Looking for that Special Someone?

Only those who possess a wicked sense of humor and a sense of the absurd need apply. 

For a writer, finding a critique partner could be as daunting as finding a spouse, throw in the requirements that your critique partner must be creative, critical yet compassionate, be as passionate about your work as they are of theirs, be on call twenty-four-seven for a shoulder when bad reviews or rejections come in, be non-judgmental, understand your quirks and accept your swinging lifestyle (I’m talking about mood swings of course). 

Do you have the following qualifications? 

Willing to take field trips (may include stalking) to observe and interview police, hookers, military personnel, farmers, morticians, mobsters, mechanics, Walmart greeters, nuns and prison guards—if you own a pair of night vision goggles even better. 

Please note: Some of the above personnel may take exception to inquiring minds and we would therefore venture into Googleland instead. After all, our partnership would be hindered by broken bones or head injuries. 

Do you enjoy leisurely lunches, brainstorming ways to dispose of dead bodies, discussing angst, heartbreak, emotional baggage and new and improved ways where a couple could make love? At the same time not feel intimidated or embarrassed if by chance the luncheon conversation is overheard by bystanders? 

Deal Breakers: 

This is not the partnership for you if:

1. You won’t share your stash of chocolate.
2. You suffer indigestion while sharing a bottle of whine with a side order of well done rant.
3. You take yourself (or me) too seriously. 

If there was such a thing as Match-Critique-Partner.com the above could be an ad for a writer in search of their vocational partner. 

I’ve been fortunate to partner with two writers; Nancy Lauzon and Denise Agnew. We brainstorm, laugh and cry together on our writing journey. 

Although we differ in our outward personalities—Nancy and Denise being the extroverts and me being the shy, demure and very serious one (admittedly, tongue is planted firmly inside cheek)—our differences have strengthened our friendship and working relationship. 

Our writing strengths and weaknesses complement each other, helping us to learn from one another with the goal of producing a stronger work of fiction. Our similarities—love of family, books, laughter and chocolate are the added elements that have turned our working relationship into a strong friendship. 

The main ingredient when working with a critique partner is to have one-hundred-percent trust in each other and give and take suggestions and opinions with respect for your partner’s work. 

There are times when we don’t take each other’s advice, and that’s okay, as with any partnership you’re not always going to agree with everything. Every writer has their own unique voice and perceives the world differently, and that’s a good thing—vive la difference. What is needed in a good critique partnership is the ability to embrace those differences and make them work for the team. 

The literary world can be harsh and ruthless and can wreak havoc on your writing confidence at times. A writer not only has to be her harshest critic when looking at her work objectively before submitting, but needs to believe and know that her critique partner has her back and is assured that her partner wouldn’t let her send a manuscript out that isn’t polished enough for submission. 

A critique partner is someone who is willing to slay the “I suck at this” dragon when it rears its ugly head. 

As with writing, the main thing is to enjoy your partnership and having someone who understands the journey, celebrate each step of the way, even something like finishing a chapter or writing a blog post. 

About Selena Robins:

 Genre-defying, witty, humorous, suspenseful with a sprinkle of mystery, and plenty of steam on the sexy—descriptions used to describe Selena’s novels. 

A chocolate guru, she loves to dance with her dog, sing into her hairbrush and write in her PJ’s. In love with her family, friends, books, laughter, hockey, lively discussions and red wine (sometimes all at the same time). Selena is a dragon slayer who enjoys writing sassy heroines and imperfect but hot hero’s (the guys your mamma warned you about, but secretly wished she’d dated a few). 

To learn more about Selena and her work, please visit her website at: https://selenarobins.com/ or stop by and chat with her on her blog: http://selenarobinsmusings.com/

Ron Knight

  

Below, I will give you some tips from two professionals in the marketing, video, and photography business. 

~ Nelson Photographers, Boca Grande, FL  www.nelsonvideos.com 

~ Brand Eleven Eleven, Sarasota, FL www.brand1111.com 

Two-Minute Rule 

No video should go over two minutes. Every second you spend over two minutes, is another chance to lose your audience. 

Choose Words Carefully 

You are an author, promoting to readers. If your message is confusing, slow, and unreadable, then readers will believe your books are the same. 

Use power sentences, quick phrases, and say only what is important. If you had to describe your book in twenty words or less, what would you say? Use that same logic in your book trailers and videos. 

Stay on Point 

~ Genre

~ Story

~ Main Characters

~ Title

~ Website/Purchasing Info 

Pictures & Music 

All pictures and music must be yours, or public domain. (Or, you have permission from the owner.) Don’t mess with this. YouTube has a system that will catch you in less than ten seconds. What happens next will set your career back a few years. 

Images vs Words 

Authors like words, but customers like images. Mix in slides, videos, and content, but make sure it has a natural flow. (Like your books.) Go through several tests with family and friends to make sure the video is friendly to the eyes. 

Create, Convey, Connect 

This advice is from Brand Eleven Eleven, which is simple and powerful. 

~ Create a video based on research done on your target audience. (You should have most of that information already, since your books are written with your target audience in mind.) 

~ Convey your message to your audience and stay on target. Do not add anything that does not support your research, even if you think it might work. 

~ Connect with your audience by building relationships, social media, and branding your name. 

Use Professionals…Or don’t 

If you have the money and/or resources to use professionals to help with your video, then use them. If you don’t, then simplify your video. 

For example, I did a video to promote a middle school book. Instead of using fancy images, music, and attempting to dazzle the minds of tweens, I shot a forty-second video with middle school actors playing a scene in my book. It was simple. Cheap. And made more of impact. (And was based on my research of what middle school students want to see.) 

Every message you convey must be quick and on point, whether it is the description on the back of your book, a query letter, web content, pitch, or book trailer. 

Oh, keep your blogs quick and point as well… 

Ron Knight 

www.authorronknight.com  

Ron Knight

  

Submissions Manager: Jessica Filman, Junior at Millington High School. 

Submission Review Team: Children’s Books 

Devin (3^rd Grade)

Rashel (3^rd Grade)

Jesscia (4^th Grade)

Dylan, Group Leader (5^th Grade) 

Submission Review Team: Tween Books 

Christopher (5^th Grade)

Kayla (6^th Grade)

Aiden (7^th Grade)

Morgan, Group Leader (8^th Grade) 

Submission Review Team: Teen Books 

Hailey (9^th Grade)

Lauren (10^th Grade)

Joshua (11^th Grade)

Brooke, Group Leader (12^th Grade) 

Marketing & Event Manager: Justin Ellery, Sophomore at Barten High School 

Marketing & Event Team: Children’s Books 

Emma (3^rd Grade)

Logan(4^th Grade)

Alexa, Group Leader (5^th Grade) 

Marketing & Event Team: Tween Books 

Lily (6^th Grade)

Jayden (7^th Grade)

Robby, Group Leader (8^th Grade) 

Marketing & Event Team: Teen Books 

Elijah (9^th Grade)

Daniel (10^th Grade)

Madison(11^th Grade)

Taylor, Group Leader (12^th Grade) 

Sales Team Manager: Sydney Fode, Freshman at Rose Water High School 

Sales Team 

Jose (3^rd Grade)

Anna (4^th Grade)

Jennifer (5^th Grade)

Michael (6^th Grade)

Herrick (7^th Grade)

Vicky (8^th Grade)

Nicholas (9^th Grade)

Caleb (10^th Grade)

Tyler(11^th Grade)

Ashley, Team Leader (12^th Grade) 

Other Positions at UP-Teen Publishing 

Cover Design Assistant: Isaac (7^th Grade)

Editing Assistant: Kalli (11^th Grade)

Office Assistant: Isabelle (9^th Grade) 

Overview of UP-Teen Publishing 

As CEO of UP-Teen Publishing, it is my job to get out of the way and let the staff do their job. I trust their judgment in all areas of the company, whether that is book submissions, marketing, or sales. 

The staff at UP-Teen Publishing has advanced knowledge in children, tween, and teen books. In short, they fully understand the kind of books our readers are looking for. They have the ability to reach our young target audience and can relate to all their needs. 

In the near future, we will be training literary agents that are in elementary school, middle school, and high school. These agents will represent authors and coach them on the best ways to write, market, and sell books. 

Thank you for visiting the UP-Teen Publishing Blog. We will see you soon… 

Ron Knight 

www.authorronknight.com  

Ron Knight

  

The quickest way to develop and improve your writing style is by reading successful authors. Below, I will give you an example of how fast your writing style will change and develop, by studying the writing craft. 

Let’s say you read ten different authors and adjusted your writing style based on what you learned. This is what will happen… 

~ You read a few James Patterson novels and decide that you will write short chapters that are less than five pages. The reader will have a sense of accomplishment, as they whip through chapter after chapter. 

~ You read a few Stuart Woods’ novels and decide to shorten your paragraphs to no more than seven lines. This speeds up the tempo and it feels like the action never stops.

~ You read a few Robert B. Parker novels and decide to use quick exchanges of character dialogue to illustrate a scene or plot twist, which can be more powerful than narrative description and increases the reader’s interest.

~ You read a few Sue Grafton novels and decide not to over describe scenes. This keeps the story moving with essential descriptions only.

~ You read a few John Sandford novels and you discover the brilliance of page breaks. When the reader starts a book, they begin with “A” and finish at “Z.” In the reader’s mind, “Z” can be a long way to the ending. When page breaks are added, then the reader goes from “A” to “B” to “C” to “D” and so on. The story moves like taking in quick breaths.

~ You read a few Dan Brown novels and decide that a well-written power sentence will make the reader gasp and hook the reader to each page.

~ You read a few Stephen King novels and decide not to hold anything back in your writing.

~ You read a few Michael Crichton novels and decide that section breaks with mood-setting poems throughout your book will add more emotion to your story.

~ You read a few Joseph Finder novels and decide to let your characters take over your writing. As your characters become alive, so does your story.

~ You read a few Janet Evanovich novels and understand the importance of how a novel sounds. The voice of your characters ring true for the readers.

Here is a description of your new writing style, based on reading the above novels:

The reader will have a sense of accomplishment, as they whip through chapter after chapter. The speed and tempo feels like the action never stops. Quick exchanges of character dialogue to illustrate a scene or plot twist, more powerful than narrative description to increase the reader’s interest. The story moves like taking in quick breaths, with gasps and hooks on each page. Nothing is held back, creating more emotion to the story. The character’s voice is alive and rings true for the readers.

Wow.

I like your style…

Ron Knight

www.authorronknight.com

Ron Knight

  

Step away from your book(s) for a moment. If you want readers to flock in your direction, you need to create something magical that will bring them closer. 

Develop a “Hidden Mickey.” 

Hidden Mickey’s are usually three circles that represent Mickey Mouse, or a partial impression of Mickey Mouse, which are hidden in rides, attractions, decorations, etc… Steven M. Barrett created guidebooks that are setup like a scavenger hunt, providing clues on where the Hidden Mickey’s are located. There is also a scoring system so people can compete, depending on how many they find. 

Using the Hidden Mickey process, Disney World is not the main focus. Instead, something fun and creative was developed around a character of Disney World. 

Here are three examples of how I used the Hidden Mickey Marketing Plan with three different age groups. 

Teens 

I went to the bookstore with my teenage daughter and her best friend. After twenty minutes, they said, “We’re bored. Can we go?” 

I said, “Sure. But first, I need to do some research on a new book series I’m writing for high school students based on the number nine. I believe there is a hidden message in every book, which is written on the first line of every chapter nine.” 

My daughter and her friend hurried off and started looking at books in the store and reading the beginning of chapter nine in each of those books. An hour later, they were still having fun doing this. 

My Nine Series for teenagers will not be published until the fall, but I’ve already discovered a pre-marketing plan using something that everyone will see: The number nine. In fact, I have turned the number nine into a character. (And I bet you will start paying attention to chapter nine while reading and writing.) 

Tweens 

Another example of the Hidden Mickey Marketing Plan is when I wrote the Middle Room book series for middle school students. I started a rumor that every middle school has a Middle Room with horrifying powers. Then I told students (and teachers) to look at the school map and circle the center point. That is the Middle Room. Watch for strange things to happen inside there. 

Once again, I turned the theme of my book into a character, then created a Hidden Mickey. It did not take long before all the middle schools in the area started talking about their Middle Room. There is even one school that plans to put up a large sign that says, “You are now entering the Middle Room at our school.” My Hidden Mickey worked to perfection. 

Adult Fiction 

I wrote a book called, 2-10 and decided on marketing plan that convinced readers that 2-10 is linked to a secret world that will fulfill your every desire and need. People starting noticing 2-10 in their address, receipts, exit signs, license plates, or even those that had the birthday on February 10^th. 

In all three of the above examples, my focus was to thrill the target audience, rather than selling my books. 

How can you create a Hidden Mickey for your book, or book series? Here are some ideas. 

Getting people to think about your book, wherever they are. 

I’m sure the theme of your book is based around a simple idea, with intricate plots, characters, and storylines. Take that simple idea and use it to your advantage. Be creative. Use social media, blogs, YouTube, or even word of mouth to start your own Hidden Mickey. Start a conversation without anyone knowing what you are doing. Blur the lines between reality and fiction. 

Looking at the world through the eyes of an author. 

When people read your books, you have them trapped in your world. But in order to draw more readers, you need to create a world outside of your book. Why are your books so magical? Interesting? Thrilling? Intense? Romantic? Funny? Mysterious? You should understand why readers would love your book in the first place. Take that same logic and use it in your marketing plan. 

Discovering hidden treasures, messages, mysteries, and unknown characters. 

Change the theme of your novel into a guidebook. (Figuratively.) Direct your readers. Show them something amazing. Steer them in your direction with your powerful imagination. Channel all your energy outward, rather than using your career goals to make decisions. 

Thrill of the hunt. 

Can you envision a world that you created away from your books, which is thrilling for the reader before they read a single word? In that world, you are beyond a successful author. You will represent what readers are truly looking for…to be entertained in their daily lives! 

I had mentioned in a previous blog that Charles Dickens used to perform on stage the characters from his books. This thrill became a part of the reader’s lives. 

You are not Walt Disney and you are not Charles Dickens. However, you are still unique. There are multiple ideas for your books. Step away from your goals and discover a way to create a Hidden Mickey around your novels. 

Hidden treasures are the best thrill of them all… 

Ron Knight 

www.authorronknight.com 

Ron Knight

  

Do authors even need publishers anymore? 

The purpose of this blog is to feed you information, so you can formulate a plan and develop your author career. Forget about what you think is the best way to publish. Open your mind to every option available. 

Are digital books taking over printed books? 

82% of digital consumers still read print. Authors (and publishers) want readers to believe digital is taking over, because it costs very little to produce. In fact, that is why we have eBooks in the first place, because printing became costly. The days of publishers shipping out 60,000 books and having 30,000 of them returned are coming to an end, along with authors storing a thousand books in their garage. 

But that does not change how people want to read books. Consumers will purchase a Playstation3, Wii, Xbox, and video games. Nevertheless, board games are still a billion dollar industry. The same logic can be applied to digital and print. Readers want both, despite how much it costs to print. 

Who controls the publishing industry: Traditional Publishers, Self-Publishers, or Untraditional Authors? 

I’m sure traditional publishers are sick of hearing that they are dinosaurs and will soon be extinct. On the other hand, traditional publishers know that they can still pluck successful authors from the self-publishing world. The reason is simple: An author can only take his/her career so far. Eventually, the author will need help. 

Why are authors succeeding without traditional publishing? I remember just three years ago, self-publishing was still unacceptable for bookstores and the publishing world. Now, self-publishing is the “testing grounds” for authors. If you can write entertaining books, market and sell, then prove that by succeeding, traditional publishers want you. 

At that point, the author should consider expanding his/her network by signing with a traditional publisher. 

You may have heard, “Authors have to do more than write books. Authors need to market their books as well.” But that’s not a new concept. In the 1800’s, Charles Dickens wrote plays and went on reading tours with hundreds of stops to market and sell his books. Dickens wanted to build relationships with his readers and connect with business people that could help him become even more successful. Every year, he came up with new ideas to bring readers closer to him. 

Charles Dickens used publishing to expand, but still, he worked hard on his own. Today, we have social media to build relationships and network with those in the publishing industry. Also, we have several options to package books and sell them. 

Problems for Traditional Publishing (and Self-Publishing Businesses)  

Authors have become more successful at building relationships with readers. Check out the Facebook Fan Pages for midsize traditional publishers and self-publishers, then compare that to author fan pages. In most cases, the author has more fans. Why? Because the author can be more personable with fans. It’s almost like a new generation of author compared to the old school nature of publishers. 

But in all fairness to the publishers, it’s easier to build a relationship “Person-to-Person,” (Author-to-Reader) than it is “Business-to-Person.” (Publisher-to-Reader.) 

Just remember that literary agents and traditional publishers want to thrive and are willing to change with the times. No matter what, agents and publishers need authors to succeed. Everyone in the publishing industry, including authors, is going through an adjustment period. One traditional publisher said, “Disruption makes us stronger.” A better quote would have been, “Disruption makes us think differently.” 

New ways of thinking produces creative ideas.  

Authors love being creative and will use their powerful imagination for both writing and marketing, which is why an author can succeed in this new publishing world. 

How many times have I said, “Think of your readers first in everything you do. That includes your books, blogs, Facebook posts, Tweets, and eNewsletters.” Authors can easily make that adjustment, looking outward, rather than expecting the readers to come flocking. However, traditional publishers had always expected the readers to purchase books, which means, publishers had been looking inward. But can you blame them? They are a business and need to earn profits. Honestly, I do not have a problem with that. 

The value of traditional publishing is their network of contacts and resources, which every author can use. Also, traditional publishers take over some areas for authors, like editing and formatting the books. That gives the author more time for reading, writing, and relationship building. The process may take longer, but authors are rushing books into the market these days. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and slow down. 

Nevertheless, you can be successful using traditional publishers, self-publishers, eBooks, and Untraditional Publishing. All these opportunities benefit the career author. 

By the way, do we still need literary agents?  

Traditional publishers are doing everything they can to make sure they do not fail with an author, so contracts are always changing to benefit the publisher, more than the author. A traditional publisher cannot sink fifty grand into your career without having a few safeguards in place. A literary agent will help find the best traditional publisher for you, but also make sure the contract is fair and reasonable. Also, literary agents have their own network, which will benefit the author. 

You do not have to use traditional publishers, but I guarantee if you build your audience and a traditional publisher comes calling, you will consider expanding your career. You will have to continue doing what made you successful in the first place, but a traditional publisher will reach stores and readers that you could not do on your own. 

One last thing. AMAZON IS STILL NOT A MARKETING PLAN. (Sorry for the caps, but I felt it was necessary.) 

Use every kind of publishing, every social media tool, every library and bookstore, every gift you have hidden deep inside of you, and use all content to benefit your readers. Traditional publishing, self-publishing, eBooks, and Untraditional Publishing can all bring value to your career. 

When all else fails, keep it simple… 

Read. Write. Build Relationships. Publish. 

Ron Knight 

www.authorronknight.com

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Ron Knight

  

Here is what your chapters represent… 

Chapter One 

This is an author’s best chapter, because it receives the most attention. It is the deciding factor whether a reader will move on to the next chapter.

It is the beginning of the author’s creation. 

Chapter Two 

Introducing discord and conflict. Disputes and friction. The struggle of characters. It is life and death. Good and evil. Light and dark. Male and female. It can be a delight for your characters, or pure hell. Maybe it is all of this. 

Chapter Three 

This is the combination of chapters one and two, building on the experience of the story and characters. It is the past, present, and future. It is what your characters think, how they feel, and the narration of their soul. Create, sustain, destroy. 

Chapter Four 

The story introduces more surroundings to the characters, while expanding the plot. Your characters are pulled in every direction. A dirt filled path. A cool rainstorm. The bluster of someone speaking. An explosion or hot-tempered villain. These are just some of the elements that guide your characters direction. 

Chapter Five 

This brings together the second and third chapters, while shifting the story. Your characters begin to taste, smell, feel, hear, and touch. The characters are helpless and completely under control of the story. 

Chapter Six

 Balance. Love. Health. Even a little bit of luck. Your character achieves a small victory. 

Chapter Seven 

This brings together the third and fourth chapters. Time becomes critical. New feelings and emotions are craved by your characters. They become anxious, yet sluggish. There is a desire to be satisfied, but they have mixed feelings of rage, a plea for help, and the search for meaning.

 Chapter Eight 

A path or direction enlightens your characters. It becomes their only choice. In fact, it is the perfect choice. While walking down this path, the character reflects on chapter two exactly two times, then reflects on that reflection another two times.

 Chapter Nine 

Something is achieved by your characters, bringing eternity to the plot. Secrets are obtained. 

Chapter Ten 

Your characters depend on other factors. Rules, affliction, purity, and villains begin to take over. Chapter one is important to your characters, yet, they cannot return to that point and must move forward. 

Chapter Eleven 

The author has the need to realign the story with the characters. Very few authors in the world have the sophistication or even the vigor to avoid this realignment. 

Chapter Twelve 

A male character from chapter three is united with a female character from chapter four. They can actually be put together, or they are together spiritually, or even just thinking about each other. 

Chapter Thirteen 

A major plot twist, which is created by the betrayal of a character. For seasoned authors, this plot twist will thrill the reader. For new authors, the plot twist is the result of bad luck, which is not believed by the reader and causes a lack of interest in finishing the novel. 

(Because this is a blog and not a book, I’ll have to skip over the chapters.) 

Chapter Twenty-One 

Something major is achieved by the characters. This is the entryway to the rest of the story. 

Chapter Forty 

Wholeness. Totality. Abundance. Harmony. The characters will feel these emotions, along with so much more. 

Chapter Fifty 

A celebration that a goal has been achieved, especially something that was mentioned in chapter seven. This also leads the characters to a new beginning. 

Chapter Sixty 

Time is significant. Minutes are more important than hours. Life can be long, or short, depending on what the characters do next. 

* * * 

As a writer, you may not realize the impact you have on each chapter, nor the symbolic influence you have over the story, characters, and especially the readers. 

I dare you to look back at your stories and compare what I have written here… 

Ron Knight 

www.authorronknight.com 

Ron Knight

  

Take a second to think about what an opportunity is supposed to look like. I believe it could be one of two situations: 

~ The author suddenly has a favorable option. This means you have several paths to choose, but something appears as the clear and most productive choice. 

~ The author is suddenly given an alternative option that exists because of a circumstance. For example, this occurs when you are unexpectedly given a big break.   

Favorable options and surprising changes results in opportunities. Authors must put themselves in a position to receive those opportunities. 

The bad news is I cannot tell you where to go, or what to do, because opportunities are different for each author. The good news is that every author has several unique opportunities to launch their career to another level. 

I know an author that took a seasonal job at UPS for just the month of December, met a valuable contact, and launched his career. 

I know an author that helped a third grade class develop their own stories, which gave the author an opportunity to sell his books in all the schools. 

I know an author that had a funeral for her book that she could not publish traditionally. At the funeral, she sold thousands of self-published copies. 

(Yes…she had a funeral for her book.) 

Here are my favorite ways to create opportunities: 

~ Become obsessed with finding solutions to improve the quality of others. Successful fiction writers give readers, fans, businesses, literary agents and publishers something that they need, or want. I call this, “Relationship Building.” If you commit to doing this, I promise you that opportunities will come flooding in. 

~ Read non-fiction books. Fiction helps with your storytelling and writing mechanics, while non-fiction helps you discover opportunities. Read all kinds of non-fiction books; sales, finance, inspirational, psychological, science, marketing, how to groom your pet, log cabin building, famous ghosts, and so on. This fills your brain with ideas, which creates opportunities. (Bonus: It also gives you great ideas for characters.) 

~ Write in different ways. Write books for elementary kids, middle school students, high school students, young adults, and adults. Write different genres. Write a play, based on each of your books. Write poems. Write songs. Write short stories. Write blogs. Write fiction and non-fiction. Write articles in a newsletter. Write content for websites. Ghost write. The more you have to offer, the more opportunities will arrive. 

~ Understand that your words may limit opportunities. You do not want to offend, or limit your audience by stating your personal opinion. This is especially true in blogs and social media. When I’m having a bad day, you will not know about it. How do I feel about certain authors on the bestsellers list? You’ll never know. I will never publicly criticize anyone, or state my personal opinion, unless it directly helps others.

Every single post, comment, blog, email, and speaking engagement, I try to think about making the lives of others better, which increases my opportunities. The same will happen to you, if you keep your author life upbeat and personal opinions private. 

~ Reach deep into your soul and discover what is hidden. You must learn to use every gift, talent, and resource that you possess. Then, you need to stretch farther, improve and excel in every one of your gifts, talents, and resources. Self-Discovery generates ideas, which creates opportunities. 

~ Never bang on a door, just politely knock. There are times when you need assistance to take your career to the next level. When that time comes, do not beg for help, or come on too strong with your personal goals. Slow down. Simplify. Smile. Show respect. 

Take a moment to look beyond what you are doing. I’ve heard people say that eBooks will destroy publishing and I’ve heard that eBooks will replace everything. People say that self-publishing is bad and people say that self-publishing is crucial to the future of authors. People claim that traditional publishing is the gateway to success; others believe that traditional publishing is a failed business model. People say that bookstores are necessary; others believe we do not need bookstores anymore. 

Do you know what I believe? There are plenty of opportunities in eBooks, self-publishing, traditional publishing, and bookstores. As an author, go beyond speculation and figure out how to use them all. Then, find more opportunities. Keep looking. Continue the search. 

And remember, the best opportunities for authors are in the strangest places… 

Ron Knight 

www.authorronknight.com

Ron Knight

  

To the staff at UP Authors & Brand Eleven Eleven, from Ron Knight: 

Let’s get something straight. I am the talent. Everything you do, should involve keeping me happy. People do not go to the UP Authors website because they want to hear about how the new intern has worked two hours this week and can now understand the difference between a blog and an email. People go to the website because of what I bring to the table. 

Knowing this, I feel a couple of adjustments need to be made by the entire staff. 

~ Install a blue carpet that goes from my car, to the building, and down the hallway into my office. Please make sure to use some sort of Egyptian carpet, so it is soft with each step I take. 

~ I would like everyone to address me as, “Ron Knight.” My name is a brand, which should be spoken likeIBM, or McDonald’s. For example, when I walk into the office, I expect everyone to say, “Hello, Ron Knight. How are things going with you?” Keep in mind that I may, or may not respond, depending on my mood. So if I just walk by without saying anything, you’ll have to understand that is what talented authors do. 

~ Every staff member should have a different one of my books in mind. Each day, the staff can take turns complimenting me on a novel. May I suggest that you put together a schedule so this daily compliment will not be missed. 

~ While writing, my neck gets a little stiff. Please hire a professional masseuse to rub the kinks out every seventeen minutes. Each session should last only four minutes. 

~ Every half-hour, assign someone to come into my office and say things like, “You are such an inspiration, Ron Knight. I love everything about you.” Once again, I may, or may not respond. 

~At 3:03each day, please have the entire staff line up at my office door and ask for my autograph. Also, talk to the neighboring businesses and convince their staff to join you in the line. They can bring their customers as well, but I do not want to spend more than twenty-two minutes signing autographs. You can have twenty-five to thirty people ready for this. And if they want to compliment me, just remind them to use my full name. Example, “Hey Ron Knight. I’ve read all of your books and loved each one in a different way.” (I can supply more examples of compliments if needed.) 

~ I would like the office to be kept at seventy-one degrees. Although I prefer the fresh air, I understand that you cannot control theFloridatemperatures. Perhaps you can purchase a “Fresh Air Fan” for my office. (Check out Brookstone and see if they have anything.) 

~ As for music, I only want to hear, “Pumped Up Kicks,” by Foster the People. No other song, or music will be permitted while I am in the building. Set the volume to number four during the morning, then increase the volume one notch per hour after lunch until my autograph session at 3:03, at which time you may turn off the music so I can properly hear the shower of compliments. 

~ I would like a Red Bull, or Monster energy drink on my desk at all times. I will not be drinking it, but I want it on display just incase a middle school, or high school fan stops by to ask for my autograph. I want them to think I’m hip. 

~ Provide a daily list of ten authors that are older than I am. (I’ll be 44 on August 22^nd. Please have an extra long list ready for me on that day, along with a birthday party planned at Chuckie Cheese so I feel young.) 

~ Install orange tint lights in my office that I can flick on when needed, so it looks like I’m really tan. 

~ Hang a poster of Stephen King on the wall, with a caption that says, “I may be the King, but I’ll never be as good as Ron Knight. 

~ In all of my social media sites and blogs, please post compliments of how great I am. 

~ Never mention any other person that you work with, who is more popular than I am. For example, never, ever, mentionChris Lanein my presence. 

~ When I am stressed, I would like to relax while someone is reading one of my books aloud. If possible, please use that intern fromEngland, because she looks and sounds like J.K. Rowling, and I want my books to sound like they are worth billions of dollars. 

Meals I would like prepared when I’m in the office: 

Breakfast: Bacon, not very crispy, western omelet with American cheese inside and out, three fresh strawberries, and thirteen-grain toast with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter and Smuckers grape jelly. (You might want to think about having an omelet chef on the staff, or training someone to cook like a professional. Perhaps one of the interns can learn, since they really do not help much anyway.) 

Snack: Nine roasted almonds with salt. Also, I like raisins, but they have to be from the box of Raisin Brand. I think eight raisins will do. Someone will have to pick them out and put them in a bowl. (Please keep separate from the almonds.) And M&M’s with all the brown ones removed. 

Lunch: I am an author, so I’m a creature of habit. I’ll go an entire month eating the same thing everyday. For the month of April, I would like grilled filet chicken, soaked in Italian Dressing, with iceberg lettuce, three Italian seasoned cherry tomatoes, and six Italian olives. (Please carefully remove the pits.) For desert, I would like you to purchase a large Hershey’s Dark Chocolate bar. However, I would like only three squares, which is one quarter of the bar. Please give the chocolate that is left over to one of the interns and mention that it is a special gift from Ron Knight. 

MiddaySnack: A smoothie, made to my specifications, which includes five fresh strawberries, one banana, ¼ cup of crushed ice, and a ¼ cup of low fat milk. Please slice the strawberries and banana into small pieces before putting into the smoothie. Also, I like it thick, so blend it for eleven seconds only. 

Drinks: Have the following ready at all times: Diet Coke in the two-liter bottles, crushed ice, and several Tervis Tumbler cups with a picture of my book cover. (It would be best if you had thirty different cups, each with a different picture of my books.) Also, I likeFijiwater, but keep in the bottle, because I think the bottle looks cool. 

And most importantly!!!!!!! 

Whenever I am in the office, all staff members and interns should wear T-shirts that say, “I Am Not Ron Knight.” 

Thanks for everything and have a great April Fools. 

Your Meal Ticket, 

Ron Knight

Brand Eleven Eleven: www.brand1111.com

Ron Knight

  

You may have to go hunting for some of these books, but it’s worth it! 

15. Everyday American English Expressions, by Richard A. Spears, Betty Birner, and Steve Kleinedler 

14. Creating Character Emotions, by Ann Hood 

13. The First Five Pages, by Noah Lukeman 

12. The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking, by Dale Carnegie 

11. How Stuff Works, by Marshall Brain (Any of his books) 

10. Awaken the Giant Within, by Anthony Robbins 

9. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, by Dale Carnegie 

8. Become a Better You, by Joel Osteen 

7. Be Your Own Literary Agent, by Martin Levin 

6. The Describer’s Dictionary, by David Grambs 

5. God is my CEO, by Larry Julian (Version that includes business plan.)

4. Guerrilla Social Media Marketing, by Jay Conrad Levinson and Shane Gibson 

3. Your Novel Proposal from Creation to Contract, by Blythe Camenson and Marshall I. Cook 

2. On Writing, by Stephen King 

If you purchase only one of these books, then select my number one choice for authors: 

1. The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White 

BONUS: There a thousand tips for improving your writing, building readers, and creating book sales in Untraditional Publishing: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92130

Ron Knight