Taking Online Courses to help your writing career

Early this month, I finished instructing online courses through From A Writers POV. It was actually a great experience; helping others and giving my advice on writing and publishing. While getting my info for this class, I found a lot of other places that offer free online courses. These courses are not for a degree or certificate but to give knowledge on a specific topic. I advise anyone looking to grow in their writing career to take a few online courses.


Whether they are free or not, you can never learn too much. There's so much more we can learn as a writer, author, business owner. Take the time to fit a course into your schedule.

To look for an online course, simply goggle free online courses. You will be amazed at how many links come up. Browse through them. Find some that fit what you're looking for.


Before I truly got into writing, I used to take online courses at about.com. They offer courses on so many topics and the courses were free. All you had to do was sign up.


So browse around. See what you can find and find new ways to get to the next level in your writing career.


Before we end today's blog....
From A Writers POV will host it's second session of Free Online Courses. Check out our website here: http://povonlinewritingcourses.webs.com/ for details on registration.



Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Getting your book noticed online

To get your book noticed online means to market it any and everywhere. Join networks, build a website, post blogs. Wherever there is space to advertise your book, advertise it.

Some business owners charge for small spots to advertise your book. If you have the funds to purchase the ad, do it.

Whenever you can, use your personal blog on all your social networks to speak about your book.

Find websites or organizations that will allow you to display or advertise your book.

The newest advertisement for most authors and writers in Blogtalk Radio. A lot of authors and writers are getting noticed through this feature. Find hosts that are looking for authors. Schedule interviews.

You can also build a newsletter list on your personal website. Some subscribers will give you their mailing address where you can send them info personally on your book. This newsletter can also help you get info out about your book and upcoming events.

If you are not apart of myspace, facebook or twitter you should be. These types of social networks can help you get your book out their online.

Before we end today's blog...
Read this month's edition of From A Writers POV http://www.fromawriterspov.webs.com/

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

The Second Book: Learn from your mistakes.

Have you finished your second book? I mean is the manuscript finished? Are you ready to publish? First think back because you've been here before with your first book. Let's look back and see what mistakes we made the first time around so we can fix them this time.

Publishing a book is always fun. Once you can put the last period on your manuscript you think the hard part is over. That's far from being correct. Publishing the book is just as hard as writing it.

First ask yourself, did you take your time with the first book?

Second ask yourself did you pick the right publisher? Did they give you all that you were asking for?

Next ask yourself if you spent enough money or too much money?

Another thing to consider is if this book is the same as the last one. Ask yourself if you need to take a different angle with this book.

Once you've went through the birth of a child, the second time around you see where you could have saved money and time. Consider the same thing when publishing your second book. You made a lot of mistakes the first time around. So let's perfect those mistakes and make this one better. Mistakes help us learn and grow in any situation. Don't be upset at yourself for the mistakes you made. Simply realize them and learn from them. Then simply move on and continue with the production!

Before we end today's blog...

Do you have a writers question? Looking for advice and tips on a writing subject you have not seen here yet? Contact me and I'll answer it here for you!http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/yourrequests.htm

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Guest Speaker; LaTosha Johnson on Marketing

Today we have a guest speaking. LaTosha Johnson. We spoke to her earlier this month. She submitted an article about why your company needs to a blog. Today she is speaking to us about Marketing. Read her interview below.

Dominique Watson (DW): How long have you been in marketing?
LaTosha Johnson (LJ): I have been in marketing for almost 10 years.

DW: What type of clients do you have? Do you work with authors and writers?
LJ: The type of clients we have come from various industries and backgrounds (i.e. consultants, graphic designers, etc.). Marketing and virtual services can benefit anyone. You have to spread the word about the products and services you offer and the only way to do so is through marketing. If you plan on devoting more time to your business you need to delegate tasks that are not generating money for you. For example, a restaurant owner should not be stuck working on direct mail campaigns. They need to focus on creating more dish options for their menu. You need to outsource tasks such as direct mail campaigns to a virtual assistant. I am not currently working with any authors and writers, but would love to do so if presented with the opportunity.

DW: How important is marketing in the writing and business field?
LJ: I cannot stress enough how important it is to effectively market your abilities. Individuals must concentrate on building their personal brand. The only way people will learn about your talent is by promoting your work. In order to attract people to your work, you must create a “buzz.” You can accomplish this feat without being a pushy salesperson by demonstrating to others what makes you special by sharing what you know. One of the reasons why I feel that social networking is a great medium to use to “spread the word” about your skills is because it is not invasive. You can create a blog and share information about your industry thereby enabling you the platform and the opportunity to demonstrate that your expertise while simultaneously connecting with people who could become your potential customers. A newsletter is another option as well. Anytime someone is willing to give you their email address it is a sign that they are interested in what you have to say and it is your responsibility to make sure you do not leave them regretting this decision by producing quality content that can help those reading your articles. Social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In are amazing vehicles that will help you transport your message to reach a wider audience.

DW: What should a good Marketer or PR provide?
LJ: A good marketing or pr consultant should be able to write well because you need to think of them as your partner. You must be on the same page. A good consultant should not be offended when you ask them for a solid marketing plan in how they plan to transport your message. For example, if you are hiring someone to conduct a social media marketing campaign make sure that you are given details in how this marketing consultant plans on increasing your exposure. You should be receiving reports on how many people are following your profiles and your traffic should be able reflect this as well. Companies or individuals hiring a Marketing or PR consultant must keep in mind that they need to do their part by making sure that the services and products they offer are worthy of being promoted.

DW: What are some key tools in marketing? What should a writer have when it comes to marketing?
LJ: The main concept in marketing is to connect with those people that are more likely to purchase your product or service (in this case books). The faster you realize that everyone is not your customer, the faster you will start to experience success. The tools in marketing your skills depend upon your target market. If your target market is a writer then you need to search out various forums (such as this one) where writers are more likely to join. Sites that I like to refer to as “common ground” meaning everyone regardless of industry participates on these sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, etc. are also great vehicles writers should be using to gain more exposure.

DW: Is hiring a Marketer or PR expensive? If so, how does a writer that is not financially capable of hiring a PR or Marketer market their work on their own?
LJ: Honestly, the price for hiring a Marketing or PR consultant can vary. The reason why many people hire Marketing and PR consultants is because we can gain exposure for you at a faster pace than if you were to do so on your own—mainly, because we know what techniques and tools work. If you choose to go with a large firm they will charge you more. However, there are numerous small firms that are quite capable of producing quality marketing campaigns. For example, we (TargetStars, Inc.) go out of our way to help small companies and solopreneurs and our prices are specifically designed to help those that want quality work at an affordable price (we provide hourly rates and packages). You would be surprised at how much you can accomplish by dedicating a few hours a week to your marketing. For those that are marketing on their own you can set up a blog, attend networking events, etc. You must always be on the look out for opportunities to connect with people.

Continue to always look for opportunities to connect with others and take advantage of all the online marketing tools available. You must be willing to put forth the effort to build and maintain relationships. Yes, it takes a lot of effort to do so but it is an investment with a highly favorable return—a client or new fan of your latest book. You know you have made an impression on people when they are doing the advertising for you. Word of mouth is and will always be the most effective form or promotion so you must do your part to provide content worthy of sharing.
I think info on marketing is so helpful and I believe this interview with LaTosha really helped. So many of us say "Oh I can do it myself" Sometimes it does take a professional to get us to the top.
So leave your thoughts on the interview. Let us know if this interview has given you a little more knowledge on Marketing.

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Get to know the contributing writers of From a Poetic POV; Dominique Watson

At the last minute, I decided to participate in From a Poetic POV. In all honesty, I have a lot going on and didn't think I would have the time. But on the very last day that Don was accepting submissions, I decided to participate. Poetry is my first love no matter what. When I was a little girl, my first writings began with poetry and then stories.

I decided to participate in the compilation because for one, what type of publisher/owner would I be if I didn't participate in my magazine's project and second, I love poetry and I thought it would be a great idea to showcase my work.

As I said before, not only do I write poetry but short stories and novels. I love to create a different inspirational but true story. I've already published four books. My next book "Too Much Untold" will be my first Urban Fiction Novel.

I believe that I will bring a variety of flavor to the book. I like to write about my life. I like to inspire. I like to write about love and relationships and I like to be conceited in a funny kind of way. I believe I provide a great balance for all the readers.

For me to write poetry it's an outlet. My first poetry book was called "The Tension Reliever" I believe that's what I do, relieve tension and I believe that my poems give people the sense that they are not alone. They give them a little but of laughter as well.

I'm truly excited about this project and I hope that you all will be sure to get a copy in August.

Here's a sample of a poem you will see in the book:

“I know you think of me”
I know you think of me when I sleep
In the middle of the night when I dream
I know you think of me when I cry
When I can't understand why

The book is due in August

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Weekly Services List

It's Monday morning! From A Writers POV has a new service list for you. Check it out below

1. Business Name: Faith Travel 4 U
Business URL faithtravel4u.com.
Family Vacations, group travel, cruises, car rentals and more!

2. Business Name: LOJ Enterprises
Editor and proof reader and virtual assistant to help you with your book writing,
please contact me at lofjorge@yahoo.com

3. Business name: Robert Medak - Freelance Writer/EditorBusiness URL:http://stormywriter.com
Business Description: Fulfilling Your Writing Needs

4. 100 Percent Write
http://100percentwrite.ning.com
Grievance Officer and Contract Adviser - helping you protect your intellectual property.

5. Business Name: Brotherspeak magazineBusiness
URL: brotherspeak.com
Business description: Entertaining, educating, and empowering all black men

6. The Strategy Room
www.thestrategyroominc.com
Business Consulting, Contract Services, Intellectual Property Management

Before we end today's blog...
From A Writers POV is now accepting guest article writers to submit articles with info about writing, publication, editing etc. If you are an article writer who would like to share tips and advice on the writing field, view more details here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/guestarticleform.htm

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson