Wow! Is it September already? Pamela Hilliard Owens: YB2C and Detroit Ink Publishing @DIPLLC #motownwriters

Wow! It’s September already?!? It’s September already?!? Well, yes it is. It’s also the 3rd month of the 3rd calendar quarter of the year. What it is not is the “end” of the summer. Although Labor Day in the U.S. is considered the “unofficial end of summer,” we still have almost three weeks of “official summer” to enjoy! This week’s newsletter is very short, just a couple of quick announcements. But watch this space, the YB2C Companies are busy as usual with great products, services, and programs to assist you with achieving your goals. Follow Me on Medium! As I briefly mentioned in a previous newsletter, I am moving the majority of my content writing to Medium. Because I have websites/blogs for the two main companies, AND the podcast, AND the branding/marketing training course, AND I’m active on all of my social media accounts, my blog posts and articles were in several different places. By moving just about everything to Medium, my readers can now read all of my writing in one place. Medium has over 60 MILLION readers per month; a much larger following than all of my blogs and social media outlets put together! Medium is free, offering the reading of up to three articles a month to all members. As an additional benefit to its members, Medium has a paid membership that allows members to read an unlimited number of articles each month on all kinds of interesting topics. The Medium paid membership plan is a very affordable $5/month or $50/year. From the membership fees, Medium pays its writers for most of their articles. So if you enjoy my blog posts and articles, please follow me on Medium to receive notifications when I have posted stories there. Much appreciated! If you would like to have a paid Medium membership, you can join the community here. I look forward to seeing YOU on Medium! Thanks!   It Takes Ten Years to Become an Overnight Success! We just celebrated eleven years in business last July, and now we’re celebrating eleven months since the publishing of my book that details the year-by-year story of my first ten years as a freelance business owner! Here is the information from the back cover: In the middle of 2008, a determined woman who is a former teacher, a former college professor, and a former sales manager decides to start a business so she will no longer have to work for others. It was also the middle of the Great Recession, but she wasn’t thinking about that. She was really just thinking about opening the next month. Relying on her writing and editing skills, and her sales experience, she opens her doors on July 7, 2008. One year passes, and then another and another. As a freelance business owner, she experiences the highs and lows that all business owners go through. But one day, she looks around, and it has been TEN YEARS since she started and she’s a success, with three separate but related businesses and a podcast! Success just didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. The book is available on Amazon in both print and Kindle editions. An audio edition will be added soon. If you haven’t purchased your copy yet, it’s available here. Thanks for your support!   Don’t Forget! You can keep up with everything we’re doing by following us on all of our social media outlets: YB2C Marketing System Facebook YB2C Twitter YB2C Live! Podcast for Entrepreneurs Facebook Detroit Ink Publishing Facebook Detroit Ink Publishing Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Please take a minute to “friend” me and “follow” us. Thanks! That’s it for this week’s “YB2C on Wednesday!” See you next time!

Copyright © 2019 Your Business Your Brand Creatively, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you’ve opted into one of our email lists via our web pages, social media, or other marketing efforts. Our mailing address is: Your Business Your Brand Creatively 4444 2nd Ave C/O Green Garage Detroit Detroit, MI 48201-1216

How to Overcome the Fear of Coming Out as a Writer #MOTOWNWRITERS

Write To Doneby Mary Jaksch

Are you nervous about coming out as a writer? Maybe you just want to write for yourself and not share your words with others? It can be scary putting yourself out there. I have that fear too – even after writing and publishing hundreds of posts and a range of books.

READ MORE https://writetodone.com/coming-out-as-a-writer/

How To Stop Self-Doubt From Holding You Back From Writing#MOTOWNWRITERS

200+Writers Helping Writersby ANGELA ACKERMAN

Self-doubt can be a crippling weight, especially for writers. Today we have writing mentor Leigh Shulman with us, and she has some terrific, actionable ways to use prompts to turn self-doubt on its head (and get you writing again!)

I’ve never met a writer who didn’t doubt. You worry you’re not good enough. You wonder if anyone even wants to read your writing. You even begin to suspect that unless your writing fills some very specific criteria, you couldn’t possibly be a real writer at all.

Problem is, worrying about all these things holds you back from writing. Instead of sharing writing for feedback or sending work out for publication, doubt gets you mired in the mud and stuck.

But what if doubt could propel you forward instead of holding you back?

I created these four journaling prompts to help you dance with fear and follow your instinct as you become a stronger and more confident writer.

READ MORE https://writershelpingwriters.net/2019/07/how-to-stop-self-doubt-from-holding-you-back-from-writing/

Becoming a Full-Time Author: Three Mindset Shifts Every Writer Must Make

200+Writers Digestby Pagan Malcolm /

Every writer wants to become a full-time author. Lanterns in the Sky author Pagan Malcolm shares three insights that can help you transition to this lifestyle sooner.

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It’s the dream lifestyle for every aspiring author who pictures a long, successful career writing books—leisurely waking up, making a hot cup of coffee, and perhaps indulging in some reading before starting your busy writing day in the office.

But full-time authorship isn’t without its own pros and cons.

The thing about authorship is that it’s something no new author has ever attempted before—so naturally, we’re going to make mistakes along the way. But some of these mistakes are completely avoidable with a simple mindset shift.

Do you plan on achieving full-time authorship in the next 3–5 years? Then take a look at these massive shifts and realizations I (thankfully) had quite early in my author career. These powerful mindset shift tips may just make or break the timeframe in which you make becoming a full-time writer happen.

READ MORE https://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/becoming-a-full-time-author-three-mindset-shifts-every-writer-must-make

Six Things Writers Need To Stop Worrying About

A Newbie’s Guide to Publishingby JA Konrath /

Some things don’t change.

When I got my start in this biz, way back in 2002, writers had to get a lit agent to get a publisher, then they did what their publisher told them to do.

That way of doing things was terrible for lots of reasons, including (but not limited to):

• Agents missing good books.
• Publishers missing good books.
• Publishers owning rights forever.
• Publishers screwing up promotion.
• Sales numbers following you.
• Having no control during the submission process.
• Having no control during the publishing process.
• Having no control after the book comes out.

The “having no control” parts actually apply to all of the above. Though writers can set goals such as “I’ll query three agents by July 20th” actually getting an agent is out of our control.

I’ve blogged at length about the differences between goals and dreams, but TLDR: goals are within your control, dreams are what you want but beyond your control.

While self-pubbing has allowed writers unprecedented control over how we publish and promote, there are still four things beyond our control that writers seems to get stuck on.

Here are six things writers need to stop worrying about.

read more http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2019/07/five-things-writers-need-to-stop.html

9 Things Authors Aren’t Doing (And Should Be Doing)

100+Indies Unlimitedby Martin Crosbie /

At BookDoggy, we often receive submissions from authors that are missing important items which could totally help them connect with more readers. We’ve put together a rant, I mean a list of things that drive us crazy, I mean things that will help you. Anyway, here it is.

read more https://www.indiesunlimited.com/2019/07/23/9-things-authors-arent-doing-and-should-be-doing/

Breakthrough Insecurity as a Writer #motownwriters

Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hit…by trainingauthors /

Why Self-Publishing Authors Should Consider Establishing Their Own Imprint #motownwriters

500+Jane Friedmanby David Wogahn /

Today’s guest post is an excerpt from Register Your Book: The Essential Guide to ISBNs, Barcodes, Copyright, and LCCNs by consultant David Wogahn (@wogahn).

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Since 2012, the year I began working exclusively with self-publishers, I’ve helped more than 100 authors create self-publishing imprints. Some of these were formed as corporations and LLCs, but most were in name only. The common thread between all of them—one of the earliest decisions made—was to choose a name under which to buy an ISBN, short for International Standard Book Number, a unique number assigned to every published book.

Early in the ebook revolution Amazon declared ebooks did not need an ISBN. Much to the consternation of Bowker (the official U.S. issuer of ISBNs), and the publishing industry itself, ebook self-publishing platforms had no choice but to follow Amazon’s lead. Even Apple, which launched iBooks by requiring an ISBN for ebooks, was forced to abandon its position.

“Who cares?” many self-publishers declared as they forged ahead. Bowker did not or does not adequately explain the value of assigning one, so what’s the point?

I can’t argue with them.

But like the other technology-fueled revolutions of the past 30 years, self-publishing is becoming more sophisticated. I’ve been thinking about what value an imprint (and ISBN ownership) provides the author/publisher, and what the consequences are for using, or not using, an imprint.

I know this may seem like minutia to new writers. But I’ve learned that these early decisions can and do have a long-term impact with little or no chance for fixing or correcting, short of re-publishing.

Is a lack of planning or investment fatal? Of course not. But it is much easier if you understand those implications early so you can make an informed decision. Consider the following.

read more https://www.janefriedman.com/why-self-publishing-authors-should-consider-establishing-their-own-imprint/

How to Waste Money When Self-Publishing a Book #motownwriters

300+Anne R. Allen’s Blog… with Ruth Harrisby Anne R. Allen /

by Nate Hoffelder Self-publishing a book can get quite expensive. A good cover designer can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and the editorial costs can set you back even more. While there are many important expenses, there are also many ways to spend money and get nothing useful in return. For example, take the

read more https://annerallen.com/2019/07/self-publishing-money-wasters/

✍️ New blog post: [Video] 😎 Why Your Brand Image Matters if You’re a Speaker 🎤 or Author #brandingtips via @pamperrypr

[Video]  Why Your Brand Image Matters if You’re a Speaker  or Author #brandingtips You want a million dollar business but your image screams $100 bucks. What’s up with that?  You must invest in your brand if you want to attract premium clients. You cannot be the “DIY” guy that does the logo, website, business cards and photos. The way you present yourself in business is a powerful vehicle […] Continue Reading [Podcast & Video]  What is a #Faithpreneur? Podcast with Dr. Stacie NC Grant #ignite2impact What is a Faithpreneur? Entrepreneurs are typically individuals who exhibit grit, determination and resilience to establish and monetize their business idea. Faithpreneurs just add the element of faith. They stand out as change agents, with fidelity to God in organizing, managing and owning a business. The goal of #FaithpreneurWeekend2K19 is to create sustainable revenue, resources […] Continue Reading

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You’re Not Born With It (and It Isn’t Maybelline)

 

Writers face this horrible little myth that truly great writers are just born that way. They’re all little Mozarts, completing novels in their prepubescence, publishing their first draft, and walking on water in their spare time. Here’s some bad news: that’s all BS. Writers aren’t just “born with it.”

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It’s Time for 6 Months of Focus! Pamela Hilliard Owens: YB2C and Detroit Ink Publishing @DIPLLC #motownwriters

 

It’s the 2nd Half of the Year: Time for Six Months of FOCUS! At the time I am publishing this edition of the newsletter, it is the beginning of July. That means that 1/2 of this year is over and another 1/2 of this year lies ahead. It’s time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Easier said than done… What Has Happened So Far? Some people start every new year setting BAGs (Big Audacious Goals) for the next twelve months. One year is a very long time. Just like with the New Year’s January resolutions to go to the gym every day that fade out by February, many BAGs start to peter out after a few weeks. Do you write down your goals on paper, with an app, or on a spreadsheet? When is the last time you reviewed your annual goals? If you went back and checked them today, what would be the result? Are you where you wanted to be now that one-half of the year has passed? However you originally wrote down your annual goals, doing a thorough review will be very helpful as you prepare for the 2nd half of this year. What Is Your Best Timeline for Goals? Yes, I set annual BAGs, but I have found that realistically, setting quarterly goals works much better. There are thirteen weeks in a calendar quarter; enough time to achieve a goal and not so much time that you start to forget those goals. The first of those thirteen weeks is a great time to review the past quarter and plan out the entire upcoming quarter, including the tasks and activities you will need to achieve each goal. As I said above, you can go analog with pen and paper, use an app, or use a spreadsheet; the point is to use the method(s) you are most comfortable with and to be consistent. Personally, I combine analog, digital, and apps. I have used aBullet Journal since August 2015 to track and document my personal and business lives, and I have customized it for my needs. I love using different pens and pencils to write things down by hand, which helps me slow down and think. I also live by my Google Calendar. Every app I use and everything I do is integrated with and scheduled on my GCal; I can see each morning what I have planned to do for the day, and I can access my GCal from all of my Macs and iDevices. My primary project management app is Trello. I’ve had a Trello account for several years, but I have only recently really started using the app for all of my personal and business projects. I think I’m in love. I have scheduled a future blog post for myYour Business Your Brand Creatively website soon. My team and I manage all of our content marketing and social media marketing projects with CoSchedule. The app has features and benefits perfectly scaled for a solo business like mine. I wrote a blog post about CoSchedule last year. What Goal Areas are Important to You? Most productivity experts recommend that you set goals in six different areas in your life: Health: Everything else you do is possible if your health is good. Wealth: Setting clear personal and business financial goals will keep you on track for building short- and long-term financial security. Relationships: Growing, maintaining and improving the primary personal and business relationships will also lead to growth and improvement in all other areas on your life. Personal Development: What are the personal and professional skills you’d like to develop or improve? What will you need to do over the next quarter to grow those skill sets? Social Life: You know the old adage: “All work and no play makes Jack (and Jill) a dull boy (or girl). Achieving a good balance between work and play actually will help you achieve your goals at a higher level. Entrepreneurs especially often have a hard time stopping work to enjoy the other parts of their lives, making it all the more important to set having a robust social life as a separate goal. Business: Notice this goal is last on the list. This is on purpose to help you recognize that there really is more to life than working all the time. However, it is important to set 2-3 subgoals that you would like to achieve in your business over the next two quarters. Achieving The Goals You Have Set for the Next Quarter Now that you are reviewed the last half-year and planned out the next half-year, it’s time to F.O.C.U.S. (“Follow One Course Until Successful”) and then work every day and every week on the tasks and activities that will ensure that you achieve your goals! Ready? Set? Go!   ICYMI: Here are the links for the newsletters we published in June. June 5:     Our Revised Newsletter Schedule June 12:   Find Me, Friend Me, Follow Me June 19:   Grow Your Email List June 26:   It’s Your Schedule While you’re thinking about your calendar, watch this space to hear about exciting events coming up in July. There will be a BIG announcement next week! We can’t wait to tell you! Don’t Forget! You can keep up with everything we’re doing by following us on all of our social media outlets: YB2C Marketing System Facebook YB2C Twitter YB2C Live! Podcast for Entrepreneurs Facebook Detroit Ink Publishing Facebook Detroit Ink Publishing Twitter LinkedIn Personal Instagram  YB2C Instagram Detroit Ink Publishing Instagram Please take a minute to “friend” me and “follow” us. Thanks! That’s it for this week’s “YB2C on Wednesday!” See you next time! Copyright © 2019 Your Business Your Brand Creatively, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you’ve opted into one of our email lists via our web pages, social media, or other marketing efforts.Our mailing address is: Your Business Your Brand Creatively 4444 2nd Ave C/O Green Garage Detroit Detroit, MI 48201-1216

How to Create a Live Backup of Your Working Files Using Google Drive #motownwriters

28The Digital Readerby Nate Hoffelder /

My server getting hacked a couple months ago made me deeply appreciative of regularly scheduled backups (sometimes the best solution to a situation is to delete whatever is causing the problem and do a clean restore from a backup).

That incident also reminded me that I don’t really have a similar process for restoring the working files on my laptop. Sure, I back up my hard disk regularly, but with 400GB of content on the HD, I can’t restore it quickly or easily, which means if I have a problem I can’t get back to work right away.

That is not career ending, but I would like to be able to switch to a replacement computer and pick up where I left off with a minimum of delay and hassle.

I tried a couple solutions, including syncing my work files to a flash drive and carrying it around with me. That worked okay at first, but after I put the second flash drive through the wash I knew I had to find something better.

Right now I am syncing my work files to Google Drive via Google’s Backup and Sync app. This Windows and macOS app lets you sync one or more folders on your computer with folders on Google Drive.

read more https://the-digital-reader.com/2019/05/20/how-to-create-a-live-backup-of-your-working-files-using-google-drive/

Setting the Scene #motownwriters #writingcommunity #michiganwriters

Whether the setting of your story is integral to your world-building, or simply part of the background noise, your description of it can add color and life to the narrative. Rather than info dumping on your readers, you can deliver information about setting in dynamic and interesting ways. Here are some tips:

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Writing Other Genders #motownwriters #writingcommunity #michiganwriters

 

Writing gives you the chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes. How do you inhabit the skin of a total stranger, though, especially one that doesn’t even share something as basic as gender? While there’s no single, simple way to write a character of a different gender, these tips will help you avoid frustrating mistakes and elevate your development skills.

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