blackbear communications

Publishers want to see that you have a strong brand presence and the ability to connect with your audience. A well-established brand shows publishers that you can actively market your book, engage with readers, and drive sales. It signals that you’re not just relying on the publisher to do all the work but that you’re a proactive partner in your book’s success. Your brand presence demonstrates that you’re not just an author—you’re a marketable asset. To truly make an impact, authors need to step out from behind the page and into the spotlight as public speakers and thought leaders. Writing a book is just the beginning—sharing your ideas and insights through public speaking amplifies your message, establishes you as an authority, and connects you with your audience on a deeper level. On 8/22/24 at 3pm CST, Kate Stead of Old Mate Media will be hosting a webinar on how to embrace your authenticity and have fun selling your books. If sales and marketing make you feel uneasy, you're not alone. Kate's unique approach promises to make the process comfortable, authentic, and even fun! She'll guide you through finding your own path to selling your book in a way that feels right for you. This session is a must-attend for authors looking to connect with their audience in a genuine way. We’ll be tuning in, and we think you should, too! 📅 Date: 8/22/24 🕓 Time: 4pm EST Register here 👉🏽 https://lnkd.in/gG-BgRtF #AuthorResources #BookMarketing #AuthenticSelling #WritingCommunity #OldMateMedia

Genuine connections with readers are built on authenticity. Not marketing. Not cover designs. Not shelf placement. When authors are authentic, readers can sense the honesty and vulnerability in the writing, which fosters a deeper emotional bond and engagement with the work. Authenticity helps readers feel seen, understood, and respected. On 8/22/24 at 4pm EST, Kate Stead of Old Mate Media will be hosting "How to embrace your authenticity and have fun selling books your way." Most authors dread sales and marketing, but Kate, an indie author and publisher with over 20 years in the corporate sector, is here to change that. She’s a marketing unicorn who believes in finding your unique, comfortable way to sell books—and even enjoy it! We’ll be attending, and we highly recommend you do too! Here’s what Kate will cover: 📓Why the "must do" sales paths aren't for everyone 📓How stepping back can help you move forward 📓How to identify your better way and enjoy the process See you there! 👋 Register here 👉🏽 https://lnkd.in/dA3UnFX8 #BookMarketing #Webinar #AuthorLife #IndiePublishing #OldMateMedia #WritingCommunity

👩🏽💻“I’m ready to publish my book… but I know nothing about the different types of publishers.” We got you! We understand that navigating the publishing world can be overwhelming, with a myriad of options ranging from traditional to self-publishing, hybrid, indie, micro, and vanity publishers. Each path offers different benefits and challenges. For example, traditional publishers may offer more credibility but less control. On the other hand, self-publishing gives you complete control but demands a significant investment in time and resources. As you weigh your options, it's crucial to understand what each type offers and what aligns with your goals. (blackbear communications strongly discourages any association with vanity presses, as they exploit young and amateur writers.) Always choose a path that values your work and supports your journey as an author. Learn more about the different types of publishers on our TikTok: https://lnkd.in/g6CaKVwF

"Write what you know" vs. "Write to market"—which path should you take? Writing what you know brings authenticity and depth to your work, drawing from personal experiences. On the flip side, writing to market ensures your book resonates with current reader demands and appeals to literary agents and publishers. But why choose? The key is blending both—knowing your market while writing from the heart. Understanding the trends and knowing your genre inside out is crucial. Keep reading, keep analyzing, and keep writing. 👩🏽💻: "Okay, okay Brooke, but how do I get started?" For beginners, the "Write what you know" strategy often works best. Starting with familiar topics allows you to focus on honing your writing skills without the added pressure of mastering a new genre or market. It also helps you build confidence and authenticity in your storytelling. And this is why one of the very best things you can do for your career is not just write—but to read in your genre. Read, and of course, analyze. What are the bestsellers in your niche? How are they written? Why are they successful? What are their tropes? Their tone? Their pacing? Their viewpoints? The voice of the author? Soak all of that in, take inspiration from it, and then — perhaps — add your own unique twist in your writing. Remember: the “markets” — that is, what readers like to read — change over time. Trends rise and fall. As such, getting to know your market is not a one-time thing, but a constant endeavor. In other words, you should never stop reading and learning from the bestsellers in your niche (and even adjacent niches). This is one of the best ways to become a better writer.

Authors and Industry Pros-- 👯♂️✍🏽 We just heard about an incredible opportunity for anyone serious about growing their author career. The Women in Publishing Summit team is hosting their first-ever LIVE book marketing conference in Charlotte, NC, on October 4-6, 2024! 🎉 As someone who annually attends the WIP Summit, I'm envious of everyone going to this and will be marking my calendar for 2025. The writing and publishing industry may seem solitary, but it's only as isolated as we allow it to be. Connecting with industry experts and fellow authors in an intimate, supportive setting is critical for growth. The relationships built in these environments are often the foundation of a successful and sustainable author career. Understanding marketing strategies is equally important. No matter how brilliant your writing is, if it doesn’t reach your intended audience, it won’t have the impact it deserves. Learning to navigate the complexities of book marketing can empower you to amplify your voice, attract readers, and ultimately, grow your author platform. 📅 Date: October 4-6, 2024 🔗 Get your ticket now: https://lnkd.in/gtEEDyGQ

When people come to me for editing or our author coaching program, a lot of our meetings are filled with basic questions about the writing and publishing process. The publishing industry is complex, difficult to access, and inequitable. That's why as an editor and coach, I'm continuously learning and sharing helpful information with as many writers as I can. Next week, I'm attending a Novel-Writing Q&A with Reedsy's Head of Learning, Tom Bromley. He will be addressing our burning questions on: ✍️ The novel writing craft 📚 Selling your manuscript 🏢 The publishing business 📖 Life as a working author With over 20 years in the industry as an author, editor, publisher, and ghostwriter, Tom is perfectly positioned to give invaluable insights into the writing and publishing process. No question is too trivial or too uncomfortable-- just like it should be. Join me? 🗓️ Thursday, August 15, 2024 @ 2pm CST Can't watch live? No worries! You can pre-submit your questions when you register, and Tom will address as many as possible.

Congratulations to Anna Leitensdorfer for her submission to Gival Press's 21st Annual Gival Press Short Story Award! We absolutely loved dipping our toes in a gothic fiction and fantasy ms. We're ready for your next project! #TheThiefofSaintLacru

Two years. Two years since I decided to go all in with my company. Two years since I gave up a salary for a dream. Two years since I decided I would build the plane while flying it. Two years of empowering marginalized voices. Of telling stories that deserve to be told. Of amplifying the words of small business owners and authors. Of fostering authentic connections in an inequitable publishing landscape. Of telling authors, "Your story deserves to be told." Of telling writers, "Your words matter." I'm astounded by how much blackbear communications has grown in just two years. We've had the privilege of serving over fifty authors and small businesses, helping to shape and share their incredible stories. If you're on the fence about turning your passion into your career—take this as your sign: take the leap. Life is too short not to pursue what sets your soul on fire. Year three is about to be our greatest yet.

Help us celebrate Disability Pride Month and celebrate our client, Connie Losacano by learning more about her.

🥄 "Running on limited spoons today?" 🥄 Ever heard of the Spoon Theory? In Kate Allyson's webinar "Create a Writing Routine that Works for Your Brain," Kate explained this metaphor for understanding energy management, especially for those with chronic illnesses or neurodivergence. Each task, as simple as getting out of bed, costs a spoon—your precious energy. This theory has encouraged me to give myself so much more grace as a WFH business owner/writer/editor/mom. On days with fewer spoons, I allow myself to prioritizing what truly matters—maybe that's drafting a single paragraph or just brainstorming ideas. On better days, when the spoons are plentiful, I can dive deeper into my projects, perhaps completing a chapter or editing a hefty section. Let's normalize adjusting our creative output to align with our spoon count. Remember, every spoon counts, and so does every word you write.