November 1st is National Author’s Day and a great finish to the October 2021 book launch of “Always an Advocate” during Dwarfism Awareness Month. Thank you to those who liked, commented, or shared my Facebook posts. But with over 650 million books going into circulation last year, the only way to make a splash in the publishing pond is for readers to take the next step and go to Amazon to buy the book. A purchase is the best way to encourage an author.
According to markinblog, non-fiction is hugely popular right now and memoirs, biographies, romance, and suspenseful thrillers are the most popular genres in both print and digital editions. That’s good news for the many LP authors who are in the hunt for readers of their nonfiction memoirs.
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My first draft of this post included a listing and brief description of LP books dating back to 1988. However, there are just too many to list! Altogether I counted 18 authors with dwarfism who have written a memoir. I was surprised to discover I only knew about half of them. So stay tuned for a resource update on my website, angelamuirvanetten.
Although the memoirs all share the challenges we face as little people, the stories are as diverse as the people telling them. The authors are male or female; single, married, divorced, or widowed; different dwarfism types; with and without children; black or white; gay or straight, spiritual or not. They are employed or self-employed as coaches, dancers, doctors, entertainers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, leaders, musicians, professional wrestlers, public speakers, or teachers.
Many people tell me they want to write a book. And that’s great for the readers who are always looking for another great read. But before you venture into this world, be sure you’re ready for the ride. It’s not just a matter of sitting down at the computer for a few weeks and uploading a manuscript. Nope, before the writing comes the planning and after the writing there is editing, more editing, and proof reading. Then comes the decisions whether to seek an agent, publish traditionally or independently, or both.
It used to be that if you landed a publisher your work was done and your future as an author was bright. Not so anymore. Let me introduce you to a new “m” word. Marketing. Although not an offensive word, for those who love to write, marketing can cause great consternation. Both Indie and traditionally published authors must market their books. For example, an active social media presence on multiple platforms is essential. This is time consuming, self-promotion can be uncomfortable, and the shifting sands of social media make marketing outcomes unpredictable.
None of this is said to discourage you. If you want to write a book, “go for it.” But know what you’re in for. Start building your social media platforms now. Sign up for webinars to learn about the trade. And write, write, write. Authors are needed to educate, encourage, and entertain.
For more information on my dwarfism trilogy, blog, media, resources, and photos, go to my website at https://angelamuirvanetten.com.
2 replies on “NATIONAL AUTHOR’S DAY”
Gidday Angela,
Congratulations on publishing your latest book! I have bought it on Book Depository and it’s due here in a couple of weeks. So exciting. I’m delighted for you and looking forward to reading it.
Thanks Julie. I’m glad you found a way to get the book. On Sep. 30th, New Zealand had put a temporary suspension on mail coming from the U.S. Maybe the suspension has been lifted or does Book Depository get their books from Australia?