Join us as we explore the journey of Embracing the Opportunity to Write a Book—from finding inspiration to making your writing dreams a reality.
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Today we’re “Embracing the Opportunity to Write a Book” with Amanda Turner (A.K. Turner), New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter. Host Melody Ann of Author Nation explores essential choices in publishing, and the realities of bestseller status. This and how you can navigate the path toward publishing success as a nonfiction author. Amanda offers essential publishing tips for first-time authors. She breaks down the differences between traditional and indie publishing, plus real talk about choosing the right publishing path.
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What You’ll Learn in Embracing The Opportunity to Write a Book:
- Embracing the Opportunity to Write a Book: Amanda’s journey of genre exploration, from humor to screenwriting.
- Choosing Your Publishing Path: The pros and cons of traditional vs. indie publishing, tips for finding an agent, and deciding on the best publishing fit for your goals.
- Mindset and Connection as Success: How Amanda defines success by connecting with readers, along with insights on setting realistic publishing expectations.
- Strategies for building top-of-mind awareness for your book every day
- Essential Tips for First-Time Authors: Amanda’s advice on securing reviews, building writing discipline, and navigating the world of hybrid publishers.
Today’s Guest - Amanda Turner
Amanda Turner, also known by her pen name A.K. Turner, is a celebrated New York Times bestselling author of books like How to Be Awkward and the Vaga Bonding with Kids series. Her diverse writing career spans humorous memoirs and a gripping screenplay about fostering youth resilience. With years of experience in both indie and traditional publishing, Turner brings unique insights into the publishing industry’s evolving landscape. She encourages writers to stay open to various genres and formats.
Episode Highlights from Embracing the Opportunity to Write a Book
- Publishing Pathways Explored: Amanda discusses the differences in traditional, indie, and hybrid publishing models, urging authors to research and understand each option to find the right fit.
- Insights on Becoming a Bestseller: Hear Amanda’s real experience on what it means to be a New York Times bestseller—and why it doesn’t define an author’s overall success.
- Success is a Connection, Not a Title: For Amanda, success isn’t about accolades but about the simple connection made with each reader.
- Actionable First Steps for Aspiring Authors: Amanda shares her top tips for new authors, emphasizing the importance of mindset and appreciation for the writing process.
Three Things You Can Do Right Away to Start Embracing the Opportunity to Write a Book:
Get Your Mindset Right: Embrace the idea that writing is a gift, not a chore. If you’re struggling, consider reading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin to inspire and reset your perspective on creativity.
Set a Goal to Reach Out to Others: Take a few minutes each day to connect with one reader, whether by reaching out on social media, sharing a story, or responding to feedback. These small connections can build a supportive community around your work.
Create a Publishing Action Plan: Decide on a publishing path—traditional, indie, or hybrid. If traditional publishing interests you, set a timeframe to find an agent. If self-publishing, check out the resources at Author Nation. Start with small, manageable tasks to keep moving forward.
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