Smarter Social Marketing

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Megan

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you.
Criticize me, and I may not like you.
Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.
Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”
- William Arthur Ward

It feels like school all over again. When one steps away from the familiar and into the unknown, learning is a given. Over the past year and a bit I’ve joined the Facebook fray, started several Twitter accounts, built a blog, and started learning how to promote my online presence. Not bad for a self-confessed techno-phobe. But I didn’t do it alone; I had great help.

When I posted on a question on a freelance forum about how to promote a new blog, I certainly wasn’t expecting this encouraging and pertinent response:

You can share links on Stumbleupon, Digg, Reddit, Yahoo! Buzz, Google Buzz, Netvibes, Sphinn, Delicious, etc. Adding the blog to Technorati can help.

I try to post links to Twitter and Facebook using bit.ly so I can see how many clicks the post has received, as directly related to my tweets and status updates.

Do you know your blogging platform? Is it Drupal, WordPress, etc?

If it’s WordPress, you can manually add your pingback services list, aka the Update services list. Go to Settings > Writing and add the following to the “Update Services” to the box at the bottom:

[rpc.pingomatic.com]
[rpc.technorati.com]
[api.feedster.com]
[api.my.yahoo.com]
[rpc.icerocket.com]
[www.blogstreet.com]
[ping.syndic8.com]
[rpc.blogrolling.com]
[rpc.weblogs.com]
[blogsearch.google.com]
[ping.fakapster.com]
[api.moreover.com]
[bblog.com]
[blogsearch.google.com]
[ping.weblogalot.com]
[ping.feedburner.com]
[ping.syndic8.com]
[ping.bloggers.jp]
[rpc.weblogs.com]
[topicexchange.com]
[www.blogpeople.net]
[xping.pubsub.com]

Then these 20+ services will be automatically notified when you post something new.

Thanks Ron Doyle, I’ll never forget you. Gotta go now, I have to study up on pingbacks and Digg and ohhh… my head is starting to Sphinn.

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Megan

There are days as a freelancer, where it’s nothing but an uphill slog in a whiteout.

And then there are days when the snow lifts, the sun breaks free and snow-draped evergreens punctuate picture-perfect powder. Today’s one of those days – just saw the covers for two of my latest Capstone kid’s books.

I feel like a kid catching Santa before he scoots up the chimney. It didn’t matter that I knew these projects were in the works.  It didn’t help that I’ve received a paycheque already.  But when I saw the pictures of the covers, it was like the sun breaking out and everything looks beautiful – and I don’t even really like snakes.

Coming out soon!

Spring 2011 from Capstone

May the sun come out for you today – and magically turn snakes into sunshine!

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Writing Projects

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Megan

“It never rains, but it pours!”

That saying has never been more true. Since September, I’ve completed four magazine articles and five work-for-hire, non-fiction children’s books. I’m in the process of finishing up a sixth book due December 24th.

In November, B-R Dispatch went live. Last week it morphed into five days a week of outdoor-related posts. Also in November, I prepped for and taught my bi-annual travel writing course at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Among all of this, I took an eye-opening four-day trip along Alberta’s Cowboy Trail and headed to the southern States for five weeks of hiking and exploration. Loaded with article ideas, I’ve been steadily plugging away sending out queries to potential markets.

So, if you’re wondering why I haven’t been posting as often as I’d like on this site, there are my excuses!

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Travel Photography

Posted on December 4, 2010 by Megan

Sometimes it’s all a matter of perspective.

I took a walk around Henderson Lake in Lethbridge with my college girl. Early December, the sun set early. We trudged through drifted parking lot snowbanks to the cleared lakeside path just as the sky turned golden. Glorious warm light bathed trees to the east; perfect silhouettes looking west.

Golden glow at Henderson Lake

Winter sunset in Lethbridge

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At Work, On the Road

Posted on October 25, 2010 by Megan

Have computer, will travel.

Finished up edits on my latest kid’s book in between hikes through Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and BLM lands outside of Colorado National Monument.  Life is good!

A walk up to Montana's oldest guest ranch just outside Yellowstone.

Glorious Grand Teton

Hiking to Rattlesnake Arches Canyon, Co

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Networking Opportunities for Freelance Writers

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Megan

“It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up.” – Vince Lombardi

I started writing for a local regional parenting publication almost 12 years ago. Well over a hundred articles later, the editor let me know late summer that they are closing shop and reassessing if, when, and it what form, they may come back.

A newly acquired book editor seemed like the perfect fit in September. In October email reads “moving on to new position in a different company.”

Sent a query to a local newspaper. “Like the idea, unfortunately no budget for additional stories this month.”

One children’s writer forum I follow has a new thread about disappearing school visit opportunities.

Interesting times in the life of a freelance writer. Some may see this news and think it’s time to reassess the writing career. Others may look at it and say get busy finding new places and ways to sell your words. I’m of the latter school.

There is no doubt that the publishing world in a state of flux. Budgets (or lack thereof) are a direct reflection of the current economic recession. There is a definite shift in delivery from paper to computer screen. But the sky isn’t falling in, it’s just clouding over. When the clouds clear, it may look a little different, but it’ll still be there.

Now’s the time to network (see my post on social media for writers). Contact other writers who’ve mentioned  potential new markets and follow through on those leads. Join writing organizations and attend the conferences and other networking opportunities. I’ve got to admit, this is harder than it sounds if you’re somewhat quiet in crowds, but the pay-off is there. 

Ready, Set, Net (work!)

Children’s writers – check out the Society for Children’s Book Writers & Illustrator’s (SCBWI) 12th Annual Winter Conference ,Jan 28 -30, 2011.

Travel writers – look at the Travel Media Association of Canada’s (TMAC) “Discover Your Capital” Conference & AGM, Mar 10-12, 2011.

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Social Media for Writers

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Megan

There’s been a lively discussion going on in my non-fiction for kids group  on marketing and social media for writers. The debate rages about whether or not one should toot their own horn and how loud, how often, etc. It’s stirred up a lot of opinions about the value of time spent on Facebook and Twitter.

I’ve questioned it myself. 

Writers are wondering where the line is drawn between self-promotion and annoying people.

I’ve wondered the same. 

What I do know is that I have had amazingly good fortune just talking with people, getting to know them and letting them get to know me.

True Writer’s Tale Number One
I was on a press trip to Kentucky. The trip almost didn’t happen because I was recovering a recent cycling accident. I reached my destination and found out that one of the writers was delayed. As a result, we had an hour of down time in the airport. Another writer and I started chatting and before long we were swapping tales of adventures and mishaps. I didn’t have a chance to talk with this writer again for the rest of the trip, but less than a week later, I received an email. One of her fellow editors was looking for a bicycling feature and she recommended me, would I be interested? Are you serious? I’m a freelance writer! That chance meeting turned into four years of cycling features for this publication.

True Writer’s Tale Number Two
I met a fellow writer for coffee and brought along my two newly released kid’s books. I was feeling proud and wanted to share this success. Pat took her time looking at the books and then threw out the name of another publisher in Calgary that I should contact because my work would fit perfectly with their format. Turns out I’d already approached the publisher, but never heard back. As luck would have it, Pat knew the managing editor and had her email address. I sent out an introductory query the next day. I’m now working on my third book for this company (thanks Pat!).

My thoughts on Social Media
It doesn’t matter if you toot your horn softly or blow it loud. Just make sure people get a chance to know you. If they know you, they’ll care about what you have to say. Share your passion, not your product. Don’t fret about self-promotion, be yourself. Do it through Facebook, do it through Twitter, or do it in person. Open up and let the writing/reading world get to know you. It pays off!

“One way to get high blood pressure is to go mountain climbing over molehills.” – Earl Wilson, columnist (1907-1987)

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Fall in Alberta

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Megan

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Writing is not enough, we must do.”
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

September has been a month full of trips close home. From one day hikes to weekend canoe trips to five days along the Cowboy Trail, I’ve had the good fortune to experience a few of the unique stories Alberta has to offer. This province is rich in natural and cultural history and I’m going to do my best to spread the word!

Sitting on a Brahma bull at Fantasy Adventure Bull Riding is an adenaline rush! (Credit: Megan Kopp)

Meeting a mountain man named Bear at Wild Horse Mountain Ranch and Outfitters had me reliving the past. (Credit: Megan Kopp)

Awakening to a sunrise on the Red Deer River is a magical experience. (Credit: Megan Kopp)

Hiking Big Beehive above Lake Louise is a golden opportunity this time of year. (Credit: Brad Kopp)

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Get Outdoors

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Megan

“Some people dream of worthy accomplishments,
while others  stay awake and do them.” – Unknown

I read a blog post the other day that made sense. In a nutshell the piece reviewed a NYTimes article suggesting that getting outdoors was good for the brain. Getting unplugged helps improve brainpower – I could’ve told you so. Of course, as you probably realise (just read through my posts) it doesn’t take much to convince me to go play.  Yes, the life of this freelance writer is pretty good – and I’m smarter for it!

Looking up to the col and Northover Ridge (Credit: Megan Kopp)

From the col looking down at Three Isle Lake (Credit: Brad Kopp)

High point on Kananaskis Country's Northover Ridge (Credit: Brad Kopp)

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Find Your Writing Business Style

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Megan

Paddling the Bow River (Credit:Brad Kopp)

Paddling the Bow River from Three Sisters Campground to Bow Valley Campground the other day, we were taking it easy.  Less than 1/2 hour floating down from our put-in point, we pulled up on a gravel bar and hauled out the cooler for a little picnic lunch.  The sun was hot, the chicken bagels cool and we were enjoying watching the warblers flit in and out of the coniferous trees on the opposite shore. 

Out of nowhere, two racing boats powered upstream.  The tandem paddlers in one of the boats called out to switch sides every few seconds as they ploughed through the current.  We said hi, they said nothing, concentration written all over their faces.  The single paddler granted us a brief smile.  We wanted to tell them they were going the wrong way, but didn’t think humour was part of their makeup this morn. 

I admired their skill at navigating rather tippy-looking racing boats upstream along this glacial waterway.  I appreciated the effort they were putting into the task at hand.  I envied their obvious physical fitness.  But even still, I wasn’t slightly tempted to give it a try.  I enjoy drifting downstream on a sunny summer’s day watching osprey hovering over shadowy movements beneath the water’s surface.  I like listening to kingfishers chatter their way along the riverbanks. 

As I watched the racers turn around and head back downstream, paddles flashing, I recalled a recent post on a listserv for travel writers with a slightly heated discussion about writing goals versus actual business plans.  Personally I don’t have a business plan – but I have plenty of goals.  And I enjoy the leisurely route I’m taking to reach these goals.  Could I make be working harder and making more money? Absolutely.  Would I have as much fun?  Nope.  I think each writer needs to find what works for them, in their own situation.  Maybe you want to race, and maybe you just want to go with the flow and enjoy the journey. 

What’s your writing business style? 

“Once you make a decision,
the universe conspires to make it happen.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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