Going Public Is Part of the “Private” Creative Process
Going Public is part of the “private” creative process. There, you have it, and I can’t say it enough–even though many people will disagree and give all kinds of reasons why it doesn’t work for them, why it undermines their art or vision, or why their work “is not ready.” Well, in my newsletter yesterday I wrote an essay about “Finding Your Grape Jelly” as one step in going public (in a bigger way).
I’m sharing 6 Basic Steps for Going Public below, but PLEASE, read to the end where there’s an excerpt from an amazing, arresting mail I received this morning in response to Step 3, the topic of the essay.
I do hope this is thought-provoking and helpful. Would love to hear about your own experiences and thoughts in the comments section (even you naysayers…lol). L, j
6 STEPS FOR GOING PUBLIC (IN A BIGGER WAY)
from Janet Goldstein and Elizabeth Marshall
Step #1. Set Deadlines (DECIDE…and It Will Happen!)
Although this sound obvious, most aspiring authors (and already published authors) get stuck and forget the incredible power that comes when you set a deadline. Decide what can you execute NOW to go public in an even bigger way. For example, you could set a date to launch a workshop, host a teleseminar series, finish your book proposal, or publish your message as an ebook or manifesto.
Pick an action, set a deadline and share it with YOUR public, so you stay on track and build up some excitement and a following in the process.
Step #2. It’s All in the Title
Well, that’s not exactly true, but your title DOES matter and can make the difference in whether potential followers immediately connect with your idea or feel disinterested or bored by it. Whether it’s a working title (including chapter titles) for your book or ebook or a name for your workshop or teleseminar, write down several potential options. Get them on paper and then test these with potential fans and readers.
Listen and watch their reactions. Ask for feedback. By testing your title, you may uncover that one word or phrase you’ve been searching to find.
Step #3. What’s Your Grape Jelly?
Ideas are great, but in order to successfully publish and promote your message, you’ve got to know what “it” is. That’s what we call your “Grape Jelly.” For your Grape Jelly to attract readers and fans, it’s got to look enough like all the other jellies (books) on the shelf, but stand out enough so it’s not boring, bland or just like all the others.
To explore how your “Grape Jelly” can fit in but stand out, think like a “customer” or ideal reader. Look at your bookshelf at home, browse through a Barnes & Noble See where your book fits–or doesn’t. Identify ways you can package your book differently, tell your message in a unique way, or include valuable interactive elements to help readers “consume” your idea. See if the audiences “gets” the promise of your Grape Jelly–and is attracted to it. Refine your ideas based on what you discover and see how your refined ideas “land” when you share them. [more on "grape jelly"]
Step #4. Assemble Your Dream Team
Although it’s tempting to focus on writing and developing your idea, the time to build strategic relationships is NOW.
One powerful way you can do that is to assemble your Dream Team: Make a list of the key individuals, organizations, groups and leaders you would love to endorse your book, promote your message and give their support for your idea! With that list, do some research and set a goal to begin building a relationship with one person or group each week, whether that be through subscribing to their newsletter, commenting on their blog or asking for an introduction.
Step #5. To Build a Tribe, You Need a Community Mindset
These days, your potential readers and fans want more than information. They want to engage with you and be part of a community. One of the most powerful ways you can build a tribe of your own is to start a conversation and engage with the communities around you.
With your followers, ask questions, be open to feedback and offer ways they can be a part of your idea and your work. When you include them, they not only tell others about you but can offer valuable ways to further strengthen your message. With potential strategic partners, you can comment on their blog, recommend a resource you know they need, or interact with them on social media to move quickly move those relationships forward.
Step #6. You Need a Radio Station To Send Out Your Signals
You may have the GREATEST idea in the world, but without a powerful Radio Station (including the right infrastructure, tools and technology) to “send your signal,” the world won’t know who you are.
Ask yourself: do you have the tools to send out clear, consistent and compelling messages to your audience? It doesn’t matter whether that signal is a blog, a newsletter, a teleseminar series or a weekly podcast. What DOES matter is that you pick 1-2 channels to send out your signal and set deadlines to make sure you’re consistently and effectively connecting with your fans and readers.
A LETTER: “THINKING ABOUT MY GRAPE JELLY”
Hi Janet,
Delighted to see my comment in your newsletter today!
I’m working on my Grape Jelly and it’s starting to come together. I think what shifted things was your comment to really think about the reader’s experience. I’ve been focusing too much on my own need to explain myself, defend my position, or be liked or funny or whatever. Time to get real, as painful as it might be.
I guess I struggle, as all memoir writers do, regarding the idea of being personal because it does affect others and it can also bite me in the butt. My have basically shunned me for years for a number of odd reasons. They have their own issues and every one of them has struggled with it mightily. It’s hard for them to see me happy, I think. Sheesh,…
Anyway… this is just me grappling with disclosure and how it will affect others. My daughters, however, are encouraging me to tell it like it is, and so is my husband. That helps. I’m getting there.
On to defining the “IT”….will have a rewritten Chapter One to send in a few days.
Hugs,
WHERE I’LL BE “GOING PUBLIC” AT LIVE EVENTS IN FEBRUARY & MARCH
San Miguel Writer’s Conference 2010 | 2/19-23 | San Miguel de Allende
The Book Breakthrough with Elizabeth Marshall | 2/26 | Dallas
New World of Publishing hosted by Laura Davis | 3/6 | Santa Cruz
Wealthy Thought Leader with Andrea J. Lee | 3/18-20 | Vancouver
Category: events + classes, food for thought, marketing + social media, platform-development, writing + editing
Thanks for this helpful and positive blog entry. I am thinking long and hard about my grape jelly!
I posted a link to this blog on my Harriet’s Voice: Home Base for Writing Mothers blog.
Thx so much for writing. I loved your post. (Fyi, I refer people to Grub Street, too.)
Good luck formulating and playing with your particular “recipe” for your book/concept/ “idea set.”