Self-Publishing & First Time Blogging

IT STARTS HERE...

My very first blog post! 

Yes... you read that right!  This is my very first blog post and I am enthusiastic about it! Heck... I'm thrilled!   If I look a little like I wear my heart on my sleeve and you find that appealing, well, that's wonderful! And... if you decide you wish to come back and read my future blog posts and see what I am up to after reading this one... that is even better! I also send a newsletter out to my e-mail list once a month (I am being very careful not to inundate you as your time is precious). If you are contemplating to sign up to receive my newsletter, you can do so by clicking HERE.  Please know you would be delightfully welcomed!

SELF-PUBLISHING & CONTINUOUS SELF-LEARNING:
What I Have Learned Thus Far

Despite holding an English Lit Degree under my belt, I recently completed a self-publishing course at a local college which served to educate me in the intricate aspects of maneuvering myself in the publishing arena.  I am consistently enrolled in countless webinars and online courses. Publishing is always changing like the ocean tides.   I learn one important fact and a few weeks later, it is obsolete and new information is taking its place.      
   
One thing I am not is confident enough to think I can just "wing" it at self-publishing, despite having obtained a university Degree.  There are many components one must be educated in before even seriously thinking of writing a book and putting it out into the universe. Good writing is only one aspect. Think of self-publishing as a hazelnut: the nut in the center signifies writing and the outer shell encompassing it is -that dreaded word for many authors- marketing.  Your book is dead in the water if you do not launch some form of marketing campaign prior to your book release.  And no, it is not something that can be done a week or even a month in advance of your book being introduced to the world. Marketing and writing go hand in hand.   Unless you employ professionals to do the marketing for you, it is all up to you- you are the mover and shaker, wearing all the hats in your business.  The last thing you want to do is throw your book out in the world and hope that a huge number of people will appear out of the woodwork to purchase it... sadly, this is not likely to happen. (I will discuss self-publishing further in upcoming blog posts).

Bottom line: the industry evolves and so must you. So clearly, one needs to be on top of all the changes if one wants to get ahead in this industry. This means that my feet will most likely stay wet for a long time in the education pool.   Dedication is essential here. Let's just say I am now 'married' to the self-publishing business.   

​BLOGGING 101 FOR BEGINNERS LIKE ME

To blog or not to blog...?
This question consistently popped in my mind as I was creating my website. This past week I have incorporated fabulous reading material in my publishing studies.  I am almost done reading a book about blogging written by author Rebecca Livermore, namely, 'Blogging For Authors: Build An Author Platform and Sell More Books with Your Blog.'  This well written book is quickly becoming my go-to personal blogging bible as it is full of information for both beginners and seasoned bloggers written in an engaging, no-nonsense style.  She writes about blogging, themes, SEO, plug-ins and other important, author platform essentials. You can find her book by clicking  HERE where you will be taken to her Amazon Author Page offering paperback, audiobook or kindle edition formats. I highly recommend it, especially if you are starting out. 

Blogging For Authors: Build an Author Platform and Sell More Books with Your Blog by Rebecca Livermore

​SELF-PUBLISHING: BEING COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN SKIN

Let's be honest here: the reason I got this far in creating my website, incorporating a newsletter, a blog and self-publishing my first poetry book, namely, Excerpts From The Wandering Mind, is because of the wonderful support I have received from my readers who have inspired me to commence my writing journey.  I would still be writing on crumbled napkins and sticky notes if I wasn't encouraged...well, truth is, gently implored to compile my first book and for that, I am super appreciative! My next book will be distributed to a greater audience. I am doing things in a way that nurtures my comfort level.  This is a whole new world for me and I am truly liking it.

​Thus far, self-publishing and I are a fit. One major plus for me is the full control I have in all aspects of the publishing industry such as book cover design, interior layout, marketing, branding, etc. I am fully immersed in the creative content. Yes, it is a rocky road at times, especially when you are starting out, but it is well worth it for me.  I am in charge of my own successes and my own failures. I am learning and I am growing; the mistress of my own destiny.   Keeping it real. Always.

If you are new to all of this as I am, the best advice I have for you is to create a definite outline of your goals and how you expect to achieve those goals.  We all falter at first but being open to working hard and educating yourself in the industry will go a long way in helping you succeed.  Be ready to make mistakes.  Be willing to learn from them. Be determined to keep moving forward. You can do it!

I dedicate this first blog post to my current and future readers/fans. Your support is essential and appreciated.

Looking forward to you reading my next blog post in the near future.
Stay Safe!
​
Mary-Lisa Russo
www.marylisarusso.ca

Author

You have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book. She is a university graduate h​aving majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups. ​

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