Hello writers and readers. I spent the first few days of June at the Space Coast Book Lovers Convention/Signing at Cocoa Beach Florida.  Huge Kudos to the organizer Teri Dees Edney and all the authors, writers, bloggers, industry professionals and volunteers who came together to pull off such a fun time for everyone. Sun, sand, purpose. 

Why do people go to conferences/book signings? There are several reasons and the most obvious first one is to sell books. But that really isn’t the main reason, especially when in four days you only have four hours to sell books. What most authors crave is meeting the “competition,” connecting with online friends, making new ones, mixing with bloggers and industry professionals like models and photographers, cover designers, podcasters, and marketers. Conferences and conventions are the best opportunity to network and mix and mingle. The contacts and social interactions at these events are what make them invaluable, for readers and writers. Here’s what the sponsorship banner looked like for this event (please note that my logo is there too)

In my case, I was delighted to meet so many folks that I interact with on Facebook, as well as to grab a hug from folks I’ve “known” online for years and craved sharing something more personal. Such moments are so precious. You’ll hear people all over, all day, every day saying, “HI! Oh so good to meet you!” Or “Whee, I missed you.” It will make you smile.

Yvonne Mason and me

Our lodgings were right on the beach at the International Palms Resort and Hotel. The view from my room was perfect. We were there in time to watch the latest launch of a Space X Rocket from Kennedy Space Center, too! (I’m such a space baby geek that this was extra special for me).

I couldn’t have done my job as an author without the wonderful, invaluable assistance of my PA Terri Wilson and my hubby (set-up roadie and part time manager), Ron. The two of them made it easy for me to concentrate on author stuff and not on the other minutia. They helped to make my author table look just right and both of them have a keen eye for marketing. I just love them.

My right arm, Terri Wilson PA

If you get an opportunity to go to a conference, to mix and mingle with authors and readers, I will be the first to tell you to go. The contacts you made and the friendships you begin will be a treasure. There is no way I can show you all the photos I took, but these photos are just some of the wonderful authors you can meet at events like this.

(From top down, Violet Howe, Julie Morgan, Elle Klass, HD Smith, and Tara Briggs)

And thank you to an online friend who came over especially to see some familiar faces and to meet me. I was so honored to meet my Facebook and Twitter friend Pam. She was even more beautiful in person and her arrival made my day!

A Fan!

There’s already been oodles of articles about the event and I only want to add what a well-done, event-packed weekend it was. I hated the Florida heat (I was uncomfortable all the time) but the company and the experience was tremendous. They are already planning next year’s event so if you get a chance to attend, I tell you this is one to put on your bucket list!

As we prepared to head home, Florida gifted us with a wonderful sunrise, one of the State’s special talents.

Of course there is always someone who is geeked out. I’ll just leave this here and thank you for stopping by. (Ron, really there’s no one in it!)

Come by TOMORROW for more new stuff!

Yours Between the Lines,
Sherry

Today I continue the commentary I began yesterday, exploring the author behaviors that you should and should not do in your everyday life.

Remember that every action you take as an author is a reflection of you, the businessperson. It is a measure of your character, your integrity and your reputation.

Today I’m looking at Newsletters, Caveat Amplexus, Giveaways and Promotions, and that One Important Thing.

So now, let’s finish off the bakers dozen of 13 Author Do’s and Don’ts in Everyday Dealings.

PART II 

NEWLETTERS

1. Are you one to send out a newsletter? I confess I started one and I have been uneven about using it. But I discovered several other authors have them and you know how they get subscribers? They steal them. Yes, by signing people up when they don’t ask for it. So here it is, DON’T sign people up to your newsletter without their permission/knowledge. EVER. That is rude. It assumes more than I can put into words. Such an act makes me furious. Not only will I immediately unsubscribe from you but also I probably won’t buy your books on principle either. DO ask people to sign up for your newsletter at signings and through your blog or website. DON’T sign people up to your newsletter if they simply comment on a post or buy your book. DO ask people who buy your book if they would like to sign up for your newsletter. See what is happening here? DON’T ASSUME people want to be in contact with you simply because they liked something you wrote, a Facebook post or because they downloaded your eBook. Bad business folks. I have badmouthed several authors for doing it. Puts a very bad taste in my mouth when I am signed up for things that I did not agree to. How about you?
2. Now I’m going to tell you to do as I say and not as I have done, here. If you have a newsletter, DO use it. I’ve been bad about that. I’m about to change my ways. DON’T keep people waiting on word from you. Once you have clients signed up, DO give them something to appreciate you and stay engaged in. DON’T be like me, or, as I was.

CAVEAT AMPLEXUS – Beware the (free) embrace

1. Caveat Amplexus, or beware of the embrace, is what I use to warn people away from “freebies.” This is a tougher one to explain. When you have friends who know you write books, friends who work in various places that might be of a benefit to you, it is sometimes tempting to want to “lean” on them. In other words, you want to embrace your friends with warmth in the hopes that they will offer you freebies. DON’T expect your friends, because they are your friends, to give you what you would expect strangers to pay for. Example: You have a friend who has a friend who oversees a venue that would be a great place for a book signing or a launch party. So you decide to hint that it would be great to do but you wish you could afford it. This is pulling on your friend’s affections to see if they can come through for you. Now you begin negotiating for a freebie. Suddenly that friendship without strings now has them. The friendship seems used. DON’T do this to your friends. DON’T ever expect to get something for free that strangers would have to pay for. If you should be offered a deal that’s wonderful! By all means, take it. But again DON’T ASSUME and put your friends in awkward positions. Don’t make your friends whisper “Caveat Amplexus!”
2. The other side of that coin works, too. Never expect less from your contacts than you do from perfect strangers. DON’T let your contacts work you in ways that you wouldn’t accept from people you don’t know. I understand that we want to do for others but if you are guilty of buying acceptance or selling yourself just make friends (or sell books) then you lose yourself and your professional self takes a huge hit. DO keep professional standards at all times, especially with your personal contacts and friends. You want to keep their respect once earned. DON’T ever cheapen it.

GIVEAWAYS AND PROMOTIONS

1. Love contests and giveaways, don’t you? DO have them. They expand your readership and winners help you spread the word on your work. Want to know what frosts me? When I win a contest and it takes weeks to get my prize. I don’t enter so many raffles or giveaways that I don’t know what I’m getting. Rule of thumb, advertise when you will announce winners and when the winners’ books (or gifts) will be mailed. DO keep your word. I know when I win I start figuring out when I will get my goodies. I won a contest once and after sending several requests for mail out dates, I finally got my gifts a month later. I was not impressed. DON’T take your winners’ patience or enthusiasm for granted. DO keep your word and DO mail out within 72 hours of winning. That is the longest you should wait before mail outs. In fact, you should already have your boxes or mailers ready to go, unsealed so you can sign the books before they go. And DO personalize whenever you can!

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

Finally, and perhaps most important of all things, DON’T lie. DO protect and build your professional self by expecting and maintaining the highest possible standard. Demand only the best out of your work, whether it is your writing, your book design, your phone calls, your newsletters, your face-to-face contacts. DON’T drop your standards for anyone. Ever. That means the truth is your guide and your word is your reputation. Once you lie and you break trust, you may never get it back again. Be the standard. Sadly I must say, DO expect and demand the same of others, even when they don’t want to give it. Never back down.

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With this baker’s dozen of unwritten, everyday rules for authors and writers, I think you will be well on your way to a sterling professional career, whatever path it takes! Good luck!

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ONE QUICK BIT OF NEWS:

COVER REVEAL FOR THE BOOK OF NOW COMING SOON!

Thanks for stopping by!
I remain yours between the lines,
Sherry

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****The following items will always appear to keep you posted on activities.*****

WIP (Works in Progress): –  Writer’s Workbook – Learning to Write Everyday – Beginners Volume

– first novel in the Evening Bower series, about vampires and other supernatural creatures
– fictional memoir – November 2016!
– four-part fairy story (part one complete)

On the Desk: (next reading): TBD

Off the Desk (book just finished): League of Dragons – Naomi Novik

Coming Soon:  Interview with new folks and more about upcoming projects. Plus meet my assistant (yes, you want details!)

A friend and well-respected author, Robbie Cox, recently completed writing a series of articles on Author Etiquette at Book Conventions/Signings, including tips and tricks to help authors succeed when attending these conferences.

The series is chock full of excellent advice, especially for first timers. Actually, every author can do with a little brushing up and I recommend reading him because things change. We should all keep up with what’s new and trendy. Besides, common sense sometimes needs a good kick in the rear, right?

Sometimes it seems that writers and authors can be rude or careless in their dealings with others. In some instances, the thoughtless actions aren’t malicious, just unthinking. No excuse people!

Remember that every action you take as an author is a reflection of you, the businessperson. It is a measure of your character, your integrity and your reputation. Think it doesn’t matter? Trust me, word gets around when an author is less than considerate or is in fact a jerk. On the other hand, an author that builds strong relationships with gracious attention to detail, professional attitudes and an honest way of doing business makes you someone people will trust and therefore, invest in.

Robbie’s articles got me thinking. I remembered some recent events that I found disturbing or annoying when dealing with other authors, publishers and business associates. These thoughts led to a realization that I can add some sage advice to Robbie’s. I hope he doesn’t mind.

So here is a baker’s dozen of Do’s and Don’ts for Authors in Everyday Dealings in two parts.

PART I

BOOK BLURBS

1. If asked to provide a “blurb” for someone’s book, DON’T do it if you haven’t read him or her before. What can you actually say that has validity if you don’t know the work? Don’t demean your professional name by telling generalities or falsehoods.
2. If you have been asked to provide a “blurb” for someone’s book, and you know the work, DO provide said blurb by the requested date. If no date is given, use the three-day rule and advise the author that you will meet this date. Telling the author does two things. First, it holds you accountable and second, it gives the author a heads up and an opportunity to tell you if there is a need for it earlier.
3. If you are the one asking for the blurb, remember that you sought out the other author. Be gracious and show your gratitude for their belief in you by sending them a copy of your book when it is published. Their contribution helped you; the least you can do is provide a free copy to say thanks. And yes, showing gratitude is always better than telling right? Writers know this.

PHONE CALLS

1. How much work do you do on the phone? More than you think, probably. If you are like me, I let all calls go to the answering machine and then I return calls from those who leave messages and from names I know.
   1. Just because you know someone is no reason to treat them with less respect than strangers. In fact, it is more reason to give them your very best because you know them. Show your respect, and DO return calls to familiar folks within 24 hours (unless they ask you to call sooner). I try to return calls from friends and co-workers on the same day. DON’T take those closest to you for granted. Believe me, one day they will resent you for it.
   2. If someone calls you and this is an unknown connection, remember your professional self is on the line. DON’T keep people hanging. DO return calls within 24-48 hours, unless asked to do so earlier. DON’T turn to emails or text messaging instead. This is insulting and unprofessional, unless told this is permitted.
2. I have the luxury of being able to work from home. Many authors aren’t like me and you have to remember this when using the phone. DON’T always expect people to call you during the day. Most authors have (forgive me) a “real” job (I call it the filler job), and won’t be available until after 5pm or later. When reaching out to authors, DON’T be upset if you need to leave a message. DO tell the contact when you can be reached. Allow for some time in the evening to take calls. In my case, I don’t take business calls after 7:00pm unless time zones require it or pre-arranged agreement are a factor. My evenings are my family time and I try to give the same respect to other writers. Have boundaries and make them a professional standard to be emulated.
3. I really hate to mention this one but, manners, people! Take yours out and dust them off. DO say please and thank you. DON’T say “yeah” to professionals who are only able to gauge your professional self by what they hear. Are you a “punk” or wouldn’t you like to be received as a smart, sharp, pro? Think it doesn’t matter? Just think of every phone call as a potential job interview. Whom would you hire? Would you leave a strong, good first impression over the phone?
4. Okay so you are now dealing with an asshole on the phone. Does it make you become one, too? I hope not. DON’T ever, EVER, lose your professional cool on the phone. DON’T raise your voice. No shouting matches. Never lower your standards just to make a point. Continue to behave professionally even when you want to crawl through the phone and beat someone. Remember you have standards and, by jove, use them at all times. Let the assholes learn something from you. Maybe they are only an asshole that day. Tomorrow, they might remember how cool you were under pressure. DON’T ever lose sight of your image and your reputation.

Practicing these good behaviors will only help you in your career.

Let me hear from you! And thanks for stopping by!
Yours Between the Lines,
Sherry

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****The following items will always appear to keep you posted on activities.*****

WIP (Works in Progress): – NEW BOOK OF POETRY! – expected release July 2016
– first novel in the Evening Bower series, about vampires and other supernatural creatures
– fictional memoir – November 2016!
– four-part fairy story (part one complete)

On the Desk: (next reading): TBD

Off the Desk (book just finished): League of Dragons – Naomi Novik

Coming Soon:  Interview with new folks and more about upcoming projects. Plus meet my assistant (yes, you want details!)