Anna Sayburn Lane, an author of 1920s murder mysteries and contemporary thrillers, shares her journey through the challenges of pivoting genres. She discusses when to leave an unsuccessful series behind, the financial aspects of genre selection, and the benefits of writing to market for easier promotion. Lane also delves into the emotional highs and lows of attending author conventions, the intricacies of writing historical fiction, and the importance of rebranding and effective marketing strategies to connect with readers.
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Quick takeaways
The decision to pivot genres can be crucial for authors, particularly when the financial returns on previous works are unsatisfactory.
Engaging with historical literature and real-life figures not only enhances storytelling but also helps create relatable characters in new genres.
Authors should prioritize understanding platform guidelines and market trends to mitigate publishing challenges and improve their marketing strategies effectively.
Deep dives
Pivoting Genres for Success
An author discusses her decision to pivot genres after her initial series of four books failed to meet financial expectations. She discovered the thriving sub-genre of 1920s murder mysteries, which resonated with her passion for historical research and storytelling. In researching this new genre, she engaged deeply with literature from the era and drew inspiration from real-life figures, ultimately crafting characters who navigate the social changes of the period. This shift not only revitalized her creative process but also positioned her brand more effectively in a competitive market.
Navigating Publishing Challenges
The podcast highlights key publishing challenges, particularly regarding account suspensions on platforms like Amazon KDP. Authors may face suspensions due to metadata violations or perceived manipulative practices. To mitigate these risks, the podcast stresses the importance of understanding platform guidelines and maintaining high content quality. This proactive approach can help authors avoid unnecessary interruptions in their publishing journeys.
Mindset and Community in Writing
The discussion touches on the emotional challenges many authors face, particularly at writing festivals where feelings of imposter syndrome can arise. Attendees often experience social anxiety and pressure, feeling overshadowed by more established authors. The podcast encourages open conversations about these feelings, normalizing the struggles that come with being a writer. By fostering a supportive community, authors can find reassurance and motivation in their own journeys.
Effective Marketing Strategies
The author shares insights on effective marketing strategies that cater to her target audience for the 1920s murder mystery genre. By leveraging her newsletter and social media, she engages readers with related historical content and promotions. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of understanding market trends and readers' preferences, utilizing tools like Publisher Rocket to analyze genre performance. These techniques have led to notable improvements in book sales compared to her previous series.
The Importance of Beautiful Book Production
An exploration of producing aesthetically pleasing books reveals the increasing significance of quality in the publishing industry. The author expresses gratitude for the ability to create beautiful editions through platforms like Kickstarter, which allow for special editions and unique presentations of their work. She highlights the trend of readers valuing physical books for their collectible nature rather than just for reading. This trend emphasizes a shift toward valuing tangible, well-crafted books, encouraging authors to consider print quality as a key component of their offerings.
When is it time to leave an unsuccessful series behind and pivot into something new? What is the process of writing to market? Anna Sayburn Lane explores these topics and more. In the intro, help with Amazon KDP Account suspension [Kindlepreneur]; Selling direct to the EU? Thresholds coming in 2025; Some honest thoughts about the […]