I’m tired of being politically correct so once again, I’m going to be “Gutsy” and say what I think.
In my recent article, “Do authors make money? The real truth,” I emphasized one point:
- Don’t quit your day job
Well, my day job for the last eight years has been raising my three sons, writing my memoir, and more recently, developing Webinars and Workshops, and launching a “Gutsy” Book Coaching business.
This is all fantastic and I’m loving it, however, like my author-blogger friend, Susan Weidener, said in her recent post: “So Much (Little) for Digital Book Sellers”:
“I ponder new ways to market and promote my books. As John Lennon said, I just “keep on keeping on.” Selling books, one at a time – still, hopeful, checking my Amazon rankings, although less and less. Frankly, it’s just too discouraging.But I’m a writer. I have to write.” — Susan Weidener.
I’m not trying to discourage writers to keep writing and marketing their books, heck no. I’m just sharing stories from most of my author friends who are struggling to sell their books and make a living at it.
I like to brainstorm with other authors and here are some of the questions we cover.
- Should I make short e-books and sell them for $1.99-$2.99
- Should I turn my blog posts into e-books?
- Should I do join some affiliate sales program?
- Should I make videos and sell them on specific topics?
- Should I offer free or paid Webinars?
- Should I write another memoir?
- Should I start writing novels?
- Should I keep blogging even though it takes time away from my writing?
- Should I get a day job so I can pay for my “hobby?”
- Should I tell writers I make $15,000/month in book sales and make them believe they can too? (Unfortunately some sales people lie and I HATE that.)
Fortunately, most of them write because they love it and have another income stream.
So ladies and gentlemen:
I’m looking for a day job.
There, I said it. So here are some ideas I’ve had, and for those of you who know me, please tell me what you think I should do, and if you have an idea for me, or a job, let me know.
- Apply for the Peace Corps and keep my “Gutsy Living” theme going. Blog about my adventures in Africa or Vanuatu.
- I speak French, and American Airlines is looking for a French flight attendant. Am I too old for that?
- A personal assistant to a CEO
- Work for a non-profit– Which one, other than Peace Corps
- Other? Please let me know.
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believes that great things happen for gutsy girls – the right choice will find you, like a shell on the shore
Thank you PJ. I tend to be impatient rather than waiting for things to find me.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Writers: Keep Your Day Job Unless…
Whether they come from this post or the mindset that prompted it, I have no doubt that doors will open for you. A mid-career man I know recently declared, more or less out of the blue, that he’d had it with his company and intended to look for a new job the next day. Within a week three recruiters contacted him about ideal positions in the precise geographical area he had targeted. I’ve had this experience myself. You will too. Would life be as interesting without all the twists and turns and occasional steep slopes to climb? Surely you’ll see that all these gutsy experiences you’ve had that may be frustrating at the moment are paving the way for something bigger.
Sharon Lippincott recently posted..Brain Thorns
Sharon,
I wrote to Ian, our mutual author friend about the Peace Corps and he has been very kind and positive about the whole Africa experience. I hope you’re right about all the years leading to something else that it’s supposed to.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Writers: Keep Your Day Job Unless…
Sonia, I am sure that something will come along. I totally see you in PR/marketing, because you have the drive to make things happen. Best of luck & keep me posted. X
Muriel recently posted..Failed Meet Cute
Muriel,
Merci. I have even thought of doing something interesting in France or the UK for a while. Suggestions?
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Writers: Keep Your Day Job Unless…
Sonia, First off, your memoir and your Gutsy Living platform are wonderful, inspiring and original.
Second, people often do not want to pay for author marketing services, an anthology project, or a webinar.
Many people seem to think that these services should be free. They do not realize how much work goes into them.
This should in no way undermine what you have accomplished so far, which is amazing. Your path is becoming clearer and what you have achieved as an author and marketer and original thinking will lead to new opportunities.
Susan,
Thank you for your positive remarks. I know you’ve done so much for writers with your own Anthology and the Womens’ Writing Circle.
Thankfully, we both enjoy what we are doing.
You are getting ready to leave your safe shore and dive into a new ocean. Terrifyingly exciting! I wish you oceans of blessings on your journey. Please take us with you!
Sharon,
I am looking at many things right now. Love adventure as do you.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..“Finding Heaven” My Gutsy Story® – Patrice Garrett
Well, as a reader first off, I would personally like to read about your gutsy adventures in Africa or Vanuatu! You would certainly be continuing your already-established “Gutsy Living” theme.
But I also know as a writer that sometimes we need inspiration from sources not entirely related to what we write about. A flight attendant position could provide just that for you.
An assistant to a CEO is probably the least direct connection to your Gutsy brand, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This course would probably open the greatest number of doors to you in the business world.
Whatever you decide, I know you’ll be awesome–you’ve already demonstrated that! Best of luck to you & thank you again for all you’ve done for us budding authors!
Jennifer,
You are giving me some positive feedback and I truly appreciate this. We shall see what happens in the next few months. All the best to you with your writing.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..“Finding Heaven” My Gutsy Story® – Patrice Garrett
Sonia … I think you’ve taken the biggest and most important step, by saying — to yourself and to those around you — that you’re ready for a change.
As I noted in my blog this week, almost every job/career change I’ve had over 40 years (and there were quite a few) happened because someone knew what I could do, and opened a door to a new opportunity. Given the amazing stuff you’ve accomplished over the last year or so, I can’t believe that won’t happen to you now … not necessarily today, but when the stars align and the moment is right.
You go, girl!
MARY GOTTSCHALK recently posted..Stuck Inside Myself
Mary,
Thanks. I am already getting closer to my final decision. I shall keep blogging about it.
Sonia Marsh/Gutsy Living recently posted..Volunteer in Africa: Tanzania, Moshi, Zanzibar, Mt. Kilimanjaro
I think you’re going great guns at what you’re currently doing but …I can see where you’re coming from. You’re one of those people who craves adventure, change, challenge, new venues, and you’re not going to get them unless you switch camps. You seem to be inclined towards the Peace Corps and so all that I can say is go with your gut. If you were going to write another book, you’d already be working on it. You’ve proven yourself in the book writing/marketing/promotional areas, you’ve branded your gutsy living, got out (with upcoming) three anthologies, and carved out a name in the indie publishing world. Time for another adventure, perhaps one that will provide you with fodder for your next book.
Pennie,
Yes, and thanks for your honest evaluation of who I am and what makes me tick. I am excited to start another adventure, and it does have to fit my GUTSY theme, or else it’s not me.