We had quite a dump of snow in Southern Alberta this morning. One minute, it was a gorgeous spring day, the next we were in a blizzard! If you don't like the weather in Alberta, just wait a minute. If you do like it ... well. The farmers will be happy. Water management people will be happy. What's uncomfortable in the moment can be good for us in the long run. And we definitely needed this moisture. What about you? What do you need? Is there anything you need related to writing and publishing...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Did you catch the masterclass from last Wednesday? On Wednesday, August 6th I hosted "Publish Your Book in 2025." This is the big question: Can you publish your book in 2025 Yes No Maybe Here's the link to the replay from last week to help you answer the question. After you watch the video, where would you locate yourself on the publishing map? Where are you on the publishing map? (choose the BEST one for you) Possibilities and Preparation: WRITING & EDITING Possibilities and Preparation:...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Can you publish your book this year? I'm offering a masterclass on Wednesday to help you figure out the answer. Here is what you will learn: How to get your book ready to publish. How to get yourself ready to publish. Partners and resources to help you get the publishing done. Let's find you on the publishing map and plot a course to your finished book! 🗺️ Join me this Wednesday, August 6th at 7 pm MST. Here's the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bWKGLaouQYygG9B1uxZFBg Colleen...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, You've probably heard that the federal government is debating implementing a 25% tariff on American books. That tariff will put a lot of strain on Canadian booksellers and publishers. Could this be an opportunity for Canadian authors? A tariff will result in raising book prices and limiting imports. In most cases, books will get 25% more expensive, so a $20 book would now cost $25. Canadian authors and publishers printing in Canada might get more benefits under the tariffs. The...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Last Saturday, I went to the book launch for Marcia Laycock's new writer's memoir, Pond'rings. It was a beautiful event, and people came from all over the province to attend. At least 30 people were there. Marcia read from her book. She handed out copies to people who preordered them. Other people bought copies on the spot. There were so many powerful conversations I wish I could have had 100 ears so I could listen to everyone. It felt so natural, but Marcia and her family worked...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Last week, I asked you to vote on a gift that would be sent via these emails. Thank you to those of you who voted! I have the results. First, though, I'd like to talk about what's going on at Siretona Creative. A new blog post is up. It's about writing a book when you don't feel like a writer. You'll find insight for the start of the writing journey. The Marketing Pathway program is inching closer to completion. We're adding the final touches to the lessons. Hopefully, it will...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, I'm sorry for my absence. I try to send a weekly email with marketing advice for you. Last week, I didn't. But I have an explanation. I've been busy. Specifically, Colleen and I have been working on a new marketing program I think you'll love. Here's a sneak peek. Some of it's too secret to show at the moment. When this launches, I want to do something special - a gift for you. I'll be sending it via these emails. So, let me know what you'd like to see. What marketing gift would...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, This week, our blog post is about writing to market. That's the process of writing with specific markets in mind. You can read it here. But here, I want to go over our process for writing a blog post. You might get some insights for your own blog. Part 1: Planning When I write blog posts for Siretona Creative, they tend to be in one of four categories. These are: 1) Concepts authors need to know, like the ideal reader or the difference between self-publishing and boutique...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, I've heard plenty about new tools and technologies for writing, publishing, and marketing books. They make me dizzy, and it's my job to understand them. I can't imagine how you might feel. The worst part of all of the talk of high-tech tools is that they ignore fundamental truths I've seen. People buy books. Numbers don't. This week on the blog, we are discussing how humanity sells books. I list several examples I've seen where connections between people have boosted sales. I'd...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read