Join me in January and finally meet your goals!

 Roll call! It has probably been a while since you had to answer, “Here.” Right?

I LOVE LEARNING but love teaching even more. My masterminds start the first week of January, and I’d love to welcome you to class. Because this month is wonderfully wackadoodle for most of us, I’m extending the registration deadline, so you have a few more days to think about joining and ask me questions. If you want to join more than one, let me know. I offer a discount when you do.

SOMETHING STRANGE, COOL, EASY, AND AWESOME about masterminds: This is group learning at its best. Students do not have to be in one place at one time. Ever! You learn and complete activities with guidance and support on a schedule, but you are in control. At the same time, everyone learns from everyone. Ask me to explain. I'm excited!!!

I attached details about the Self-Publish Your Book Mastermind. The others will be similar in structure, but program length and pricing vary. Here’s the breakdown:

Self-Publish Your Book Mastermind - January 2023

8 Weeks of Coaching

One-time payment $375 or 2 monthly payments of $197

Here's the .pdf with details: Self Publish Your Book_Mastermind with Jody Dyer_January 2023.pdf​

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Write Your Book Mastermind - January 2023

26 Weeks of Coaching

One-time payment $975 or 3 monthly payments of $341 or 6 monthly payments of $179

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Market Your Book Mastermind - January 2023

16 Weeks of Coaching

One-time payment $875 or 4 monthly payments of $241

What to do:

If you are interested, reply to this email. Include your preferences, questions, and ideas! You may also email me at dyer.cbpublishing@gmail.com. Either will work. Actually, you can also CALL ME at 865-414-4017. Sometimes, an old school phone call is the most efficient way to have a discussion. I'm old school in many ways.

Don’t let another year of “meaning to finally [fill in the blank]” pass by when you can affordably and realistically meet your goals. I’m here to help you every step of the way. These are the beta groups, too, so these masterminds will only go up in price next time. Plus, I keep beta groups small, which means YOU get more attention and customized assistance if you join for January 2023. Don’t miss out! Email or call me. You can absolutely write, publish, and/or market your book(s). I’m here to help you at every step. Please forward this to other writers, too! Thank you:)))

LET’S HELP EACH OTHER WRITE, PUBLISH, AND MARKET SOME BOOKS! MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Crippled Beagle Publishing team! xoxoxo Jody

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My Christmas gift to YOU (and anyone who gets the link) = FREE, 1-hour coaching calls. Happy holidays!!!

 A CRAZY idea and gift for you! Time is the most precious resource, and Christmas is a time to show generosity, right?

I spend December wrapping projects and presents and prepping for the next year, so I'll be at my desk until I take vacation time with my family the 23rd through the 1st. For the next few days, I'm giving away FREE, 1-hour coaching calls "while supplies last." If you are interested, reach out to me for a free, one-hour coaching call (one per person). This is open to all clients, but I'd especially like to welcome your friends and family who have writing, publishing, and marketing goals and LOTS of questions.

The calendar is open from now until 12/22, but spots are filling quickly. Click here to schedule your phone call: https://crippledbeaglepublishing.ck.page/xmas​
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With love and appreciation, I wish you a wonderful holiday season on behalf of the Crippled Beagle Publishing team!

xoxoxo

Jody

A Gift that Gives for Generations --- Can you tell I like alliteration? And rhymes? Ha! Read on, writer!

 Happy holidays from Crippled Beagle Publishing,

Last week, I packed and shipped CUTE gift boxes for Legacy Writing Club members. Several people emailed me back with delightful responses. Yay! I can't wait to host this unique program, and I hope more people will join. Registration ends 12/22/22, so if you want to finally write about your life or put all of your creative writing into a collection, keep reading. MORE IMPORTANTLY, if you would like to buy a Legacy Writing Club Membership as a holiday gift for someone, do that BEFORE DECEMBER 15 so that I can pack, wrap, and ship the box to you. Then you can surprise the member with a tangible box of writing-related treats.

Time and again, people have asked me to help parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles document life stories and compile creative writing. I have witnessed countless benefits to everyone as the writers passionately shared their minds and hearts. Many families desire similar information but need a slower, more affordable process to get those stories recorded. Sometimes writers need “prompting” to put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, or voice to recorder. For these reasons, I created Legacy Writing Club. I was also inspired by my mother and grandmother, of course!

The photo above is of my mother, Donna Kirkland Cantrell, in 1972. She is 25, wearing the real shag hairstyle, and teaching English. She loves teaching the written word and places tremendous value on sharing her thoughts on paper. In her journals to me, she writes advice, anecdotes, notes on rural living, childhood memories, what her dreams are for her future and the futures of my children and me, and more. My paternal grandmother, Wimmie, originally encouraged Mama to keep journals because she started writing journals to me when I was born. Even though Wimmie passed away when I was only five years old, she has tremendous influence in my life to this day, all because she wrote stories, ideas, advice, and recipes for me. Now, I am 48 and still read those journals! I keep their journals right beside my bed so that if there's ever a middle-of-the-night emergency, I can save them. They are my MOST VALUABLE possession.

In the photo below, I pose with Wimmie (Wilma Mae Riner Roberson). I was a big fan back then because she let me eat Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chips right out of the bag, mailed me real baby diapers to use with my baby dolls, and once borrowed a mama cat and her litter of kittens from a neighbor just so I could play with them during my visit from Tennessee to Virginia.

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I encourage all of you to write for your families, especially the youngest members. If you'd like a guided process, I'm here and ready to host you through the Legacy Writing Club or one-on-one. At a glance, the membership includes:

An exciting gift box to help you or your loved one start writing

Weekly writing prompts

Support, tools, tips, and encouragement

A low-tech experience

Office hours for one-on-one phone calls

Deeply discounted one-on-one writing assistance

The option to submit original stories/creative writing

The option to submit stories in handwritten form

The option to extend Legacy Writing Club membership

The option to receive a first draft digital manuscript

The option to print copies of your Legacy Book

AND MUCH MORE!

This time next year, you could be wrapping your book in holiday paper and giving it to with family and friends. Imagine the joy that would bring to you and how excited they would be to receive such tremendous treasure!

If you'd like more information/have questions, reply to this email or CLICK HERE.

No matter what, write!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

xoxoxo

Jody

P.S. I sign my letters "xoxoxo" because Wimmie did.

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Laugh and learn with this music video!

Hello Creative Friend,

Do you remember Weird Al? Many thanks are owed to Crippled Beagle Publishing client Kevin Nunn, author of  Camp Fire  and its soon-to-be-released sequel Forgotten Embers for sending me this video. I had to share this musical parody with you! Not only is it entertaining, but also the content is accurate. Enjoy via the link at the bottom of this email.

xoxoxo

Jody

P.S. Registration is still open for January starts for the following programs:

Self-Publish Your Book Mastermind - I teach you ever step of the process in 8 weeks. Here's a .pdf that explains the plan: Self Publish Your Book_Mastermind with Jody Dyer_January 2023.pdf

Legacy Writing Club - This link gives you all the info:  CLICK TO LEARN ABOUT LWC 

If enough folks are interested, I'll also start a Write Your Book Mastermind and Market Your Book Mastermind. Email me if you want information.

Oh, and my self-paced, online market course Market Your Way to Readers and Royalties is on sale for only $137 ($250 savings)!!! Email me or  CLICK HERE  for info:)

THANKS, and please forward this email to writers you know. xoxoxo Jody

SIGN UP for my free, weekly advice email and download the free guide, The Step-by-Step Trail Guide from Idea to Published, Profitable Book. Click here to enjoy!

If/When/As soon as ... The time to start writing is now. Also, I have the PERFECT gift idea!

Hello from a busy writing desk,

Does the calendar psyche you out sometimes? I relate.

We are more than halfway through NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Did you set a goal? How are you doing? I learned on a podcast that we have only ten percent TOTAL control of our time and schedules. Then my colleague Debbie Patrick (Vision Run Publishing) told me that smart businesswomen schedule only fifty percent of their workdays and leave the rest open for thinking, reacting, innovating, and handling surprises. In my case, that time usually goes to dealing with interruptions from five family members, two cats, and now FIVE hamsters. Anyone need a furry Christmas gift? Or three?

The point is that we make too big a point of TIME, often using nagging demands on our days to procrastinate doing what we feel compelled to do and/or LOVE to do: WRITE. Debbie also shared an article, which I stumbled across in one of my beloved binders yesterday. Author Julia Cameron explains "The Time Lie" and encourages us to stop overthinking and start writing. Make your craft a priority because your craft is an expression of who you are, and you are important. Click the link below and enjoy learning from a fellow writer.

The Time Lie by Julia Cameron.pdf

xoxoxo

Jody

P.S. Let me know about the hamsters:))) 

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Happy Veteran's Day from Crippled Beagle Publishing

 When my son Houston registered for the draft, the gravity of military service hit me hard. Houston's girlfriend Kinzie's best buddy just finished boot camp and will soon be deployed to Poland. Young Emma graduated from high school in June. Last week, she returned to her high school to proudly recruit for the U.S. Army. Kinzie and I barely survived hot yoga Wednesday night, so we are heading to the post office soon to humbly mail Emma a care package.

Not long ago, I had the privilege of helping my beloved cousin, John House, 2LT to Colonel for the U.S. Army, compile family Christmas newsletters that he and his wife Marilyn wrote during for several decades of military and marital life. Their book has been one of my favorite projects, and readers enjoy the comical, realistic peek into the domestic side of military service. You can find his book on Amazon. This is a perfect gift for military newlyweds. The cover picture shows (back then) Johnny and Marilyn during their ROTC years at Auburn University.

I recently began working with another veteran, Laura Follett. What a woman! She now helps families, especially military families, who are faced with PTSD. What a blessing Laura is as she continues to serve Americans but in a different way. If you'd like to know more about Laura's work, reply to this email, and I'll send her contact information to you.

Have you ever wondered why Veterans Day is always on November 11? Here's the answer: https://www.military.com/veterans-day​

Happy Veterans Day from Crippled Beagle Publishing!

Jody

"Heroes get remembered, but legends never die." Books live forever, too!

 When my son Houston was little, he watched The Sandlot every day for months. To this day, I remember the happy and excited expressions on Houston's freckled, blue-eyed baby face. He's twenty now, so we have piles of sweet memories to enjoy and a wide-open future to anticipate.

Speaking of memories and the future, I have a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT.

My Legacy Writing Club is open for registration!!!

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If you feel compelled to write about your life, have family members and friends urging you to write about your life, or know someone who should write about his or her life, I encourage you to learn about this wonderful program. Registration is open now (with an early bird discount) and closes 12/22/2022. We begin writing on 1/1/2023!

FREEBIE: I created a quick guide called 5 Steps to Start Writing About Your Life to help you or your loved one brainstorm (my favorite), daydream, and plan. If you'd like to use the quick guide, just CLICK HERE. Share it with friends and family, too!

For fun, I looked up the video clip from The Sandlot. I hope "The Babe's" counsel inspires you like it did Houston and me so many years ago. Happy writing!

xoxoxo

Jody

Fantastic, FREE workshop for young creative writers in East Tennessee (and authors can participate)

 Pellissippi State Community College in East Knoxville hosts a wonderful, day-long workshop for creative writers. I've shared this information before, but there is still time to register. I promise this is a great way to spend a Saturday. I'll be teaching two breakout workshops and hanging out with authors and readers in the Writer's Room. NOTE - The event caters to young people but is open to writing enthusiasts of any age.

Here are a few details, and the flyer is at the bottom of this page.

• The YCWW is a free, day-long event open to all but geared mainly to area high school/PSCC students with an interest in creative writing. Middle school students are also welcome.
• The YCWW happens on Saturday, November 5th, at the PSCC Strawberry Plains campus and features an Appalachian theme in keeping with our new library/Appalachian Heritage Project: “Coming Home to Community.”
• Our keynote speaker/featured workshop leader is best-selling Appalachian author and PSCC professor Dr. Charles Dodd White.
• Morning coffee, pastries/fruit, and lunch will be provided, along with a packet and "goody bag" for each attendee.
• Door prizes will be given during lunch.
• Entertainment this year is provided by the Robyn James Ensemble and will feature Appalachian musical pieces, along with a brief introduction to the history of each piece.
• Workshops offered this year include fiction, poetry, songwriting, publication, and craft-focused sessions.
• This year's songwriting workshop be taught by Joseph Woods, aka “Black Atticus,” hailed as “one of the most intelligent and heartfelt voices of the new southern hip hop movement.”
• We will feature a "Writer's Room" segment where attendees may interact one-on-one with our workshop leaders and other professional writers from the community.
• Our "Appalachian Arts" space will feature artisans, craftspeople and costumed historical interpreters who will offer attendees a glimpse of the rich culture of our area. If you ever wished to learn to quilt or to immerse yourself in area history, this is a great opportunity!
• We will host a "Showcase" at the end of the day where attendees may read/perform original works before an audience of peers, instructors and family members.
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  ​NEW THIS YEAR:
• Join us for traditional Appalachian dancing (square, round and the Virginia Reel) as professional caller Timothy Klein takes us all for a spin on the dance floor! No experience necessary!
• Be part of our “Myths, Monsters, Superstitions, and Sayings!” station where you can video the stories you’ve heard from your family or in your community!
  
  
  

QUICK REMINDER about October 4 and November workshops and 1:1 assistance. Yay writers!

 Hello there!

​If you are asking any of the following questions, I can help you.

• People tell me I should write a book, but how do I begin?
• How do I create a book that publishers and readers will like?
• Who can help me? If I hire others to help me, how much will that cost?
• What are my publishing options? How much do different options cost?
• How do I make my book a financial success?
• What are the steps to effectively market and sell my book? How much time and money should I invest in marketing?

Friend, these are questions I answer almost daily. If you'd like answers, I have options.

ONLINE WORKSHOP: The Write Your Book! Online Workshop is a 1-hour Zoom workshop for anyone with a book idea or book draft who needs help with next steps. You will learn the four phases of the publishing process that can take you from idea to profitable book. You will get answers to questions about writing, editing, publishing, and marketing. If you can't attend live, that is okay! A recording of the entire meeting and any related documents or tools will be emailed to you. The first 20 people to register for the online workshop get a free, 30-minute consultation with me ($27-$100+ value:) Also, I love helping young writers. If you are or know a student, use the discount code STUDENT to enjoy the workshop at HALF PRICE! ​CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!​

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IN-PERSON CLASSES: If you live near Knoxville, Tennessee, and prefer in-person classes, take a look at that option HERE (a bargain).​ Course description: Has anyone ever told you that you should write a book? Many people have great ideas but don't know where to begin. I will lead you through the process of writing, revising, publishing, and marketing your book. You'll learn how to set schedules to get from the first word to the finished first draft, into the marketplace, and on to earning royalties. You'll receive an overview of industry standards and learn a variety of methods to conquer the learning curves of the sometimes-confusing publishing industry. No matter your genre, subject, or writing ability, you'll leave with an achievable plan and supportive tools to help you realize your dream.

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ANOTHER OPTION IS ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS: If you'd like to talk one-on-one with me, you can book an appointment on my calendar. First consultations are one-hour long at a great price. Ask me anything! Click HERE to see my calendar and book your appointment.

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Which option will help you? If you are beyond these steps, my team has plenty of options for you, too. Reach out to me any time by replying to emails or calling 865-414-4017.

xoxoxo

Jody

P.S. Please share this with your creative friends:) THANK YOU!

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4 Ways to Make the Most of an Author Event—Also, there's a great event Nov. 5, 2022, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Read me:)

This week, I skimmed an article and this line glared at me: "Writers don't compete with other writers." I can't remember where I read that, so I can't share the source, but I agree with the author. Many times, I've attended book sales events and sold few if any books. This is a frustrating yet normal experience. What's IMPORTANT is to make the most of any "author event." Here are a few ways you can do that:

1. Events force you to prepare to market your work. You must order supplies, like card readers, bookmarks, sell sheets, BOOKS, and so on. When you do the first event, create a to-do list and file/box of items that will help you every single time. When the event ends, reflect and refine your process and promotional items.
2. Events offer incredible social media posting opportunities. If the event is slow, take pictures, write content, and POST. I always say that events sell books even when no books are sold at events.
3. Events give you changes to learn. If you are at a solo gig, watch readers, retailers, organizers, and passersby. Study their behavior and adjust yours to suit the occasion. See how they react to you. Again, reflect and revise. If you are in a group setting, watch the successful authors, and study their practices to, yep, reflect and revise yours.
4. MY FAVORITE: Events offer time to network with and encourage fellow writers. Do your spouse's eyes glaze over when you talk about writing habits? Do your friends yawn when you tell them your latest story idea? An author event is THE place to unload your ideas, get feedback, and learn new methods. Before you go, find out who else will be at the event. Write up a list of questions, frustrations, and problems. Get answers, new tools, and solutions from colleagues.

In my experience, writers LOVE to talk about writing, and they are not competitive. So, even if you drive hours for an event and sell not a single book, you are NOT wasting your time unless you let the time go to waste.

SPEAKING OF GREAT OPPORTUNITIES to talk to writers and to sell books, my friend Patty Ireland is looking for authors and artisans for a wonderful event.

The Young Creative Writer's Workshop is Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the Strawberry Plains campus of Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Appalachia-themed event lasts all day and includes workshops, lunch, music, speakers, sharing, and more. Also, the college will be celebrating the grand opening of the new library and the Appalachian Heritage Project. You may be interested in joining the "Writer's Room," where attendees browse and buy books and meet authors in a variety of genres. The school also aims to grow their "Appalachian Arts Space," so they need craftspeople/artisans, historical costumed interpreters, musicians, etc. The keynote speaker will be Charles Dodd White, an Appalachian fiction writer. Entertainment will be provided by the Robyn James Ensemble.

If you would like to participate in the Writer's Room or Appalachian Arts Space, contact Patty directly at paireland@pstcc.edu. Be sure to tell her that I sent you:)

If you know a young writer in the East Tennessee community who may enjoy attending this FREE event, share this link (where you can also read all about the event details): https://www.pstcc.edu/ycww/.

HAPPY WRITING AND LEARNING!

xoxoxo

Jody

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$200 workshop coming soon to a computer screen near you for only $40 (or $20 if you are a student). Writer, read me!

 Dear writer,

When I was growing up in my East Tennessee holler, everyone I knew had a dictionary. We played a lot of Scrabble games, and my mother loved to meet a challenge with, "Fine. I'll just look it up in the dictionary." My cousin David was not the best Scrabble competitor, but he was an exceptional athlete. His Division One future was obvious during heated games. Boy could his alphabet tiles fly! Other than the dictionary, we had a set of encyclopedias, my father's collection of National Geographic Magazine issues, and my mother's Harbrace Handbook.

When I typed the subject line for this message, I panicked. What do I do with the three dots in a row?

I pondered. Should I hit the spacebar first or go right to the "."? Wait! Should that question mark be inside the "? Oh, now I'm really confused.

I Googled. Yay internet!

We are fortunate now to have countless tools to help us answer questions like, "Where in the heck do I use three dots?" By the way, the term is ellipses. Anyway, I found a cool site. Take a look at The Punctuation Guide here: https://www.thepunctuationguide.com/

Bonus: The font is HUGE. (If you grew up searching through encyclopedias to write school papers, you likely wear glasses by now.)

What is my point? Writers don't have all the answers. How could we? We need guides, both human and written. I answer the same questions below every single week, so I decided to teach the answers, so to speak, in a couple of ways. First, I am hosting a quick, 1-hour workshop called WRITE YOUR BOOK! in October. Second, I'm teaching a four-class version at the University of Tennessee in November.

If you are asking any of the following questions, the WRITE YOUR BOOK! Online Workshop will help you.

• People tell me I should write a book, but how do I begin?
• How do I create a book that publishers and readers will like?
• Who can help me? If I hire others to help me, how much will that cost?
• What are my publishing options? How much do different options cost?
• How do I make my book a financial success?
• What are the steps to effectively market and sell my book? How much time and money should I invest in marketing?

The in-person and stretched out (4 meetings), deeper dive version of this course at the University of Tennessee is in November.

The Write Your Book! Online Workshop is a 1-hour Zoom class for anyone with a book idea or book draft who needs help with next steps. You will learn the four phases of the publishing process that can take you from idea to profitable book. You will download and use a workbook that helps you start or take the next steps in your author journey. You will finally get answers to your questions about writing, editing, publishing, and marketing. If you can't attend live, that is okay! A recording of the entire meeting and any related documents or tools will be emailed to you.

Capacity is limited for both, so if you want to reserve your spot, do so asap. 

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

Questions about either? Reply to this email, and I'll answer.

xoxoxo

Jody

P.S. Please share this with your creative friends:) THANK YOU!

P.P.S. I love helping young writers. If you are or know a student, use the discount code STUDENT to enjoy the workshop at HALF PRICE!

CANVA - My new favorite tool for all things "graphic design and visual arts." (Remember, I'm a writer.)

 Hello Creative!

Have you heard of CANVA? If no, keep reading. Are you using Canva but know you could use it better? If so, keep reading.

I consistently do research to find ways for my clients to create professional outcomes without overspending. Canva might be the best discovery I've ever made, and I promise you I wish I'd found it YEARS ago. BusinessInsider.com sums up this awesome site with the following descriptions (emphasis mine):

• Canva is a free graphic design platform that's great for making invitations, business cards, Instagram posts, and more.
• Canva's wide array of features allow you to edit photos without extensive photo editing knowledge or experience.
• A drag and drop interface makes customizing thousands of templates simple and EASY.

Free - Yes! There are paid plans that offer countless cool features and tools, but the free plan is fine for any author's marketing or document needs.

Edit photos without knowledge or experience - Um, let's just say that I have no "artistic eye," substandard vision (and twenty pairs of readers from Dollar Tree to prove it), zero photo editing training, and I can edit photos like a pro, well, semi-pro or highly qualified amateur, thanks to Canva.

Drag and drop - Whew! Finally, a word nerd like me doesn't have to morph into a graphic designer to accomplish basic tasks.

Templates - You name them. They are in there! From invoices to journal pages to receipts to sales forms to invitations to book covers to [like I said, you name it], Canva has so far offered everything I could possibly need, not only for my authors but also for my business.

Easy - I'm actually reading an uplifting book right now called Let It Be Easy. Well, Canva is just that: EASY. BUT, and I cannot stress this enough, a small investment in time and training will pay off in HOURS AND DOLLARS AND STRESS UNITS SAVED. Hmmmm, I should come up with a word to quantify stress. Any ideas? Volume = decibels, Weight = pounds, Time = hours. And, if you are already using Canva, you can drastically increase your speed and efficiency with training.

My buddy and fellow instructor, Brenda Cadman, offers just that: TRAINING, and in Canva style, the training is straightforward, easy to follow, and quick to implement in your business or personal life. Brenda's training is online, self-paced, and includes slides, printable notes, cheat sheets, and more. You'll love it. My team (Lauren, Madeline, Debbie, Maisyn, Genesis, Ginger) and I collaborate in Canva. Clients and I collaborate in Canva. We have used Canva for the following designs, and this is just a short list off the top of my head:

What in this list could/do you create?

bookmarks ~ flyers ~ invitations ~ receipts ~ invoices ~ sell sheets ~ order forms ~ journal creation (books I sell!) ~ book COVERS ~ Facebook posts ~ Instagram posts ~ Pinterest Pins ~ LinkedIn posts ~ online banners for social media and web pages ~ product brochures ~ photo editing ~ artwork for books ~ coloring book pages ~ presentations ~ slide decks ~ cheat sheets ~ checklists ~ entire illustrated books ~ tutorials ~ postcards and other stationery ~ posters ~ signs

ENTIRE AUTHOR BRAND MARKETING KITS, TOO!

Canva emailed me a few months ago to congratulate me on creating my 1,000th design. I'm probably close to #2,000 now.

Here's what I suggest you do: GIVE IT A SHOT AND HAVE FUN CREATING ANYTHING.

FIRST, visit this site for a quick, free tutorial from Brenda called 10 Time-Saving Canva Tips. This will give you valuable information and a look into Canva.

Here's the link: 10 TIME-SAVING CANVA TIPS

SECOND, visit the pages below and learn how you can invest a little time and money in something that will, if you're like me, pay off "thousand-fold."

Canva for Beginners - click HERE

Clean Up My Canva - click HERE

Create Your Canva Brand Kit - click HERE

IMPORTANT - You can bundle all of these trainings and save money.

Click HERE for bundle information and pricing:)

Friend, I am doing this training, too. I practice what I preach for sincerity as I teach. (Okay, I may be a writer, but that doesn't mean I'm a poet. At least I rhyme, right?) The point is that in only seven minutes, I made a cute Canva .mp4 design (turn up your volume:) as an example.

Then I saved it as an Instagram post/image.

Give yourself an hour this weekend to look at Brenda's training and set up/improve your Canva account. Remember, too, that if graphic design doesn't interest you whatsoever, my team and I are ready to help you. We create entire author brand marketing kits. Email me for information, pricing, or to set an appointment at dyer.cbpublishing@gmail.com or visit https://www.crippledbeaglepublishing.com.

HAPPY CREATING, CREATIVE!

xoxoxo

Jody

Go where your readers are already gathered.

Hello Creative Friend,

Do you ever wonder, "Where are all the people who could/SHOULD read my book?" As my cousin used to say about extraterrestrial aliens and ghosts, "You can't see 'em, but there out there!" Here are a few tips on how to find those readers.

1. Instead of thinking about what you are trying say, think about what questions your readers are asking. What are they typing into web search boxes?
2. Take time to consider the personality traits, habits, budgets, schedules, and interests of your target readers. Now, where do they look for books to read? They may: Ask friends on Facebook, participate in book clubs, browse by genre on GoodReads, use the library, LISTEN to audio books, read Kindle versions only, and so on.
3. How specific is your content? If you have a book about birdwatching in the Smoky Mountains, you should absolutely toss it into the Amazon haystack, but why not reach out to avitourism websites and bird-enthusiast retail shops? My client Carole Ayres wrote a cute poetry and photography book about Turks and Caicos. Guess where it sells best. Yes! Turks and Caicos gift shops. I ghostwrote a book for an outlaw biker and reformed felon. Part of my marketing plan is to contact Harley Davidson dealerships and bike clubs. (Don't tell my mama.)

Remember, online marketing is efficient and smart because the majority of books sold are sold online, BUT every author should have a personal outreach plan. Crippled Beagle Publishing client Phyllis Babrove emails people with spheres of influence. She offers to speak to their groups, donates books as giveaways or gift basket items to help them fundraise, and does Facebook interviews with them. Last week, she sold 20 books to one group in New Hampshire. Fantastic, Phyllis!

If you are in the Tennessee area, one of my contacts, Nancy Mitchell, is spearheading an in-person event. I asked to share her invitation with you, and she said, "Absolutely!" Read her message below and respond to her if you are interested.

Nancy Mitchell:

Hi, Jody ~
I host a writing group at the Art Circle Public Library in Crossville, TN. We are sponsoring another Author Day on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participating authors will be provided a table and chair to set up a display of their published books. There is no fee to participate. We may have a few time slots available for authors who would like to speak for no more than 15 minutes. Visitors in the library may visit the author tables and purchase books. There is no fee for visitors other than what they pay for their book purchases. Authors keep all sales proceeds. Depending on the number of authors who participate, you may need to share a table. If you would like to participate in our event, please let me know by August 16. I will need to know if you want a table and if you would like to speak. If you would like to speak, please provide your topic.
Nancy Mitchell nancy.lyn@hotmail.com (315)559-1740 (cell)

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If you are nowhere close to Crossville, TN, no worries. I bet a stack of books that you can find similar events close to you. No luck? If you have several author friends, organize your own event. I always have a good time talking with other authors and people who love to read.

Please know that you are always welcome to forward my emails to other writers and authors!

Also, if you don't have the CBP Gift of Time Book Marketing Planner, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE .PDF. It's a simple but helpful tool to help you map out six to twelve months of marketing steps.

Happy marketing!

xoxoxo

Jody