Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an East Tennessee native and a retiree from the U.S. Navy and from full-time pastoring. My wife Jane and I now live in Dalton, Georgia after years of travel and living in six states. She had a catastrophic auto accident in 2008, so I’ve limited myself to writing and spending more time with her. I still speak in churches and consult with young authors who are trying to learn the ropes. I have written a total of eight books at this point, but I have at least that many in the process of writing right now. I’ve written on personal finances, weight loss, spiritual growth, theological topics, and self-publishing topics.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book was PREPARE! PUBLISH! PROMOTE! Book 2: Publishing Books for Growing Sales. It is the middle of a three-part series that takes an author from forming the idea for a new book all the way through the process of writing, formatting, publishing, and promoting high sales on Amazon. I wrote it because of my own struggles during the preparation of my first few books. I hope that the books themselves, as well as course I will develop from the same issues will be helpful to those who are just beginning their writing careers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I believe many writers use the same techniques that I do. I actually accumulate research for several books at once. When I feel I can provide high value to readers and fully understand their needs, that’s when it is time to bring the research together with my own experiences and give it structure to make it easier to put to use.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lise Cartwright, Chandler Bolt, Alan Woods, Tom Corson-Knowles, Shelley Hitz, Kirsten Joy, Jeff Goins. Actually, I’ve read so very many authors out there in the self-publishing arena that I feel like the list should never end. Even the newest authors in this field have ideas that are unique, at least to me. I spend a lot of time trying out some of these.
What are you working on now?
I’m primarily working on PREPARE! PUBLISH! PROMOTE! Book 3: Promoting Books for Growing Sales. I have several others going too. One is a Southern, delicious, but not good for you cookbook. Another is a political book to prepare voters for the coming elections. One more is coming along by itself! It is about building an author marketing system. That one may become a course instead of a book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably the best method is through my mailing list, through my book promotion website, through sites like this one, and through Facebook. I really hate using Facebook though.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Get busy writing. Start a blog. Write articles for the local paper or for magazines. Write letters to the editor in the paper or magazines. Write comments on blogs that you follow. Write lots of emails to promote your books. Write outlines and descriptions for possible books. Bottom line: Write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make lists. Author Ian Stables wrote a book that encourages authors to make lists to structure the content that they plan to write. Shelley Hitz also helped by referring me to using mindmaps, including free software like FreeMind or XMind.
What are you reading now?
Conscience of a Conservative by Barry Goldwater.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I intend to finish the series on self-publishing. Then,
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
First, of course, is the Bible. I’ve been reading it for 42 years. Second, a book on how to survive on a desert island, some kind of prepper book. Third, a book on how to build a boat from crude materials.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gary Webb Website
Gary Webb Amazon Profile
Gary Webb Author Profile on Smashwords
Gary Webb’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account