Tag Archives: writing

Book Review: Published. The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold

Published.

Do you want to be published? Chandler Bolt gives you the tools in his book, Published. The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold. Actually, rather than feeling like you’re reading a long tome, it’s more like sitting down with your own manuscript coach. Chandler’s writing style comes across as a conversation loaded with practical tips. Chandler’s approach is “Let’s move away from getting your book done someday and have a discussion about making it happen now!”

“Chandler Bolt is the CEO of Self Publishing School and Selfpublishing.com, the author of six books, and the host of the Self Publishing School podcast. He believes that ‘Books Change Lives’ and has helped 6,000+ aspiring authors publish a book.”

Published promises:

  • How to write a quality book and save time in the process
  • How to produce a quality book on a budget
  • Proven launch strategies and marketing methods
  • How to sell books and get booked for speaking opportunities
  • Three ways to grow your business with a book

Published came through on fulfilling those promises by showing how to have a clear vision for your writing, providing a strategy for organizing words, and tackling limiting beliefs. Chandler says when you have an outline, you create your own GPS that will help you navigate the writing process. He not only shows you how to map out an outline, but to also use it to create your rough draft.

I like the down-to-earth way Chandler works through the nuts and bolts of putting together a book. Checklists and Next Steps provide clarity and ingenuity. From mind mapping your outline to marketing your finished product, Published gives you a sound vehicle to arrive at your destination. Chandler’s contagious enthusiasm makes you believe you can do it and want to tackle the work to make it happen.

Sally

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

You Want to be Published?

publish

Scores of books and articles have been written on how to get published. So maybe, you don’t need me to tell you how, but to encourage you, that you can do it!
1. Set goals. If you write one page every day for a year, you’ll have 365 pages! I have kept a desk calendar at different times, just for word count and submission goals.
2. Be disciplined. You have to put your seat in the chair and stay there! Use a timer and then reward yourself with a stretch break. Find what helps to keep you on task.
3. Outline. Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden say “an effective outline can help you stay on track and focus on your topic.” Break your subject down into three or five major areas. Then begin filling in the gaps with stories and essential points. Edit until it sings.
I used this method for the article in Women of Worth: Sugar & Spice, and it helped me meet my deadline!
4. You can find ways to get published when you email the editor. What are their editorial needs? How do you get on their author rotation? I did this with Light From The Word, and was able to land an assignment for seven devotionals when I sent samples of my work.
5. Visualize your audience and write to that person. If you’re writing for young moms, then you’ll use examples from when your kids were toddlers. Edit out big words when writing for children. Watch for slang that won’t relate to senior citizens.

Oddly, when you look at writers on writing, they focus more on developing your craft, than on finding a publisher.
Point taken, you’ll get published when you know how to write.
Ellison and Gilden ask, “Do you see your writing as a ministry? Then, who can you serve? How can you help? Where can you enlighten? What can you teach? When can you encourage? Why have you been given the gift of words? Is it to keep them to yourself, or for the benefit of others?”
If for the benefit of others, then do so with excellence!
Helpful Resources:
For The Write Reason:   Marybeth Whalen
WriterSpeaker.com:  Carmen Leal
Write His Answer:  Marlene Bagnull
The Complete Guide to Christian Writing and Speaking:  Susan Titus Osborn
Called to Write:  Edna Ellison & Linda Gilden
The Art of War for Writers:  James Scott Bell
Funds for Writers:  C. Hope Clark
Sally