Comments on: Author Interview: Alicia Dunams

By: Meghan Ward

Meghan Ward — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:34:57 +0000

Thanks, Patti, for your comment. I think you're absolutely right that writers need to be prepared to do their own marketing whether they self-publish or not. Great advice about blogs, websites, and newsletters. Looking forward to checking out your blogs!

By: Patti McKenna

Patti McKenna — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:02:09 +0000

I've also worked with Alicia and am very familiar with Alicia's business and strategies. I thought I'd join your discussion and share some of my experiences. First, the literary industry is a competitive one, which has its advantages and its disadvantages. Yes, everyone does want to be "published," however, making that happen isn't a walk in the park. When, and if, it ever does, that's where the work really starts. If you want a successful book via a traditional publisher, be prepared to work full-time at marketing and promoting it. While my debut book, Children Should Come With Warning Labels, was accepted by a traditional, but small, publisher, I know that authors lose some ownership and control over their books when they sign the rights to them away. So, be very careful about who you give your book, which is your baby, to. Not all literary agents and publishers are reputable! Some of the books I've ghostwritten have managed to secure big names like John Wiley and Sons, while others were self published by my clients. One of the keys to successful self publishing is creative massive exposure in a specific time period. Alicia has a blog on how to do that, and I encourage all to read it. That said, to be a success, you have to make sure your book really is the best it can be. If writing is not your talent, hire someone who can write well to help you convey your message. It's also important that every book has extra eyes, editing and proofreading can make all the difference between a book and a great book. As Alicia states, the book is not the end of the journey, it's merely the beginning. Once you have the book, you have to create exposure, constantly updating your audience with interesting information and articles. You also have to make sure you get out there every day in an attempt to reach your readers. Blogs, websites, newsletters are good ways to do that. I have two blogs, one for my services as a writer and editor, and another which focuses on the topic of my book, which is the humorous realities of parenting. You can see them at www.writeandedit.wordpress.com or www.PattiMcKenna.wordpress.com. Like authors, your image and message must always be a work in progress, an ongoing book that never has an ending.

By: Meghan Ward

Meghan Ward — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:13:53 +0000

Thank you, Alicia, for the interview! And Marcy: "In the end, you need to have the kind of personality and drive to get out there and do it." This statement is so true. Some people have the drive and some people don't. I'm guessing that most of us who are blogging about writing every day do, and could benefit from Alicia's advice.

By: Marcy Sheiner

Marcy Sheiner — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:01:10 +0000

I'm one of Alicia's ghostwriters, and IJWTS that I learn something from her every time we talk, or I hear or read something from her, including this great interview. Although I realized early on that the Internet was going to free writers from the tyranny of the publishing industry, Alicia really opened my eyes to the possibilities and potential, of which we've only seen a small part so far. I say this as someone who's been banging my head against the cement wall of that industry for almost 40 years.

I agree with mostly all of Alicia's ideas on publishing and marketing non-fiction, and some of it also applies to fiction–but in the end, you need to have the kind of personality and drive to get out there and do it. Alicia has that in spades. Since meeting her I've gotten somewhat better about it. Just to prove it: everyone, come visit my blog!

By: Alicia Dunams

Alicia Dunams — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:24:39 +0000

The book publishing industry is mimicking what happened in the music industry – Why wait for someone to discover you – or- Why share profits when I did the work and built my own audience?

Also, to piggy back on Kristan's comment, you don't have to necessarily self-publish, there are a many independent publishers out there who will publish your book at no cost, as long as you are utilizing their Author Services, like in my case, book writing and marketing coaching, or the services of my team which include developmental writing, formatting, book cover design, PR, social networking support etc.

Thanks Meghan for the interview. Please let me know if I can offer anymore support to you or your readers.

By: Meghan Ward

Meghan Ward — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:29:29 +0000

Kristan, I completely agree that self-publishing is wonderful for people who have a built-in audience and don't want to wait the nearly two years they have to wait to get it out through a traditional publisher. I'm curious to know more about PA. I'll google them!

By: Kristan

Kristan — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:07:19 +0000

"The book was done, and I just wanted it out."

Exactly. My boyfriend published his book New House 5 ( http://www.newhouse5.com/ ) with Publish America for the same reason. They are, technically speaking, a traditional publisher, but just Googling them will give you a TON of conflicting opinions about them, likening them to self-publishing or even to devils. I won't make a final judgment one way or the other, but I will say that PA served my boyfriend's needs at the time. They never charged him for anything, and got his book out quickly. Of course, he was responsible for all marketing himself, but he's sold enough to feel satisfied. (And PA is about to join the e-book market, so who knows what that will do to sales.)

So anyway, props to Alicia Dunams for making her own path and being proud of it. Certainly seems to have worked for her.