I am a self-published author and an unbridled enthusiast, moonlighting as a middle manager. I started this blog with one purpose – to finish a novel. The good news is, that after almost three years of constant writing, editing, and more editing, I have published not one, but two comedy novels. I hope you have as much fun reading them as I did writing.
I am now writing the third installment in Isa Maxwell Escapades, blogging about the marketing game, and trying to figure out how to escape from the corporate grind to pursue my passion full-time. I would love for you to leave a comment or contact me directly on:
Email: ana.spoke( at )yahoo.com
Whoever you are, thank you for reading!
By Ana Spoke
Ana Spoke, author 
Hi, Thanks for stopping by my blog 😀 It’s pretty cool that you’re an author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Anna. Like you, I’m trying to make headway through the world of self publishing. I’ve had a quick look at your last few posts, and now I need to go back and have a re-read. Thank you for following me. I can see I’ll learn a lot about advertising ebooks, especially in the U.S., form your posts. (I’m in the U.K.) I wish you lots of luck with your first book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing your marketing experience. There is so much advice on writing and on marketing – a lot of it looks like copy/paste to me and becomes “common wisdom” thru simple repetition. But writing (esp editing) can be hard work so it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of marketing. I think we all hate to admit how much luck plays a role (in writing, marketing, and life!) 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
And lies, some of the advice is just wrong, like the “make it free and magically 60,000 people will download it.” This is why I’m posting actual sales – I’d spent hours trying to find anyone willing to mention numbers, and only people who were not selling much at all were willing to do that, or to mention where they’d tried to advertise.
I disagree with the “luck” statement, though! I firmly believe in the “preparation meets opportunity” definition of luck, and hope to prove it by painstakingly manufacturing a new reality, in which I’m a bestselling author 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re right about luck not being enough alone – without a good book, all the luck in the world will fizzle. But I bet there are a lot of good books out there. Sure hope you’re right because otherwise publishing is more like buying a lottery ticket.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Give me a year, Kate 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Kate. And also with you, Ana. But as you’ll see from my next blog post, ‘luck’ and ‘right place, right time,’ definitely plays a major part. (I’ve had a few celebratory beers,, so the blog post will have to wait until tomorrow!) 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oooh, what good news are you celebrating???
LikeLike
Will update blog tomorrow. Beer now affecting keyboard skills, but if you check my Facebook page, you’ll get a fair idea. It’s not like I’m on the shortlist for Booker Prize, or owt, but little steps / little victories and all that! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awesome!
LikeLike
Thank you for finding me and following, Ana. Although I have been blogging for over a year about leisure, recreation, and play, with some photography thrown in, I am embarking on writing a short leisure education booklet. Your blog looks ripe with good ideas and suggestions. Congrats on the publishing of your novel.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Terri – and congrats on deciding to take the next step!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ana, thanks for the follow. I looked at your listing posts and I am keeping the WordPress email notice that you are following me so I can go through them in more detail. I have been writing for about 50 years or so but never really tried to get published other than some half-hearted tries with a couple of short stories. I have been thinking about e-publishing and so I thank you for your advice on the subject.
I hope that my future posts inspire thought. That is all I ask of my free blog.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s awesome! Way to go, give self publishing a try, you will love it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for following – really exciting about your self publishing – thanks for sharing the journey 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Ana, I appreciate the “moonlighting” statement. I’m moonlighting as a Girl Friday admin type. Thanks for sharing so honestly about yiurself, and for the follow 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 well, lots of comedy material in the office…and drama…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Word!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ana – Thanks for liking my short post about a squirrel and following my blog. It looks like you are giving some great marketing advice based on your own experiences. Thanks for letting the rest of us know what works (or doesn’t work) in the self-publishing field.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 wait till I report on this last campaign, it’s set to be a blast 🙂
LikeLike
Ana, thanks for choosing to follow my blog. Congratulations publishing your novel and for sharing resources you’ve gathered in the process. In addition to reviewing books, I’m also writing one myself. The resources will soon come in handy. Keep up the writing and let me know if I can ever lend a hand with a review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sherrey!
LikeLike
Hi, I just perused your book on Amazon. It looks like fun. I look forward to getting to know you and your blog. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Hope the blog entertains you as well 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks. I’ve already started reading it. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Ana! Thanks for the follow! Congrats on finishing your novel; best of luck with it! I think it’s awesome how you include so much info on marketing! (Everyone needs help with that.) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 more to come!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the “like” and the follow on my blog. It’s late and I must attend my day job tomorrow but I look forward to reading more of your blog. For selfish reasons. What you have going on here could be an excellent resource for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great – and that’s why I’m doing it in the first place 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Thanks so so much for a like and a follow on my blog. I’m stunned to have an author follow me. I could hug you but that would be an invasion of personal space so let me give you virtual handshake instead. 😀 I am over the moon right now. Thanks so much! And I am looking forward to reading more from your blog. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Here’s a handshake and a fist bump back 🙂 and well done on your review – I couldn’t finish that book, it’s still weighing down my shelf 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! The first time I read it, I skipped a few scenes such as the battle between..I forgot. To be honest, it has been a while since I’ve opened up a book. I have loads more on my to-read pile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, love your honesty…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Merry Christmas Ana. What a lovely gift it was to discover you were now following my little blog. It’s an honor, thank you. Being an author myself, I’m continuing learning and have found your posts so informative, practical and helpful. Hope you enjoy comments as much as I do and I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. Blessings,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Ellie – I hope I can continue to help. I’m currently in Vietnam, but will be doing an update on the latest multi-company promo soon. If you need a cover design, have a look at my free cover contest page – open till 31st. All the best and Merry Xmas!
LikeLike
Hey Ana thanks for the follow. Congrats on finishing the novel – nothing beats that feeling. And believe me, each time you finish one, it gets better and better! Good luck for the future, and remember to always keep writing! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 I’m about to take 5 months off work to pretend that I’m a full time writer, can’t wait 🙂
LikeLike
I envy you. I’m trying to juggle college, a full time job and finishing and editing two separate novels 😦 there aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all. If it’s your dream then going after it whole heartedly is the only way to go. Takes courage 😀 way to go! You working on a new novel? What’s it about?
LikeLike
I am a few steps behind you but on the same path. I have to finish polishing up my book and then it’s off to trying to find a way to publish it. Hard work meets opportunity, all the way. We make our own luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Couldn’t agree more – and congrats on finishing the draft! I hope you’re getting some help with editing, I’ve posted “10 things I’ve learned from my editor” about a year ago, highly recommend getting help. Also, get quotes with sample audits of your book! Many of those “editors” made mince meat of the first few pages…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the follow! My goal for 2016 is to actually *write* the novel I’ve had in my head for many years. I look forward to reading your literary baby! Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ashley – hope you finish soon. It’s an amazing feeling 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for the follow Ana. As someone just starting out on a similar journey, I’m pleased to read your path has been met with success. A finished novel! Enjoy your next five months as a fully fledged professional writer 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 it was a lot of work, and it continues to be a ton of fun 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for dropping by my blog ^_^ I really like the advice you give here and it will definitely help when I am ready to market my novel.
Good luck with your books!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! Word of advice – start marketing BEFORE your novel is published…I will be blogging about my launch strategy for the sequel in a month or two.
LikeLike
Oh wow, thank you! I have to start looking into it from now then ^_^
LikeLiked by 1 person
Helpful posts here for us newbies. Thanks for the follow. Good luck with the marketing on novel #2. I look forward to learning what works for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan 🙂 Planning to do a proper launch, so wish me luck – my aim will be to shoot to #1 in my category on launch day.
LikeLike
Thanks for following me Ana 🙂 I’m striving to get my first novel completed so it’s awesome to see someone who has already been through that process. I hope all goes well for your second novel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 and hey, if you want a cover for that novel, make sure to enter the next free cover contest – you don’t need to have the book finished, just a great title and blurb. The last winner is still not finished, the cover is going to be an inspiration for him…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds great! I’ll be sure I do 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ana, congratulations on the first novel– and on moving on to the second one!
Thanks, too, for following and liking a post on The Expositrix.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
It’s so nice to meet you, Ana! And I’m Ann! I just came across your blog and find so many interesting here. You are a self-publisher, wow, that sounds amazing, how did you achieve it? Surely, I am far from being an expert in writing, but I do like it. Writing makes me feel very happy! Anyway, it’s nice to chat with you! All the best, Ann!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Ann, and thank you for finding me 🙂 I started 2 years ago and knew nothing – I just took it one step at a time, if you read my old blogs, I’ve written all the details about editing, cover design, formatting, publishing and printing. A lot of work, but can be done, small steps at a time 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I will definitely check! Well-done, Ana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing blog, Ana! Thank you for all the info, for sharing. How did you make all these cool boxes on the right with the links to buy your book?They are just awesome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Victoria! I’ve explained it in step by step detail here: https://anaspoke.com/2016/01/23/how-to-make-a-floaty-banner-in-wordpress-com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have recollection of visiting your site before. If so, it’s part of the natural progress of age. Congratulations on publishing two books! In my writers’ group we constantly debate the issue of self- v. standard publishing. I’ve one online now, and the 2nd edition is complete and in editing. I’ve ordered your first book, and will read and review on Amazon. Then the second. Thank you for opting to follow my work! Skip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Skip! I would say the debate is useless, considering that most authors don’t get the luxury to choose. I have a friend who refuses to self-publish and has spent years and countless thousands of dollars chasing publishers, attending conferences, etc. No cigar. I’d say taking the self-publishing route as “proof of concept” is the new way to attract traditional publishers. I myself will attempt that in a year or so, after 70 rejections last year. Time will tell 🙂
LikeLike
They say Margaret Mitchell, J.K. Rowlings, and many, many more were rejected umpteen times before finally published through a traditional publishing house. Rejection letters are the stuff bathroom wallpaper is made of, so they say. Perhaps, in your query letter, you should include, “Whatever you do, don’t be the last publisher to reject my manuscript before I get picked up and skyrocket to success!” 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again, Skip 🙂 I still have the list of the 70 that rejected me, would be fun to see if any of them come knocking 🙂
LikeLike
absolutely! good comeback skip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Anna just a quick note to say I’ve nominated you for an award. I could you see a direct email for you so just posting here. Check out https://kimknightauthor.wordpress.com/2016/06/26/thank-you/
LikeLike
Thank you, Kim 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s an honor to be connected with you. Best wishes in all of your writing and I look forward to reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much 🙂 Glad to connect, and hope you enjoy this upcoming week/ComedyBookWeek!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Anna, I’ve been following you for a while now (and I’m not worthy), and have a question about your decision to switch to WordPress paid rather than free. Was it a good one? Complications? Trying to decide for myself. (Sorry, I couldn’t find a contact link.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for following! I was not with the free account for too long, so I can’t really remember what it was like. My main reason was to add the custom domain URL, and that alone is worth it, I think. You instantly look more professional.
LikeLiked by 1 person
what’s funny is that until now I have not seen a blog dedicated to funny books. Since you have 2 funny books I am guessing you are twice as funny than anyone else who has written one..:-).. thank you and good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! Thank you, Anno! Just trying to do what I can to make the world a happier place…or at least funnier.
LikeLike
Pingback: Review: Indiot (Isa Maxwell Escapades, Book 2) | Sarah Potter Writes
Thank you, Sarah!
LikeLike
Hi Ana,
I saw “Shizzle, Inc (Isa Maxwell Escapades Book 1)” at Ask David and I was wondering if it’s available in libraries?
If not, did you know that you could make it available via LibraryBub?
We connect authors with 10,000 libraries and we’re currently running a giveaway where you can win a free feature in our weekly newsletter.
Go here to sign up http://alinkarutkowska.com/giveaways/lb_jan_2017/ and we’ll do the rest 🙂
Have a great day of writing and promoting!
Kristine
LikeLike
Ana – 65K followers. In the words of a cultural icon, “Ay Caramba!”
LikeLike
Thank you Ben 🙂 most of those are on twitter though – that’s a tip for everyone, link the blog to you other social accounts and the whole sum appears on the blog
LikeLike
I’ve just finished reading Shizzle Inc I’ve found a new best friend in Isa Maxwell she has taken me on a fun and funny journey and I’m on the plane to India to see what happens next. Loved it.
LikeLike
Thank you Lucia! Let me know what you think, the second one is a bit different. Xx
LikeLike