diannejacob

How to Become a More Productive Book Author

May 17, 2022 by diannejacob 12 Comments

If you think landing a book deal is difficult, try writing a manuscript within today’s tight timelines. Some multi-year projects still exist, but many authors count book schedules in months, not years. How does a writer navigate all the tasks that must be completed to become a productive book author, while juggling life, a partner, children, work, exercise and more?

A few strategies I used turned out to be useful. When employed diligently, they unlock abilities you may not believe you have. I found this when I wrote two books during the pandemic in 2021. Three of my books will launch this year, and I am on track to publish two more in 2023. How? I credit these five productivity tips.

Here’s what to do to become a productive book author:

1. Build up your confidence.

Take long, reflective power-walks. Remind yourself how far you’ve come in life by visiting a childhood neighborhood or friend.Talk to mood-and-ego-boosting friends. Run while listening to aggressive metal music. Do whatever it takes, but get yourself in a confident headspace.

Why? Confidence leads to a strong inner voice. And that voice is going to [Read more…] about How to Become a More Productive Book Author

Get More Assignments from Editors

May 3, 2022 by diannejacob Leave a Comment

A guest post by Anna Mindess

Over the last dozen years, I have received scores of assignments from editors of print magazines and online websites. I especially cherish those relationships that have spanned years and feel like collaborations.

When editors appreciate my work and trust me, my job gets easier. Instead of a formal pitch, editors will accept just a few lines for a story idea. Even nicer is when they come up with story ideas specifically for me.

It’s not difficult to build this kind of mutually respectful relationship. You will get more assignments. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Timeliness is next to godliness.

Turn in your stories on time or early. It seems obvious, but this is the number one thing that pleases or puts off an editor. One magazine I write for has deadlines etched in stone. The editor coordinates so much at [Read more…] about Get More Assignments from Editors

5 Ways to Promote with Live Video

April 5, 2022 by diannejacob 1 Comment

By Kathy Hester

There is no better way to get the word out about your latest product than to promote with live video.

Why? Imagine how easy it would be to make a sale if you were able to meet face-to-face and talk with all your fans. Live video allows you to make eye contact with your viewers and even answer questions that they type into a chat. You are talking, asking questions, teaching and reeling in your audience. They feel like they are hanging out with you and are in your inner circle.

You can go live on any of the platforms from your phone. You can go live on your computer for Facebook, YouTube or Tiktok, but you cannot go live on your computer to Instagram. (To stream live on Tiktok and mobile YouTube you need 1,000 followers.)

A product could be a new cookbook, class, course, retreat, conference or a recipe or blog post.

Here are my five tips for how to promote with live video:

1. Involve your audience in the creation process.

Use live video to invite your audience to look behind the scenes as you develop your product. They want to support you as you create your book, class or other product.

You probably already do this in static posts on your social media. Live video just makes it more personal. Invite them into your [Read more…] about 5 Ways to Promote with Live Video

How to Write Award-Winning Cookbooks

March 22, 2022 by diannejacob 3 Comments

A guest post by Barbara Abdeni Massaad

When I decided to write and photograph my first book, Man’oushé: Inside the Street Corner Lebanese Bakery, I had no experience in writing books or taking professional food and location photos to document my journey. I come from a kitchen background. My cooking career started in the 1980s in a family-owned restaurant in Fort, Lauderdale, Florida, called Kebabs & Things.

Serving and cooking for customers was an important experience in my life. Years later, I would go on to train in restaurants in Beirut, Lebanon, where I moved a few years later. Now, I am the author of five cookbooks, many of which have won awards.

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Accepting my award for Man’oushé, my first cookbook, from the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2015. I did both the writing and the photography.

Here are my insights on how to write award-winning cookbooks:

1. Don’t ever let anyone undermine your dreams.

The idea to write about food started with an obsession: living through a journey in Italy and learning about pizza-making. Upon deep reflection, I took a [Read more…] about How to Write Award-Winning Cookbooks

Classes and Workshops Coming Up

March 8, 2022 by diannejacob Leave a Comment

I’ve sent this special blog post today to let you know about some classes coming up in March and April. I’m excited to teach for the prestigous 92nd St. Y in New York, to continue my proposal writing class, and to teach at IACP.

These days guest bloggers write most of the posts on this blog. If you want to hear from me, I’m over on Substack. I encourage you to sign up. My free newsletter comes out once a month, and it’s packed with [Read more…] about Classes and Workshops Coming Up

Create More Content for Your Food Blog in 2022

February 22, 2022 by diannejacob 5 Comments

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A guest post by Alexa Peduzzi of Food Blogger Pro

If you’ve been in the blogging industry for more than a few minutes, you’ve probably heard a very common catchphrase –– “Content is king.” At the new year, you may have set some goals for your blog. If they’re anything like mine, they revolve around creating more content.

And, of course, that’s easier said than done. I’m coming off a year where I took eight months off from posting on my blog (more on that here). Now I’m excited to head into this year with a plan to help me actually achieve my goals.

Here are the five strategies to create more (and better) content this year:

1. Batch your blog posts.

Content batching allows you to make a bunch of content all at the same time. It is all about planning, working ahead and making the most of your limited time. For example, you may decide to content batch a month’s worth of [Read more…] about Create More Content for Your Food Blog in 2022