Amber Lynn Natusch On Building Your Fan Base

I'm lucky (or cunning) enough to have lured yet another successful writer over to my blog for an SAT - Successful Author Talk. SAT authors have conquered the query, slain the synopsis and attained the pinnacle of published. How'd they do it? Let's ask 'em!

Today's guest for the SAT (Successful Author Talk) is Amber Lynn Natusch author of the bestselling Caged series for adults. Dare You to Lie is her debut YA novel with Tor Teen.

Are you a Planner or Pantster?

Pantser. Hands down. I couldn’t control my characters long enough to even begin plotting a story.

How long does it typically take you to write a novel, start to finish?

It’s taken as little as a month (with two young kids and a day job). It’s taken as long as a year. For me, it depends on the story and whether or not my characters are talking to me. Sometimes they bugger off 😉

Do you work on one project at a time, or are you a multi-tasker?

I try to but that generally doesn’t happen. At minimum, I’m writing one while editing another.

Did you have to overcome any fears that first time you sat down to write?

Nope. I was too ignorant to be afraid. If I knew then what I know now, I’m not sure I ever would have. Ignorance really CAN be bliss.

Have you ever quit on an ms, and how did you know it was time?

Never!!! I don’t do quitting. It’s a rule. I have had to completely overhaul novels before, but once I’m invested, there’s just no room for quitting.

Who is your agent and how did you get that "Yes!" out of them?

The amazing Jess Watterson from the Sandra Dijkstra Lit Agency is my agent. She reached out to me in 2013, and asked if we could discuss possibly working together. She’d read my women’s lit novel, Undertow, and loved it so much she knew she wanted to represent me, if I wanted to consider a traditional publishing career (which I did). It took about a year and an offer from another major agency before I decided on Jess. I just had a good feeling about her, and I’m a go-with-your-gut kinda girl. So far, it’s worked out.

Any advice to aspiring writers out there on conquering query hell?

Oof. I don’t have much other than to research successful queries, have others read and critique yours, and do your best to sell what’s unique and special about your story.

How much input do you have on cover art?

Little to none. With my self-published works I have full control, so giving that up was a STRUGGLE for me. Thankfully, I have an editor who tries to keep me happy and make me see the strategy behind certain things.

What's something you learned from the process that surprised you?

How everything moves fast until it doesn’t, then it slams into you like a freight train and doesn’t relent.

How much of your own marketing do you? 

A LOT, but that’s the indie in me. I’m my own publishing house with a lot of my work, so I learned the value of grassroots marketing early on. It’s a huge reason why I was successful on my own. I think Instagram and Facebook are my favorites. I do still have a blog that I write on occasionally. My newsletter has also been a great way to reach fans. I shy away from videos—it’s really just better for everyone that I do.

When do you build your platform? After an agent? Or should you be working before?

I don’t know from personal experience, but I do know that friends of mine who debuted this year were working to build their platforms for quite a while. I think once agented is reasonable… possibly even before.

Do you think social media helps build your readership?

I do, though changes in algorithms can make it a challenge. I like to be conversational with my fans. I think that’s partially why I have a strong fan base.

Anne O'Brien Carelli On Allowing Time to Pass Before Editing

I'm lucky (or cunning) enough to have lured yet another successful writer over to my blog for an SAT - Successful Author Talk. SAT authors have conquered the query, slain the synopsis and attained the pinnacle of published. How'd they do it? Let's ask 'em!

Today's guest for the SAT (Successful Author Talk) is Anne O'Brien Carelli, who developed the Welcome to Our Schools program for the New York State Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance. Her book Skylark and Wallcreeper follows the story of Lily, who is helping her grandmother Collette evacuate to a makeshift shelter in Brooklyn during Superstorm Sandy, Lily uncovers secrets of her grandmother's past as a member of the French Resistance during WWII..

Are you a Planner or Pantser?

In all other aspects of my life I am the quintessential planner, but when I write for children I definitely fly by the seat of my pants. I get an idea or a good opening line and start writing, writing, writing to see where the story will go. The characters show up and lead the way. In between writing I do a lot of thinking about how to work out details in the story, but those solutions usually end up being jumping-off points for creating as I go. It’s fun! When the book is done, then I get down to the hard work of organizing and revising.

How long does it typically take you to write a novel, start to finish?

I hate to be vague, but it depends upon the book. Historical fiction generally takes longer.  I can draft a complete book in a few weeks, but that’s in spurts, not non-stop. The research, rewrites, restructuring, and multiple revisions can take a few months. I have learned that letting the book “marinate” at least a couple of weeks between revisions is well worth the time. I’m always surprised at what I missed when I was deep in revision.

Do you work on one project at a time, or are you a multi-tasker?

Again, in life in general, I am a multi-tasker and prefer to operate that way. But when I’m working on a novel I like to give it my undivided attention. I’ve had occasions when my agent has asked me to switch gears temporarily, but I never stop thinking about the novel I’m working on. I’m a firm believer in incubation, especially if I define a story problem in my mind before I go to sleep. I often have a solution in the morning (and a pad a pen beside my bed)!

Did you have to overcome any fears that first time you sat down to write?

I was lucky enough to be woefully ignorant about the ups and downs of publishing in children’s literature. I knew it was extremely difficult to get published, but I had no idea how complicated the process is, so I barged ahead with an idea, a pen, and no fear. Now I have the occasional twinge of doubt because when you are immersed in writing you are the only judge of the quality of your work. I try not to view the work from the perspective of what an editor might think, but it’s hard if you see what’s being published, what’s hot on Twitter, etc. I take a break the minute the writing stops being fun – and I define “fun” to include challenging problems and dilemmas to think about.

How many trunked books did you have before you were agented?

I have one gargantuan novel that I trunked, but I keep stealing from it for other books. So maybe it’s in a trunk that’s not locked.

Have you ever quit on an ms, and how did you know it was time?

I did quit on one – temporarily. It deals with a unique angle on a very sensitive subject, and my initial conversations with editors/agents at conferences revealed that it was going to be a hard sell. In fact, one editor didn’t understand at all what I was trying to do and it made me think long and hard about whether it was worth the trouble to work on it. I need to figure out how to describe the concept. It’s not dead in the water yet!

Who is your agent and how did you get that "Yes!" out of them? 

My agent is Carrie Pestritto of Laura Dail Literary Agency. I never understood why authors mentioned their agents with many exclamation points, but now I get it and can only say positive things about Carrie. I signed with her by chance – which seems to be the theme of this publishing business. So much of it is serendipity! I was actually planning on sending a manuscript to an agent I heard on a panel at an SCBWI conference. When I went to her agency’s site, I started reading about Carrie and her Wish List. She seemed like a much better fit, so I submitted to her. A few weeks later she wrote me a long email, critiquing the book. At the very end she offered to represent me. I wasn’t sure I was reading it right and had to consult with a writer friend to make sure it was true!

How long did you query before landing your agent? 

Let’s just say I have a spreadsheet that I used to keep track of the queries for 3 different books. It’s 8 pages long. It was a ton of work to keep up-to-date, but a system is absolutely necessary since responses are so erratic and take forever. It also included details about the submission (e.g., first page, first 10 pages, query only, etc.)

Any advice to aspiring writers out there on conquering query hell?

I really think the best advice is to take a look at my agent’s blog Literary Carrie. She does monthly query critiques and they are extremely helpful. Writers can go back through the history and get invaluable advice. 

How did it feel the first time you saw your book for sale?

I just received the ARCs and I’m not really sure I have comprehended it yet. I tend to be very practical, so I am focused on correcting the typos, preparing for marketing, etc. When I see a kid deep into reading the book, then it will seem real. Maybe.

How much input do you have on cover art?

The cover was designed without my input, but I did not expect to have a say in the artwork. I have to admit that I had mentally pictured a variety of possibilities for the cover of Skylark and Wallcreeper, and was confused when I saw what was designed. It does not look at all like I expected, but I absolutely love it. The designer and editor captured the feel of the book in a unique look, and I really appreciate that.

What's something you learned from the process that surprised you?

I knew that authors are expected to participate in marketing, but I didn’t realize to what extent some authors will go to promote their books (e.g., videos, dramatic cover reveals, giveaways, etc.). I am being very careful to limit my marketing contribution based on what my editor advises and what I can reasonably manage. It can get pretty insane.

How much of your own marketing do you?  

I have a website for a picture book I previously published, and am active on Twitter. I’m constructing an author website and will also create a separate author presence on Facebook.    

When do you build your platform? After an agent? Or should you be working before?

I would recommend slowly building a platform as you are writing. You can tweak it when (WHEN!) you get an agent and/or published. It is my understanding that agents will check your online presence (wouldn’t you?) so even if you use an easy platform like Wix or Weebly, you can get something up that provides a profile.

Do you think social media helps build your readership?

I have no idea at this point. It’s probably hard to measure, but I do know that I have developed on-line connections on Twitter and FB with authors, bloggers, reviewers, librarians, teachers, and Middle Grade fans. I have started to tweet about my book but mostly I like to support other authors when they publish. That has been a lot of fun.

Annie Sullivan On Social Media Helping Spread Awareness of Your Book

I'm lucky (or cunning) enough to have lured yet another successful writer over to my blog for an SAT - Successful Author Talk. SAT authors have conquered the query, slain the synopsis and attained the pinnacle of published. How'd they do it? Let's ask 'em!

Today's guest for the SAT (Successful Author Talk) is Annie Sullivan who grew up in Indianapolis. She received her Masters degree in Creative Writing from Butler University. Her debut, A Touch of Gold, about the cursed daughter of King Midas, is available now.

Are you a Planner or Pantster?

I’m a total pantster. I like to have a general idea of who characters are, maybe a few major plot points, and possibly how things will end. But other than that, I make it all up as I go. I find if I plan too much it becomes restrictive; whereas, if I just let the characters and setting guide the plot, I come up with details and events that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

How long does it typically take you to write a novel, start to finish?

My first novel took 2 years because I was working on my Masters degree in Creative Writing at the same time. Now, I can write a novel in about 3 months. Then, I like to take a few months to work with critique partners and revise.

Do you work on one project at a time, or are you a multi-tasker?

I work on one project at time; otherwise, I would start confusing characters! The only exception would be that I might be doing copy edits on one project and then actively writing another.

Did you have to overcome any fears that first time you sat down to write?

I think a lot of writers struggle with the feeling that they’re not good enough and that no one will want to read their story. But I tell myself now that it doesn’t matter what others think. As long as I’m happy and entertained by a story, the rest will take care of itself.

I also remember when I set out to write my first novel thinking, “I have no idea how to write a novel." I’d only written short stories up to that point, but I figured there was no better way to learn then to just give it a try.   

How many trunked books (if any) did you have before you were agented?

I was lucky and only had 1, but I’d still like to see that one come to light!

Have you ever quit on an ms, and how did you know it was time?

I have this rule about making it to Chapter 8. If I can make it to Chapter 8, then 95% of the time, I’ll finish the story. However, sometimes I get there and realize I have to start over. It’s about that point when I realize either a character or major plot element just isn’t working in a given story. And since I’m a pantster, that often requires a lot of rewriting. It may seem frustrating at times, but even realizing something isn’t working is valuable. It gives you the chance to go back and make something better.

Who is your agent and how did you get that "Yes!" out of them?  

My agent is the amazing Christa Heschke of McIntosh & Otis. I had entered a competition on Christa’s blog where you posted the first 250 words of your novel. While the winner was picked randomly, Christa saw my 250 words and asked to read more! A few weeks later she offered to represent me! Fun fact: I was actually in Antarctica (I love to travel) when the offer came in, so I was little slow getting back to her and had to have my sister let her know I’d be in touch soon.

How long did you query before landing your agent?  

It took me about 9 months to get an agent, but during that time, I queried two different books because the first one wasn’t getting a strong response from agents. For that first book, I probably sent 100 queries, but for the next one that got me my agent, I probably only sent out 20 or so.

Any advice to aspiring writers out there on conquering query hell?

Don’t give up. So much of this business is just finding the right agent at the right time. Keep writing while you’re waiting to hear back from agents, and if the first book doesn’t work, move on to the second. You’ll just keep improving with every book you write, so keep going!

How much input do you have on cover art?

I got to give them some initial direction, and we had a few discussions about what direction we might go. Then, my publisher ran with it and created something beautiful!

What's something you learned from the process that surprised you?

I was surprised by how many people wanted to help support this book. People I hadn’t talked to in years were letting me know they’d bought multiple copies of the book. It was such a wonderful surprise every time someone would reach out letting me know they’d bought it and were looking forward to reading it.

How much of your own marketing do you do? 

My day job is in the publishing world, and so I have a background in publicity. Thus, I wanted to do as much to help my book succeed as I could. I reached out to bloggers every chance I had and brainstormed lots of marketing ideas myself. I also even paid for a few ads on sites like Facebook and Twitter.

I blog here, and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

When do you build your platform? After an agent? Or should you be working before?

Start as early as you possibly can on building your platform. Your book will ultimately have to sell itself, but having a large platform can sway an agent or publisher who might be on the fence.

Do you think social media helps build your readership?

Definitely. I’ve had multiple people find out about my book through Facebook or Twitter. These sites allow you to reach people who you wouldn’t normally be able to. They can really help spread the word about your book.