I have been working with authors for 7 years and since I work in self publishing I get asked a lot of questions. The biggest question is on marketing. Well I had (what I think) is a genius idea of compiling all of my authors tips and advice on marketing and putting into one nice little neat booklet. The book launched in August 2013 and is available in print and eBook.
When I first started this project, I realized how important it was to involve other authors in the beginning stages of my self-publishing journey. I was going to only blog about my book and how to market my book but I thought – that would be silly. Why not start at the VERY beginning. That way you all can see the trials and tribulations I encounter with preparing the manuscript, doing my cover, copyright, LOC, uploading to POD, printing, distribution, eBooks….the list goes on and on. It is very overwhelming and always so much to do.
So that is how the blog was born. I have never blogged, tweeted or whatever so this will be interesting. *Be sure to hit the little follow button on the top of your screen. That way you are alerted as soon as a new blog comes up. I won’t bombard you with info…maybe once or twice a week. Promise.
P.S – I am not a writer nor an editor so enter at your own risk.
A Bit About Moi (My ‘About the Author’ Bio)
Jill Mettendorf is the Senior Publishing Consultant at Mira Digital Publishing, a Division of Graphic Connections Group. She has worked with and talked to thousands of authors in her 7 year career. Before her career in publishing began, Jill studied Visual Communications at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. She has expanded this knowledge into a vast consulting base for self publishing authors. Jill understands the need for marketing your book…and marketing it well. For more information on services and a consultation, please email jill@mirabooksmart.com
real answers real authors 
You rock!
Sounds good to me, Jill. Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks Ste’phane!
Sounds good to me. Can’t wait to read it.
I want an autographed copy. Can I buy the 1st one?
Absolutely, Thanks!
Ahhh…An adventure begins! Good Luck. I am not finished yet. I have more mountains to climb. If you could hel with people getting on the right track… then this is the place. You might think of this: Create a Facebook place for all of us to share questions and answers. You oversee it and add some advice and answers! It’ll be a hit! Good Luck!
Thanks Lynn, I do have a facebook account with the book. I will be promoting through social media pretty hard over the next couple of weeks. Just like you guys, I am trying to figure out the best way to do it but will be sure and blog about it. 😉
Great concept, Jill! How best to serve authors than to become one? Can’t wait to see which of my marketing ideas made it in your book. Congrats for coming over to the other side. Val
Thanks Val! It is a bit overwhelming for sure. I think I will try and put together some sort of plan or outline for authors on where to even start. That may be a good added value or a blog idea. You are the pro so any insight is appreciated!
Cool idea to chart this experience… best on your journey!
Thanks!
Your timing is sooo perfect. With the Writer’s Workshop sponsored by Lindenwood University and presented by the O’Fallon (IL) Writers’ Guild coming on September 7, having your book newly published and ready for sale to the attendees should be a great start. Add to that, the fact that you will be ther in person and you have a winner. will present tothe gr
Thanks John! Can I post my blogs on the Writers Guild facebook page? I would like to connect this to the conference somehow.
Congratulations!
Thanks Amy!
Hi Jill–so fun to connect a face to the friendly voice. You have been a big help with my book Above and Beyond Wellfleet:A memoir about welcoming life after loss. I’m really looking forward to your book, and think that building interest in it through your blog and other social media is great. Congratulations. Connie
Thanks Connie, I am glad I can help!
Fantastic Jill, super excited for you and this new journey! You are going to rock this!
Thanks Carrie!
So excited for you! And can’t wait to follow your journey!
Thanks Amy!
Way to go Jill …a great idea!
Thanks Martin!
Looking forward to it, Jill! This is a great idea.
Thanks Drew!
Good luck with your book, Jill.
Thanks Michele!
Hello Jill, Of course I need to comment. We have worked together for five plus years, and thirty eight storybooks later you are still coming through for me. Your book is full of the things I needed to know but didn’t when I started self-publishing my storybooks. You go girl. PJ Cowan
Thanks PJ, I was waiting to hear from you on here! I should do a blog on you and all your books 🙂
Love it Jill. This must be fun and I know you’ll be successful. Thanks for helping all of us learn from you in the process.
I too, wish to have an autographed copy, I put myself on your waiting list.
Thanks Albert!
Put me down for a signed copy, too, Jill.
Will do, thanks Drew!
I have published a book Over the Backyard Fence, which I believe is great. Need to get it made into a film, how? Need help!
That is a good question. Many authors want to see their book on the big screen but seldom does it happen. I don’t have an answer for the most direct route. It would take some research and reach out to people in the industry. I would first start by talking to a literary agent. I would assume to be taken seriously in the film industry – you will need to be represented.
Good Luck!
Join the club Edward. I’ve been trying to get one of my children’s books “The Book Of Funtastic Adventures,” into a movie. I even had the interest of successful screen writer that works for George Lucas of Star-Wars, but because my stories has my young grandsons as imaginary Jedi Knights he was afraid to proceed due to possible copyright problems, even though my book is a spoof/parody. I even had 12 1/2 minutes of movie video made to advertise the book. The biggest challenge is more than having a good or even great book, but getting it to become a best seller. I have said that the best critics of children’s books should be children, but it’s usually very busy high end publishers or Literary agents that will not usually look at anything from authors that they don’t know. But keep persevering you never know.
Jill, great job–just waiting to lay my hands on your book!
Thanks so much Jill for all your help my books looks fabulous. Hope to get out there soon and do more book signings.
Freda
This sounds exciting. Looking forward to following this journey on a regular basis.