Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I like to call myself an ideaphoric writer, speaker, entrepreneur, social worker, fitness instructor and mom trying to do it all from the comfort of her home. I’ve written several books, the most recent of which is Digital Writer Success: How to Make a Living Blogging, Freelance Writing, and Publishing Online (Koehler Books). I’m also the author of The Work-At-Home Success Bible (originally from Adams Media) and several self-published books on telecommuting.
By day, when I’m not penning books, I’m blogging for myself and others, and freelance writing on the topics of working at home, telecommuting, small business, writing, parenting and fitness. My articles have appeared on Entrepreneur.com, Yahoo! Small Business, LIVESTRONG and more. I’m also slowly, but surely building a speaking career.
By night, I write fiction and have a self-published mystery series and a three book deal with a traditional publisher
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Digital Writer Success: Digital Writer Success: How to Make a Living Blogging, Freelance Writing, and Publishing Online (Koehler Books) is my most recent release (Nov. 2015). I realized there were many books on blogging, freelance writing and publishing, but none on digital freelance writing, and none that talked about how to combine all three types into an online writing career, which is what I do. Although the book can help someone wanting to do any one of these types of writing (blogging, freelance writing, or epublishing), each type of online writing can work together to create a well-rounded writing career.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to have music playing in the background when I write. My husband says I make faces when I write. I imagine it’s mostly grimacing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In my topic area (business/career), one of my all-time favorite books is Finding Your Perfect Work, by Paul and Sarah Edwards. It’s really old and probably out of print, but it was a big help in my quest to create a career I could do from home.
What are you working on now?
I don’t have any non-fiction books in the works. Right now, most of my time is spent on the “day job” (blogging and freelance writing), and promoting Digital Writer Success.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In non-fiction, I use my current platforms (websites, email lists and social media) to promote the book. I had a launch that included free gifts (donated by other writers) with the purchase of the book during a 4-day period. I also sent ARCs and guest posts to blogs that target my market. Right now, I’m actively pitching podcasts and other media regarding interviews. I’m also set up to speak at a few book and writer events this spring.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start marketing early, even if your book isn’t done. Especially for non-fiction writers wanting a traditional deal, you’ll need to show you have a platform to get a contract. Be even self-published authors should start talking about their books and finding their market as soon as they start to write. Also, make a marketing plan and work it every day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best writing advice I’ve heard is to just write and trust the process. In terms of making a living at it, the best advice has been about marketing (find your target market).
What are you reading now?
The Power to Get Things Done (Whether You Feel Like It Or Not) by Steve Levinson, PhD and Chris Cooper.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve been doing a lot of fiction writing lately, and that’s my focus right now, along with my regular writing work (blogging, freelance writing). I got the rights back to The Work-At-Home Success Bible and so I’m looking at updating the book and self-publishing it this year.
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?
I love J.D. Robb, so I’d probably bring the first two in her series; Naked in Death and Glory In Death. I’d also bring a book on how to survive on a deserted island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Leslie Truex Website
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