Okay, let's see a show of hands in the Virginia Beach area who would like to take an idea and have it in book form at Amazon in 14 days?
Sounds incredible, doesn't it?
Marnie Swedberg has published a new book called eBooks: Idea to Amazon in 14 Days that will just floor you. I knew how easy it was to sell ebooks over the Internet as I've done it myself, but to have it end up at Amazon for wider distribution in 14 days from the time you put pen on paper (or fingers to keyboard)?
Even the busiest people can find time to get their books published. Marnie models how, one day at a time, as she continues to manage her restaurant, work at the family retail store, host several large websites, host her radio talk show and move this project from conception to release… all in just 14 days.
The book models for you her precise steps and mental positioning as she put together a team of outsourcers and freelancers, did the research, wrote the content, found and added expert quotes and statistics, edited and hired editors, and then published this book, from idea to Amazon in 14 days.
In the guide, you will learn:
1. Why eBooks are a good publication option for business, non-profit, fiction and non-fiction writers and why unpublished authors should act now.
2. Why you should write your book with two key audiences in mind.
3. How the use of templates can save you time and money.
4. Keys to topic, title and chapter heading research.
5. How to write and format your book for eBook publication.
6. Tips to keep you legal—a plagiarism overview.
7. Why and how 2.0 can kill your book in a day, and how to prevent it.
8. Where to find freelance- and outsource-researchers, writing coaches, editors, graphic artists and formatters who can help get your book publication-ready.
We interviewed Marnie to find out more about her writing life and her new book, eBooks: Idea to Amazon in 14 Days.
Thank you for this interview, Marnie. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?
I am a non-traditional learner who barely graduated from high school and never seriously considered college. My learning disabilities required too much effort for reading to be fun. Once I was out-from-under the pressure of a classroom, my brain started cooperating and I became an avid reader. My first major writing gig was a weekly book review column in a local newspaper: Moms Book Nook.
Can you tell us briefly what your book is about?
eBooks: Idea to Amazon in 14 Days explains how any author can take their book to Amazon in a matter of days. It is ideal for how-to and business authors who want to take their words from private to public, but also paves the way for poets, play rights and fiction writers.
It reads like a personal journal, but is actually a guide for any author who is ready to see their book being sold on Amazon.com this week, this month or this year.
Who is your intended audience? Have you been able to crossover into other audiences as well?
Authors, of course, but 2010 has opened the door for anyone to become a published author. It has never been easier or more accessible for the average person to get published. Many people have a completed manuscript, but I think this book will find its way into the hearts of teachers, speakers, inventors, consultants, doctors, pastors and everyone else with content to share.
Why did you choose your particular genre?
I suppose it chose me. I am a serious DIY (Do It Yourselfer). Through the years, others have placed value on my methods. My books and articles answer the question, “How do you do that?”
Do you ever experience self-doubts with your work?
I feel like Piglet in Winnie the Pooh: Everything is too big and too hard for me. I start Chapter 7, “Break Writer’s Block,” with a typical example. As a staff writer for Live Magazine, I submit a monthly article into the black hole of my editor’s email bin. Sometimes they publish my article, other times not. A few days prior to launching this book project, I’d sent my editor, Lorraine Williams, a note because I feared she secretly wished I would resign. One day later she replied with a heartwarming and comforting response.
Where do you write? Do you have a favorite place?
My computer. I spend WAY lots of time in front of my computer. I’m actually considering purchasing a notebook computer, just so I can face outwards a few hours a day.
What kind of research did you have to do during the writing process?
The timeline for this project was extremely tight, so I hired researchers to find websites and articles that addressed each chapter heading. Most of the published documents supported my theories and personal experience, but occasionally the research findings required me to change my perspective and learn a new concept from the ground up. I didn’t have much time, so this was tough.
Who is your publisher and how did you get accepted by them? Did you pitch your book yourself or go through an agent?
I am my own publisher. I’ve coined the phrase: PRO Author (Published Rights Ownership). I am still in shock! My book is the story of how I did it in 14 days, how anyone can do it, and how it can help you, even if you want a traditional publisher. My very first positive review came from a literary agent.
How are you promoting your book thus far?
Besides this blog tour, I am hosting an online training Expo for authors that is going on now for National Library “Read Me” Week, February 22-26. The Expo features 8 experts who provide practical tips and strategies for authors who want to follow my lead in publishing to Amazon quickly and independently. It is co-sponsored by local libraries and anyone can access the free training this week via www.Marnie.com.
If you could give one book promotion tip to new authors, what would that be?
Well, I just received my first horrible, 1-star customer feedback at Amazon today. But, it’s great, because I was ready. Whether you are a PRO-, self- or traditionally-published author, you must be pro-active about getting positive feedback on your page. In a nutshell, request others to read your book before it hits Amazon, and ask them to provide positive feedback as soon as it posts online. They are under no obligation: If they don’t like it, they don’t need to post a review. But those who do like it have the opportunity to save your book from an unfair, early death.
What’s next for you?
I am planning to sleep sometime soon, and my family and local employees look forward to my return from seclusion. As for writing projects, I can hardly contain myself! The research and walk-through of taking an idea to Amazon so quickly motivates me to get the rest of my eBooks and OOP (out-of-print) titles onto Amazon ASAP. I am going to put together a reasonable timeline and get busy. I also have two new books in progress: SANE Social Networking Success in 15 Minutes a Day (currently available as a 32-page eBook) and SUPER BUSY, a book about my crazy life.
Thank you for this interview, Marnie. Can you tell us where we can find you on the web?
My website is my name, Marnie.com. I am “MentorMarnie” at Twitter and Facebook and “MarnieSwedberg” at LinkedIn. Thanks so much!
Marnie Swedberg is on a virtual book tour the week of Feb. 22 - 26. You can visit her official tour page here to find out where else she'll be touring!
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