Friday, January 5, 2018

Which Pros -- Not Prose -- Will You Need To Succeed This Year?



Just like actors and directors who thank a long list of people who helped them excel at their craft in an Oscar’s acceptance speech, authors need to assemble their staff in hopes of rising to a celebrated writer status.

So just which professionals does an author need?  Here’s a list of 14 individuals that you may need to call upon:

1.      Lawyer

2.      Therapist

3.      Accountant

4.      Assistant

5.      Researcher

6.      Editor

7.      Writing coach

8.      Book packager

9.      Personal manager

10.  Publisher or printer and distributor

11.  Literary agent

12.  Booking agent (speeches, appearances)

13.  Publicist

14.  Social media coordinator

Wow! When I list all of them it makes it seem like a writer needs all kinds of help and it can add up quickly!  But most writers will prioritize, based on their needs, budget, skill set, and preferences, as to whom he or she must hire.

Pay For Help
The rest of your life is the same way.  Your list could get real long fast if you start using a pro for everything, from manicurist and house cleaner to landscaper and stock broker.  The world is littered with people for hire, from being your uber to personal shopper, from gym trainer to masseuse.  There simply is no limit as to what you can pay someone to do for you.

However, writers do need some professional assistance whether they can afford it or not – and whether they cared to admit it or not.  All writers need some guidance and third-party advice/resources.  Authors live in their own bubble and need to have a second pair of eyes or a seasoned opinion of their work.

Prioritize
Some professionals are critical to making sure you don’t screw up.  Lawyers ensure your rights are protected and accountants make sure your tax bill is no more than it should be.  Promoters advance an author’s platform, build your brand, and give you validity by way of media exposure.  Those three can’t be skipped.  Neither can a good editor.

Referrals
Not sure where to go for referrals?  Ask writers, writer groups, and author associations.  Go online and see which professionals seem experienced and knowledgeable.  Some of it is trial and error. You’ll need a personality fit with people that you will work closely with – editor, publicist, therapist – and others will need to be good and won’t have to be likeable.  These are pros – not your friends.  So who will you hire?

DON”T MISS THESE!!!
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Study this exclusive author media training video from T J Walker


Brian Feinblum’s insightful views, provocative opinions, and interesting ideas expressed in this terrific blog are his alone and not that of his employer or anyone else. You can – and should -- follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels much more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2018. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs

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