A Visit With L. Diane Wolfe

Please join me in welcoming author L. Diane Wolfe! We are celebrating the release of her latest book, How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now! 

In addition to being a writer, Diane is a professional speaker and a member of the National Speakers Association. 

Welcome Diane! So glad you could stop by. :) So tell us, what prompted you to write this book?

Hi Karen! Thank you again for doing this interview. This book came from two seminars I’ve taught for over five years now on book publishing and promoting. Both seminars are packed with information and attendees have always asked if I had a book. Yes, I was missing a big opportunity there, because I did have a book for my motivational seminars, but not for those. My husband really prodded me to write one and through hours upon hours of research, packing in as much information as possible, I finally finished. Now when someone asks if I have a book they can buy, I can say yes!

Sounds like a smart move. Where do you see the publishing industry heading in the next 5-7 years?

I know people don’t want to hear it, but I really see e-books dominating. As tablet sales continue to grow and more schools adopt the devices in lieu of physical books, I think e-books will overtake print books by next year.

I also believe self-publishing will continue to grow, although authors will have to maintain a high level of professionalism to compete with the big publishers. Just because they are losing their major playgrounds (the bookstore and print books) doesn’t mean the big boys are giving up.

Wow, I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. Guess time will tell, right? Here's a question I just have to ask. You are known as "Spunk on a Stick" - where did that name come from?

My husband has a theory that everything is better on a stick. Chicken is good, but chicken on a stick (like one gets at the fair) is even better. He said that spunk was good (my nickname is Spunky) but Spunk on a Stick was even better. Thus it’s the speaker name I’ve used for seven years now!

I think it's a great title for a speaker. :) You're a member of the National Speaker Association, how did you get started speaking to groups?

Over 15 years ago I was part of a motivational & business training program. Believe it or not, I was incredibly shy back then. But I was forced to speak and teach at team meetings and seminars, and it whet my appetite for speaking. (The first time I got to use a microphone, I thought “Oh buddy, I could get used to this!”)

I started speaking to writing groups and then put together my publishing and promoting seminars and offered it through NC’s community colleges. Now I have six seminars that I enjoy doing!

Do you recommend that writers add speaking engagements to broaden their audience? 

Yes I do! Speaking places the author in front of more potential readers. Hearing you talk gives people another way to get to know you better, and when people feel they know you, they are more apt to buy your book. Speaking is also a great way to supplement income, as it’s a rare author who can make a living off his or her books alone. It prepares you for media interviews and opens the door to a lot more opportunities.

These are great points, and something worth considering. Okay, one more question just for fun. What is your favorite writing snack?

Good ‘n’ Plenty or Red Vines. And I try not to eat the whole package in one sitting. Thank you again, Karen!

Thank you, Diane, it was a pleasure! Wishing you all the best with your books!
 

Here is my review of Diane's book: 

Author L. Diane Wolfe gets right to the point. Selling books is tough business. But that doesn’t mean we should ditch the dream of writing a book. Not at all. Give that book the best chance for success, she says, by being prepared and tapping into good info.

The first portion of the book discusses the writing industry, ghost writing, co-authoring, finding your genre, and more. Diane poses dozens of questions. Will your book fill a need? Who is the target audience? Is the storyline unique and fresh? Serious writers, of course, should provide thorough answers to help ensure a book’s success.

The remainder of the book elaborates on the ins and outs of the industry. You’ll find information on copyrights, e-book formatting, offset printing, and print on demand. Do you know how to submit a book to wholesalers, distributors, and libraries? Or how to handle budgets, media, and blog tours? Diane does, and includes her upbeat and savvy advice here.  

Short, user-friendly chapters include tips, links, and all the information needed to make informed publishing and promotional choices. As a bonus, chapters conclude with wise and encouraging quotes from seasoned journalists, bloggers, and authors.

Diane has done writers of every genre a great service by taking the daunting publishing process and breaking it down into manageable steps. Her down to earth, conversational approach puts writers at ease and provides the necessary ingredients for success. No matter where you are in the publishing process, this wonderful resource offers valuable insight and advice. 

You can pick up a copy of Diane's book at the following retailers:

Amazon
Amazon Kindle
Barnes and Noble
 
Stop by and visit Diane's blog. She'd love to see you!

Do you have any questions for Diane? What intimidates you most about the publishing process?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen