What I learned when I pitched for the First Time

How’s Your Pitch? I wanna know! I’m Fresh off of BookMARCon, the largest virtual marketing conference powered by BookBrush, and I had the fantastic opportunity to pitch to agents during the conference. Today, I want to share the invaluable insights I gained from this experience.

Before I had the chance to pitch my work, we were treated to two separate and insightful sessions with experienced literary agents. Mark Gottlieb, of Trident Media Group, and Bethany Jett, of the Cyle Young Literary Agency, graciously shared their expertise. They offered invaluable guidance not just to me, but to the entire conference on the art of pitching.

Each agent had their own individual segment during which they covered different aspects of the process. Mark’s approach differed from Bethany’s, yet both were profoundly insightful. Their advice was timely, as my pitch sessions were scheduled after these seminars.

This setup proved to be serendipitous. I absorbed so much from both agents that I found myself reevaluating my own pitch. In a surprising turn, I decided to change the book I was initially planning to pitch entirely.

This wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but after listening intently to Mark and Bethany’s insights, I felt compelled to pitch a completely different book. And, as fate would have it, this proved to be the right call. An agent expressed interest and requested to see the first ten pages of this new book—an opportunity that may not have materialized had I not attended Mark and Bethany’s sessions first. I am immensely grateful for the knowledge imparted by these two remarkable agents and for the opportunity that followed my pitch. Let me know if this is in line with what you were envisioning or if you need further revisions!

Lucky for me, I had a stack of manuscripts and a whirlwind of different ideas ready to roll. Here’s a golden nugget for my fellow writers: always pack more than one project in your pocket. You just never know when an agent might perk up and ask, “What else ya got?”

As a multi-genre author with ADD, I’m pretty much a creative tornado—I’m here, there, and zooming everywhere, which anyone who knows me will cheerfully confirm. Far from being a hindrance, this constant buzz of energy was my secret weapon during these pitch sessions. It gave me the flexibility to switch lanes on a dime and dazzle potential agents with a vibrant array of stories. If you’re like me, hone it in so you don’t zap the life out of them by talking too much.

But here are. The things that I learned while pitching

First

Nail that word count. If you’re in the dark about the word count expectations within traditional publishing, hit up Google and enlighten yourself. I won’t dish out the details here—I’m not claiming to be the expert. But here’s a real-life nugget from my experience: while pitching a military drama to an agent, he flagged the sweet spot as 80,000 to 100,000 words. When he caught wind of my word count, my chances took a hit on site. My tally? A 39,000 and change. (P.S.—I served him the exact number, so be sure you do the same.)

Switching gears, when I was pitching a romance to another agent, my manuscript clocked in at around 20,000, give or take a few hundred words. Now, anyone who knows CJ (that’s me!) knows I’m a bonafide short story enthusiast. I always have been. I don’t dish up heaping helpings of narrative; I’m more of a straight-to-the-heart-of-the-matter writer. Blame it on my ADD if you like, but I operate by a no-frills, get-to-the-point style. It’s a quirky saying, but it’s a mantra that fits me to a tee: “Straight in, no kissing.” It’s unconventional, but hey, it’s me, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.

It’s all about hitting that bottom line in the traditional publishing world. And let’s be honest, a bundle of short stories isn’t typically the golden ticket to meeting those financial goals. So, 99.9% of the time, you’ve got to hit those word counts—like, really nail them—to match up with traditional publishing standards. It’s almost as essential as your morning coffee!

But hey, if you’re venturing into the self-publishing scene, the playground is a whole lot wider. You’ve got room to experiment, stretch out or condense down, and find the word count that feels just right for your story. But before you waltz into a pitch with a traditional publisher, give your manuscript a hard look. Is it playing by the big league rules? Because sealing the deal is a lot sweeter when you’re already hitting those magic numbers.

Second

Here’s a golden nugget that almost slipped past me, but luckily, I got the memo just in time for my pitch sessions: if you’re pitching fiction, bring a complete novel to the table. Yup, start to finish, it’s got to be done. But if nonfiction is your jam, you’re in luck; you can pitch a brilliant idea just bursting to be brought to life.

I was revved up about pitching a middle-grade novel—a series, actually—that I’m currently crafting; just four chapters in, but hey, I write fast. In my mind, I was like, “This is no biggie. This novel is golden, and I’m going to pitch it.” Middle grade is my jam, the niche I cherish the most, and there was this one agent at the conference who specializes in it. It felt like fate.

My series? Picture Narnia colliding with Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Charmed—a blend that’s as magical as it sounds. I was buzzing with the thought, “This is the one that will swing doors wide open for me!”

But brace for the plot twist: you don’t pitch incomplete novels in traditional publishing. That’s a rookie mistake I nearly made. They’ll basically say, “That’s not done baking. Got anything else fresh out of the oven?” Oh, the heartbreak that revelation was! I picked that agent specifically to pitch this book, and I had to pivot hard.

So, I switched gears and chatted with him about a romance novel instead. Even though my pitches didn’t quite spark fireworks—whether because I didn’t hit the word count or for some other mystery reason—it was a learning experience for the books.

Third

Be a presence, I mean, be Googleable! Here’s a quick tip: pop open an Incognito browser, type in your pen name—or the name you plan to publish under—and hit the search button. What comes up? Are you visible? Do you have a footprint in the literary world?

I’m not talking about just because you’ve published a book but because you are actively engaging, sharing, and discussing your craft. Shine that spotlight on yourself and craft a platform. Why? Because it sends a clear signal to agents and publishers that you’re not just a writer but a proactive promoter of your work. You’re willing to roll up your sleeves for them, just as they are for you.

Think of it as a two-way street—a mutually beneficial relationship. It’s a partnership, after all. Does this mean publishers won’t take a chance on someone without a platform? No, that’s not the case. But remember, they’re placing a bet on you. So why not stack the deck in your favor? Give them a compelling reason to take that chance on you.

Fourth

Alright, here’s an insider tip that struck a chord with me. One agent, just one, explicitly mentioned this, but it resonated deeply—and I suspect other agents might be on the same wavelength, even if they didn’t say it outright. So here it is: if you’re already self-published and haven’t hit a milestone—say, 10,000 book sales (not dollars, we’re talking actual copies sold)—consider pitching under a fresh pen name. Why? Because, in the eyes of traditional publishers, your current name might be sporting a ‘been there, tried that’ vibe.

Now, let me get personal for a sec. I’ve got a bookshelf’s worth of published work—over 20 books. But here’s the kicker: none of those titles has danced past the 10,000 sales mark. Nope, not one. I haven’t landed in the six-figure author club (yet!).

But hey, Google me—whether as CJ Ives Lopez or The Authors Porch—and you’ll find I’ve got a platform that’s alive and kicking. But in terms of raw sales? My pen name isn’t setting the world on fire. And that’s OK.

Fifth

Stay in the know about the tropes that are sizzling hot in the market—and aim to hit those marks in your work. Make it your mission to become a trope connoisseur within your genre. What’s classic and beloved, what’s gaining traction, and what’s as overplayed as a summer hit on repeat? More importantly, identify the tropes that make your readers cringe—those are the ones to avoid, like a plot hole in a mystery novel. If certain tropes in your genre are reader repellents, steer clear.

But here’s a twist: if you’ve got a soft spot for a trope that most readers can’t stand, but a niche absolutely adores, you might just have found your golden ticket. If your heart beats for that trope, write it—passionately and unabashedly. Then, find your tribe of readers who will devour your work, those loyal fans who will return for more, time and time again.

If you’re racking up impressive sales with this approach, you’re crafting a compelling case for an agent. Picture yourself saying, “Just take a look at these numbers.” It could be your key to making an agent sit up, take notice, and decide that you’re a chance worth taking.

Sixth

First and foremost, have a gripping hook ready for when an agent asks, “What do you have?” In my own experience, I was eager to start with my tagline when pitching my military drama. I found myself diving into Christian’s journey, detailing his struggles in the military. But, crucially, I initially left out a key selling point: my story was a fictionalized blend of two real-life veterans’ experiences—soldiers who faced immense challenges while transitioning from military service and grappling with mental health issues, their stories unfolding over smoky conversations in the Area of Operations.

To my surprise, one insightful agent taught me which line should open my pitch. I was floored—was this seasoned professional really offering me this golden advice? Gratefully armed with this new insight, I adjusted my approach for my next pitch to a different agent. As I spoke, I caught a twinkle of interest in that agent’s eyes. They were nearly sold—until we hit the all-important word count issue. And just like that, the atmosphere shifted.

This experience was eye-opening.

Agents are more than gatekeepers; they are seasoned industry pros, many of whom are eager to impart their wisdom. If you approach these conversations as a willing student rather than a relentless salesperson, you stand to gain invaluable insights. Otherwise, you risk repeating the same mistakes and missing the chance to refine your pitch for future opportunities.

My strategy was simple yet effective. I greeted each agent warmly: “Hi, nice to meet you.” After exchanging pleasantries, and upon their prompt, I succinctly delivered my prepared pitch in a clean 30 seconds. Then, crucially, I stepped back to let them lead. They taught; I absorbed. When a pause in the conversation naturally arose, I seized the moment to contribute more.

The key here is balance. I avoided becoming so engrossed in selling my work that I closed myself off from learning. And, despite failing to meet the word count and initially stumbling in my pitch to the first agent (who graciously taught me a better approach), two out of the four agents requested sections of my manuscripts.

Don’t become so fixated on selling that you forget to listen. Listening, after all, is not just a sign of respect—it’s among the most powerful skills you can hone in writing and life.

It was very interesting.

Seventh

Know your genre inside and out—it’s non-negotiable. If you’re fuzzy on the specifics of your chosen genre, prepare for a tough road ahead. Agents will quiz you, probing for depth and breadth of knowledge. While they aren’t necessarily averse to multi-genre authors, they tread carefully. Unless you’re a proven bestseller, a diverse writing portfolio can give agents pause. It’s not that they are biased; instead, they’re searching for focus.

When an agent takes a chance on you, they’re staking their reputation—and significant resources—on your potential. Understandably, they want assurance that you’re committed to the genre they’re championing. From their perspective, an author juggling multiple genres might be spreading themselves too thin, risking quality and attention to detail.

Think of it as a matter of trust. For example, risk assessment is paramount in my professional life. My team is small—just my husband and me. We’re careful about our ventures because our livelihood is on the line. It’s our entire world at stake.

That’s a sentiment agents share. When they commit to you, they’re not just inking a deal—they’re making a substantial investment, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. And they need to believe wholeheartedly that you are a sound investment.

So, if you’re a multi-genre author, the bar is high. Excellence isn’t optional; it’s mandatory. You need to show that you’re versatile and possess deep expertise and commitment in each genre you tackle. You must demonstrate that your craft isn’t diluted by your range but rather enriched by it.

To put it plainly: Do the work. Master your genre(s), and show agents that your focus is laser-sharp, regardless of how broad your writing spectrum is.

Eighth

When you send your manuscript, attention to detail matters. Use New Times Roman, 12-point font, double spacing, and one-inch margins. This industry standard shows you’re a professional who knows the ropes.

Your manuscript’s opening must be catchy—it needs to halt agents in their tracks. Make them catch their breath and compel them to read on. For example, I received feedback about the apparent lack of conflict in my romance novel. The characters were on a delightful road trip, seemingly conflict-free. But their internal struggles—his urban background clashing with her rural roots, the tension of acceptance amongst their families—were the conflicts I’d embedded. It was a subtler form of conflict, but it was there, but it wasn’t enough.

And that’s a critical point: your manuscript must have conflict. Whether it’s a loud, clashing crescendo or a quiet, internal struggle, conflict drives the narrative. I adore a swoon-worthy story, but even those need tension to keep readers engaged. Agents (and readers) love ‘juice’—that delicious tension that keeps pages turning. Present this conflict clearly when pitching; agents thirst for that juice, so be generous and pour it liberally!

Finally

As for my own pitching experience? I met with four incredible agents (no, I won’t name names—it was a personal dialogue, and I respect that privacy). One apologized for being harsh, but as a 20-year military veteran, I welcomed the candor. In fact, I didn’t find it harsh at all. I’m here to learn, and direct feedback is the fast track to improvement.

Every single agent was kind, even when the feedback was tough. Going in, I half-expected to be ‘eaten alive.’ I knew my books might not tick every box, from tropes to word count. But after five dedicated years in the literary world, this is my dream, and I knew it was time to learn directly from those in the know.

I’m not one to tiptoe around, cautiously testing the waters. I dive in. I present my work and say, “Here it is, flaws and all. Teach me.” That’s how I grow, and it’s invigorating.

But that’s just me. Your journey? It’s yours to shape. Reflect on who you are as a writer, what you want, and how you best learn. Let that guide your path.

Until next time, my friends,
CJ

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How Professional Writing Organizations Can Elevate Your Career

Professional organizations are what you do ‘Beyond the Pen’ and are essential to your writing career. Hear me out before you stop reading and think this isn’t for you. They provide several benefits to their members; I will discuss a few.

• Networking opportunities: 
• Professional development: 
• Advocacy: 
• Career advancement:
• Social support: 

Let’s dig deep into these five, but don’t stop there. Look into some organizations in your area and see what they offer. You never know; it could be more than you knew was possible.

II. Network with other professionals in your field. 

A. Networking opportunities for members are enormous because you never know who you will meet. These opportunities include attending conferences, joining online forums, and connecting with other writers through social media. Networking can help writers learn about new opportunities, find mentors, and build relationships with other professionals in the field. It can also help writers stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Here are some of the benefits of networking through professional writing organizations:

• Learn about new opportunities when your organization hosts conferences and other events where members can learn about new opportunities in the field. This could include job openings, freelance opportunities, or new publications seeking writers.
• Find mentors to connect you with other writers who have more experience than you. These mentors can offer advice and support, and they can help you navigate the challenges of the writing profession.
• Building relationships with other professionals by networking with other writers can help you build relationships with people who can help you in your career. These relationships can lead to job opportunities, referrals, and collaborations.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends with access to resources that keep you up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. This can help you stay competitive in the job market and produce high-quality work.

I have been a member of The Authors Guild since I became an author, and I have learned more about being an author than I ever thought possible. A great deal of my knowledge has come from reading their emails. The advocacy that the guild provides on our behalf is truly amazing. 

I am also a member of The BookFest, Books That Make You, and BookMARCon, a few organizations that hold literary conferences educating the author and reader world. I love learning, and I am a lifelong learner. At each conference, there is something new to learn about the industry, and I get to know about it first-hand instead of waiting for the rest of the author world to catch up. 

If you search for a writing group or writing guild in your town, you will find one near you. The closest one to me is 30 minutes away, but I am willing to make the trip once a month or once a quarter to network. I am planning a big signing at a local bookstore and leveraging my platforms to make it even bigger for all of us.

Through networking, I secured a position as a project manager and event producer, both of which I was qualified for but had never pursued because I was unaware of the need for such jobs in the author world. Talking to people, networking, and having organic conversations can lead to opportunities. Leverage your skills to put yourself in the right places.

III.Professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and online courses. These opportunities can help members stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in their field.

• Grammar and punctuation
• Style and usage
• Research and documentation
• Writing for different audiences
• Pitching and submitting your work
• Marketing and promoting your work
• Career development

Workshops and webinars are typically led by experienced writers and editors, and they provide an opportunity to learn from the experts and get feedback on your writing. Other educational resources, such as online courses and e-books, can be helpful for writers who want to learn at their own pace.

Here are my recommended learning resources. Each I have learned from, grown because of, and continue to follow for up-to-date blog posts and/or courses.

BookMARCon 

The BookFest

The Authors Guild

Author Learning Center

Author Ad School

Writer MBA

The Writing Wives

Reedsy

BookBrush

IV.  Resources and support advance your career. This can include mentoring, job placement assistance, and scholarships.

A. organizations can expose authors to new publishing opportunities, agents, editors, and other industry professionals that have been vetted. One of the worst things I see within the author world is that everyone wants to provide us services, but about 80% can’t meet the mark. These organizations will steer you away from the bad. There is strength in numbers.

V. advocate for the interests of their members to government officials, the media, and the public. This can protect the rights of professionals and improve the public’s understanding of their work.

A. Recently, The Authors Guild went to bat for all writers regarding AI. They want to protect human writers’ intellectual property so that AI and those who wish to exploit our work can’t be used illegally. It’s essential to understand what AI is doing, what it’s not doing, and how you need to protect yourself. While I advocate for using AI responsibly, as I did to make this outline, I’m writing these words. The Authors Guild wants what’s best for everyone. You should check out the other advocacy that is going on without you even knowing.

VI. Sense of community and social support. This can be especially important because writing can sometimes feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. You have a whole support network waiting for you. Here is how you can get support within these groups if they are offered.

All in all, I started this journey alone. I felt lonely and isolated and thought, I want it so bad, but I must find my tribe. I started The Authors Porch because I knew that authors liked to talk about their books. Doing that made me realize there was so much out there, and I learned from the authors I spoke to. Once I joined communities, I learned even more. Networking and joining communities and organizations changed my author career forever, and I wouldn’t change it ever.  I hope you can find an organization, writing group, or tribe near you and watch how your outlook on this world will improve.  Choose wisely because you don’t want to be in a toxic relationship.

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Here are Essential Resources and Strategies to help you thrive in the Indie Author world.

Have you always wanted to write a book? If so, you’re in the right place! I wanted to write a book since middle school when my teacher thought my assignment had promise. That moment was the first time someone believed in me, and she set a fire inside that started my love for literature on a new trajectory. I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’m here to share some knowledge with you, so you can achieve your dreams.

The road to becoming a successful author is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. If you’re willing to put in the hard work, I know you can achieve your goals. 

Here are some of the opportunities and challenges of being an indie author:

Opportunities

• More control over your work: As an indie author, you have complete control over your work, from the writing process to the marketing and distribution. This means you can make all the decisions that affect your book, and you don’t have to answer to anyone else.
• More freedom to experiment: Indie publishing gives you the freedom to experiment with different genres, styles, and marketing strategies. You can try new things without worrying about being rejected by a traditional publisher.
• More potential for financial success: While there is no guarantee of success, indie authors have the potential to earn more money than traditional authors. This is because you keep all of the royalties from your book sales, and you don’t have to share them with a publisher.
• More connection with your readers: As an indie author, you have the opportunity to connect with your readers on a personal level. You can interact with them through social media, email, and book signings. This can help you build a loyal following of readers who will support your work.

Challenges

• More marketing and promotion: As an indie author, you are responsible for marketing and promoting your own book. This can be a lot of work, and it can be difficult to get your book noticed in the crowded marketplace.
• Less exposure: Indie books are often less visible than books published by traditional publishers. This means it can be harder for indie authors to find readers.
• Less credibility: Some people still believe that books published by traditional publishers are more credible than indie books. This can make it difficult for indie authors to be taken seriously by the literary community.
• Less support: Indie authors often have less support than traditional authors. This can include things like editing, proofreading, and marketing assistance.

Despite the challenges, indie publishing can be a great way to get your work out into the world. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can achieve great success as an indie author.

I agree with you. The world is constantly changing, but it is important to be able to adapt and learn new things in order to succeed. In the world of publishing, this means keeping up with the latest trends and finding new ways to reach your audience. It also means being open to feedback and criticism and being willing to change your approach if necessary.

I am always learning new things, and I am always looking for ways to improve my skills. I believe that lifelong learning is essential for success in any field.

I have provided you with some resources that I believe will be helpful. However, it is important to remember that not everything works for everyone. Do your research, take everything with a grain of salt, and do what works best for you, your budget, and your career. Ultimately, you are the only one who is responsible for your career choices. So own it and make the most of it!

Written Word Media:

Written Word Media offers promotional services for authors, such as promo stacking and ad management on Amazon and Facebook. They have a variety of affordable plans, and their blog posts are also a great resource for authors, as they provide valuable information on industry trends. Written Word Media understands that providing educational content is essential to staying ahead of the competition and providing valuable services to its customers. This makes them an invaluable resource for authors.

Reedsy:

Reedsy is a platform that connects authors with professional editors, proofreaders, designers, and marketers. Authors can post their projects on Reedsy and browse through a pool of qualified professionals to find the right person for the job. Reedsy also offers educational articles on a variety of topics related to writing and publishing. These articles can help authors improve their craft, learn about the publishing process, and market their books.

Here are some of the benefits of using Reedsy:

• Access to a pool of qualified professionals
• Competitive rates
• Convenient online platform
• Educational articles and resources

If you’re an author looking for help with your writing or publishing, Reedsy is a great resource.

Did you know that Reedsy has an online formatting tool?  Check it out.

Author Learning Center:

The Author Learning Center also offers a variety of resources, such as articles, blog posts, and videos, to help writers improve their craft and succeed in the publishing industry.

If you’re an aspiring or experienced author, the Author Learning Center can provide you with the tools and resources you need to reach your writing goals.

I am always trying to improve my craft and learn new things. I know that I am not perfect, and I am always open to feedback. I want to write for the reader, and I want to make sure that my writing is clear, concise, and engaging. I appreciate your advice, and I will continue to work hard to improve my writing.

Bryan Cohen: Best Page Forward

Best Page Forward is a company that offers a variety of services, including Amazon ad school and writing blurbs for you. Their Amazon ad school is a 5-day free course that teaches you everything you need to know about running successful Amazon ads. You can sign up multiple times to refresh your knowledge, or you can pay for lifetime access to the course.

Best Page Forward also offers a service where they will write blurbs for you. This is a great option if you don’t have the time or the writing skills to write your own blurbs. Best Page Forward’s blurb writers are experts in creating high-converting blurbs that will help you sell more products on Amazon.

If you’re looking to improve your Amazon ad campaigns or write better blurbs for your products, Best Page Forward is a great option. Their services are affordable and effective, and they offer a variety of courses and services to meet your needs.

BookBrush:

Bookbrush is a tool that helps you create beautiful books and ebooks. It’s easy to use and has a lot of features that allow you to customize your book to your liking. You can add text, images, videos, and more. You can also choose from a variety of templates to get you started. Bookbrush is a great tool for anyone who wants to create a beautiful and professional-looking book.

Here are some of the features of Bookbrush:

• Easy to use drag-and-drop interface
• A variety of templates to choose from
• The ability to add text, images, videos, and more
• The ability to customize your book’s design
• The ability to export your book in a variety of formats

If you’re looking for a tool to help you create beautiful books and ebooks, Bookbrush is a great option.

BookBrush also just started their Hourly Concepts, where you can get “Design For You” graphics by a professional designer at a fraction of the cost. These designs can be used in Amazon A+ content, TikTok Videos, Reels, Book Covers, and so much more. BookBrush can become your one-stop shop for book graphics.

On top of all the graphics, BookBrush has a fantastic blog that teaches you how to use their services to make your own graphics and marketing because they are all about marketing, which is why they have created BookMARCon, which will be held virtually on August 11-13, 2023 and it’s the worlds largest virtual marketing conference bringing in 16 agents for authors to pitch to. 

Black Chateau:

Looking for a PR firm to represent you that will get you in front of the most dynamic of crowds and is the most trusted in the business?  Check out Black Chateau, which is the parent company of Books That Make You and The BookFest. You will get on podcasts worldwide, be booked on tours, along with understand what it’s like to have a white glove service. 

Books That Make You:

Books That Make You is a community for readers of all levels. They provide bookish events, articles, and news to help everyone thrive in the book community. The BookFest is a biannual event sponsored by Books That Make You. It is viewed all over the world and brings together talent that most people would never have the chance to meet, all for free. You can pitch The BookFest an idea for a panel or talk for a chance to speak at the event. This opportunity is fantastic, and the learning experience is unparalleled.

The Authors Porch:

The Authors Porch is a community for authors of all levels of experience. The Facebook Group is a place where authors can connect with each other, ask questions, and share advice. The free services offered by The Authors Porch include a blog, a magazine, and a podcast. The blog provides educational content on topics such as writing, publishing, and marketing. The magazine features interviews with authors, book reviews, and articles on the writing life. The podcast interviews authors about their writing process and journey to publication. The Authors Porch also offers a few paid services, such as character interviews and paid advertisements. However, the focus of the organization is on providing free resources and support to authors.

Monica and Russell – Kickstarter & Going Wide:

Monica Leonell and Russell Nohelty are accomplished authors and titans within the indie author world. They teamed up to create the Writer MBA, a program that teaches aspiring authors about the business of writing. The program covers a wide range of topics, including going wide, publishing, Kickstarter, and marketing. They have put in the hard work to hone their skills and build successful careers as authors, teachers, and industry professionals. They are also generous with their knowledge and experience, and they are always willing to help others succeed. I am grateful for their mentorship and guidance, and I am proud to be a part of the Writer MBA community.

Romance with Me Books – ARC/Beta/Tours

I came across Romance with Me Books through a giveaway opportunity to build my newsletter list. Her services were fantastic, so I checked out her website and saw that she offers many more. I chatted with her and found out that she is a lovely, professional, and highly capable person. If you’re a romance author, you need her in your corner for promotion. She can get the job done and promote the hell out of your book.

That’s All, Folks

I know there’s so much more to learn about being an indie author, but I can’t tell you everything. You’ll discover more along the way, and you’ll use some of what you learn and leave some behind. The important thing is to define your career your way. That’s the greatest thing about being an indie author – you get to choose!

So put in the work, be a good human (like Russell says), and always give back to the community. We’re a melting pot of good humans, and the bad ones sort themselves out quickly. Just don’t worry about them.

I hope this helps you in some way. Good luck!

Until next time my friends.

CJ