasmus/

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/EstelleSErasmus

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@estelleserasmus

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/estelleserasmus.bsky.social