Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Diane Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association and a motivational speaker. She’s conducted seminars on book publishing and promoting for five years and assisted writers through several author services. Her other titles include “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK!” which ties her goal-setting and leadership seminar’s information together, and a YA series, The Circle of Friends. Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, and contributes to several other sites and newsletters.
I'd also like to brag that she's a friend of mine. Welcome to the blog, Diane!
Thanks, Susan. It's great to be here.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written two non-fiction books, Overcoming Obstacles with Spunk and How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now, plus a five-book YA/NA series called The Circle of Friends.
Do your characters take on a life of their own? If so, which is your favorite?
Several of the characters in The Circle of Friends were very real to me. I even started dreaming about them. The closest to my heart are Sarah and Matt from Book II. There is a lot of me in Sarah. Matt is all about the fun and has a great heart. Their relationship is just very special.
Give a short synop of your most recently published book.
How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!
Have you always dreamed of publishing a book but didn’t know where to begin? This book walks you through the steps of identifying markets, budgeting, building an online presence, and generating publicity. Get the whole story on traditional publishing; self-publishing; print and e-book setup, formatting, and distribution; finding your target audience; generating reviews and media interest; networking and developing an online presence; and promotional materials and appearances. Uncover your ideal publishing path and numerous marketing options before you begin. Writing is your dream. Give it the best chance for success!
I have this book, Diane, and it has plenty of tips for those of us who've been writing a while, too.
What challenges did you face while writing this book?
Just forcing myself to write it was the biggest challenge. It’s based on two seminars I’ve taught for years, so I have no idea what took me so long to put it together. I think the amount of research scared me, plus the fact there are already so many books on the market. However, there aren’t many that incorporate both publishing and promoting, and I’m really proud of the final product.
What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give new writers?
I’ve learned that marketing is one of the most important parts of the process. If you write the greatest book in the world but don’t know how to market it, then it’s not going to sell. A really bad book will fail no matter what, but successful promotions can make even an average book sell well.
We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?
I won’t list everything, but I send out emails and postcards, do a virtual tour, and do a few speaking engagements. I only do a few book signings or book events a year now. Print books just don’t sell as well as e-books now. But I do sell quite a few at my speaking engagements.
Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
Website - http://www.spunkonastick.net/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/
Facebook Business - https://www.facebook.com/
Are your books available in print and ebook formats? (please provide the buy link for easy reader accessibility)
How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now is available in print and on all ebook platforms:
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Amazon Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/Publish-
Purchase links for my other six books are all located on this page:
18 comments:
Marketing is so important but im not that great at it. Your book is really handy for us authors. Thanks!
Promoting isn't fun, but we have to do it.
I always love your tips, Diane. Long live the Queen of promotion!
Jai
Enjoyed the interview, thank you both! Appreciate the tips and info!
Thanks so much, everyone.
I've skimmed the highlights of your book but with my next book in the editing stage I need to sit down and read it straight through.
It's a great resource. Diane is a fountain of good information.
Great tips Diane! Wonderfully done
Susan ;D
Hi Susan - great that you and Diane are friends and can meet up occasionally ..
I have Diane's book here - and really like the idea of the two parts publishing and promoting .. I'm certain it will be useful in due time ..
Cheers to you both - Hilary
Stephen, I hope you find some useful tips.
Hilary, I hope it helps you one day.
As I mentioned in the post, Diane and I live in the same vicinity even though it seems we have to go elsewhere to spend any time together. lol. I have the book and can certainly attest to the fact that it's a helpful tool for any writer. I hope you read yours from cover to cover. Since my publisher died recently, I find myself not only writing and promoting but also looking for a new publisher. Diane's book will help me move forward with this process.
Marketing is one of the most important parts and the hardest part too.
-Maurice Mitchell
The Geek Twins | Film Sketchr
Very insightful interview, ladies!
"If you write the greatest book in the world but don’t know how to market it, then it’s not going to sell. A really bad book will fail no matter what, but successful promotions can make even an average book sell well."
Very, very true. :)
Susan, I really hope you are able to find a new publisher. So sad how you lost yours.
Thank you, Diane. It's been a hard blow to the entire "Dream Team", but we're keeping in touch and trying to help each other.
Hi, Susan,
A helpful blog and very interesting.
Thank you, Jacquie. You've certainly been supportive.
L. Diane, thank you for your comment on my page. I have got to slow down a bit and catch up. Your book looks wonderful and seems it may be full of great advice. You also have a lot of links to catch up with. You are busy!
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