This picture says it all...How to get exponential results with your book, and in your life

This picture says it all.

This week I wrapped the final edit of a client’s book, and was surprised to find these kind words written to me on his acknowledgements page. 

I was surprised because I respect and admire this guy so much—he’s an athlete, coach, scout and recruiter who has spent his whole life living and breathing leadership, teamwork and excellence—it means the world to have him say these words about ME.

I was also surprised because I care so much about this book and all the children and families it’s going to help thrive, I wasn’t looking for praise or people pleasing or just checking off boxes—I wanted to do my very best, with everything that I have.

See the coolest thing about the work that I do as a book coach is I can help ONE person. And that person can help THOUSANDS, or more. The work I do, and the results we get from it, are exponential. 

So if the reason you have for writing your book is to impact lives, make a difference for others, make them feel seen/heard/loved, to uplift/inspire/educate/empower…I’m your person.

In case you didn’t realize—people need your book, your story, your message NOW. 

So don’t sit on the fence. Don’t wait for the perfect time—it’ll never happen. Something else will always come up, to get in your way. 

The time is now. And if you need help figuring out how to pull it all off—the career and the book and the passion project and your purpose and your mission—book a call with me. I’m here, and I’m ready to fight for you, your book and your vision.

So what worked with my client Matt?

-I helped give him the confidence, motivation and encouragement to go all in on his dream of writing, completing and publishing his book. Sometimes we just need to know our idea is worth going after, and that we’re on the right track, to give us the momentum we’re already capable of.

-I workshopped outline, book structure and book marketing strategy with him so he could attack his first draft with gusto. In the end, Matt was able to WRITE HIS ENTIRE BOOK IN JUST ONE MONTH! Knowing that I had his back with editing and that he could count on me to level up his manuscript through edits and revisions kept Matt moving and out of analysis paralysis and the endless perfectionist loop.

-Matt has a big vision, and the book is a cornerstone of that. Working with someone who could see the whole picture of everything he wanted to create in his life and career helped Matt write a book that would help him achieve his life, business and legacy goals. On our calls, we don’t just talk about story, we workshop book marketing and business strategy too to help Matt optimize all the incredible opportunities that are opening up for him as a result of his book.

Ready to experience Matt's results for yourself? Book a Power Hour with me and give your book the traction and momentum you want. 

Cat xo

PS: What can you expect from our Power Hour together? You can use that time for a variety of different goals and outcomes: Gain clarity on your book so you can start writing it. Get unstuck, get back on track and gain major momentum toward finishing your book. Discover the best ways to create buzz around your book launch and get your book in front of readers. And more!

Click here to sign up now. 

Winning! Book coaching wins from last week

We don’t acknowledge our wins enough, and that goes for me too, so here are some from the last week:

During my membership meet-up last week, Stephanie discovered the opening scenes and pages of her book. After I started digging and asking questions, we uncovered some moments that were so powerful, she found her pot of gold and teared up in the process. (Warning/tip: In my coaching, I’m always looking for tears, laughs and goosebumps— that’s how I know we hit it.)

Diane is ready to tackle her second draft, so I gave her tips on how to edit herself, how to create a plan for editing and revising her book in a timely manner, how to not waste time tinkering with perfectionism and make the kind of changes and story updates that exponentially elevate her book and bring her that much closer to her publishing goals.

Mike isn’t ready to start his book yet—he’s still in the land of ideas and curiosity. So I gave him permission to let himself off the hook right now and simply play with the idea, while creating a writing practice by journalling daily. This will prepare him for writing his book by giving him the chance to hone his voice and writing skills, and also to reflect on and articulate his thesis and philosophy, while steering him out of procrastination and analysis paralysis, so he can create momentum and progress (and even a content bank!) toward publishing his book.

During last week's book publishing workshop, Antwon shared that he was already killing it with presales and was ready to launch his book. Still, he was stumped on what to follow up with. I was able to give him some direction on content strategy for how to nurture his relationship with his new readers, how to leverage his book for his other goals (motivational speaking), and even planted seeds for future books. I also offered to introduce him to one of my like-minded one-on-one clients so they could appear on each other’s podcasts. Win-win!

Through our 1-1, Shannon gained clarity on her book angle, title and tagline, as well as her book marketing strategy as pertains to her business goals. She also decided to extend her book launch by a couple of months to ride the wave of newsworthiness and what will be topical at the time of her book launch, plus to gather more early reviews and trade reviews for her book.

And that’s just a few of the ways I helped my members, writers, authors and workshop attendees last week. If you have any questions on these areas or some of your own, hit REPLY.

Storytelling is my ministry and I love to serve!

Cat xo

PS: To get coaching and feedback specific to you, your book, your goals and where you’re at now, sign up for my membership program, where you'll get access to my membership community, including my Kickstart Your Book online course, monthly meet-ups and group coaching calls to help you move forward with your book publishing goals, with accountability, guidance and support. Click here to sign up now.

We can be heroes

There's a teenager living in my basement so I know that most students are already off for the summer.

But...if I were to get in front of the class of 2023, here's what I would tell them.

First, that I'm shocked that their school asked me to speak (hypothetically).

Because I have been nothing if not a mess-up. 

I barely graduated from high school. In fact I think I had to finish off at summer school and some alternative centre to get my diploma because I was so checked out.

Next I took the following year off—and worked dead end jobs while all my friends lived it up on campus.

It made me hungry to go back to school, though, so I could get a real job—unfortunately no one told me Journalism was already dead so I picked a dinosaur career path that was doomed from the get-go. I LOVED every minute of it, though--learning to build websites and run magazines, write and interview bands. That part was a blast.

College wrapped quick, and most of my friends were still in university. So I decided to sign up and waste time, following my curiosity and taking completely impractical courses on dystopias and fables, French literature and Spanish history.

Which prompted my third year university roommate to ask me, “Why are you so old?”

I was 25 then and already engaged to be married.

Don’t get me wrong—I’ve had incredible successes. I graduated Honours in university and climbed the magazine editor ranks until I was queen of the hill. I've been an entrepreneur for 10 years and love the freedom and creativity I've been able to tap and explore along the way. I've been happily married for almost 20 years and I'm the mother of 4 awesome kids that blow me away every day and are smarter and cooler than anything I could have imagined.

I’ve also hit rock bottom—a few times.

So what advice does a loser (aka, unconventional winner) like me have to offer a class like yours?

How about:

Be okay with making plans

And be okay when they don’t turn out

Be okay with layoffs, restructuring, pivots and transitions…

They may actually lead you to something that is ultimately more fulfilling

Keep moving forward

Keep committing until you find new things to be committed to

Keep leaning into your passions, your joy, your curiosity…they will lead you to your zone of genius and your happy place.

And know that even as you cycle through the highs and lows of life, you can count on an upward trend when you have faith, follow your heart and trust in your hero's journey. We can be heroes...

Cat xo

PS: I'm hosting my last free book publishing workshop before I break for the summer. Come join me this Weds June 28 at 12pm EST if you want to learn about writing, publishing and selling books--and stick around for the audience Q&A after! Click here to register and receive login link and details.

Why there's nothing safe about it, plus some takeaways from my Success Story interviews

I’m a book coach and an author. There is nothing safe about what I do.

This is what I was thinking as I listened to my father and stepmom speak the other day. I could hear the fear in their voices and all the ways they want to protect my sister and I, not realizing that this is also how parents hold their kids back and keep them playing small.

We love our kids so much and want to protect them at all costs. But life isn’t easy and pursuing a meaningful, fulfilling—especially creative, entrepreneurial—life comes with major risks. It is not for the faint of heart or weak of faith.

My leadership trainer Michael Strasner often talks about “living life on the skinny branches.” In fact, he wrote a book on it.

And boy, are we ever, my sister and I.

Every day, it’s my job to have conversations with myself and others that most people avoid. Exploring questions of life and death, faith, the meaning of life, and what our role and responsibilities are in it all. The books we’re working on demand that readers be willing to take themselves on, reframe their perception of reality and perhaps even make life-changing decisions. To RISK, in order to receive. (Just like my favourite authors and books have always done.)

I know what playing safe looks like. I did it for 20 years, before I realized I’d rather be anywhere than there.

So now I’m a book coach and an author—and a mother. There is nothing safe about what I do. But it’s also the most rewarding place to be.

Cat xo

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Some takeaways from my Success Story interview series:

-It's never too soon to invite readers on your book publishing journey with you. Not only does it hold you accountable, but it also builds relationships with readers and gets them invested in your success.

-Chose the platform or mechanism that feels most natural and right to you to nurture your audience--whether that's an email newsletter, Instagram feed or YouTube videos. You don't have to be on TikTok to be a successful author, but you do need to show up somewhere your audiences are.

-You don't need a publishing house behind you to be a best-selling author, but you do need to be willing to do the work to market and represent your book if you go the way of self-publishing and expect sales.

PS: There's still time to sign up for my Success Story series and watch these fantastic interviews for yourself. Register here to get them delivered straight to your inbox.

How to launch, market and sell your book

If you've been reading my emails, you would know by now that I recently got a book deal with a small press publisher in Toronto. (Hurray! 🎉)

But what you might not know is that I was *this* close to self-publishing my book.

That's why I cooked up my next interview series, so I could find out for myself, and my book coaching clients, the best ways to launch, market and sell a book. 

I'm calling this series SUCCESS STORY: Experts share tools and strategies on how to market, launch and sell your book to reach the largest audience.

And I've lined up an incredible array of experts and guests--including best-selling authors Gabrielle Stone and K. A. Tucker, Nick Uskoski and Tamara Lush from Wattpad, Matt Briel from Lulu Publishing, Damon Courtney from Book Funnel, book marketing experts Dan Blank and Emily Enger, and more.

Join us for the LIVE ONLINE SHOW on June 14, when you'll have a chance to ask your own questions during our Audience Q&As. I will also be hosting an Indie Author Round Table and Audience Q&A on June 15, with authors Laurie Petrou, Heather Dixon and Erin Pepler.

No matter your path to publishing—whether it’s traditional publishing, independent/small press publishing or self-publishing—you’re going to discover the tips, tools and tricks to reach the largest audience and create the most success for your book. Through this series, you’ll hear about how to engage your ideal audience, create excitement around your book release and market it in a way so as to generate significant book sales and revenue.

Here’s what is going to be covered in the INTERVIEWS: 
-BEST-SELLING AUTHORS share the secrets to their success
-Strategies for how to create the biggest splash possible with your BOOK LAUNCH 
-The FUTURE of publishing from those who are leading the way 
-How to create a SUSTAINABLE marketing plan so you can keep writing and doing what you love
-The tools and platforms that hold the most PROMISE for you and your book
-What authors need to know about AUDIENCES to successfully market and sell their book 
 
These interviews are REAL, short and to the point CONVERSATIONS with best-selling authors, publishers and book marketing experts who are leading the way with innovative 
strategies to launch, market and sell your book so you can reach the most readers possible.

The series is totally free. All you have to do is register here to receive log-in details for the show.

Trust me, you don't want to miss this.

So join me and 12 other speakers as we share the top tips, tools and strategies to LAUNCH, MARKET & SELL YOUR BOOK, so you can keep doing what you love: Telling stories and sharing them with others.

Register for Success Story now and claim your spot.

I'll see you inside,

Cat xo

PS: Have a writer friend? Share this email invite! No matter where they are in their journey, these interviews can help them prepare for their author debut, or help them revitalize book sales and create a thriving writing career.

Q: How do I publish a book?

There are myriad ways to publish your book, but to keep this short, simple and sweet, let’s break your options into two:

Traditional publishing requires getting an agent who will then pitch your book to publishers. Once you have a book deal, it can take another 18 months before your book appears on a bookshelf. So timing is a key consideration here, especially since

getting an agent can take weeks, months or years, and the same for getting a book deal with a publisher. To get an agent, you’ll need to provide a query letter, synopsis and sample chapters. Make sure your book is in the best shape possible as you can only make a first impression once, and it’s best if your entire manuscript is ready as if the agent likes what they see, they’ll likely request to see the rest of it.

Another option that’s growing in popularity is self-publishing. Anyone can self-publish their book through Amazon and a variety of other platforms, at any time. It can be tempting to go ahead

and publish your book just because you can, but avoid skipping steps so you can put your best foot forward and have

the most success with your book. You also want to build in time for marketing your book before it goes on sale, if possible. That’s why many self-published authors turn to book coaches and third

parties—to help them with the editing, publishing and marketing parts of the process.

If you would like to be personally mentored by me during your book writing and book publishing journey, you can sign up for my group coaching/membership program here or reach out to me (hello@passionprojectpod.com) to inquire about my one-on-one coaching and editing packages.

How I got my book deal

I actually struggled to write this week’s blog post, which is odd because last week I actually got, and shared, the best news:

My first book has finally found a publisher home! 🎉

AGAIN ONLY MORE LIKE YOU will be published by Rising Action and available in bookstores April 2025!!!!

It’s been a journey for sure, with super highs, and major lows. We started out of the gate strong, and that was followed by disappointments as none of the Big Five publishers (which have since become the Big Four) picked it up, despite having one of the top literary agents at one of the top literary agencies campaigning for my book. 

I share this because my story is not uncommon. Even some of my favourite authors and mentors have had to look outside this elite group to place their books in the hands of readers. Interestingly, often, it’s these books that scoop up the awards and develop cult-like followings (ahem, Colleen Hoover?). 

The timing for my book deal was interesting as well—it came just as I was *this* close to self-publishing my book. 

For many of the authors that I coach and work with, self-publishing offers more control over their brand, and business, than any publisher could ever provide. And there’s the immediate gratification too, as you don’t have to wait the 2 years that’s standard with traditional publishing to see your book come out. The entrepreneur in me was excited to see what I could do on my own, and I am a bit of a control freak ;)

Still, I’m thrilled about where I landed. A small press offers the intimate relationship with a team and readers that I desire. I have a more significant say than I would had I gone with a traditional publisher, I retain more of my rights and I still have a fantastic team of editors, publicists and production managers to support me the entire way through. 

You’re in the right place if you want to follow along on my publishing journey—I’m happy to continue sharing as I embark on this new stretch as we move closer to my book launch. 

And if you have any questions in the meantime, you know where to find me. I’m still answering my own emails (you can reach me at hello@passionprojectpod.com), at least for now ;)

Cat xo

PS: Stay tuned for my next live event and interview series, launching June 14, to learn  all about launching, marketing and selling your book. Details coming soon!

Expert tips from my upcoming Success Story interview series

I’m having so much fun interviewing best-selling authors and publishing experts for my next series, called Success Story, which is all about how to market, launch and sell your book. Today I got to chat with Nick Uskoski, Head of Content and Creator Development at Wattpad, and author and Wattpad star Tamara Lush. I’ll be releasing details on the series launch soon, but in the meantime, here are a few juicy tidbits I just couldn’t wait to share with you:

From Nick:

-Authenticity and connection is the name of the game, so lean in. The more you do, the more your community will grow.

-When it comes to any book really, but especially web and serial novels, it’s all about the hook and the cliffhanger. Study the greats and get awesome at both.

-Passion and joy are contagious, so enjoy the process and the journey. Your readers will feel it.

From Tamara:

-The best way to market your book is to write another book.

-What you want for your cover might not resonate with your audience—this is the time to lean on your team, network and industry experts for guidance on a cover that sells.

-Use tropes but don’t be afraid to subvert—sometimes NOT giving readers what they (think they) want is what they’ll enjoy the most.

Have a question about books, publishing and writing? Write me at hello@passionprojectpod.com for the chance to have your question answered in a future newsletter!

Stop the self-sabotage

I had a major epiphany last week, at church. One of my friends was sharing how she had noticed that the very thing she was fearful of, she was creating in her life. Basically, she saw how she continues to traumatize herself by recreating her initial trauma. 

I realized I had been doing the same.

I’m sharing this because we do this. We sabotage ourselves over and over again. You’re probably doing it right now. Don’t believe me? Ask yourself: What stories are you telling yourself about your passion project, whatever that might be? Whether it’s a book you want to write, or a business you want to launch—what are you telling yourself about why it can’t happen or can’t happen right now?

It’s likely the same thing you’ve been telling yourself your whole life. And it’s not necessarily true. 

My parents split up when I was 7 and what I’m realizing is that to my 7-year-old brain, it seemed I had been kicked out of a club. I spent the rest of my days being simultaneously afraid of getting kicked out/rejected AND doing everything I can TO get kicked out of the club/job/clique. 

It’s the most messed up version of Fear of Failure/Fear of Success I’ve ever come face to face with. And we all do it.

So here’s your wakeup call. What’s your deepest fear? And looking over the pattern of your life, how has that surfaced time and time again?

That’s some pretty deep programming, but I know one thing’s for sure. The next time I spot that train coming, I’m finally ready to choose a different platform.

Tell yourself a different story. 

Cat xo

PS: I have some exciting news!!!! 🎉🎉🎉 Unfortunately, you’ll just have to wait a little longer to find out. Stay tuned!

Q: What do I do when I have a finished first draft?

As I like to say, a first draft is NOT your book. A first draft is a first draft—a great beginning. From there I encourage you to self-edit and revise as much as possible. When you find yourself no longer making sweeping changes to your story or book, and just tweaking it here and there—it’s time to walk away, and share it with a feedback partner. That can look like a writing critique buddy, a Beta reader or an editor. The goal here is constructive feedback and the focus should be on what are the opportunities for growth and improvement. Make sure your reader enjoys the kind of book you’ve written. Bonus points if they fall into the category of your ideal reader.

Have a question for me? Contact me for the chance to have it answered in a future newsletter!

Why relationships and networking matter

Relationships aren't the first thing you think about when you think about writing…

More likely an image comes to mind of a lonely figure in a cabin in the woods, scribbling down their next magnum opus.

But the fact is it’s going to take a village to get your book in the best shape possible, and then to help spread the word when it’s ready to release to the world. From agents, editors and publishers, to your fellow writers, friends, followers, fans and future loyal readers.

That’s why I especially loved my chat with Emily Enger of Good Enough Book Marketing today for my upcoming interview series on Self-publishing (details to come!). During our talk, she shared about the importance of relationships and networking as part of your book marketing strategy, all the ways they can help you and your book thrive.

I’ll be sharing info soon on how you can sign up to watch the interviews, but in the meantime, it’s something to think about and even take some first intentional steps toward: How can you support other authors today, and how can you meet more people in this space?

Cat xo

PS: One surefire way to get to meet other authors, agents and publishers is to participate in contests.

I’m judging the 2023 Page Turner Awards and there’s still time to enter. Have a look at these Award Categories, and enter ASAP so you don’t miss this fun opportunity to connect with other writers and industry players. I’ll see you there!

Q: How do I find readers and an audience for my book?

Q: How do I find readers and an audience for my book?

You know the saying, If a tree falls in the forest, does anybody hear it? 

The shelves are lined with books, so if you’re going to get your book into readers’ hands, you can never start early enough.

When it comes to writing non-fiction, you can start thinking about your audience right now. It doesn't have to wait until you have a finished first draft, an agent, or a book deal. Speak to them via your platforms and social media channels. It’s also a great way to listen to what they’re talking about and discover what matters to them—and you can piggyback on to that.

If you're going to self-publish, then absolutely you want to have a built-in audience. You can start building your audience by creating a blog, a podcast, or social media presence. You can also start by writing articles or essays on your topic and submitting them to publications. This will help you establish yourself as an expert in your field and build your platform and credibility.

As for fiction, many authors connect with their audiences and other writers via newsletters and platforms like Substack. It’s a great place to see what other successful authors are doing, so you can start building your following.

The most important thing is to go out and find your readers. Connect with them and build a relationship. Make your stuff easy to find, and create the kinds of conversations you’re both interested in. As I’ve heard enough times to believe it’s true—you don’t need ALL the readers. You just need a few who are fanatical about YOU.

What success means to you

Who’s it all for?

When you think about work and passion projects, I’ve got a question for you: Who or what are you doing it for and why?

The reason I ask is because I’ve been reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and it’s been bringing up a lot of very interesting questions that I don’t always have the answers to.

If you had asked me that question 20 years ago, I would have said: the byline, my ego, my sense of self-worth, to make my parents proud.

If you had asked me 10 years I would’ve said: my family, my children.

Five years ago, when I began committing myself to writing my books, I would’ve said it was for the women that I know and that I love and the women who are like us.

But today, honestly, I just want to turn my work into worship, for God.

I want to “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

I think that’s a pretty good motto to live by, don’t you?

Still, whoever or whatever it is that you worship, I think it’s a question worth asking. If only to gain clarity on what success really means to you.

And so I’d love to hear. Who, or what, is it for you? What does success look like for you?

Cat xo

PS: I’m thinking about starting a book club, and if you’ve already responded to my call out, don’t worry—The Purpose Driven Life will not be our first book. I would really love to host author Q&As as part of it and I think we get to begin a little bit more modestly than with Rick Warren. 🤪

But if books about leadership, personal development and transformation are important or interesting to you — personally I’m obsessed with them — DM me and say yes and I’ll keep you posted as the book club emerges.

PPS: If you’re worried I’m compiling a list of holier than thou texts for this book club, you’re wrong. I like my transformation with a side of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Don’t we all?

Q: How do I start writing my book?

Q: How do I start writing my book?

I have a ton of story ideas floating around, little notes and clippings that I keep in a file. But I know I have a book when I see the beginning, middle and end of the story. Then I’m ready to commit to writing it. So I often encourage my writers to take notes, file them away, there’s gold in all of it—and the editing and revising process is where they can decide what to keep and what to save for a rainy day/future project.

Another way to start writing a book is to think about your audience and readers from the beginning, even before you have a finished first draft. What do they want, and how can you help them experience that?

Most important, though—I think—is to establish a writing routine. After all, have you noticed that nothing gets done that isn’t blocked off in your calendar or turned into a daily habit? Right.

For me that means blocking off a time of day to dedicate to writing, even when I don’t know what I’m going to write about. Simply showing up day after day and typing will generate ideas that can evolve into something greater and more meaningful. And just getting in the habit of writing every day will improve the quality of your writing too, and help hone your voice.

You can block off an hour, or 20 minutes. Or set a word count you want to hit before taking a break—200 words, 500 words.

Be sure to set yourself up for success, though. Choose a time of day that best works for you, and make your goal effortless to achieve. I like to set the bar low—at least in the beginning. To make it easier for you to show up day after day. Whether that’s time spent at your computer, how many words you’re reaching for or the quality of your writing. To start, just make consistency your top goal—you will have a chance to improve and build as you move forward.

Finally, it can be helpful to seek out community—be it a writing group, feedback partner or accountability buddy. You don’t have to do this alone, and working toward a common goal—your books—will help keep you motivated and encourage you to keep on writing.

Looking for a community of writers and authors for support, feedback, accountability and more? Join my membership program today.

Top Takeaways From Today’s Founding Member Launch

WHAT A DAY!

Today is full of so many wins, I just had to share them with you:

1. Today I had my first live meetup with the members of my new book publishing membership program. I’m so excited to serve writers and authors far and wide, as I guide them through every aspect of writing, publishing and selling a book. I think it’s an incredible time for storytelling and that everyone can have access now to writing books that inspire, move, connect and uplift others. Whether it’s the traditional publishing path you’re interested in, or the self-publishing route you’re leaning toward—I’m thrilled that we live in a time when everyone can sit at the table. There’s room for us all.

2. You know what it’s like to plan a party, a wedding, any kind of event? And when everyone gets along, have things in common, and support each other so lovingly—this is the kind of community I dreamed of creating. And that’s exactly what happened today. Thank you to my founding members for leading so beautifully.

3. People came to me with their problems—and yes, that’s a win! Because it takes courage to ask for help and for what you need. Collaborating on and co-creating books is my favourite part of what I do, so of course I loved rolling up my sleeves to problem solve through stuck points and get my writers moving again, with momentum.

4. Finally, the thing that blew me away, which I couldn’t predict or plan for, was how much each of these writers had in common. Interests, book reading tastes, passion projects even family histories—we really are more alike than not, and when we can come together over a common goal, it helps dissipate some of the separateness that is so rampant today. If I had one wish for the world, it would be for everyone to see that.

If this sounds like the kind of community you want to be part of, sign up now for my book publishing membership and find community, coaching, resources and everything you need to help you write, finish, publish and sell your book. We're waiting for you inside!

Sign up today and you'll enjoy:

-Monthly group training & coaching calls

-Access to writing and book publishing tips, tools and resources

-A like-minded community passionate about books, writing and publishing—and each other!

-PLUS my special gift to kick start your book authoring journey

I’m closing the doors on this special offer on May 6, so join up and save while you can!

Cat xo

PS: Have a writer friend who needs to hear this? Share my special invitation while it lasts! Offer ends May 6.

Q: How do I find an agent?

Q: How do I find an agent?

There are myriad ways to find a literary agent—key, though, is finding the best fit for you.

Here are some of the more popular ways to find an agent:

1. You can search literary agents on QueryTracker (https://querytracker.net/).

2. Look up #MSWL (manuscript wish list) on Twitter, to see what agents are actively seeking.

3. Visit websites for literary agencies and get to know the agents featured on their site—they often post on their profiles which types of books they’re interested in, and whether they’re open to queries.

4. Read the acknowledgements pages of books in your genre/category. Authors often thank their agents, publishers and editors there.

5. Look up agents on social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, etc.) to get a feel for their content and to see if you’re a good fit for the person behind the job role. If the agent feels like a good match for you, follow and engage—essentially, nurturing a relationship between you.

6. Writer conferences and book-related events are a great way to network and meet people. Some even offer the chance to pitch agents on the spot!

7. Often, agents are included in the judging panel for writing contests and pitching challenges. It’s a great way to catch their eye, and valuable even just for feedback on your work.

8. Be open to working with new agents who are eager to build their list and may be able to give you more personal attention.

9. Know what kind of agent you need or want—is it a marketing, deal-making star, or someone who can be a creative partner for you, someone with an editorial eye who can really help you take your book to the next level? This might be a question to ask and explore before you sign the dotted line.

10. Use what you’ve learned about the agent and the relationship you’ve established to inform your query letter.

Got a question about book writing, publishing or marketing? Write me and let me know!

We don’t do things alone

How’s this for your new motto? “We don’t do things alone.”

I was listening to a great Jennie Allen podcast where she talked about this. And it’s not surprising—those past few years of separation, isolation, disconnection have created the greatest wave of mental, psychological and spiritual suffering in human history.

And yet, where my entrepreneurs at? How many of you are going it alone?

And where my writers at? How many of you think writing a book is a solitary act?

We don’t do things alone.

I am so grateful, and fortunate, to be surrounded by so many awesome people. My family, my friends, my coaching community, my leadership community, my writing community, my church family, my clients and partners and network.

And perhaps just as important, I am so grateful and fortunate to be the friend, the coach, the mom, wife, sister and daughter—that I get to be there for others, to lift and inspire.

I love being the Mickey to my writers’ Rocky—giving them some tips and getting them fired up before they go back in the ring.

I love being the friend who was able to find just the right words to encourage a friend who is going through hard times this weekend.

I even had someone reach out to me recently who wanted to partner up for a completely unrelated venture, just to have me to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with, and wasn’t that the loveliest gift and surprise.

It truly is the best feeling in the world, to give, and receive.

So wherever you are, and whatever you’re up to, I hope you take this message to heart.

Whether it’s a writing plateau, a business challenge, or a personal struggle—don’t do things alone.

There’s strength, creativity and so much more to learn and grow from in community.

As was the case with Wrexham’s comeback story this weekend, you never know who is going to make the most difference to your dreams, or where your next miracle might come from. But finding out is the fun part ;)

Q: How do I promote and market my book?

Q: How do I promote and market my book?

Here are 3 ways you can start promoting your book now (even before you finish it):

1. Tell people you're writing a book and let them be a part of your journey. Not only are you warming up your readership, but you’re also getting them invested in your success as they can feel part of it.

2. Ask your audience for feedback—from your book title to your cover, what better way to know what your readers like than to straight-up ask them? It’s also a great way to keep your audience engaged as you move toward your book launch.

3. Build your tribe. The saying “It takes a village” is true of publishing and marketing your book as well. Think about who can help spread the word about your book and invite them to be part of your movement.

PS: Want some help with writing, publishing and promoting your book? I’m offering monthly coaching that includes a membership into my book publishing academy, for a limited time only. Click here to join now.

Why writing is like truth telling

I’ll be honest and you’re probably not going to like it…

A lot of people ask me about how to write a book. And Lord knows I’ve read my share of books and taken courses on how to build a better book.

But you know what? I don’t believe any of that really works in the most impactful sense—at least not until the editing stage. 

The problem is writing from the outside in. It’s like trying to write a hit song, without the heart and soul. In my eyes, you’ll basically end up with a commercial jingle, which I guess is why they call it “commercial.”

Those songs, and books never inspired me. And while some bands and authors have managed to get away with it, I think it’s bad business practice.

Because it’s inauthentic. 

As a reader, and consumer, for that matter, I have 0 interest in reading anything formulaic. I want something original, quirky, even challenging. The more offbeat, the better. 

I think those are the pieces of art that truly stand the test of time, and that people will recall with fondness. 

I know a lot of people, writers, agents and publishers who will disagree with me, and I’m fine with that. Different strokes for different folks. 

But if you want to create something truly extraordinary, you need to stop looking outside of yourself, and start digging in. 

For me, writing is a discovery process: Discovery of myself and the world around me. And if you go into it supposing you have all the answers, then what are you uncovering and learning, really? And what value does this hold for anyone else?

That’s why you won’t find a lot of systems, charts and tip sheets in my coaching. I prefer the Socratic method: Asking questions that evoke your deepest truths and imagination. 

There are plenty of courses that will teach you how to write. I want to help you find the truth.

As Ernest Hemingway said, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” And write another one after that.

So write the book that only you can. Then use editing best practices (or hire an editor) to refine and make it better. 

That’s how you write a book. And a hit song too, for that matter.

Q: How do I engage my audience and make my writing interesting?

Q: How do I engage my audience and make my writing interesting?

Here’s the short answer: Put more of YOU in it. 

Long answer: Honestly, the more YOU come through in your writing, your story, your book, the more your reader will lean in.

I don’t care if yours is a book about how to increase productivity, sales or creativity—as Roosevelt famously said, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Think about it this way: How much do you love navigating through various prompts before FINALLY getting to speak with someone at your phone company? Would you rather be talking to a chatbot, or a REAL PERSON?

That’s what I thought. 

Another case in point: I was checking out a book a friend recommended to me recently, and the only reason I KEPT READING, was because the author’s voice was so powerful and compelling. She was so…herself, it was awesome. I couldn’t put it down. 

People are craving connection. And the more we get away from that in our culture and society today, the more you’ll stand out by giving the people what they actually want: More of YOU.

The more REAL, the more honest, the more vulnerable, the more specific, the better. You may lose some readers who don’t vibe with you, but you’ll gain a legion of fans who really get you and love you for it.