The Motivational Editor

Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published

Debra L. Butterfield

Build Your Platform with Your Free Products

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Congratulations go to Amy Bovaird, our contest winner. She’ll receive a copy of Jeff Goins’ brand new book The In-Between. Email me at Deb@DebraLButterfield.com with your address and I’ll get it sent right out.

As you can see, I spent my weekend, redesigning, and I hope, making improvements to my website. I still have some work to do, but I’m learning CSS code as I go. We are all on this journey together, learning our craft and the tidbits of everything else that go with being a freelance writer.

Now, let’s move on to today’s marketing tip.

Market Yourself with Free Products

Whether it’s a tight economy or not, people like to get free stuff.

While you build your publishing credits and platform, you can market yourself (and any products you may have) by offering your readers a free eBook you’ve written, or a simple pdf document that focuses on your niche area of expertise (generally in exchange for their email address). Createspace has an eBook option, and I’ve done some research on Smashwords.com as well.

(I’m accepting guest blogs. Do you know about creating eBooks.)

A pdf is easily created on your computer and can be distributed to your readers directly via email, as a download on your website, or even through a mail service such as MailChimp.

Offering these items will build your mailing list, get your name out there, and give your readers a taste of your work (and ready for more). So make sure whatever you offer is the best you have to offer at that time.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2013

Copyrights, Part 1

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So you want to use part of someone else’s book/music/art/poem in your book. You’ve just entered the realm of copyright law.

Was that work published before 1923? If so, it has entered the realm of public domain. It can be freely used, but you must cite the original source. Some works published between 1923 and 1963 have also entered public domain.

You can begin an informal copyright search online. For items registered since 1978, here’s how:

From the Search the Catalog page you’ll have the option of searching by title, name, or keyword, as well as other options. The page offers instructions on conducting your search, along with another link for finding information on works registered prior to 1978.

Next Tuesday, we’ll take a brief look at the fair use doctrine. This series on copyrights will also include how to find out who owns the copyright, and how to obtain permissions. Be sure to visit every Tuesday for Tuesday’s Tip.

In the meantime, happy hunting.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2013

How to Analyze What You Read

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Even though I make it a point to read bestselling authors, I often go to the library to pick out books by authors I’ve never heard of. After all, how would new authors ever make it the best seller list? I’ve discovered some wonderful authors this way. And in all honesty, I don’t pay that much attention to the lists.

As a writer, I make it a point to read novels specifically to learn writing technique. If I happen to enjoy the story as well, all the better. I do most of my pleasure reading in the summer when I can sit outside while I read. Even when I read for pleasure, I learn.

How do I analyze what I read?

  • Does the first page grab my interest?
  • How does the author develop the book’s characters?
      • Are the characters individuals or do they all to think and talk alike?
      • What techniques does the author use to make his characters unique?
  • Can I follow the plot?
  • Are there passages of narrative that drag or begin to bore me?
  • How does the author treat dialogue?
      • Does it seem real? Why? or why not?
      • Does it flow smoothly? Why or why not?  
      • Does it create mood and express emotion?
  • How does the author make use of similes and metaphors?
  • Does the author draw me into the story by appealing to my sense of taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing? If yes, I make note of how and what I like about how it’s done.
  • How does the author employ point of view (POV)?
  • Am I bored? Why or why not?
  • Do I like the story? Why or what not?

The list could on, but I don’t have all day and neither do you. This should be enough to get you started on your own journey.

What do you look for when you read a book? Share your comments below.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2013

How Do Plot and Scene Work Together? Series Conclusion

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Let’s connect the pieces of plot, scene, and sequel.

Plot at its most basic level is your lead character’s goal and the journey to reach that goal. That journey is played out in the scenes and sequels of your story.

Scenes show the reader the individual steps your character takes to reach his or her goal and the setbacks along the way. Sequels bridge your scenes and present the character’s reaction—emotions and thoughts—to the setbacks, and his or her subsequent decisions and renewed action toward the final goal.

In your WIP, can you identify:

  • The beginning, middle, and end of each scene?
  • How each scene moves your plot forward?
  • Your sequels?
  • How your sequels move your plot forward?

For practice, look for the scenes and sequels in your favorite novels. Does some aspect of your WIP have you stumped? Share below.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2013