Changing Pathways to Publication (with Veronica Llorca-Smith)
"For me, writing is about self-expression and empowering people to unlock their potential. That’s my vision, and when I’m lost, I always go back to it."
Today, I’m joined by
of for a chat about her experience walking two very different pathways to publication.Veronica, tell me a little about yourself!
I see myself as a global citizen! I’m originally from the Canary Islands in Spain, but I have lived in nine countries, and Hong Kong has been my home for the past 16 years. I have a bit of Brazilian, French, and Chinese in me, but my heart was stolen by an Aussie.
When did your writing journey begin? Have you always wanted to be an author?
My passion for writing started when I was a kid. As an introvert, writing gave me a voice. Then life happened, and I only reconnected with my passion for writing when I was 41, and I found myself unemployed in a new country (Australia). Writing helped me reinvent myself and create a new path. I started organically without a master plan and let things flow. I never thought I would be an author, but I listened to the little voice inside, and I’m happy I followed my intuition and rediscovered the writer in me.
You've self-published two books previously - would you recommend that route for other authors?
Absolutely! If you love creating, self-publishing is like being a mini entrepreneur launching a start-up. Platforms like Amazon KDP have made publishing extremely accessible, and you don’t need capital to publish your book.
What are the biggest challenges involved in self-publishing? And the key benefits?
Self-publishing requires a lot of dedication, and you have to be ready to put in the hard work. I spent over 60 hours researching, learning about self-publishing, and creating my sales and marketing strategy. I even launched a digital guide on self-publishing to share my knowledge with others.
A 'publish and vanish' approach doesn’t work, as publishing a book is like a marathon. Not all writers love doing marketing and self-promotion, but it comes with the job title of being an author.
The key benefit is the freedom and ownership that comes with self-publishing: you are the CEO of your book and decide every aspect of it, from the cover to the pricing strategy and promotional campaigns. The hard work pays off, as it's reflected in much higher royalties, and that’s why many successful authors choose the self-publishing route.
You're currently working with a publisher on your most recent book - why have you chosen that option this time?
I always dreamed of working with a publisher, but I faced several rejections in the past, and that led me to my self-publishing journey. I don’t believe in destiny, but I think it was meant to be: a book distributor introduced me to a publisher, Earnshaw Books, and they fell in love with the positivity and the story behind my memoir, The Flight Home. For once, I didn’t have to pitch!
For me, life is about learning and growing, and I wanted to discover the world of publishing through different lenses. I’m thrilled to work hand in hand with a publishing house and learn from them to have a more rounded experience as an author.
How has the experience differed so far?
The biggest difference has been working with a team and having different perspectives and insights. I look at my book through the lens of a writer, but my publisher is able to look at the big picture and understand how a book can perform better in its genre and how to market it so that it ends on the right shelves. We often come from different viewpoints, but we find ways to move forward as a team.
Can you offer any advice on how to promote a book after it's been published?
My top advice is to build your brand as an author and nurture your audience, particularly through an email list. Use social media for organic reach and combine it with paid media (I use Amazon Ads and FB Ads).
The most effective way to grow is through Reviews, so make it easy for people to leave one. Last, be creative. I use my Substack newsletter to share chapters of my books as a teaser, I co-host LinkedIn Lives and speak on podcasts.
I’m always ideating new ways of promoting my book. This time, I even created a Book Launch Club, a group of people who help me create buzz and get the word out.
Which online platforms help support your journey as a writer, and where can people find you online?
Medium has been an incredible platform to help me build competence and confidence as a writer. It’s a safe space to learn about editing and formatting and to build a wonderful community.
People can find me on Medium, LinkedIn and on my Substack, The Lemon Tree Mindset. I also have a publication on Medium called A Smiling World that focuses on self-improvement.
Do you have any big plans for the future?
My big plan is to support to launch of my new book, The Flight Home. It’s the story of my life living in nine countries and using the power of values to overcome challenges such as discrimination, bankruptcy, and loss.
My dream is to translate it into different languages and make it a bestseller, so that’s where I’m going to focus my energy in 2024.
Finally, can you share a golden nugget of advice for any aspiring authors reading this?
Have a strong why and use it as your North Star. For me, writing is about self-expression and empowering people to unlock their potential. That’s my vision, and when I’m lost, I always go back to it.
Thanks Veronica!
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Excellent, I have learnt plenty. Thank you.
Great chat. The self-pub journey hit home, especially the "Publish and vanish" approach I'm guessing my co-author is going to adopt. Ugh...Three years of work out the window!