In the month of January, I'm doing a Twitter Interview (Twitterview) of many of the participants of the #BookMarket chat. These are people who come and generously share their wisdom week after week. The Twitterviews give them a chance to shine.
Today, I have a chance to speak with Dan Blank, @DanBlank, of We Grow Media. Dan works with writers and publishers to help them navigate the difficult waters of today's publishing world. He is gearing to speak at the Writer's Digest Conference next weekend.
My take on the interview:
One of the things I like about Dan is his emphasis on caring and connecting. My favorite part of this interview was when Dan reminded us all of: "My favorite quote for anyone's career: "Caring is a powerful business advantage." - Scott Johnson Writers need to look past "best practices" to truly care about those they hope to connect with, not "market" to." I'm always happy to hear anyone say that writing success is a lot of work.
What's your take?
Here's the transcript:
ClaudiaC Q.1 - What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?
DanBlank: 5 words to describe myself?! "Ask my wife that question!" I will say this: "I love working with writers!" Those are 5 words to describe what I do.
ClaudiaC Q.2 - What is your favorite thing about the publishing/writing world today?
DanBlank: My favorite thing about publishing today: that writers have OPTIONS to build the kind of career THEY want.
ClaudiaC Can you say more? What options? And... um... you know writers who know what they want??
DanBlank: How do writers have options today? To go w/ a variety of diff publishing models and/or partners. They can build DIRECT channels to reach and interact w/ their audience. They can build DIRECT channels to reach and interact w/ their audience. For many writers, this becomes a sustainable blend of art, craft, and BUSINESS. Author as entrepreneur.
ClaudiaC But haven't authors always built direct channels to reach their audience? I'm thinking Twain, Dickens, Joyce..
DanBlank: Um, beyond Twain, Dickens, and Joyce, many writers are waiting to win the "publishing lottery." Having a successful publishing career is a lot of hard work, not just waiting to "be discovered." In just the past few years, the internet has provided writers incredible ability to connect with their audience.
ClaudiaC I need to buy one of those tickets :"( RT @danblank: Many writers are waiting to WIN the "publishing lottery."
ClaudiaC Q.3 - So what are the best ways for an author/writer do to connect with their audience?
DanBlank: Best ways for writers to connect w/ their audience: understand where they are, who they are, what they want. Many writers gloss over who their audience is & jump right to "marketing." Spend time getting to know your readers.
ClaudiaC You know I'm all about the how. How would someone spend time getting to know his/her readers?
My favorite quote for anyone's career: "Caring is a powerful business advantage." - Scott Johnson Writers need to look past "best practices" to truly care about those they hope to connect with, not "market" to.
ClaudiaC @DanBlank I think you'd have to explain to us how Goodreads helps. Maybe a full chat on some other week! ;) Great answer & I know time is tight today.
DanBlank Thanks so much to @claudiac for today's #bookmarket #twitterchat!
ClaudiaC @DanBlank Awesome Chat! :) Thank you for taking the time this week!
Tomorrow, I'm interviewing @Girl_Who_Reads at 12:30 pm ET for #bookmarket #twitterview
Previous #twitterviews:
Eco-fantasy and @Harmonygirlit
Serial fiction, Moody vampires, and other fun with @TechTigger
Publishing with Kate from @CandlemarkGleam
Self publishing with @FriesenPress
Historic fiction with @CarolBuchananMT
Conversation and Confusion with @DavidRozansky
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