So You Want to be An Author? Instagram Live with Elyssa Friedland

Over the last 3 months, not a week has gone by without someone inevitably telling me they want to "use this time" to write a book.⁣⁣

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But how much does one actually know about what goes into writing and publishing?!⁣

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Last week, I joined by #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Elyssa Friedland for an Instagram Live to discuss tips for writing and publishing your first book.

Here are a few top takeaways for writing and promoting your book. Tap here for the full convo.

Tips for Writing Your Book

• Don’t stress about originality. When beginning your journey, you might fear that your idea is unoriginal. But remember, there are no original stories, only original takes on commonly retold stories. If you’re looking for ways to stay original, try shaking up the timeline, setting it somewhere interesting, touching on a socially relevant theme, etc.

• Be open to feedback. Once you have work to show, always share it first with people you trust for feedback. And to understand where your ideas live in the fiction landscape, commit to being a big reader. The more you read, the more you will know what is out there, where your work fits in, and what sells.

• Meditate through writer’s block. Some of Elyssa’s best book ideas have come to her in her 15-minute meditations. By blocking out the noise, taking space from electronics, and being present with yourself, you will feel your mind open up to new and exciting possibilities.

Tips for Getting a Book Agent

• Make a strong first impression. Follow one of the many pitch letter templates on Google. Make it punchy to catch a literary agent's attention in a large stack of submissions, summarize your topic succinctly, share which authors you are similar to, and do your homework on the agent to share why you want them to represent you. Remember that agents are salespeople. Sell to them to show them how easy it will be to sell for you.

• Never stop selling yourself. Wherever Elyssa goes, she packs 2-3 copies of her book—you never know who you will meet! If you pass an independent bookstore, walk in and ask them to give your book a read to consider carrying it. Ask your friends to do the same for you! Building long term relationships with retailers will help you down the line when you publish your next books.

Stay close to my Instagram for the next episode of Asking for Myself!

Interested in joining me for a chat? Send your topic idea to nicole@nataliezfat.com.