Happy Saturday ~ There is something special about today's guest, Courtney Cole. She's one of those authors who has written amazing books of all kinds, but she's so down to Earth that you forget that she's a super star!
1. What inspired you to write your first book?
I've always been a writer. But I didn't write my first book until after my dad died. His death was sort of the catalyst that made me write a novel. Guardian was about a young girl who lost her father and discovered that she had a guardian angel. It was so therapeutic for me. And I just kept on writing books after that.
2. What has changed about your editing process since your first book?
2. What has changed about your editing process since your first book?
Well, I'm more organized about it now. I have a system. Plus, now I have a crit partner, beta readers and an editor. :)
3. Did you have to give anything up when you decided to pursue your writing career?
3. Did you have to give anything up when you decided to pursue your writing career?
No. I started writing when I was working full time in a marketing department. I have since quit my day job and I now write full time. Yay! :)
4. How do you feel about exclusivity with Amazon or Nook?
I did the Select program with Amazon for one quarter. But it really upset my Nook readers. It didn't make sense for me to continue it, so I'm back on B&N now. I would say that if you can avoid alienating sections of your fan base, you should. :)
5. Before you self-published, did you query agents/publishers?
I did. And I published Guardian through a small press. But then I figured out that by forming my own imprint and hiring a small staff of people, I could do it myself. So that's what I've done for the rest of my books. I was suddenly a business woman AND a writer. But it's been really fun- and I wouldn't change a thing.
6. What works best for getting word out about your latest book?
6. What works best for getting word out about your latest book?
Word of mouth is always the best. If someone loves your book, they will tell others about it.
Courtney is one of the authors to watch. Who do you see as an example of an author who's doing it right?
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I've seen her books everywhere. Courtney, I admire your boldness to go indie and stay there. I think what we're seeing in this newfound indie/publishing split world, is that we can achieve success no matter what route we take. If the writing's good, that is :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Megan.
DeleteThank you for your kind words! :)
DeleteCourtney is definitely an author to watch! Great interview. The opportunities for writers these days are amazing!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy *meeting* new authors. Enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeleteLove the information, thank you! Courtney, any chance you might expand on forming your imprint? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDo you mean are we going to expand the business and start accepting queries? We've talked about it but haven't decided.
DeleteOr did you mean how did we go about it? An imprint is really just like any other company- we jumped through all the business hoops. And then we found trusted staff members, which is always key. :).
Thanks for your response! I was wondering why you decided to start your own imprint and how you went about it. I've owned a small business for years but have only started taking my writing seriously in the last few months. The business woman in me was completely curious about how to blend my two loves.
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