Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Emleigh Walsh
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Emleigh Walsh
Q: Please take a minute to tell us a little about yourself.
A: I’m a full-time paper pusher; part-time fantasy weaver. Being an obsessive reader, I’ve always wanted to tell stories too but I never thought I had the time. It occurred to me that after being married for over 20 years, having two teenagers, and finishing college that I could probably find the time to throw a few words together. Turns out I opened up a whole Pandora’s Box in my brain with plenty of words just oozing out begging to be put on paper. I finished my very first book in December, and I still have plenty of other books just begging to be written.
Q: What prompted you to self-publish your book(s)?
A: Having a full-time job means I don’t have a lot of time to play with that’s just mine. One of the big reasons I decided to self-publish was to be on my own deadlines. I set up a schedule and stick to it pretty closely, but my life dictates my timelines; not a publisher. Another reason I decided to self-publish stemmed directly from my fear of rejection by a publisher. With the number of authors, budding and established, out there its low odds that a book gets picked up right away by a publishing house. I didn’t want to wait 10 years for my book to be published; I’m too old for that! Self-publishing allows me the chance to get my work to readers without the wait.
Q: How has the experience been to date?
A: Very scary but very exhilarating! Not knowing the ins and outs of publishing has been the scariest. But with every new thing I learn I feel a greater sense of satisfaction knowing that I’m a step closer to being a published author. It’s also given me a greater understanding that there is more to writing a book than just putting words on paper.
Q: What do you know now that you wished you knew when you started?
A: One of the most important things a writer can do is marketing themselves. I wish I would have started that much sooner. The sooner you get your name out there as a writer, and start building excitement for your work, the better off you are.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: Since I’m just starting my marketing, there isn’t a lot yet. But I am on all the social media sites, and I have a website with a blog that I will update weekly. I’m also using word of mouth to everyone at work, my friends, and my family. Finally I’m going to partner up with some of my other writing friends. We’ll share info about each other on our individual blogs and web sites.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Get a mentor or join a writing group. You can read all you want on the internet, but unless you have someone to talk with and ask questions of that has been there-done that, you’re not really getting the best advice. There are several different types of groups out there: face-to-face groups; internet groups; social media groups. I have several friends that are writers, but the most valuable information for me has come from my Facebook groups. Find a person or a group that works best for you. ASK a lot of questions, and LISTEN to what they are telling you.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: My first book is coming out in March. It’s a paranormal romance about werewolves. Stephanie knew supernatural beings lived among the humans. But she’d never met anyone quite like the sexy-as-sin Guardian for the Dominion Creek Pack that she’s literally fallen for. Too bad he’s insane. He tells her they are mates which is impossible since she’s a human. She’s not supposed to be a werewolf’s mate. Besides, she doesn’t want a mate. She’s not ready to give up control of her life, even if the crazy wolf says it’s fated.
Chance dreaded the upcoming Mating Ceremony. He would be an unwilling participant unless he found his True Mate before it took place. Luckily for him she’s fallen into his life. The problem – she’s a human. The pack council doesn’t look too favorably on mating with a human. Chance doesn’t care. She’s his woman. He’ll do whatever it takes to have her – WHATEVER IT TAKES. His little human mate doesn’t know what she’s in for.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s (works in progress)?
A: My next book out will be the 2nd in the Dominion Creek Pack series. It’s the story of a newly turned wolf, his mate and his mentor. I’m also going to be working on a standalone romance still coming together in my head! It’s one I’ve been thinking about for a while so it’s time to start putting together.
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