8 Gatejumper Tips Heard at the Writers Digest Conference

Sep

Posted by Helen Hoefele in Events, Social Media, Writing

I must admit that when I first saw the agenda for the Writer’s Digest Conference, taking place in NYC this year, I didn’t quite understand why there was such a big social media focus at the event. I wondered if the event organizers weren’t just jumping on the bandwagon of the latest online trends.

Gladly, my skepticism turned out to be quite short-lived. Right from the very first session I attended, I immediately understood that this apparent merging of topics wasn’t any kind of a forced fit, but instead was a natural union that made perfect sense. The book publishing environment is clearly changing — it’s not just about getting an agent and finding a publisher anymore.

I decided that since my learnings might be of interest to some of my fellow creative friends, I put together this list of 8 things I learned about “21^st Century publishing” and how social media can be used to legitimately bypass the bombarded Gatekeepers and make you a successful Gatejumper.

[Attribution Note: I sometimes get nervous about whether or not I’ve given adequate and accurate credit where credit is due for particular ideas. Let me acknowledge that the following tips are essentially a mashup of learnings from: @ScottSigler, @SethHarwood, @BeTheMedia, @ChrisBrogan, and @JaneFriedman. Thanks to all of these great presenters for the learnings!] [FYI: No affiliate links are used in this post, so feel free to click through the links.]

So, let me know if these points resonate with you, too:

(1) Your book is just one vehicle to get your message out. As pointed out by David Mathison of “Be The Media”: Your book shouldn’t be your business model or your end game. As with social media, it’s never about the tools. As Chris Brogan makes clear: Your book is a way to connect to people (as also demonstrated by the book, Trust Agents, by Chris Brogan & Julien Smith.)

(2) You are the best person to sell your book. Successful fiction writers, Scott Sigler and Seth Harwood, are perfect examples of how, especially in the beginning, you should do it all yourself. Create your own platform. Build your own audience. See how Seth Harwood simplifies the process he uses in this “How He Podcasts” video clip on YouTube.

Also, consider how Writer’s Digest editorial director, Jane Friedman, clarifies how “publishers sell your book to wholesales, distributors, and booksellers – it’s up to you to reach your readers.”

Building your own audience first (as Seth Godin also writes about in his book “Tribes“) is what makes getting published easier later (see more at point #6). Having your own audience also gives you leverage to negotiate better contract terms when the time comes, as emphasized by David Mathison in his book “Be The Media”.

(3) In 21st Century publishing, there are no rules. (Notice how Writer’s Digest editor Jane Friedman’s blog is even entitled: “There Are No Rules”.) Also, paraphrasing Chris Brogan: “The first one there owns the game. You set the frame. You explain why this is the solution. Then you deliver it. You make the game.” Chris even had a quote that went something like this: “Don’t go where the road leads. Go where there’s no road and create your own.”

(4) “The biggest enemy isn’t piracy, it is obscurity,” that is the way Scott Sigler says it. Chris Brogan uses the word “providence” to describe how when you “give everything away it will come back to you.” This doesn’t seem like a logical approach on the surface. But I believe in how fiction writers, Scott Sigler and Seth Harwood, succeeded by consistently giving away complete and “free serialized audio books” a.k.a. podcasts. (Similarly, Chris Brogan is known for how he gave away tons of free content for years before the book “Trust Agents” came out; Darren Rowse of Problogger fame did it with what became his “31 Days to Build a Better Blog” book; and Hugh MacLeod, a.k.a. Gaping Void, did it with a full-length manifesto on Creativity which became his recent book “Ignore Everybody”.)

(5) Learn how to be human at a distance. As Chris Brogan explains: It’s not about you, it’s about your readers. Be there before the sale. Give someone help for free rather than giving them a postcard that they don’t want and can’t use. Do this right, and you don’t have to sell them anything, they’ll want to buy from you. Hence, the following point #6.

(6) The easiest way to get a book published is to not try to. This one is from Chris Brogan, too, he describes it like this: The best time to find a job is when you already have one. You’ll exude a different level of confidence. But, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to put in the hard work either (more on that later). And, he goes on to explain that this is not “fake it till you make it”. It’s about bringing your best. (Remember the negotiating leverage from point #2).

(7) Focus on finding readers (an audience), don’t focus on finding other writers (unless that’s your business). Scott Sigler and Seth Harwood remind us that your audience is interested in your message. In finding topics to cover in your blog, focus on your readers and your message; keep the industry stuff separate. True readers probably aren’t that interested in industry news or the behind-the-scenes processes (other than true die-hard fans). Though, do work with your Industry Peers to cross-promote with them to leverage different audience bases.

(8) Your revenue stream will not come from the book, but from what comes next. Books are your best $25 business card, leading to other revenue afterwards such as from: speaking; consulting; advertising; being hired for other projects; etc. Consider the progressive steps listed on the bottom scale of this: Be-The-Media’s Product-Pricing Curve.

So, overall, while there are no hard-and-fast rules to success, per se, these are some really useful guidelines to consider.

As Chris Brogan quips, phones don’t accidentally get new followers, people don’t randomly find you. There is work involved here.

The closest thing to a formula that I could put together from this event is the following:

Take Chris Brogan’s advice to “listen at the point of need” by using Search and participating. Also, market to Google as much as to people.
Use Scott Sigler & Seth Harwoods’s process of: “Content. Consistency. Promotion.” over a 3-to-5 year timeframe.
Put in, what Malcolm Gladwell concludes is, 10,000 hours in your area of focus to establish your expertise.
Target the achievable, yet still manageable, goal of finding 1,000 true fans, a concept from Wired Magazine editor Kevin Kelly and written about by Dave Mathisen in his book, “Be The Media”.

Do all that, and tell me if that doesn’t work. Either way, that’s what I’ll be trying. What about you?

Please let me know what you think. Are these tips and concepts use-able for you?

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http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/ Meryl Evans

I've been following the conference from home on SM and I think WD was right on to build the conference around the SM theme because authors and wanna-bes need to build a following and platform, and SM makes that possible. Of course, SM should not be the only thing up your sleeve — but it helps you connect with people daily and build relationships.

You captured the essence of the conference from what I've seen. Nice job, Helen!
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/ Meryl Evans

I've been following the conference from home on SM and I think WD was right on to build the conference around the SM theme because authors and wanna-bes need to build a following and platform, and SM makes that possible. Of course, SM should not be the only thing up your sleeve — but it helps you connect with people daily and build relationships.

You captured the essence of the conference from what I've seen. Nice job, Helen!
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/ Meryl Evans

And I'm the kind of person who wouldn't push face-to-face. Not a shy person — but one who worries I won't understand everything I hear, or rather lipread. I tend to shy away from conferences because I don't know if I can get the full ROI as I can't be sure I'll catch all the important stuff.
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/ Meryl Evans

And I'm the kind of person who wouldn't push face-to-face. Not a shy person — but one who worries I won't understand everything I hear, or rather lipread. I tend to shy away from conferences because I don't know if I can get the full ROI as I can't be sure I'll catch all the important stuff.
http://www.chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan…

What a great write-up. Heck, I rarely remember what I say, so I'm glad that you wrote it down. I'm grateful for all that you wrote here, Helen, and I"m glad we met and hung out for a little bit after my talk. : )
http://www.chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan…

What a great write-up. Heck, I rarely remember what I say, so I'm glad that you wrote it down. I'm grateful for all that you wrote here, Helen, and I"m glad we met and hung out for a little bit after my talk. : )
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Thanks for reading and for commenting, Meryl! You're right, there is also the offline world that we need to remember to add into the mix, too! Either way, knowing that there are effective non-traditional avenues to try adds a whole new life to the pursuit for me, and hopefully for others, too!
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Thanks for reading and for commenting, Meryl! You're right, there is also the offline world that we need to remember to add into the mix, too! Either way, knowing that there are effective non-traditional avenues to try adds a whole new life to the pursuit for me, and hopefully for others, too!
http://intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Thanks, Chris! Glad to be able to pass along the learnings to those that couldn't be there. It was great meeting you in person, too. Thanks, too, for signing my book the way you did (and for commenting here, too.)
http://intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Thanks, Chris! Glad to be able to pass along the learnings to those that couldn't be there. It was great meeting you in person, too. Thanks, too, for signing my book the way you did (and for commenting here, too.)
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

I don't go to too many seminars, especially in the past year (actually I just started going again lately) mostly because it gets expensive after a while (especially the additional room & food charges.) For me, NYC is just a train ride away from NJ, so I'll go for a day here and there if it fits. For me, I actually prefer the online tools over face-to-face socializing, since I guess I do get shy when I don't know people. I can see how lipreading would be tricky, probably even if you got a seat close up. I'm wondering though, even if you don't catch everything, there might still be a few nuggets or contacts that make it worthwhile in other ways. You never know. Maybe some day we'll even get to meet each other at a conference.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

I don't go to too many seminars, especially in the past year (actually I just started going again lately) mostly because it gets expensive after a while (especially the additional room & food charges.) For me, NYC is just a train ride away from NJ, so I'll go for a day here and there if it fits. For me, I actually prefer the online tools over face-to-face socializing, since I guess I do get shy when I don't know people. I can see how lipreading would be tricky, probably even if you got a seat close up. I'm wondering though, even if you don't catch everything, there might still be a few nuggets or contacts that make it worthwhile in other ways. You never know. Maybe some day we'll even get to meet each other at a conference.
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog Meryl K Evans

New Yorkers and neighbors certainly have an advantage as many events take place in NY. Being in Dallas — not so much. Biggest event for me is sxsw in Austin. Still have to shell out for hotel and travel as Austin is four hours away.

Fact: Lipreaders, on average, catch a third of what is said. Of course, it depends on how the person talks.
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog Meryl K Evans

New Yorkers and neighbors certainly have an advantage as many events take place in NY. Being in Dallas — not so much. Biggest event for me is sxsw in Austin. Still have to shell out for hotel and travel as Austin is four hours away.

Fact: Lipreaders, on average, catch a third of what is said. Of course, it depends on how the person talks.
http://twitter.com/sethharwood @sethharwood

Helen,

Yes! as Chris said above, this is a SUPER write-up of some salient points from the conference! You're really showing here that you "get" the blogging platform part and know how to create great links, content about what you've got going through your life/head, and how to engage with your audience.

Your post popped right up on my Google Alerts this morning! Glad to see it and I look forward to more great stuff from you!

Cheers,

Seth
http://twitter.com/sethharwood @sethharwood

Helen,

Yes! as Chris said above, this is a SUPER write-up of some salient points from the conference! You're really showing here that you "get" the blogging platform part and know how to create great links, content about what you've got going through your life/head, and how to engage with your audience.

Your post popped right up on my Google Alerts this morning! Glad to see it and I look forward to more great stuff from you!

Cheers,

Seth
http://intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Thanks for stopping by and leaving the kind note, Seth! I really enjoyed your presentation with Scott. It's great to see that these strategies really do work. So inspiring! I look forward to approaching my non-fiction writing in different ways now. Thanks for the inspiration and ideas!
http://intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Thanks for stopping by and leaving the kind note, Seth! I really enjoyed your presentation with Scott. It's great to see that these strategies really do work. So inspiring! I look forward to approaching my non-fiction writing in different ways now. Thanks for the inspiration and ideas!
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/ Meryl Evans

Imagine reading every third word in a paragraph — you can see how much of a difference it makes.

Hoping HR3101 will pass. But concerned about captioning ALL videos. A lot of hobbyists making videos don't have the resources.
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3101/show
http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/ Meryl Evans

Imagine reading every third word in a paragraph — you can see how much of a difference it makes.

Hoping HR3101 will pass. But concerned about captioning ALL videos. A lot of hobbyists making videos don't have the resources.
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3101/show
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Yes, I admit that I often take my proximity to NY for granted…I really should appreciate that more. Regarding the SXSW event, I've read a lot of good things about that one, but have never gone yet (too bad that one's not closer to you).

Regarding lipreading, I didn't realize that so much is lost. You are right then that attending in person may not be as worthwhile in that case. I'm wondering if there might not be a need for a "special needs" social media event (if that's the right term to use?) . I also remember learning about Online Accessibility Standards (which is a little different, but somewhat related) back when I took a course years ago, but unfortunately I don't hear much about that anymore either. Hmmmm…
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Yes, I admit that I often take my proximity to NY for granted…I really should appreciate that more. Regarding the SXSW event, I've read a lot of good things about that one, but have never gone yet (too bad that one's not closer to you).

Regarding lipreading, I didn't realize that so much is lost. You are right then that attending in person may not be as worthwhile in that case. I'm wondering if there might not be a need for a "special needs" social media event (if that's the right term to use?) . I also remember learning about Online Accessibility Standards (which is a little different, but somewhat related) back when I took a course years ago, but unfortunately I don't hear much about that anymore either. Hmmmm…
http://meredith-morgan.blogspot.com/ Meredith Morgan

I was struck by the statement that we should be looking for readers not other writers. I have been blogging on Red Room and frequenting various writers blogs, some of which are very helpful with writing hints, but I know the writers aren't going to buy my books. Readers might, however. Are there links/suggestions for finding places where readers hang out???
http://meredith-morgan.blogspot.com/ Meredith Morgan

I was struck by the statement that we should be looking for readers not other writers. I have been blogging on Red Room and frequenting various writers blogs, some of which are very helpful with writing hints, but I know the writers aren't going to buy my books. Readers might, however. Are there links/suggestions for finding places where readers hang out???
http://intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Yes, that distinction really caught my attention, too. Finding readers is definitely the challenge. That's what I'm trying to figure out, too. At the conf., Scot & Seth described starting small with a few friends and then building it up a little at a time…that's the 3-5 yr timeframe (FYI: they used podiobooks.com to podcast their books). In Trust Agents there's even a chapter on "Building an Army" by starting a Mastermind group, collaborating with others, etc., (I've only skimmed that chapter so far.) Chris also talked about using Twitter & Search and also participating within your community. I've heard that goodreads.com is a place where people like to go to discuss and recommend books, maybe there'd be some ideas there. So, that's where I'm at. Maybe we can do some brainstorming together if you'd like?
http://intensedebate.com/people/hhoefele hhoefele

Yes, that distinction really caught my attention, too. Finding readers is definitely the challenge. That's what I'm trying to figure out, too. At the conf., Scot & Seth described starting small with a few friends and then building it up a little at a time…that's the 3-5 yr timeframe (FYI: they used podiobooks.com to podcast their books). In Trust Agents there's even a chapter on "Building an Army" by starting a Mastermind group, collaborating with others, etc., (I've only skimmed that chapter so far.) Chris also talked about using Twitter & Search and also participating within your community. I've heard that goodreads.com is a place where people like to go to discuss and recommend books, maybe there'd be some ideas there. So, that's where I'm at. Maybe we can do some brainstorming together if you'd like?
http://www.nextvideogames.net Amy the Gamer Girl

Wonderful, that’s just what I was seeking for! You just saved me alot of digging around
http://www.nextvideogames.net Amy the Gamer Girl

Wonderful, that’s just what I was seeking for! You just saved me alot of digging around

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