Writing—A Juggling Act

by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga

A writing career is similar to being a juggler. You need to keep many balls in the air such as writing craft, marketing techniques, and developing industry relationships. With practice, a juggler and writer improve their skills.

Writing Craft

The first ball is writing. After a book launch ends, we should begin writing our next manuscript or at least the first three chapters along with a corresponding book proposal. In my previous article, “How to Use Pre-Publication Planning to Sell More Books” I reviewed techniques such as including a hook and personal passionate story in your book.

Reading books on the craft of writing and attending monthly writer critique groups improves our prose. Learning new information through taking classes at writer’s conferences is vital for our growth. Reading or listening to books in our writing genre sharpens our craft. One must be diligent in keeping this ball airborne.

Marketing Techniques
Nurturing our books through marketing is our next ball. First, the author pushes the book into the world through an exceptional book launch. Strategically we request book reviews. Setting up book events at local book stores and getting to know the store’s management ensures that the store carries your book. 

To help readers find your book, consistently write blogs and articles—like this one. Booking guest podcast and radio show interviews propels your book even higher. Who knows how long the recording will exist in the digital world as it continues to market your book to potential readers years later. My previous article, “Marketing Strategies to Improve Book Sales” reviewed additional marketing techniques.

Industry Relationships
Writes must juggle the third ball—development of industry relationships. We meet writing professionals through attending conferences and critique groups. You have no idea how a fellow conferee could boost your career or become a friend. Connecting with agents, publishers, and editors is a vital component of this profession. Meeting a magazine editor or publisher at a conference makes a better impression than a query letter.

Cultivating relationships through social media is fundamental. I met influential individuals through Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. I obtained article assignments, guest podcast interviews, and supportive friends through engagement on social media. Posting valuable content for your audience improves engagement.

A writing career is a juggling act. Every day you get up on stage and propel each ball so one doesn’t fall. Lately, I dropped the article writing ball because I was heavily involved in guest podcast interviews. It’s okay when a ball drops. You pick it up and try again. The more you practice, the better you get. Happy juggling!

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Susan U. Neal, RN, MBA, MHS
Susan’s mission is to improve the health of the body of Christ. She has her RN and MBA degrees, as well as a master’s in health science. She is a CERTIFIED HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACH with the American Association of Christian Counselors. She published five books, the Selah award winner 7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES, CHRISTIAN STUDY GUIDE FOR 7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES, HEALTHY LIVING JOURNAL, SCRIPTURE YOGA a #1 Amazon best-selling yoga book, and YOGA FOR BEGINNERS which ranked #3. She published two sets of Christian Yoga Card Decks and two Christian Yoga DVDs that are available at CHRISTINAYOGA.COM. Her digital product HOW TO PREVENT, IMPROVE, AND REVERSE ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA is a great resource. To learn more about Susan visit her website SUSANUNEAL.COM You can also connect with Susan on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM.