Thread by @lainey_cameron, I know that sounds a little vague, saying I owe the success [...]

I know that sounds a little vague, saying I owe the success of #TheExitStrategy to fellow writers so I think this topic merits a thread.

A lot in my acknowledgments blog post here https://bit.ly/3aPbela but let me give concrete examples:

* 100 + GR reviews. Continued... https://twitter.com/lainey_cameron/status/1297196016484196353

* 100+ Goodreads reviews for #TheExitStrategy. Sure, I asked for help (and yup, its uncomfortable) but I didn't have to beg for a single one. A lot are fellow authors and bookstagrammers.

And not a single email was to an author I'd never interacted with before.

* The book even being published. After 130+ agent rejections fellow authors helped me understand my options (hybrid, self pub, small press, put it in a drawer) and choose the right small publisher for me @WildRosePress

The book itself:

* After I finished draft 1 I had no idea how to edit. Fellow writers recommended the right classes including @MargieLawson the best coach ever on finding your writer voice.

* @WF_Writers workshops where fellow writers gave me feedback

* Improving my craft: @WF_Writers workshops too and recommendations on other classes in specific areas I needed.

* Sticking with it- a prize organized and judged by fellow authors @WF_Writers - The Rising Star Award convinced me to keep going.

* Beta readers - until close to publication all fellow writers. And when I needed sensitivity readers - advice on where to find them

* Agent rejection - when I didn't know how to improve my manuscript author friends recommended the best dev editor - @FoxPrintEd

* Pre-launch planning and building my marketing plan. Amazing writers like @JeanGrant05 and @WF_writerEM at @WildRosePress shared selflessly on what worked and what didn't for them

*USA Today bestsellers @jenklepper - my guiding guru as a past debut on what's she's tried.

* Invites to facebook groups to talk about #TheExitStrategy or in one case to become a permanent group host (come visit us on Blue Sky Book chat!). Almost all because of writer connections I'd already made.

* Shares on Twitter and facebook of my $0.99 price. This week has been a promo blitz for me and honestly I hate it.

I set up a bunch of scheduled posts tagging authors I admire who gave me reviews, knowing a good number would retweet to help me. So many friends have!

* Launch team. The first people on my launch team were fellow writers, who not only helped share stuff but interestingly the most important role has been moral support - helping cheer me through the launch period which is RIDICULOUSLY stressful.

* Same for the @2020Debuts - amazing moral support for each other in our Facebook group. (If you're coming in 2021 seek out the @2021Debuts !)

So what did I do to merit all that help? (and the hugest hugest of thanks to every single person especially those I didn't mention by name above).

Well let me first say it's not a quid pro quo - it's about building a network of writer friends - you are genuinely on their side.

Things I've done to help others from the start:

* Beta read for other writers

* Actively participate and give valuable feedback in workshops

* Share and celebrate in other writer's successes

* Support and share their promos, launch teams, achievements.

Cont...

* Volunteered as head of workshops for @WF_Writers for almost 2 years.

* Volunteered as VP of Programs for @WF_Writers for 2 years

(big time commitment on these last 2)

* Invested time in building an instagram presence knowing it would help not just me but other writers.

* Wrote a blog post on The Best of 2020 Women's Fiction that many fellow debuts and authors could use as an early proof point of their book's value http://bit.ly/L20WF

Best of 2020 Women's Fiction — Lainey Cameron, Author

A round-up of the best women's fiction books releasing in 2020. Future blockbusters, mother-daughter stories, great debuts.

http://bit.ly/L20WF

* Run the @2020Debuts Instagram account posting pretty much every day since last November. (A lot of folks don't even know I do this behind the scenes :)

Follow it here by the way! : https://www.instagram.com/debuts2020/

* Created an Instagram TV show where I can showcase fellow authors (both known and less so) to help raise visibility and reach new readers. https://www.laineycameron.com/blog/best-womens-fiction-igtv

The Best of Women's Fiction on IGTV — Lainey Cameron, Author

Each week on Instagram TV, I’m showcasing 10 minute video segments with the best of women’s fiction authors.

https://www.laineycameron.com/blog/best-womens-fiction-igtv

Ok I think that's all I've got to say - the examples weren't in a spirit of "look at me" but to give other writers ideas.

Not all we all do for others is visible but it helps you build a network of fellow writers who will be there- as u are for them.

Hugs, and gratitude,
Lainey

And I'm already thinking of folks I forgot to tag like how writers helped me find a great coach Kemlo Aki @AuthAccelerator and introduced me to @jennienash one of THE BEST writer supporters out there...

Seriously I could go on all day here....

Latest Threads Unrolled: