Most awards don’t always mean a lot. But that said, obtaining any public recognition or awards or titles is always worth getting when it comes to building your author brand.
Consider applying for the following awards:
Ben Franklin Awards
IPPY Awards
Indie Book Awards
USA Book News Awards
American Book Awards
Global Ebook Awards.
The big ones are reserved for the elite: Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Pen/Faulkner Award, Newbery Medal, National Book Awards, and National Book Critics Circle Awards.
New York Times, The Ethicist March 17, 2013
“Don’t end a friendship because someone acts in a way you never would. Part of being a good person is being open to people who are not so good, and part of being a friend is making flawed acquaintances feel as if they can tell you about their flaws (without fear of abandonment or persecution). In fact, if you’re the type of person who wants to associate exclusively with those who perfectly mirror your own ethical worldview, you’re reducing significantly the scope of your potential life experience.”
Psychology Today, May/June 2013
“’When was the last time you rode an elevator and didn’t pull out your phone? Every free moment has become an opportunity to get something done or be entertained.”
Locate Newspapers Here
To contact newspapers to promote your book, you’ll first need to acquire a directory of them. Try these sites:
Interview With Author Judy Brizendine
1. What type of books do you write? Nonfiction – Self Help
2. What is your newest book about? I’ve written two books so far – STUNNED by Grief and STUNNED by Grief Journal. Both books approach the topic of understanding and coping with grief and loss in a new, practical, and personal way – through an easy to understand concept called ‘remapping.’ Both books give an inside look at grief, and provide a realistic perspective for anyone facing the effects of loss.
3. What inspired you to write it? My own experience with loss after the sudden death of my husband, along with the stories of many other people (of widely varying ages and positions in life) I met through facilitating grief support workshops. I saw a need for a different kind of grief book, and also wanted to provide a practical way for people to help themselves heal through the companion journal. Grief is not a subject we grow up learning about, and when we’re suddenly faced with it, we’re at a loss as to what to expect and what to do--yet grieving is an active process we must decide to step into. My books are meant to cut through all the clutter and provide immediate help at a time when grievers need it most--and when they’re the least capable of searching for it.
4. What is the writing process like for you? Inspiration first, and then I just start writing. Normally I like to get something down on paper, and then go back and edit, noodle, and rewrite until I’m satisfied. Sometimes the changes are few; other times, when I read what I’ve written, I decide to approach the writing from a different perspective than I first thought. Sometimes my words strike me a different way than I intended, so I adjust. I first determine a subject or direction, and then start writing—just letting the thoughts flow. I try not to overthink at this point, but just write. Sometimes when I finish this exercise and read what I’ve written, I hardly remember writing it. That’s when I really know the writing came from my heart!
5. What did you do before you became an author? In all professional positions I’ve held, writing has always played an important role. I’ve worked as a market analyst for a merger and acquisitions broker—where I researched and wrote marketing analyses for various companies; a marketing assistant—where I wrote proposals, awards entries, marketing letters, etc.; a vice president and senior designer for a design firm—where I wrote proposals, marketing letters, etc., as well as being a commercial interior designer; before that, I was a residential interior designer. When my husband died, I was in the design field, and several years after he died, I decided to resign from my position, write these books, and enter the publishing field. I believe I have an important message to share, and writing and publishing are the means to sharing that message in a broad way. I passionately believe people need help in this area. I frequently receive letters from readers, so I know my books are hitting the mark. However, there are many more people to reach.
6. How does it feel to be a published author? Grateful and humble– especially when I receive letters from readers who let me know how much my books have meant to them – and how profoundly the books have touched their lives!
7. Any advice for struggling writers? Don’t give up! Writing is sometimes very hard work; other times it just comes easy. But if you have a message to share, or a story to tell, don’t stop until you’ve finished the work. Understand that writing and rewriting are necessary parts of the process to achieve a work you’re proud of. When you need a break, take one! It’s all worth it in the end!! And know that when you’ve finished the writing, and your book is a reality, the real work is just beginning! I think that’s one truth that’s hard to accept, even if you’ve heard it ahead of time—however, the marketing is just as important as everything else, because you want your book to be discovered and read by those who need to read it! The marketing process never ends.
8. Where do you see book publishing heading? I see digital enhancements for books gaining more prominence in the publishing industry. I think we’ve just touched the surface of the kinds of things that can be done. I think children’s books will become more and more interactive. I hope we’ll see a common eBook platform develop in the future, but I’m not sure how that will work since we now have so many types of eReaders. I think self-publishing (in the best professional sense of the term) will continue to grow, and I think the lesser quality products will be weeded out of the market. I don’t think we have to worry about hard copies of books disappearing, even though eBook usage may continue to grow. There’s always something special, in my mind, about holding a book in my hands, even though I own an eReader. Each has its place!
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Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer, the nation’s largest book promoter. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This blog is copyrighted material by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2013
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