Patricia McLinn, Author with a big backlist of books and a mature indie author business, discusses the challenges of maintaining a mature career while managing a large collection of books. They also explore the potential for indie authors to expand their reach in the global market, discuss the progress of the 'Writing the Shadow Kickstarter' campaign and highlight an interview about visual high-quality books and autism.
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Quick takeaways
The importance of adapting to industry changes and focusing on the joy of writing amidst challenges.
The significance of using a writing style that resonates with the target audience and prioritizes clarity and conciseness.
The value of being adaptable, streamlining processes, and maintaining a strong connection with readers while finding joy in the creative process.
Deep dives
The Challenges of a Mature Career with a Big Backlist
The speaker discusses the challenges faced by authors with a mature career and a large number of previously published books. They talk about the importance of updating and maintaining books, trying new things, and staying informed about industry trends. They also mention the increasing opportunities in the global market, the growth of self-published titles, the importance of audio books and community building, and the potential benefits of incorporating AI technology into the publishing process. The speaker emphasizes the need to adapt to changes, streamline workflows, and focus on the joy of writing amid the challenges of the industry.
The Impact of Changing Writing Styles
The speaker shares their personal experiences with various writing styles and how they have adapted to changes in the industry. They discuss the importance of using a writing style that resonates with the target audience and conveys the main ideas effectively. The speaker emphasizes the need to prioritize clarity and conciseness in writing summaries, while using neutral language and avoiding personal opinions or biases. They explain that their writing style focuses on conveying the main message and key points of the source material independently, without directly referencing the specific source or medium.
Navigating Changes in the Publishing Industry
The speaker discusses the constantly changing landscape of the publishing industry and offers insights on how to navigate these changes. They highlight the importance of being adaptable and open to new opportunities. They encourage authors to streamline their processes, assess the practicality of different tools and platforms, and listen to their intuition when making decisions. The speaker also emphasizes the value of focusing on the writing itself, maintaining a strong connection with readers, and finding joy in the creative process amidst the challenges of the industry.
Resilience and Long-Term Career Planning
The speaker emphasizes the need for resilience and long-term career planning in the writing profession. They discuss the importance of building financial stability, adapting to change, and making choices that align with personal values and goals. The speaker shares their own experiences with ups and downs in their career and offers insights on finding balance and maximizing opportunities. They encourage authors to prioritize their writing, let go of unnecessary tasks, and be open to new adventures and possibilities.
The Future of Writing and Publishing
The speaker reflects on the future of writing and publishing and offers hopeful perspectives. They discuss the potential of AI technology, evolving discoverability methods, and the growing importance of direct connections between authors and readers. The speaker suggests that authors need to stay informed, be nimble, and embrace change as opportunities rather than burdens. They also emphasize the need to focus on the writing itself and the joy it brings, while being open to new adventures and possibilities in the evolving industry.
How do you keep up with everything you need to do as your author business grows? How do you decide what to focus on as the industry changes — and you change, too? Patricia McLinn discusses her challenges with a big backlist of books and a mature indie author business. In the intro, Self-publishing's ongoing […]