Interview with Cheryl Pickett: Publishing Possibilities

Next in our author interview series is Cheryl Pickett, author of “Publishing Possibilities: 8 steps to understanding your options and choosing the best path for your book“.

Please tell us a bit about you and your book

For a little about me: I’ve always loved reading, liked to write most of my school years, but then didn’t do much with it for a few years. In 1999, I was looking for extra income and found a spot as a freelance writer for a local newspaper. I branched out a bit from there writing for other newspapers, a couple of ezines etc. but that started to die down a few years ago. At that point I decided to try something else and thought it might be fun to write a book.

From there, I considered topics I could write about and since I’m mostly a non-fiction reader I headed in that direction. While I was doing that, I also started researching how to publish as I had no real knowledge in that area.

It didn’t take too long to discover that there’s a ton to learn about publishing and it also seemed the more I researched the more confusing things became.  I just couldn’t find one resource that spelled out clear answers to the questions and stumbling blocks I had. I also discovered through visiting forums etc. that I wasn’t the only one having these kinds of issues.

All of this took some time, but through all of this I also discovered  I like the topic of publishing; it seemed to be a different expression of my love for books. I finally decided that the book I wanted to write was the book I wished I had had when I was doing my research. I  also knew I could help others with it too.

I launched my website and blog in early 2008 and by December, Publishing Possibilities: 8 Steps to Understanding Your Options & Choosing the Best Path for Your Book was in my hands. The official launch was in January 2009.

Why is it important for authors to understand their options when it comes to publishing?

I believe one of the biggest reasons is to avoid disappointment. It drives me crazy when I see authors who choose one option believing they were going to get one thing, but they get something very different than expected. Worse yet, when they spend money, sometimes a sizeable amount of money and the same thing happens.

I know all the information out there can get confusing, but you just can’t skimp on doing the homework necessary to make sure you are fully aware of what’s going on. Those that don’t are prime candidates to have a bad experience (when they really could do better) or for scammers and no one wants that. Asking others what worked for them only gives you the tip of the iceberg of all you should know and comprehend.

Why should writing and publishing be treated as a business?

I know quite a few authors cringe at the sight of the words “writing” and “business” in the same sentence together. If you’re one of those, it’s perfectly fine if you write for fun or you mainly give your work to people as a gift.

However, if you want to sell your book, you must move past the “art” of it, and fully understand it is a product like any other. People won’t buy it just because it exists, you’ll have to spread the word (no matter which publishing route you choose). There will hopefully be times when it sells well and likely times when things will slow down. No matter what you’ll have to be an active participant in the process if you want to succeed.

You discuss the various types of publishing. How can people identify which is the best route for them?

There are actually several steps and many people overlook some, if not all of them. The next question you asked covers the one I think is most important-setting goals. After that, if you intend to make money on your book, again, you go back to the idea that it’s a business. You need to consider things like resources; what do you have and what do you need to acquire?

Again, there is a lot involved, too much to cover in a single post. I really encourage people to either pick up my book, schedule a coaching session with me or find someone with similar knowledge. I definitely believe trying to do it alone is much harder and it can be more costly overall.

Why is goal-setting important for authors?

Here’s my favorite analogy: Think of publishing a book like taking a trip. How will you get to your destination? You likely have a variety of choices for travelling: car, bike, fly, or maybe boat. None of those ways are inherently right or wrong, but you can’t make a good decision as to how travel until you know the specifics about where you’re going. Once you know exactly where you’re headed, how quickly you need to get there etc. you can figure out the vehicle that will work best to get you there.

The same goes for publishing a book. There are several ways to go about it. Contrary to what some may tell you, none is inherently right or wrong (assuming it’s not a blatant scam). Until you know where you’re going, your goals, you can’t pick the right “vehicle” to get you there.

You write articles and submit them at EzineArticles.com. Why should authors use articles for promotion?

Writing articles, whether you do it for an article directory like EzineArticles, as a guest blogger or even to put on your own website, is an inexpensive way to show what you know. While sometimes people will find you or your products and buy on the spot, usually they want to get to know you a bit, see if what you’re offering is a good fit for them. If you offer a product or service like a how-to book, or coaching for example, they want to have some idea that you know what you’re talking about. Providing articles is one way to let them try before they buy. It’s a lot like those little food samples you get at the store. Even with just a small taste, you can get a sense of whether you want more.

You also offer manuscript critiques. What are they and  why should an author want one?

There are several types of manuscript critiques and editing. I focus on non-fiction and do what some call a “content or structural edit”. This means I don’t do a line by line grammar check, though I may point out glaring issues.

How can people contact you for more information?

They can contact me, find out more about the book, or how I can be of help on their publishing journey at www.publishinganswers.com

I also occasionally co-host a PODcast for writers called Write Turns Allowed which airs on www.blogtalkradio.com Last month, the main host also interviewed me about the book. I’ll be on again on Mar 5^th and 19^th. The show is at 1PM our time which I believe is in before dawn in Australia but all shows are archived so people can listen at their convenience. Would love for all of you to check that out as well.

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