Authors ... be informed before you hire

You don't know how many times I've been contacted after someone else has been hired for services, and the author had nothing done for them, and they wasted their money. I'm not saying come to me for services all the time. I just want you to be informed of the services someone is going to be paid to provide for you. If they are marketing, you should at least see the promotions, and have a detailed bill, not just some words like "Facebook advertising" and a cost of a million dollars (I'm of course, I hope, exagerating).

It doesn't matter your age when you're writing, so it shouldn't matter how old you are if you have to hire someone. If you're hiring a cover designer, see their portfolio first, and make sure it meets with your idea or story. If it doesn't, move on. Make sure whoever you hire, that you are communicating with them, not just through email, but on the phone, or some kind of video call. It's that important.

If you're hiring an editor, no matter how "rich" you are from book sales, you still want to be aware of pricing, and the exact services the editor will provide for you and what your expectations are. There are different types of editing, so know the difference, and if you want feedback, make sure you let the editor know. Editors have different styles of editing as well, so make sure you know how they will do it. As an editor, I do content editing, copy editing (proofreading), and editorial feedback. I have different ways I edit, either using change tracking, printing it out, and marking the pages with red pen, and scanning it so I can send it back to the author, or just make the changes (or whatever is the best way for the client). This is the client's book, they are in charge.

If you're looking for promotion, maybe you don't know a lot about different social media platforms, or who is the best one to market for you, and what the experiences has been with different marketing campaigns. The best way to figure it out is to do a marketing plan. (I do them for $30 a book), but it maps out different promotions (and since I own a promotion company, I give the client options) but that doesn't stop me from utilizing other marketing strategies such as using Amazon or Facebook marketing. You should know how much that's going to cost, and if there will be a recurrence of payment for specific campaigns.

When all is said and done, and you've tried different promotions, look at your sales. Were certain campaigns run and your sales rose? It's also about strategy and peak times to run different promotions.

If you're not into all the types of social media, you may want one or two platforms, and maybe have help with a social media manager.

Anyway, I am always here to help answer any questions. I do get a lot of questions that say "what do I do now?" or "what should I do?"

I'm here to help. Even if it's just to give advice, or suggestions.

Amy Shannon