Author Interview: Tarin Abbott

Q: What made you decide to write this book? What’s its backstory?

A: This story was born of an assignment in a Creative Writing class I took online. I had to come up with 10 pages of a mystery, and I thought about all the situations I’d seen as a banker and bank examiner and figured that would be a pretty good place to start.

I’m from Pennsylvania, near Gettysburg National Park, and have visited there often. I did take a horseback ride through the battlefield, which set the scene in the beginning of the novel.

I’ve written for myself throughout my life, noting things that would go well in a novel if I ever wrote one such as people, places, descriptions of weather, etc. After starting the book for the class, I just decided to keep writing. I made it a point to write a specific amount every day (which doesn’t always happen every day). About halfway through I realized I was closer to finishing than starting, so I just kept going.

Q: How long did it take to write this book and get it published?

A: It took a year to write (and rewrite, and rewrite, and edit, and edit, etc.). I took part in Sleuthfest in St. Petersburg FL last year. I pitched to two agents, neither of which amounted to anything. At that conference there was great information on how to publish independently, and that sounded like the way for me to go.

At that conference I met an Indy published author who gave me some great advice including visiting the site Upwork (upwork.com). I found a great developmental editor there and she helped me polished the story.

Q: What particular challenges do you face in your writing? What is difficult for you? Do you have any tips for other writers who face similar challenges?

A: My challenge is procrastination. I can write for hours at a time, then not go near the computer for days. I did a few things to address the issue:

• First, I took a class. Actually two classes, in Creative Writing which pointed me to great resources, but had definite due dates for assignments.

• Second, I told friends and family I was doing it. One relative in particular would bug me with questions about what was happening with the book and helped me set up my own “murder board”.

• Third, I went to Sleuthfest, a book conference, to meet other authors and take advantage of all of the great information and resources available. One of those resources was Sisters In Crime, which I joined.

Q: Can you talk a little about your editing experience for new writers? What made you choose your editors?

A: The first time I heard of independent publishing was at Sleuthfest. I attended every session regarding publishing and learned several important things:

• I realized I’d need a developmental editor to review the book and suggest places that needed improvement or clarification. She was a vital part of the publication process.

• I would need a line editor to make sure every word was spelled correctly, ever comma and colon was properly placed, etc.

I found my developmental editor on Upwork, which is a great place to find any kind of editing, marketing or other assistance you’re looking for. I invited people to apply for my particular need and basically interviewed them and reviewed their profiles. I hit upon a great developmental editor, who gave me direction and pointed out what I needed to fill in. She asked questions to get me to think about what I was trying to convey, and pointed out characters I needed to develop further.

Q: Are you a traditional or self-published author? Why did you decide this was the path for you?

A: I’m a quasi-indy published author. I got overwhelmed after the developmental editing and realized I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I talked to a few self-publishing services and decided to go with Xlibris. I contracted with them to do the final edit, set up the book for printing, handle the distribution and assist me with the marketing. I maintain full ownership and control over my manuscript, which was important to me.

Q: Can you describe your publishing experience for writers who hope to publish one day?

A: First, I want to express how careful you must be if you are going with self-publishing services. Read the reviews, negotiate the costs, know up front exactly what you want to accomplish.

I needed help getting across the finish line and marketing the book. I was able to purchase a package that gave me the assistance I needed. I stayed on top of everything, sending the manuscript back several times during editing. I also designed the cover myself with help from my tech savvy daughter and some great software.

The next time I may just do it myself the whole way through. I like to write, and I edit as I write. The process post development with XLibris gave me a blueprint of what I needed to do when. I also learned a lot about marketing and placement for the book. It did cost me a few bucks, but it gave me an education in book publishing that I would have paid a lot more for from a college!

Q: What is one piece of advice that someone gave you that you’d like to pass on to other authors?

A: Write it, just write it. There are a bunch of ways to finish it, but none of that matters if you don’t write it first.

Tarin also shared her experiences with email marketing. Check out what she says on that below!

Q: Why is email marketing important for authors today?

A: I am very new to email marketing. My research shows that you’re not going to get your book read unless people know it’s out there, and email lists are the most cost-effective way to let people know your book is out there. I read emails about upcoming author’s books, so I want to make sure my book is marketed the same way.

Q: What’s a good way for an author to start an email list?

A: I’m learning as I go with email marketing. I’m working with someone I found on Upwork who offers a variety of email lists and suggests specific directions to go. I wanted someone who would give me hard data, like open rates and purchase rates, which this person can provide.

Q: What tricks (if any) are there that get people to engage with your newsletter once they sign up? (link clicks, polls, etc)

A: I’m going to go with my own experience. I want to read a newsletter that tells me something useful. How to handle some aspects of writing or publishing or marketing. So that’s what my newsletter will focus on.

Q: When should you start building your email list? Should you wait until your book is published?

A: Definitely before. Anywhere from two to four weeks before publication. I want to whet the appetite of my potential readers before the book comes out with teasers, but not too far before.

Q: What tips do you recommend to build an email list?

A: Start with your friends, family, anyone you know. Use professionals to assist you and provide you with lists.