Write Something Worthy Podcast

Exploring the business side of authorship and becoming and authorpreneur.

In this episode, Tanya shares client case studies and tips for using Instagram as one of your marketing strategies for your book. Several tools and resources are provided. Please see show notes for more.

[You Don't Have to Write it Yourself]

I recently spoke with an emerging author who asked, "What is ghostwriting and what do ghostwriters do?" Since I have had the pleasure of being and working with ghostwriters for years now, I thought it might be interesting to share a few insights about the process and why it adds value to you as an author.A ghostwriter is essentially the one who is writing the words that articulate your ideas, your thoughts, and your expressions. But the ghostwriter is the one to put it on paper. They don't take credit in public view like the cover of the book, they are not receiving a royalty, nor fame and glory; they don't even get a byline (unless they negotiate other terms like "with" credit or cover credit).Why would a ghost write your book without taking credit? Because they're already being paid for the work. And because it allows others to express themselves and share their messages with the world when they otherwise don't have either the time, the inclination, the capacity, or the capability to get that done.Working with a ghost...Here's a bare bones look at one possibility:* Identify a great ghost and see if you feel comfortable entering into a long-term business relationship with them (averaging six-to-twelve months).* Hopefully your ghost will work with you to identify who your ideal reader is, what your target market is, what your book vision is, and what your publishing goals are, so that they can be really clear what it is that you're trying to create in the world.* Negotiate your contract terms and payment. It could be upfront; 50% down, balance on completion; monthly retainer payments; a certain amount per 20 or 50 pages; or some combination. Expect to pay at least five figures for a good ghostwriter.* Develop and agree on a strong outline to work from.* Meet for ninety minutes or so per chapter to talk about what readers should learn from the book. Schedule meetings across several months to accommodate your schedule and to allow the ghost to write between meetings. (Note: Sometimes, you might agree to bang out all the interviews at the beginning because you happen to have time, so the writer will stretch out the writing portion as needed.)* The writer may transcribe the audio recording and use both audio and transcription to write your book. (They may also use your materials or do further research.) The benefit is: you don't have to sit down and crank out 50,000 words! You can be out there making money, growing your business, doing media interviews, and planning your book launch.* The ghost will submit a draft of your manuscript for at least one round of review. Then prepare it for the remainder of the publishing process (including working with your publisher, if necessary).Find the right fitFind a ghostwriter who writes in your area of interest. As an MBA and former business consultant, I add a lot of value to my business clients. Not only do I know how to write, I understand the concepts, and I have taught business courses at universities. It allows me to help my authors to step up their game. The same is true on many other topics as well, like personal development, self-help, and prescriptive nonfiction.Know also that ghostwriters are professionals and can research and write about a number of topics, so if you like them and their work, but they haven't specifically written about the nuance that you present, they can likely pull it off.Remember that hiring a ghostwriter is a business relationship that will last for several months. Budget for it, plan to work together, and be prepared to do your part to make it a winning combination.It's all on youYou have the choice to hire a ghostwriter, but what they produce for you belongs to you. It is your creation that they are helping you to put down on paper. You own the copyright to the work unless you contract otherwise.

[A Conversation with Rita Rosenkranz]

This week's Worthy Writer episode features an interview with literary agent, Rita Rosenkranz. The Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency is a well-established boutique agency representing almost exclusively adult non-fiction titles in a wide-ranging list of categories. Representing both first-time and seasoned authors, Rita looks for projects that present familiar subjects freshly or lesser-known subjects commercially. Rita works with major publishing houses, as well as regional publishers that handle a variety of niche markets. Representative titles include A MIND FOR NUMBERS: How to Excel at Science and Math even if You Flunked Algebra by Barbara Oakley; PAUSE. BREATHE. CHOOSE: Be the CEO of Your Well-Being by Naz Beheshti; HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANYONE, ANYWHERE: Your Passport to Connecting Globally by Raul Sanchez and Dan Bullock.Here are some of the topics we discussed on this episode. Be sure to listen in to get all the juicy information that Rita shared. If you have ever considered going traditional, you will want to hear every word.How do first time authors pursue traditional publishing for their adult nonfiction books? Agents troubleshoot each step of the wayAuthors must be a marketerWill agents work with first time authors? YES!Advice on when to consider a traditional dealHow to pitch an agent:* In person pitches vs. query letter* Be succinct, compelling, and clear either way* Include genre, length, how paired for topic (best source on the topic)* Show how it is different and better—tough because there is so much out there* Author is front and center—google yourselfStart with a query. Rita says she will ask to see proposal if she's interested. She is agile and responds quickly. Where are you with other agents and publishers? Has this been seen by others? What are your expectations? Let's manage those. Rita is very transparent with her pitches to publishers. Material needs to be refined before it is pitched.How do traditional authors get paid—the reality.* Advances, royalties, earning out your advance, etc.* When it earns out, that is a success; the audience showed up to support the book* Typical payouts 2xyear (May/June; Oct/Dec)Changes in Publishing Due to the Pandemic:* Supply chain problem with paper supply—could impact whether longer word counts may be negotiated to save paper* eBook spike during Covid—book publishing did well* Audio is an enduring format* TikTok and Instagram leading to book ideas. May change quicklyGood Habits for Authors Going Traditional* Fire in the belly* Respect the team's involvement* Good behavior counts* Be patient, there is often not instant gratification. Gentle inquiries go a long way* Figure out fresh ways to market* Always carry a copy of your book with youReach Out to Rita:* Open door policy. Let them know you heard of her on Write Something Worthy* Welcomes contact from our listeners* Visit www.RitaRosenkranzLiteraryAgency.comIf you’d like to share your thoughts:* Leave a note in the comment section below* Submit questions to [email protected]* Join our Worthy Tribe to have affirmations and episode drops sent to you: https://WriteSomethingWorthy.com/Alerts* Share this show on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or

Errors diminish your dazzle and weaken your wallet. Learn the importance of editing in this week's episode.

In this episode Tanya talks about birthdays, book launch celebrations, and tooting your own horn as an author.

"You become what you believe." Do you believe you have what it takes to become a best-selling author? Do you believe you can write and publish a quality, nonfiction book? We believe you do, and in this week's podcast, we share a few resources and tips to help you to tap into the Mindset of a Best Seller.

A conversation with Randy Peyser where we talk about attracting a publisher and getting a book deal.

What lies and excuses have you told yourself about becoming an author? As a book coach for many years, I have heard a lot of them, especially from emerging authors, so today I’m going to share some that you might be using and offer my top tips to quell them. Let’s get started!

[Our Inaugural Episode...]

“Welcome to the first full episode of the Write Something Worthy Podcast! I am so excited that you are here with me on this new journey.”In this inaugural episode of the Write Something Worthy Podcast, host Tanya Brockett shared some of the firsts in her life that have led her to this day. She shares about her first presentation, first desire to be an author, first book, first e-book, and more. Additionally, Tanya shares a memorable quote from an article by Hota Kotb: “Don’t hog your journey; it’s not just for you.” She encourages authors to share their messages with the world and not hold back.After getting on her soap box to talk about why she believes we are to Write Something Worthy, Tanya shares the format of the podcast series and introduces the Worthy Writer episodes, the Ho’oponopono gongs, and the Abundant Author Affirmations segment of the show.Sign up for podcast alerts at WriteSomethingWorthy.com/Alerts. And remember to download, subscribe, and join the Worthy tribe!For a short video on how to subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, click here.Thanks for Listening!Show Mentions:The iPad, the Manifestation, and the Law of Attraction on Amazon: (https://amzn.to/329dMXN)Do BeHave Course: www.dobehave.netSubmit questions to [email protected]Harry B-Happy Bartholomew: Music from the album, Healing Gongs: A Ho’oponopono Cleaning Empowerment; www.harmonicthought.com; on Facebook at Healing with Harry B-Happy; on YouTube as Harry B-Happy; donate at http://paypal.me/harrybhappyFREE download of As a Man Thinketh (trade your email to download): https://TanyaLoves.me/ThinkethJoin our Worthy Tribe to have affirmations and episode drops sent to you: https://WriteSomethingWorthy.com/AlertsFor a short video on how to subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, click here.If you’d like to share your thoughts:Leave a note in the comment section below.Share this show on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.With deepest gratitude for:* Podcast producer: Dave Stokes, www.author2audio.