Saturday Guest blogger: Brenda Novak!
Yes, she’s so fabulous, we had to have her TWICE. Her topic today, networking, is one we’ve discussed a bit before, so I’m so happy to have her here again. Thanks, Brenda, for blogging with the Plotmonkeys again!
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Does networking really benefit a writer’s career? Or is it (and its sister—promotion) not worth the hassle for either the published or unpublished? Should we just sit back and write the best books we can write and let the publisher take it from there?
This has been a heavily debated topic since I started my writing career ten years ago. At the beginning, there were more people saying you couldn’t impact sales, but that opinion seems to be changing. In this competitive of a market place, where so many are turning out quality fiction, it’s very difficult to set yourself apart, to get noticed. But it’s still possible, and one of the most effective methods is networking. Why? It’s a mathematical certainty that the whole is always greater than its individual parts. I can’t know everyone or everything, but when I link up with others, who link up with others, etc., we create something bigger than ourselves. Take this blog, for instance. Look at the wealth of information shared here. Participating here and getting to know the authors is networking.
In this industry, we rely very heavily on word-of-mouth. Our careers depend on people. Editors buy our books. Sometimes other authors endorse them. The marketing force sells them. Booksellers buy them and try to present them to the public in a pleasing way. Readers buy them and recommend them if they’re good. The common denominator in every step is people—not just the actual work. So you have to be more than a good writer. You have to have business acumen—or at least an eye for opportunity and what I call “credibility.”
Consider how you choose the movies you watch and the other products you buy. There are certain indicators we all use to insure we get good value for our money, isn’t there? For instance, an editor wants the best possible chance at finding a manuscript worthy of being published–and she wants to find that gem with the least amount of time and effort. To do that, she would use the same indicators as the rest of us:
-> Who created it?
-> Are they experienced? Reputable?
-> Does it sound intriguing?
-> Do I have reason to believe this person will be able to finish the book and/or write another one?
-> What are others saying about this work or this writer?
Editors are human and would react very similarly to the way you’d react in the same situation. So market your product in such a way that those answers work in your favor, that all indicators are telling her, “Give this a chance—it’s great!”
A lot of people talk about schmoozing, but for me that term has a very negative connotation, a selfish one. “What’s in it for me?” Networking isn’t about one-way relationships. It’s not about shaking hands and passing out bookmarks. It’s about symbiotic relationships. It’s about giving something to others, who in turn give something to you. If that’s between an author and reader—the author gives a great story, a good read, and the reader compensates by paying for that story and recommending it to her friends. Both people win. That’s really the only way networking is successful, because networking functions on basic psychology principles. People act out of self-interest far more often than they act out of public virtue. Which means, in order to be a good networker, you need to realize that you’re not the only one who deserves to succeed. There are other people in the world who have the same right to fulfill their goals and desires.
Networking is about helping them do that–and having them, in turn, help you. I think Deepak Chopra said it simplest: “Positive energy going out comes back.”
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To enjoy a summer of suspense from award-winning, best-selling, Brenda Novak, click here!
Welcome back, Brenda! We’re happy to have you. I know Brenda is at BEA (Booksellers Expo in LA) so her check-ins might be spotty! But she’ll be here!
Comment by Carly — May 31, 2008 @ 8:17 am
I said it earlier this week on Soapbox Queens but it bears repeating: You amaze me!!! I don’t know how you do it and you’ve inspired me to a new mantra - “I have unlimited and boundless energy and enthusiasm.”
I guess it’s working because I was up until 11:30 last night working on an outline
Those who know me are in shock at that statement. I don’t do outlines but I’m determined to learn so that I can be a more efficient writer without having to rewrite he whole blasted story 5 times to get it right. Anyway, I was up until then and back at it at 7:30 this morning (I’m sure not early for you but it might as well have been 0:darky-thirty for me because I am not a morning person).
Your advice was great and it’s obvious you stand by what you say. I’m sure you get a ton of exposure for your auction, as do the authors that participate, (and I can only imagine the hardwork required) but what a wonderful thing you’re all doing in the process!
I had a really long watch list at the beginning of the month but have been outbid on everything at this point. And that’s a good thing considering the whole reason everyone is bidding, but dag-gone-it, next year I’m going to walk away the winner on something!
Thanks for the great information and I hope the auction totals exceed your goal! Have a great weekend everyone!
Comment by Jodie — May 31, 2008 @ 9:09 am
I’m on my way to an out-of-town birthday party, but I just wanted to stop in really quick and say hi to Brenda and to say that if ever there was an author who is the queen of networking, it is her! Even before her auction, I knew Brenda. She’s outgoing and friendly and makes a point to introduce herself and talk to people in a way that is memorable!
I think that networking is, hands-down, the most important promotion an author can do. Networking has served me very well over the years and maybe because I value my friendships so dearly, it has made more of a difference in my career than any promotion ever could. Through networking, I’ve become friends with women who not only support my career, but support ME. That’s priceless.
Okay, off to face the heat…it’s an outdoor party, ya’ll, and in Florida, it’s summer.
Comment by Julie Leto — May 31, 2008 @ 9:24 am
Hi Brenda,
I’ve seen you all around this week
. Looking forward to your new book.
Have a nice day all.
Comment by Dina — May 31, 2008 @ 10:07 am
That’s actually very interesting, because to me the phrase “networking” is only just starting to lose the very negative connotation of “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”. while shmoozing has always been non-commercial and generally just meant chatting it up with others. We didn’t have shmoozing tutorials in business school, and we didn’t go to shmoozing events where we gave 30 second self descriptive spiels and handed out business cards. Interesting to see how other people view words, though.
Comment by G — May 31, 2008 @ 10:34 am
What an interesting post. I hope your auction is a very big success!!
Comment by Virginia H. — May 31, 2008 @ 11:16 am
Just hopping in to say hi to Brenda… your books are awesome.. and what a huge success the auction was again this year..im counting the days to next years…it gets better every time..
Comment by Jolene — May 31, 2008 @ 11:22 am
Hi Brenda!! Thank you for coming back again!
I agree with Jodie, you amaze me! I don’t know where you get your boundless energy. You must take some kind of special vitamin that the rest of us don’t know about. :giggle: For those who haven’t read Brenda Novak, RUN to the nearest bookstore. Now! She is not only an amazing woman but an amazing writer as well! I feel priviledged to know her.
Good morning to all you lovely Plotmonkeys and Jungle Babes! I hope your Saturday is humming along with a nice, pleasant rhythm. I slept in this morning. *gasp* It’s almost 10 o’clock here in Colorado. I’m usually up early even on the weekends but I was just so tired yesterday I needed to re-charge my batteries.
Have a fab day all
Cher
Comment by Cher — May 31, 2008 @ 11:47 am
Hello Brenda you’ve done a great job addressing an important topic.
I can tell you my visits to plotmonkeys often decide the books and/or
authors I read. Thanks for stopping by.
LESLIE
‘Slow hand’ Is a terrifficcccc read. I’m so glad Maddy met Jake.
Zoey gives this book 4 PAWS UP.
I for one am so glad you continue to grow with each new story.
You make the characters fun, interesting and the sex scenes are really
scorching. Slow Hand has me salivating for your next month’s release.
Wishing I had 4 thumbs giving you a 2 thumbs up. Perfectly woven story.
Comment by jeannie and zoey — May 31, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
Hey Brenda–so great to have you here! I guess today’s the last day for the auction, right? Hope it brings in record-breaking totals!
And Jeannie…lol…thanks to you, and to Zoey! What a fabulous review. I think I’ll have to quote her: 4 Paws UP!
Comment by Leslie — May 31, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
Hello, Brenda,
It’s good to see you here again. You always have good and interesting information to share
with us. As a reader, your words are most informative about the world of the author and
how that process impacts the reader. Thanks so much, now I have to get back to my bid
page of the auction to see where I stand!
Pat Cochran
Comment by Pat Cochran — May 31, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
Welcome back Brenda! I was able to pick up the last copy of Trust Me at B&N the other night. I too have been outbid on everything(woohoo for the auction, sad for me), but hopefully my raffle tickets will make me a winner.
Comment by Liza — May 31, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Yeah Brenda is here!!
I was so upset that I missed you the other day at the soapboxqueens, so I’m glad I popped in here today!! You are an inspiration and I love your books!
Jeannie!! I’m so glad to “see” you and Zoey, we’ve missed you!
Comment by Tina Martinesi — May 31, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
Congratulations to Carly for her 4 1/2 star review for Hot Property from RT!
Cher
Comment by Cher — May 31, 2008 @ 5:02 pm
Whew! Not only spotty, Carly, but late. We didn’t arrive in L.A. until 3:00 a.m. and I had five kids to get into a hotel. By the time I got up, I was afraid I’d be late for my 10:00 signing (had to drive from Anaheim to Los Angeles and had no idea what I’d find as far as traffic and parking). Anyway, signing went great. Then my editor took me out for lunch. This is my first access to a computer. I apologize–but am happy to be here at last!
Brenda
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
Hi Jodie–
Wow, sounds like you’re getting tons done. Good for you! I love that feeling.
I don’t do outlines, either. I know they work really well for some writers, but I’m not one of them. By the time I do an outline, I feel as if I’ve already told my story and am bored with it. I admire those who can plan so far ahead–so good luck with it!
Thanks for all the bids on the auction. It’s not over until tonight if you want to win any of those items back.
Brenda
TRUST ME, On Sale Now!
http://www.brendanovak.com
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 6:02 pm
Wow, Julie! I’m flattered you think I’m a good networker because YOU’RE the master. LOL I love how acgtive you are on loops and hoe helpful you are to other writers. You’re great about sharing information and advice and that’s priceless.
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 6:05 pm
Yes, G, it is interesting how some words have a different connotation to different people. I think it depends on your personal experiences and background. You’re not the only one who has told me that the term “networking” has the most negative feel to them. But the concept of being a true friend and making real connections is the important part of the message, and I think that hold true whether you use the term networking or schoozing, don’t you?
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
Hi Dina!
Thanks for the welcome. I’ve been making the rounds, trying to promote the auction. We’re currently at $225,000. I’m hoping to hit $240,000 before it’s all over. Wish me luck!
Sorry for the grammar mistake and typo in the last message, folks. My trying to type this while in an Excursion that is bouncing all over (fighting motion sickness at the same time–LOL). Forgive me….
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
Thanks, Virginia. I’m very happy to be here.
And Jolene–you’ve been an amazing support at the auction this year. Thank you so much. I’m already planning some fun stuff for next year so I’m glad it’s on your calendar!
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Thank you, Cher!
I was pretty excited about it!
Brenda, glad you made it! 5 kids? YOu made BEA a family trip? Whew!
Comment by Carly — May 31, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
Hi Jeannie! Thanks for the welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the blog.
Leslie–Yep, this is it. I can hardly believe it. I’ve been addicted to checking it’s progress. Now maybe I can settle down and write again! LOL
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 6:22 pm
Hi Pat–I hope you win something fabulous. Two out of three of my auction assistants made their first sale in the week leading into the auction so there’s definitely some good karma floating around. LOL Dream for something great!
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Hi Liza–
Thanks so much for picking up a copy of my new release. I hope you love it (let me know what you think). And good luck with the raffle. I was really glad that I was able to finally work out the logistics on that. Next year, we’ll have them from the beginning and they will be even more amazing!
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 6:26 pm
Thanks, Jeannie! You’re awesome–always so supportive! :-)
Comment by BrendaNovak — May 31, 2008 @ 6:28 pm